This Morning

After two turbulent years with Eamonn Holmes at GMTV, Anthea Turner walked away from the show on Christmas Eve 1996 – she still believes his envy of her National Lottery show was the problem

A popular television presenter who worked with Eamonn Holmes says there was almost instant friction when she joined him on an iconic daytime TV show.

Eamonn has been one of the most recognisable stars on British television for decades and has worked with a long line of famous faces, including his ex-wife, Ruth Langsford.

But he hasn’t jelled with every colleague he has ever worked with. According to Anthea Turner, Eamonn took exception to her background when she joined him on the GMTV sofa in 1994.

“Eamonn is a trained journalist and I’m not,” she told The Times. “That caused tension from the start… The other thing was I didn’t have my ass on that sofa for very long before I was asked to present the National Lottery too, and I think that also annoyed him.”

Anthea’s first lottery show appearance attracted a huge TV audience of around 22million. Eamonn reportedly lobbied GMTV bosses to get her sacked, accusing her of being “too ambitious” and giving her the disparaging nickname ‘Princess Tippy Toes.’

She told The Sun: “I was always asked if I was ambitious and, if I said yes, I was made out to be a ruthless person who would walk over anybody to get where I wanted. It would be said that I was hormonal, or I was stamping my feet.’

She added: “And yet ask that question to a man, and if he’s ambitious, we think: ‘What a guy’. You’d never hear anyone say that about Eamonn or Phillip Schofield. No, they’re just doing their job.”

Anthea walked away from the “toxic” situation at GMTV on Christmas Eve 1996. Over a decade later, the former Blue Peter presenter said she was still “hurt” by the way she was perceived.

Speaking on the Miranda Holder Weekly Fashion Podcast, she said: “I haven’t weighed myself down with anything from the past, or any of that negativity.

“Nobody likes injustice, nobody wants to be misrepresented. It hurts, it really hurts.”

In a televised reunion in 2018, Anthea said that she had mixed feelings about Eamonn, saying: “There is a fine line between hate and love isn’t there? We were chatting in the break, Eamonn and I are a bit lazy and it’s easier to stay friends.”

Her remarks sparked a somewhat tense atmosphere in the This Morning studio, with Eamonn’s then-wife Ruth Langsford visibly taking exception to Anthea calling him her “ex.”

Ruth stressed that she and Eamonn were “properly married,” before Anthea interrupted her, saying: “Ah but we were telly husband and wife.”

While Anthea and Eamonn were said to have put an end to their bitter feud with her This Morning appearance, she later said that any talk of a friendship was exaggerated, telling the Express:”I don’t think Eamonn and I speak lots. “Those are just headlines saying that we reunited.”

She added: “Obviously, there was the hullabaloo. In fact, I went to Belfast where he was doing a show, and I remember going up there, it must have been about 15 years ago, and we signed a Good Friday Agreement.”

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The former This Morning guest shared how Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan treated her off-camera, following a “disastrous” moment on the show

A former This Morning guest has revealed how her appearance on the show ended in disaster. Hosted by Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan at the time, podcast host Louise Boyce said she was invited onto the show as a teenager for a live haircut, though was mortified by the outcome.

Joined by Richard and Judy’s daughter Chloe Madeley on her podcast, she told her: “Your mum and dad, it [This Morning] was the first TV show that I went on when I was 15. And, I really want to find the footage, it must be in the archives somewhere, but I went on there to have my haircut, a live haircut.

“I was 15 years old, I was still at school and very aware of how I looked and the haircut was disastrous.”

Recalling her immediate reaction, she said she instantly knew it was “horrendous” but politely told the hairdresser she “really liked it” with a shaky voice.

“But, your mum and dad were so kind to me because they must’ve seen or felt that I was just like, ‘I hate what you’ve just [done to me’]’,” she continued on the No Parental Guidance podcast.

“‘You have just violated my hair live on TV, my first ever TV [experience]’. And they were so, your mum and dad, even off-camera they were like, ‘Hair grows, it’s okay’.”

In response, Chloe gushed: “I can’t say it enough how kind he is and how fair of a man he is and how unbelievably good his values and [morals] are. I get really angry when people go for him because I’m like, ‘You don’t know how good this person is’.”

The fitness guru continued by revealing she’d also picked up valuable lessons from her mum, especially regarding being “a calm” and “well adjusted” parent.

Richard and Judy presented the ITV programme from 1998 to 2001. When previously asked about their decision to leave the show, they said it felt like the right moment to move on and explore new ventures.

The duo went on to front their own programme, Richard and Judy, which was broadcast during early evening slots on Channel 4.

Richard remains a familiar presence on ITV as a presenter on Good Morning Britain, while Judy has stepped away from the public eye.

The former broadcaster was most recently spotted on television during their daughter’s ITV documentary, Chloe Madeley: A Family Affair.

However, after running for just one series, it didn’t return following Chloe’s split from rugby player James Haskell.

The pair, who are parents to two-year-old daughter Bodhi, announced their separation in 2023 after five years of marriage.

During her recent podcast chat, Chloe revealed that the former couple are still navigating a “stressful” divorce.

Providing an insight into her love life situation, she said she’s content with being single after having a disliking her experience on dating apps.

FOR years Molly-Mae Hague was the influencer who up-and-coming social media stars aspired to be like – she had the huge brand deals, the hunky fiancé and millions in the bank.

But fast forward to today and the 26-year-old’s aesthetically pleasing life is no longer top of the wish list. In her place are a host of ‘real’ women with some serious career goals and leading the way is social media star Meagan Wells. Here, insiders tell us how being the so-called ‘anti-Molly’ has helped the rising mogul, the truth behind rumours she’s ‘sold out’ and what really happened with her former bestie, Asher Mary Lou.

More than half a million fans have been closely watching Meagan’s every move since she burst onto the scene in 2021 – sharing her Slimming World journey.

She describes herself as “Your Midsize Geordie bestie,” who puts confidence for curvy women at the forefront of her brand.

It saw many young girls flock to her as a source of inspiration as she shared her fashion hacks and body battles with her fans in her typical down-to-earth manner.

If she wants a boob job then she’s more than entitled too.

Insider on her changing look

In a surprisingly bold move just last month, Meagan made her intentions clear as she declared: “In a world full of Molly-Mae’s be proud to be a Bridget Jones.” 

The post raised eyebrows with her fans, and one of Meagan’s followers told The Sun: “She has always advocated for positivity but her Bridget Jones and Molly-Mae comment felt seriously misguided.

“There was such a clearer way she could have compared herself to a Bridget Jones-type without having to discourage anyone from following in Molly-Mae’s path.

“Many of us have been speculating in our group chats if she was simply using Molly’s name as she knows it will get her attention and likes.”

Meagan was quick to explain herself, telling her followers: “This isn’t shade to Molly-Mae. It’s the Molly-Mae effect on social media which is the side of social media that is all about perfectionism, clean girl, minimal aesthetics and if you feel you don’t sit in that (me), you are seen also.”

But behind the scenes things were really changing for Meagan and as her fame rose, she started to shed her girl-next-door image.

One fan questioned how honest her posts are, writing: “You’ve posted before about all the face/hair editing software you use on your face.”

While her weight has always been a hot topic on her socials, suddenly Meagan seemed slimmer than ever and then in September she shocked people when she decided to get a boob job. 

There were also trips to aesthetic clinics and getting her lips done and suddenly she looked a far cry from the girl who started off desperate to lose weight. She was a size 18 at her biggest and a 10 at her smallest.

Whilst no one could fault Meagan wanting to get fit and healthier as she embarked upon her own personal journey – the loyal fans who were with her at the start have now admitted to feeling “cheated”, accusing her of turning into everything she proclaimed she would never be.

Over the summer she posted a video in her bikini showing people how to pose on the beach but her followers were quick to point out that of course she looked good – with a full face of glam.

“I’m fairly certain any pose will work for you. Simply because you are a goddess,” remarked one.

And someone else added: “It helps that she is absolutely gorgeous anyway.”

But insiders tell us Meagan would be horrified by the suggestion that  it’s all a bit of an act, explaining: “There has never been any secret about her wanting to look her best – and if she wants a boob job then she’s more than entitled too.

“People need to remember she is growing up in the public eye and of course her style will evolve.

“She knows people were surprised by her new boobs, but she’s engaged now and just wants to look and feel her best. She’s got big plans for the future.”

Another source speculated: “Influencers will often do what it takes to stay relevant, and when they are offered  things it’s hard to turn it down. She might be allowed to change and grow, but it’s understandable why people might feel let down.”

Having seen her fame soar over the past few years, Meagan decided to launch a podcast with close pal and growing influencer Asher Mary Lou – Talking Thirty.

It started in November 2023, to much fanfare, and over the course of the year they bashed out three series by September 2024.

“They don’t even follow each other now – it was a real cut off.”

Insider on her fall out from Asher

During their last episode of the series, they joked it would be their last one ever, which turned out to be foreshadowing because it then disappeared without a trace – and even their Instagram has now been removed. 

They claimed to be too busy to record it any more, but the urgency with which they removed it from their bios suggested something much deeper going on.

Insiders tell us: “The girls grew close very quickly and decided to do the podcast pretty soon after meeting.

“But they realised they don’t actually have the same values and there was one row in particular, which they now both refuse to talk about, which made them end the friendship.

“They don’t even follow each other now – it was a real cut off.”

Meagan’s foray into podcasting might not have lasted long, but she has now set her sights on transitioning into the traditional celebrity world of TV, like many of her fellow Instagram influencers and TikTok stars.

Just this month, she shared a reel about her dreams of landing a spot on This Morning as part of a “Manifesting Morning TV” post.

Meagan told her followers how she’d undertaken a TV presenter course in the hopes of honing her skills.

Our insider added: “She’s very clear about what her goals are – like with everything she’s been very honest about what she wants career-wise.

“She’s not necessarily taking the traditional influencer route like Molly did and she’s determined not to lose herself along the way.”

Despite the worries and concerns, Meagan has long provided a safe space for her fans who have struggled with body image issues.

She has never shied away from showing off her body hang-ups which is far more than can be said for many Instagram influencers.

And while there may be questions about if she’s sold out and become skinny, she’s forging her own path – reaping the rewards of her fame and followers.

The Sun has contacted Meagan Wells’ representative for comment.

Loose Women star Christine Lampard has been hosting This Morning alongside Dermot O’Leary this week

Loose Women presenter Christine Lampard has joked that she felt a bit “guilty” whilst stepping in on This Morning.

The TV personality has been assisting Dermot O’Leary with presenting duties on the ITV programme this week after Emma Willis, who was scheduled to host with him this week, became unwell and was unable to participate.

Christine was at the helm of the show with Dermot on Wednesday (December 17) as chef Nisha Katona prepared a butter bean and cranberry tikka masala during the cookery segment. She admitted to feeling somewhat guilty about tucking into the food whilst her Loose Women colleagues went hungry in the adjacent studio, reports Belfast Live.

The presenter was savouring the dish as This Morning checked in with Loose Women’s Kaye Adams, who was telling viewers what was coming up on the programme.

Christine remarked: “When I am doing Loose Women, we are always jealous watching you cooking and we are sitting there going, ‘We want that.’ And here I am.”

Whilst introducing Kaye, she added: “I know, I know, I’m sorry! I feel guilty, but I’m going to carry on!” Kaye then encouraged her to “enjoy” the meal.

“That is absolutely beautiful, it’s exactly what I wanted,” Christine declared.

This Morning’s usual presenters are Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, who front the daytime programme Monday to Thursday, with Dermot and Alison Hammond assuming control on Fridays.

During holiday periods, they are typically substituted by a rotating selection of guest presenters, including Christine, Rochelle Humes and Josie Gibson.

Emma was scheduled to host the show this week, but Christine and Josie have been stepping in.

On Monday’s episode of the ITV programme (December 15), Dermot informed viewers about Emma’s absence, explaining she was unwell and couldn’t host.

“Full disclosure,” he announced. “Emma Willis was supposed to be in this week. Emma is a little bit poorly. So we are sending her big love.”

Pointing towards Josie, he introduced her to the audience: “Look who is back with me. It’s only Miss Josephine Gibson!”

“Thanks for having me, Dermot,” she responded.

This Morning and Loose Women both air on ITV

JEFF Brazier has admitted that he’s “spending time reflecting on life” after his split from his wife and ongoing family feud.

The This Morning star, 46, who split from wife Kate Dwyer, 35, after seven years of marriage was taking a time out in St Kitts.

Jeff took to Instagram and posted a series of beautiful snaps, with one showing the star standing alone on a sandy beach staring out at a gorgeous sunset

He captioned the snap: “Just had the perfect week in St Kitts thanks to @stkittstourism.

“Celebrating the sunshine and time to reflect on life & work while spending time with the team filming for one of our big @itvwin January competitions.

“Thank you to @mickarchy @roscoyule PB & Anita for being such great company and doing a really top class job.

FEUD OVER

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He then posted some recommendations based on his stay before he said: “Don’t forget to check out the Atlantic and Carribean views from Timothy Hill Overlook.”

Jeff announced he had split from his wife, Kate back in November.

In an emotional statement, Jeff said: “I’m so full of love and gratitude for Kate.

“For all we achieved, for how much we grew, for everything we endured.

“We separated in the Summer and kept it private for as long as we could to give us some time to adjust.

“For 12 years we have been each others safe space, each others biggest supporters at a time when our lives have been busy, painful & complex.

“I’m so proud of how hard we worked, how we kept showing up, we gave everything and more.

“I’m also so full of respect and admiration for the successful career Kate has built and the way she cared for me unconditionally.

“It’s credit to the woman she is that she still checks in to ask how the boys are doing because she is so invested in their lives.

“They love her and I have many friends that love her too. I will miss her family who always went above and beyond to support us.

“My words don’t tell the full picture because they don’t need to.

“We will carry on supporting each other and I know I’ll be celebrating her inevitable wins just like before.

“We both deserve complete happiness and we’re upset that we ultimately couldn’t be that for one another and It felt time to let it go.”

Last week The Sun revealed that his son Freddy was embroiled in a furious row with his pregnant ex girlfriend over their baby’s future.

The 21-year-old is facing devastating consequences before his first child is even born as he continues to clash with Holly Swinburn, 22.

Freddy — son of late Big Brother legend Jade Goody — risks not being on the birth certificate after their latest fallout.

Sources claim they’re at loggerheads over custody of their shared dog, an American Bully named Pablo.

Holly has been accused of backing Freddy into a corner – as she threatens to block him being legally named as the father of her child.

As the former couple are not married, Freddy’s name can’t be automatically included on the birth certificate.

Holly spoke to The Sun on Sunday about why her relationship ended, claiming she dumped him after he held a 3am drugs party with girls at her home while she was away.

Meanwhile, Jeff is still involved in an ongoing family feud between him and the late Jade Goody’s mum Jackiey Budden.

But reports reveal that he has “landed a new fly-on-the-wall reality show” with his sons Bobby and Freddy that allow the Brazier family to set the record straight on a number of things.

A This Morning star has given birth and shared sweet photos of the baby

A beloved star on This Morning has revealed the exciting news that she has welcomed her first baby.

TV chef Poppy O’Toole, also known as the Potato Queen, first joined the ITV series a few years back and has made countless appearances to cook up a feast on the show.

This year though, she confirmed she was pregnant with her first baby, just months after getting married to her partner of 15 years Tom Shattock.

Since then, an excited Poppy has been keeping her thousands of online fans updated on her pregnancy journey. And on Saturday (December 13) Poppy revealed she recently welcomed a baby daughter.

Taking to her Instagram, the TV star shared several photos of her posing with her new baby in front of a Christmas tree. She captioned the post: “The baby potato arrived last week and she is doing amazingly. Thanks for all the love and messages.”

As expected, fans and co-stars rushed to the comments section to send their well-wishes. ITV and Lorraine star Dr Amir Khan penned: “Huge congratulations.”

Gordon Ramsay also wrote: “Congratulations to you both sending lots of love from all the Ramsays.” Fellow chef John Torode gushed: “Congratulations.. so bloody wonderful.”

Meanwhile, one fan declared: “Congratulations!!!!! Wishing you so much love and happiness.” Another followed chimed in: “Congratulations to you both! Wonderful news and lovely little squishy Potato tot cuddles. Have the best Christmas.”

Earlier this year, Poppy revealed she married her partner. However, talking about their special day on social media at the time, she admitted it was an “unconventional” day, as they failed to give at least 29 days’ notice before the ceremony.

Failing to give the required notice of marriage can prevent a wedding from taking place on the intended date. If couples fail to give 29 days notice, the ceremony may need to be rescheduled, and additional fees may be incurred for rebooking.

In the end, the couple took care of all the “official stuff” in Redditch, not forgetting to take a series of snaps outside the registry office. Despite it not being a traditional day, it didn’t dampen Poppy’s spirits, as she took to Instagram to share in the joyous news.

This Morning airs Monday to Friday at 10am on ITV1.