Section: TV:News TV

EASTENDERS star Jamie Borthwick has been dramatically suspended by the BBC for using a vile disabled slur on the set of Strictly.

The actor 30, apologised for “any offence and upset” after aiming the sick jibe at Blackpool locals.

5

5

5

Disability equality charity Scope said the remarks were “ignorant and hurtful”, adding: “Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable.”

The EastEnders star was suspended by the BBC after a video emerged of him on the Strictly set using the term “m********s” to describe the people of Blackpool, the seaside town where the show was being filmed.

Blackpool Council’s Tory group leader Paul Galley blasted: “Everyone will be shocked at such a horrible comment and I join them in condemning it.”

And the BBC told The Sun on Sunday: “This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this.”

The Sun on Sunday understands Jamie has been suspended by the BBC from his role playing Jay Slater on EastEnders.

Jamie made the offensive remark on a mobile phone video while the Strictly cast and crew were at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November for the flagship BBC1 series live show.

He was backstage during rehearsals with his Strictly co-star Wynne Evans who said “Oh my God” on the footage sent to a pal of Jamie’s.

Jamie, who has been on EastEnders since 2006, said in a statement to The Sun on Sunday: “I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly.

“I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused.

“It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning.

“That is on me completely.

“Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did.

“It was wrong.

“When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment.

“Again, that is no excuse.

“But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am.

“I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself.

“The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members.

“I know they will be again for this year’s show and those in years to come.

“I am truly sorry.”

The actor and Wynne were sharing their excitement after being told they were selected for the lucrative Strictly tour – which was staged nationwide earlier this year.

Jamie, laughing, says on the video: “Blackpool by the way. “Absolute m********s’.”

The soap star and his professional dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas were lauded in Blackpool after dancing the Jive to The Ketchup Song by Las Ketchup in the live show on November 16.

This latest shock comes after opera singer Wynne was booted off the Strictly tour in January accused of making an inappropriate sexual comment, and later told his BBC Radio Wales contract is not being renewed following a four-month investigation.

5

5

And it follows The Sun on Sunday revealing in April how Jamie and Wynne were rapped by BBC bosses for sharing a joke over a sex toy video backstage at the Strictly tour in Birmingham – which happened before the latter’s suspension.

Now Jamie is at the centre of a new storm after The Sun on Sunday alerted his team and the BBC to the latest video.

It sparked an angry reaction from disability campaigners and the people of Blackpool.

Warren Kirwan, Media Manager at disability equality charity Scope said: “Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable.

“It’s not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences.

“Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life from getting a job to shopping on the high street.

It’s not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences. Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life from getting a job to shopping on the high street

Warren Kirwan, Scope

“Mr Borthwick needs to reflect on what he said, educate himself and do better.

“We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people’s lives.”

Councillor Paul Galley, Blackpool Council’s Conservative group leader, condemned Jamie Borthwick’s comments.

He said: “Blackpool’s best asset is its amazing people, along with the millions of people from around the UK who genuinely love the town.

“Everyone will be shocked at such a horrible comment and I join them in condemning it.”

Meanwhile, a source explained how the Blackpool show is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Strictly series – with celebs and pro dancers often saying how much they enjoy performing there.

The source added: “This will be considered a real blow and hugely embarrassing to the BBC and the show’s very warm relationship with the people of Blackpool and the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.”

AN OVERWHELMED husband wiped away his tears after his partner romped with another woman in an Open House threesome.

Alana and Alex are one of the pairs taking part in the programme, which sees couples explore the idea of an open relationship.

6

6

6

Last night on the show, the couple were in their bedroom preparing to be visited by a female resident, Georgie.

The couple hoped that they could take the next step towards their ultimate dream of a couple swap by having a threesome first.

Alana confessed: “I don’t know how this is going to go seeing Alex with another woman.”

But she said although it was a huge step for her – it was for him too because he might be with another woman.

Alex then opened up to the camera and said he was worried about how Alana might feel to see him with someone else.

However, he hoped that they had an amazing experience.

While Alana stated that it would be devastating if anything went wrong with the threesome.

Once, Georgie arrived the three started to fondle each other and Alex appeared to be have joined in.

But it wasn’t long before Alex felt excluded by the intensity between the two women.

And as the lovemaking between the two women escalated, Alex retreated to the side line.

Alex explained: “I think i felt overwhelmed because it went from a zero to a hundred.

“And it caught me off guard really.

“I can’t quite match that just now.”

Later, after Georgie left, his wife said that she had loved every single minute.

She then asked Alex if he enjoyed it to which he replied: “I loved seeing you enjoy it.”

After his wife then snuggled up under the duvets to go to sleep, Alex was left musing.

And as he sat up in bed tears fell from his eyes as he admitted he was unsure if an open relationship was what he wanted.

6

6

6

ITV viewers have slammed the channel as the service crashed – stopping them watching The British Soap Awards 2025.

Soap fans were tuning into watch the awards ceremony, which was meant to start at 8pm.

5

5

5

But the programme was delayed by seven minutes with just a message from the broadcaster and a black screen.

The message read: “We’re sorry for the disruption.”

Fans were quick to take to social media with their complaints.

One wrote: “What the hell is going on ? Will it ever come on?”

A second said: “Oh dear looks like we got major problems on ITV1.”

A third commented: “Well, I guess I am not watching The Soap Awards on ITVX. What’s going on?”

Despite the delay, the ceremony, which was filmed earlier this week, kicked off with Jane McDonald hosting for a second year.

It comes after Coronation Street were brutally snubbed at the awards as they failed to pick up any of the previously announced awards at this year’s ceremony.

The annual soap event made a return this year after ITV mysteriously axed the contest in 2024.

But it was bad news for Coronation Street as the programme suffered a devastating loss after managing to bag just the specially curated Outstanding Achievement Award which went to Roy Cropper star David Neilson.

The show failed to secure wins in any of the main panel or viewer-voted categories amid ITV’s ongoing cash crisis and the mass cast exodus at the soap over the past six months.

Its ITV counterpart Emmerdale also faced a crushing blow ahead of the impending ITV schedule changes which will see 30 minutes worth of each programme cut a week from January 2026.

BBC rival EastEnders swept the board after collecting a total of eight gongs in its 40th anniversary year – more than double its nearest rival, Channel 4’s Hollyoaks who got three awards.

EastEnders was awarded Best Soap after its huge live episode and anniversary week which saw Anita Dobson return as Angie Watts and Martin Fowler killed off in the arms of his love, Stacey.

It was certainly not the only award that they picked up with actress Lacey Turner receiving the trophy for Best Leading Performer ahead of her impending exit from the show.

The 40th anniversary also managed to clutch the Scene of the Year thanks to Angie’s shock return.

Steve McFadden a won a trophy for Best Dramatic Performance as Phil Mitchell but did not attend the ceremony with Angela Wynter and Rudolph Walker also receiving prizes as Patrick and Yolande – beating Corrie fan favourites Lisa Swain and Carla Connor, affectionately known as Swarla, to the Best On-Screen Partnership award.

The Walford based soap also collected the Comedy Performance gongs and Villain of the Year.

In a major blow to Coronation Street, only David Neilson picked up the Outstanding Achievement Award as Roy Cropper which was presented to him by by his on-screen wife Julie Hesmondhalgh.

British Soap Awards 2025: Winners List

Here’s who took home trophys at the 2025 British Soap Awards

Best Single Episode – Eastenders: Phil’s Psychosis: The Mitchells In 1985

Best Young Performer – Emmerdale – Amelia Flanagan as April Windsor

Scene Of The Year – Eastenders: Angie Watts’ Shock Return

Best Newcomer – Hollyoaks: Isabelle Smith as Frankie Osborne

Villain Of The Year – Eastenders: Navin Chowdhry as Nish Panesar

Best Family – Hollyoaks: The Osbornes

Best Dramatic Performance – Eastenders: Steve McFadden as Phil
Mitchell

Best On-Screen Partnership – Eastenders: Rudolph Walker & Angela
Wynter as Patrick & Yolande Trueman

Outstanding Achievement Award – Coronation Street: David Neilson

Best Comedy Performance – Eastenders: Patsy Palmer as Bianca Jackson

The Tony Warren Award – Emmerdale: Mike Plant

Best Storyline – Hollyoaks: Sibling Sexual Abuse

Best Leading Performer – Eastenders: Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater

Best British Soap – Eastenders

Hollyoaks managed to win three awards with Isabelle Smith winning as Best Newcomer with The Osbourne family taking home Best Family and the sibling sexual abuse storyline being named Best Storyline.

Emmerdale managed just two awards with Amelia Flanagan beating her Corrie star brother Will to the Best Young Performer prize.

Mike Plant, one of the show’s camera operators, picked up the prestigious off-screen Tony Warren Award accolade for his contributions to the soap behind the scenes.

ITV’s crushing defeats come amid a period of unrest backstage at the shows.

Both Corrie and Emmerdale have lost a number of stars over the past 12 months amid cuts at the channel.

In particular, Coronation Street has faced increasing criticism of its far-fetched storylines and dwindling viewer interest in many of its plots.

5

5

LORRAINE Kelly has insisted that she’s ‘not done yet’ after ITV slashed her daytime show by 30 minutes.

The legendary breakfast TV host has broken her silence after the commercial broadcaster announced its daytime massacre.

5

5

5

Lorraine, 65, has been appearing on ITV breakfast screens for over four decades.

She joined the original breakfast TV station TV-am in 1994 as its Scotland Correspondent.

When the Camden-based company lost its licence, she was one of only a few stars who made the switch to GMTV in 1993.

Since then she has been a mainstay fixture on ITV screens in various iterations of the morning format.

However, the commercial network has announced sweeping changes to its daytime output.

From January, Lorraine will only take to the airwaves for 30 weeks of the year and for only half an hour at a time.

Following the announcement, fears rose that the veteran presenter could quit the channel entirely.

However, she insisted that she was not quite done yet when she spoke to Tom Kerridge on the Proper Tasty podcast.

“I’ve been doing telly for over 40 years. It’s mad isn’t it? It’s absolutely crazy,” Lorraine remarked.

“I started in breakfast telly in 1984, and I’m still getting away with it. Extraordinarily.

“40 years in TV last year was incredible. I got a BAFTA. “Here’s a BAFTA for being alive.” I thought, “Hang on a minute, I’m not done yet”.’

However, the star did allude that she likes to do different projects away from her

She continued: “Not so much in the morning, but if I do a wee show on Channel 4, or The Last Leg, or something like that. You can be unleashed. And I quite like that. 

“You do have to have a self-edit button, and I’m finding mine is not operating as much as it should. 

Lorraine added: “So, when I’m sitting there and I look at something and I think, “Gosh, what an absolute k**b that person is,” or how silly they are, I say it and I don’t realise I’ve said it. So I have to watch.”

This comes after it was reported that Lorraine had refused an ‘insulting offer’ from bosses to sign a new contract.

A source explained that she declined the opportunity to merge her daytime show with Good Morning Britain, and was “prepared to walk away.”

A new role titled ‘Head of Lorraine’ has also been created to oversee the daytime changes, but the contract only lasts for 12-months.

5

5

THERE’LL be champagne corks popping in The Woolpack as Emmerdale’s beloved barmaid Bernice Blackstock returns to roost.

The Sun can reveal actress Samantha Giles is making a return to the ITV soap after two years away.

5

But fans will have to soak up every minute of her scenes, as she won’t be back for long.

Bernice is back in the Dales for Gabby and Vinny’s wedding and filming is due to start in a couple of weeks.

A source said: “Everything is being kept very hush hush but of course Bernice’s return is a big deal as one of the soap’s most loved characters.

“And Samantha being back among the cast is a real win too, as everyone loves working with her.”

Samantha first began on Emmerdale in November 1998 until she left in April 2002.

But she was back again for two further stints, once in 2004 and then again in 2023.

She left two years ago to pursue other opportunities, including a theatre production of The Syndicate.

During an interview at the time Samatha, was asked if she’d return to Emmerdale.

She replied: “I don’t feel I’d want to go back to Emmerdale at the moment.

“I’m enjoying doing other things, and the show changes.

“I haven’t had a chance to see what’s going on with the show, so I don’t know whether Bernice would fit into it at the moment.

“Who knows? They might not want the character to come back.

“I don’t think they’ve killed her or anything – they could still do that.

“It’s something that’s there for the future possibly, or not.

“Never say never is what I’m saying.

“For now, I’m enjoying doing lots of different things.”

DOUGRAY PLAYS IT SCHOOL

DOUGRAY SCOTT has been confirmed as the leading man in new BBC drama Crookhaven.

In the series – based on the book of the same name by JJ Arcanjo – the Vigil actor plays Caspian Lockett, the headmaster of a school for young criminals.

5

Adolescence star Amari Bacchus will lead the cast of weird and wonderful schoolkids, known as Crooklings, who are trained to use their skills to be a force for good when they are eventually released into the world.

Industry actress Claire Forlani will play Lockett’s wife Carmen, and will be joined on screen by Slow Horses’ Naomi Wirthner and The Pembrokeshire Murders’ Keith Allen.

The show is expected to make its debut on BBC iPlayer early next year.

HOLLY TO RETURN? YOU BET!

STEPHEN MULHERN will be joined by a very familiar face as You Bet! travels up and down the country.

Holly Willoughby, who quit as co-host due to scheduling conflicts, will return as a celebrity guest.

5

She will be joined by Alison Hammond, Rob Beckett, Judi Love, Aj Odudu, Josh Widdicombe and Josie Gibson for the ITV show’s upcoming second series.

Babatunde Aleshe, Alesha Dixon, Danny Jones, Alex Brooker, Nick Mohammed and soap brothers Adam and Ryan Thomas will also compete.

Stephen said: “I’m thrilled that You Bet! is back – and this time we’re hitting the road.

“Each week I’ll be joined by a top celeb panel as our challengers take on some brilliantly bonkers and amazing challenges.”

FANTASY WOLVES GoT REAL

MOST Game Of Thrones fans will have assumed dire wolves were just mythical creatures when they appeared as pets on the HBO fantasy series.

But the animals are real and were extinct – until now.

5

Boffins at US biosciences company Colossal Bioscience used 73,000-year-old DNA to bring the beasts back to life last year.

And nobody was more surprised than GoT star Sophie Turner.

Speaking with Colossal’s CEO Ben Lamm, the actress, who played Sansa , joked: “I thought they weren’t real, so when are the dragons coming?”

The male wolves, named Romulus and Remus, are growing bigger by the day and are about to get company.

Ben added: “We’re about to introduce the girl, Khaleesi, into the pack.

MORE IN STORE FOR NICK

NICK FROST might be having some awkward conversations on the set of the new Harry Potter TV show if he bumps into JK Rowling.

The comedian will play Hagrid in the HBO adaptation, but later this month he will also take centre stage in a new comedy that is unlikely to appeal to JK, who is outspoken about her views on trans issues.

5

Nick will star in six-parter Transaction, airing weekly from June 24 on ITV2 then available on ITVX.

As store manager Simon, Nick appears alongside Liv played by Jordan Grey, who is described as “a transgender egomaniac” working the night shift in a supermarket.

I exclusively revealed last year that Shaun Of The Dead star Nick would be making the show for ITV alongside Jordan who found fame as a contestant on The Voice in 2016.

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

A U-TURN will see Holly Willoughby return to an ITV programme for another series – but with a twist.

Holly, 44, has presented several hit shows for ITV during her career.

4

4

4

Last year, she and Stephen Mulhern co-hosted the revived version of You Bet!

Although the show is coming back for a second series, Holly will not be returning as co-host.

You Bet! viewers will see the star again nonetheless – as she’s appearing as a guest panelist this time around.

Renamed You Bet! On Tour, Stephen will take over solo hosting duties for the second outing.

Also confirmed for guest appearances are Rob Beckett, Josh Widdicombe, Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark and Babatunde Aleshe.

Each instalment of the seven-episode series – including a Christmas special – will take place a different location across the country.

Once again, the celebrity panel must decide whether or not challengers will complete their task.

Last month, Stephen opened up about continuing on as host without Holly.

Chatting to TV Biz, he said: “I’m gutted she’s not doing You Bet! with me, but I’ve had time to think about it and Bruce Forsyth was the first person to do You Bet! and he did it on his own.

“Matthew Kelly made it the best show on the telly.

“And every time I’ve been interviewed and they say, ‘What show would you bring back?’, I’ve always said ‘You Bet!’.

“So maybe it happened for a reason. We’ve filmed one episode already without Holly, and it felt very comfortable. Maybe it is just a one-presenter show.

“I don’t know what happened. She just said, ‘Look, sorry, I can’t do it’. She told me face to face. She said, ‘Look, I’m gutted but it’s all over’.”

The pair’s other show, Dancing on Ice was shelved earlier this year with no plans for a new series, as revealed by The Sun.

Stephen Mulhern’s career so far

The presenter is a mainstay on various ITV shows, but how did he become one of Britain’s most well-known faces?

Stephen first gained an interest in magic and tricks from his father who taught him as a kid.

After performing at Butlins, he became the youngest member of the Magic Circle and even made an appearance on Blue Peter in a piece about Harry Houdini.

His career started in Children’s TV when he presenter the show Finger Tips in 2001.

After four years, he launched Tricky TV on CITV in 2005, which he presented until 2010.

During this time, he was handpicked by bosses to front the ITV2 spin-off for Britain’s Got Talent.

He presented Britain’s Got More Talent until the cancelation of the companion in 2019.

But it’s not all bad news for Stephen who is known for his duties on a number of quiz shows.

In for a Penny, a format originally launched on Ant & Dec‘s Saturday Night Takeaway was launched the same year.

Before, he was chosen by bosses to host Catchphrase in 2013 and has been fronting the show ever since.

Other huge shows he presented for ITV included Big Star’s Little Star, Rolling In It and the reboot of Deal Or No Deal.

He also made regular appearances on This Morning in ‘The Hub’ segment between 2011 and 2014. 

After the Philip Schofield scandal rocked ITV, he was chosen to reunite with his former CITV co-star Holly Willoughby as the host of Dancing on Ice.

It came as Coronation Street‘s Sam Aston – aka Chesney Brown – won the latest outing.

An ITV Spokesperson said: “Following another successful series earlier this year, Dancing On Ice will be rested in 2026 with no current plans for another series.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the cast and crew who have worked on the show since 2006, and over the previous 17 series, for all of their hard work both on and off the ice.”

You Bet! airs on ITV1 and ITVX.

4

MORE than half of Brits who used to watch Doctor Who say they turned off because it had become “woke, boring rubbish”.

That is the result of an ­independent survey conducted as star Ncuti Gatwa exited the Tardis with a paltry 2.3 million viewers on Saturday.

4

4

4

In a shock twist, he appeared to regenerate into the Doctor’s former companion Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper — but many are not convinced she is the Time Lord’s 16th incarnation.

The Sun exclusively revealed last month that Ncuti, 32, would be leaving the role after two series — the shortest tenure of any actor in the role since Christopher Eccleston, who left the rebooted BBC show after one series in 2005.

The survey quizzed 2,135 adults and found 42 per cent of current and former viewers said it had got worse since its relaunch two decades ago, with ­stories increasingly preachy and worthy.

Even one in three current viewers think it has got worse.

Plotlines over the past three years have featured trans heroines, non-binary baddies and drag-queen villains — and the Doctor coming out as gay, and crying in most episodes.

James Johnson of pollsters JL Partners said: “This is the first ever major poll done on attitudes to Doctor Who and the results are bleak.

“The public believe a once-great show has lost its way — and their biggest complaint is it puts pursuit of wokeness above entertainment value.

“The main words associated with it are rubbish, boring, and woke.

“If the BBC want to grow the show’s audience once more, they will need a total revamp.

“And to get back to telling entertaining stories rather than preaching lessons that simply do not have an audience among the British public.”

The poll found 46 per cent of current viewers think it puts social justice and woke issues above quality, compared with 37 per cent who believe the show puts quality first.

Those who have stopped watching say it puts social justice and woke issues first by a ratio of three to one.

The average age of current viewers is 42, compared with 51 for ex-fans.

They are also heavily Labour voters compared to a more politically diverse former audience.

The wokery ratcheted up after Doctor Who was taken over for a second time by showrunner Russell T Davies in 2023.

He was the man who rebooted the show in 2005 with Eccleston, followed by David Tennant.

4

Who has starred in Doctor Who?

Which actors have portrayed the famous Time Lord over the years?

• First Doctor: William Hartnell (1963 – 1966)
• Second Doctor: Patrick Troughton (1966 – 1969)
• Third Doctor: Jon Pertwee (1970 – 1974)
• Fourth Doctor: Tom Baker (1974 – 1981)
• Fifth Doctor: Peter Davidson (1982 – 1984)
• Sixth Doctor: Colin Baker (1984 – 1986)
• Seventh Doctor: Sylvester McCoy (1987 – 1989)
• Eighth Doctor: Paul McGann (1996)
• Ninth Doctor: Christopher Eccleston (2005)
• Tenth Doctor: David Tennant (2005 – 2010)
• 11th Doctor: Matt Smith (2010 – 2013)
• 12th Doctor: Peter Capaldi (2014 – 2017)
• 13th Doctor: Jodie Whittaker (2018 – 2022)
• 14th Doctor: David Tennant (2023)
• 15th Doctor: Ncuti Gatwa (2023 – present)

A respectable 5.1 million tuned in to see his “comeback episode” with David returning to play the Doctor for a second time in 2023.

The actor then handed over to Ncuti who had his first full series as the Fifteenth Doctor last year.

One Whovian writing on X/Twitter, said: “Thanks to RTD (Russell T Davies) Ncuti is tainted and ‘15’ will be remembered as the worst Doctor with the worst era in the history of Doctor Who.”

The Sun revealed BBC bosses were considering a hiatus for the show, though execs maintained they would not make a decision until the second series had aired.

Russell T Davies teased a return on Saturday, saying: “After 62 years, the Doctor’s adventures are only just beginning!”

But that seems optimistic given their current multimillion-pound deal partnership with Disney+ is facing an uncertain future — and the viewing figures for one episode of the last series fell as low as 1.6 million.

A spokeswoman for Doctor Who said: “Doctor Who remains one of the biggest dramas on the BBC and is the most watched drama for under-35s, as well as being one of the most popular brands on BBC iPlayer.

“As we have previously stated, a decision on any future deal between the BBC and Disney+ regarding Doctor Who is yet to be made and any other claims are pure speculation.”

AN iconic Grand Designs house dubbed “perfect” by fans has hit the market for £1.5million after 20 years of “painstaking” renovation.

Green Dragon Barn, in South Hams, Devon, was forged from three connected barns by couple Sue Charman and Martin Whitlock.

11

11

11

11

The pair took on the mammoth renovation task in 2001, when the property also featured on Kevin McCloud’s show.

After 20 years the eco-project has been completed, but is now listed for sale.

The decision came after Sue sadly died in 2023, and Martin chose to embark on a new chapter elsewhere.

When Grand Designs host Kevin re-visited the five-bedroom home, after last seeing it in 2001, he said: “This is a home lovingly, painstakingly, time-consumingly transformed.

“Resplendent with 20 years of devoted care.”

Martin explained: “The revisit in 2021 was a delight – we were completely ready and the house was looking at its best.

“A complete absence of drama! Of course things were very different back in 2000. We were racing against the clock and the weather, and the programme makers made the most of that.”

The homeowner told how they chose the house in 2000 because they wanted to near the sea, and Totnes.

“The barn was a complete wreck – actually three barns built together over three centuries, and a bigger project than we were planning, but it allowed us to really go to town and create some stunning rooms,” he added.

The couple enlisted the help of architect Adrian Slocombe, of Earthway Design, to navigate how to build on the sloping landscape.

Despite dedicating two decades to the renovation, Martin said the couple relished in the adventure.

“Although it took 20 years, it wasn’t 20 years of work on the house,” he said.

“We moved into two rooms in 2001 and gradually expanded out from there as we found time to do the work in our busy lives.

“So every so often there would be new rooms or features to enjoy. A real adventure.”

11

11

11

The property boasts a large kitchen area which connects to an incredible 30-foot reception – kitted out with an oak floor and wood burning stove.

Potential buyers will also be able to enjoy an atrium and grand hall with dramatic pillar features.

As well as a utility room, there’s a stone larder and box room for more storage.

Upstairs, there’s four spacious bedrooms, two of which offer en-suit shower rooms, as well as a shared family bathroom.

And, one of Martin’s favourite areas is a huge vaulted room that lies beneath the thatch roof.

While creating the stunning renovation, the couple wanted to focus on keeping the project environmentally friendly.

Martin said: “Sue was passionate about environmental issues and we were determined to make the house as natural and sustainable as possible.

“It was a matter of principle but also very much in the spirit of the building.

“So the house is eco-conscious in its use of traditional, natural materials such as lime, stone, cob, slate and thatch, but is also highly insulated, has modern double glazing, a reed bed, a heat recovery system and a wood pellet boiler.”

Outside, the property boasts a private driveway which leads to a large parking and turning area in front of the house and garage.

Green Dragon Barn is now listed for sale by Stags at a guide price of £1,500,000.

Grand Designs’ most ‘bizarre’ house ever leaves fans raging

By Caron McKinlay

GRAND Designs’ most ‘bizarre’ house ever has left fans raging – as a pensioner builds a £600k replica of her own house.

In the latest episode of the property show 82-year-old Kathryn decided to build a 21st-century mirror image of her Edwardian home with a budget of £607,000 but she soon run into trouble.

The episode centred around Kathryn, who decided to move out of her home in North London following the death of her late husband.

Speaking to host Kevin McCloud, she said that she could no longer look after her home and that she couldn’t cope due to the stairs.

With the help of her son Gordon, Kathryn explained that she wanted to build a mirror image of her house right next door.

Fans of the show couldn’t understand the widow’s decision and slammed her decision as ridiculous.

“That was one ridiculous, overpriced, unnecessary, rip off builds I’ve seen in the history of this show.

“There’s skullduggery at play here, isn’t there Gordon?!” said one viewer.

Another added: “Omg 900k, would love to know the value now?

“Surely they could have updated the original, made the side a plot of land to sell to help with the costs #GrandDesigns.”

A third stated: “Nah that exterior is awful good lord. 900k??? Could have just fired a stair lift in her old place.”

While another fan added: “Oh dear, overpriced disaster imo. Should have just moved. All that money and already owned the land!”

During the show it was revealed that Kathryn had gone over budget by 100k due to a series of misfortunes out of her control.

Presenter Kevin described it as “dire” financially but worse was still to come.

As she was given a £19,000 bill for road cables to connect the house to electricity, and a dumbfounded Kevin was astonished.

The vast increase in costs caused fans to comment further as they couldn’t believe how much she had spent.

“Has she not heard of a stannah stair lift, what a waste of money” exclaimed a viewer.

“900k! And couldn’t even put a stairlift in! What a waste, should have saved the stress and bought a adapted bungalow.

“And it looks like a 1950s community centre” slated another.

One fan went as far as saying: “£900k for a three bed semi? Someone’s taking the p**s.”

The listing reads: “Green Dragon Barn enjoys a peaceful setting near the popular village of Blackawton, which offers a strong community spirit, a highly regarded primary school, a parish church, and a traditional village pub.

“The vibrant market town of Kingsbridge lies approximately 7 miles to the west and provides a wide range of shops, amenities, and a well-respected secondary school, serving nearby coastal villages such as Salcombe and Thurlestone.

“Totnes, around 7 miles to the north, offers an eclectic mix of independent shops, cafes, and galleries, along with a mainline railway station providing direct services to London in around three hours.

“To the south, the historic town of Dartmouth sits at the mouth of the beautiful River Dart and is renowned for its maritime heritage, excellent sailing facilities, and the prestigious Britannia Royal Naval College, also approximately 7 miles away.”

However, Martin said he “wouldn’t blame” new owners if they want to change the style to suit their personal preferences.

He also highlighted the potential their 1.3 acre garden and orchard have to offer.

Looking forward, Martin said: “I can’t imagine living in any house that I didn’t want to make changes to, so I’m open to a new project if I can find one.

“But whatever happens it will be a lot smaller – something on the scale of Green Dragon Barn is really a once-in-a-lifetime project.”

This comes after Grand Designs revealed the “most ambitious project ever” as parents embark on building an allergy-proof home.

Elinor and Born Barikor, from Richmond in south west London, have created the “healthy house” for their three children.

The couple’s two sons, Avery and Pascal, both have potentially life-threatening dairy, wheat, egg, gluten, soya, oat, pulses, fruit, nut, dust, pollen and animal fur allergies.

Elinor and Born bought their property in 2018 with the hopes of forging a “safe haven” for the boys.

Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud has since revisited the family to see how they got on.

Meanwhile, one local said their life is “completely ruined” by their millionaire neighbour’s “glass MONSTROSITY” Grand Designs-style super home.

Elsewhere, one Grand Designs house has been branded the “biggest pile of s*** in show’s history”.

And, Kevin McCloud has revealed the ONE bit of advice he’d give to anyone embarking on their own building project.

11

11

11

11

IN 2015, 12 twentysomething singles walked into a Majorcan villa for the very first time – and ­viewers fell head over heels for Love Island.

The premise was simple: couple up and don’t get dumped, to win £50,000.

Ten years on, psychologist Dr Louise Goddard-Crawley says: “Love Island rewired the way we think about love, attraction and even language. It normalised enhanced beauty.”

With the 12th series kicking off next Monday, here we look at how the show shaped the nation.

SKIMPIER SWIMWEAR

10

THE Islanders’ clothes — or lack of — made us reassess our own poolside wardrobes.

Thongs stole the show in 2018, with contestants including Laura Anderson and Georgia Steel wearing the painful-looking cheese-string variety.

Sales of thong bikinis subsequently soared as the nation got on board.

But a family-friendly pool in Lincolnshire banned customers from wearing “thongs or see-through” garments, dubbing it the “Love Island effect”.

In 2019, Molly-Mae Hague and Yewande Biala helped spark an underboob revolution, while 2022 contestant, Antigoni Buxton, inspired us to turn swimwear tops on their head, with searches for “upside-down bikini” rising by 203 per cent.

Sun Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend says: “At the start of each series I’m hit with a barrage of emails from retailers reading, ‘Get the Love Island look’ as they all quickly roll out the on-trend swimwear for that year.”

MAKE-UP RITUALS

10

AS well as putting their love lives under the spotlight, the Islanders revealed their beauty hacks.

In 2018, Dani Dyer brushed her false eyelashes with a spoolie and blasted them with a hairdryer to give them a fluffy look.

The following summer, Molly-Mae sparked the top-knot trend after she gave a tutorial on how to achieve her trademark hairdo, while in the show’s Beach Hut.

And last year, Ella Thomas changed the way we cleanse our faces when she blew on a cotton pad soaked in micellar water — causing the liquid to foam.

A TikTok video on the tip has 13.8million views.

THE LOVE ISLE LOOK

10

BOOB jobs, fillers, Botox — you name it, a Love Island contestant has had it.

Every summer, fans take to Google to see what islanders looked like before their tweakments, with bombshell Megan Barton-Hanson’s transformation one of the most talked about.

The “Love Island Effect” has been blamed for a boom in the number of women — many of them young or even teenagers — seeking cosmetic procedures.

One plastic surgeon said that requests for dermal fillers increased twelve-fold after last year’s series. Demand for other tweakments at High Street salons is up 31 per cent in five years.

However, many former contestants such as Molly-Mae and Shaughna Phillips have had their filler dissolved.

And series two’s Malin Andersson, has given up Botox.

TOXIC ISLANDERS

10

THE show has made headlines over the years for demonstrating the problematic and toxic behaviour of both men and women.

In 2019, domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid accused Adam Collard of “gaslighting” Rosie Williams by denying he was flirting with Zara McDermott, who he later ended up with.

Similarly, in 2022 the charity was “forced” to speak to ITV after being tagged by viewers in social media posts criticising Luca Bish for his “misogynistic and controlling behaviour” towards screen partner Gemma Owen.

Contestants have also faced bullying claims.

Earlier this year, media watchdog Ofcom received thousands of complaints about All Stars contestant Elma Pazar’s “alleged bullying” of co-star Ekin-Su Culculoglu during an argument.

However, the pair were soon shown working through their fall-out before making up.

THE LINGO

10

REMEMBER the time when “muggy” referred to the ­weather and “my type on paper” was just a font?

The show’s catchphrases have left a lasting impression on the English language.

“The ick”, made popular by Olivia Attwood, was added to the Cambridge Dictionary in 2024, defined as “a sudden feeling of dislike or loss of attraction towards someone or something”.

Linguist and interpreter Ana Clarke says the show’s own lingo has even helped British men drop the stiff upper lip and better express ­emotions.

She said: “Now we see younger males talking about their feelings. They talk about ‘my type on paper’, ‘being mugged off’, ‘keeping their options open’.

“They often talk about relationships and use the word ‘journey’.”

Other terms popularised by the show include “pied” (to be dumped); “it is what it is” (that’s the situation); “putting all my eggs in their basket” (focusing on one person); and “melt” (liking someone so much that you don’t mind embarrassing yourself to prove it).

MENTAL HEALTH

10

SADLY, Love Island has been hit by a number of tragedies, which highlighted how reality TV shows that thrive on ­conflict and emotions can harm the mental health of contestants.

After the suicides of former Islanders Sophie Gradon (series two) and Mike ­Thalassitis (series three) and presenter Caroline Flack within a period of 20 months, ITV was thrown into turmoil.

Bosses introduced new duty-of-care protocols including pre-show psych-ological and medical assessments, training on social media impacts and ongoing support both during and after the programme aired.

Following Caroline’s shock death early 2020, Love Island and its sponsor JustEat replaced advertising with messages from charity Samaritans.

PR expert Nick Ede said: “ITV understood that they do have a duty of care. They put in place stringent guidelines to really support each of the contestants.

“After Caroline, it was important for them to support their viewers as well.”

A STAR IS BORN

10

A BEVVY of beauties have found fame on the show — becoming some of the our most talked about and successful celebs.

Even the losers have walked away winners thanks to lucrative brand deals or showbiz gigs.

Nick Ede says: “They are kind of relatable. Millions feel they could be with them or be on Love Island.” Season five runner-up Molly-Mae has been the most successful influencer.

She has made an estimated £6million from deals with Pretty Little Thing, L’Oreal and Beauty Works.

She now has a daughter with her Love Island boyfriend boxer Tommy Fury, her own clothing line and a docuseries with Amazon Prime Video.

Ovie Soko, Dani Dyer and Kem Cetinay also raked it in from brand deals.

Alex and Olivia Bowen have a son and are worth almost £10million, mainly due to ­sponsored Instagram deals. Maura ­Higgins has fashion and beauty deals and hosts a US Love Island spin-off.

Olivia Attwood makes document-aries and a podcast.

Amber Davies is a West End star.

FASHION FOOTPRINT

10

CUT-OUT dresses and co-ords and, for men, spray-on jeans were all popularised on the show.

The early seasons’ contestants were dressed by sponsors including fast-fashion retailers I Saw It First and Missguided, but it soon sparked a backlash.

In 2022, the show made headlines by announcing it would now dress the Islanders in pre-owned outfits from eBay, to promote more sustainable shopping habits.

PR expert Nick Ede said it was a savvy move by ITV to appeal to eco-conscious Gen Z.

“It opened them up to a whole new generation,” says Nick. “We know younger audiences are more conscious when it comes to clothing.”

ONE SIZE FITS ALL

10

YOU can’t deny there is a ­stereotypical Love Island look.

While the show has included contestants such as Tasha Ghouri, who is deaf and wears a cochlear implant, raising awareness around her disability, it has been criticised for ­failing to include any plus-size contestants.

Dating coach Eimear Draper says: “TV shows such as Love Island are putting a huge amount of pressure on beauty standards. For those who already ­struggle with self- esteem, this is concerning.”

Eimear, founder of Kindling Dating, adds: “All the women look the same with their ­bikinis, tanned skin and long, flowing hair.

“The Love Island guys likeChris Hughes are all hunks. They are buff. They, too, are tanned and tattooed.”

Young blokes have been warned by the group UK Anti-Doping not to resort to performance-enhancing drugs to achieve “ripped” physiques,

Periodically, Love Island has also been accused of tokenism, with often only one or two black contestants each series. Last year, Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan became the first black couple to be crowned winners.

LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX

10

IN the early days, the show was a bit of a bonkfest.

Ofcom received complaints about one couple getting busy in front of their rival housemates in series two.

And Miss Great Britain Zara Holland was stripped of her pageant title after getting it on with Alex Bowen.

Series three winners Kem Cetinay and Amber Davies were also at it like rabbits.

In 2018, producers decided to stop showing sex scenes. Nowadays, you might just get a glimpse of a headboard banging or happy feet under the sheets.

But experts reckon the show has, in some ways, sexually empowered women.

Therapist Sergio Rebelo says: “Many women on the show are unafraid to talk about their bodies and sexuality. This can encourage others to discuss their own sexuality.”

Case in point: Maura ­Higgins talking about which of the men gave her “fanny flutters”.

Then there’s ex-stripper Megan Barton-Hanson, who was on Love Island in 2018 and later paired up with Ann ­Summers to launch her own range of sex toys.

LOOSE Women star Judi Love has landed a huge new job just days after ITV announced their daytime cull.

The ITV show’s line-up had been left in the dark about cuts to their lunchtime talk show, which will take effect from January amid a cash crisis.

3

Sweeping changes announced earlier this month mean the female-led, lunchtime talk show will only air for 30 weeks a year.

So, it’s a good job Judi, 44, has bagged herself a lucrative podcasting gig to keep the cash rolling in.

The comedian announced on Instagram today that the first episode of Our Table will be released tomorrow.

Fellow Loose Woman Charlene White is joining her, along with actor David Gyasi, comedian Michelle Deswarte and actress Deborah Ayorinde.

She wrote: “Our Table will launch on Friday, the 30th, on YouTube and all major podcast platforms!

“We have an exciting series lined up, featuring incredible guests and engaging conversations. Join us at Our Table!! #Ourtable #JudiLove.”

A second post saw the Strictly star posed with her special guests ahead of the series premiere.

The Sun previously revealed how Loose Women is in chaos backstage with some of the stars doing the show “through gritted teeth” as they face a 60 per cent pay cut. 

An insider told us: “It’s very tense backstage as the cast are all fuming. It’s like they’re putting on a brave face and doing the show through gritted teeth. 

“Some people’s pay could be cut by 60% as some get paid by the episode and they’ll be slashed next year.

“For some it’s their main source of income and it’s worrying to everyone.”

This comes after an ITV source revealed: “We are not planning any radical changes to the panel.

“All of our Loose Women are hugely valued and we celebrate each and every one and the experience and opinions they bring to the show every day.

“Many of our long standing panellists have appeared on the show for the majority of its 25 year run on screens and those stalwart, Loose legends are at the core of the show’s success and hugely popular with the audience.

“The show remains a big priority within our daytime slate, having secured a BAFTA nomination, launched a podcast and celebrated a milestone anniversary in the last year alone.”

MORE ITV CUTS

Loose Women isn’t the only show affected by recently announced changes at ITV, that will come into play in 2026.

Lorraine Kelly’s show has been cut to just 30 minutes a day and will also only air for 30 weeks of the year.

Good Morning Britain, with hosts including Susanna Reid, Ed Balls and Kate Garraway, will take half an hour from Lorraine and will run from 6am to 9.30am.

More than 220 jobs will be lost as part of the shake-up — almost half of the 450 employed on the four flagship shows GMB, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women.

3

3

LOVE Island star Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has fallen out with her best pal – with the star being branded a “narcissist”.

Ekin-Su, who shot to fame on Love Island in 2022 and again on the All Stars series earlier this year, had previously been championed by close friend Mabel Asojo during her time on the reality show.

7

7

7

7

But now the pair have unfollowed each other on social media and sources say that they are no longer friends after a falling out.

Mabel recently shared a post to address her fallout with Ekin-Su.

It read: “To everyone flooding my inbox with updates and questions, save it.

“We are not friends – I don’t need to write an unsold self help book on loyalty for someone who can’t even grasp how to be a decent human.

“I don’t deal with liars, cheaters, bullies, or narcissists. So please stop involving me.

“Consider this your final update. I hope she discovers peace.

“It just won’t be through me.”

She then followed this up with a screengrab of one of Ekin-Su’s pals defending the star, while taking a swipe at Mabel.

They claimed: “Imagine smiling to someone’s face, claiming you were best friends, then selling stories behind their back – and trying to turn me against her too.

“That’s next level snake behaviour. She’s real, loyal and solid and she doesn’t deserve the lies.

“Some people will do anything for attention.

“Glad we know who the rat was all along in the friendship circle.”

Taking a swipe at former friend Ekin, Mabel captioned it: “Wish you both the best.”

While a source said: “Ekin-Su’s friendship circle is at war. They’ve fallen out in a major clash and there is a big division between the group.

“The fallout worsened after Ekin-Su’s stint on All Stars, one of her long term friends has cut ties with her.

“One of her pals is not happy with her behaviour and has called her out for it.

“They’ve tried to be a good friend to her but think fame has gone to her head and she’s changed for the worse.

“Right now they’ve washed their hands of her and think she’s been a narcissist and disloyal in a bid to further her career.”

But another insider said Ekin-Su is not fully to blame.

They shared: “Ekin-Su has been under a lot of stress, those closest to her have unfairly turned their back on her.

“Ekin has always been a good friend and they should have had her back.”

The Sun have reached out to Ekin-Su’s rep for comment.

Back in 2022, Mabel – who met Turkish actress Ekin-Su at a hot tub party – helped her friend to become the first of this year’s Islanders to hit a million followers.

Mabel had supported her former friend during her stint on the show and looked after her social media account.

But it wasn’t all plain sailing and she’s admitted that the trolling has been very bad at times.

Mabel told The Sun at the time: “It was so hard.

“I spent a lot of time in my bedroom upset thinking she’s so sweet and down to earth and such a girls’ girl.”

They often appeared on each other’s Instagram but they have since deleted any trace of each other.

Meanwhile, Ekin seems happier than ever after finding love with Curtis Pritchard on the Love Island spin-off series.

7

7

7

PIERCE BROSNAN has hit back after being widely mocked for struggling to master an Irish accent – despite being born in Ireland.

He got ridiculed for his lilt while playing mobster Conrad Hannigan in Paramount+ show, MobLand.

3

It contributed to uncertainty over whether the Guy Ritchie-directed thriller, which also stars Helen Mirren and Tom Hardy, would get a second series.

But Pierce told the Radio Times: “My own accent is very soft. Conrad’s accent is a million miles away from me.”

A dialect coach recommended he speak with someone whose voice he could use as inspiration.

Pierce explained: “I told him I needed a Kerry accent, so he gave me the name of a man and I Googled the guy and that was it.

“It was a Kerry accent. And so, I just gave it full tilt.”

Sadly, reviews were mixed.

3

MARTIN KEMP might regret his comments about his sex life on Loose Women yesterday.

During a debate on scheduling intimacy, he said: “I don’t think you can.

“If I had to look in my diary and it says Thursday night, I’m go­ing to do it – I don’t think it works.

“I even feel under pressure if it’s a Sunday morning.”

JOHNNY: C4 LACKS IDENTITY

JOHNNY VAUGHAN has slammed Channel 4 for failing to back the 2022 reboot of The Big Breakfast.

The presenter, who fronted the show from 1997 to 2001, said the channel had lost its identity without a flagship early-morning programme.

3

He also criticised TV execs’ obsession with cooking shows, saying they’re full of “boring, middle-aged, white chefs”.

The 2022 reboot of just four episodes, was hosted by Mo Gilligan and AJ Odudu.

Johnny told Mo’s podcast he watched the reboot and that the show “just needs time”.

He added: “It’s meant to be an alternative to dreary daily breakfast shows.

“Without it, I think it’s like school without an assembly. You’ve got to say who you are every day. This is what’s on.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

A player on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire had to use two lifelines on a tricky pop star question – but would you know it?

Hopeful contestants enter the iconic game show aiming to win the life-changing £1 million grand prize.

4

4

4

Primary school teacher Ian Harrison was opposite host Jeremy Clarkson in the famous hotseat.

Ian found himself stumped on a question and had to use two lifelines.

Jeremy asked him: “Which singer, who was a trained gymnast as a child, is well known for using aerial dance and trapeze skills in her live shows?”

The four options presented were A) Paloma Faith, B) Shakira, C) Katy Perry and D) Pink.

Feeling unsure, Ian first opted to use his 50/50 lifeline to remove two possible answers.

This left Paloma Faith and Pink, but the player was still uncertain about which was correct.

He then used a second lifeline – Phone A Friend – to ask friend David for assistance.

Unfortunately, David wasn’t too sure either, saying it wasn’t his “specialist subject.”

Despite his dwindling options, Ian chose to take a gamble and gave Pink as his final answer.

This proved correct – meaning the contestant had just won £16,000 and climbed up the ladder.

Meanwhile, Ian’s good fortune continued as he ultimately walked away with £125,000.

It comes as another contestant recently lost out on a large sum due to a tricky tree question.

Jeremy welcomed player Amy, a tourism officer from Stroud, to the hotseat.

After struggling with a motorsport question, Amy got through and set her safety net at £32,000.

She then managed to get the £64,000 question right before taking on the £125,000 question.

It was: “Which of these species of tree lives the longest?”

As she debated about having a stab at it, Jeremy reminded her that if she got it wrong, she’d lose £32,000 but would go away with the £32,000 safety net.

Amy said: “I think I might as well go for it, no point in not doing it, right?”

She then decided to go for Oak and said “final answer” so it was locked in.

After a pause, Millionaire host Jeremy said: “You are unbelievably brave…but sadly wrong.”

The computer on screen then revealed that A) Yew was the correct answer.

He added: “Oh I am sorry Amy, but I just love your attitude, and you are leaving here with £32,000 which is pretty good.”

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire airs on ITV1 and ITVX.

4

THE FULL list of finalists on Britain’s Got Talent has finally been revealed after a tense semi-final.

The last live show before the forthcoming ITV grand finale of the talent variety competition was filled with controversies.

8

8

8

Ten acts have made it through to the highly-anticipated final show of Britain’s Got Talent.

For the first time, all of the performers will face the public vote after a number of Golden Buzzers sent contestants straight through.

The Blackouts, Olly Pearson, Jasmine Rice, Joseph Charm, and magician Harry Moulding were the acts to receive the five golden buzzers.

The acts who won each of the semi-final shows were Vinnie McKee, Stacey Leadbeatter, Ping Pong Pang and Hear Our Voice.

Eight-year-old singer Binita Chetry was the last artist announced to win the public vote.

This comes as the long-running variety competition was engulfed with controversy over the ‘biggest set up ever.‘

Harry Moulding claimed that he was “going to create a special moment of real magic for one person” at the start of his act.

The performance was full of incredible tricks which involved pop star references and predictions before the live show.

One contributor – who was also named Harry – appeared in a pre-recorded VT that was filmed in Paris.

His girlfriend Jess was sat in the audience and she was ‘randomly’ chosen by the magician to come onto the stage.

At the end of the clip, Harry miraculously appeared in front of Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli, Amanda Holden and KSI.

He got down on one knee and popped the question to his partner, who tearfully accepted.

After KSI chose to send the act straight through to the final with his Golden Buzzer, droves of viewers took to social media as they claimed the show was ‘rigged’.

Writing on X – formerly known as Twitter – one fan fumed: “Cowell said this boring idiot is the frontrunner – so if he wins (despite everyone watching losing the will to live) you’ll know that this trashy, s***** programme is fixed.”

A second claimed: “That was either an amazing magic trick or there was some absolute collusion going on there. Decent act but had to have been set up somehow.”

“What the f*** do they expect him to do for the final now?? Biggest fix ever, magic my bloody a***,” furiously wrote someone else.

As a fourth added: “Utterly rigged and the trick itself was too grand and ridiculous it shouldn’t even be called magic. I know exactly how he did it, it was rigged.”

8

8

8

8

8

The final of Britain’s Got Talent will air on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday, May 31.

AXED Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has revealed a huge new job after his BBC show exit.

We previously revealed that the former Sex Education star was given the boot by bosses after just two series.

5

5

5

Ncuti, 32, has left the long-running drama after ‘woke’ storylines have seen ratings plummet in recent years.

The actor is off after just two series with no replacement likely for the Time Lord’s regeneration on May 31.

Now, the actor is quickly moving on as he has just announced his next project on social media.

He will stay in the upcoming satirical black comedy film called The Roses.

The star took to his Instagram stories as he displayed the poster of the Hollywood movie, alongside a simple rose and red heart emoji.

It features a completely star-studded cast of Hollywood A-listers and Oscar winners.

Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, and I, Tonya star Allison Janney all have leading roles in the new flick.

While former Saturday Night Live favourites Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon will also have feature roles.

The news comes after Ncuti backed out of announcing the UK’s jury scores in last weekend’s Eurovision Song Contest.

He pulled out of his commitments just 48 hours before he was due to appear in front of 160million people.

At the time, the corporation confirmed he would no longer be involved, citing “unforeseen circumstances” and he was replaced by Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

This was amid controversy among some at Israel’s inclusion in the global singing competition and Ncuti stepped aside moments after Israel qualified for the grand final.

A TV insider said: “If the final nail wasn’t already in the coffin, it was well and truly hammered in after that.

“Bosses were incredibly disappointed. Ncuti, as the Doctor, is one of the corporation’s most high-profile faces.

Who has starred in Doctor Who?

Which actors have portrayed the famous Time Lord over the years?

• First Doctor: William Hartnell (1963 – 1966)
• Second Doctor: Patrick Troughton (1966 – 1969)
• Third Doctor: Jon Pertwee (1970 – 1974)
• Fourth Doctor: Tom Baker (1974 – 1981)
• Fifth Doctor: Peter Davidson (1982 – 1984)
• Sixth Doctor: Colin Baker (1984 – 1986)
• Seventh Doctor: Sylvester McCoy (1987 – 1989)
• Eighth Doctor: Paul McGann (1996)
• Ninth Doctor: Christopher Eccleston (2005)
• Tenth Doctor: David Tennant (2005 – 2010)
• 11th Doctor: Matt Smith (2010 – 2013)
• 12th Doctor: Peter Capaldi (2014 – 2017)
• 13th Doctor: Jodie Whittaker (2018 – 2022)
• 14th Doctor: David Tennant (2023)
• 15th Doctor: Ncuti Gatwa (2023 – present)

“His withdrawal was incredibly embarrassing. It caps what has been a largely depressing tenure in the Tardis for Ncuti.“

Execs are likely to rest the 62-year-old show to consider who might revive its fortunes.

5

5

A TV presenter has surprisingly announced he’s leaving Sky News next week.

The former LBC and BBC Newsnight broadcaster announced he’s quit the job after a 12-year career in journalism.

1

Matthew Thompson said he’s leaving London for family reasons and is moving into a different industry entirely.

He wrote on X: “Some personal news. In a couple of weeks, I am leaving Sky News. And indeed, leaving London, and journalism altogether.

“It’s not a decision I’ve taken lightly, but it’s one that’s best for me and my family. I’ll be moving to Edinburgh, and into the world of finance.

“I won’t subject you all to a self-indulgent run through of my career highlights. But suffice to say it has been the privilege of my life to spend these last 12 years or so as a journalist.

“To work with some of the best in the business, and to talk to all of you.

“Thank you to all the people who made it possible, and to all the people who let me tell their stories along the way. I’ve always tried to make it about you, rather than me.

“I hope I managed that, and that I did the privilege justice. As for next steps… I can say more soon.”

Most recently, Matthew worked as Sky News‘ Home & Political Correspondent.

He continued: “I hope this isn’t goodbye. It may be possible to keep some level of engagement on here in my new gig.

“For now, thank you. I’ve learned so much from reading and speaking with you all over the years.

“It’s made me a better journalist, and a better person. I’ll miss it terribly.”

EASTENDERS has accidentally leaked a major spoiler in a now-deleted post and it’s bad news for one Walford family.

Eagle eyed fans of the BBC soap are convinced that a huge change is coming on the soap as they notice major clue in a now-deleted post shared to the show’s TikTok account.

4

4

4

In a post uploaded to the account on Tuesday afternoon, fans noticed that a for sale/auction sign had been placed on the side of the Queen Vic – suggesting that current owners Linda Carter and the Knight family are set to lose the pub in a shock new storyline.

Taking to the EastEnders Reddit, many fans suggested their theories as to how Linda and the Knights could lose the pub – with some believing that George Knight (played by Colin Salmon) could have something to do with it. 

One wrote: “There was a rumour before that George was going to mess up the insurance on the pub and they were going to be forced to sell it, so I wonder if that’ll be what’s happening here.”

A second asked: “Interesting. I wonder if Linda and the Knights are selling the Vic in an auction.”

A third questioned: “The Knights were so happy to get it back, I wonder why they’ll lose it?”

“Perhaps they can’t afford the Vic, and I’m predicting if Phil and Linda do get closer, like a lot of people are saying that he’ll bid on it and own it while they run it,” this person speculated.

This viewer suggested: “Oh dear. Why do I have a sinking feeling it’ll go to the new Mitchells?”

The Sun have reached out to EastEnders reps for comment.

The iconic pub at the heart of Albert Square underwent a recent transformation following the devastating explosion that rocked Walford.

With a shiny new sign, fresh windows, and a sleek new front, the Queen Vic was ready to welcome punters once again.

EastEnders viewers know that the iconic Queen Vic pub went up in flames as part of the show’s 40th anniversary last month.

Fans were left horrified as the huge explosion ripped through the square, which resulted in Martin Fowler (James Bye) dying in the arms of his ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).

The Queen Vic pub was destroyed as the windows broke, ceiling structure beams fell down, walls collapsed and upstairs furniture crushed residents.

The Knight family were forced to move out until renovations were complete after they received the good news that the insurance would be paying out.

4

KATIE Price’s boyfriend JJ Slater has been rushed to hospital in the night, after sharing a picture from A&E. 

The former glamour model, 46, confirmed her relationship with JJ last February.

5

5

5

Katie’s boyfriend rose to fame on Married At First Sight, where he was romantically involved with Ella Morgan, but the pair have since split. 

Now, he’s shared a photo from hospital, and revealed a syringe in his arm. 

The reality star leg and body were in shot, and he wrote over the snap: “Hate to see it. 

“The reality of living with type 1 diabetes. Late nights in A&E.” 

It was back in 2023 when JJ was diagnosed with the life-changing condition after losing almost two stone.

He was told how his body had “deteriorated” and that his “life would never be the same” due to the condition.

JJ’s weight dropped from 13.3 stone to 12 stone ahead of his medical emergency.

He said of his symptoms at the time: “I was waking up four to five times needing the toilet.

“Then I started to lose weight quite quickly. I lost about a stone and a half in three weeks, but I was still eating the same and going to the gym every day.”

He added: “I hadn’t changed anything, but my body was deteriorating so I knew something was wrong.

“I was getting lightheaded often, I was on the sofa watching TV and then stood up and fell to the floor… so, I knew something wasn’t right.

“I had a blood test and my doctor said I probably wouldn’t hear anything until after Christmas, but I woke up the following morning to three missed calls from 111 and voicemails saying ‘as soon as you wake up, go to hospital’ … I have never woken up so quickly.

“I panicked thinking it was the worst news.”

Katie Price’s love life

We take a look back at the highs and lows of Katie Price’s relationship history.

1996-1998: Katie got engaged to Gladiators star Warren Furman – aka Ace – with a £3,000 ring. But their relationship didn’t make it as far as ‘I do’.

1998-2000: Katie described Dane Bowers as ‘the love of her life’ but she broke up with the singer when he allegedly cheated on her.

2001: Footballer Dwight Yorke is the father of Katie’s eldest child Harvey. He has had very little to do with Harvey throughout his life.

2002: Rebounding from Dwight, Katie famously had one night of passion with Pop Idol star Gareth Gates, allegedly taking his virginity.

2002-2004: Katie was dating Scott Sullivan when she entered the jungle for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!. He threatened to “punch Peter’s lights out” when chemistry blossomed between her and Peter Andre.

2004-2009: The jungle romance resulted in Katie marrying Aussie pop star Peter. They had two kids, Junior and Princess, before their bitter split in 2009.

2010-2011: Fresh from her break-up with Peter, Katie enjoyed a whirlwind relationship and marriage with cage fighter Alex Reid. They split 20 months after their Las Vegas wedding.

2011: Katie briefly dated model Danny Cipriani… but it ended as quickly as it begun.

2011-2012: They didn’t speak the same language, but Katie got engaged to Argentinian model Leandro Penna in 2011. He later fled home to South America.

2012-2018: Wedding bells rang once more after Katie met Kieran Hayler in 2013. They had two kids together, Jett and Bunny, before their break-up and divorce.

2018-2019: Katie moved on quickly with Kris Boyson. They had an on-off romance for one year and even got engaged. They split for good in 2019.

2019: Katie was linked to Charles Drury during her on-off relationship with Kris. Charles, who also dated Lauren Goodger, has always denied being in “official relationship” with her.

2020-2023: Car salesman Carl Woods took a shining to Katie in 2020. Their relationship was up and down for three years. They broke up for a final time last year.

2024-present: After weeks of rumours, Katie confirmed her relationship with Married At First Sight star JJ Slater in February this year.

Since getting together with Katie, the couple have endured a rather rocky relationship.

Katie previously sparked concern the couple had parted ways after sharing a cryptic post about “trust”.

The ex-glamour model, who shot to fame as her alter-ego Jordan, has been engaged eight times and has previously had three husbands.

5

5

AN X Factor legend has passed away aged 64 after working closely with Simon Cowell on the show for eight years.

Bodyguard Tony Adkins – known as Big Tony – died on Easter Sunday while on a rugby tour, a family member confirmed on social media.

2

2

Sharing a photo of Tony, his cousin wrote: “It is with great sadness my family would like to announce that my Cousin Big Tony, Simon Cowell‘s ex bodyguard, passed away on Easter Sunday while on a Rugby Tour.

“He was a loveable Rogue and will be missed very much, RIP Big T.”

Hammersmith and Fulham RFC also paid tribute to Tony with a statement on its website.

It read: “It is with immense sadness that the club pays tribute to a true gent and great Hammer, Tony Adkins, who passed away whilst on tour with the Club in Poland on Easter Sunday.”

Viewers will remember dealing with upset contestants on The X Factor, often being forced to remove them from the audition room when things didn’t go their way.

After his time working for Simon and the show came to an end, he revealed what his former famous boss is really like.

He told the Mirror: “Simon was so laid-back and a very nice guy.

“He was generous, too. Whenever the show finished – and at Christmas – you’d get an envelope as a thank you. The last one I got had £700 stuffed in it.”

Tony continued: “He’s a very private person. He doesn’t give much away. You never see him drunk or out of control.

“Simon is vain – he does his hair all the time.

“If there are five breaks in filming then Simon will do his hair five times.”

He added: “And I think he has about 20 identical T-shirts. I remember once he had a hole in one, so he just reached into a bag and pulled out another from a big pile.”

THE SECRET ingredients to the perfect Eurovision song have been revealed and it might be bad news for the UK’s act. 

As various European countries go head-to-head tonight, a leading betting company has revealed that winning Eurovision songs always have three key traits.

4

4

Sport Betting Online found that the first of the three factors relates to whether the song is written in a minor or a major key; minor keys often sound sadder, where major keys tend to sound happier and more joyful.

80 per cent of the winning songs, including Nemo’s The Code and Loreen’s thrilling Tattoo, are written in a minor key. 

Most winning songs also have an average tempo of 106 beats per minute (BPM), with Maneskin’s Zitte e Broni having 103 BPM and Kalush Orchestra’s Stefania having 105 BPM.

The final factor relates to language, as ten of the last 15 winning songs were written in English.

Despite that advantage, the UK act has the odds stacked against them – according to exclusive information from Sports Betting online.

Remember Monday’s track is written in a major key and has an average BPM rate of 136.

A spokesperson from the betting company said: “Remember Monday’s entry brings a vibrant and relatable energy to Eurovision 2025.

“Their harmonious vocals and genre-blending style align with several successful trends.

“However, the song’s major key and humorous theme might set it apart from the emotionally intense entries that have recently won.

“If audiences are ready for something fun and feel-good, the UK may have a dark horse on its hands.”

Despite the track bucking several winning trends, Remember Monday’s song was well-received when they took to the stage on Thursday.

Fans could be heard cheering throughout the trio’s performance, while singing along to What the Hell Just Happened’s catchy lyrics.

Brits loved the track too, with one writing on social media: “Remember Monday could WIN THIS WHOLE THING. INCREDIBLE. Perfection in the arena!”

UK fans can only hope that its broad appeal – with country aesthetics being on trend and English being the language of most winning songs – will take the trio to a win.

Sports Betting Online also analysed the frontrunners at this year’s singing competition, though, and one group is set to take the contest by storm. 

4

Sweden’s Bara Badu Batsu – performed by KAJ – has an average BPM of 106 and is written in the minor key, specifically A Minor. 

The track is sung in Swedish with Finnish phrases, which does buck the trend of winning songs being in English.

However, experts think this may work in the trio’s favour – just a singing in Italian took Maneskin to a win.

Following close behind is Austria’s JJ who will be singing a track entitled Wasted Love. 

This track has 133 BPM, which is much faster than the average winning BPM, but is written in a minor key. 

It is also sung in English, which normally broadens a song’s appeal at the competition. 

The final frontrunner is France’s Louane, whose track was recorded at 88 BPM and is sung in the singer’s native language. 

Her heartbreaking song is entitled Maman – the French word for “mother”.

With all of the data considered, the competition is Sweden’s to lose. 

The contest will kick off on May 13, 2025, in Basel, Switzerland, before ending on May 17.

Last year’s winning artist Nemo will be performing their track – entitled The Code – at the finale.

However, not every country in Europe will be appearing at the competition.

Russia has been banned from competing due to controversies surrounding the invasion of Ukraine.

Other countries, including Bulgaria and Romania, have pulled out due to funding problems.

Israel has confirmed that it will be competing at Eurovision 2025, despite an open letter – signed by several former winners – urging judges to ban the country from the contest.

4