Soap stars

HELEN Flanagan has finally sold her family home for a whopping £500,000 under the asking price.

The former Coronation Street actress, 35, bought the six-bedroom abode with ex-fiancé Scott Sinclair, whom she split from back in 2022 after 13 years together.

Despite their long-term relationship and three children, the former couple never married and the family home, near Bolton, is solely in footballer Scott’s name.

But since their split, Helen has been living in the home with their kids; Matilda, Delilah and Charlie.

Last year we reported the house was put on sale for £1.5million before being reduced to £995,000.

And now, the house has been marked as sold, subject to contracts, on Rightmove.

BECKS’ BASH

Beckhams put on united front in Miami for David’s ‘incredible’ stadium opening

hel of a time

Former Corrie star Helen Flanagan admits she’s living out of a plastic bag

Despite the hefty cut from £1.5M to £995,000, the couple will still make profit from the home if it went for it’s final asking price, as it was bought by Scott for £840,000 in 2021.

In addition to its six bedrooms, the impressive home is set across three floors – with a massive walk-in wardrobe and a sprawling garden surrounding the gated home.

In January, we revealed how Scott, 37, was keen to get the home sold, while Helen wasn’t in any rush to move out.

A friend of Helen’s said at the time: “Scott pays for the house and all the bills and he’s decided a six-bedroom place is way too big for Helen on her own with the kids.

“But Helen doesn’t want to move and is digging her heels in.

“She loves the place, the kids are settled at the local school and her mum and dad live around the corner.

“Scott wants to buy Helen a four-bedroom home. He’s even offered to put it in her name but wants to stop the maintenance payments.

“The relationship has completely broken down. They no longer communicate — everything goes through her parents.”

But another pal explained Helen has spent a fortune of her own money renovating it.

They said: “The house was really run down and Helen has modernised it and made it into the beautiful family home it is today.

“Scott wants to sell to take the money out, but he hasn’t found Helen or the kids a new place. He’s not being reasonable. He and Helen are not on the same page.”

A BITTERLY fought five-year dispute between an EastEnders star, his wife and their neighbours over a dog bite on a Lord’s estate has finally ended.

TV actor and film star John Blundell and his wife Mercina were locked in a bitter legal fight with neighbouring lodge owners Alison and Andrew Girdiefski after the row over their tiny pooch Ziggy.

The Sun can now confirm that Mercina and John have finally seen a closure in their favour, with an out of court payment after bringing a civil court case.

John – who also starred in Quadrophenia and Scum – and his wife are understood to be delighted by the result.

The long-running saga dates back to 2021 at the plush Fritton Lake estate in Norfolk, a 5,000-acre retreat owned by aristocrats Hugh and Lara Crossley, Lord and Lady Somerleyton.

Lord Somerleyton, at the height of tension, even attempted to mediate between the two warring couples, The Sun understands.

DUST EMPIRE

Ayatollah has £200m of luxury property in UK – as MPs call for it to be SEIZED

POSHO PLIGHT

UK’s ‘most exclusive estate’ turning into ghost town as mansions fall to ruin

The row all kicked off when Mercina had been visiting her neighbours’ lodge to admire renovation work when she says their small hairless Chinese crested dog, Ziggy, suddenly bit her on the wrist.

The attack, they claimed, left her with a half an in inch wound that later scarred, with the actor’s wife needing hospital treatment.

With the row spiralling out of control – John and Mercina then launched a civil case at Norwich County Court seeking damages.

The Sun has now confirmed the long-running dispute has been settled out of court.

It brings to an end to years of acrimony.

Court officials told The Sun the matter was settled out of court using a Part 36 offer – a formal settlement under the law.

A source close to the couple told us: “While the couple are selling their property at Fritton they are reluctant to talk.

“It has been a very difficult few years for the Blundell’s, who really have done nothing wrong at all.”

Back in 2021, what should have been a tranquil countryside getaway quickly spiralled into a toxic feud involving police, lawyers and estate bosses.

Relations between the couples then soured dramatically.

The dispute even drew in Norfolk Police, with officers speaking to both sides.

Ziggy was added to a register of dangerous dogs, but no further action was taken due to the time elapsed.

Complaints of harassment were also investigated by Norfolk Police – but no offences were ultimately found.

Mercina also accused the pair of taunting them by singing “who let the dogs out” and filming them nearby.

Frustrated, the Blundells launched civil action – setting them for a court showdown.

The pair even recruited James McNally – known as “The Dog Bite Solicitor” who specialises in getting civil damages on dog attacks.

The Blundells said at the time they had been quoted £1,500 for a plastic surgeon to fix Mercina’s wrist – and were believed to be seeking up to £30k in costs and damages.

And the Girdiefskis had said ahead of the looming case that they found the figures “ridiculous”.

“The sort of money you would expect to be paying somebody who has had their face ripped off by a dog, not this mere 1.2cm cut,” said Alison in July 2025.

Speaking at the time, she added: “From day one, we have accepted responsibility.

“Our Ziggy did bite Mercina and we have never denied this.”

But the dramatic court clash never happened after the Girdiefskis agreed to settle.

A court spokesperson said: “This case was settled out of court by way of accepting a Part 36 offer, therefore there is no final order or settlement details to provide.

“Both sides had solicitors so in the end the court was not involved.”

John said the retreat, meant to be a peaceful escape, had instead become “a living nightmare”.

Both couples are now trying to sell their lodges on the exclusive estate.

The Girdiefski’s and Blundells have been approached for comment.

The Sun have also contacted Lord Somerleyton.

ACTRESS Rosalind Halstead has admitted drink driving at nearly four times the limit.

The star, 41 — married to Emmerdale’s Chris Coghill who plays Kev Townsend in the ITV soap — was arrested near their home.

A breathalyser test found her alcohol level was 138 micrograms. The legal limit is 35mg.

She was driving her 2003 Jaguar X-Type without insurance when she was stopped in Haringey, North London.

She admitted both charges at Highbury magistrates’ court and could face up to six months in jail when she is sentenced next month.

JPs also slapped her with an interim driving disqualification.

BARGAIN BOP

Former Corrie star Adam Rickitt performing £8 bar gig 27 years after pop heyday

HITTING BACK

BBC deny Thomas Skinner’s claim he was paid £2,000 for Question Time

Rosalind appeared in Hugh Grant‘s 2004 comedy Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, and 2005 musical Mrs Henderson Presents fronted by Judi Dench.

She went on to star in ITV’s 2009 Wuthering Heights alongside Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley.

The actress has also starred in BBC series Sherlock in A Scandal in Belgravia, and BBC drama Holby City.

She most recently featured in Star Wars spin-off series Andor.

IT has felt like the longest-running showbiz break-up of all time.

Jacqueline Jossa and Dan Osborne have been on and off, and on ‘make or break’ holidays, countless times in their eight-year marriage. But last night we revealed they’ve split again, with friends insisting the EastEnders star has finally accepted there’s no future. Now insiders have revealed what is really going on behind closed doors.

Source insists: “They don’t want to give anyone the satisfaction of knowing it hasn’t worked.

“They’ve always tried their utmost to play happy families, no matter what’s going on behind closed doors.”

That’s because the role of Dan‘s wife will be a tough one to leave behind for the actress who has always protected the ex-Towie star – even if it meant she was cruelly labelled a “doormat” by trolls.

While the mum of two hasn’t put a foot wrong throughout their 13-year relationship, time and time again she’s been embarrassed by cheating scandals and crisis talks.

Now I can reveal why 33-year-old Jacqueline has stood by her man for far longer than many others would have been able to suffer.

On-screen as Albert Square’s bolshy Lauren Branning, she’s seen her womanising dad Max (played by Jake Wood) bed more than 20 women – often in lurid affairs, including his own son’s fiancée.

But away from the scripted soap, Jacqueline is the product of a long-lasting marriage, with her mum, Selina and dad John Jossa celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary last year.

But it’s been far from smooth sailing despite their enduring marriage.

Two years after joining EastEnders at 17, Jacqueline “wept” as her dad John, then 58, was jailed for four years at the Old Bailey for stealing nearly £500,000 of taxpayers’ money.

Just like her mum, who stood by her husband, Jacqueline also remained loyal to Dan when he was sacked from The Only Way Is Essex in 2015 after allegedly threatening his ex-girlfriend Megan, and claiming she was “his property”, when Jacqueline was pregnant with their first daughter, Ella.

Jacqueline only spoke out about the alleged incident once, in which she said she had reprimanded him and would “never fully forgive him”, while Dan admitted: “I mean I said stupid things, I take full responsibility of it and you learn from your mistakes.”

I’m told Jacqueline looks up to both her parents, especially her mum.

In 2014, she credited her mum as her idol, saying, “She’s not just the strongest woman but the strongest person I know. She does everything for our family. Everything”.

Crucially, Selina has taught her that you have to fight to save a marriage – after suffering her fair share of ups and downs throughout her 45-year relationship.

So when Jacqueline said “until death do us part” in her vows to Dan, she meant it.

Like she’s been loyal to EastEnders – being cast as a teenager and returning five years later after taking a break to have a family – Jacqueline has stood by Dan throughout the darkest of times.

She has also kept their marriage problems as private as possible.

Her mum, however, has sometimes seemingly hinted at a strained relationship with her son-in-law.

When the marriage had hit the rocks in previous years, Selina had gone so far as to unfollow Dan on social media.

If she’s happy, we’re happy. We’ll always be there for Jac no matter what anyway.

Mum Selina

Commenting in 2019, when Jaqueline appeared on I’m A Celebrity, Jacqueline’s sister Katrina cautiously told OK!: “We don’t get involved in their relationship, but we’re happy if Jacqueline is happy. Everything seems great at the moment.”

While Selina added: “If she’s happy, we’re happy. We’ll always be there for Jac no matter what anyway.”

‘Quietly quitting’

I believe Jacqueline has recently found herself again after returning to EastEnders.

Five years away, bringing up her family meant she understandably became more reliant on Dan.

But she is living a much more independent, free and happy life, knowing her worth.

Living separate lives recently has given Jacqueline the space she needs while in a positive mindset to work out her future.

It’s claimed former Towie star Dan moved out permanently last month into the house he was said to have bought behind Jac’s back in 2024.

His “secret” Essex pad came to light after the on-off couple announced last March that they had split. The following month, they appeared to rekindle their marriage on a “make or break” family holiday to Mexico.

In a surprise plot twist, friends say Dan has experienced doubts about going through with the divorce — but Jacqueline stood her ground.

A source close to Dan told The Sun last night: “Everyone knows they’ve had their troubles, but after spending some time apart this year, they’ve decided to make the split permanent.

“Their two daughters are their main priority.”

In recent weeks, the couple had unfollowed each other on social media.

However, when approached by The Sun about their marriage ending, the pair re-followed one another.

Jac’s pal said: “It feels too good to be true that she’s finally seen the light, but they’ve both been telling friends it’s over.

“It seemed impossible, but she’s starting to accept not being Dan’s wife and just Jacqueline.

“Her confidence has come flooding back and she’s happier than she’s been in a long time. Jacqueline’s also throwing herself in to work and enjoying every moment being the best mum she can be.

“Life is short — she’s determined not to waste it.”

Jacqueline might not be ready to share with the world that it’s over with Dan, but she’s been “quietly quitting” the marriage over the last few months – and friends hope this time, she’ll finally go through with it.

A BELOVED actress has been remembered as a “powerhouse of vitality and goodwill” after tragically dying following a battle with breast cancer.

Carrie Anne Fleming, 51, passed away in Sidney, British Columbia, and was best known for her role in the fantasy drama Supernatural.

She is survived by her daughter Madalyn Rose.

Fleming was confirmed dead by her co-star and friend Jim Beaver in a statement to Variety.

The star died on February 26, from complications after battling the deadly illness.

Later, in a lengthy heartfelt tribute posted to Facebook, 75-year-old Beaver called Fleming his “soulmate”.

STAR MYSTERY

6 unanswered questions in Towie star’s death from eerie phone location to CCTV

“To find a soul mate once in life is something of a miracle. To find one twice is almost unimaginable,” he said.

“To love and be loved is a pearl above price, but such pearls do come more than once or twice to the lucky.”

Beaver said loving her had been devastating, after losing Cecily – the mother of his child – to the same disease.

“I lost Cecily to cancer in 2004,” he said.

“Thursday, I lost Carrie to the same disease. I never thought my heart could break so badly more than once.

“But it has. But, oh, the two torches I carry – what bright, bright light they shed.”

He continued, recounting the first time they met on the set of the popular television series.

“Carrie Anne Fleming was cast as my wife on Supernatural in my fifth season on the show,” he said.

Beaver revealed he had “fallen for her hard” just seconds after meeting her for the first time.

He said he had been “shocked” to find she felt the same way.

“To find oneself paired with someone who not only loves and is loved, but who seems by magic or the grace of the gods to understand you, to want what you are, to want you to be what you are, who GETS you and never feels the need to have you defend who you are, and about whom you feel the same – how many of us can say that spark of divinity has alighted on us once, much less twice? I can,” he said in the heartbreaking tribute.

The pair bonded over both having daughters named Madeline Rose, with Beaver saying the discovery had been “the beginning of a beautiful friendship”.

“We ran lines of dialogue together in my trailer and talked for hours that first day, and the electricity between us was practically visible,” he wrote.

Beaver said the actress had “an amazingly good nature … a rapturous laugh and an utterly adorable personality that didn’t seem to have an off switch”.

“I was so in love I think my eyes turned silver,” he said.

“She seemed to think I was worth hanging around with, too.”

Fleming also starred in other popular shows including iZombie, Smallville, Good Luck Chuck, The L Word, Married Life and Supergirl. 

Born on August 16, 1974, in Digby, Nova Scotia, Fleming studied at Mount Douglas Senior Secondary in Victoria, British Columbia, and later attended the Kaleidoscope Theatre as well as the Kidco Theatre Dance Company for drama. 

She broke into the industry through an uncredited appearance in Adam Sandler’s Happy Gilmore, and later in a role in Viper.

In 2005 she was cast in Dario Argento’s show Masters of Horror, starring as a disfigured woman with cannibalistic urges.

She went on to appear and star in other horror shows, including Bloodsuckers and The Tooth Fairy.

More recently Fleming played Candy Baker on five seasons of the CW’s iZombie.

She also appeared in the 2015 TV film The Unauthorized Full House Story, exploring the behind-the-scenes making of the hit sitcom.

Fleming played the mother of Full House star Candace Cameron Bure, who portrayed D.J. Tanner on the show.

Fleming also performed in a number of British Columbia stage productions, including Steel Magnolias, Noises Off, and Romeo and Juliet.