showbiz

MUCH-LOVED Australian actress Lorraine Bayly has died at 89.

The Sullivan’s star died in her Sydney care home on Saturday morning.

Lorraine’s close friend, journalist Craig Bennett confirmed her death to 2GB on behalf of her family.

She was best known for starring in The Sullivans as Grace and presenting popular children’s show Playschool.

The hit show ran from 1976 to 1983.

After leaving The Sullivans, Lorraine took on a role that had been speficially written for her.

She played solicitor Jennifer Carson in Carson’s Law.

In a heartbreaking social media post, the actresses’ friend Craig called Lorraine a “showbiz legend, a bona fide star of stage and screen, a triple Logie winning TV treasure and beautiful friend to many”.

He noted that the award-winning actress only retired 10 years ago.

I’M A Celeb AITCH had a secret snog with a stunning blonde podcast queen -15 years his senior – weeks before jetting Down Under.

The Brit-Award winning rapper locked lips with manifestation guru Francesca Amber at showbiz bash the Pride of Britain Awards, London in October, just a fortnight before he flew to Australia to take part in the ITV reality show. 

Cheeky Aitch, who was 25 at the time, hit it off at the free bar with author Francesca, 40, and was seen cracking jokes with the manifestation guru in the corner.

An onlooker revealed: “Aitch is a bit younger than Francesca but didn’t lack any confidence, he has bags of character and he was showing off and making her laugh, they were having a right giggle. 

“By the end of the evening they were kissing in front of everyone, it was quite romantic. Aitch has got loads of charisma and can hold his own, he’s no boy when it comes to flirting, so you can see how he won her over. They exchanged numbers before heading off into the night.”

Mum-of-three Francesca is still single, and Aitch’s spokesman declined to comment. 

BITTER MOVE

Mystery as Shona McGarty’s ex WIPES I’m A Celeb star from his social media

RAPPER’S ANTICS

Aitch admits he broke ITV bosses’ strict rule before I’m A Celeb jungle

Following his I’m A Celeb stint, fans were convinced Aitch was falling in love with co-star former EastEnders actress Shona McGarty, 34, after they were seen having heart-to-hearts on camera and play fighting. 

The pair had raised hopes of a jungle love story earlier in the series after rapper Aitch said he had a “soft spot” for the former EastEnders actress. 

But upon exiting camp Mancunian Aitch shut down rumours of a romance. He said: “No, Shona’s just a cool person. I feel like me and Shona are just cut from the same cloth in a way. We just have the same sense of humour.

Asked if there is any chance of a romance, Aitch responded: “No, not at all. That’s just a good friend of mine.”

He has previously linked to Chicken Shop Date online host Amelia Dimoldenberg, 32, and model Rose Lola Thompson. 

Previously he has said: “I love dating a girl who is understanding and who can have a laugh with. I like it when I feel like my girlfriend is my best mate and understands me.”

Just before the rapper flew into the jungle it was revealed that he had parted ways with psychology student Lois Cottam.

A source at the time said: “Aitch and Lois still have a lot of love for each other but they decided they are better off as friends.

“They enjoyed the time they spent together. Things ended amicably between them.”

Aitch and Lois, are understood to have dated for at least a year.

We revealed that the pair were dating in May 2025, reporting that he had whisked her off for a trip to New York.

They also holidayed on the Greek island of Santorini in the summer but kept their relationship under wraps, with Aitch, real name Harrison Armstrong, not sharing pictures of them together on social media.