DIFF’RENT Strokes star Todd Bridges has split from his wife, after three years of marriage.
The actor, 60, who played Willis on the much-loved 80s sitcom, met his spouse Bettijo on a dating app, but they have now called time on their relationship.
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Todd Bridges has split from his wife of three yearsCredit: GettyThe actor and his wife Bettijo had a whirlwind romance and got married after meeting just nine months beforeCredit: Instagram/@pagingsupermomTodd is best known for playing Willis in Diff’rent StrokesCredit: GettyDiff’rent Strokes was a HUGE dating show in the 19802Credit: Getty
The former child star revealed the news of his marriage break-up, saying he wished his wife “all the best”.
In a statement given to TMZ, the Diff’rent Strokes star told TMZ: “After much thought and mutual respect, we have decided to end our marriage.
“During our time together we shared meaningful moments, but have chosen to go our separate ways.
“I ask for privacy and wish her nothing but love and happiness moving forward.”
The couple’s break-up comes just over three years after the couple got married in a low-key Beverly Hills wedding, which just 40 guests attended.
The pair had a whirlwind romance, which saw them get engaged just six months after meeting on a dating app, and wed three months later.
This was Todd’s second marriage, as he was previously was married to Dori Bridges from 1998 to 2012.
DIFF’RENT STROKES FAME
Known for its catchy theme tune, Diff’rent Strokes aired on NBC and also ABC from 1978 to 1986, running for eight seasons.
The series followed the life of a wealthy businessman, Phillip Drummond, who adopts his housekeeper’s two children after she died.
Along with Todd, the popular sitcom made a star out of a young Gary Coleman, who’s character Arnold Jackson coined the phrase, “Whatchu talkin’ bout, Willis?”
But the show is also remembered for tacking a range of diverse issues, and addressing a host of serious issues, from eating disorders to bullying.
Actor Todd played Arnold’s older brother Willis.
Sadly after the show finished, he had several brushes with the law, and in 1987 was tried and later acquitted of attempted murder in 1988.
Todd also dealt with substance abuse issues, which he talks about in his book about his recovery, Killing Willis.
Todd is the only original member of the main cast to still be aliveCredit: GettyTodd’s co-star Gary Coleman died in 2010Credit: Getty
However, the actor turned his life around and is still a regular face on TV, which includes a stint on Celebrity Big Brother in 2022.
Todd is the last of the main and original Diff’rent Strokes stars who is still alive today.
His much-loved co-star Gary was plagued with health problems, and sadly died of a brain hemorrhage on May 28, 2010. He was 42.
Leah and her footballer boyfriend have parted ways and unfollowed each other on InstagramCredit: SplashMorgan Rogers, 23, reportedly wanted to keep the relationship under wraps while Leah was spotted soft launching it onlineCredit: GettyLeah showed off the back of her man after he whisked her away to the Cotswolds for a romantic trip before ChristmasCredit: Instagram
After having been on a string of dates, the Love Island beauty soft launched their relationship while at the Cowley Manor Hotel, Cheltenham.
She shared an Instagram story of Morgan, 23, walking off in the distance.
The influencer captioned the post: “I like it here.”
But it now seems their relationship has come to an end, The Sun can reveal.
The model remained loyal to Montel during the famed Casa Amour but it was later revealed he had shared a kiss with another bombshell, Tink.
They remained a strong couple despite the brutal snub and were dumped from the Island after being voted the “least compatible”.
It’s fair to say they didn’t last long on the outside, officially splitting just two weeks later.
Now all eyes will be on Leah to see if she will make a shock return to the All Stars villa in the wake of her break-up.
The star’s split with prem ace, Morgan, appears to have closely coincided with the show’s launch – which has now been pushed back due to raging wildfires in South Africa.
A source told us Leah deserved some good luck after her nightmare on Love IslandCredit: GettyMorgan Rogers was recently involved in a brawl during round three of their FA Cup clash against TottenhamCredit: Getty
JESS GLYNNE has called it quits with Jay-Z’s management company Roc Nation.
The move is to wipe the slate clean for 2026.
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Brit singer Jess Glynne has called it quits with Jay-Z’s management company Roc NationCredit: Getty
It follows a career blow earlier this year when she split from record label EMI following the release of just one album with them.
I’ve now learned she is no longer being looked after by Roc Nation — who I first revealed she had signed to in 2022 — and her career is now being guided by former Bros bass player Craig Logan.
Jess has teamed up with Logan Media Entertainment, which is run by Craig, who was in the Eighties pop band that had hits inculding When Will I Be Famous?.
It means that she is now on a roster alongside Pink, Dido, Louise and Beverley Knight.
My music insider said: “Jess hasn’t had the easiest situation in music. She has found it hard to get a team behind her who she feels really gets who she is and what she is aiming for.
“Now she has Craig and his firm, there are fresh ideas coming through thick and fast. Big things are being discussed for the coming months.”
Despite a turbulent time behind the scenes in 2025, Jess has had one of her most successful years thanks to hit Hold My Hand — a decade after it was released.
The song was named TikTok’s UK song of the year, after it was supercharged by the viral Jet2holidays trend.
Jess said: “I always knew there was something special about it. Melodically it’s instantly uplifting and catchy, but at its heart, the lyrics are powerful. They are about connection. The Jet2 campaign has brought a really fun, light-hearted twist to the song, and seeing it become TikTok’s song of 2025 ten years after its release has been incredible.
“It breathed new life into it, and I’m so grateful to see a wave of a new audience now connect with it and learn more about the song, and me. I am incredibly grateful for the journey this song is on.”
During her career, Jess has scored seven UK No1 singles, although her last one was I’ll Be There in 2018.
But with a new team behind her, she will be giving it everything she’s got to add to that hits tally.
Fit Shaun tour vow
Shaun Ryder wants to get fit ahead of the next Happy Mondays tourCredit: Getty
SHAUN RYDER is preparing to spend the new year whipping himself into shape ahead of the next Happy Mondays tour.
The group will hit the road for 22 dates across March and April.
Shaun tells me in an exclusive chat: “I am determined to get fit for the tour.
“I still get on my bike, and I love swimming. There is a pool at my gym. I do that a few times a week. But my other hip is f***d, and I need it replaced. So I can’t walk like I used to. “I’ve already had one hip replacement. And that f***d up.
“I should have had the other one done ages ago, but I’ve not had time.”
Shaun also vowed to be on his best behaviour on tour, adding: “I think the last time I went out and did any raving was 2000.
“I went and saw Oasis three nights in a row and danced around like a lunatic but I am totally clean now.
“My only addictions are to tea and Haribos. However, I still have two teenage girls at home.
“This means that when I am at home, I am Shaun’s taxi service. It’s f***ing nuts.
“The missus wants me out of the house as quickly as possible. So, you know, it’s like, I have come back from Ireland, and I am going straight out on the road with Black Grape.
“But I have spent the last few days as a taxi driver for the girls.”
The joys of middle age, eh Shaun?
Khloe’s not to be mist
Reality TV star Khloe Kardashian shows off her shapely legs as she promotes her hair mistCredit: TNI Press
THIGH and mighty Khloe Kardashian flashes the flesh as she promotes her hair mist.
And it comes after she denied getting back together with basketball player Tristan Thompson after their split in 2021.
The Kardashians celebrated Christmas with a gingerbread house that was iced with the family members’ names, and fans noticed his was on there.
But she replied: “He’s my children’s father.”
Ashley’s melon boat
Ashley Roberts chews into a watermelon during a luxury getawayCredit: instagram/iamashleyrobertsThe Pussycat Dolls star has jetted off with her boyfriend, tattoo artist George RollinsonCredit: instagram/iamashleyroberts
ASHLEY ROBERTS enjoys a slice of the high life as she chomps on a watermelon during a luxury getaway.
The Pussycat Dolls singer wore a bikini top, shades and headscarf as she posed on a yacht in Mauritius.
She has jetted off with her boyfriend, tattoo artist George Rollinson, for a post-Christmas holiday and looks suitably loved up.
Coming back to dreary England in the new year is going to be quite a shock for her.
The singer wore a bikini top, shades and headscarf as she posed on a yacht in MauritiusCredit: instagram/iamashleyroberts
Special for Ricky
RICK ASTLEY has landed his own BBC special, joining Dermot O’Leary for one of his Reel Stories.
They will look back at key moments in his life and career, following in the footsteps of acts including Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue who have previously taken part.
Zoe: My Britpop snogs
Zoe Ball has locked lips with many famous namesCredit: Getty
ZOE BALL has revealed she locked lips with famous names while living life to the full in the hedonistic Nineties.
On her Dig It podcast, she played a game of Snog, Marry, Avoid, and joked: “I did snog and avoid quite a few Britpop stars, none of whom I shall mention now.”
Zoe added: “I would avoid Damon [Albarn] because I can’t talk to him because I go all stupid. Young me would definitely have wanted to snog Liam Gallagher way back in the day.
“He would talk to me and I’d be like, ‘Fair, fair’.
“I don’t think I’d have wanted to marry any of them because I don’t think you should marry or meet your idols, quite frankly.
“But Dave Grohl, however, I would have wanted to marry and snog.”
The punk band, made up of Glen Matlock, Steve Jones and Paul Cook, have been touring with Frank, who replaced John Lydon as singer.
Now Glen wants the group to get into the studio together.
He said in an exclusive chat: “I’ve got a few ideas. I think Frank has. Steve’s a bit of a, ‘Just go and play’ kind of guy. I think Paul’s sort of on the fence about it, we’ll see. I think we’ve got it in us.”
The Sex Pistols and Frank – whose gigs were branded “karaoke” by bitter John – are also heading on tour again this coming year and have a host of dates in America.
Glen, who has a new documentary out, I Was A Teenage Sex Pistol, said: “We should have been just finishing a two-month American tour, but we had to postpone it because Steve fell over coming out of the Chelsea ground and broke his wrist in three places.
“We’ve had to reschedule everything. We’re going to be busy again.”
Fifth ammendments
Fifth Harmony will make their comeback in 2026Credit: Getty
FIFTH HARMONY will make their comeback in 2026 after a brief reunion at a Jonas Brothers gig.
NORMANI has confirmed the return, eight years after they split up. She will take part with Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane and Lauren Jauregui, but Camila Cabello won’t be back.
Teasing that fans can expect them back, Normani said: “I don’t have loose lips, but yes, 2026 will be one for the books for Fifth Harmony.”
Freedom for Jade
Jade has been given the Freedom of the Borough in South TynesideCredit: instagram/jadethirlwall
ANGEL Of My Dreams singer Jade has become Angel Of The North – after being given the Freedom of the Borough in South Tyneside, where she’s from.
She received the honour alongside the owner of local chippy Colmans.
Jade said on Instagram: “What an honour this was, with my family and friends by my side.
“If you see me walking my cattle around the town, mind ya business.”
Olivia’s loving New Year No1
OLIVIA DEAN looks set to claim the first No1 album of 2026, as The Art Of Loving is rising back up the charts.
The British singer’s album is currently in the lead and is expected to spend a third non- consecutive week in the top spot, although Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend is just behind her.
And another Liv – Olivia Rodrigo – is also back in the charts.
AS a headstrong leading lady in Bridgerton’s second series, Simone Ashley’s character Kate Sharma found her happy ever after.
But it seems that in real-life, the actress is still searching for The One after her brief romance with businessman Tim Sykes ended.
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Simone Ashley is still searching for The One after her brief romance with businessman Tim Sykes endedCredit: GettyThe couple had been spotted kissing at the US Open tennis tournament in SeptemberCredit: Larry MaranoSimone as Kate Sharma and Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix Regency rompCredit: �2023 Netflix, Inc.
The couple had been spotted kissing at the US Open tennis tournament in September, and holding hands as they sat courtside during a match at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
However, Simone has since unfollowed Tim on Instagram.
It’s not quite the fairytale love story her alter ego Kate enjoyed after marrying Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s Regency romp.
A source said: “Simone and Tim enjoyed spending time together during the summer.
“They have since decided that they want different things, so have ended their romance.”
It comes after Simone revealed she had split from her long-term boyfriend Constantin “Tino” Klein in February.
Chatting on BBC’s Woman’s Hour the following month about her new film, Picture This, she said: “It’s kind of ironic I’m promoting a romcom and, as of January this year, I’ve been entering my single era.”
Simone met former lawyer Constantin at the Grand Prix in Monaco in May 2022.
She later told Vogue magazine there was someone special in her life, but didn’t name him, explaining: “I’m very happy. We haven’t gone public yet.”
They went Instagram official soon after, with Simone sharing a snap of Constantin on his birthday in December 2022, captioned: “The best birthday surprise for the best person.”
Let’s hope she will be lucky in love in 2026.
A MERRY LIL’ XMAS
LILY ALLEN gives her best Mrs Claus impression during her Christmas party.
The West End Girl hitmaker posed in white stockings and suspenders with a red fur gown at London gentlemen’s club, Stringfellows, on Friday.
Lily Allen gives her best Mrs Claus impression during her Christmas partyCredit: Dave BenettLily with Lola Young and Olivia Rodrigo at the eventCredit: Dave BenettLewis Capaldi was also spotted at the famous nightspotCredit: Dave Benett
Lily was joined by model Lottie Moss along with fellow pop stars Olivia Rodrigo, Ella Eyre and Lola Young.
Lewis Capaldi was also spotted at the famous nightspot.
Lily performed Roll The Dice at the party and encouraged a singalong of West End Girl.
LIZZO IN SPIRITED QUEST
POP star Lizzo is swapping showbiz for the drinks biz after necking tequila live on stage.
It comes after the US star appeared at the 2019 Video Music Awards clutching a gem-encrusted bottle of the spirit.
Lizzo is swapping showbiz for the drinks biz after necking tequila live on stageCredit: Getty
Lizzo called the drink “chaquila”– which means a chug plus tequila.
But now her firm, Lizzo LLC, has applied for a global trademark to use the word Chaquila to sell drinks.
Papers filed with the UK Government’s Intellectual Property Office reveal she wants to use the term to market “alcoholic seltzers; alcoholic carbonated beverages, except beer; alcoholic beverages, except beer”.
The legal documents were lodged just days ago and are yet to be rubber-stamped.
Lizzo has even sung about her favourite tipple on the track Love In Real Life.
She sings: “Tequila, do your job, girl, help me change my mind. How many shots this time? (One, two, three, four).
“Tequila, do your job, girl, give me salt and lime. To help me fix my life (one, two, three, four).” Drink it all in, Lizzo.
Now the telly chef has filmed a YouTube campaign for next year’s event alongside magician David Blaine and former NFL ace Jason Kelce.
Gordon Ramsay already has a couple of Super Bowl adverts under his beltCredit: Getty
The concept is how “Meh” the world would be without YouTube, and Ramsay’s role involves serving up a “meh-nu”. Geddit?
An insider tells me: “Gordon and David filmed their roles in London last week and Gordon was incredibly charming.
“David insisted on performing magic tricks for everyone.”
February’s Super Bowl is set to be star-studded with performances from Bad Bunny, and Charlie Puth.
BEYONCE TOUR TOP GROSSING
BEYONCE has spoken of her struggle to be taken seriously as an artist.
Her comments come as the US superstar saw her Cowboy Carter Tour named the No1 highest-grossing tour of 2025, according to US mag Pollstar.
Beyonce has spoken of her struggle to be taken seriously as an artistCredit: Instagram/Beyonce
The Texas Hold ’Em hitmaker saw the 32 stadium concerts gross a total of $407,600,113, (around £305million), with an average ticket price of £191.
She told Pollstar: “I’ve been touring since the age of 15, nonstop. I have slowly built my legacy brick by brick.
“This show is a testament to the power of consistency and the dedication put into any craft.”
On believing in herself when some of the industry did not, she continued: “I’ve learned at a young age that nobody invests in you like you invest in yourself. I’ve slowly built with every tour.”
She added: “The first tour Destiny’s Child did with Wyclef Jean, we toured in a minivan.
“On a later tour in the late ’90s, we did our quick changes in a muddy tent in the rain because we didn’t have proper dressing rooms, designing our own clothes because designers would not.
“A decade of visiting every radio station on Earth, advocating for ourselves. Slowly building into being able to tour with a small band.
“More building until we could tour with dancers.
“Finally, selling out my first arena as a solo artist. The decades of fighting with the promoters, convincing them that an R&B artist could sell out a stadium.
“I continued to invest in myself and stay focused on the vision.
“I’m beyond grateful for my fans that have been a part of my journey.
“It’s important to me that they leave the show reinvigorated and inspired, feeling more in love with themselves, and closer to the people they love.”
I was lucky enough to be at the tour this year and Queen B rules.
TIM RAPS RUMOURS
HOLLYWOOD actor Timothee Chalamet has quashed rumours he is masked rapper Esdeekid – by joining the Liverpudlian in a video for a remix.
Fans speculated the Wonka actor was the mysterious drill artist as they were said to have similar eyes.
Timothy Chalamet has quashed rumours he is masked rapper EsdeekidCredit: InstagramChalamet joined the Liverpudlian in a video for a remixCredit: Instagram
But in a 99-second video for EsDeeKid’s track 4 Raws posted online on Friday night, Timothee danced with the balaclava-clad bad boy in a cramped kitchen.
Timothee also referenced his rapper alter-ego Timmy Tim and his make-up mogul girlfriend Kylie Jenner.
The Oscar-nominated actor, right and below in the video, raps: “It’s Timothee Chalamet chillin’, tryna stack a hundred million, girl got a billion.”
While the full remix has yet to be released, the video clip has already received nearly two million likes, along with comments from UK rapper Central Cee and US rap star Rich The Kid.
Timothee is now promoting his upcoming movie Marty Supreme, in which he plays ping-pong prodigy Marty Mauser.
It’s a white laugh for Kyran
Snow White Drag Panto
★★★★☆
FORGET kids’ panto – this adults-only Snow White in London’s West End is packed with innuendo and belly laughs.
Drag Race UK champ Kyran Thrax slays as the venomous Wicked Queen, left, serving glorious glamour and killer one-liners, while newly-svelte Kitty Scott-Claus sparkles as the sassy Fairy.
Forget kids’ panto – this adults-only Snow White in London’s West End is packed with innuendo and belly laughsCredit: Supplied
The massive cast at the Emerald Theatre delivers outrageous comedy and audience banter, poking fun at everyone from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to Nigel Farage.
It’s pure festive filth – definitely not for snowflakes or prudes.
Grab your tickets quickly before it vanishes on January 4.
A proper cracker.
UNA TO HAM IT UP FOR CRIMBO FEAST
THE SATURDAYS’ beauty Una Healy is shunning traditional turkey this Christmas.
The Tipperary star explained: “We’ve got the bird flu in Ireland so we’ll have to have ham.”
It’s not the first time turkey has been off the Crimbo menu.
At last month’s Irish Post Awards she recalled: “My mum came to visit me and she bought the turkey. But it was so bad we had to throw it out. Even the foxes wouldn’t eat it.”
The Ready For Christmas singer says the glamour of life in the girlband – on hiatus since 2014 – is gone and she now drives herself to gigs, adding: “It’s back to basics. I do my own hair and make-up.”
