romance

JOJO Siwa has addressed whether she’d date women again – as she lifted the lid on her relationship with Chris Hughes.

The US singer and dancer, 23, struck up a romance with Love Island alum Chris, 33, on last year’s edition of Celebrity Big Brother.

Prior to entering the House, JoJo had been in a relationship with Kath Ebbs and identified as a lesbian.

Although during her time on the show, the star later said she wanted to identify as queer.

Speaking more recently on the Wildmen podcast, JoJo refused to rule out dating women again.

She told hosts Dylan Sprouse and Brendan Columbus about her relationship with Chris: “I thought it was just another friend adding to the thing, right?

together again

JoJo Siwa strips to bikini for loved-up reunion with boyfriend Chris Hughes

HUGHE JOB

Chris Hughes lined up for huge new Big Brother job – and JoJo could join him

“Once realised I wasn’t grossed out by the thought of him being a boy, I was like “whoa.”

JoJo continued: “It was definitely… it was weird, because I’d never thought that before.”

The star explained while she had attractive male friends, she never thought of them romantically – joking her bridal party would be “all dudes.”

JoJo went on: “With Chris… it actually was fascinating because I physically thought I would never be with a dude, ever. I just never thought it was possible.

“And people always go, “What if something happened with Chris, who would you date? – boys or would you go for girls?

“At this point, I have no right to say. You can find interviews on me where I’ve sworn how gross dudes are and I’ll never be with one.

“And now I’m head over heels in love with one.

“People always ask that and it’s always just like, “I have no right to say”, but I really do think that Chris is very much so a special dude.”

Where are Big Brother stars Saskia Howard-Clarke and Maxwell Ward now after they defied critics with their romance off screen?

It’s hard to believe, but it is officially 21 years since the sixth season of Big Brother – and arguably one of the most iconic in history – graced our screens.

The competition, which aired in 2005, saw romances galore as winner Anthony Hutton enjoyed a memorable night in the jacuzzi with Makosi Musambasi – which almost led to the first ever Big Brother baby – while Kinga Karolczak got up close and personal with a wine bottle…

Viewers also had a front-row seat to the blossoming bond between Saskia Howard-Clarke and Maxwell Ward, who fell in love in front of the cameras and kept things going long after Davina McCall bid them farewell.

The promotions girl, 23, and the maintenance engineer, 24, both entered the infamous house on the first day, and sparks soon flew. However, while they quickly became besotted, their romance left viewers – and their castmates – divided.

Kemal Shah called the pair out for their closeness in the bedroom, prompting Maxwell to pour water over him, which earned the engineer a stern warning from Big Brother bosses.

However, in scenes slightly reminiscent of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, they were forced to face off against each other in a Big Brother first after receiving the most nominations from their fellow housemates, meaning they were both up for eviction.

Their romance was briefly put on pause when Saskia axed on day 36, after receiving 71% of the public vote. But it wasn’t long before they were reunited, as her beau was booted out the following week.

The pair dated for over a year, and even purchased a home together, before their relationship came crashing down. Maxwell confirmed their split in an episode of After They Were Housemates in 2007, announcing he was moving out.

Three years later, he appeared to take a swipe at his former flame in a chat with Heat Magazine, claiming that he could have won the show if they had remained single.

“I’m not blowing my own trumpet, but if I hadn’t got with you [Saskia], I would’ve won the show hands down,” he said, via the Sun.

“If I had the time again, and I’m sure you’d say the same thing, I wouldn’t have got with you and you wouldn’t have got with me.”

Touching on his time in the house in an interview in 2020, he said: “You’re going to be propelled to the best looking bird with a massive pair of, you know…

“She was the best of a bad bunch. We were [an item for a white], we bought a house together. When you’re on Big Brother and you meet someone like that, I was insecure. There’s 12million people watching that series.”

While Maxwell has remained out of the spotlight since the show, Saskia embraced the fame and has since worked as a glamour model.

She initially stepped back from the public eye when she became a mum to her son, Phoenix, with her ex-husband, but has since turned to OnlyFans. In a rare 2023 interview, she also revealed that she had found love again on Tinder.

Unpacking her TV romance with Maxwell with the Sun, she said: “He laughed me into bed, that’s the best way to describe it. “He’s a really nice, funny guy and very persistent, I’ll give him that, but time in there is slow, right? I think I was in there for five or six weeks and you’ve been away hiding for two weeks before with no contact with your family, it’s a long time. Then to get close to somebody…

“It happened organically but, listen, if I’d met him on the outside, I don’t mean to be horrible, but he wouldn’t have been my type at all.”

Reflecting on their split, she explained that she found the reaction from the public more difficult than their romance ending for good, adding: “What was frustrating for me was more the ‘told you so. I knew she wouldn’t be with him,’ and I felt bad for him because he had a lot of stick saying that he was punching, which is not nice.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly moving back across the pond, six years after their dramatic exit from the Royal family stunned Americans and Britons and exposed scandal in Buckingham Palace.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will return to British soil along with their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, for an extended period starting this month, People reported last week. While the pair’s decision may be unsurprising to some, Prince Harry and Meghan made clear in 2020 that their personal Brexit was because of several factors, ranging from severe scrutiny by the British media to alleged racism and bullying from the royal family.

Meghan, during the couple’s memorable tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, spoke plainly of her experience among the royals: “I just didn’t want to be alive anymore. And that was very clear and real and frightening.”

King Charles III is aware of the plans for his son and Meghan‘s U.K. return and “welcomes the opportunity to see more of the Sussex family in a private and personal capacity,” People reported. The spouses are also said to retain their property in the affluent Santa Barbara enclave of Montecito, and vacation home in Portugal while also making a “private, non-royal” home in Britain. This retrospective tracks the early years of the highly scrutinized pair’s relationship, the fallout from their royal exit, their media ventures and more.

When Harry met Meghan

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend a Wheelchair Tennis match during the Invictus Games 2017 at Nathan Philips Square in Toronto, Canada.

(Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images)

“Personally, I love a great love story.”

That’s what Meghan Markle, formerly of “Suits” fame, told Vanity Fair in October 2017. By then, more than a year of media speculation and rumors surrounded the L.A.-raised actor and activist’s romance with Britain’s Prince Harry, younger brother to Prince William and the second son of Charles and the late Princess Diana, who was killed at age 36 in 1997 after the car she was in crashed while fleeing paparazzi in Paris.

Meghan and Prince Harry kindled a romance in 2016 at that year’s edition of his veteran-centered Invictus Games, held in Orlando. Markle quickly found herself in the beloved “bad boy” Royal’s orbit — including the tireless swarm of tabloids and paparazzi who have captured almost his every move from childhood. The pair was already subject to media frenzy early in their relationship, prompting Harry via Buckingham Palace to plead with reporters to respect his then-girlfriend’s privacy and to condemn the “outright sexism and racism” in online comments. Markle had also remarked early on that she was disheartened that so much coverage of her romance focused on her ethnicity.

News of their engagement in 2017 further raised eyebrows among the public and even more so with established British tabloids, including the Daily Mail, which had once described the pair’s relationship as a “VERY unlikely romance.” In the context of the longstanding (and almost exclusively white) British monarchy, Meghan was an outsider: American, mixed-race (she is half white and half Black), an outspoken public figure and a divorcée (she was previously married to film producer Trevor Engelson).

Prince Harry and Meghan married in May 2018 and were named Duke and Duchess of Sussex. At the time, Prince Harry was sixth in line to the British throne. During the wedding ceremony, the Rev. Michael Bruce Curry heralded the pair’s union with calls for justice and equality — amid the country’s early steps into leaving the European Union — and made references to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

“When love is the way, there’s plenty of room for all of God’s children,” Curry said during the ceremony. “When love is the way, we actually treat each other — well, like we are actually family.”

Between the newlyweds and the British royals, family ties proved only so strong.

Buckingham Palace faces a new era of controversy

As new parents, the Duchess and Duke of Sussex pose with their newborn son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, at Windsor Castle on May 8, 2019 in England.

(WPA pool / Getty Images)

Marrying into British royalty did not shield Meghan from criticism, speculation and attacks by the press — it appeared to have the opposite effect. Sound familiar?

British tabloids and several media personalities continued taking aim at Meghan, portraying her as a rude “trailer trash” personality amid a rumored riff with Princess Kate and using racist imagery to mock the arrival of her firstborn son, Archie, in 2019. The public ridicule remained ceaseless, but alleged tension was also brewing behind palace walls.

Less than a year after their first heir’s arrival, the Duke and Duchess announced in a shocking personal statement in 2020 that they would step down as senior members of the royal family and would work to become financially independent. They also announced at the time that they would split their time between the U.K. and North America. A year later, the spouses announced they would not return to royal duties. Shortly after, they memorably shed light on their decision in a bombshell CBS interview with Oprah Winfrey, unleashing a disturbing look into their life as members of the royal family.

Meghan claimed that while pregnant with Archie, she and her husband were informed their son would not have the title of prince or princess, which she said deviated from longtime protocol, and would not be entitled to security. The actor also implied that during discussions about her son’s title, there were “also concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born.”

“They were concerned that if he were too brown, that that would be a problem?” Winfrey asked.

“If that’s the assumption you’re making,” Meghan replied, “I think that’s a pretty safe one.” She did not identify the person who made the remarks: “I think that would be very damaging to them.”

Winfrey later clarified that Harry said neither his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II or his grandfather Prince Philip “were a part of those conversations.”

Meghan also spoke about her struggles with her mental health while part of the royal family. She revealed that she was suicidal while pregnant with Archie, citing isolation and helplessness amid ceaseless attacks by the press.

“I just didn’t want to be alive anymore. And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought,” she said, adding that she went to the palace’s corporate institution for help. “I was told that I couldn’t, that it wouldn’t be good for the institution.” At the time of the interview, Harry and Meghan revealed they were expecting a baby girl. Lilibet was born June 2021.

“The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement responding to the spouses’ interview. “The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.”

Royal fallout

Prince Harry with Meghan, standing behind Prince William and Kate, during the funeral service for Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

(WPA pool / Getty Images)

In addition to Harry and Meghan’s self-demotion, Buckingham Palace faced tragedy and additional criticism in the following years. Prince Philip died in April 2021 and long-reigning Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022 at age 96. Prince Harry and Meghan both attended the queen’s funeral, but under close watch by the British media.

Charles ascended to the throne after Queen Elizabeth’s death, marginally moving up Harry and his children with Meghan — the children later received their royal titles of prince and princess. — in the line of succession to the British throne.

When 2023 arrived, so did a fresh batch of revelations about the Windsors. Prince Harry published his memoir, “Spare,” providing readers an unflinching look at his family but an even more unforgiving description of the paparazzi. In the book he recalled needing to ask his grandmother’s permission to propose to Meghan, wrote that older brother Prince William had “been pretty discouraging about my even dating Meg” and accused queen consort Camilla of making shady deals with the press.

Months after the memoir’s publication, Prince Harry and Meghan were asked to vacate their British home of Frogmore Cottage on the grounds of Windsor Castle. Reportedly, King Charles began the eviction process the day after his son published the memoir.

Meghan, left, and Chrissy Teigen in an episode of Netflix’s “With Love, Meghan.”

(Jake Rosenberg / Netflix)

As Meghan and Harry moved to separate themselves from the royal family and from life in the U.K., they settled down in California in the affluent neighborhood of Montecito and into new business ventures. Among their earliest post-palace endeavors was the creation of multimedia company Archewell Productions, which in September 2020 inked a multiyear deal with Netflix to produce series, docuseries, documentaries and other programming.

For Netflix, the spouses have put forward numerous projects, including documentary series and reality shows “Harry & Meghan,” “Heart of Invictus” and cooking show “With Love, Meghan.” The pair opted last year to maintain its relationship with the streaming giant, signing another multiyear, first-look deal.

Additionally the ex-royals’ Archewell Audio inked a multiyear deal with Spotify to produce podcasts and shows for the platform in a deal that was reportedly worth $20 million. Archewell Audio released a 30-minute holiday special in 2020 and one audio series — “Archetypes” — hosted by Meghan in August 2022. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex‘s podcasting endeavor at Spotify ended in 2023.

Unsurprisingly, Prince Harry and Meghan, who have also busied themselves with various philanthropic causes, faced backlash for their Spotify departure. Meghan was also accused of faking some “Archetypes” interviews.

In addition to big-swing media ventures, Meghan launched a lifestyle and food business that had undergone multiple name changes. She initially launched her brand under the moniker American Riviera Orchard, specializing in artisan jams she notably gifted to celebs, including Kris Jenner, Chrissy Teigen and Mindy Kaling. She later rebranded the line to As Ever, following a minor roadblock with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

“I was figuring it out in real time,” she told People of the naming debacle in 2025. She also said she now sees herself “as an entrepreneur and a female founder.”

According to recent reporting, Meghan can add “actor” back into that description. She is reportedly in talks to join the third season of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series “The Gentleman.” That would be her first acting gig since the end of “Suits” and marrying into the royal family.

DAN Edgar and Chloe Lewis have been packing on the PDA during a romantic getaway to Marbella.

The Towie star couple, who only went Instagram official yesterday, aren’t afraid to let the world know they’re utterly loved-up and took to their socials to prove it.

In some new snaps posted to Chloe‘s Instagram story, Dan kisses her on the cheek while she beams a smile in a figure-hugging white dress.

They’re standing together outside under dimly lit lighting, embracing the romantic energy.

Other snaps show Dan and Chloe posing with their heads touching and some stunning photos of palm trees in Marbella.

Dan and Chloe pulled a similar move yesterday when hard launching their romance, posting a snap to their social media story.

SHINING BRIGHT

TOWIE legend, 62, stuns as she strips down to her bikini

HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY

Jake Hall’s loved ones pay tribute to late Towie star on his birthday

The sweet snap showed the couple wearing the same outfits as the PDA pics, except they’re instead standing together in an elevator.

Dan wrapped his arm around Chloe and placed a hand on her hip while she clicked a mirror selfie.

The pair have been dating for a year now after having a brief fling over a decade ago.

While Chloe and Dan were on Towie together, they never officially dated. Chloe admitted on the show that they had shared a kiss around 2015 before she joined the cast and rumours of romance between them were rife.

Dan went on to date a number of other women on the show, including Amber Turner, and most recently Ella Rae Wise, who he split from just three months before getting with Chloe. 

Chloe and Dan’s surprise reunion was ignited last year as the pair both attended the wedding of their close friends and Towie co-stars Georgia Kousoulou and Tommy Mallet in Majorca.

DAMON ALBARN has found the woman to drag him off his very own melancholy hill.

The Blur frontman’s 25-year relationship with Suzi Winstanley ended four years ago, but now I’m told he has been secretly dating long-time Gorillaz collaborator Rebecca Freckleton for almost a year.

And now, things have got more serious, as pals say the couple are shacked up in his London pad.

My exclusive photos show that Damon and Rebecca are absolutely smitten, and I’m told they’ve been inseparable for months.

I first heard whispers about their relationship late last year, with friends telling me Rebecca and Damon’s friendship was moving to the next level.

Over the past few months, the pair have been seen together in public on a handful of occasions.

BAND BACKLASH

Damon Albarn branded ‘diva’ for ‘forcing festival bosses to end band’s set’

‘LEARN TO ACCEPT IT’

Gorillaz’ Damon Albarn & Jamie Hewlett on how grief inspired new album

“Damon and Rebecca are in love and their friends couldn’t be happier for them,” one insider told me.

“After his split from Suzi in 2022, Damon took some time to find himself again. It was a few years later he started to grow closer to Rebecca.

“They’ve been seeing each other for almost a year now.

“He’s got a place in London and she’s there all the time with him.

“She’s been seen out walking his dog, too. They make a lovely couple and it’s been great to see Damon so happy again.”

I first revealed Damon and Suzi, the mother of his daughter, Missy, had split three years ago.

The pair ended their relationship in 2022, with friends revealing the news early the following year.

Damon, who wrote On Melancholy Hill for Gorillaz album Plastic Beach in 2010, poured his heartbreak into Blur’s comeback album, The Ballad Of Darren, which came out in 2023 and went straight to No1.

And he had the same success with Gorillaz’s latest record, The Mountain, which hit the top spot in the album chart back in March.

Rebecca was on board for that project and sang backing vocals on their track, The Empty Dream.

Damon certainly won’t have any of those with Rebecca by his side.

Ayda now inactive

WHEN one door closes, another opens – and that’s exactly what’s happened to Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda Field.

After he launched new clothing line Hopeium last week, hers, Ayda Activewear, was put on ice.

Former Loose Women panellist Ayda debuted her range of cool athleisure clobber back in 2022 and it was initially a big success – but things became more tricky.

A source said: “The market is fiercely competitive and while Ayda Activewear did take off, business has been tough recently.

“The way the markets are, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for brands like this to operate.

“Naturally she hopes one day she could open it back up, but only time will tell.”

Shoppers visiting Ayda’s website are now greeted with a message blaming “sizeable tariffs and overall economic uncertainty” for a “pause” in trading.

In a personal note, she wrote: “I envisioned clothes that were ready to reflect and tackle the chaos of my life and make me feel f***ing fantastic while doing it. Thanks to you all, I got to do just that.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure and I thank you so much for the enduring support. For now we’re hitting the pause button but don’t worry – we’re still stretching and dreaming . . .  and wearing leggings every damn day.”

Amen to that, Ayda.

SAM SMITH says they have never been as proud of an album as new record, Hazel Eyes.

The LP came out yesterday and is reminiscent of their 2014 debut, In The Lonely Hour. It is all about falling in love with fashion designer Christian Cowan.

Sam, who confirmed their engagement last month, said: “I don’t think I’ve ever been as proud of myself or an album.

“This album will always mark one of the most magical, confronting, happiest and challenging times of my life as a person and an artist.”

Sam will play two nights at Manchester’s Albert Hall on September 3 and 4 before kicking off an eight-night residency at the London Coliseum on September 8.

NETFLIX has snapped up the rights to a documentary all about US singer and actress Jessica Simpson.

The project will be headed up by Joe Pearlman, who directed Robbie Williams’ 2023 series on the platform.

Jessica found fame as a pop star in the early noughties alongside Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, with hits like I Wanna Love You Forever, With You, and a cover of These Boots Are Made For Walkin’.

She’s since sold 20 million records and had a high profile marriage, and divorce, to American singer-songwriter Nick Lachey.

CELEBRITY Big Brother star Danny Beard may wear wigs in his drag shows, but he wants everyone to know the importance of hair care.

The performer is the new face of the Method haircare brand – creating a full dance video to show off his not-so-natural locks.

Apparently, 71 per cent of us say freshly washed hair has a positive effect on our mood.

To be fair to Danny, I also perform a full choreographed dance routine in the shower.

Pixie: I’ll do Marilyn proud

PIXIE LOTT arrived in style for the press night of her new West End show, Who Killed Marilyn?, in a white Cadillac.

She wore a slinky pink, white and gold dress for the event at London’s Emerald Theatre and told how she hopes to show the real person behind Marilyn’s Hollywood alter-ego.

Pixie, who posed for pics with husband Oliver Cheshire, said of the play: “Marilyn was the character she created, but this is more from her Norma Jeane side. It’s her telling her own story, right from the beginning, right up until the end.

“ I was always aware of obviously the very glamorous Hollywood icon side and maybe more of her vulnerable side and fragile side, but not this strength and the intelligence – that side of her that hasn’t really been spoken about.”

Shaggy’s 007 heaven

SHAGGY lived up to his name when he got hitched at the GoldenEye resort in Jamaica – where Ian Fleming wrote James Bond – by intimating he got frisky on the author’s desk.

The It Wasn’t Me singer, who married wife Rebecca in 2014, admitted: “It’s a magical desk. I did a different kind of magic on the desk – but we’re not going to talk about that.”

On Alan Carr’s travel podcast Life’s A Beach, Shaggy also said one of the best things about being a celeb is never complaining.

“I just have someone complain for me,” he said. “I’m famous. I can do that.”

Some claim new MJ biopic is a cover-up

MICHAEL JACKSON’s biopic sequel will explore the sexual abuse allegations made against the late King of Pop, but won’t tell it from the victims’ side.

The Smooth Criminal singer’s nephew Jafaar Jackson, played him in the first film, Michael, which came out this year and made more than $1billion at the box office.

He has said the follow-up will be from MJ’s point of view. But that has already ruffled feathers among people who believe it will skate over the serious allegations.

Jafaar told GQ Middle East: “The second film will give more insight from his point of view, because [the allegations] are always from someone else’s.

“It’s someone else’s story . . .  and it’s mainly driven by an agenda. That’s the issue we have as a family – not having Michael’s voice heard. That is very important.”

There are high hopes for the sequel, after the first movie became the highest-grossing biopic and has sent Jacko’s greatest hits album back up the charts.

Francesca Cumani is a popular ITV Racing presenter, who regular appears on our TV screens

Francesca Cumani is a popular ITV Racing presenter – but who is her famous dad and co-star ex?

Francesca is known for presenting at a variety of horse racing events for ITV. She has previously been part of the coverage of the Melbourne Cup with Seven Network and 10 Sport.

She returned to screens on Thursday (August 20) to present ITV‘s coverage of the second day of the Ebor Meeting in York, alongside her co-star Ed Chamberlin.

Analysis came from Jason Weaver, Adele Mulrennan and Ruby Walsh, with reporting by Matt Chapman, Oli Bell and Mick Fitzgerald, and commentary from Richard Hoiles.

The coverage will continue on Friday (August 21), leading up to the feature race, Nunthorpe Stakes. As Francesca continues to delight ITV racing fans, some may be surprised to learn that the star has a famous dad and a co-star ex away from the cameras.

Who is Francesca Cumani’s famous dad?

Francesca’s father is Luca Cumani, a renowned former thoroughbred racehorse trainer.

The Italian trained racehorses for over four decades from Bedford House Stables in Newmarket. Luca notably trained numerous Group 1 winners globally, including two Epsom Derby victories.

Francesca remembers the day her father’s horse won the 1998 Derby. She previously told the Daily Mail: “I had to play in a [tennis] match that afternoon. Luckily my games teacher was a real racing fan and let me duck out of the match to watch the race. I was too excited to play the rest of the match.”

Luca was also a champion amateur jockey in his youth, before becoming a prominent trainer and mentor to top jockeys.

After attending university, Francesca worked in the family business of training and breeding race horses, before delving into the world of presenting.

Francesca Cumani’s co-star ex

Francesca was previously in a relationship with her ITV Racing co-star Oli Bell – the son of sports commentator Rupert Bell.

She married Australian international polo player Rob Archibald in 2014, two years before their son, Harry, was born. The couple split in 2018, with Francesca later exploring a romance with Oli.

But ahead of the 2020 Cheltenham Festival, Oli and Francesca decided to end their relationship. Despite their split, they have continued to work together at various ITV Racing events over the years. In April, they notably attended ITV’s 2026 Showcase together, alongside their colleague Ed Chamberlin.

Francesca is now in a relationship with triathlete Max Johnson. They welcomed their first child together, Teddy, in 2022, before Francesca gave birth to another baby in December 2023.

ITV Racing is free to stream on ITVX

Period drama fans will love this new film set in stunning Mauritius in the 1920s

Fans of Bridgerton are set to be captivated by a tale of “forbidden love” set in 1920s Mauritius.

Starring Ellie Bamber and Mehdi Dehbi, the film is described as a “haunting, tragic love story” that is “woven into a complex tapestry of beauty and brutality”.

Willow star Ellie plays Lucy, a 17-year-old who has been orphaned and so is sent to live with her uncle George on the idyllic island, where everything seems perfect thanks to its turquoise waters and golden sugarcane fields.

However, all is not what it seems and beneath the beauty of the island “lurks a sinister system of abuse, oppression, and control”. And Lucy’s uncle, who is played by Rupert Penry-Jones, may not be quite as charming as he appears to start with.

A synopsis said: “As Lucy begins to see the cracks in this picturesque island, she encounters Krishna (Mehdi), an indentured labourer bound to a life in stark contrast to her own. His kindness and quiet defiance awakens something in her that the world around her forbids.

“Both their lives have been shaped, bought, and sold by men who trade in power behind closed doors. In each other, they find freedom and purity.

“Their forbidden love becomes their refuge: a secret island paradise untouched by the ocean of darkness surrounding them.”

“But this paradise cannot last,” it continues. “As the forces determined to keep them apart close in, Lucy and Krishna must decide if their love is worth everything it will cost them.”

The film – which also stars Rhona Mitra and Amy Beth Hayes – is based on the novel Prisoner of Paradise which was written by Romesh Gunesekera.

It was originally due to be called Ambleside, but its name was later changed to Prisoners of Paradise.

The movie is now available to buy in the UK, where it is already drawing fans just days after being unveiled.

“You breathed life into Lucy, captivating us,” one person said on Instagram of Ellie’s performance, as another said: “What a beautiful adventure in paradise.”

Others said it was “amazing” and one person posted a message on the platform saying it was “beautiful”.

Prisoners of Paradise is available to purchase on the Sky Store.

ARIANA Grande has hard-launched her romance with her on-again-off-again ex Ricky Alvarez just days after announcing plans for a “public break.”

The hitmaker shared two snaps in her latest Instagram round-up with her former beau.

She told fans recently that she would be withdrawing from the spotlight once she finished her current run of gigs on September 1.

In her most recent post, the American singer gave fans a glimpse into her busy life on her Eternal Sunshine Tour.

She shared a series of mirror selfies, pictured work days, nights out with her friends and the times she spent cuddling with her pooches.

But, amid the chaos Ariana dropped two cosy photos with her ex Ricky, 35.

Read more on Ariana Grande

STEPPING BACK

TV boss breaks silence on Ariana Grande quitting hit drama show

GRANDE PLANS

Ariana Grande drops hint she will return to music after taking snaps in studio

Her former backup dancer could be seen with one of his arms wrapped around her as they got ready to leave the house.

While their faces were cropped out of this snap, she posted another where he can be spotted despite it’s blurry aesthetic.

Ariana, 33, can be seen clinging on to her man and cuddling up to him as they posed in the mirror.

She and Ricky previously dated 2015 and 2016 but it now seems the pair are officially back on after years apart.

Ariana soft-launched their rekindled romance back in July as she changed a line in her famous breakup song Thank U, Next.

The song lyrics read: “Wrote some songs about Ricky, now I listen and laugh,.”

Making some tweaks to the words, Ariana sang the second half as: “We always find our way back.”

This comes after Ariana announced she’d be taking a “step back from visibility” following growing fears for her health.

The Dangerous Woman singer’s dramatic new look has left fans concerned for her wellbeing over the past few months.

Online speculation only grew with the unveiling of her Petal music video, which was released last week.

In the clip, she plays a rising young star battling the highs and lows of the showbiz world.

The video became a huge topic of conversation all over the world – and it wasn’t because of her song.

Soon after the Petal video went live a representative for Ariana confirmed she would be “taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour,” via People.

Despite insisting onstage that her break from the spotlight was planned “a long time ago” she axed plans to star in the West End revival of the classic Stephen Sondheim musical Sunday in the Park with George.

It’s also been rumoured that she’ll no longer be taking part in the press tour for her upcoming movie release Focker-In-Law.