Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay got married at the end of 2025Credit: SplashMegan and Tilly Ramsay both played big roles in the weddingCredit: GettyAdam’s parents Mark and Caroline were uninvited to the weddingCredit: SWNS
Only Adam’s sister Bethany attended from his side, serving as a bridesmaid alongside Holly’s sisters, Tilly and Megan.
She also revealed how her siblings played a ‘special’ role in her big day.
In the caption of her latest post, Holly penned: “The night before our wedding we hosted an intimate cocktail party to kick start the Weekend Celebrations.”
She went on: “My siblings all did a speech which was so special and we celebrated with cake, spicy margs and then an early night, ready for the big day!!”
Fans flocked to the comments, with some quick to bring up Adam’s falling out with his parents.
One person penned: “Have some respect for your parents as well, who supported you through every thick and thin and made you the person you are today.”
Another asked: “What about his MOM and DAD?”
This comes after the Olympian shared a clip from his wedding speech over the weekend.
Taking to Instagram, he shared a post of his speech in which he declared he would “always choose” Holly.
As Adam made the promise, he was seen getting emotional and wiping tears from his eyes.
But fans weighed in on the emotional vow, with one person commenting under the video: “I’ll always choose you – hmmmm, can’t help but wonder how Victoria [Beckham] felt hearing that sentence, especially since it’s the same one Brooklyn keeps using in his posts as a subtle jab at his family.”
This comment touched upon the ongoing Beckham family feud since Brooklyn married wife Nicola Peltz.
Adam and Holly’s wedding had a star-studded guest list,
The guest list for their big day included the Beckhams and several other famous faces, despite some notable absent loved ones from Adam’s side.
The happy couple were married at an AbbeyCredit: Splash
Good Morning Britain hosts Kate Garraway and Ranvir Singh were left stunned on Friday
10:14, 09 Jan 2026Updated 10:16, 09 Jan 2026
A Good Morning Britain guest has revealed the “horrific” ordeal that left her “fighting for her life”. Friday’s (January 9) edition of the hit ITV breakfast show saw Kate Garraway and Ranvir Singh bring viewers the latest developments from Britain and beyond.
Weather presenter Laura Tobin was also on hand in the studio to provide crucial updates on Storm Goretti, following the Met Office’s stark “danger to life” alert.
During the programme, Kate and Ranvir interviewed Sara Platt, whose botched cosmetic procedure in Turkey left her facing serious health complications.
“The government has issued a fresh warning on botched cosmetic surgery, saying it’s going to take decisive action to crack down on rogue operators and treatments that offer, when you look at them, do seem too good to be true,” Kate explained, reports Wales Online.
Ranvir continued: “It’s the subject ITV News has been investigating for two years, and as part of that, we met Sara Platt. She travelled to Turkey for surgery, and she says it left her life at risk.”
Before the interview progressed, Ranvir cautioned viewers: “[The surgery] went horribly, horribly wrong. We’re going to show some pictures which might be distressing.”
As photographs of Sara’s injuries appeared on screen, she explained: “I lost 12 stone [during] Covid. I had severe excess skin, so I went and had an uplift implant and a tummy tuck, because I had constant skin infections.”
She continued, “[The surgery] just made it tenfold worse. What I’m left with now, not just body but my mental health, is really bad.”
As Sara delved into the difficulties she encountered, including multiple infections, Kate and Ranvir were visibly taken aback. “You thought you might die,” Ranvir said.
Sara responded: “It was extremely bad. I lost my right breast. I had gaping holes in my stomach. I was only supposed to have a tummy tuck and impact, but they cut from my arms, sides, and my back because, obviously, there was not enough skin to close me.
“On day nine, I was operated on awake and part of my body was placed by the side of my head.”
A shocked Kate replied: “Oh, Sara. We’re hearing this [and] it’s obviously horrific.”
The guest concluded: “We do get bad comments and this is why I’m trying to get change made, so people coming back from Turkey don’t use the NHS. It was life-saving surgeries for me. This is why we need regulations. The government need to take a stand.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am
For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new Everything Gossip website
LIZZIE Cundy has revealed the heartbreaking news that her brother has died.
Sharing a picture of her sibling Peter, Lizzie wrote in an emotional tribute: “It is with a heavy heart and great sadness to tell you that my brother Peter has died.”
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Lizzie Cundy has lost her brotherCredit: SuppliedShe announced her brother Peter has diedCredit: Instagram
The TV and radio presenter, 57, added: “We as a family are heartbroken.
“Peter was a much loved son, brother and uncle.
“He worked in theatre, film, had a great love of dogs and of Chelsea FC.
“A real character and a kind soul who will be very much missed.
He was first diagnosed with cancer back in 2000 and had to have one of his kidneys removed.
Then, in 2020, the TalkTV host revealed that the cancer had returned in his kidney, spine, brain and lungs.
Lizzie was friends with James for over three decades, and said at the time: “I got the phone call from his lovely wife Nadine and I just burst into tears. Because I knew this day was coming but I never wanted it to come.”
She also described James as a father figure, recalling: “He helped me through a lot of ups and downs, through my divorce.
“He told me when I was being an idiot, he told me straight and I loved that in James.”
Lizzie, who is a mum to sons Josh (pictured) and James, said the family are “heartbroken”Lizzie’s loss comes just five months after her best friend, TalkRadio star James Whale passed awayCredit: lizziecundy/Instagram
AMANDA Holden has admitted her boobs have grown and shared the very unusual reason why.
Standing in the shade in Corfu with her close pal Alan Carr for their BBC series Amanda and Alan’s Greek Job, Amanda’s chest became the topic of conversation.
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Amanda Holden has revealed why her boobs have got biggerCredit: GettyThe TV star credits an unusual food with bolstering her bustCredit: Instagram
Alan says: “Your breasts have got bigger since the last one.”
Amanda, wearing a low-cut summer dress, replies: “They have. It’s because of the Saganaki cheese.”
Funnyman Alan quickly quips, “Have you just been rubbing it straight in?,” prompting Amanda to burst out laughing.
One viewer wrote on Instagram: “Amanda’s laugh is pure filth and I’m here for it.”
Another posted: “Love these two, and Amanda’s cackle cracks me up.”
A third said: “Love these 2 and their renovations. Just what we all need – love and laughter!”
Just days ago Amanda, 54, wowed in a plunging dress, alongside Alan, as they rang in the New Year in Scotland with her husband Chris and lookalike daughters Lexi and Hollie.
Ageless Amanda wowed in the figure-hugging navy frock that showed off her cleavage and cinched at the waist.
She wore her hair down in her signature curly waves and beamed from ear to ear.
Daughters, Lexi, 19, and Hollie, 13, dressed up in sparkly gold and silver dresses which they both paired with matching boots.
Meanwhile, proud dad Chris stood with his family and opted for an all-black suit with a black shirt.
Amanda captioned the post: “Happy New year. From our family to yours…”
Her loyal followers flocked to the comments section to wish her and her family an early happy New Year.
Amanda also took to her stories to reveal that the family were joined by Celebrity Traitors winner Alan.
The pair posed for pictures, with Amanda planting a kiss on her pal’s cheek and the pair clinking champagne flutes.
Her hubby Chris’ arm was visible in the shot as she jokingly captioned: “Me and my husband, oh whoops, we managed to cut him out!”
Amanda and Alan are TV gold togetherCredit: BBC
Amanda and Alan host their own BBC travel show together which sees them travel to different locations including Italy, Spain and Greece and renovate a house from scratch.
The Sun previously revealed that ten well-known faces had been selected by the BBC to undergo look tests, with Alan, Bradley Walsh and Alex Jones being the frontrunners.
Cruz Beckham’s girlfriend Jackie Apostel has revealed her new surprise career moveCredit: InstagramJackie’s new career could spark rivalry with Cruz’s brother Brooklyn Beckham’s wife NicolaCredit: GettyJackie was at Cruz’s dad’s 50th birthday celebrations which Brooklyn and Nicola snubbedCredit: Instagram
The talented star is already known for being a music producer and model and now she wants to add another string to her bow.
Jackie revealed in a lengthy video that she wants to make movies, but musical ones.
She opened the post up with saying how this was one of her New Year’s resolutions.
Jackie then said: “I really want to write a musical and I’ve wanted to write a musical for a really long time. I know it sounds lame and I know a lot of musicals are s**t but mine will not be.”
To clarify what type of musical she meant, she wrote over the top of the clip “not Broadway, but movies”.
Continuing, Jackie said: “And I’ve always loved musicals. I want to write. you know something as timeless and iconic as Grease or something you know Disney Pixar vibes.
“I would love that as well. I’m a huge fan of like Rio. The music is just unbelievable. In a dream world.”
Jackie ended the video with: “I think 2026 is the year you make things happen and you expect the unexpected.”
CRUZ SPEAKS OUT
Meanwhile, leading up to Christmas, Jackie’s boyfriend Cruz made several attempts to extend an olive branch to his big brother amid the high profile feud.
One of which was a photo he shared of himself with both of his brothers, Brooklyn and Romeo Beckham, 23.
Across the snap Cruz wrote: “Love you guys.”
Cruz has been dating for nearly two yearsCredit: Getty
However, despite this olive branch, things took a bad turn shortly before Christmas.
Wedding Dress Controversy: Rumours begin circulating that there’s tension between Nicola and Victoria Beckham after Nicola chooses not to wear a Victoria Beckham-designed wedding gown. Nicola later clarifies in August 2022 (and again in March 2023) that Victoria’s atelier couldn’t make the dress in time, but reports in May 2025 suggest Victoria actually changed her mind about making the dress.
Post-Wedding (2022 onwards): Minimal interaction between Nicola and Victoria on social media, and noticeable absence of Nicola at key Beckham family events.
May 2025:David Beckham’s 50th Birthday Snub: Brooklyn and Nicola are notably absent from David Beckham’s 50th birthday celebrations in London, despite being invited. Reports suggest their absence was due to Brooklyn not wanting to be in the same room as Kim Turnbull, the girlfriend of Romeo who had previously been reported to have been dating Brooklyn, who David allegedly opted to have at the party over Nicola.
Rumours emerge of a falling out between Brooklyn and his younger brother Romeo, reportedly due to Romeo’s new girlfriend, DJ Kim Turnbull, who allegedly had a past connection with Brooklyn.
Reports surface that the Beckham parents are “hurt and disappointed” that Brooklyn is “playing no part in family life.” Sources claim that tensions between Brooklyn and Nicola and his parents are “definitely not beyond repair.”
July 2025: Reports indicate David and Victoria are “desperate” to reconcile with Brooklyn. Brooklyn publicly wishes his sister Harper a happy 14th birthday on Instagram, tagging Nicola, which is seen as a potential “olive branch” and a rare public message to his family amid the rumored rift.
Brooklyn UNFOLLOWS his brothers Romeo and Cruz just 24 hours after his birthday message to Harper. Nicola quickly follows suit and also ditches the Beckham bros from her Instagram following. Romeo and Cruz are now also no longer following Brooklyn.
Just weeks later, the rocker’s family announced the sad news of his death on social media – sparking floods of tributes from across the globe.
Hundreds of locals in his hometown of Manchester were spotted lining the streets as Mani’s procession passed.
Alan Wren aka ‘Reni’ of the Stone Roses & Liam Gallagher carry the coffin at Mani’s funeralCredit: GettyMani and Shaun in 2007Credit: GettyMounfield passed away just two years after losing his wife, Imelda, to cancer, pictured in 1994Credit: Getty
IT’s an abby new year for Jennifer Aniston as she shows off her toned torso in gym gear.
The Friends star, 56, demonstrated equipment for fitness brand Pvolve — which included a few yoga moves.
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Friends star Jennifer Aniston shows off her toned torso in gym gearCredit: pvolveThe Hollywood star demonstrated equipment for fitness brand Pvolve — which included a few yoga movesCredit: Pvolve
Jen said finding motivation to work out was hard but persevering gave her a buzz.
She explained: “That feeling is what brings me back.”
Last year she told People: “No pain, no gain. That’s not true at all.
For years, the blonde beauty swore by the idea that pushing her body to the extreme was the only way to stay fit, as she confessed: “I always had the message in my brain.”
She advised: “You gotta do 45 minutes of cardio, then floor work and then weights.”
Through her ongoing partnership with Pvolve, a low-impact fitness program, Jennifer has completely transformed the way she thinks about exercise.
She shared: “You can actually enjoy your workout, not break your body, and have an incredible transformation.
“In all the workouts I’ve tried over the years, this one has transformed my body more than any of the others.”
Jen said finding motivation to work out was hard but persevering gave her a buzzCredit: pvolveFor years, the blonde beauty swore by the idea that pushing her body to the extreme was the only way to stay fitCredit: Pvolve
WHEN it comes to buying a home abroad, no one knows more inside tips than the A Place in the Sun presenters.
With costs rising all over the world those on the hunt for a holiday home might be disheartened – but there are still bargains to be found according to property expert, Craig Rowe.
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A Place in the Sun star Craig Rowe heads to Limousin with to find a holiday home for FionaCredit: A Place in The SunThe Limousin region with places like Haute-Vienne still has bargainsCredit: Alamy
A brand new series of A Place in the Sun is back and presenter Craig Rowe who first joined the show four years ago has found a hidden gem.
In the upcoming episode airing on Thursday, January 7, Craig heads to the French countryside region of Limousin.
He’s helping best friends Fiona and Tina look for Fiona’s ideal home with a a maximum budget of £80,000.
Yet Craig reveals that they manage to bag a deal for £75,000.
Craig told us: “I’ve spent a lot of time in France, but for this show we were in Haute-Vienne – and I was amazed at the prices.
“At first when we were looking through the properties I said to my producer, ‘I think we’re going to struggle to get something decent for that price’.
“But you’d be amazed at what we found which were really good properties – and that really surprised me.”
While the Limousin region is miles away from the coastline, it’s well-known for being a hotspot for watersports thanks to its thousands of lakes.
In fact, the region is even called the ‘French Lake District‘ – it also has lots of walking and cycling routes.
Craig added: “It’s a beautiful region filled with little patisseries and boulangeries, which is everything I love about France.”
The region is full of pretty French towns with classic boulangeries and patisseriesCredit: Alamy
Craig continued: “It has lots of beautiful French towns, and of course, lots of lakes so you won’t miss being by the coast – and if you want to visit a city then Bordeaux isn’t far away.
“There’s still an expat community, and as we found, properties are really good value.
“With prices going up all over the world, it’s great to find these pockets where you can still get a really good bargain.”
If the French countryside doesn’t tickle your fancy, but you still want somewhere up-and-coming with lower prices, Craig has some other suggestions.
He said: “Valencia is one of my favourite places in Spain and in the last few years, I’ve heard more and more about it.
“It’s really booming and while property prices are going up, it’s still much more affordable than Barcelona or Madrid.
“Another place to watch in Spain would be Murcia – it’s still relatively under the radar because it doesn’t have as many airlinks as Malaga or the Costa Del Sol.
“For example in the winter you’ll have to fly from Alicante, but it’s definitely up-and-coming. That’s one to watch in 2026 – it would be a great place to invest.
Outside of Spain, I’d consider Porto in Portugal which is a great alternative to Lisbon which is getting quite expensive. But it still has great culture, food and wine.”
Other up-and-coming cities include Murcia – the capital of the Murcia region in SpainCredit: Alamy
If you’ve been watching A Place in the Sun wondering whether now is the right time to buy abroad, Craig has some words of wisdom.
Craig told us: “Property is going up everywhere, in the UK, Europe, the States. So if you’re thinking about doing it, why not now?
“Costs are only going one way, and while you’ve got these little gems, like Haute-Vienne, which are up-and-coming destinations, take the opportunity now.
“2026 is an exciting year, and I know for A Place in the Sun, we’ve got a lot of filming coming up with house hunters – there’s still a big passion and a hunger for people who want to look at properties overseas.”
Craig is planning to buy his own property in SpainCredit: Unknown
After selling Brits their dream home for five years, Craig is getting ready to take the plunge himself.
“My partner Paul and I are hoping to buy a property in Spain, we’re not in a position to do it yet, but hopefully we’ll be able to in the next couple of years.
“I love Valencia as a city, whereas my partner loves Barcelona – but I think he’s coming round to my idea.
“Valencia is smaller than Barcelona, it’s the third biggest city in Spain, but there’s only around 800,000 people that live there, so it’s still a relatively small city.
“It has amazing coasts, beautiful architecture, it’s got everything you need from a city.”
Watch Craig on A Place in the Sun on Thursday 8 January on Channel 4 at 6pm – new episodes will continue air Monday-Friday.
Craig has his eye on the coastal city of ValenciaCredit: Alamy
One Woman Who Was on A Place In The Sun Bought Her Dream Spanish Home For £45k…
Originally looking for a holiday home, Jacqui travelled to Spain in search of her dream escape with the help of presenter Danni Menzies.
After looking at multiple apartments, Jacqui fell for a flat in Almoradi with a communal pool and rooftop costing just £45,000 – after visiting 10 times in one year, Jacqui made it her permanent home.
Talking to Sun Travel about her move to sunny Spain Jacqui said: “It took a lot of guts for me to move. To say ‘right, I’m not coming back to the UK’ took a lot of courage. But it’s been so good, I absolutely love it.”
She says that one of the biggest perks of life abroad is that going out for meals and drinks works out to be a lot cheaper.
Jacqui said: “I love going out for meals, and it’s so much cheaper than in the UK, you can get a glass of wine for €1.50.
“You can get a three-course meal and a coffee for around €10.”
Jacqui bravely bit the bullet and loves her new life abroad, she does heed some warnings for anyone hoping to do the same.
She explained: “I’m lucky as I have a plan B, I’ll never sell my house in Scotland.
“But I know a lot of people here who have sold up completely, moved lock, stock and barrel and now they’re coming into their dotage and they can’t go back because they can’t afford it.
“I also know some people who came just before Covid wanting to open a bar and then as they started, had to close because Spain went into lockdown.
“They lost so much money and used all their savings to live and have had to move back to the UK and rent which is such a shame.
“My other piece of advice would be to rent first to see if you like the area. Thanks to Brexit, Brits can only rent in Spain for three months at a time, but do that and get to know the town you like.”
Kelsey has revealed plans to try for another baby in 2026Credit: InstagramShe and Will were heartbroken by the death of their son Phoenix last yearCredit: InstagramKelsey is also mum to Bhodi and AureliaCredit: Unknown
Despite being put through every parent’s worst nightmare, Kelsey, who also shares Aurelia, five, and Bodhi, four, with late husband Tom Parker, has insisted she plans to add to her family this year.
Speaking on her Mum’s The Word podcast, which she co-hosts with Georgia Jones, she said: “I just want a better year, it was really really tough, it was s***.
“I think to continue the path of, ‘is there a baby this year for me’, I could have one this year, which is exciting.
“Also [continuing to] raise awareness and keep doing my charity work.”
The Wanted singer Tom passed away aged 33 in 2022 from a rare, aggressive brain tumour.
Heartbroken Kelsey told her followers in June how Phoenix had been “born sleeping”.
She added: “Before I receive an influx of lovely messages and heartfelt well wishes, I want to just say that I truly appreciate everything you are all going to say and share.
“But with the news being so raw, I would really like to ensure that we as a family are given space and time to process this devastating and earth-shattering news.
“I love you all and thank you for your understanding and space.”
Following her husband’s tragic death, the family have remained dedicated toraising funds for brain tumour research inTom‘s honour with an annual charity football match in his memory.
Kelsey said Tom is “looking after the child she lost in heaven” as she added a plaque to his park bench.
The plaque read: “Phoenix Parker-Lindsay..I walk towards my destiny with ease.”
Kelsey’s husband Tom tragically passed away in 2022Credit: InstagramShe added a touching tribute to Phoenix to Tom’s bench just before ChristmasCredit: Instagram
On Saturday, Guillermo del Toro revealed that his older brother, Federico del Toro Gómez, had died last week.
The “Pan’s Labyrinth” director shared the news while receiving the Visionary Award at the Palm Springs International Film Awards alongside Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi and Mia Goth — the stars of his latest project, “Frankenstein.”
“I’ve come to believe that everybody’s born with one or two songs to sing,” Del Toro told the crowd at the Palm Springs Convention Center. “That’s it, and we keep repeating them and repeating them until we get them sort of right. And Frankenstein was the song I was born to sing.”
Del Toro spoke of his brother when touching on his recent film’s themes of fatherhood, forgiving and being forgiven.
“Three days ago, I lost my older brother, but I’m here because the film speaks about a condition that is purely human, that is proved by the final phase in the film, which says the heart may break and the broken live on,” he said. “Even a broken heart pumps the blood and keeps you going.”
The 61-year-old filmmaker would go on to note that there were several occasions when he and his brother played out the dynamics of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature in their own lives, and that they “granted each other love and granted each other peace” many years ago.
Del Toro did not share any details regarding his brother’s death and said that he may take time off during awards season due to his family’s loss.
“I may be absent at a few functions this [awards] season, but not this one,” he said. “I’m here because [the cast and crew of ‘Frankenstein’] is family. Life gives you a family on the way.”
The governor of Del Toro’s home state of Jalisco, Pablo Lemus Navarro, shared a message on X about the elder Del Toro’s death.
“I send my condolences to the Jalisco filmmaker @RealGDT for the passing of his brother, Federico del Toro Gómez,” Lemus Navarro wrote. “To his family and loved ones, I hope that they soon find consolation. From the bottom of my heart, I’m sending a warm and strong hug. Rest in peace.”
The director’s alma mater, the University of Guadalajara, also paid their respects to Federico on X.
“We lament the passing of Federico del Toro Gómez, brother of Guillermo del Toro, the Tapatío filmmaker and alumnus of our academic institution,” the post read. “We extend our condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace.”
Elsewhere in his speech, the Oscar-winning director spoke of the importance of believing in and making art in deeply political times.
“At a time when people tell you art is not important, that is always the prelude to fascism,” Del Toro said. “When they tell you it doesn’t matter, when they tell you a f— app can do art, if it’s that easy, that unimportant, why the f— do they want it so bad? The answer is because they think they can debase everything that makes us a little better, a little more human.”
Political realities were also front and center at the awards show during Leonardo DiCaprio’s acceptance speech for his performance in “One Battle After Another.”
“Leonardo DiCaprio is unable to join us in person tonight due to unexpected travel disruptions and restricted airspace,” a spokesperson for the Palm Springs International Film Festival told Variety. “While we will miss celebrating with him in person, we are honored to recognize his exceptional work and lasting contributions to cinema. His talent and dedication to the craft continue to inspire, and we are delighted to celebrate him with the Desert Palm Achievement Award this evening.”
LILY Allen has opened up on her state of mind and the “huge change” in her family life situation following her split with husband David Harbour.
The popstar candidly told how she had now come out from the other side of a “nervous breakdown” which saw her hospitalised.
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Lily Allen has opened up on her state of mind and wellbeing following her split with David HarbourCredit: GettyThe Smile hitmaker and mum of two spoke candidly about her kids finding their identities in the midst of the break upCredit: AFPThe couple called time on their relationship last year and Lily told how it has sparked a ‘nervous breakdown’Credit: GettyIt came amid cheating allegations directed at the Stranger Things actorCredit: Getty
The marriage breakdown sparked Smile songstress Lily’s first album in seven years.
At the heart of the record is a character called Madeline, who Lily confirmed to the Times is a construct of other people, and the secret relationship she has with a man many are interpreting to be Harbour.
Now she has opened up on the after effects on her Miss Me? podcast.
She said: “I’ve done quite a lot this year.
“I’ve finished an album, I got a boob job, I had a nervous breakdown, I went into hospital for a bit, I came out, I did some podcasting for a while, then I played one of the hardest tracks in theatre and killed myself (in the role of Hedda Gabler) every night for seven weeks.”
She added of teen daughters Ethel, 14, and Marnie, 13: “My kids are f**king mental at the moment.
“They are really developing their personalities. It’s just a lot.
“There’s a lot of questions.”
Tacitly making reference to the life changes prompted by the split she said: “There’s a lot of change in our lives at the moment
“We’ve changed houses, we’ve changed countries, we’ve changed schools, and it’s a lot.”
The Fear hitmaker added to her show: “The last five years, I’ve been a stay-at-home mum.
“And now I’m a single mum that has to work and suddenly has a lot of work opportunities on my plate and I’m having to travel a lot.”
She has previously been open about her recreational use of drugs and alcohol but she opted to quit the substances six years ago.
It led the star to find her marriage split even more challenging as she wasn’t able to use the substances as a way out.
Lily said: “The feelings of despair that I was experiencing were so strong.
“The last time that I felt anything like that, drugs and alcohol were my way out, so it was excruciating to sit with those [feelings] and not to use them.”
Lily said: “I’ve been into those places before against my will and I feel like that’s progress in itself.
“That’s strength. I knew that the things I was feeling were too extreme to be able to manage, and I was like, ‘I need some time away’.”
Lily married David in 2020 – her second husband following her marriage to the father of her children, builder Sam Cooper.
The LDN hitmaker was married to Sam from 2011-2018 although the relationship was understood to have crumbled sometime before they made their break-up official.
TOUGH TIMES
Lily and David split up in December 2024 and it was later reported he’d had a three-year affair.
David had even made a shock “cheating” joke while doing a tour of their New York City home two years prior.
But the split fuelled the Lily’s huge music comeback, with the toxic fallout playing out on her first album in seven years.
The eye-watering details of her open marriage and split from actor David are seemingly laid bare in the 14-song album.
On the album, Lily took aim at David and claimed how he allegedly bedded a woman called “Madeline”.
The track is written as a letter to the woman David had an affair with.
“How long has it been going on? Is it just sex or is there emotion?” Lily sings at one point.
And in the song Tennis, Lily croons: “So I read your text, and now I regret it.
She is mum to Marnie Rose Cooper and Ethel Cooper from her first marriage to Sam CooperCredit: GettyLily and David’s split prompted her first album in seven yearsCredit: GettyShe wrote a track allegedly about David’s affair called Madeline, with the real life Madeline then exposed as Natalie Tippett who denied the three-year affairCredit: Instagram
Holly Ramsay has revealed the role her dad, Gordon Ramsay, played in her wedding to Adam PeatyCredit: PAShe also says her TV chef dad “couldn’t stop crying” in the lead up to the big dayCredit: GettyHolly married Adam in Bath last week in a beautiful Abbey ceremonyCredit: Splash
And aside from walking her down the aisle, Holly, 26, says her dad naturally took control of the day’s food too.
“Dad has been extremely involved in the food,” she told British Vogue ahead of the big day, explaining that he and the team at London’s Savoy Grill designed the menu.
The menu included a dish Gordon, 59, is very famous for, a traditional beef Wellington matched with wine pairings.
But later in the day, Holly took more creative control with late-night party dishes of spicy vodka pasta and fries.
Doting dad Gordon may appear tough on the small screen, but Holly says he “couldn’t stop crying” in the lead-up to her big day.
“Dad cries every time I talk about the wedding,” she said.
Holly, who is the first of Gordon’s six children to get married, continued: “The other day I was asking him which car he and I would take to the church, and he welled up immediately.”
Spending their first weeks as newlyweds in sunny Mauritius, Holly explained that it was a “wedding gift” from her famous parents.
While things have all been tight-knit in the Ramsay corner, the lead up to the wedding was full of drama after Adam uninvited his parents – Caroline and Mark.
While it is not known why she wasn’t on the Soho Farmhouse hen do guest list, Holly’s mum Tana and close friend Victoria Beckham were amongst the attendees.
While he was later bailed, a source said at the time that Adam felt his mum was “enabling his brother’s actions rather than pushing him to deal with his demons.”
The only notable member of his family present at the wedding was Adam’s sister, Bethany.
Paul Elliott says he wants to show that all the world’s a stage — by appearing in Shakespeare playsPaul with late brother Barry, who died of bone cancer in 2018, aged 73Credit: BBC
But alas, poor Paul — famed for his “To me, to you” catchphrase with late brother Barry — admits he might struggle to learn all the lines.
Asked if he had any ambitions to do Hamlet, Paul said: “To me, or not to me, that is the question?
“I doubt very much I’d be able to learn those lines, but if it was offered, I’d have a go.”
One role he knows he does not stand a chance of getting is as the next James Bond.
LOUISE Thompson has revealed she wants another baby in 2026 – five years after nearly dying during childbirth with her son.
The harrowing ordeal led to a myriad of health issues, the most recent of which saw Louise bravely reveal she had a stoma.
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Louise Thompson has revealed she wants another baby in 2026Credit: InstagramThe TV star was left with a myriad of health issues following the traumatic birthCredit: Instagram/louise.thompsonThe former Made In Chelsea star bravely revealed her stoma in a social media postCredit: Instagram
Following Leo’s birth she suffered multiple injuries including a post-natal haemorrhage, developing Asherman’s Syndrome, in which scar tissue in the uterus becomes ‘glued’ together, worsening bowel problems and emergency surgery.
But now the TV star, 35, has opened up on her hopes of “expanding her family”.
She wrote: “Next year is going to be full of health, growth and prosperity. I’m ready for newness and if we are lucky family expansion.”
The star also shared her upcoming Substack post, which will be published on Saturday and is titled: “all I want for 2026 is a baby.”
“So immediately that puts us in a position where we are part of that problem now.”
She is now an advocate for women’s health and maternity rights, and has spoken about her ordeal to the Birth Trauma All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).
Louise teamed up with former Conservative MP Theo Clarke to set up the APPG and is now launching a petition urging the Government to appoint a commissioner dedicated to overseeing maternity care.
Their goal is to reach the 100,000 signatures needed to trigger a Parliamentary debate.
Louise has spoken about her distressing birth experience in the past.
The former reality star lost three-and-a-half litres of blood following the arrival of her son Leo by emergency C-section.
Things got even worse when Louise eventually returned home and suffered another haemorrhage, during which she lost five litres of blood and woke up in intensive care.
She previously spoke about the “uncertainty” around having another child.
She said last year on Lorraine: “It’s still fairly inconclusive. I will never mentally be strong enough to carry a child and, physically, I have something called asherman syndrome where my uterus is glued together with scar tissue.
“I suppose in one sense, it’s a bit of a miracle that I didn’t have to have a hysterectomy, so I do still have a womb.
“I had a year with no periods, then I had a surgery to try and fix that and then that ended up in another haemorrhage so where I am left currently is that the hospital have sort of said ‘It would be too threatening.
“We wouldn’t want to do another surgery in that area. Let’s let you live’. Equally I am so grateful to have one beautiful, healthy child who has lots of friends and cousins. I do have ovaries and embryos so there is a chance I could freeze some eggs… when I am ready…”
Louise believes women are being deterred having children due to a growing number of horror storiesCredit: Refer to CaptionThe star also shared her upcoming Substack post titled ‘all I want for 2026 is a baby’Credit: Refer to Caption
Stormzy has been through a difficult yearCredit: GettyHe bruised his cornea and had to attend the BRIT Awards wearing sunglassesCredit: GettyStormzy shared a lengthy end-of-year post to InstagramCredit: Instagram
But now over 10 years on, he’s reflecting on what a tough year he had, and how since the end of 2024 he’s felt like he’s been “dying a slow death”.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Stormzy shared a statement about how it feels to gradually lose your sense of childhood wonder to reality and its twists and turns.
“Ok, I’m ready,” the star began before launching into a poetic statement.
“There’s poetry in all this chaos so lemme embrace it.
“Towards the end of 2024, my life took a few unexpected twists and turns and I was forced to pivot.
“These same events also robbed me of the wide-eyed innocence I once navigated the world with.
“Kinda like how you used to believe that Disneyland was powered by rainbows and fairy dust, and then one day you see a headless Mickey Mouse arguing on the phone and smoking a cigarette.
“This made me more resilient and put the final nail in the coffin of my desire to be understood – a part of me that, tbf, was already dying a slow death.”
The lengthy post continued on for eleven images in a carousel, detailing how Stormzy just wanted to get things “off [his]chest before [he] enters the New Year”.
He also shared how he is “eternally grateful” to the people in his life, whether they still work together or not.
He tied the statement off with the same words he scrawled at the start: “Ok, I’m ready.”
Stormzy opted to turn comments off on the simple text post, captioned with a repeat of “Ok, I’m ready.”
These same three words are the only ones in colour among the black and white statement, standing out in red.
It’s unclear exactly what “events” Stormzy is referring to when discussing the difficulty of 2025, but a couple of notable things happened to the star that did become public.
Back in March at the BRIT Awards, he took to the stage wearing a pair of sunglasses to scoop up an award for best British Hop Hop/Grime/Rap Act.
Clarifying to a confused audience why he was wearing shades inside the venue, he explained he had “bruised his cornea” during a game of padel.
“Sorry I’m wearing shade as well because I’ve mashed up my eye playingpadel.
“I’ve got a very sore eye. I’ve got a bruised cornea.
“My eye’s sore under here, I’m not being a mad man with shades on inside.”
Then later on in the year in November, Stormzy shared a devastated post to Instagram sharing that the Rottweiler he owned with ex Maya Jamasadly passed away.
He said: “RIP my no.1 boy. Don’t have much to say, just gutted and heartbroken. I love you so so so much my boy.
“If you know me then you know how much Enzo meant to me, gonna miss you my guy.”
He spoke of having a tough year and how he had to “rebuild” his lifeCredit: InstagramHe mentioned his faith many times and how it helped guide himCredit: InstagramHis beloved dog Enzo also passed awayCredit: Instagram
Adam Peaty’s sister Bethany (right) has revealed the lavish bridesmaid gift from Holly RamsayCredit: GettyThe Olympic swimmer tied the knot with Gordon Ramsay‘s daughter on SaturdayCredit: SplashAdam’s parents were uninvited from the weddingCredit: Instagram
But the nuptials had been overshadowed by Adam’s ongoing feud with his family, including his parents who were uninvited from the wedding.
Adam’s older sister Beth was the only family member to be invited to the big day – and along with Holly’s sisters Tilly, 24 and Megan, 27, she was one of the three bridesmaids.
Beth has now revealed the generous bridesmaid gift she received prior to the wedding.
She took to Instagram to share personalised items Holly had sent her, including a pot of Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, which retails for £79.
She was also treated to personalised pillow cases with her name on it and the word ‘Bridesmaid’, as well as matching tote bags for her and her partner Dan.
Beth shared a snap of her pre-wedding prep which also included a pair of black pyjamas, a sleep mask and a handkerchief which was embodied with the words ‘Beth Bridesmaid 27.12.2025.”
The lead up to their nuptials was fraught with drama, after Adam, 31, uninvited his mum Caroline when a feud erupted over her failing to be invited to Holly’s hen do.
It was then revealed that Adam had said his dad Mark could attend the wedding – but he would have to sit at the back of the church.
Unsurprisingly, Mark chose not to attend, as did Adam’s brothers James and Richard.
Now, The Sun can reveal that his great aunt Janet, 73, and uncle Eddie were uninvited in a very brutal way just four days before the ceremony.
A source said: “They got an automated message basically saying they were off the guest list and to respect Adam and Holly’s decision.
“It was so impersonal, and just four days before the big day.”
The brutal text came despite the fact the couple had already shelled out hundreds of pounds on accommodation, outfits and gifts.
His words left Caroline “outraged and hurt” with an insider telling the Daily Mail: “Caroline can’t believe Gordon brought their family troubles up his speech. It is outrageous and very hurtful.
“By him saying Tana will be a good mum to them both makes Caroline sound like a bad mum. It was a cruel dig at her.
“She has always done her best for all her children. She is a very good mum.”
However, the newlyweds brushed off any further drama as they were pictured leaving Gordon’s London home on Monday to jet off on honeymoon.
THE COLOURFUL costumes and heart-warming songs of The Lion King first graced the West End over 26 years ago, yet one person knows the show more intimately than anyone else.
Leading actor George Asprey never imagined he would’ve stayed playing Scar in The Lion King for six months, let alone over 17 years, but it didn’t take him long to fall in love with the production.
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George Asprey has been playing scar in The Lion King for 17 yearsCredit: Getty
Since then, millions have watched him act Scar on stage at the Lyceum Theatre.
And as a result, the actor obviously has a lot of tips for visitors.
His first piece of advice, is that whether you are new to the show or have seen it a thousand times, to come with no expectations.
He said: “Allow yourself to just open up to the set and the costumes.
“It is difficult to take everything in, in one sitting, and when you come again, you’ll pick up the different nuances.
“Maybe in the scenery, for example.”
George shared how this is particularly true for one fan, who has seen the show over 100 times “just because she loved it so much and said there was always something to see”.
He added: “She would say ‘this is what I love to do’ – different shows affect different people in different ways, and for her, it was just her love of life in the show.”
One moment is particularly special though, admitted George.
He said: “When people watch The Lion King for the first time, they will never get that experience again – that feeling or reaction.
“I think I am always aware of that kid in the audience, mainly because of having my own children and I know firsthand, as to him and to everyone at the show, I need to be the best possible Scar I can be.
“It is a huge responsibility for all of us to consider the legacy and I think that’s probably one of the reasons I like to think the show continues to impress people.”
And having been in the show for such a long time, George of course has tips for those heading to the show.
He revealed: “I’ve had friends right at the front of the stalls and I have had friends right at the bottom end of the upper circle, and I think the one thing about the Lyceum is that all of the viewing is extraordinary.
“I really don’t think there’s a vantage point in the upper circle where you won’t see everything still.
According to George, you could sit anywhere in the Lyceum Theatre and have a good viewCredit: Getty
“I think it its decent price for a reason and I don’t think it’s not worth it and I wouldn’t avoid coming if you can only afford a certain seat, because you still get a wonderful experience.”
George added how it is so much more than a show, that the costumes are all like their own pieces of art.
“Like you have a full-size elephant just walking down he aisle – it is such a feast for the eyes,” he said.
“There are just so many incredible moments in the show.
“I follow two of the greatest numbers in the show – Scar comes on and completely changes the tone.
“I think the Lion King has one of the greatest opening numbers of any musical ever,” he added.
And whilst people may think The Lion King is a show for kids, they couldn’t be more wrong.
And the show isn’t just for children, adults will enjoy it tooCredit: Disney
George said: “When you’re younger, of course, you think Scar is the scariest character, but then as you get older – you start to think the language is so beautiful, his costume is so interesting and everything he says actually has a point to it.
“It truly is a family show, because every member of the family will get something different from it.”
Each time George performs, he gets to the show around 5:30pm and then by 6pm he is in costume.
He revealed: “We have to be there at 6pm, to start vocal and physical warm up – which runs until 6:30pm – then I am straight into hair and makeup and after makeup straight down to costume.
“I’ll get back to my dressing room by five past 10 and considering the amount of makeup I’m wearing, I’m so quick at getting it off – I am normally out the building by 10:15/10:20pm.”
Of course, they are days where it is more difficult though, like when he is unwell, but he did share “it’s never to do with the job itself”.
As for his routine to ensure he doesn’t get unwell often, he makes sure to eat clean – apart from Sundays, when “all bets are off”.
He also works out as much as he can.
For George, his most memorable moment was the first show back after CovidCredit: Johan Persson
Through 17 years George has had many memorable moments as well – but the most memorable?
“The first show back after Covid,” he revealed, “theatre was the last thing to return so it was a long time coming.
“And of course, it meant a lot to everyone.
“I’m actually welling up at the thought of it.
“To not be able to do what you love doing for 17 months and not seeing the people you love seeing – it’s hard and suddenly, people could enjoy the theatre again.”
He concluded: “All I can say is that it is a huge honour [to play Scar] and something that I never take for granted.”
For more inspiration on things to do in London, here’s everything you can do at one of London’s most popular attractions before it closes ahead of £240million renovation.
Strictly’s head judge Shirley Ballas admits it will be ‘sad’ to film the BBC dance programme without Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as the hosts after their unexpected exit
Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
00:01, 30 Dec 2025
Shirley Ballas has revealed she was ‘sad’ when Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman quit Strictly Come Dancing(Image: BBC)
While they didn’t give any indication as to why they made the decision to step back, the pair simply told fans they were passing over the “baton” to new presenters. But for head judge Shirley, 65, she admits that it will be “sad” to return to the dance studio without the bubbly pair.
In a new interview, Wallasey-born Shirley has revealed she was “surprised” when she heard that they were stepping down after 11 years fronting the BBC show. Winkleman, 53, and Daly, 56, had fronted the series together since 2014, and their last appearance presenting the show together was during its pre-recorded festive episode, which aired on Christmas Day.
“Everyone was surprised,” Ballas said. She went on to tell Saga Magazine, for their January issue: “I share the changing room next to them, and they are full of giggles and laughter.
“They also showed me the way from when I joined until now, so it will be a sad day when they go.” Shirley, who admits she had no TV experience when she joined the show, made her debut as head judge in September 2017. But while Shirley has appeared on nine seasons of the show, she almost quit the year after she joined.
“I didn’t know if I wanted the job back because of the intrusion, people selling stories, the constant criticism,” she explained. But it was her son, fellow dancer Mark, who encouraged Shirley to stay on the show. He told his mother that the programme would give her a platform to shout about causes she’s passionate about.
But while Shirley was shocked about Tess and Claudia’s decision to exit, the stars of this years series found out when the pair made a public announcement. “We’d just finished on Lorraine, and we just looked at our phones and we saw it on social media,” actor Lewis Cope said.
He added: “We were so shocked. And then we were told later, it had to be that way, and they couldn’t really give anyone a heads up.” This, however, hasn’t stopped several celebs being linked to the job. These include Zoe Ball, who previously hosted It Takes Two, former professional dancer Janette Manrara and Roman Kemp.
However, Chief Content Officer for the BBC, Kate Phillips, has been sifting through dozens of names. She said on the Rest Is Entertainment podcast that her emails had been “inundated” with people sharing their interest.
“We have had so many people who are keen to be considered, which is great,” she said. This year, it wasn’t just Tess and Claudia’s unexpected exit which saw a major change to Strictly, the casting vote in the dance off also rotated between Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton du Beke.
“They called me about the idea and I loved it,” she said of the new decision. Shirley added: “It’s onerous; quite often there’s just a hair’s breadth in it, so it makes sense to share it. And when I spoke to Craig [Revel Horwood], he said, ‘Darling I’ve been waiting 21 years to send somebody home.’ It made his day.”
The full interview is available in Saga Magazine’s January issue.
Winkleman said viewers could expect some “juicy roundtables” in the forthcoming series of The Traitors
Viewers have been sharing their theories on social media after a teaser released on Christmas Day showed a figure wearing a red cloak, in a departure from the usual green worn by the traitors.
“All I will say is there’s something new, and what happens in this series is truly extraordinary with moments that made me gasp,” Winkleman said ahead of the series launch.
Details of the new twist will not be revealed until the show’s fourth regular series begins at 20:00 GMT on New Year’s Day.
The new red cloak was revealed in a Christmas Day trailer on BBC One
“I can’t wait for people to see it,” Winkleman added. “The producers have the greatest minds on earth.”
The red cloak has not been seen in past series, and fans have speculated that a new role could be assigned to one of this year’s contestants.
Previous series of The Traitors have seen Winkleman choose three traitors from a group of more than 20 contestants, although more traitors can be recruited later depending on how the game plays out. The other players are known as the faithful.
Although the meaning of the red cloak and details of who might be wearing it are under wraps for now, Winkleman told journalists earlier this month that the next series “gets pretty twisty”.
“The people who create the show, they have to keep on changing it,” she explained, “and they tell me ideas, and I’m like, ‘Are you joking?’
“So, yeah, I love it.”
Cat Burns and Alan Carr starred in the first series of The Celebrity Traitors in the autumn
Winkleman also remarked that the confrontations between contestants are “hardcore” in this series. “We get some very juicy roundtables,” she said. “It gets very heated… it gets ugly.
“We’ve never seen it played like this brilliant cast play it. They play it in such an extraordinary way.
“You think, I’ve seen this, it’s going to go down this route – and all I can say is it absolutely doesn’t.”
The new series comes just two months after the conclusion of the show’s first celebrity spin-off, which was one of the biggest TV hits of 2025.
“We were blown away by how successful The Celebrity Traitors was,” said Mike Cotton, creative director of production company Studio Lambert.
“We had parents coming up to us and thanking us for reintroducing them to watching TV with their teenagers and children, because it came to be a huge family viewing event. Which you don’t expect for a show about murder, lies and betrayal.”
Former contestants Minah and Linda joined Winkleman for The Traitors at The Proms earlier this year
With catch-up viewing included, the first series of The Celebrity Traitors was watched by more than 15 million viewers.
But, Cotton added, the success of the all-star spin-off, which introduced many viewers to The Traitors brand for the first time, puts “lots of pressure” on the fourth civilian series.
“With celebrities, all the viewers know who those people were. So when you go back to the regular version, these are people you don’t really know, you’ve got to learn to love them,” he noted.
The celebrity series and the fourth civilian series were shot concurrently earlier this year. Winkleman said she noticed how differently the regular contestants behaved, after the celebrities had been so polite.
“In the celebrity one, they were adorable, but at the roundtable they were like, ‘No, no, after you’,” she recalled. “That’s not how this one goes.”
Celebrities and civilians won’t mix
Despite its success, however, Cotton rejected the idea that the show might mix celebrities and civilians in the future, as has happened in some international versions.
“On the American version, series one did mix civilians with reality celebrities, and then from season two onwards we just had reality celebrities,” he said.
“But I think in this show, there’s already the traitors vs the faithful, so you don’t want to have a celebrity vs non-celebrity divide as well.”
Asked if more celebrities had volunteered to be on the next series after the success of the first, Winkleman joked: “They don’t come up to me personally because I don’t leave my bed. But yes, they’ve asked.”
Along with a new series of The Night Manager, The Traitors is at the centre of BBC One’s primetime schedule on New Year’s Day, and will continue with further episodes on Friday and Saturday.
Winkleman says she loves filming with the owl, Sage, who recently fathered a owlet named Onion
Winkleman also joked about the headline-making outfits she often wears on the show, including the boots she uses to do the ominous walk at the roundtable as she’s selecting the traitors.
“The walk round the table is very tense,” she said. “I can’t tell you how many times I walk around it, but I really try and build the tension, which is hideously mean but also quite addictive.
“I try and wear clompy footwear to add to it. I get a bit flamenco. It needs to be incredibly loud. I’m thinking of going tap next time.”
Unlike previous series, which have seen a surprise twist or mission before the contestants even reach Ardross Castle near Inverness, Winkleman revealed that this year’s crop do all make it through the door.
As usual, the show’s opening episode sees the contestants get to know each other before taking part in their first mission, which is on a scale rarely seen on the show before.
Winkleman said the Scottish Highlands “might be the most beautiful place on the planet”. Perhaps her biggest pleasure, however, is filming the traditional opening sequence with the owl who acts as her assistant and delivers the invitations.
“I love that little owl. Isn’t he sweet?” she smiled. “He’s called Sage, although I renamed him Barry after my dad.
“And just recently he fathered a baby owl and they named him Onion,” she laughed. “So you will see Onion in future series, I hope.”
The Traitors airs on BBC One and iPlayer at 20:00 GMT on 1 January.
DUNCAN James has revealed how Blue has managed to avoid the boyband curse and not hate each other’s guts ahead of their new album.
The four-piece formed in 2000 and have a wealth of hits to their name including All Rise, One Love and Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word.
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Duncan James has revealed how Blue has managed to avoid the boyband curse and not hate each other’s guts ahead of their new albumCredit: GettyDuncan (second from left) with his Blue bandmates L-R: Simon Webbe, Lee Ryan and Anthony CostaCredit: GettyThe four piece had a hiatus from 2005-2011 but reformed and have never looked backCredit: Alamy
He’s right – it’s a rare feat in boyband terms to not only have all original members in the band, but for there to still be a lot of love and respect for one another.
Original British boyband Take That famously lost Robbie Williams to a solo career in the mid-90s, and currently perform as a trio after Jason Orange decided to hang up his mic in 2014.
One Direction lost Zayn Malik partway through their world-dominating success, while Westlife lost Brian McFadden after five years and Five fell apart in spectacular fashion at the peak of their fame, before all of them finally reunited for their successful 2025 arena tour.
Meanwhile Boyzone has grabbed headlines in recent years after documenting the tensions behind-the-scenes and announcing a surprise farewell gig with all four remaining members agreeing to take part.
Despite Blue going on hiatus from 2005 to 2011, they reformed as a four-piece to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest, and have remained together ever since.
Revealing the key to their success in avoiding the boyband curse, Duncan said: “I’ve had these ups and downs and different things, we’ve all had a lot of ups and downs but we’re still together.
“For me, I think it’s because we have a lot of loyalty to one another. And I think boys as well, we never really argue.
“We don’t have these bitchy squabbles about clothing or who is going to have what.
“But I think honestly, it’s probably down to the fact that I’m an only child, so I never had any brothers and sisters.
“So when I got into Blue and at the height of it all it was just crazy, we were all over the place around the world, doing songs with Elton John and all that, and I think you just become really close like brothers.”
They’re brothers that I never thought I’d ever have, and we’re family. We always say that to each other, we’re family. And I think that’s the key.
Duncan James
Duncan, who came out as gay in 2014, continued: “They were there for me through everything that I’ve been through in my life, they are literally my brothers.
“They’re brothers that I never thought I’d ever have, and we’re family. We always say that to each other, we’re family. And I think that’s the key.
“There’s been a lot of stuff that’s gone on and we’ve always stood by each other and supported each other, and that’s what families do, don’t they?”
Because of this, the lads still all share a dressing room when they go on tour, but there is one thing they refuse to do.
Irish boyband Boyzone has been open about the tensions behind the scenes, but have come back together for a farewell gig in 2026Credit: InstagramOriginal British boyband Take That have gone from a five-piece to a trioCredit: PA
Duncan, who spoke to us while attending the Children with Cancer gala, said: “The only thing we don’t do is sit next to each other on an aeroplane.
“We all like a window seat and so we all want that seat, and if you don’t get a window, it’s like ‘Oh for God’s sake!’, that’s when you could have an argument!”
New album Reflections, released on January 9, and lead single One Last Time, shows a more grown-up side to the band, who are fans of bands including The Killers and Kings of Leon.
Duncan previously told The Sun: “I think all of us collectively have always loved that rock sound.
“But when you’re put into a boy band, you’re given a kind of direction to go down.”
Duncan said his band mates are like his brothersCredit: GettyBlue have a wealth of hits including All Rise and One LoveCredit: Getty – Contributor
Tehran, Iran – Iran’s currency has been registering new lows amid ongoing economic turmoil that is also reflected in a planned budget for next year that effectively shrinks public spending.
Each United States dollar was priced at about 1.36 million rials in the open market on Wednesday in Tehran, its highest rate ever, before the Iranian currency slightly regained ground on Thursday.
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The embattled national currency has been rapidly declining over recent weeks as the US and its Western allies pile on their sanctions and diplomatic pressure, and the threat of another war with Israel lingers.
President Masoud Pezeshkian this week sent his administration’s finalised proposed budget to the hardline-dominated parliament for the upcoming Iranian calendar year, which starts in late March. The budget will then have to be greenlit by the 12-member Guardian Council before being ratified into law in the coming weeks.
The presented budget nominally grew by just over 5 percent compared with last year, but inflation currently stands at about 50 percent – indicating that the government envisions lower spending while managing a so-called “resistance economy” as it faces a massive budget crunch yet again.
But minimum wages are to be raised far below the inflation rate, too, at only 20 percent, meaning that Iranians are once more guaranteed to have far less spending power next year as the embattled national currency sinks.
Iranians view decorations as they prepare to celebrate the Yalda feast, an ancient tradition marking the onset of winter and the longest night of the year, in Tehran, Iran, on December 20, 2025 [Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA]
At the same time, the budget says the government sees taxes rising by a massive 62 percent next year, as authorities try to gradually decrease dependence on oil revenues amid US efforts to drive down Iranian exports, which are carried by a shadow fleet of ships mostly to China.
At the current exchange rate, the whole budget is worth about $106bn, several times lower than the projected 2026 budgets of regional players like Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Iran’s rent-distributing multi-tier exchange rate system is still at play, with the government proposing allocating a rate for customs duties, import valuation and budget accounting tables, and another closer to the open market rate used for oil revenue realisation.
An earlier subsidised exchange rate, which was far lower than the open market rate, has now been abandoned. Any excess cash resulting from this is expected to be doled out to low-income Iranians in the form of electronic coupons that can be used to buy essential items like food.
For the first time, the budget is drafted in new rials as four zeros are expected to be removed from the ailing national currency by the time the budget is operational for next year.
After years of back and forth, the parliament in October approved the government plan to lop off four zeros. The move is only cosmetic and will not help with the runaway inflation, but proponents argued it was necessary after years of currency devaluation.
Budget spells grim outlook
Several major factors have already been raising alarm over how bad the economic situation could become next year.
Iranians online reacted poorly to the fact that the government predicts wages will be far outpaced by inflation and tax collection. Others were concerned that eliminating the subsidised rate for essential goods could cause another price shock in the short term.
Many shared a video of Pezeshkian from last year running for president, when he said during a televised interview that the stark disparity between wage increases and inflation is a “grave injustice” being done to the Iranian people.
“Unfortunately, so long as we do not resolve the structural issues, we are making labourers and government workers poorer by the day while those with money get bigger and bigger,” Pezeshkian said at the time.
“This inflation is an additional tax on the poor and the disenfranchised.”
Iranian women shop in a local market as the value of the Iranian rial drops, in Tehran, Iran, on December 20, 2025 [Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters]
But successive governments have failed to eliminate budget deficits or rein in banks teetering on the brink of insolvency, therefore relying on the central bank to print more money to run the country and, in turn, exacerbate inflation.
Earlier in December, the government proceeded with increasing the price cap of petroleum despite repeated assurances it had no plans to that effect this year. The move has already led to increased transport costs, which will end up taking inflation higher.
There are now four price tiers for petroleum, with the cheapest and lowest quality that is available to most Iranians costing up to 50,000 rials per litre (about $1.19) and higher quality imported fuel delivered this week at 800,000 rials per litre ($19).
Hamid Pourmohammadi, who heads the Plan and Budget Organization of Iran, insisted that the government has devised a 20-point plan to be unveiled soon that will reduce pressure on the livelihoods of Iran’s 90 million population.
“The government is trying to adopt an active approach to address the economic challenges of the people, businesses and economists, so there is no perception of complacency in these economic conditions,” he said.
