He has raised eyebrows for being loose-lipped on his podcast – and recently, Tommy Fury shockingly revealed he has ‘no savings at all’.

The boxer, 27, justified his financial situation, saying he has no debt and owns ‘everything’, adding, ‘I just live life as it comes. Don’t live beyond your means.’ Just days later, it was reported that his property company, Fury Properties Ltd, faces being floored by government officials, with Tommy failing to file any annual accounts.

Insiders say that his fiancée, Molly-Mae Hague, also 27, is fed up and wants him to grow up and take control of his finances.

The source reveals, ‘Molly’s frustration has reached boiling point. She wants Tommy to put as much dedication into sorting vital things like money as he does into training. It drives her to despair. She wants to engage a wealth management consultant for Tommy to ensure he has money put away for their future.

‘She wants Tommy to take responsibility and grow up now he’s a father of two.’

The couple – who are parents to Bambi, three, and three-month-old Midas – met on Love Island seven years ago, and Molly-Mae has recently put her engagement ring back on following their brief split in August 2024.

The influencer – who recently enjoyed a child-free trip to Dubai with her fiancé – is believed to be worth £20million thanks to her stream of brand deals and clothing label Maebe.

And now, the insider says that Molly-Mae is calling for a deep dive into Tommy’s accounts.

‘She says Tommy spends like a kid. If he sees it and likes it, he buys it,’ the source explains. ‘So Molly has issued Tommy a warning to get it sorted. She doesn’t want to risk losing everything overnight.’

She shot to fame on Love Island back in 2019. And since then, Maura Higgins has been gunning for world domination.

After solidifying herself as a household name in the States when she finished as runner-up on The Traitors US, the Irish personality, 35, was cast in the 35th season of Dancing With The Stars.

But while the show, which is America’s answer to Strictly Come Dancing, will begin later this month, Maura – who also hosted Love Island spin-off shows and starred on I’m A Celebrity! – has already ruffled a few feathers by starting a feudwith professional dancer Gleb Savchenko.

An insider tells Closer, ‘Maura needs to be careful of any mudslinging on DWTS. She’s not off to a good start – this is her chance to crack the States, but her brutal honesty is in danger of being her downfall!

‘Gleb is extremely popular, and adored by viewers and the judges – he’s like a pin-up Anton Du Beke. The judges and other dancers think Maura has made a major misstep with him, and that Gleb was the wrong pro to pick on.

‘Producers are already worrying they’ve made the wrong move in hiring her – but only time will tell.’

The rift began back in May, when Maura revealed she’d be happy to be partnered with ‘anyone except Gleb’ on DWTS.

‘That’s only because I’m loyal and I’m friends with Brooks [Nader],’ she explained. ‘I don’t really like the way he speaks about women. I don’t really want to spend all my time with someone like that.’

Brooks, 29, dated her pro partner Gleb, 42, in season 33 of the hit ABC show but the actress later claimed she found evidence of cheating on his phone – which Gleb denied.

In response to her comments, Russian dancer Gleb said in August, ‘I’d genuinely never heard of Maura…We’ve never met, and she doesn’t know me personally, so it’s disappointing to be judged based on a one-sided version of events rather than the facts.’

But two weeks later, Maura poked the bear again – admitting she’d be a ‘nightmare’ in the rehearsal room, and stated once more that she’d take ‘anyone but Gleb’ as a dance partner.

The source continues, ‘Maura has a tendency to speak before she thinks – but DWTS don’t like any agro between the stars. Of course, producers want headlines – but also for things to stay classy. They weren’t impressed. This isn’t Love Island. Maura’s built a name for herself, but she’s still one of the least known celebs in the line-up – and producers don’t want any toxicity.’

However, no-nonsense Maura has caused upset on reality shows in the past. She was caught sharing a drunken kiss with her I’m A Celebrity! co-star Danny Jones at a 2025 BRIT Awards after-party. The McFly guitarist made a public apology to his wife and son, while Maura has kept schtum on the scandal.

And the insider says Maura isn’t fazed by drama, saying, ‘Maura isn’t bothered. She’s determined to make a name for herself on the show– and if that means causing a little bit of controversy, so be it.’

Meghan and Harry’s return to Britain has sparked divided reactions, to say the least. Relatives, friends and the public all seem to have a view on the surprise homecoming –and plenty of it isn’t flattering.

But one figure is, we’re told, especially incensed that the couple appear to be welcomed back from America with no consequences after the pointed criticism they’ve aimed at the royal Family since 2020.

That person, insiders claim, is disgraced former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He’s said to be livid that Harry and Meghan can seemingly stroll back into King Charles’ favour, while he feels he’s been cast aside for – as he still sees it – far less.

An insider tells us, ‘As usual, Andrew is throwing a fit and saying he’s being treated poorly by his brother Charles. His Majesty has helped him financially, but somehow, it’s still not enough. For Andrew, though, this is about more than money; it’s about the total lack of respect he feels his brother and the rest of the family is showing him. The fact that he’s been punished and banished, while the red carpet is being rolled out for Harry and Meghan, has left him feeling very hard done by.’

Among the allegations Harry has directed at his family and the institution, he has claimed the family colluded against Meghan and leaked stories to the press. In Spare, he also alleged that William once physically attacked him.

Andrew is now based at Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate, after being moved out of Royal Lodge, Windsor, in February, where he had lived largely rent-free for two decades. Charles, who owns Sandringham, paid for renovations ahead of Andrew’s relocation to the five-bedroom house.

Andrew’s fall from grace came after years of controversy surrounding his links to the late paedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, along with allegations by Virginia Giuffre, which he has always denied.

In October 2025, Giuffre’s posthumous autobiography alleged Andrew sexually abused her on three occasions when she was 17. She died by suicide in April 2025, aged 41. The book increased pressure on the royal family, and Charles began taking steps to remove Andrew’s titles. Since then, Andrew has faced additional scrutiny over claims relating to his conduct while serving as a UK trade envoy.

Even so, it appears Andrew believes Harry is the one who has truly harmed the monarchy’s standing. Our source explains, ‘He says he’s never put the family down the way Harry and Meghan have. He doesn’t understand how they can be forgiven for airing the family’s dirty laundry, and yet here he is, excluded and blocked when he’s never once set out to harm the family the way they’ve done.

He accepts that he made mistakes in terms of his choice of his friendships, but he doesn’t feel it’s fair that he’s banished for the rest of his life while these two get to waltz back in.’

For Andrew, the speed at which royal favour shifts may be hard to stomach. Not long ago, the family appeared united in condemnation of Harry and Meghan’s public attacks; now the couple seem to be welcomed back while he remains sidelined.

‘Andrew was right in the thick of it when Harry and Meghan were at the most treacherous. It really wasn’t all that long ago that everyone, including the King, was adamant that they'd never get another chance, and now here they are, suddenly back in the UK, as though all is forgiven. Andrew is appalled, and not simply because he’s now found himself on the outside looking in. But he insists it’s the stress and suffering they caused the late Queen and Prince Philip in the final years of their lives that he just can’t forgive,’ says our source.

Queen Elizabeth never publicly rebuked Harry and Meghan, but Andrew remained fiercely loyal to her, according to the insider. ‘Andrew has always been incredibly protective of his mother. She may not have condemned Harry and Meghan for the things they said and did, but Andrew believes she should have. But he’s still so angry on her behalf, and he says he can’t believe his brother Charles would blight her memory by allowing his traitorous son and daughter-in-law to slither back in.’

It’s not just Harry’s ‘return’ that reportedly grates – it’s also the sense that Harry has little time for his uncle.

‘Harry has not said anything outright, but it's well known that he has zero respect for his uncle,’ our insider confides. “If he and Meghan had shown Andrew even a shred of support, he’d probably be singing a different tune, but they’ve been very pointedly icing him out for a while now. The disrespect really bothers Andrew, and to add insult to injury, they’re closer than ever to his daughters. Andrew doesn’t doubt that they’re encouraging Eugenie and Beatrice to avoid him too, which only adds to his fury.’

So could Andrew try to leverage William to improve his own position – and perhaps use that alliance to pressure Charles? We hear it’s not impossible that Andrew might push for a joint approach, especially given that William is widely believed to be in no mood to forgive Harry.

The source says, ‘This is probably the singular thing that Andrew would side with William on right now. He’s said he’d be willing to speak to his Majesty alongside William to appeal to him, which says a lot considering how unforgiving William has been to him.’

We’re told Andrew ‘refuses to stay banished after this’ and may see cooperation with William as his best chance to edge the door open again.

Whether William would ever entertain that is uncertain. A family friend told the BBC, ‘William is very stubborn. To feel cheated by your own brother has been painful. He can't just put it behind him.’

By contrast, last year Harry told the BBC, ‘I would love reconciliation with my family. There's no point in continuing to fight any more.’

For now, Queen Elizabeth II’s sons and grandsons look entrenched on opposite sides, with little overlap between them. With so many famously stubborn personalities involved, the question is who, if anyone, is willing to shift first.

Just days after news emerged that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were planning a dramatic return to Britain, the Sussexes have reportedly already landed back on UK soil – with the family said to have quietly flown into Birmingham and headed straight for the next chapter of their lives.

And while exactly where they are laying their heads remains a closely guarded secret, reports suggest Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, may have already secured a new family home – with speculation mounting that they have set their sights on the idyllic Cotswolds.

If true, it would mark a remarkable new beginning for the couple, who have spent the past six years building their lives in the exclusive Californian enclave of Montecito. Their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, are also reportedly preparing to start school in Britain, meaning this is no fleeting visit – the family’s grand homecoming is officially underway.

And Harry, who turns 42 next month, is certainly no stranger to the area. He spent plenty of time in the Cotswolds as a teenager and knows its rustic country pubs, muddy trails and rolling hills only too well.

Now, a source tells us that after becoming ‘claustrophobic’ in Montecito – as much as anyone can become claustrophobic in a sprawling $29 million mansion, of course – Harry is ready to swap California for the fresh air of the English countryside.

But it seems the country life isn’t the only thing calling him home. We’re told he is equally keen to rediscover the bright lights of London – and is hopeful that this dramatic new chapter on British soil could give his eight-year marriage a boost, too.

A source tells us, ‘Harry is so energised by this move. He’s saying it’s exactly what they need as a family and as a couple. It’s no secret he’s felt increasingly isolated and claustrophobic in Montecito, which, for all its beauty and comfort, is a pretty sleepy and stuffy environment for younger couples who have so many interests further afield.

‘Harry misses the energy and buzz of London and can’t wait to enjoy date nights in the city as well as romantic trips with Meghan around the UK. He’s been complaining for a while that things have gotten stale in Southern California; quite frankly, he’s felt bored and out of his comfort zone, and that’s caused a lot of tension and resentment that’s bled into the marriage.’

Revisiting the scene of their first date ten years ago at London’s Soho House will no doubt make for a romantic evening for the couple. But after years of reported reluctance from Meghan to ever set foot on UK soil again, it’s hard to imagine that a little soft lighting and a few cocktails will be enough to sweep all that apprehension under the designer carpet.

And our source confirms that this extraordinary move – one that is said to have taken everyone by surprise – has been a real ‘sacrifice’ for Meghan. Leaving behind her family, friends and the Montecito home she has built with Harry, the Duchess is now walking straight back into the heart of ‘the lion’s den’.

‘She’s going along with it but with something of a heavy heart and a lot of anxiety about what’s ahead of them,’ the insider says.

‘There’s no question Meghan will miss her friends and loved ones terribly, especially her mother. It’s a sacrifice to be basing herself 6,000 miles outside of her comfort zone and back in the lion’s den, where she believes she’s going to be scrutinised and dissected at every turn.’

So naturally, we’re told that ahead of their return, Meghan has sat down with Harry to discuss certain rules that must be adhered to for not just their move to work out, but their marriage, too.

An insider says, ‘They know a lot of people believe this will break them, so that’s a huge motivator for them to prove everyone wrong. They both insist that their marriage can withstand anything because they have such a deep bond, but that doesn’t mean they don’t put in work to keep it that way.

‘They are very aware that this is going to be challenging, it’s an enormous upheaval and will put them under a huge amount of pressure, so they’re being proactive and talking about what can be done ahead of time to make sure the stress of this all doesn’t tear them apart.’

Alongside regular date nights, we’re told Meghan is adamant that when it comes to Harry’s friends, and certainly his family, she expects to continue as his number one priority.

The source says, ‘They’ve agreed that they need to schedule date nights so that they will have private time to reconnect. They’re both going to be extremely busy, so it really does need to go in the calendar, or it simply won’t happen.

‘She needs Harry to keep protecting and sticking up for her, and if he doesn’t do that to Meghan’s satisfaction, then the marriage could go downhill fast.’

Top of Meghan’s ‘How to survive your marriage in the UK’ manifesto, however, is that the family continue to remain together, which means that when it comes to her travelling for new projects or shooting anything on location, the source says she has made it clear to Harry that she wants him and the children by her side.

‘They want to avoid being apart for extended stretches, so if Meghan goes on location at all for acting work, Harry and the kids will go with her. No matter how hectic things get, protecting their marriage and making sure it survives this test is key,’ the insider says.

But if Harry and Meghan thought their British homecoming was going to be plain sailing, they may already have hit their first major bump in the road. Just 72 hours after news of their dramatic move emerged, it was alleged that Meghan had already lost the big acting role she was rumoured to have been offered back in the UK.

Reports last week claimed that Meghan had been cast in the third series of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix sensation, The Gentleman, which was largely filmed in the Cotswolds – just miles from Highgrove House, where the Sussexes met with King Charles last month.

Yet within days, former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown alleged that ‘the backlash in the UK’ had been ‘so intense’ following reports Meghan had landed the role, it had made the job offer ‘untenable’ going forward.

Nothing has been officially confirmed, of course, but if the claims are true, it will no doubt have come as a bitter blow for Meghan. And royal author Tom Sykes has now speculated on his Substack, The Royalist, that the determined Duchess could instead find herself spending large swathes of time back in the US, promoting her lifestyle brand, As Ever.

‘Harry and the kids are moving back to Britain. Meghan is going to come and go. Mainly, go,’ he summarised.

But our source warns there could still be rising tensions ahead between her and Harry, as we’re told of Harry’s hopes that Meghan will cut back on her work schedule and that their family will remain firmly on UK ground – at least while they settle in and ingratiate themselves with his friends and family again.

‘Harry’s promised to do that, but he also wants to see Meghan make a big effort when she’s in the UK – especially with his friends and family. The last thing he needs is for her to be hiding away or glued to her work 24/7 instead of embracing this new environment in a positive and proactive fashion,’ the insider says.

‘He understands that she’ll want to make occasional trips back to the States, but that can’t become a habit – she needs to throw herself into this and help them revert to the same couple they were when they fell in love all those years ago. Unless that happens, it’ll be an uphill struggle, and deep down they both know that, whether they admit it or not.’

THE BLAME

DRAMA, ITV1

Michelle Keegan takes centre stage in this gripping new thriller about power, loyalty and institutional failings. Michelle plays DI Emma Crane, a detective investigating the murder of a teenage girl in the seemingly peaceful town of Wakestead. Working alongside DI Tom Radley (Douglas Booth), Emma soon discovers that the case reaches far beyond one shocking death, exposing corruption, misogyny and deeply uncomfortable secrets within the police force. As the investigation gathers pace, Emma begins to question who she can trust and whether some of her colleagues have something to hide.

ADULTERY

DRAMA, ITV1

This steamy six-part drama from lauded, award-winning writer Danny Brocklehurst is led by Dominic Cooper and Romola Garai as fellow parents Tom Kirkman and Beth Brookes. When Tom’s 15-year-old daughter Jess finds love with schoolmate Ollie, the smitten pair can’t keep their hands off each other. And when Tom meets Ollie’s mum Beth in rather unexpected circumstances, they become so unlike their lovestruck teenage kids and begin a passionate affair. It’s not long before their scandalous secret threatens to turn the lives of both families upside down…

THE CELEBRITY TRAITORS

ENTERTAINMENT, BBC1

Claudia Winkleman is back at Ardross Castle, her eyeliner immaculate, her smile positively dangerous. After series one smashed records, pulling in nearly 15 million viewers and becoming the biggest unscripted show since 2021, the stakes are even higher for this second outing. Twenty-one famous faces, including Bella Ramsey, Miranda Hart, Richard E. Grant, James Blunt and Ross Kemp, head to the Scottish Highlands for the ultimate game of deception and betrayal. Each is playing for their chosen charity, but who is plotting murder in the dark? You'll be shouting at the telly before you know it.

BILL’S INCLUDED

COMEDY, BBC1

In this brand-new sitcom, Rob Brydon is Bill Beam, a recently divorced man of a certain age who rents his spare rooms to students to keep the wolf from the door. Well-meaning but overbearing, Bill desperately wants to be a cool landlord, which he absolutely is not. For the freshers, living with Bill is awkward but cheap – and soon the household embraces its status as a newfound family.

I AM…HELEN

DRAMA, CHANNEL 4

This multi-award-winning anthology drama series explores the experience of womanhood through a distinctly female lens. In the new two-parter, Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan plays Helen in a hard-hitting piece that examines the present-day expectations placed on women, and the damage toxic masculinity can do to a relationship.

WAR

DRAMA, SKY ATLANTIC

In this legal drama with a side order of scandal, Dominic West and Sienna Miller star as divorcing power couple Morgan Henderson and Carla Duval, whose split becomes a lucrative battleground for two rival London law firms. As the lawyers fight to come out on top, ambitious young solicitor Johnny Warren (Archie Renaux) finds himself drawn into a world where loyalty is shaky and winning matters most. Created by George Kay, the man behind Lupin and Hijack, this eight-part drama also stars Phoebe Fox, Nina Sosanya, Celia Imrie and Nick Mohammed. With money, marriage and reputations at stake, things are unlikely to stay civil….

THE PARTY

DRAMA, ITV1

Martin Gilmour (Luke Evans) is a journalist who’s spent decades fascinated by his privileged school friend Ben Fitzmaurice (Tom Cullen), When Martin attends Ben’s lavish birthday celebration, the night ends in tragedy. Based on Elizabeth Day’s novel, this five-part drama explores class, ambition and envy, and proves that some friendships really are best left in the past…

THE WITCH FARM

DRAMA, BBC1

Bill Rich (Michael Socha) and Liz Rich (Gabrielle Creevy) move from London to a remote farmhouse in Wales, hoping for a peaceful new beginning, only to discover their new home may be anything but welcoming. Set in 1989 and inspired by the real-life Heol Fanog case, this four-part supernatural drama follows the couple as disturbing events begin taking place around them. After Liz sees a ghostly figure during a traumatic home birth, their lives start spiralling into something far more sinister. As the strange occurrences continue, the strain on their marriage grows too. A creepy true-story-inspired drama to save for a dark night in.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

DRAMA, NETFLIX

This is the one we've all been waiting for! Dolly Alderton, the woman who made a generation weep over Everything I Know About Love, has turned her considerable talents to the greatest love story ever told. Emma Corrin is Elizabeth Bennet, Jack Lowden is Mr Darcy, and The Crown’s Olivia Colman is Mrs Bennet (and almost certainly going to steal every single scene she’s in!). Directed with warmth and wit by Euros Lyn, this faithful six-part adaptation promises to be both wonderfully familiar and freshly alive. Your copy of the book will be off the shelf before episode one has finished.

BREAK CLAUSE

COMEDY, CHANNEL 4

There’s awkward, there’s very awkward, and then there’s having to live with your ex because neither of you has managed to move out! That’s the pickle Ben (Samuel Bottomley) and Lil (Lara Ricote) find themselves in when their relationship ends, but their tenancy doesn’t. As they attempt to get over their first love while continuing to share a flat, even the smallest moments are bound to become complicated.

Well, it seems Meghan Markle’s British comeback may already be underway – and after last month’s somewhat lacklustre homecoming, royal observers are hoping the Duchess is ready to make a rather bigger splash this time around.

If the latest reports are to be believed, Meghan, 45, and Prince Harry could already be back on British soil, with speculation mounting that they have secured a new home in the Cotswolds. And if so, Meghan’s new life could be looking seriously stylish. Think vast country estates, roaming stags, a wardrobe packed with eye-wateringly gorgeous leather and lace – and potentially even a dalliance with swoon-worthy Eddie Halstead, AKA The Duke.

We’re talking, of course, about the speculation that Suits alum Meghan could join Guy Ritchie’s uber-stylish Netflix hit The Gentlemen. Frankly, we can see it. Not only does Meghan already have the whole high-ranking-duchess thing down, but the series was largely filmed in the Cotswolds – now rumoured to be the couple’s new stomping ground.

However, just hours after news of the alleged deal hit headlines, former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown claimed on social media that the offer had been revoked following ‘intense’ backlash from the UK public, which allegedly made continuing with filming ‘untenable’.

But with no official decision announced and the role seemingly still in limbo, we’re told Meghan hasn’t given up on her dream of relaunching her acting career in Britain.

An insider says, ‘Harry and Meghan are both framing this as an exciting opportunity on all fronts. Meghan is ready to jump back into acting full-time; she says she really missed it, and the fact that she can do it from the U.K. is quite appealing as well.

'It not only gives her a reason to be there while Harry focuses on mending things with his family, but also because she’ll be a big fish in a small pond, so there will be more opportunities for her. Her goal is to score something high profile that will allow her to really showcase her talent and maybe even start winning awards.’

That said, Meghan – who also filmed a cameo for Amazon rom-com Close Personal Friends last year – hasn’t earned her reputation as the Royal Family’s comeback Queen for nothing. We’re told the determined Duchess is planning more than one string to her bow to keep herself busy now she’s back on UK soil.

After launching and then relaunching her lifestyle brand As Ever two years ago, Meghan has spent the past few months making it clear that taking the business global remains a major focus for the year ahead.

And we’re told she knows that winning the support of her father-in-law, King Charles, could be a major boost, potentially helping to open doors and give her brand the royal seal of approval she needs to really get moving in Britain.

The insider says, ‘She’s not limiting herself to acting though, her brand is still going to be a huge focus. She’s very eager to prove there’s a market for her products across the pond, so her plan is to make a big push towards that as well.

‘There certainly won’t be any shortage of chat shows she can go on to promote herself and everything she’s selling. If things go well with the King, the hope is that he will publicly show her and her brand some support. A photo of them together that’s shared to social media, or even just a positive comment on one of her posts, would mean the world.’

However, here comes a twist nobody had expected – a battle of the jams between Meghan and the King, whose charitable fund still benefits from the proceeds of the Duchy Organic brand he founded back in 1990.

But we’re told that instead of competing with her father-in-law, Meghan’s ‘ideal’ scenario is that they collaborate – an offer King Charles is very unlikely to agree to, given that the profit from Duchy directly benefits charities, whereas Meghan’s brand operates as a private commercial business.

‘In an ideal world, she would have her jam on the shelf beside the Duchy’s jam, and she doesn’t see why that’s not possible,’ the source says.

Meghan also hinted that she could be set to celebrate her return to the UK by releasing a new wine after a picture posted to As Ever’s social media showed a cork with the caption, ‘Something sparkling is on its way next month’.

And Meghan isn’t just set to mark her UK return with a bottle of fizz, as the source says that following recent polls that suggested her popularity in the US was declining, the Duchess of Sussex now hopes that her wider range will appeal to the ‘English sensibility’ – by this we think she means more Downton Abbey vibes over a builder’s tea and a pack of hobknobs.

We’re told, ‘Not that her jam is the only focus; she’s been on a big push with her wine lately and believes there is big market potential for it in Britain. There’s already a proven demand for premium California wines over there, and the price point on hers is very reasonable compared to a lot of the other ones on offer, especially her Napa rosé.

‘For all her complaints about England, there is still a lot that she loves about it. It’s an environment where people do an awful lot of entertaining, there’s a real passion about doing things to a high standard, and she resonates with that in a big way, and she feels like if people gave her a chance, they would see that her products fit in very well with the English sensibility.

‘She’s always quick to point out that decorating cakes and other desserts with edible flowers goes all the way back to the Victorian era and even further, which has her convinced her edible flower confetti could be a real hit with the Brits if they only had the chance to try it.’

Yet not everything can be sprinkled in edible flowers, and it’s been widely reported that the Sussexes remain under immense pressure when it comes to how they maintain their lifestyle as non-working royals.

Harry, 41, is reported to be hoping for a new security arrangement, which could potentially save the couple millions, but it is believed that the Sussexes will keep their Montecito home, alongside their exclusive villa in Portugal and a new UK base, which they are speculated to have already spent ‘northwards of £12 million’ on.

Now the source adds, ‘For all her positivity, there’s no doubt the pressure is on. The U.K. is a potential gold mine, so if she doesn’t take a stab at it, what does that say about her confidence in her products?

‘But if she tries and flops, the financial hit will be massive, not to mention how humiliating another failure would be. She’s not thinking that way, though; she is tackling this with a growth mindset and refusing to let her past experience dictate how this time around will go.’

Meanwhile, Harry is expected to continue to promote the Invictus Games, alongside continuing to support the charities he champions in the UK. And with Meghan also expected to fly between the UK and Montecito, it’s believed he will spend the majority of his time at home with the couple’s children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five.

There’s no doubt that Harry remains Meghan’s biggest champion, but the source says he is also aware that his wife was all but forced to give up on acting following all of the attention she received when they began dating in 2016, and is glad that she’s been offered this new opportunity.

‘Harry is cheering her on in a big way. He’s happy that she’s going to go back to acting because he can see how much just talking about it invigorates her,’ the source says.

‘He wants to see her thrive and still feels quite badly that he she had to give up her job on Suits to marry him. He knows that was a big sacrifice and it’s something he actually regrets going along with, so he’d love to see that put right.'

They add, ‘He’s also still convinced that she can win over the British people under the right circumstances. He and Meghan are both hoping there will be some public efforts from the King - they know that will go a long way.’

What exotic land or glamorous city will it be set in? Which international beauties will transform into iconic Bond Girls? Who will perform the theme song, following the likes of Adele, Madonna and Tina Turner? How many thrilling car chases and elaborately set-up murders will we feast our eyes upon?

But what we all really want to know is who will play 007 himself…and who will portray the dastardly villain out to annihilate everyone’s favourite secret agent.

The new James Bond franchise honchos are apparently tantalisingly close to anointing the next Bond after a summer of top-secret auditions and meetings. But they’re also facing a big decision over who’ll play his nemesis. And it might surprise you to hear who is in the front-running for lead baddie… none other than Daniel Radcliffe, AKA the original screen Harry Potter.

“Daniel signalled to the new Bond producers that he’s eager to stretch his wings as a villain in the next iteration of the franchise, which will focus on a 007 in his early thirties,’ our insider reveals. "His interest is being taken seriously, not least because he has a close, long-standing relationship with one of the new producers, David Heyman, who he worked with on the Harry Potter films.”

Although it’s been many years since Daniel hung up his Hogwarts cloak, he’ll always be synonymous with the boy wizard - which means some cinema fans might struggle to think of him as anything other than, well, a goodie.

But the 37-year-old has taken on a wide variety of roles since the wizarding franchise closed its doors on 2011, including 2020’s Escape from Pretoria and 2012’s The Woman in Black. And in 2022, he played an eccentric billionaire antagonist that may have whetted his appetite for the dark arts. In character, obviously.

Says our source, “Dan has a relatively recent villain turn on his resumé, in the Sandra Bullock hit The Lost City. Sure, that was a comedic adventure, but Dan’s commitment to that offbeat, bad guy role turned heads and him playing against type helped sell tickets to curious Potter fans all over the world.”

Certainly, Daniel still has a legion of diehard fans because of his Harry Potter role, who would no doubt flock to see him as a Bond villain. Something we’re sure is not lost on the casting team. But regardless of fan interest and of Dan’s key connections and his risk-taking nature, it’s going to come down to who they cast as James Bond and how much of a ‘match’ that person is with Dan, we hear. It’s a delicate balance of talent, appearance and chemistry.

The outgoing Bond, of course, is Daniel Craig, whose dark, gritty and human portrayal made him one of the favourite Bonds of all time. Actors who played his nemesis included Javier Bardem and Christopher Waltz, and the interplay was electric.

Daniel played 007 in five films, his last being No Time to Die in 2021. The 58-year-old cited the arduous physical toll of the role, as well as believing the franchise needed new blood, as reasons for storing away his Martini shaker. His legacy includes 2012’s Skyfall, the highest-grossing Bond film of all time, taking $1.1 billion at the box office.

All we know for sure about the new film, which starts production in 2027, is that Denis Villeneuve (Dune, Blade Runner 2049) will direct and the script will be penned by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders). And we know who’s rumoured to be in the running for the main role.

One of those is man of the moment, Tom Holland. Tom has had an amazing year, starring in Spider-Man: Brand New Day and box-office record-breaking action-adventure Odysseus. Not to mention his real-life wedding to Spider-Man co-star Zendaya.

Our source says, “The fascinating, still-active possibility that Tom Holland could ultimately win the Bond role would shock the world, especially if he were paired with Dan playing his nemesis. Who wouldn’t line up to see Spider-Man face off with Harry Potter in a James Bond movie?”

Daniel spoke on playing Spider-Man himself a couple of years ago, quipping that although he was physically a natural fit, “Tom Holland is incredible and no one could ever replace him, so I’ll let that one go.”

But bookies’ favourite for the Bond role is 36-year-old Jack Lowden from Slow Horses and Dunkirk, closely followed by Dua Lipa’s new husband, Callum Turner, 36, who also has a strong Harry Potter universe connection due to his starring roles in the Fantastic Beasts franchise. Snapping at their heels is Henry Cavill, 43, who had the star turn in DC’s Superman movies for 10 years, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 36, who played John Lennon in Nowhere Boy. Further down comes Wuthering Heights’ Jacob Elordi, 29, Theo James, 41, of The Gentlemen fame, and Leo Woodall, 29, from White Lotus. And, as above, Mr Zendaya is very much in the mix. All are Brits, apart from Jacob, who’s Australian.

It remains to be seen who the creatives and studio execs feel would make alchemy together in the next 007 film, but Daniel, we hear, is hopeful.

“Dan has really embraced the edgier sides of his personality as he’s gotten older, and he clearly enjoys surprising people and taking roles that go against what people expect of him. As grateful as he is for his time as Harry Potter, it does pain him to be forever associated with a role he played as a child, and there’s no doubt playing a Bond villain would give him a fantastic opportunity to smash any sort of typecasting he’s up against. That’s a huge part of the appeal for him, plus, like most British actors, he grew up watching Bond and dreaming that one day he might be a part of the franchise.”

Interestingly, we’re told, he’s never had his eye on the top job. The source continues, “Unlike a lot of his peers, Dan isn’t interested in playing Bond; he says it’s more fun to play the villain. Plus, he wouldn’t have the burden of being the new Bond and all the scrutiny that comes with taking over that character. He could still make a huge impact on the franchise because Bond villains are always memorable.”

Prince William may already be facing the very real prospect of coming face-to-face with Prince Harry, with his younger brother potentially back on British soil right now – and sources tell us the future king has had little time to absorb what will have come as an enormous shock.

After four years of carefully avoiding his younger brother, the Prince of Wales could now find it increasingly difficult to keep Harry at arm’s length. After all, dodging an awkward family reunion is a lot easier when one half of the feud is living thousands of miles away in California.

The heir to the throne has long been reported to remain ‘furious’ over the years Harry has spent publicly criticising not only the institution, but his own family, too. And with the Sussexes now said to be settling back into life in the UK, those old wounds could be about to feel very fresh again.

And our source reveals William is flatly refusing to ‘make nice’ with Harry and his sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, and is said to be ‘stunned’ that other members of the family are even entertaining the prospect of their return.

An insider says, ‘William is still very angry. The fact that his brother is coming back and getting all sorts of special attention has left him completely stunned; he feels like everyone suddenly has amnesia.
‘He’s vowing that he won’t be taken in by Harry and Meghan’s manipulations and says he plans to stay as far away from them as possible.

‘He says he’s tried forcing himself to make nice before, and it was unbearable. He always goes back to that terribly painful walkabout the four of them had to do together after the Queen’s death. He hated every second of it and was thunder-faced the entire time, and that was before Harry released his memoir and everything deteriorated even further.’

Indeed, the last public outing for William, 44, and Harry, 41, was at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022, where Harry later revealed the brothers had barely exchanged a word. Relations between the once ‘Fab Four’ – Harry and Meghan, William and Kate – appeared so frosty that images of the foursome dominated headlines for weeks.

While last month’s secret summit at Highgrove House suggested King Charles, 77, may be open to welcoming Harry and Meghan back into the fold, it is widely reported that William remains resolute.

When he first heard of their UK visit last month, shortly before Trooping the Colour, William was reportedly so shocked and enraged that he ‘threatened to boycott’ family events at Sandringham for the foreseeable future.

And now, with the royal calendar turning towards Christmas, the big question is whether Harry and Meghan will receive a personal invitation from the King.

According to sources, the couple and their children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, will ‘not automatically be included’ on the guest list for Royal Family gatherings.

And while Charles may desperately want all his grandchildren together for Christmas, our source claims William would pull out of the special family event rather than risk being forced into an awkward reunion with Harry and Meghan – raising the prospect of a very different Sandringham this year.

‘That [the Christmas guest list] is not going to be an easy task because Charles wants them included in family functions and that’s going to make things mighty uncomfortable for William,’ the source says.

‘It’s assumed that Harry and Meghan will be invited to all the Christmas functions, even though they’re not working royals; they are still family, and the King wants them to have a place at the table. But William can’t accept that; he feels like they lost that privilege with all their despicable behaviour, and he’s saying he will opt out of attending anything they are invited to, rather than have to put on some phoney act.

‘People are telling him that he needs to swallow his pride and give this a chance, but he’s adamant that he’d rather spend Christmas alone than face those two across the table. There are still plenty of people hoping that William will be persuaded to turn the other cheek for his father’s sake, but at the moment he isn’t budging.’

Since Harry and Meghan’s brief UK trip last month, there has been speculation that relations between William and Charles have been strained. Yet after rumours that William and Kate might boycott Balmoral, the Waleses were photographed leaving church with Charles and their children last weekend.

The reality is that Charles continues to undergo cancer treatment, leaving William caught between his loyalty and love for his father and the hurt he feels over Harry’s actions.

With this in mind, our source says there is still hope behind palace walls that William may be trying to ‘exert some control’ over the family’s Christmas plans – but crucially, he will not abandon celebrating with his ill father altogether.

The insider says, ‘There’s a huge debate raging behind the scenes over what Christmas is actually going to look like. Sandringham is such an established tradition that it would be absolutely unprecedented for William to deliberately skip the festivities, particularly given everything Charles is going through with his health. A lot of people are in disbelief that he would really take it that far.

‘The hope is that this is just William’s way of trying to exert some control and potentially put a block on Harry and Meghan’s invitation before anything is finalised.’

Meanwhile, from William’s perspective, we’re told that he has made himself very clear in his Christmas ultimatum – ‘It’s me or Harry’.

‘He swears he’s deadly serious. As far as William is concerned, there’s far more bad blood now, not less, so the idea that he should suddenly be able to sit around a Christmas table and pretend everything is fine is totally unrealistic,’ the source says.

‘He says he’s entitled to decide whether he wants to participate, and, at this point, he’s still adamant that he’s not willing to sit there making nice with Harry when the relationship has become so damaged. He doesn’t want a load of tension overshadowing Christmas.’

Now, only time will tell, but William and Kate arguably do have a viable excuse for avoiding Christmas at Sandringham that would enable them to avoid any family dramas. Given that they last celebrated Christmas with Kate’s family a decade ago in 2016, William could viably argue that sharing the festivities with his in-laws is called for after a decade.

And the source says William will do what it takes to keep this feud out of the public eye and to avoid any ‘showdown’ with his father over the Christmas guest list.

We’re told, ‘He insists this isn’t a case of him issuing an ultimatum to his father. He says he’s trying to keep his side of the street clean and quietly make a contingency plan rather than have some enormous showdown over who the King invites to Christmas.

‘In his view, staying away is actually preferable to forcing everyone to sit through an incredibly uncomfortable family gathering.’

She’s the legendary broadcaster who made a name for herself by grilling everyone from Hollywood A-listers to Donald Trump – and now, decades into her career, Ruby Wax is proving she’s still got plenty to say. After busting onto our screens on I’m A Celebrity last year, the famously forthright star hasn’t lost any of her brassy, unfiltered charm. And while she may have spent her career putting celebrities on the spot, it seems one campmate managed to crack even her famously tough exterior. ‘Aitch is the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen,’ she confidently tells Closer of the 26-year-old rapper. ‘I was embarrassed around him because you shouldn’t find them sexy at this point.’

Now eight months on from her stint in the jungle, the 73-year-old reveals which of her other campmates have made the cut as friends for life.

A-LIST ENCOUNTERS

‘The WhatsApp group ended pretty quickly,’ she says. ‘But I still speak to Tom [Read Wilson] and Lisa [Riley]. I did meet up with her when I went up north. Angry Ginge writes me stuff. I think I have an intimacy with him. I think I got him in a way that maybe he doesn’t show other people, so it was a real honour.’

And as for her friendship with jungle boyfriend Kiosk Kev, Ruby looks back on their unlikely romance fondly. ‘We had a really great relationship,’ she laughs. ‘We’ve spent many hours together, and he’s really deep. He is unlike most.’

While her jungle antics may have introduced the US-born star to a whole new generation, her career in the spotlight spans decades. A classically trained actress, she first rose to fame on the sitcom Girls On Top alongside close friends Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. She later carved out a name for herself as one of TV’s most fearless interviewers, sitting down with stars including Madonna, Pamela Anderson and the late Princess Diana.

‘I’m usually kind of nervous before I meet a celebrity,’ Ruby admits. ‘Princess Diana, I couldn’t speak, and I did a curtsy in front of her that looked like a dog trying to get something off his bottom! I was so nervous and wasn’t making sense at all. That was the last time I was starstruck. There’s nobody else that would bother me like that.

“When I look back, I always thought I was the underdog,’ she tells Closer. ‘But as long as I was amusing, they would stick around. So sometimes the interview went on for days, and it should have been just five minutes!’

It was as an interviewer that Ruby really made her mark, earning a reputation for going where other presenters wouldn’t and putting some of the world’s biggest stars firmly on the spot. ‘Donald Trump was terrible,’ she recalls, laughing at the time she dismissed the now-President’s ambition to become a world leader back in 2000. ‘He threw me off his plane. He had an enormous charisma when I interviewed him. If he didn’t have the power, he would have been a great comedian!’

BUCKET LIST

‘Madonna’s was a car crash,’ she admits. ‘She doesn’t have a great sense of humour. She’d say something totally irrelevant, and I’d have to get my brain around what she meant. Then I’d always say something accidentally insulting because I hated the interview!’

With an already impressive array of celebrity interviews under her belt, Ruby admits there’s still some more famous faces on her bucket list. ‘Lady Gaga would deliver what I think we were looking for, which is a roller-coaster ride,’ she says. ‘Tom Cruise would have been on my bucket list to figure out what he’s about. That would have been fascinating – but I’m sure he turned me down!’

Away from the cameras, Ruby is mum to Max, 37, Madeleine, 36, and Marina, 32, with TV producer and director husband Ed Bye, who she married in 1988. ‘He’s at my beck and call. I’m really lucky. Yeah. How many other people would take this?’ she says.

Since last year, Ruby, who has lived in the UK since the 1970s, has travelled around the country for her Absolutely Famous tour, which has been extended until next spring.

‘It isn’t just a meander down memory lane,’ she says of her show. ‘It’s an interesting talk. A retrospective of great interviews about the nature of fame and how it affects people.’

And how does a star interviewer prepare to face the live stage? ‘I wear red underpants,’ she says. ‘I can’t go anywhere without them. They’re the lucky pants.’

Ruby Wax is touring Absolutely Famous across the UK until spring 2027. Tickets are available now from rubywax.net. For more information on Ruby’s mental health charity, Frazzled, see frazzledcafe.org

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Kanye West’s name is synonymous with controversy. During his 20-year career as a multi-Grammy-winning rap artist, fashion mogul (and Kim Kardashian’s ex-husband), he’s rarely failed to shock and offend.

Most recently, he’s been roundly condemned for antisemitism that saw him release a song called Heil Hitler and identify as a Nazi, something that cost him his reputation and hundreds of millions of dollars.

In fact, when Adidas terminated their contract with his footwear brand Yeezy due to his outrageous words and actions, his fortune plummeted from $2 billion to a measly $400m overnight.

The 49-year-old has talked openly about his diagnosis with Bipolar and how it affects his judgment and behaviour. And in January of his year, he took out a page-long ad in the Guardian and the Wall Street Journal apologising for his harmful anti-Jewish remarks, saying he had been in the midst "four-month-long manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour", adding that he was "deeply mortified" by his actions and that his bipolar disorder meant "you're manic [and] you don't think you're sick". He has also been diagnosed with autism.

His apology received mixed response. Some felt it came from the heart and sympathised with his mental health issues, others felt it was merely damage control, especially as it coincided with his new album Bully dropping and an imminent world tour. In fact, many European countries, including France, Italy and Poland, cancelled his concerts, and in April, the British government blocked his entry into the country, preventing him from headlining at the Wireless festival in London.

Now, Kanye is increasingly turning his sights on the East, since his reputation in the West is in tatters. However, by signing up for gigs in Russia, the rapper is risking even more damage to his battered legacy, especially as we’re told he's keen to team up with Vladimir Putin at the same time, who he regards as a personal hero. Putin is, of course, the leader who invaded Ukraine, an act met with almost unanimous global condemnation. The concerts would be the first time a major Western artist would take to the stage in Russia since the war began in 2022.

An insider tells us, “It’s always hard to tell if Kanye is purposely playing Devil’s Advocate because he just loves to shock people and go against the grain, or if he genuinely believes in what he’s doing, but either way, he’s going all in on Russia and Putin; he seems to have no qualms about cosying up to Putin. He’s been saying for years that he wants to make Russia another home base, and there’s clearly a ton of money to be made over there, so most people are assuming this is just the start. The tickets to his shows sold out immediately, which is great for his ego because he’s still raging mad about getting the respect he feels he deserves in America and the rest of the Western world.

However, it’s rarely smooth sailing for Ye. And the latest twist is that, while tickets are indeed sold out for the two October 10 and 11 shows, the venue has said the gigs are cancelled. St Petersburg's Gazprom Arena’s social media announced no ‘rental agreement’ had been signed with concert promoters, Say Agency. In turn, Say Agency reps have said they were trying to sort it out. So far, so predictably chaotic.

While that simmers in the background, Ye is forging ahead with his Russian domination plans, which of course include his wife Bianca Censori, a 31-year-old Australian architect with more than a passing resemblance to ex-Kim. Our source tells us, “He’s talking about pushing Bianca’s brand over there as well, and he’s saying they should welcome the controversy this is creating; he loves the chaos. He’s convinced Bianca will fit right in, and he says she’ll easily be able to build a whole new fan base for herself there. With Moscow's luxury market and high-fashion scene, he thinks she could absolutely clean up.”

It’s not the first time he’s shown interest in Russia or pushed for an audience with Putin. Back in 2022, he tried to meet the premier in a planned trip to expand his business with Russian movers and shakers. In 2024, he was back over in the former Soviet Union for a Russian fashion designer’s birthday party. And now, he feels, he’s got nothing to lose by going all in on this whole new world of opportunity as he sees it.

“Kanye has had a lot of doors closed on him in Hollywood, even people that are friendly with him privately don’t want the headaches that come with doing business with him. Rather than begging to be let back into those circles, Kanye’s attitude is that he’ll go somewhere he feels wanted. That’s a huge part of why Russia appeals to him; they are actively pursuing him. The fact that they are not a country that is embraced by a lot of people is another big attraction for him; he’s always loved going his own way. He loves the fashion and the culture. And don’t forget he wanted to marry Irina Shayk at one point, he was obsessed with her, and he still goes on and on about how beautiful Russian women are”, the source confides.

It’s not exactly clear how Kanye’s four children feature in his plans. North, 13, Saint, 10, Chicago, eight, and Psalm, seven, are all based in California with mum Kim, where they enjoy a close relationship with her mum, siblings and cousins. But, for super wealthy families with private jets on hand, perhaps they don’t face the same obstacles as the rest of us.

Apparently, Kanye’s romanticising Russian life. Our source explains, “He’s fascinated by the extreme wealth and the way the oligarchs live like absolute kings. In his eyes, they’ve taken luxury to another level, and that really speaks to him.

He wants a piece of that lifestyle and loves the idea of going somewhere he can feel celebrated and treated like a god again instead of constantly being reminded of how far he’s fallen. So, when this opportunity came up, he didn’t hesitate. If everything goes well, he says he could easily see himself spending extended periods there.

He’s looking at Russia as a potentially lucrative new chapter for both him and Bianca, and the fact that it’s going to infuriate so many people back home only makes the whole thing more appealing to him.”

She’s been dramatically losing friends and alienating people all over town over the past couple of years – having to eat some serious humble pie when it comes to both her social status and career.

But if there’s one area where Blake Lively, 39, knows she thrives, it’s in her home life with her very famous husband, Ryan Reynolds, and their four children. She and Ryan, 49, might keep their domestic bliss relatively quiet, but it’s clear in the few snapshots that they do share that the pair revel in their roles as mum and dad, and get no greater joy than spending time together as a family of six.

So, now that her very public legal battle with Justin Baldoni is finally over – and the reality of her equally public falling out with former best friend Taylor Swift is setting in – we’re told that Blake’s taking stock of what she wants moving forward. And, having spoken seriously to Ryan, it seems they’ve both got another baby on the brain.

‘Their family is what brings them the most joy, and they really are in need of a boost right now,’ says an insider close to the pair, who have recently seen their status on top of the Hollywood pile fall, thanks to Blake’s bitter feud with her former It Ends With Us director and co-star Justin Baldoni, which in turn led to the breakdown of her friendship with superstar Taylor. ‘Not that this would be some sort of band-aid baby – their relationship is rock solid. The timing feels right. Blake is getting to that stage in life where it’s better to have one more sooner rather than later, and they both really want another child. There’s not some big sense of urgency, but the time to start trying is now.’

By all accounts, Blake and Ryan were invincible just a few years back. Thanks to Ryan’s massive success with the Deadpool franchise, and his infamous sense of humour and entrepreneurial enterprising behind the scenes, he was up there with the biggest movie stars on the planet. Meanwhile, Blake – despite her relatively modest film credits – was elevated to the big leagues not only thanks to Ryan, but also thanks to her position as one of Anna Wintour’s elite fashion darlings, as well as her rock-solid BFF friendship with billionaire superstar Taylor.

Having been friends for over a decade, Blake was implicitly integral to Taylor’s innermost circle and was even entrusted to direct the video for Taylor’s 2021 single I Bet You Think About Me. In return, Taylor was named godmother to all four of Blake and Ryan’s children – daughters James, 11, Inez, nine, Betty, six, and son Olin, three.

However, the proverbial hit the fan two years ago, when Blake – having just released the movie It Ends With Us – filed a complaint against her director and co-star Justin, accusing him of sexual harassment on set. In response, he denied the claims and countersued her and Ryan for defamation, civil extortion and media manipulation. From there, things snowballed, with bitter mudslinging on both sides, and reports pouring from in all corners of the internet that Blake was notoriously difficult to work with.

That already took a damaging toll on her career – not least when it was revealed in uncovered legal documents that both Blake and Ryan had tried to exploit their Hollywood connections to gain the upper hand over Justin and seemingly ruin his career, while saving Blake’s.

But – amid all the ‘he saids’ and ‘she saids’ – one of the biggest casualties in the legal dispute was Blake’s close friendship with Taylor, who was unwittingly embroiled in the fray. As further emails and texts were discovered as evidence, it was revealed that Blake had seemingly used Taylor as a bargaining chip in her bid to disempower Justin, calling the superstar her Game of Thrones-type ‘dragon’. What’s more, we also saw texts and emails shared between Blake and Taylor, which showed that Taylor had initially tried to help Blake behind the scenes, but had grown distant after realising she was being used as a chess piece.

With all that said, by the time the legal battle was settled in June this year – after most of Blake’s claims were thrown out, and with no financial damages awarded in either direction – Blake’s friendship with Taylor was seemingly damaged beyond repair. That fear was then confirmed in July, when Taylor married her now husband, Travis Kelce, in an A-list-packed wedding at Madison Square Garden arena. Absolutely every celebrity worth mentioning was there, except for Blake and Ryan.

Needless to say, Blake was reportedly devastated and has since been spotted trying to keep a relatively low profile while enjoying quiet family time with Ryan and the kids. Behind the scenes, she’s also been trying to sue Justin to pay an eye-watering $8m for her legal fees - but that too hit a roadblock earlier this week, after a judge decided she’d actually receive just 5 per cent of that, amounting to $400,000, a relatively paltry sum for the multi-millionaire.

As our source explains, Blake feels as though it’s been a relentless few years. And though she hasn’t had the outcomes she would have liked – in the legal battle, the fees dispute, and the feud with Taylor – the upshot is that, at the very least, this dramatic chapter is closed.

Ostensibly, it’s now time to move, and though it might take a minute to strategise just how she can re-climb the A-list social and work ladder, we’re told it only makes sense, in the meantime, to focus on expanding the brood.

As for Ryan, he is the perfect foil to her recent disappointments, proving their marriage and family life haven’t been broken by all the scrutiny they’ve faced.

‘They take a lot of trips to the UK, because of Ryan’s football team in Wrexham, and Ryan always manages to make time to take Blake out, just the two of them,’ our insider reveals. ‘He’s always doted on her and treated her like a queen, but over the past couple of years, he’s taken it to a new level because she’s needed so much cheering up. It’s been very difficult for her not to sink into a pretty dark place, but fortunately, Ryan always knows how to make her smile.

‘He proved that he will have Blake’s back no matter who turns on her, and she says seeing his loyalty to her and strength as a husband when the chips were down made her fall even more deeply in love with him. Ryan and her kids are the only thing that got her through this hellish time, so if there is any sort of silver lining for Blake, it’s that it really highlighted what matters most.’

The big question is – if and when they do welcome baby number five – who will win the honour of godmother? Sadly for Blake, her obvious choice is no longer ready and willing.

For 19 years, they were the picture-perfect image of a happy, healthy marriage that defied the standard expiry date of celebrity couples. But last September, that illusion crashed and burned when it was revealed that Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were breaking up because of ‘irreconcilable differences’, sending shockwaves across the internet.

Now, as we approach the one-year mark of that shock announcement, it seems the reality really is kicking in – especially for country singer Keith. Last week, the 58-year-old became dramatically emotional on stage while singing about an ex ‘moving on’ with somebody new, leaving her former lover full of regret over what he lost. Before performing the song, Keith claimed that it was the story of two childhood sweethearts – ostensibly suggesting he wasn’t singing specifically about Nicole.

But still, his own recent experiences were hard to ignore, not least since rumours spread last month that Nicole, 59, had moved on with businessman Michael Reinstein, after the pair were spotted together in Italy. As fans watched Keith get teary, while singing about a man’s contrition over losing the one that got away, it was hard to not put two and two together and feel all the weight of his recent divorce hanging in the air.

After all, it’s certainly been a rollercoaster 12 months for both Keith and Nicole, who – until news broke of their split – had seemed to project the image of a very happy home life in Nashville, where they lived with their two daughters, Sunday Rose, 18, and Faith Margaret, 15. Initially, they both insisted they wanted to keep things civil, but tension seemed to rise quickly, with insiders soon reporting that they were only communicating via lawyers. By January, they’d finalised their divorce, with both parties agreeing to waive all rights to child and spousal support.

But while they’ve since reportedly been on a much friendlier track, it hasn’t escaped anyone’s attention that Keith seems to have lost the most in the wake of the split. While Nicole’s been granted primary custody of their daughters – and will have them living with her for 306 days of the year – Keith will only now have them for the remaining 59 days of the year, amounting to every other weekend. That’s surely enough to have left him feeling shaken and isolated as the reality of divorced life settles in.

Then, last month, pictures quickly spread of Nicole sipping Aperol Spritzes in Portofino, Italy, with businessman Michael, who’s chairman of the Beverly Hills-based private equity firm Regent. Some sources denied any romance between them, but that apparently didn’t stop Keith’s heartache after seeing the photos. As one insider close to the singer said last month, ‘He’s absolutely devastated and is going through that feeling of deep loss all over again.’

Now – watching him get weepy on stage last week – it’s clear to see that the singer is feeling wistful. Speaking to the crowd at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, he really took a minute to analyse the meaning of his song ‘We Go Back’ before he sang it.

In a video that’s since been shared far and wide, Keith can be heard telling his audience, ‘This song is about a guy and a girl growing up in a small town. They were the first of their friends to fall in love. They had a good thing going until the guy screwed it up. I will do that.’

He then explained that ‘years and years go by’ until the pair are finally reunited, adding, ‘This guy can’t believe it. He sees the girl, she looks exactly the same. They start talking, they are getting along great. She tells him she’s got somebody else.’

As Keith then launched into the song, the chorus’s lyrics – ‘I know I never should have let you go. I was young and dumb, and I messed it all up bad’ – seemed to suggest a whole lot of subtext, especially as Keith was seen wiping away tears as he sang them. Unsurprisingly, his crying has only fuelled speculation that he now regrets letting Nicole ‘move on’ and not fight for their marriage.

For Nicole’s part, it’s clear she’s trying her best to put a brave face on and embrace an exciting new chapter. This month, she spoke to Vogue for a wide-ranging cover interview, in which she got reflective about her new life. She said it hadn’t been easy, adding, ‘You make all these plans, and you have all these ideas of what it’s going to be like, and then it’s not…You have to adjust. You adapt. The future, it’s completely unknown to me right now. Strange.’

Nevertheless, she’s also been open about the fact that she’s had a whole lot of fun along the way, telling the magazine she’d spent the summer travelling all over Europe and even going out to raves in disguise.

Now, as Keith watches from afar, it seems the gravity of Nicole’s new life away from him is really sinking in. He may have been linked to other women since the split too, including singer Karley Scott Collins and musician Maggie Baugh (though they’ve both denied the reports) – but all signs suggest he’s still pining for the one woman he can no longer have. Instead of having her with him, all he can do is sing his blues away.

EMILY’S WEDDING BOMBSHELL

Last week, Emily Atack tied the knot to Alistair Garner in an ‘absolutely perfect’ but ‘beautifully chaotic’ ceremony. The Rivals star, 36, wed the 40-year-old scientist in a ‘legal ceremony’ at her home in Bedfordshire on 22 August, complete with a personalised McDonald’s van serving McFlurries and two personalised cakes, ahead of their upcoming nuptials in Spain later this month.

And while she’s in the throes of newly-married bliss, insiders have revealed to Closer that Emily told her inner circle that she’s got a secret bombshell up her sleeve.

PERFECT

‘There’s no immediate pressure, but she’s definitely in that loved-up phase where the idea of another baby feels more exciting than daunting,’ a source says. ‘Friends think marriage has made Emily even more excited about the next chapter of family life. She’s already in such a settled place, and there’s a feeling she’d love to expand the family again when the timing feels right.

The couple, who are stepcousins by marriage and have known each other since they were children, began dating in 2022 and welcomed son Barney in June 2024 before they announced their engagement in July 2025.

The insider adds, ‘Those around Emily feel the wedding has given her a real sense of security and she’s looking ahead now, not just to the bigger Spain celebration but to what married family life might eventually look like.’

Emily shared some photos of their intimate big day, writing, ‘Yesterday we officially got married among close family and friends. It was absolutely perfect. I can’t believe we get to do all that again in a few weeks’ time.’

However, a source says that there was some behind-the- scenes drama on the day.

AWKWARD

‘Emily was determined to keep the first ceremony intimate, but that inevitably created a few awkward conversations with friends who assumed they would be there and then realised they hadn’t made the cut,’ they say. ‘There were definitely a few surprised faces when people discovered how small the guest list really was, especially with a much bigger celebration in Spain still to come. The feeling from Emily’s side was that the wedding had to be about family and the people closest to them, but a lot of friends took it personally.’

Despite the ‘beautiful chaos’, the insider reveals the former Inbetweeners actress – who looked beautiful in a bespoke Josephine Scott gown – was overjoyed with how the day went.

‘Emily came away from the day feeling incredibly happy. The small bits of chaos almost made it more memorable rather than less perfect,’ they add.

BROOKLYN: ‘Don’t talk about my wife!’

They’ve just celebrated their vow renewal first anniversary, insisting they’re happier than ever. And last week, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham showed how loyal he was to his wife Nicola when he fiercely defended her after she was skinny-shamed.

In response to someone saying Nicola, 31, looked ‘sickly’ and that he should ‘feed her’, the aspiring chef, 27, hit back at the online commenter, saying, ‘Don’t ever talk about my wife. She’s absolutely beautiful, and you should never comment on a woman’s body. It’s disgraceful.’

Last month, the couple, who originally married in April 2022, celebrated the first anniversary of their 2025 vow renewal ceremony to ‘create new memories that bring us joy and happiness’.

BABY NO.4 FOR SAVANNAH, 47

Savannah Miller has welcomed her fourth child at the age of 47. The fashion designer, the elder sister of actress Sienna, shared a photo of herself snuggling her ‘miracle baby’, writing, ‘Tiny boy arrived safe and well… I have no words for the deep and profound ecstasy of this time…. More soon, but for now we soak up the bliss.’

The baby, whose name she has yet to reveal, is Savannah’s first child with husband James Whewell, who she married in 2022. She shares son Moses, 21, and daughters Lyra, 18, and Bali, 14, with ex-husband Nick Skinner.

While she hasn’t revealed whether her baby was conceived naturally or via IVF, Savannah previously revealed her fourth pregnancy was ‘the most surprising twist’ of her life, adding, ‘I think it’s going to be my best one yet.’

LOVED-UP DAN & CHLOE GO OFFICIAL

A year after Closer broke the news that they are dating, Chloe Lewis and Dan Edgar hard-launched their romance while on holiday in Marbella.

The TOWIE pair, who have been dating since June 2025, showed they are officially a couple as they shared a series of loved-up snaps, including one of him kissing the inside of her leg and another of them posing together in a lift.

When Chloe, 35, promoted their hotel, praising it as ‘the most beautiful stay’, Dan, 36, commented, ‘Company wasn’t bad either’, with a red heart emoji. ‘Finally, a hard launch’, one fan said, as another remarked, ‘We’ve waited a long time for it.’ A third supporter posted, ‘Am sooo here for this. The most beautiful pair!’

Going official comes after their brief fling over a decade ago, before Chloe joined the TOWIE cast. Dan went on to date Amber Turner and Ella Rae Wise, who he split from three months before he rekindled his romance with mum-of-one Chloe after they reconnected at Georgia Kousoulou and Tommy Mallet’s second wedding in Majorca last year.

And Dan’s clearly thrilled with his new romance, previously telling Closer, ‘I’m happy with how it is at the moment… I’m in a good place with it all. Things are going well at the moment.’

Their split this spring after 22 years of marriage shocked fans – and it has now been reported that Vernon Kay will finally be moving out of the family home he shares with ex-wife Tess Daly, having bought a £3million property just 15 minutes away.

And now, an insider says that the upcoming move has left former Strictly host Tess feeling heartbroken and ‘vulnerable’.

BETRAYAL

‘Tess feels blindsided by how quickly things have shifted between her and Vernon,’ the source explains. ‘When they first decided to separate, the plan was always to remain a united front under one roof for two years to keep things stable for the girls and give them all time to adapt, so Vernon announcing that he’s packing up and moving into his own pad feels like a betrayal of that agreement.’

‘She thought they were on the same page, but now she feels like the rug’s been pulled out from under her and everything they built is dissolving overnight. The thought of seeing Vernon getting his own place, altering his daily routine, and stepping into this whole new chapter has triggered a fear that may have been more going on behind the scenes.’

For more than two decades, Tess, 57, and BBC Radio 2’s Vernon, 52, were showbiz’s ‘it’ couple, after meeting at a Christmas party in 2001 and tying the knot in September 2003. The pair welcomed Phoebe, 21, who is now New York-based, in 2004, and Amber, 17, in 2009. But just a year after the arrival of their second daughter, Tess and Vernon’s marriage was rocked when it emerged that the radio star had been sexting glamour model Rhian Sugden – as well as exchanging flirty messages with ‘four or five girls’.

While a rep for Vernon – whose new property is currently undergoing renovations – staunchly denied that the communication went beyond texting, saying, ‘They never at any point had a physical relationship,’ the father-of-two publicly apologised to Tess on his radio show at the time of the scandal.

He said, ‘I’ve let down my wife Tess. I’m an idiot. I’ve been stupid and daft, but I’m not a sex pest.’

UNITED FRONT

After admitting that the story coming to light was like a ‘weight lifted’ from his shoulders, he added, ‘I knew it was getting silly. I’m never going to do it again, and hopefully I can clear the slate clean and start again. I’m so sorry. I’ve been an idiot, and I’ve let my family down.’

In 2016, the father-of-two was accused of reconnecting with Rhian, but he claimed that Tess was ‘aware’ of everything discussed between them and there was ‘never any inappropriate intent’ – as he was ‘merely trying to find answers to questions that he’s had since 2010’.

Ahead of his stint in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2020, Vernon insisted that the scandal was ‘in the past’ and he and Tess had ‘moved on’. So, when the couple announced their split – saying they had decided to ‘separate amicably’ with ‘a deep sense of care and respect for one another’ – it came as a shock to many.

Meanwhile, the former husband and wife have been putting on a united front since, attending a festival together, holidaying as a family, and continuing to live under the same roof, with neither party publicly linked to a new partner since their split.

OVERWHELMED

And the source says that Tess is feeling apprehensive about the next chapter, revealing, ‘The atmosphere at home has changed, and while Tess is usually so calm, dignified, and grounded, right now she’s overwhelmed about what’s coming next. She is mentally preparing herself for having to watch Vernon enter the next chapter of his life without her.

‘It’s not that she’s trying to be difficult. She understands that part of this process will mean having to face the harsh reality of Vernon moving on with another woman, but the thought of him potentially not being honest about his reason for leaving prematurely is the part that’s breaking her the most – especially when she’d had such high hopes for them to remain close friends and do all of this amicably.’

In the wake of her marriage breakdown, Tess has been throwing herself into work and spending time with her close friends, including Louise Redknapp.

And after Closer previously reported that her ex-Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman was encouraging her to get back on the dating scene, the insider now says, ‘Pals have stepped in to rally around Tess and are advising her that now is the time to focus entirely on her own recovery and her future, which they feel she hasn’t fully accepted yet. They’ve assured her that having physical space from Vernon is what she needs, even if she can’t see that right now.

‘She just wants to safeguard her home and protect her daughters.’

The first thing Dolly Parton did when she saw me was give me a hug. Not a polite celebrity hug, but a proper, warm embrace, before squeezing my hand and saying in her unmistakable Southern drawl, “Hey there! Welcome to Nashville!”

And that, really, was Dolly. For someone who had achieved almost unimaginable fame, there was no sense of distance or diva behaviour. Sitting in her Nashville headquarters, I was struck by how quickly she made me feel at ease. She was bubbly, funny and incredibly warm – exactly the person you hope a legend of her stature will be.

Of course, she looked spectacular. At 5ft tall, she towered in six-inch stilettos, wearing a navy jacket covered in her beloved gold butterflies, her signature blonde hair perfectly in place. She glanced at my sequined jumpsuit and immediately joked, “I’d love to get into that, but I couldn’t fit into the top half!”

SENSE OF HUMOUR

That self-deprecating humour was never far away. Even her incredible make-up became a talking point. When I admired her blue, gold and pink eyeshadow, she revealed, “I did it myself.” Then came the Dolly logic, “People always tell us blondes not to wear blue eye makeup, but I think it looks great.”

And she was completely unafraid to laugh at the famous image she had created. “I can wear a tracksuit and look like hell when I’m at home!” she told me. She admitted she did a little yoga and stretching, but had ruled out jogging, adding, “I’m not trying to give myself black eyes!” – a jokey nod to her infamous enhanced cleavage.

She also had no intention of pretending she didn’t love food. “I’ve been every size in the world,” she laughed. “I’ve been big, and I’ve been little, and I’ve been in between, because I love to eat and I love to cook. I’ve been every size but tall!”

That mixture of glamour and complete lack of pretension was quintessential Dolly. She could talk about royalty one minute and mashed potatoes the next. When I asked about the Royal Family, she was delighted by the idea of welcoming them to her well-loved 165-acre theme park, Dollywood.

‘The kids could go on all the rides, and we would treat them like royalty!” she smiled. And for Kate, she had the perfect Dolly welcome, “I’d give her my mashed potatoes – I wouldn’t put on any airs for them.”

Her affection for family came up repeatedly. She spoke of her goddaughter Miley Cyrus with enormous warmth, “Miley is like family, and we’re so close. When she comes to Nashville, we love to hang out at my house and cook together.”

We also talked about her extraordinary marriage to Carl Dean, who sadly died shortly after our interview last year. Dolly credited their shared sense of humour with helping them through six decades together.

KINDNESS

“When things get really bad, we somehow manage to find the humour in it, and that kind of lifts the load,” she said. But it wasn’t just laughter. “We’re also good friends. We have a lot of respect for each other, and we just take each other as we are. Together, it’s our world. We make our world work with all the things we do, and we’re just very close.”

Yet perhaps what stays with me most is what Dolly said about the extraordinary success that took her from a poor Tennessee childhood, growing up in a two-room house with no running water, to becoming one of the world’s most beloved stars.

“I just love people, and I never forgot where I came from or who I am,” she told me. “I’m grounded in my faith and in my principles and my own values. I like to make people feel like they can be close to me.”

She didn’t just say it. She made me feel it. And perhaps that is why the news of her death feels so personal to so many of us. Dolly – who donated much of her estimated £494 million fortune to charity – spent her life becoming one of the biggest stars on Earth without ever making ordinary people feel small.

She had the voice, the songs, the films, the fortune, the fame and the unmistakable look. But what made Dolly truly extraordinary was something much harder to manufacture: kindness.

And she added, “I do have a great sense of humour. I’ve had to have fun in this business.”

And she certainly did. The world will keep singing her songs. We will keep quoting her jokes, watching her films and remembering that extraordinary blonde silhouette.

But for those of us lucky enough to have met her, it will be that hug, that laugh and that feeling of being welcomed in that we remember most. There really will never be another Dolly.

Closer interviewed Dolly for Dolly Wines Rose and Prosecco available at ASDA now

They got engaged seven years ago, but Lucy Mecklenburgh and her fiancé Ryan Thomas are still waiting to say, ‘I do’. And now, Lucy explains to Closer why they haven’t made it down the aisle yet – despite wanting to tie the knot.

She says, ‘We fell pregnant when we got engaged, then had Lilah, and then we moved to Manchester. There’s just been so much going on. It would be something that we would love to do in the future, but my sister’s getting married next summer, so at the moment, I’m focusing on her and letting her have her time.’

OPENNESS

Former TOWIE star Lucy, 35, and Ryan, 42, recently shocked fans after the former Coronation Street actor – who played Jason Grimshaw in the soap between 2000 and 2016 – revealed they use separate bedrooms and living rooms in their Manchester home. When Closer asks Lucy how she feels about his openness, she’s fully supportive, though she admits she and Ryan’s sister-in-law, Caroline Thomas, listen to the At Home With The Thomas Bros podcast – hosted by Ryan and his brothers, Adam and Scott – with a bit of caution.

‘There are certain episodes where it’s like, “Maybe don’t listen to this one, Lucy”, and then I go and listen to it. But there’s never anything bad, nasty or anything. It’s just really lighthearted,’ she laughs.

LUCKY

The couple have been in a relationship since 2017, after meeting on Celebrity Island With Bear Grylls. They’re parents to Roman, six, and Lilah, four, while Lucy is also a stepmum to Ryan’s daughter, Scarlett, 17, whom he shares with his former partner Tina O’Brien, 43.

And the TV star adds of her stepdaughter – who is already building a presence online – ‘I think Scarlett is really lucky that she’s had a lot of people around her in the industry, so she’s witnessed it. She’s very grown up for her age. She’s very good at navigating herself.’

While Ryan found stardom in his teens on Corrie, Lucy catapulted to fame in 2010 after joining TOWIE aged 19. ‘None of us knew how much our lives would change,’ she remembers. ‘It escalated into this huge thing.’ And as for her latest venture, Lucy – who’s partnered with Beyond Meat – is keen to get back into routine and embrace a varied lifestyle. She tells us, ‘We’ve made a conscious effort to sort out a few of our meals to be plant-based.’

September can be a chance for a fresh start, but for many busy families getting back into a routine after the summer holidays can feel hectic, with school runs, work and wellbeing schedules, after-school clubs and endless dinner decisions all competing for attention.

To help the UK achieve a realistic September reset without the stress, RWL fitness entrepreneur and mum-of-two Lucy Mecklenburgh has created a Beyond Steak Hidden Veg tagliatelle. Made with Beyond Steak Pieces, which is high in protein and low in saturated fat, plus plenty of hidden veggies in the sauce, it’s a simple way to add more plant-based variety to a family favourite. And the best bit? It’s on the table in under 35 minutes.

Beyond Steak Hidden Veg Ragu

Serves 4
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 25 mins

**Ingredients:
**400g Beyond Steak Pieces
4 tbsp olive oil
2 red onions, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 celery sticks, finely chopped
300g chestnut mushrooms, finely chopped
380g courgette, grated
2 x 400g tins finely chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato puree
2 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Plant-based tagliatelle, to serve
Basil leaves, to garnish
Plant-based parmesan, to serve (optional)

Method:

1. Chop and grate your vegetables (you can use a food processor to chop all the vegetables to save time if you wish!)

2. Heat 2 tbsp of the oil in a large saucepan and add the chopped red onions and garlic and cook for 5-7 minutes until it starts to go translucent.

3. Add all the remaining chopped and grated vegetables. Cook the veg for a further 5 minutes until they’ve sweated down, then add the tinned tomatoes, tomato puree, dried oregano, red wine vinegar, and season well. Simmer for 10 mins, stirring occasionally

4. While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to instructions.

5. For the last 5 minutes of cooking, heat the remaining oil in a large frying pan and add the Beyond Steak Pieces and a good pinch of seasoning. Cook on a high heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are browned and slightly crisp, then add them to the sauce pan and stir through.

6. Serve immediately with the cooked pasta, fresh basil leaves and plant-based parmesan.

Visit Beyond Meat to find out more and discover more delicious recipes.

As we recently reported, Prince Harry is all too aware that, on his return to the UK in the coming days, he will be walking right back into the heart of ‘the lion’s den’.

After four years of silence between Harry and his brother Prince William, his relationship with King Charles appears much improved after their secret summit at Highgrove House last month, but there remains no doubt that Harry’s road to a full-scale reconciliation remains a long and winding one.

While Harry lived in the US, the brothers appeared to have reached a sort of silent truce, with the distance between them and Harry’s estrangement from the Royal Family meaning that Harry and William’s deepening rift could continue with little threat of the two being pulled together outside of larger gatherings - such as the funeral of their uncle Lord Robert Fellowes in 2024, where they could comfortably avoid each other.

But now Harry will be back in the UK and is reported to be house hunting with Meghan Markle in the Cotswolds, where King Charles and Queen Camilla often stay at Highgrove House. And with the monarch no doubt looking forward to spending more time with his youngest son and his grandchildren – Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five – Harry and William will no doubt be pulled together, especially when it comes to anything to do with their father.

Yet rather than try to avoid what will inevitably be an awkward situation, we’re told Harry is facing it head on, and instead of approaching his brother, is now planning on reaching out to Kate Middleton instead, who a source says he believes will be a lot more ‘reasonable’.

An insider says, ‘With everything that is going on, Harry feels he needs to have some sort of dialogue with his brother’s camp and since William won’t speak to him, it just makes sense to go to Kate.

‘She’s the gatekeeper to so many things. If, God forbid, something is wrong with Charles, or they need to communicate about something without bothering the King directly, she’s the most straightforward path.

‘He hates to put her in the middle but he says he doesn’t feel like he has any other choice because William is continuing to be so stubborn and he says he knows Kate will be a lot more reasonable.’

Ahead of the Sussexes departure in 2020, Harry had shared a close bond with Kate, 44, once describing her as ‘the sister I never had’. He famously became the royal ‘third wheel’ and the pair shared a sense of humour that reportedly led to Kate once gifting her brother-in-law a ‘grow your own girlfriend kit’ before he began dating Meghan in 2016.

Now, following the release of Harry’s 2023 memoir, Spare – in which he described Kate as being ‘on edge’ at the prospect of having to ‘compete with Meg’ - any renewed relationship the two form is likely never to be the same.

But the source says Harry is still keen to build some sort of friendship between them whether William likes it or not, as we’re told its ‘inevitable’ that his children will meet with their cousins - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - in the near future.

‘He still has a lot of respect for her and he misses her and says he’s looking forward to getting some sort of relationship with her back on track,’ the source says.

‘People are warning him that this will not go over well with William but Harry doesn’t seem to care. He says he’s done tiptoeing around his brother and he’s going to do what needs to be done.

‘He’s looking forward to striking up a dialogue with Kate and finding a path forward, particularly if they’re going to bring the children together, which of course is inevitable.’

Meanwhile, Harry, 41, has not only publicly referred to William, 44, as his ‘arch nemesis’, but through his memoir, he alleged that William had physically assaulted him in a fight over Meghan. For a celebrity biography, this would have been explosive, but when it comes to tell-alls about the future King of England, the consequences could undoubtedly have been devastating for the monarchy as a whole.

And by his side through it all, a source recently told us Kate knows better than anyone how much William has suffered.

‘It’s not all tough love, of course, because Kate also recognises that underneath all of his bluster, William is in a lot of pain over this situation with Harry,’ the insider told us.

Now, the source says there is no question that Kate would ever secretly ‘conspire with Harry against William’ but we’re told that she could be willing to at least hear him out.

‘It’s going to be a tough situation for Kate to navigate because she has to be very conscious of not upsetting William, but when Harry calls, it’s hard to imagine that she’s going to ghost him or refuse to pick up. Fact is, she does miss him,’ the source says.

‘She’s certainly not going to conspire with Harry against William, but it’s very likely she will want to hear what he has to say. Of course, she’ll be totally upfront with William about any conversations they do have, she would never sneak around behind his back, but she's also someone with a very strong mind of her own and she hasn’t given up hope that things between the brothers can eventually be repaired. Now that they’re going to be so close, she's saying it’s unrealistic for them all to pretend each other don’t exist.’

Kate, meanwhile, also remains incredibly close to her siblings – brother James and sister Pippa, and her children have already formed a close bond with their second cousins, Mia, Lena and Lucas Tindall, Zara and Mike Tindall’s children.

So it comes as little surprise that we’re told that Kate is urging William to allow their children an opportunity to meet Harry and Meghan's children, too.

‘The next generation is a big factor in this for Kate as well. Kate’s telling William that George, Charlotte and Louis deserve the opportunity to know Archie and Lilibet, and vice versa,’ the insider says.

‘When the Sussex children were thousands of miles away, there were practical reasons why they couldn’t build much of a relationship, but those excuses become much harder to justify when they’re all in the same country.’

On the same note, the insider says Kate is adamant that she and William need to lead by example as we’re told she is ‘ready to forgive’ – and hopes William will be too, if given time.

‘William and Kate have always taught their children how important it is to get along and work through disagreements, so Kate feels it sends a terrible message if the adults in the family can’t follow their own advice,’ the source says.

‘The children are getting older and they’re watching everything that happens around them. She’s not asking William to forget everything that’s been said and done, and she understands why he’s still hurt and angry.

But Kate is ready to forgive and she’s very open about wanting him to start moving in that direction too. Harry will need to make the first step, but by all accounts Kate is more than open to having a conversation.’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to the UK has shocked the public and aristocracy alike. Now, Closer speaks to royal commentator Lady Colin Campbell about her views on the saga.

Previously married to Lord Colin Ivar Campbell – the younger son of the 11th Duke of Argyll – Lady C is a television personality and royal author, having written about everyone from Princess Diana to the Queen, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. And Lady C, 77, shares a jaw-dropping bombshell about the real reason Harry and Meghan have moved back to Blighty.

She says, ‘I was informed that Harry has developed a close friendship with another woman who lives in California. And so, of course, if this is the case, it’s a strong incentive for Meghan to have Harry in the United Kingdom.’

SEPARATE LIVES

While this is purely Lady C’s opinion, and no other reports have suggested her unproven allegations, there have been reports of marital tension surrounding the Sussexes for years. Harry, 41, dismissed talk of a split in December 2024, saying, ‘I feel sorry for the trolls’. But Lady C reiterates that she believes the couple will live separate lives now they’ve arrived back in the UK.

‘Their marriage has been very volatile, and they are in big trouble financially,’ she alleges. ‘The facts I have been told are that he is going to be here with the children, and she will be flitting in and out of the country.’

When asked whether she thinks there could be a split in years to come, Lady C controversially says, ‘They’ll basically be having a typically classical, traditional arrangement, which could last a lifetime – but could also come to an end with the first billionaire who crosses Meghan’s path that she can gobble up.’

There’s also speculation about how the Sussexes will navigate the rest of the royals – especially as, since leaving the Firm, they’ve given interviews and made revealing Netflix documentaries, as well as making shocking accusations against them.

Lady C sensationally claims, ‘Meghan’s not going to be welcomed back – the family wants absolutely nothing to do with her, and as little to do with Harry as possible. Nobody who treasures their connections to the King or the Waleses will associate with the Sussexes – they know that’s a no-no.’

GAME PLAN

Lady C goes on, ‘Harry has betrayed his father, his stepmother, his brother, his sister-in-law. He’s backed his wife in making the most dreadful and false accusations – of the royals being evil and racist, all of which was untrue. Harry’s shown himself to his family to be ruthless and unpredictable. There’s no way they’ll forget that.’

Though they appeared amicable before 2020’s Megxit, tensions had been bubbling between the ‘Fab Four’ since their ‘jarring’ first meeting.

Despite reports that the Duchess had made her sister-in-law cry, Meghan, 45, claimed in her 2021 Oprah interview that it was actually Kate, 44, who reduced her to tears over a disagreement about flower-girl dresses for her 2018 wedding to Harry.

In his 2023 autobiography, Spare, Harry detailed an incident where he and William, 44, had a physical altercation after he branded Meghan ‘difficult’, ‘rude’ and ‘abrasive’.

Most infamously, Meghan made an allegation of racism to Oprah Winfrey – stating that an unidentified member of the monarchy had raised ‘concerns and conversations about how dark Archie’s skin might be when he’s born’. Days after the broadcast, usually stoic William snapped at a reporter, ‘We’re very much not a racist family.’

Lady C says, ‘Kate won’t go near Meghan. She disliked her from the word go, because she saw what she was. William also took his stand and would never be alone with Meghan.

‘The Sussexes have always tried to compete with William and Kate. Meghan’s game plan to Harry was, “My financial acumen and contacts in Hollywood will turn us into a billionaire power couple.” That was appealing to the chip on Harry’s shoulder – his jealousy of his brother made him go along with it.

VICIOUS LIES

‘But it’s backfired, because the public don’t like the game they’re playing. Do people seriously think that a family who’s been subjected to such abuse and vicious lies is going to forgive and forget?’

It’s also been reported that Meghan may make a return to acting. Last week, rumours swirled that the former Suits star could appear in series three of the Guy Ritchie-penned drama The Gentlemen – something Netflix bosses neither confirmed nor denied.

And Lady C continues, ‘Meghan is the biggest fame junkie I’ve ever seen – she’ll be feasting on the daily attention. Meghan and Harry’s aim has always been money and attention. They moved to America with Meghan’s promise to make them richer, more powerful and more popular than William and Catherine. That was her promise to Harry – and, as we know, it’s unfilled.’

In their first week back in the UK since leaving the country six years ago, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are settling back into British life. But sources tell Closer how the shock move has already been tough for them, with the Duchess of Sussex, in particular, struggling to readjust to life in the UK for the first time since 2020.

‘Those close to the couple are concerned and worry that this could be the worst move Harry has ever made,’ an insider says. ‘This isn’t a fairy tale, it’s real life. Meghan’s already got her back up. But Harry wants this. His focus is all about the children, getting them enrolled back into the royal fold and allowing them to grow up with family around them.’

They add, ‘This is a terribly tense time – a total uprooting like this is up there with divorce and bereavement as one of life’s most stressful experiences. It could be the beginning of the end if Meghan’s not willing to toe the line.’

The Sussexes, with their children Archie and Lilibet and beloved dogs Mia and Pula, landed back on British shores last week, touching down in Birmingham on a private jet costing £88,377 last week. It’s thought they will stay in a non-royal residence in the Cotswolds, living as non-working royals during their ‘extended stay’ in the UK. Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, will start school this week.

SHOCK U-TURN

Their unexpected return came a month after a previous UK visit, during which they reunited with King Charles, who reportedly met his grandchildren for the first time in more than four years. It’s a shock U-turn after years of saying they hated living in the UK, with Meghan previously revealing that she felt ‘suicidal’ while living within the royal family.

Following reports that they were meant to stay at the Spencers’ ancestral estate, Althorp, where they spent time with Harry’s uncle, Earl Spencer, during their July visit, it’s thought that the Sussexes – who will keep their £11million Californian farmhouse and Portuguese bolthole – could also be house hunting in the Northampton area so they can remain close to Diana’s side of the family.

Having previously caused controversy over her alleged ‘diva demands’, which reportedly included fresh flowers and ‘angry emails at 5am to employees’ and were said to have led to staff quitting, the Duchess of Sussex, 45, was accused of bullying by palace aides, which she denied. It sparked an investigation, but the results were never revealed.

FRESH DEMANDS

The insider says that the former Suits actress is already making fresh demands and has laid down some ground rules for her husband of eight years about their new lifestyle and home.

‘Harry must abide by her rules. Firstly, he’s not to leave her for any length of time or go gallivanting for more than a few nights. He’s desperately missed that lifestyle – skiing, shooting weekends and polo with his pals – but Meghan doesn’t want him going on long trips, so she’s insistent they entertain at their new house,’ the source explains.

‘She also wouldn’t compromise on the house. She wants it to be as good as, if not better than, a royal residence. Meghan wants all her home comforts, and Harry has bent over backwards to meet her requirements.’

According to the insider, Meghan is insisting on ‘hand-picked Norland nannies, a full-time housekeeper and four permanent cleaners, a chef, plus groundsmen’. She’s also looking for ‘fully mature orchards, greenhouses and walled gardens, a lake, a pool, a kitchen equipped with top-of-the-range appliances, a gym, beauty salon, and an outhouse she can use as a filming studio, treehouses and a woodland playground for the kids, a polo pitch and a shooting range.’

Once close to Cotswolds residents Victoria and David Beckham, reports recently claimed that Meghan and Harry – who turns 42 next week – met up with Geri and Christian Horner, who also live in the area.

The insider says that the couple are being strategic about who their new social circle will be.

‘The strain of returning to a country where Meghan felt vilified won’t disappear overnight. But Harry is confident he’s doing the right thing for his family,’ they explain. ‘He’s hoping to build a safe circle, while Meghan wants to meet other parents and has her sights set on friends in high places.’

Wayne recently debuted a new look after undergoing a nose job, with the ex-footballer showing off the results while dropping eldest son Kai off at football training.

The surgery, which Wayne, 40, finally opted for after breaking his nose twice during his football career, comes after he seemingly underwent a glow-up earlier this year. While hosting coverage of this year’s World Cup, fans were quick to notice his weight loss as well as his decision to ditch his beard – and many were impressed with his fresh-faced appearance.

But insiders tell Closer that wife Coleen, 40, has been left wary of what the transformation means for Wayne.

WORRIED

‘Coleen loves seeing Wayne looking healthier and taking more pride in himself, but there’s a part of her that’s slightly worried about this glow-up,’ our source says.

‘She knows women are going to notice him more and, given their history, she’d be lying if she said that didn’t make her nervous. She knows Wayne inside out. She loves him, but she also knows he’s struggled to resist female attention in the past.’

Having known one another from the age of 12, Coleen and Wayne began dating as teenagers, before going on to get married in their early 20s and having their sons, Kai, 16, Klay, 12, Kit, 10, and Cass, eight.

But the Rooneys’ 18-year marriage has been plagued by drama. Not long after their wedding, reports emerged regarding Wayne’s use of sex parlours, and he was later accused of having an affair with escort Jennifer Thompson. Years later, he found himself in hot water again when he was pulled over by police while driving a woman’s car after a night out and charged with drink-driving.

ATTENTION

Scandals involving alcohol and nights out – including an arrest at an airport for public intoxication – have followed Wayne over the years. But since 2024, he has largely stayed away from trouble, with Coleen reportedly giving him very specific rules, such as no partying without her, to keep their marriage on track.

Speaking of their past troubles, Coleen previously said, ‘You have your ups and downs, you have things that happen in life. But I think being together from a young age, we know each other inside and out.’

But now, our source says she’s worried about her husband returning to his old ways as he enjoys this newfound attention.

‘Coleen has laid down some very clear rules because she doesn’t want to find herself dealing with another embarrassing situation,’ the insider adds. ‘She’s stood by Wayne through an awful lot, but she’s made it clear that she won’t be humiliated again. Wayne knows exactly what she expects from him.’

His shock split from Christie Goddard, 47, after 19 years of marriage, hit headlines last month – with reports then claiming he’d been comforted by long-time pal Marianne ‘Mazz’ Murray.

But insiders have since told Closer that it’s his long-standing co-star Jessie Wallace, 54, who Shane Richie, 62, has been growing closer to since his relationship breakdown.

A source says. ‘They’ve always got on and had a great chemistry. Shane’s been leaning on her a lot, and Jessie’s told him she’ll always be there for him.’

UNIQUE

Shane and Jessie share a 25-year working relationship, starring on EastEnders as on-screen husband and wife Kat and Alfie Moon. The insider continues, ‘Shane’s turned to Jessie a lot throughout his own struggles and problems with his marriage. Christie, his ex, would sometimes feel a bit unhappy about their close friendship even though she knew it was platonic, because things at home with Shane were so up and down, and she found him difficult to be with.’

Back in 2017, Shane and Jessie spoke about how close they are, with Shane previously describing their bond as ‘unique’.

‘Last year we lived with each other on tour for 13 weeks… We pretty much lived together again for five months, then we did panto together,’ the actor said. ‘For two people who are not physically attached, that is quite unique. Bear in mind, this marriage has lasted longer than any of my real ones!’

Jessie – who has daughter Talullah, 21, from her relationship with ex Dave Morgan – was reported to be in a relationship with carpenter Justin Gallwey, but the pair have not been pictured together for nearly a year, sparking speculation they’ve split.

TIPPING POINT

Meanwhile, Shane was previously married to Loose Women star Coleen Nolan and the pair share two sons: Shane Jr, 38, and Jake Roche, 33. He later moved on with Christie and had three children: Mackenzie Blue, 20, Lolita Bell, 18, and Romani Skye Angel Shelley, 15.

But the pair split this summer, with the news breaking shortly after Shane’s drink-driving arrest in August, and sources said Christie had become ‘fed up with [Shane’s] behaviour’.

The source now adds, ‘Shane and Jesse are helping each other through these tough times – and his closeness with his co-star may have been one of the tipping points for Christie.’

Meghan Markle is undoubtedly keen to build a celebrity showbiz circle when she touches down in the UK, but they have to be just the right kind of A-list we hear.

Though she will obviously want camaraderie, her checklist will no doubt include attributes such as influence and power, as networking is key; causes and business projects that align with her own brand and values; and ideally someone who lives near their new home.

And there is one person who fits the bill in almost every way.

She’s hugely rich and famous, with decades of impeccable showbiz connections under her belt. She owns a skincare business based on plant-based, planet-friendly products and is an advocate for charitable causes. She lives in the Cotswolds, which is rumoured to be where the Sussexes are snapping up a new home for themselves, son Archie, seven, and daughter Lilibet, five.

What’s more, this celeb is a fellow American who lived in Montecito, the upmarket California suburb where Meghan and Harry made their home when they fled to the US in 2020, so they are already firm friends. And she’s vehemently opposed to the Trump administration; in fact, it’s why she moved from America to live in the UK. This is in line with Meghan’s politics; both have been vocal about backing Democrat candidates. Perhaps most importantly of all, they both keep chickens and love an egg-collecting Instagram post!

So far, so perfect. However, there’s one fly in the otherwise exquisitely blended ointment. Because although chat show legend Ellen DeGeneres – the celebrity in question – is living a squeaky-clean life now, no one will have forgotten how she fell from her showbiz pedestal after allegations of bullying from production staff behind the scenes of her show Ellen. Ellen apologised for any workplace toxicity and harm inflicted, but the show came to a sputtering end with plummeting viewing figures and a tarnished brand in 2022. She and her wife of 18 years, Portia de Rossi, moved to Blighty in 2024 after Trump was re-elected, but it might have also been a relief to escape the continued heat she was getting over in LA.

But Meghan is ever optimistic, it seems. A source tells us, “She’s counting on old friend Ellen DeGeneres, hoping that storming business opportunities will boost her flagging brand, As Ever.”

The insider continues, “Before Ellen and Portia left Montecito, she was seeing them all the time; they got very close, and Meghan is really excited about reconnecting. She and Harry are going to be living in the same area, so it will be easy to pop over to visit any time of day. But Meghan isn’t just looking at this as a chance for them to have some good laughs; she’s very eager to learn from Ellen, and if possible, get her involved somehow with As Ever. She’s also interested in Ellen and Portia’s wildlife charity; she admires what they are doing and has said she wants to help out, so there’s quite a lot of possibilities that she’s seeing on the horizon.”

Despite Ellen’s fall from grace, there’s plenty of life and ambition in the 68-year-old yet, as made clear by the launch of her global range Kind Science, which is described as ‘age-positive skincare’.

As well as wildlife conservation, she and Portia advocate for animal welfare, LGBTQ+ rights, child poverty and HIV/AIDS. Meghan is also an activist, speaking out on topics such as mental health, gender and racial equality and social justice.

And our insider says that though Ellen is not the respected Hollywood powerhouse she once was, her activism makes up for it, and she’s still got fame and pull: “Ellen has managed to carve out this very successful niche for herself away from the traditional Hollywood scene. She and Portia are able to have so much more privacy now that they’re in the U.K., but they’re by no means out of the scene. Ellen especially is still very intertwined with all the industry players back in L.A., and she’s constantly having people come visit.”

Meghan, we’re told, is keen to get in on the couple’s Cotswolds soirees: “Ellen and Portia have started throwing these curated get-togethers that attract a really high-end crowd, and Meghan is excited to be included. The fact that Ellen has found a way to live under the radar and still schmooze with all the ‘right people’ is very appealing to Meghan; she’d love it if she and Harry could take a page out of that playbook.”

As well as her skincare brand, Ellen is a canny businesswoman in other areas. Our source explains, “Ellen is a genius when it comes to flipping properties for a massive profit, and Meghan would love to do the same thing, so she’s hoping to learn everything that she can from her.

Meghan loves interiors and design and could happily talk about that with Ellen and Portia for hours, but she wants to understand the business strategy behind it too, how Ellen picks the right properties and then knows when it’s time to sell. Ultimately, Meghan and Harry may decide to unload the Montecito place, and there’s no one better to get advice on the sort of off-book sale they’d want to do than Ellen.

“They’re also going to be looking at the property market while they’re in the U.K., and Ellen has become a real expert on the area. She can give them all sorts of insight and probably teach Harry a thing or two because it’s all changed so much since he left. There are just so many cross-interests; having them over there is going to make the transition a whole lot easier for Meghan. She was so sad when they first moved, but now she’s saying it was a blessing in disguise; she’s very thankful.”

So, what does Ellen think of her high-profile, high-controversy friends H and Megs following her over to England? Well, we hear she couldn’t be happier. At the end of last year, she admitted in an interview that she was getting a tad bored in her £25 million estate. Apparently, there are only so many chicken eggs you can collect and country walks you can go on. There were rumours of a return to LA, with actress Portia picking up some Hollywood roles and Ellen attempting to kickstart her TV career. But for the time being, they seem to be staying put.

Our insider says, “Ellen is absolutely thrilled. She’s found it challenging to make good friends in the UK, so having Meghan and Harry back in the neighbourhood will be fantastic.”

For Meghan, the good most likely outweighs the bad. Yes, Ellen’s image took a public battering, but she apparently still counts Jennifer Aniston, the Kardashians and Katy Perry as friends. And if it doesn’t work out, well, she’s had someone to ease her back into American-style high society in England, somewhere she was not comfortable living before: “Most of all, Meghan’s just relieved that she will have some friends there this time, people she can really trust, and she’s hoping that through Ellen and Portia she will meet more people she clicks with.”

She’s the Hollywood actress whose recent movie, The Housemaid, grossed over $360 million worldwide. But away from smashing the box office, Sydney Sweeney found time to relax this summer.

Sharing a carousel of photos to her 25.9 million Instagram followers, the Euphoria star, 28, posted pictures from a fun-packed ‘summer camp’ with friends - with an unusual choice of costume.

Donning a skimpy Wonder Woman outfit, Sydney poured her famous curves into the iconic superhero costume first made famous by Lynda Carter in the 1970s TV series, then most recently by Gal Gadot in the DC films.

The actress channelled the DC Comics cartoon in a plunging red-and-gold sweetheart bodice and blue star-spangled high-cut briefs. And joining Sydney on the summer getaway was boyfriend Scooter Braun.

But while the former music manager got stuck in with his girlfriend’s costume theme - with the series of snaps showing him suiting up as Superman - fans were less than impressed by his appearance.

Sporting the Man of Steel’s classic blue suit and red cape - complete with the famous ‘S’ emblem - as he struck a superhero pose with his hands on his hips, one follower wrote, ‘That dude is 45 with three kids btw.’ Another added, ‘Scooter as Superman? You’ve got to be kidding me.’

While some defended Scooter - writing, ‘He is worth $500 milly. If I had to guess, I would say he’s pretty happy with his life choices’ - others cruelly attacked Sydney’s choice to date her new beau.

‘Scooter could be your dad,’ said one, while another went on, ‘Pick me behaviour to date this man.’

Others referenced the businessman’s reputation. ‘You don’t have to know her to know her BFs reputation that she’s actively ignoring and show her character just as much,’ they said.

The comments referenced Scooter’s public feuds in the music industry, most infamously with Taylor Swift.

In 2019, Scooter’s company, Ithaca Holdings, bought Big Machine Label Group for $300 million - acquiring the master recordings of Taylor's first six albums.

And in a Tumblr post written on June 30, 2019, the singer, 36, alleged that Scooter had subjected her to 'incessant, manipulative bullying'.

‘Scooter has stripped me of my life’s work, that I wasn’t given an opportunity to buy’ she wrote. ‘Essentially, my musical legacy is about to lie in the hands of someone who tried to dismantle it.’

The intense fan backlash led Taylor to re-record her back catalogue to regain control of her work, and centred Scooter as a villain among her followers.

He also managed Kanye West during the period in which the rapper released his song Famous. The song reignited a feud with the Love Story songstress that began at the 2009 VMA awards, when the rapper interrupted her acceptance speech.

The track includes the lyric, ‘I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex/ Why? I made that b**ch famous.’

Additionally, clients including Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Demi Lovato all left Scooter's label in high-profile exits.

‘Dating the smallest man who ever lived,’ read another comment on Sydney’s post, referencing Taylor’s 2024 track. Another said, ‘Like date a s*it dude who is notorious for stabbing artists in the back?’

First romantically linked after meeting at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding in Venice in June 2025, a video shared two months later showed Sydney and Scooter walking the Italian streets together following the lavish nuptials.

The actress and former talent manager hard-launched their relationship in April this year. Sharing a black-and-white photo, cuddled up with her boyfriend, to her Instagram Stories, Sydney added a white heart emoji. Scooter later reposted the image and captioned it, ‘Lucky bastard.’

Their romance went grid official the following month, as Sydney posted photos of the pair enjoying a ‘cowboy kind of weekend’ at the 2026 Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, California.

Prior to her relationship with Scooter, Sweeney was engaged to businessman Jonathan Davino for around three years.

The two began dating in 2018, before getting engaged four years later, but called things off in the spring of 2025.

Meanwhile, Scooter shares children Jagger, 11, Levi, nine, and 7-year-old Hart with his ex-wife Yael Cohen, who he married in 2014 before divorcing eight years later.

Supercharge breakfast and dinner for your family with delicious, budget-friendly ideas from Tesco or Tesco Recipes.

Family life is always busy, and never more so than when summer ends and work and school routines resume. Thankfully Tesco is on hand to help.

Tesco has everything you need to create easy, affordable, yummy meals that are perfect for busy families. Whether you’re looking to up your 5-a-day, or for sources of fibre, or protein packed options Tesco has you covered. There’s also less to pay for 5-a-day too, so you can fill your basket with fresh seasonal British produce such as beetroot, cabbage and cauliflower, kale, leeks, carrots and parsnips. And of course, Tesco has all your favourite fruit too. With so much choice there’s something to keep even the fussiest little eaters full.

You can start the day fuss-free with breakfast options that fill you up. Grab healthy snacks for lunchboxes and on-the-go munching. Be inspired with quick and tasty lunch ideas and cook up simple, easy-prep dinners.

Not only will you find timesaving food hacks online at Tesco healthy recipes, but you’ll also find delicious healthy recipes too.

Why not try these back-to-school inspired meals too…

Roasted Salmon Fillets with Butterbean Stew

Serves 4, takes 45 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• 2 x 400g cans butterbeans, drained and rinsed
• 1 veggie stock cube
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 Tesco Finest Scottish Salmon Fillets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Finely grated zest and a squeeze of 1 lemon
• 100g spinach, tough stems removed
• 3-4 tbsp Greek yogurt
• Handful freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley, to garnish

Step 1

Heat the oil in a large, deep-frying pan over a medium-high heat. Cook the onion for 3-4 mins, stirring often, until softened. Add the garlic and stir through for 1 minute. Add the tomato purée, paprika, oregano and chilli flakes, if using, and cook, stirring, for 1-2 mins, until fragrant.

Step 2

Add the pepper and cook, stirring for 1-2 mins, then add the tomatoes, butterbeans, 100 ml just-boiled water and crumble in the stock cube. Season with salt and pepper and stir well. Bring to the boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and cook, partially covered, for 20 mins or until the sauce has thickened.

Step 3

Meanwhile, line the air fryer with foil, if preferred, and add the salmon fillets, skin-side down. Drizzle over the olive oil and sprinkle over the lemon zest and juice. Season. Cook at 180°C for 12-15 mins until the salmon is cooked and flakes easily. Remove from the air fryer.

Step 4

Add the spinach and yogurt to the butterbean stew and stir until the spinach is wilted. Season to taste. Divide the stew between four serving bowls and top with the salmon. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Tip: Frozen fish is a convenient, cost-efficient alternative to fresh salmon. Plus, adding a spoonful of low-fat Greek yogurt at the end of cooking adds a creaminess.

Tortilla Breakfast Bagel

Serves 4, takes 50 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 285g jar chargrilled peppers, drained, (170g drained weight)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 egg whites
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 Tesco Finest seeded sourdough bagels, split
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 20g rocket
• Sweet chilli, hot honey or other sauce of choice (based on 2 tbsp)

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C. Line a 20cm square cake tin with baking paper.

Step 2

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Cook the onion and potatoes for 15-20 mins, turning gently, until tender. Add the peppers and mix in. Remove from the heat.

Step 3

Layer the potatoes, onion and pepper mixture in the prepared tin. Mix the eggs and egg whites together in a jug and season the beaten egg with salt and pepper. Pour over the potato mixture in the tin. Cook in the oven for 20 mins or until golden and the egg is set. If it is still runny, return to the oven for a few more minutes. Remove from the oven and leave to cool.

Step 4

Toast the bagels, if preferred. Turn the tortilla out onto a clean board and cut into nine squares (see Tip). Use four of the squares to top the bagels and add a handful of rocket with the bagel tops and serve.

Tip: This recipe makes nine tortilla squares, so wrap and freeze the leftovers and defrost as and when you like; just defrost in the fridge the night before.

Less to pay for your 5-a-day.

Fill your Tesco basket with fresh, seasonal ingredients for you and your family. Shop in-store or shop online for delivery at Tesco.com

When the groundbreaking royal news of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to the UK this month first hit headlines, there was no doubt amongst royal observers and the public alike that this bombshell would cause some serious fireworks behind palace walls.

In what could be a royal soap opera, the prodigal son is returning to the open arms of his sentimental father, King Charles, whilst his eldest brother, Prince William – heir to the British throne, no less – appears to have been sidelined and left out in the cold as he watches his brother’s triumphant return with a clenched jaw.

Except, days after the reports first revealed the details of Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK – where the couple are said to be house-hunting around the Cotswolds area – the Royal Family made their first public appearance together in weeks.

In a show of solidarity that nobody had expected, Prince William, alongside Kate Middleton and their children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – joined Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, Sir Timothy Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and their daughter Lady Louise Windsor, at a church close to the family’s summer home of Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

To the public, this sent out a message: ‘We are united’. But behind the Royal Family’s show of togetherness, a source tells us that the Palace is more divided than ever.

The route of the cause, we’re told, remains Prince William’s reluctance to even meet with his brother, let alone to forgive him and welcome him back into the fold.

But the source says that after months of reports that Camilla had sided with William over what has been dubbed as ‘the Harry problem’, the source tells us that the ever-loyal Queen now recognises the positive effect Harry’s return to the UK has clearly had on Charles – and she’s determined to fight tooth and nail to make sure she keeps any more stress well away from the King.

The insider says, ‘Camilla knows better than anyone how important this is for Charles. He’s had a real spring in his step since the Highgrove meeting, and it clearly means the world to him that he’s finally getting to bond with Archie and Lili.

‘But the fact that Harry and William are still openly feuding is very bothersome, it weighs His Majesty down tremendously and that stress is the last thing he needs whilst he’s still fighting cancer.’

Of course, as everyone knows – mainly because of Harry’s near-venomous feelings toward the ‘men in grey suits’ – it is not just family members who play a crucial role in when, if, and how Harry is welcomed back into the royal fold.

There remains a team of tight-knit staff within the Palace, many of whom Harry has given nicknames like the ‘bee’, the ‘wasp’, and the ‘fly’. And in July, reports emerged of a palace divided after it was revealed that Charles’ personal secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, will leave next year.

As a leading figure in the King’s household, Sir Clive was famously labelled by Harry, 41, as ‘the wasp’ and has long been reported to be against Harry’s return to the fold. His imminent departure has been described as ‘good news’ for Team Harry.

But we’re told William, 44, still has a lot of support from inside the Palace, as the source depicts the situation as so delicate that the King fears his Heir could ‘erupt at any time’.

The insider says, ‘Right now, the Firm has never been more divided. There are increasing numbers of aides who are slowly migrating to the King’s viewpoint, but still a majority who stand with William, who say this reunion with the Sussexes is total madness that will surely blow up in everyone’s face.

‘Charles is at the centre of all this, attending strategy meetings galore and trying to rally the likes of Princess Anne and Prince Edward into his way of thinking, whilst tiptoeing around William out of fear that he’ll erupt at any time. It’s a constant source of worry for the King, and Camilla hates seeing him on edge like this. All he wants is peace, but at this point in time, his eldest son won’t give that to him.’

However, at the heart of this bitter feud remains a father and a grandfather who continues to receive treatment for cancer. The 77-year-old monarch appears well and strong in himself following his happy news earlier this year that he is now receiving a reduced regimen of treatment, but the reality that he will likely continue to be treated for the disease for the rest of his life cannot be ignored.

The source adds, ‘People forget that Charles is still in a fragile state. He’s making great strides in his recovery, and obviously, everyone is encouraged by that, but it’s still an ongoing process, and his energy levels aren’t what they used to be.

‘Everyone in his world, and not just his doctors, has impressed on him how important it is to eliminate stress as much as possible, but unfortunately, that’s easier said than done given everything he’s dealing with right now.’

There’s also no doubt that the Royal Family have experienced some of their anni horribiles [horrible years] to date. Following Harry and Meghan’s departure in 2020, Prince Philip passed away the following year, shortly followed by the beloved Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022.

In the background to their deaths, of course, remained the accusations of sexual abuse against Prince Andrew, who is currently under investigation after being arrested under suspicion of misconduct in public office. He denies any wrongdoing.

And the source says this continued tumult within his family, on top of his responsibilities as King in an unstable world, weighs heavily on Charles.

‘It’s not only the situation with his sons. The Andrew business has been horrendous and continues to cause him a ton of stress because there’s still the police investigation hanging over everything and no telling what bomb could go off next,’ the source says.

‘And then you have the sheer rigours of being King and everything that comes with ruling the Commonwealth. He works incredibly long hours, he’s got all sorts of travel, there’s an enormous amount of responsibility on him at all times - especially with how difficult world politics are right now. There’s war on the doorstep and all this uncertainty surrounding the U.S. and Trump.’

With all of this in mind, Camilla, 79, appears to have stepped up in a huge way this year – acting as Queen, wife and reportedly, a ‘gatekeeper’ to Charles in order to soften any blows she is able to in order to protect his health.

And now we’re told she’s demanding that the family ‘grow up and deal with it’, and demanding that they prioritise Charles first and foremost.

‘Camilla looks at everything he’s carrying and thinks what he’s doing in the midst of battling cancer is really quite heroic. That’s why she’s so aggravated that the people closest to him can’t make more of an effort to lighten his load,’ the source says.

‘As far as she’s concerned, the least his family can do is grow up and stop creating additional problems for him to deal with. Camilla has always been incredibly protective of Charles, but since he got sick, she fusses over him almost non-stop.

‘Her instinct is to shield him from as much unnecessary stress as she possibly can, so she has no patience for anyone making things harder on him. At this stage in his life, and particularly while he’s still going through treatment and recovery, she feels it’s her duty to look out for him, and she does that with a vengeance.’

The nation was shocked last week by the bombshell announcement that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are returning to live in Britain. Despite leaving the royal family and heading to the US in 2020, it was revealed the couple will be leaving their £11m mansion in Montecito and enrolling son Archie, seven, and five-year-old daughter Lilibet in school back in Britain.

Though it’s not yet clear where they’ll be setting up home, it’s been reported the Sussexes will keep their status as non-working members of the royal family, and haven’t been offered the ‘half-in-half-out’ deal they wanted. And though King Charles, 77 – who was only made aware of the move four days before it was made public – is understood to be pleased, Harry and Meghan will no doubt soon come face to face with Prince William and Kate Middleton, who were left blindsided by the news.

Now, insiders say the Princess, 44, is anxious over what her estranged in-laws’ return will look like. The source says, ‘This is Kate’s worst nightmare and a massive shock, but her initial instinct was to think about the stability of the family and the monarchy, rather than her personal emotions.

'Harry and Meghan’s return brings unresolved issues back to the surface, as she remembers how painful and destabilising those years were. Kate fears seeing the family dragged back into another cycle of accusations, briefings and public fallout. She can’t see how it’s all going to work, and the news has left her reeling.’

Things have been sour between Meghan, Harry and the rest of the royals since they stepped back from their official duties after 2020’s ‘Megxit’.

In their bombshell interview with Oprah a year later, Meghan, 45, claimed she was ‘silenced’ by the royals, who ‘were willing to lie to protect other members of the family’. Shockingly, Meghan also admitted she ‘didn’t want to be alive anymore’ at the time, but when she asked the Palace for help, she was allegedly told ‘it wouldn’t be good for the institution’ for her to check into an inpatient facility.

And Meghan also made an allegation of racism – stating that an unidentified member of the monarchy had raised ‘concerns and conversations about how dark Prince Archie’s skin might be when he’s born’. Unsurprisingly, the damning claims sent shockwaves around the globe and threatened to derail the monarchy.

The source says, ‘Kate’s worried about the Sussexes’ return. So much has happened, and trust has been lost. How do you rebuild a relationship when you’re no longer confident that what happens privately will remain private?

‘Meghan also has freedoms that Kate doesn’t. Kate has protocol and a royal diary, whereas Meghan can give interviews, use social media and choose her own public appearances. Meghan can also speak out in a way Kate and William simply cannot respond to. There have already been serious allegations, which caused enormous damage, and Kate knows just how quickly another revelation could reopen all of that.’

Aside from the claims about the wider royal family, the Sussexes have been particularly scathing about the Waleses, with tensions apparently bubbling since their ‘jarring’ first meeting. Despite reports that the Duchess made her sister-in-law cry, Meghan confirmed it was actually Kate who reduced her to tears over a disagreement about flower-girl dresses for her 2018 wedding to Harry, 41. Then, in his 2023 autobiography Spare, Harry said he and William, 44, had a physical fight, after he branded Meghan ‘difficult’, ‘rude’ and ‘abrasive’.

Elsewhere in the memoir, Harry recalled an argument between Meghan and Kate, where the Princess of Wales didn’t react well to her sister-in-law saying she had ‘baby brain’, allegedly saying, ‘We’re not close enough for you to talk about my hormones.’ Harry also wrote about ‘an awkward moment backstage’ at the inaugural Royal Foundation Forum in February 2018, when Meghan asked to borrow Kate’s lip gloss and she ‘grimaced’. ‘Something we should have been able to laugh about soon after,’ he noted. ‘But it left a little mark.’

Alongside Charles, the Princess was also named in the Dutch edition of Omid Scobie’s controversial royal book Endgame as the family member to ask about Archie’s skin colour. It was withdrawn from sale after publishers blamed a translation error, and the author confirmed he had not named the pair in the original English text.

And our insider says that, given the betrayal, Kate will no doubt struggle being around Meghan, who is rumoured to be returning to acting on her return to the UK.

‘Kate’s been hurt by what Meghan’s done, and knows she doesn’t need to be best friends with her sister-in-law. But forgiving someone and trusting them are two very separate things. She’ll be extremely careful about what she discusses in her presence,’ we’re told.
Once dubbed ‘The Fab Four’, the Sussexes and the Waleses at first appeared to be a close unit in public. Kate and her sister-in-law attended Wimbledon together in both 2018 and 2019, and William was Harry’s best man at his wedding.

William was initially said to be devastated by the fallout, snapping at a reporter days after Harry and Meghan’s Oprah interview in March 2021, ‘We’re very much not a racist family.’

Now, according to former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt, Harry’s return is likely to have left his brother ‘apoplectic’, and our insider continues that Kate is worried for her husband of 15 years.
The source says, ‘Kate’s anxious about how deeply his brother’s return will affect William. She’s encouraged him to be strong, and not necessarily to slam the door. Kate knows some sort of reconciliation would ultimately bring William a sense of peace, and she’s working on her husband.’

However, another source has warned that it may be a long road ahead for the warring brothers. The insider reveals, ‘William is nowhere near ready to forgive Harry and simply cannot trust him ever again. He’s said to feel unable to even look at him, such is his resentment. But the days when the brothers could simply live separate lives on opposite sides of the Atlantic are now over – Harry will be here; their father wants a relationship with him; their children are cousins. At some point, William is going to have to look his brother in the eye and bury the hatchet.’

Visiting the UK last month, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Sussexes met with Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House on 10 July ‘for an hour or so’.

Reports confirmed the trip was a resounding success, and Harry had plans to fly across the pond again in September for the WellChild Awards, with an invite to stay at Buckingham Palace. Harry also spoke of his wish for a reconciliation with his family last year, speaking of his sadness about not ‘showing my children my homeland’ and his desire to patch things up with his father, who is living with cancer and still receiving treatment, explaining, ‘Life is precious.’

Now that they’re back in the UK, it’s likely the Sussex children will also have a relationship with their older cousins, Prince George, 13, and Louis, eight, and Princess Charlotte, 11.

The insider says, ‘Kate’s reluctant to make the children part of an adult feud, but she’s protective of her family’s privacy. She won’t sit the children down and tell them not to trust their cousins, but she’ll remind them not to repeat things said inside the family. ‘Kate will protect William, their children and the monarchy. She doesn’t need to create another battle with Meghan, but expecting her to forgive and forget would be very unrealistic.’

And it seems even more unrealistic for William, too, who is said to be extremely concerned at the effect his brother and wife could have on the integrity of the monarchy. A source says that the future king will be keeping a very close eye on the Sussexes’ commercial ventures and endorsements.

The insider says, ‘William thinks the agreement when they left was clear. You cannot represent the monarchy while simultaneously making private commercial deals from your royal connections. He is going to be furious if there is any suggestion that the rules are being rewritten. William is preparing to become King. He thinks about what precedents are being created. To him, this isn’t simply about whether he likes Harry or Meghan. The trust simply isn’t there.’

After stepping down from her role in US legal drama Suits when she became engaged to Prince Harry in 2017, Meghan Markle maintained that she was ‘done’ with her acting career during an interview in 2022.

But four years on and just weeks ahead of the Sussexes return to the UK, it was widely reported that Meghan could be set to make one epic return to our screens, having landed a role in Netflix’s The Gentleman - the comedy-action series that just so happens to be largely filmed in the Cotswolds, the idyllic countryside that the couple are speculated to have set their heart on as their new home.

The news of Meghan’s new gig also came as a lightbulb moment to royal observers, most of whom had been left scratching their heads over why Meghan would agree to return to the place she once described as having left her feeling isolated and suicidal.

Yet 72 hours after the reports of Meghan’s acting return first began circulating, royal author and former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown explosively claimed that the ‘backlash’ from the UK public had been ‘so intense’ that whoever was behind offering Meghan the role had been forced to revoke their offer, believing it was ‘untenable’ to move forward with filming.

So far, nothing has been publicly confirmed, but this rumoured dumping from a role that would have undeniably lent itself to a glamorous and gritty return with powerhouse Guy Ritchie at the helm will no doubt have come as a blow to Meghan.

But a source tells us the determined Duchess - who made a cameo in Amazon comedy Close Personal Friends last year - is still ‘chomping at the bit’ to return in a big way and, in a full-circle moment, still sees the UK as the perfect place for her relaunch.

An insider says, ‘Meghan is chomping at the bit to get back to acting, no doubt about that. She has her sights set on moving towards more prestigious projects; she has a much higher profile now than she did before marrying Harry, so getting those types of opportunities are now a lot more within reach.’

‘This isn’t just a question of Meghan putting out feelers. She’s already getting approached, and there’s a lot of interest. There are tons of power players based in England right now, Hollywood doesn’t have the market cornered on great filmmakers, and she genuinely has the clout to get in the room with them.’

And in further proof that her father-in-law King Charles didn’t nickname her Tungsten (after the metal with the strongest melting point) for nothing, after years of facing global criticism, we’re told Meghan is not done with acting – despite this latest rejection.

Instead, the source says she is refocusing her energies on wreaking sweet revenge on her naysayers by not only landing a sought-after new role but by scooping up a prestigious Oscar award in the process.

We’re told, ‘It really upsets her that her abilities have been questioned so much because of the Netflix disappointments, and she says the best way to get her revenge will be to get back to acting and do what she’s best at.

‘Meghan’s trying not to get ahead of herself, but she’s reading some fantastic scripts right now that she genuinely believes have Oscar potential. Ultimately, what she has her heart set on is winning an Oscar - that would bring her the most satisfaction.’

It’s now nearing seven years since Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, first stepped down as senior working royals, but while they’ve carved out a new life for themselves in the sunny enclave of Montecito, when it comes to their post-royal identity, the Sussexes have undoubtedly struggled to find their calling.

So far, they’ve embraced what can only be called a multi, multi, multi-hyphenate path, from TV interviews; to penning books; to Meghan’s lifestyle brand; their philanthropic endeavours; their business investments; and the occasional quasi-royal tour for good measure.

Meghan’s Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, then proved to show the Duchess in her element, but critics panned the lifestyle venture as ‘contrite’ and ‘toe-curlingly unlovable’, while many viewers failed to relate to a Duchess in her rented mansion, despite her best efforts to appear grounded with bagged pretzels and home-baked goods.

In June, it was then revealed how data collected by YouGov America showed a rapid decline in Meghan’s popularity since last year. Polls showed that compared to 2025, where 37% of voters ‘liked’ Meghan, only 29% voted in favour of the Duchess at the start of this year.

Furthermore, US site Newsweek claimed that a separate search they had conducted revealed that the traffic to Meghan’s As Ever brand’s website fell by 89,000 in the US in January.

So it’s little surprise Meghan is enthusiastic about making a new start on her career elsewhere – even if it lands her right back on the doorstep of the Royal Family.

Despite flying over for a secret summit with Charles and Queen Camilla last month, the Sussexes still have a long way to go if they want to re-enter the royal fold, especially as Prince William is believed to have maintained a complete wall of silence between himself and Harry for nearing four years.

However, in his 2023 memoir, Spare, Harry did spill that his brother and his sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, were huge fans of Suits, and had been a little starstruck when they first heard about Harry’s new leading lady back in 2016.

So much so, the future King of England reportedly replied, ‘F**k off!’. Harry further added, ‘I was baffled until Willy and Kate explained they were regular - nay, religious - viewers of Suits.’

Now we’re told Meghan is aiming to charm her in-laws once more – albeit expecting that she may have a little more heavy lifting to do this time around.

‘She’s convinced it will be a great way to score brownie points with the royals as well because they do love their movie stars,’ the insider says.

‘She figures they will have to show her some respect if she starts to win proper awards. An Oscar is her ultimate goal, AND she’s convinced that with the right project she could make it happen, maybe even within a couple of years.’

However, while UK creatives have always masterminded novel, ambitious and award-winning TV and film, the movie industry and its biggest stars are still drawn to the lights of Hollywood, with many living within travelling distance of the City.

And with the couple reportedly opting to keep their home in Montecito, it has already been widely speculated that Meghan’s desire to return to acting could see her and Harry spending a lot of time apart.

Now our source adds, ‘She still has huge dreams of conquering Hollywood. Just because she’s leaving town doesn’t mean she’s given up on proving herself there. No doubt she will be going back and forth fairly frequently.’

The couple have, meanwhile, registered their children – Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five – into UK schools; a clear indication that they want to give living in the UK a shot. And the source says in an ideal world, Meghan hopes she’ll land a UK role that will prove she still has what it takes to win the big awards over in Hollywood – not least an Oscar.

‘Succeeding in the U.K. whilst still earning major accolades in Hollywood is the ultimate dream,’ the source says.

‘She loves a good underdog story, and she’s trying to embrace that in her own life and use all the negativity as fuel for a big comeback. She’s very fired up right now and convinced this is all within reach.’

Nothing says, ‘I love you’ more than allowing someone into the sacred bond between human and dog, so the fact that Lewis Hamilton has let Kim Kardashian kiss and snuggle with his new fur baby, 'Halo' speaks volumes. Kim is reportedly so happy with her latest man that she’s also trying to hook her single sister Khloe up with her own F1 boyf. And if sources are correct, apparently, she has more than a hundred good reasons.

With such a sprawling collection of careers and such a large brood of gorgeous children, it's little wonder Kim Kardashian has assistants coming out of her ears. How else is a woman with demands as considerable as hers meant to stay on top of her work and personal calendars, chase after her kids, oversee her properties and ensure she's clothed, fed and watered? Let alone catch up on the latest Netflix binge?

Well, don’t get your tiny violins out too prematurely. Fortunately for her, her besotted new beau Lewis Hamilton appears only too pleased to enlist in her battalion of helpers, seeing to it that whatever she needs is right there at her fingertips. And let’s be honest a full SKIMS racing suit must be in the works, right? RIGHT?

But when cameras caught him rolling up to her film set to deliver her lunch in a white paper bag, it prompted a few chuckles from certain celeb watchers, who suggested he was firmly under her perfectly manicured thumb. Yet rather than being mortified by the chatter, we hear Kim is thrilled by this degree of devotion. It's exactly the commitment she's been craving.

A source close to the couple tells us the jokes about him being a glorified assistant aren't actually all that wide of the mark. Lewis, we're told, indulges her every wish—a marked departure from his old reputation as a slippery playboy who couldn't be tied down. We all know that every person just needs to meet their match, and Kim has clearly put herself in the driving seat of this romance.

The insider says of their seven-month relationship, "All Kim has to do is mention that she wants something and Lewis makes it happen, whether that means getting it for her himself or having it sent to her, he's in total puppy dog mode. It has a lot of people pretty shocked because this is not his style at all, usually he's very aloof with the women, he mostly acts like he can take it or leave it, but with Kim it's different, he's completely under her spell."

This, we gather, is the perfect scenario for Kim. As one of the planet's most gorgeous and richest women, she expects nothing short of being placed on a pedestal by her partners. In recent years, however, that hasn't been how things have played out for her. And a series of failed unions previously had her feeling super down on the whole of coupledom. Says our source, "Kim loves it when men dote on her and make her feel like a princess; it's a huge turn on for her.

Kanye used to treat her this way back in the day when things were good between them, and it's one of the reasons she fell in love with him so hard. But that all died after they got married, and it flipped around, and she was always the one always pretzeling herself to try and make him happy. So, it is definitely a breath of fresh air to have a man treating her like a prize again, and not just any man, one of the hottest men in the world, or at least that's how she sees him."

Sir Lewis Hamilton—a Stevenage native knighted by the now King Charles in 2021—is a catch by any measure. A seven-time Formula One world champion, he's worth £435 million and ranks as Britain's wealthiest active sportsperson off the back of his F1 deals, brand endorsements, business ventures and investments. He's also pleasing to the eye—another reason he's landed a succession of high-profile models, actresses and singers, among them Nicole Scherzinger, Gigi Hadid and Rita Ora. But at 41 he's never married, never been engaged and has no children, leading plenty to conclude that none of these women measured up to his sky-high standards.

We're told that, for Kim, 45, the pull runs deeper than looks and money, or even the level of worship he heaps on her. The two share a range of genuine, heartfelt passions. Both are shrewd businesspeople with a foot in the acting and producing world. And as the first Black Formula One driver, one who has faced racism himself, Lewis is a leading campaigner for racial equality and greater diversity in his sport. Kim, too, is outspoken against oppression, and through her advocacy and legal work has succeeded in overturning miscarriages of justice, frequently involving people of colour.

Thanks to these mutual interests, the pair have actually been acquainted since 2014, having regularly bumped into one another at global events. But both were forever attached—or, in Kim's case, married, given she has three of those to her name. It wasn't until the beginning of this year that the friendship blossomed into romance, and they were first publicly photographed together at the Super Bowl in February.

Our source says, "Lewis isn't just good-looking, he's this huge star in his own right, and he has a real aura of success around him. Kim sees people absolutely fawning over him wherever they go and yet he'll drop everything to be with her and do whatever it takes to make her smile, it's been a huge boost for her confidence. He's so thoughtful, he never comes over empty-handed, flowers, candy, lingerie, food, he always has something for her. He usually has something for the kids too, which has obviously scored him a ton of points with everyone, but especially Kim because it melts her heart that he wants to bond with her kids and put in that kind of effort."

Over the summer, the couple were photographed at the Monaco Grand Prix and at the California festival Coachella. They went on to hard-launch their romance on social media, sharing pictures and clips of themselves holidaying together with her children—North, 13, Saint, 10, Chicago, eight, and Psalm, seven—at her lake house.

And we hear Lewis is eager to make clear to Kim that his devotion doesn't switch off the moment their jobs and families pull them in opposite directions. Lewis, who recently posed for pics with his and Kim’s new fur baby, Halo look like they’re taking their commitment to the next level. Lewis was devastated in September last year when he said goodbye to his beloved bulldog, Roscoe, but it seems that after such a world-shattering loss, he’s ready to truly open his heart again.

When they aren't together, he's very consistent about texting her and staying in touch every day. Most nights, he'll video call and talk to her until she falls asleep, and then every morning, she'll wake up to the sweetest messages from him. She says she's blown away by how attentive he is. At first, she was worried it was all a little too good to be true, and she couldn't help but be afraid that he was going to leave her heartbroken, but it's been more than six months now, and if anything, he's gotten even more adoring.

He's still his own man; he wouldn't take kindly to it if she started bossing him around or throwing tantrums, but she's very wisely not taking this for granted or acting bratty. They're still very much in the honeymoon stage, so there's no telling if they'll have this dynamic forever, but at this point, she's got him in the palm of her hand. He doesn't seem to care one bit that his friends are giving him a hard time about this; his response is that they're just jealous that he's dating the sexiest woman in the world." For now, Lewis is enjoying his summer break from F1. With Kim tied up filming in LA, he's setting up base in America to be by her side over the coming weeks. So the only racing on his agenda will be dashing around after his beloved and tending to her every need. Lucky Kim.

For almost a decade, he’s been a man of redemption – candidly speaking about his sobriety and confessing that his years of drinking had damaged his life as a husband and father. But Brad Pitt sounded all the alarm bells earlier this month after admitting he was drinking again – and also opening up in unprecedented detail over the darkness he’d previously faced as a result of ‘family stuff’.

Speaking to Esquire, he nonchalantly revealed he was ‘off the wagon’ after staying off the booze for seven years, before emphasising he was now drinking ‘in a more restrained manner’. Granted, many people who have hit rock bottom with alcohol later make the decision to return to ‘controlled drinking’ rather than total abstinence, but Brad’s frank admission was enough to spark panic among those who have seen him at his lowest. But that wasn’t the only part of the interview that got hackles raised, as Brad, 62, also took the rare to decision to open up – more than ever before - about ‘one little period’ of his life that had left him suicidal.

He didn’t specify when, only confirming it related to family, but the implications were deafening – with his ex-wife Angelina Jolie’s name hanging in the ether.

Now, insiders tell us that everyone around him is wracked with confusion over what exactly Brad intended with his candid confessions. Some say it was a cry for help, letting his loved ones know that he might not be as A-OK as he’s letting on; others fear he’s in denial over his spiralling behaviour, and he’s unknowingly undoing all the hard work he’s done over the past few years.

‘People are very worried about him,’ says an insider close to the Hollywood legend, who’s been dating jewellery designer Ines de Ramon, 33, for the past four years. ‘There is a sense that he’s sliding off the rails and is trying to cover it up by acting like everything is cool. Trying to rationalise leaving his sobriety behind as though his drinking was never a problem is a huge red flag.’

As for Angelina, we’re told she’s ‘horrified’ over Brad’s comments, which quickly made headlines around the world. As far as she’s concerned, their six children have already suffered as a result of his behaviour. But now, to have them read that he’s drinking again, knowing the damage his boozing previously did, and to see that he contemplated suicide as a result of their family breakdown, is enough to have her hitting the roof all over again. As our insider explains, it’s opening old wounds at a time when all parties had really hoped to be healed.

‘Don’t forget, Angelina claimed Brad was drinking during their horrible fight on the plane in 2016,’ our source explains. ‘She even accused him in court documents of pouring wine on her and the kids, so the idea that we would so cavalierly announce that he’s no longer sober is very upsetting to her. If he thought this would earn him sympathy points from her, he could not be more wrong.’

As Brangelina historians know too well, next month marks an auspicious anniversary: 10 years since that infamous private plane altercation that broke the golden couple up for good. Though full details have never been confirmed, Angelina accused Brad of turning abusive towards her and the children while drunk. Both the FBI and the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services subsequently investigated Brad – but while he was cleared of all allegations, he later took some accountability of his destructive behaviours and alcohol abuse.

Speaking to GQ in 2017, he admitted, ‘I can’t remember a day since I got out of college when I wasn’t boozing, or had a spliff, or something…Truthfully, I could drink a Russian under the table with his own vodka. I was a professional. I was good’ – adding that he’d finally quit drinking because he ‘didn’t want to live that way anymore’.

Then, two years later, he told The New York Times that he’d joined Alcoholics Anonymous post-split, explaining, ‘I had taken things as far as I could take it. So I removed my drinking privileges.’ He’s since paid tribute to the recovery community – thanking them for picking him up off the floor when he was at his lowest – and especially giving credit to close friend and fellow AA member Bradley Cooper, whom he said had ‘got him sober’.

With all that said, it’s no surprise that his brand-new comments to Esquire have gotten people worried. In addition to Angelina, and Brad’s own inner circle, we’re told the recovery community are feeling just as ‘blindsided’ by his change in tune. And actor Bradley, in particular, is feeling shocked and conflicted – knowing full well that sobriety isn’t linear but also worrying what could happen to his close friend as a result of his return to booze.

‘No one is judging Brad, but there is a great deal of concern for him right now within the community,’ we’re told. ‘He was so all in with his sobriety for so long, so to suddenly have him announcing to the world that he’s back off the wagon has a lot of people convinced that he may be playing a dangerous game.

'But Brad insists that there’s nothing risky about this. He says he’s grateful for what he learned and the relationships he formed through his sobriety, but he’s now found his happy medium, where he can indulge in a really special glass of wine with dinner, or even two, and then stop. He sees nothing wrong with that, and he certainly also has a lot of people telling him that he can handle this. But for the people that knew him during his sobriety journey, it has set off huge alarm bells.’

For now, we’re told his loved ones – and estranged ex-wife and kids watching from afar – can do nothing more but keep an eye on his behaviour, and hope for the best. In terms of his comments on feeling suicidal in the past, Brad was keen to stress that that period of crisis was long gone, and that his ‘survival instincts’ had quickly kicked in. But still, there’s no denying that his comments have left an ominous echo resounding around Hollywood, and a fear in the pit of a lot of people’s stomachs.

But, as our source adds, ‘Unfortunately, there is nothing they can do but be ready and willing to help if and when he decides getting sober again is the right path.’

Harry and Meghan are coming home! In a bombshell move that has left even the most eagle-eyed royal watchers stunned, the Sussexes are reportedly preparing to move back to the UK with Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five - potentially putting them right back on the doorstep of the Royal Family they walked away from six years ago.

The extraordinary news, reported by The Telegraph, comes completely out of the blue after years of Harry and Meghan insisting on their new life across the pond. And while the couple have yet to comment publicly, their reported plans have already raised one burning question: why now? - Especially as Harry apparently had the perfect opportunity to tell his father all about it when the pair finally came face-to-face at Highgrove in July.

Just weeks earlier, Harry had looked happier than ever on British soil as he threw himself into causes close to his heart, including the Invictus Games and Scotty’s Little Soldiers. Gone was the slightly fish-out-of-water Harry we saw at Kris Jenner’s birthday bash last year - instead, he was photographed supporting veterans, dancing with children and even larking around with baby goats.

And now, it seems, there could be a much bigger reason why Harry, 41, suddenly appeared so comfortable back home.

We’re told the Duke is expected to approach his father in the coming months about the possibility of returning to royal life in some form, with a ‘half-in, half-out’ arrangement potentially on the table. If true, it would be a staggering U-turn for the couple and one which could put their July meeting at Highgrove, and their shock UK move, in a whole new light.

An insider says, ‘Harry is absolutely adamant that he and Meghan can still contribute to the monarchy, and he says he’s had signals from his father that there's a possibility that things could change to allow them to do that.

‘His vision is still this half-in, half-out arrangement that his grandmother said they couldn’t have. He feels his father can revisit that and perhaps see more clearly why it might actually be a positive thing for the institution as a whole.

‘There haven’t been any promises made, but the fact that his father is open to a dialogue is a huge turnaround. It’s got Harry feeling very hopeful that things could be on the way to being fully mended.’

Back in 2020, when he and Meghan, 45, first stepped down as senior working royals to begin a new life in the US, it was reported that Harry had proposed to the late Queen Elizabeth II that they maintain a half-in, half-out role within the Firm, which would see them reside abroad but continue to work for the Crown in some capacity. At the time, Harry’s grandmother had not agreed.

Now six years on, and there is certainly more water to be shooed under the bridge following Harry and Meghan’s explosive exposés and allegations, which were so damning that they all but threatened to put the reputation of even the most senior members of the Royal Family at risk.

They included allegations of bullying and racism (which the Palace strongly denied), and an accusation by Harry in his 2023 memoir, Spare, that his brother Prince William had physically assaulted him. No stone was left unturned.

And while Harry appears to have landed back in the King’s good graces, the source says the energy and positivity Harry brought during his charity appearances has also not escaped the notice of the Palace – something that we’re told has only furthered Harry’s return bid.

‘It’s obviously way too soon to say if the King will actually reverse his late mother’s decision and allow Harry and Meghan to serve the Crown, but he is certainly considering it,’ the source says.

‘In fairness, a lot has changed in the world, and within the Firm, in the last six years, so in some ways it’s understandable that the King would re-evaluate this whole situation.

‘There was quite a lot of chatter after Harry [last public appearance] everyone was talking about he was really back in his element and doing great things. That kind of positive PR is what the institution really needs as a whole right now.’

They add, ‘His Majesty is well aware that this fracture within the family is terrible for his legacy; he does not want to let this go on forever. And for Harry to represent the family again in an official capacity would signal to the world that things are improving.’

For Charles, the potential full-scale reconciliation would no doubt put an end to the past few painful years, in which not only was he diagnosed with cancer (in 2024), but at the same time, remained estranged from his youngest son and his grandchildren.

Meanwhile, Harry’s rift with William appears deeper than ever. Harry appears to have been completely frozen out of his brother’s life; a reality it’s been reported that some of his allies behind palace walls firmly agree is the right decision in order to protect the monarchy from any further reputational damage.

But now with Harry and Meghan having reportedly found a new family home outside of London, having his younger brother and sister-in-law land right upon his doorstep may force Willaim’s hand in the matter.

However, we’re told that after asking his father about his plans for Harry following their July meeting, William has been left feeling ‘massively betrayed’ as the source claims he’s been left completely in the dark about Harry’s return to the royal fold.

An insider says, ‘William has been pressing for more details, but His Majesty’s stance is that it’s simply none of his business at this point. He feels William has been incredibly hot-headed and immature about the situation and wants to give Harry the chance to outline what he’s after.

‘The King can always say no, and he feels perfectly capable of making that decision without his eldest son’s interference, but he is willing to hear Harry out. There are no promises being made about what the King will or won’t agree to, but the fact that this is even on the table has William feeling massively betrayed.’

With just weeks to go until Harry and Meghan are expected to return to the UK, with Harry likely to make a public appearance at the annual WellChild Awards next month, it could only be a matter of time before Harry proposes his royal return in person.

But we’re told William could continue to try to stop Harry’s proposal, as the source says he’s ‘upset’ and ‘outraged’ over what he believes to be the Sussexes' latest ‘cash grab’.

‘Harry swears money isn’t the motivation, but William isn’t buying that. He sees the whole thing as a cash grab and completely disrespectful of the ground rules their grandmother laid down,’ the source says.

‘What’s upsetting William more than anything, though, is that he’s completely in the dark about what his father is planning. He doesn’t even get briefed on what the King and Harry are discussing, he has to pump people for information to find out what’s being said, it’s outrageous.’

They’ve long been one of showbiz’s ultimate power couples, but while Michelle Keegan’s stardom continues to rise, fans have noticed that husband Mark Wright’s career has taken a different path.

‘She’s going from strength to strength, while he looks increasingly uncomfortable living in her shadow,’ one comment read, while another touched on rumours that they have ‘quietly uncoupled’ professionally, saying, ‘Happens sometimes, especially when one half has a successful and growing career and the other, well, isn’t so successful.’

NEGATIVE ABUSE

And an insider tells Closer that the sniping is starting to get to Mark. ‘He is fed up with the constant negative abuse and has told Michelle he really feels like he can’t take any more of it. Some days he does feel it’s just all too much and there are times he’s even tempted to come off social media altogether. It’s definitely made him question himself too – asking himself if he is good enough.’

Mark, 39, found fame on TOWIE in 2010, but arguably reached the peak of his showbiz powers in 2017 when he started presenting on entertainment news channel EXTRA out in the States. Since quitting and relocating back to the UK in 2020, Mark has dabbled in fitness ventures and now presents a radio show with best pal Olly Murs, while also, according to reports, priding himself on largely being a stay-at-home dad to daughter Palma, 17 months.

TV SUCCESS

Meanwhile, since former Coronation Street star Michelle, 39, left the soap in 2014, she has landed roles in Our Girl, Ten Pound Poms, and has become a Netflix sensation thanks to her performance in Fool Me Once. She is also starring in upcoming ITV drama The Blame alongside Douglas Booth, while filming is underway for her second Harlan Coben project, The Woods, which stars actor Tom Bateman.

But after Closer previously reported that Michelle’s ‘chemistry’ with Douglas hadn’t gone unnoticed by Mark, our source now says she has been ‘so supportive’ of her husband of 11 years. ‘She constantly tells pals how he’s an amazing dad and a devoted husband. She tells Mark to not pay attention to the c**p comments, but of course he does,’ the insider says.

To add to Mark’s woes, he recently revealed that he could be out of action for three months due to a series of injuries, including a back fracture. ‘It’s been a devastating year,’ he admitted.

‘Mark’s the first to say how it takes three months to build muscle and three weeks to lose it – this will also be stressing him out big time,’ the source adds.

She has been making the most of the final weeks of the summer holidays, spending quality time with her family on a sun-soaked trip to Turkey.

But an insider reveals that as Stacey Solomon prepares to return to the realities of home life – including potentially leaving Pickle Cottage – she’s facing crunch time with partner Joe Swash.

‘This summer has helped Stacey press pause on a lot of her worries and just enjoy the present moment with her family. But she’s been in denial about a lot of things she needs to address,’ our source says.

‘She’s so torn about the idea of leaving Pickle Cottage and has this massive fear around the decision. She also hasn’t really come up with a solution about how she and Joe can work together more to get their marriage back into a healthy routine.’

Stacey, 36, and Joe, 44, are parents to Rex, seven, Rose, four, and Belle, three, as well as Zach, 18, and Leighton, 14 – from the social media star’s previous relationships – and Harry, 19, who the former EastEnders actor shares with ex-fiancée Emma Sophocleous.

DILEMMA

And according to our insider, another dilemma weighing on Stacey is whether to welcome another ‘pickle’ into their family.

After we previously reported that Joe believes another child would bring them closer again as a couple, the source continues, ‘Stacey’s also been thinking about whether they should add to their brood. She believes it’s getting towards crunch time as she doesn’t want to leave it too much longer, but pals are worried she’s unnecessarily piling up too many things to worry about when she could just relax.’

The mum-of-five has been inundating her 6.1million Instagram followers with snaps from her extended family holiday at Regnum The Crown, where she, Joe and the children were joined by Stacey’s sister Jemma and father David, along with several others, including influencer Perrie Sian.

Sharing a ‘rare’ family photo, Stacey wrote, ‘To the moon and back family. Making memories with you is my favourite thing to do.’ While she and Joe appeared happier than ever on their breakaway, the trip comes on the heels of a tough time for the couple, whose marriage has been under the microscope.

RUMOURS

After Stacey was photographed without her wedding ring on numerous occasions – something she brushed and laughed off during an appearance on This Morning – it was then revealed in April that their 2022 wedding ceremony was yet to be formally registered.

At the time of their at-home nuptials, Stacey – who started dating Joe in 2016 – told fans, ‘We are having a relaxed private blessing in front of our closest friends and family, and a ceremony of our love to each other, then we will register our marriage legally after.’

But the revelation that the couple are still yet to do so four years down the line raised eyebrows about the state of their marriage. However, Stacey rubbished rumours that they are on the ‘brink of divorce’, saying, ‘Being in the public eye, I think, creates certain pressures, but not on our relationship, because half the time what they’re saying, if we know it’s not true, who cares?’

LIFE REALITIES

Amid reports that the couple are planning on leaving their Essex home in a bid for a ‘fresh start’, it’s not just family dynamics Stacey is having to contend with, as work is going to ramp up for her next month.

Our source explains, ‘When Stacey gets back from her holiday, she’s also got a ton of business work to get through with her REHAB haircare line and Belle & Rose fragrance, as well as closing deals on other ventures and working out her filming schedule.

‘She often works through the night when she’s trying to spin all the plates, and right now that prospect feels really overwhelming to her.’

But it’s the possibility of another baby – something Closer reported in July that she wasn’t averse to – that Stacey believes would give her a focus.

‘She keeps thinking that if she were to have another baby, then it would help create some space where she can focus on a pregnancy and be with her family,’ the insider says. ‘But right now, she just wishes the holidays were longer, that the kids didn’t have to go back to school, and they could all just keep enjoying family time. She can feel reality setting in and coming at her fast.’

But friends believe Stacey should channel her energy into Joe. Our source adds, ‘Every marriage takes a lot of work. Stacey isn’t looking for sympathy. She always tries to put a happy face on things. Her pals are worried that one day soon, that smile will crack and Stacey will have had enough of trying to make everything perfect all the time.’

After yet another twist in their turbulent marriage, the love story is rumoured to be well and truly over for Katie Price and Lee Andrews, amid reports that he is locked up inside Dubai’s Al-Awir prison again.

The self-proclaimed businessman hasn’t posted on social media for nine weeks, while Katie recently took her wedding ring off while on holiday, before putting it back on again in new photos.

And with the drama showing no signs of letting up, Closer can exclusively reveal that Katie could be finally set to expose Lee’s lies once and for all after being approached for a one-of-a-kind documentary.

An insider says, ‘Several high-profile documentary makers, including Louis Theroux, think the story of her marriage could make one of the most explosive celebrity investigations in years. The idea being discussed is far bigger than a standard documentary. Producers want to properly investigate who her husband really is, what she was told, what was true and what may have been hiding in plain sight. They want to help her discover the truth once and for all.’

ALLEGATIONS

The source continues, ‘Katie is fascinated by the idea because she feels like she will finally get answers. She is already joking that she’s about to become a detective in her own marriage, but underneath the humour, she is deadly serious about finding out what’s actually happened.’

Since their whirlwind marriage in January, which took place a week after they met in person, the mum of five, 48, and Lee have been plagued by damning allegations. As well as one of his exes branding him ‘delusional’, a ‘narcissist and a ‘manipulator’, Lee has been accused of defrauding one woman into handing over £123k to invest in his company, fabricating his flamboyant CV, and now-deleted pictures with Elon Musk and Kim Kardashian on his Instagram were suspected to be AI-generated.

Things took a dramatic turn in May when Lee sparked an international manhunt after ‘disappearing’, only for Katie to later locate him at Al-Awir prison. Her husband claimed he had been ‘held at gunpoint’ and ‘accused of espionage’ by ‘an extended arm of the National Guard’.

LIES

A month later, Lee, 43, was back behind bars – and he is still believed to be there, rubbing his inmates up the wrong way thanks to his ‘constant lies’. While she previously stood by her fourth husband, Katie has been spending more time with her family lately, including her eldest children, Harvey, 24, Junior, 21, and Princess, 19, and her sister Sophie, 36.

The former glamour model also enjoyed a getaway to Ibiza with Harvey, where she was seen flirting with longtime close friend and club owner Wayne Lineker – without her wedding ring in sight. She was also spotted ‘jokingly propositioning’ newly-single Jake Quickenden at an awards show in Manchester last week after undergoing her 18th boob job.

She recently said, ‘I will be questioning [Lee] about a lot of things when he’s out… There is so much, and there is no smoke without fire. It’s ridiculous now.’

The insider says that after seven months of marriage, Katie wants answers, and the show could be the perfect opportunity. Katie – who recently starred in Sky docuseries Nothing To Hide – had been in talks about doing a documentary about her fourth marriage, but this one would up the stakes. ‘For the first time, Katie seems ready to stop defending everything and actually question it,’ the source explains. ‘She wants to know exactly who she married and whether the version of Lee she fell for was ever the full picture. She wants everything laid out in black and white.

BACK IN CONTROL

‘There’s talk of investigators, lawyers and journalists helping her go back through the relationship from the beginning. People around her describe the concept as Sherlock Holmes meets The Tinder Swindler – speaking to people from the past and trying to piece together the real story behind the man she married.’

They continue, ‘The project appeals to Katie because it would allow her to take back control of a story that has left her feeling powerless, which she hates. This could become a real turning point for her. Instead of being the woman blindly standing by someone, she would be the one asking the questions and demanding the truth. Lee will regret crossing her as she’s not someone to mess with.

‘The biggest change is she finally seems prepared for the possibility that the truth may not be what she wants to hear. Those close to her think it could be incredibly emotional because she may have to confront things she previously refused to believe.’

And the insider adds, ‘If she signs the deal, nothing would be off limits. The relationship, the marriage, the money, the promises, the inconsistencies – she wants the whole thing examined.’

In a shocking turn of events, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their return to the UK more than six years after they quit the royal family – leaving The Firm reeling.

And Closer can reveal that the surprise move came after Harry gave his wife a firm ultimatum, leaving Meghan with little choice but to agree to the move back to his home country.

‘Harry basically told Meghan, “Move back with me, or it’s over.” He’d become desperately unhappy living in America and was determined to spend far more time in Britain,’ our source says. ‘Meghan knew Harry was serious. He’d reached the point where he told her that either he was going to start spending a significant amount of time in the UK on his own, or they needed to make the move together as a family.’

The source adds, ‘Harry has always wanted his children to have a British education, and it became one of the driving forces behind the decision to move.’

IMMINENT ARRIVAL

The couple and their children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, are expected to relocate this month to a non-royal residence. The property is believed to be outside London, and the children have been enrolled to start school in September.

The move follows years of strained relations between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the royal family. After they started anew in California in 2020, Harry and Meghan wasted no time sensationally lifting the lid on their experience within The Firm in a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, the Duke’s memoir Spare – which was particularly scathing about the Prince of Wales, 44 – and Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan. Among the allegations were claims of racism, Palace leaks and lost security, with Meghan also claiming that she was ‘silenced’ after joining the royal family.

Just days before their bombshell return was announced, an insider had told Closer that Meghan was on edge about Harry spending time with the royals alone and worried she wouldn’t be there to defend herself if anything was said – particularly by the Princess of Wales, 44.

CONTROL

‘For Meghan, going with Harry became the better option,’ the source says. ‘She felt she would have far more control over the situation if they did this together, rather than Harry flying back and forth alone and potentially rebuilding those relationships with his family without her.

‘But Meghan’s fear is that she’ll come back and somehow end up in the same situation she was in before. Harry has promised her that this time is completely different. They aren’t working royals. They intend to control their own lives and their own narrative.’

Meghan, 45, has continued efforts to develop her lifestyle brand, As Ever, in the United States, but both she and Prince Harry, 41, have faced setbacks in several of their post-royal ventures.

The couple signed a deal with Spotify in 2020, but the audio platform dropped them in 2023, with one executive infamously labelling them ‘grifters’. Then came the axing of the Duchess’s Netflix series With Love, Meghan, after just two series, which formed part of the $100million Netflix agreement that the Sussexes secured with the platform in 2020.

The insider goes on, ‘Meghan recognises the potential opportunity presented by being physically closer to the royals. They’ve had successes in America, but there have probably been more disappointments than they would have liked. They need to recentre their brand and rebuild some of those royal connections.

BUILD BRIDGES

‘Harry can also see there are now far more pros than cons to rebuilding his reputation in the UK.’

In a poignant turn, Harry, who has seemingly been trying to mend bridges of late, Meghan and the children visited the UK together for the first time in more than four years last month. They were hosted by King Charles, 77 – who is still undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer – and Queen Camilla, 79, at Highgrove House, and also visited Althorp, the childhood home of the late Princess Diana.

‘Their visit last month also helped enormously,’ the source now says. ‘Meghan came away feeling far more at ease about what a return could actually look like for them. Seeing his father with the children affected Harry greatly. The King is still unwell, and he’s getting older. Harry wants to repair their relationship, and he wants Archie and Lilibet to have a proper relationship with their grandfather.’

The source continues, ‘Harry and Meghan love each other, but they both know the next year is crucial. If they can build a life in Britain that works for both of them, it could give their marriage a completely new chapter. Harry’s stubborn, but he’s told her that if this move doesn’t work, then he’ll accept that his life in the UK is over. If they can’t make it work here, they still have Montecito. But if that happens, they may have to ask themselves whether the problem was Britain, America, or whether they simply want different lives.’

It’s no secret that since Meghan Markle joined the royal family, her relationship with Princess Kate has not been the sisterly love-in that some early photo ops might’ve suggested. Since Megxit, that relationship has only turned frostier – with no thawing in sight. And now it’s been revealed that the source of the latest tension is their husbands’ beloved late mother, Princess Diana. With next year marking the 30th anniversary of her death, emotions are running high in both the Wales and Sussex households, and the battle to pay their own tributes is causing unrest.

While Meghan has been accused of using her late mother-in-law for attention and is understandably annoyed at the public backlash she continues to suffer, Kate is said to be pleased that the public will not let her get away with hijacking Diana’s legacy – and is focused on her own tributes.

Last week, reports suggested the Princess of Wales may join Prince William on a trip to India in November, when Mumbai hosts the annual Earthshot Prize – the environmental award he founded. The visit is likely to invite comparisons with Diana, who famously toured the country in 1992. Now, heat reports that the Sussexes are determined not to be outdone, with Meghan said to be “pushing” for her own trip to India with Prince Harry.

An insider says, ‘It’ll be a bit of a blow that Meghan and Harry didn’t manage to make their visit happen ahead of William and Kate, particularly because India was a place where Diana had such an impact. And with the anniversary of her death coming up, all eyes are going to be on anything they do that’s even remotely related to the late Princess.’

The country held a deep significance for Diana. During her trip there in 1992 with Prince Charles, the ‘people’s princess’ cemented her reputation as a humanitarian, with her visit to a leprosy hospital being credited with helping to remove stigma around the disease.

Her solo trip to the Taj Mahal led to the now-iconic image of the Princess sat there alone – with it later widely viewed as the photograph that showed her marriage to Charles was over. Seen globally as a poignant tribute to Diana, the Prince and Princes of Wales had previously recreated the iconic image in 2016 as part of their week-long tour of India.

An insider says, ‘Meghan and Kate both seem keen to emulate Diana’s legacy, which is lovely; no one would deprive them of celebrating her, but it does sometimes seem as though they’re trying to outdo each other. Certainly, that’s the suspicion among some royals, who are whispering that Meghan is going overboard lately with her Diana tributes.

‘Of course, this India trip is bound to spark more competition because it’s no secret Meghan has been pushing to do a tour there with Harry.’

Meghan and Kate frequently appear to pay homage to their late mother-in-law with their fashion choices and their jewellery, with both women frequently pictured wearing stunning gems from Diana’s collection.

In the last month, Meghan has been seen wearing her mother-in-law’s Cartier watch, worth $24,000, when promoting her brand, As Ever, as well as her diamond and sapphire butterfly earrings while at a black-tie event with Harry.

And those are not the only times that Meghan’s name has been linked to Diana recently. After marking her 45th birthday by posting a snap of herself to Instagram, in which she is seen jumping into a swimming pool, eagle-eyed royal fans were quick to point out the resemblance to a picture taken of Diana leaping off a boat while holidaying in St. Tropez in 1997 – just weeks before her tragic death in Paris. In the famous image, Diana is seen in a near identical pose to the one that Meghan appears to have replicated.

An online backlash quickly emerged, with one calling the Duchess ‘desperately contrived,’ and another cruelly adding, ‘Imitating your famous, loved late mother-in-law who actually died long before you married her son is weird.’

Her post came just weeks after she and Prince Harry – alongside their children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five – returned to the UK, with Meghan sharing an image showing them making their way to lay flowers at Diana’s grave at Althorp House.

Harry, 41, has also compared his wife to his late mother, previously saying, ‘So much of what Meghan is, and how she is, is so similar to my mum. She has the same compassion, she has the same empathy, she has the same confidence. She has this warmth about her.’

And the source says Harry’s words have only riled her critics. ‘Harry hasn’t done himself, or his wife, any favours by publicly comparing her to Diana. That’s the sort of thing that really bothers a lot of people because it's seen as bragging,’ the insider says.

Meanwhile, Kate, who famously wears Diana’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring, is trying to stay out of the drama. But while she refuses to become embroiled in any one-upmanship, our insider says she is extremely protective when it comes to preserving Diana’s legacy.

The source explains, ‘Kate won’t have missed the skewering Meghan got for the photo of her jumping into the pool. So many people were saying that it was an obvious attempt to copy Diana, but Kate very wisely has kept totally out of the fray.’

‘There's no doubt Kate does take inspiration from Diana’s timeless fashion, and she’s been given certain pieces of jewellery of hers by William, which she treasures. She has a huge amount of reverence for her and would only want to pay homage to her.’

“While she doesn’t want to feed into any narrative, she can be forgiven for feeling pretty vindicated that the public appears to understand that her intentions are without any agenda, except to celebrate the memory of her mother-in-law in a subtle way. There’s a part of her that’s delighted with how she’s celebrated in this way, knowing that Meghan can’t get away with her try-hard approach. Rightly or wrongly, there’s no doubt that people are way more cynical when it comes to the Sussexes and their motives.’

‘Meghan would argue she’s only doing what Kate does, but instead of getting put on a pedestal for it, she’s attacked,’ the insider adds.

‘Her birthday post is a case in point – all she did was share a fun photo, and she was torn apart and accused of only doing it for attention simply because Diana was once photographed jumping off a yacht.’

‘She’s determined not to change how she lives her life and what she posts on Instagram. Meghan isn’t going to censor herself, and Harry certainly doesn't want her to.’

This summer, I decided to trade in my annual European beach holiday sipping Aperols by the Italian Riviera for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see the Niagara Falls, USA. Accompanied by my sister, brother-in-law and three-month-old niece, it was a full family affair. Yes, you might think I’m slightly crazy for organising a four-night, action-packed itinerary around a little one, but honestly, it was exactly what we all needed. Niagara Falls exceeded all my expectations (even as someone who has experienced the Iguazu Falls in Brazil, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature). Here’s why.

The Niagara Falls, which lie on the border between Ontario, Canada and New York, USA, consist of the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. As soon as you arrive in Niagara, all three falls are right on your doorstep (if you’re staying in town) and accessible 24/7. Meaning, you can experience this natural phenomenon in its entirety practically all by foot and in so many ways. News alert – the Niagara Falls are even more beautiful during the nighttime illumination and fireworks show.

Whether you’re an adrenaline-seeker, first-time explorer, an outdoor enthusiast or simply content with seeing all the action from afar (whilst taking some Nat-Geo-worthy shots), there’s something for everyone here. From helicopter rides and food tours to whirlpool jetboats and balloon rides, Niagara Falls has a lot to offer. To the point where I would highly recommend planning your trip ahead of time to ensure you’ve got your preferred list of activities covered, because the list is endless.

If you do however have at least a few days on the agenda, I would suggest hiring a car (which can only be done from Buffalo Niagara International airport) and taking some time to visit the surrounding towns in the region. Lewiston, Olcott and North Tonawanda, are just some local gems to name a few. The Niagara gorge spanning seven miles just downstream from the Niagara Falls, is also a must-see attraction. Think 12,000 years of erosion, striking rock layers and quite daunting class six whitewater rapids – it’s certainly up there with the wow-factor.

Over four days, I was fortunate enough to try as many activities as I could with my niece (almost) by my side for all of it. So, if you’re already planning a trip to Niagara or are after some serious inspiration for an upcoming family trip, here’s everything you should know before planning your special visit.

Accommodation at Niagara Falls

We stayed at The Giacomo, an Ascent Collection Hotel. Only a short walk from the Niagara Falls, this boutique hotel did not disappoint. Offering a wide variety of rooms (averaging around £150 per night depending on when you visit), you can get a glimpse of the falls from the Skyview Room located on the 19th floor. There’s a breakfast buffet, gym and The Giacomo Lounge also available to guests.

Niagara Falls Activities

There is a huge array of activities you can do when visiting the Niagara Falls, Niagara Gorge and surrounding region, so pick wisely! For me, I was after a mixed family-friendly itinerary that covered all the main sites but with an emphasis on adventure. I was also very conscious that we had a three-month-old with us, so there were a few occasions where little Hazel got some additional nap time.

Whirlpool Rapids Trail – along the Niagara River Gorge

A special activity for anyone who loves a rapid or two. There’s also plenty of trails in the Niagara Falls State Park but the Whirlpool Rapids Trail is top notch. Lots of stone stairs  at the beginning but worth the challenge when you reach the rapids.

Rainbow Air Helicopter Tour

If you want a truly speccy activity, what better than a helicopter ride over the Niagara Falls? 15-minutes of pure joy and touchdown for the best view of the falls and surrounding reef. Rainbow Air also has a cool new Niagara virtual attraction, a multi-sensory VR parasailing experience. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a bird flying, this is your chance!

Roaming Table Food Tour

As a foodie myself, the Niagara Falls trip wouldn’t have been the same without the Roaming Table Food Tour. The Silo Restaurant and its OG Haystack sandwich, the chicken wings at Brickyard Pub & BBQ, and the Apple Pie at The Village Bake Shoppe are a few local Lewiston must-try joints. The tour is also great if you’re into your history.

Cave of the Winds

Cave of the Winds is up there with one of my more exhilarating experiences whilst visiting the falls. Why? Because when you’re on the Hurricane Deck, you can feel the peak flow fall rate exceeding 6 million cubic feet of water per minute. It’s incredible. For those who don’t want to get totally drenched, perhaps this isn’t the activity for you.

Maid of the Mist

Another very cool experience is the Maid of the Mist. The 20-minute boat ride gives you a chance to see the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls up close. I’ve also never seen so many rainbows in my life! It’s also quite a surreal feeling to cruising on the boarder of the US and Canada, minus the cheeky stamp to the passport.

Live On Air Fallsview Balloon Ride

If seeing the fireworks on ground level isn’t enough, book yourself onto the Live On Air Fallsview Balloon Ride for panorama views of Niagara. It’s a helium-filled balloon ride accompanied by a solid DJ set. We went at nighttime but it’s also open during the day and suitable for all ages (yes, Hazel got the invite!).

Niagara Falls Dining

Although there are plenty of great restaurants (and vineyards) in Niagara and the surrounding region, Savor restaurant really left a lasting impression on me. Backed by the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, the restaurant is run by the student chefs themselves and offers a modern twist on classically prepared cuisines. We ordered the $40 three-course set menu, which was absolutely delightful. The Steak Frites was, of course, my pick, but I did experience slight FOMO over my sister’s linguine. We also heard the students run a Pastry Café during the day, which will be on the agenda for next time.

Bella Rose is also a great vineyard to visit if you have time. Located only a 17-minute drive away from downtown Niagara, it’s $10 per person for a delicious wine tasting. A great place if you get stuck in a thunderstorm and need somewhere to hide out (with live music) for a few hours.

My Verdict

For someone who loves a bit of nature, adrenaline, good food and a whole lot of fun – this was the perfect trip. Do I wish I had a couple more days? Yes, because there’s far more than you think there is to see and do. I’d also love to bring my niece Hazel back to Niagara when she’s a little older to experience all the sites again!

Insider tips for your next family visit to the Niagara Falls:

• If you like a hike, do a trail on the first morning to fully get your bearings of Niagara. You won’t regret it.

• Don’t try do everything. Be selective if you only have a few days or extend the trip!

• Make sure you schedule in some down time, even if you’re an adrenaline-seeker.

• Carve out some time to explore all the local waterfall viewpoints. These are just as cool as the activities. Running around Goat Island along the upper edge path to the Horseshoe Falls was a highlight of mine.

• Allow extra time at the airport picking up the rental car.

• Although you can do more activities during summer, don’t eliminate winter as a time to visit Niagara. I’ve heard it’s like a winter wonderland!

For more information, visit Niagara Falls USA Tourism.

It has been a bruising swimming summer for Adam Ramsay-Peaty. The four-time Commonwealth champion broke down in tears last month after finishing third in the Games’ 100m breaststroke final, with hopes of regaining his title shattered.

Speaking in Glasgow during a post-race interview, a tearful Adam, 31, appeared to allude to the toxic feud that has gripped the Peaty family, saying, ‘It's hard because I know how hard I work. I know the s**t I've been through, which is no fault of my own, but it does take its toll.

‘I’m not crying because it’s a bronze instead of a gold. I’m crying because I know that the swim could have been better, and I know I worked way better than that. Something isn’t hitting right. Whether it’s the pace, whether it’s the focus, I’m not sure. I feel like I couldn’t have really put more in.

‘And that’s where it hurts. I’m like, “What’s the point of all the 5.30am starts? What’s the point of being exhausted all the time? What’s the point of having to say no to family events because you’re training?”’

Adam – who also missed out on gold in the 50m event – continued, ‘It has to mean something and for me it has to be human excellence and that is not excellence for me. So that's the emotion that is unfortunately coming out.’

However, the swimmer faced yet more disappointment at the recent European Aquatics Championships in Paris – where he has previously snagged a whopping 16 gold medals between 2014 and 2021. After finishing 20th in the 50m breaststroke heats, Adam failed to qualify for the semi-finals, and he missed the podium altogether for the 100m race following his fifth-place result.

A source said that ‘falling short on such a prominent stage’ has been ‘crushing’ for the three-time Olympic champ, but Team Ramsay-Peaty – which includes his pregnant wife Holly, 26, as well as her famous parents, chef Gordon, 59, and his wife Tana, 52 – are rallying around and plotting the next move.

‘The team’s main concern is for Adam. He knows that sport can be brutal, and that it’s important to come back stronger. But to have built himself back up again after the disappointment in Glasgow, only to crash out in Paris, is beyond brutal,’ the insider shared.

‘[…] he is taking some time out. There has been a complete blackout around him for the past week and he is being supported by the close-knit circle around him who will help him work out where he wants to go from here.’

In 2024, after a hiatus from swimming to recover from mental burnout, Adam shared how Gordon had supported him and pulled him out of a ‘deep, dark hole’. It had been a testing few years for the breaststroke star, who, after fracturing a bone in his right foot in 2022, was considered to have returned to the pool ‘too quickly’ when he finished fourth in the 100m at the Commonwealth Games two months later. It was his first defeat in that event at a major international competition since 2014, and, despite winning the 50m at the same Games, Adam stepped away from competing in 2023, saying he was ‘tired’, ‘not myself’ and ‘not enjoying the sport’.

As Adam – who split from his former girlfriend Eirianedd Munro in 2022 before going on to date Holly the following year – returned to swimming in early 2024, he said of Gordon, ‘He is an incredible energy to be around and an incredible person to have that guidance from. Gordon is a high performer.

‘He worked his way up to the upper echelons of his industry and works in a place where there's no bulls**t. I take a lot from that and from the professionalism he has every single day with a relentless pursuit.’

Out of the water, Adam’s bitter rift with his family continues to rumble on. It is believed to have begun in 2024, with reports hinting that there were disagreements over engagement party invitations after Adam – who is dad to five-year-old George with Eirianedd – popped the question to Holly.

However, rumours of a falling out only came to the fore in late 2025 when the sportsman’s mum Caroline claimed she was snubbed from Holly’s hen do at Soho Farmhouse. Both she and Mark, Adam’s father, were absent from the Ramsay-Peaty nuptials in December 2025 – and the only family member understood to have attended from the Peaty side was Adam’s sister Bethany, although it has been reported that she is now estranged from her brother too.

In another dramatic twist, Adam’s brother James was also arrested and later bailed on suspicion of harassment while the groom-to-be was on his stag do in Budapest.

While Adam has not directly addressed what has caused the divide, he opened up about the possibility of reconciliation earlier this month, saying, ‘For me, as a Christian, there has to be forgiveness. It doesn’t mean you have to forget, but forgiveness takes time. I’m not saying that it won’t get better, but it has to come from a place where I feel like they’ve improved as people, in a sense, and opened that communication up.’

After his emotionally-charged interview at the Commonwealth Games, many did not take kindly to Adam’s comments, interpreting them as an attempt blame his family – and the feud – for the defeat.

‘I used to support him on his swims (from my sofa) but since he’s got caught up in the Ramsay fame machine, he’s disappointed as a person. The public falling out with his mother, then more extended family was and is very unbecoming,’ one ex-fan wrote, adding, ‘He doesn’t know what went wrong. His parents sacrificed so much to get him to swimming pools early and all over the country then he dumped them. Awful behaviour from a son.’

A source even added, ‘Adam’s remarks – made on TV in the heat of the moment – were not quite in line with the polished PR face [he and Holly] are trying to present.’

But despite the bad blood, Caroline is still in her son’s corner, as she recently wrote, amid his uncharacteristically lacklustre performances, ‘We continue to support Adam from afar. He’s our son whom we love, whom we supported to reach his aspirations.

‘Our love our time our sacrifices were given freely with no expectation of financial reward, just genuinely given with the love as any mother and father would do for their child.’

To celebrate the home entertainment release of My Mother’s Wedding – now available to buy on DVD – we’re giving 10 lucky readers the chance to win their very own copy!

Directed and written by Kristin Scott Thomas, My Mother’s Wedding is the heartfelt and hilarious story starring Scarlett Johansson, Sienna Miller and Emily Beecham as three sisters pulled back to their childhood home for a momentous occasion: the third wedding of their twice-widowed mother, Diana (Kristin Scott Thomas).

Over the course of one unforgettable weekend, the family gathers to celebrate the new marriage, but mother and daughters alike are forced to revisit the past and confront the future, all with help from a group of unexpected wedding guests.

My Mother’s Wedding is available to add to your movie collection on DVD now.

© 2026 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Competition closes 31st August 2026.

Please note this competition is not open to ROI residents.

My Mother’s Wedding is available to buy on DVD now here.

After three years of finally settling into life as Queen, Camilla could be forgiven for thinking the hardest part was over. But behind the Palace gates, we’re told she’s increasingly worried that her position could be under threat - from the very couple who will one day replace her.

Since taking the title following King Charles’ Coronation, Camilla has had the unenviable task of carving out her own role after the late Queen’s extraordinary 70-year reign. Yet even as she has worked to establish herself, Kate Middleton’s huge popularity has continued to cast a long shadow over the Queen’s position within the family.

And now, with Charles and Prince William reportedly still at loggerheads over Prince Harry, whispers of tension between Camilla and the Waleses have only grown louder.

There have certainly been some eyebrow-raising signs. When Camilla celebrated her 79th birthday last month, William and Kate’s official social media account made no mention of the occasion. Then, when the couple shared a carousel of their summer highlights, there was another notable omission - not a single photograph of Charles or Camilla.

On the surface, it could all be completely innocent. But we’re told that behind Palace walls, the Queen isn’t taking any chances.

A source tells us that Camilla ‘can practically feel’ William and Kate ‘breathing down her neck’ and fears they could ‘push her aside’ the moment they take the throne.

An insider says, ‘Camilla is incredibly protective of her position and her ego is incredibly fragile so she doesn’t react well to any sense that her power is at risk of getting usurped.

‘She sees threats at every turn, and she would argue that her vigilance is for good reason because William and Kate are so openly covetous of the throne. She says she can practically feel them breathing down her neck; she knows the moment they take over she will be pushed as far to the side as possible.

‘She is convinced they are colluding against her. It’s no secret that she and William clash quite badly and she’s had her spats with Kate as well so they’re never going to be close.’

And while the growing distance between the two camps may have gone largely unnoticed by the public, royal watchers have been keeping a very close eye on it.

For months, there has been growing speculation that Kate, 44, and William, 44, are already laying the foundations for the monarchy they want to lead and, crucially, deciding who they want beside them when that day comes.

As the Firm continues to move towards a slimmer, more streamlined monarchy, the future King and Queen will have fewer working royals around them. This makes choosing the right people all the more important and has led to William and Kate increasingly surrounding themselves with those they trust implicitly.

One name who appears to be firmly on that list is Lady Louise Windsor, the daughter of Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward, who we recently reported was being considered for a much bigger role within the royal fold.

But it’s not just Louise who appears to be moving up the Waleses’ unofficial favourites list.

Her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, have also been increasingly visible at major royal engagements. Last week, Edward and Sophie were photographed sitting proudly in the front row at the European Athletics Championship in Birmingham, as well as attending the Commonwealth Games with William and Kate, alongside Prince George and Princess Charlotte earlier this month. Again, earlier this week, a stunning new portrait of Sophie, 61, was released to mark her new charity patronage.

And while Sophie has long enjoyed a respected position within the Firm - not to mention being one of Kate’s closest confidantes - we’re told her growing prominence has not gone unnoticed by Camilla.

According to our source, the Queen believes William and Kate are quietly creating their own royal ‘clique’ – and, worryingly for her, the source says she feels very much on the outside of it.

‘For obvious reasons she’s very jealous of Kate but she’s now got a major issue with Sophie as well. She says everywhere she turns it seems like Sophie is being projected as this sort of patron saint of the monarchy,’ the insider says.

‘For some time now the Waleses have been setting Sophie and Edward, and their children, up to be these shining lights of the future. Camilla isn’t arguing that she’s doing a perfectly good job, but she likely feels it’s all being a little overhyped and she has no doubt Sophie’s bestie Princess Kate is behind it.

‘It’s clear that the Waleses intend to bring Sophie and Edward further into the monarchy and empower them more and more and Camilla is obviously outside that clique, and being left out is extremely triggering for her.’

The U-turn for Camilla’s relationship with Prince William in particular is speculated to be when Camilla and Charles made their visit to the US in April.

At the time, it was reported that William had not wanted his father to undertake his trip to the US on the grounds that the schedule could prove gruelling for the monarch, who continues to undergo cancer treatment.

Royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner claimed that ahead of the King’s trip, William had been urging his father to reduce his royal commitments over concerns for his health; a fear he says was overruled by Camilla, who was reportedly adamant they must show strength at the helm of the monarchy.

‘King Charles and Queen Camilla have caused allegedly a row within the Royal Family after accepting a visit to America as part of the 250th centenary celebrations,’ he said.

Now we’re told that even away from joint official appearances - the last of which was the Trooping the Colour in June - Camilla feels Kate and William are ostracising her from any official decision making, too.

The insider says, ‘She insists she’s tried to be harmonious with them, whereas they flagrantly go out of their way to have as little to do with her as possible. It’s not that they simply exclude her socially, there have been so many instances where she hasn’t been invited to the conversation at all, or only been briefed after the fact when it comes to crucial decisions.

‘The social aspect does upset her, she rarely gets much in the way of face time with Kate and William and now that they’ve set their sights on the Wessexes she complaining that they’re snubbing her as well.’

Meanwhile, Sophie has been nicknamed the Royal Family’s ‘secret weapon’ and continues to be one of the most hardworking and dependable members of the family.

To make matters worse, Charles has also maintained a close relationship with Sophie, with the monarch reportedly sharing such a warm bond with his sister-in-law that she was pictured playfully shoulder-bumping him at a joint appearance just ahead of his coronation.

But the source says this hasn’t stopped Camilla’s ‘jealousy’ as she increasingly feels threatened by the moves Kate and William are making to ensure Sophie’s star shines even brighter – even if it that leads to casting the Queen into the shadows.

‘It’s no wonder she feels threatened by Sophie, she is younger and very beautiful and well-liked by everyone within the Firm, even his majesty seems to give her special attention,’ the source says.

‘Sophie isn’t going out of her way to upset Camilla but she’s also not shying away from the attention, she’s enjoying this and she’s not going to be apologetic about the fact that she’s being rewarded. She hasn’t done anything to deserve Camilla’s resentment. But Camilla has a jealous streak, there’s no denying that, and right now Sophie is the subject of her wrath.’

Nicole’s hot girl summer!

It’s her first summer as a single lady, and it’s safe to say Hollywood star Nicole Kidman is having a ball – as well as sparking rumours of a new romance.

After almost 20 years of marriage, Nicole, 59, and husband Keith Urban, 58, officially divorced in January, following their split last year.

But rather than dwelling on the past, the actress has thrown herself into travel and work, embarking on what she’s nicknamed a ‘Euro summer’.

Portofino, Paris and London have all made it on to Nicole’s travel list so far, as well as Iceland, where she recently enjoyed a ‘trip of a lifetime’ and explored from aboard a luxury yacht.

And despite her reputation as being shy, Nicole couldn’t resist paying a visit to Ibiza this summer. Having perfected her incognito rave attire, the star, mum to Sunday Rose, 18, and Faith, 15, with her ex-husband, managed to go undetected as she danced the night away on the island, often until 1am.

Sharing the ins and outs of her party disguise, Nicole recently revealed, ‘I’ll put on glasses. Sometimes I’ll wear a wig to hide, a little dark wig, and then I can just dance. As long as I’m surrounded by people – like, I take people with me - then I’m fine. I need it.’

Amid her busy schedule, she’s also found time for a new project. Nicole takes centre stage in singer Troye Sivan’s latest music video for his track She’s The Best, posing as his muse. Dressed in black and blowing on a cigarette, she looks every inch the Hollywood star as she dances into a drag bar before making eye contact with Troye, who is performing on stage.

And her hot girl summer wouldn’t be complete without some romance. In recent weeks, speculation surrounding Nicole’s love life has been rife, after she was linked to American businessman Michael Reinstein. The pair were photographed holidaying in Italy in mid-July and, later that month, Michael was seen collecting Nicole from Hollywood Burbank Airport as she returned from New York. However, neither have yet commented on the romance speculation.

Taylor & Selena’s baby pact

It’s been almost 20 years since Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez began their friendship, and the two stars have been by each other’s sides through many milestones. But it seems Taylor, 36, and Selena, 34, are ready to deepen their bond.

As Taylor married Travis Kelce earlier this year and Selena wed Benny Blanco last summer, there’s been plenty of speculation about both couples starting families – and it seems they might have been waiting for one another.

Reports indicate that Taylor and Selena have made a pact about motherhood, allegedly deciding that they want to have children around the same time in order to experience being first-time parents together. And the two megastars have also reportedly agreed to be godparents to each other’s children when the time arrives.

Fans of the pair won’t be surprised by the news, as both Taylor and Selena have been open about their close bond over the years. Speaking about her love for Selena, Taylor previously said, ‘There has always been this quality of sisterhood, and I don't say that in a basic way. I knew from when I met her, I would always have her back.’

Jessie's regret over APP

After announcing her split from boyfriend Chanan Safir Colman last month after five years together, Jessie J was recently spotted on celebrity dating app Raya – but not for long. When reports surfaced about her online dating, the singer, 38, shared a tongue-in-cheek Instagram video, where she vowed to ‘tell you the truth’ about the rumours.

The mum-of-one, who shares son Sky, three, with basketball star Chanan, revealed, ‘I updated and reactivated my Raya account on a dating app. I did. For two days, I surrendered. I just got excited, and I updated my pictures.’ Jessie went on to insist she ‘won’t do it again’ while feigning being upset.

Ricky: ‘Tax will be the reason I marry’

He’s spent years dismissing marriage as ‘pointless’, but comedy legend Ricky Gervais appears to have changed his mind. Having been with his partner Jane Fallon since 1982, The Office star, 65, may finally be ready to propose, but only to avoid paying inheritance tax. When quizzed over the matter, he said, ‘And that will be the reason I marry. We haven’t done it yet. But if it wasn’t for [tax]… why?’

Over the years, both Ricky and Jane, also 65, who are both worth millions, have spoken out about marriage being unimportant to them as well as their mutual decision not to have children.

Susie ties the knot!

Susie Amy has announced she married her long-term boyfriend, Raphael Bar, in July. The actress, 45, who famously played Footballers’ Wives character Chardonnay Lane Pascoe, shared the news on Instagram one month after the nuptials and posted a string of photographs from the big day. Susie – also known for playing Scarlett Morgan in Hollyoaks – wore an embellished low-cut gown, while the groom sported a sage green suit.

The couple, who have been together for more than eight years, were accompanied by daughters Noa, seven, and Rosie, five, who carried small wicker baskets.

It’s been over two years since she split from husband Eamonn Holmes. But as their divorce proceedings continue to rumble on, pals say Ruth Langsford is finally ready to put herself first – and they’re hoping a new man could be exactly what she needs.

‘Ruth is over waiting on the divorce to be finalised to focus on her happiness,’ a source tells Closer. ‘She had put her priorities on the back burner as she wanted to do this process right and not to be seen as jumping from a marriage into another relationship. But she’s finally thinking her friends are right – she does need to start putting herself first.’

DISAGREEMENTS

A joint announcement in May 2024 confirmed the end of Ruth and Eamonn’s 14-year marriage, stating that divorce proceedings had begun. However, the pair, who were together for 27 years in total, are yet to be officially divorced, with reports indicating that disagreements regarding finances and their marital home are holding up the process.

Since going their separate ways, Ruth, 66, has been Ruth’s been hanging out with pals like Rylan and Lizzie The GB News host has been in hospital since April enjoying single life, letting her hair down with famous pals such as Rylan Clark and Lizzie Cundy, while focusing on her career.

Meanwhile, Eamonn, 66, moved on with Katie Alexander, 44, just months after the split. Katie has continued to support Eamonn through all his health troubles, as the GB News host currently remains in hospital after suffering a stroke in April.

Our insider continues, ‘Ruth is aware that her divorce is being played out in the public eye. She’s still hugely concerned over Eamonn’s battle with his health, but she is lonely. She misses the day-to-day comfort of having someone there. She wants to be whisked off her feet.’

HEARTBREAK

While the Loose Women star – who shares son Jack, 23, with Eamonn – has spoken openly about her heartbreak, admitting she was ‘blindsided’ by the split, she has since revealed she’s open to dating. When asked if she wants another relationship, she responded, ‘I’ve said I’m going forward with an open mind and an open heart.’

Being single for the first time in decades is understandably daunting – but sources say Ruth’s pals are rallying round to boost her confidence.

‘Ruth has no plans to live her life out as a nun, but she’s a tad reluctant to date. She’s nervous, it’s the fear of the unknown,’ the insider adds. ‘But friends have told her that doesn’t mean she needs to be dragging her heels – she should be out there again.’

Amid his estrangement from his family, Brooklyn Beckham and his wife, Nicola Peltz, recently spent time with Elton John.

And now Closer can exclusively reveal that the Rocket Man singer – who has been friends with the Beckhams for decades and is known for being peacemaker to the stars – is planning a lavish bash for husband David Furnish’s 64th birthday, to which he’s invited both sides of the warring family.

An insider says, ‘It’ll potentially put everyone under the same roof for the first time since their fallout deepened. Elton isn’t pretending that one party is suddenly going to fix everything, and he knows pushing too hard can sometimes make things worse, but he cares about them all. He hates seeing the family he’s so close to end up like this.

‘Elton would absolutely love to see them make peace. He’s tried before, but he’s insisting the door is open for all of them. Ultimately, they have to want it too.’

Our insider says that the party will be taking place ‘over the weekend of 24 October’, and will be held at Woodside, the sprawling Old Windsor estate that Elton has owned since 1975, and shares with David and sons Zachary, 15, and 13-year-old Elijah.

Just six months after Brooklyn, 27, confirmed the long-rumoured Beckham family feud in his bombshell six-page Instagram statement, the aspiring chef was spotted spending time with Elton, 79, David and Nicola, 31, on holiday.

FAIRY GODFATHER

The couple were pictured on Elton and David’s £23 million yacht, and later spent time at the family’s £15 million villa in Nice. But they nearly had a very awkward run-in with Brooklyn’s parents, David, 51, and Victoria, 52 – who they reportedly missed bumping into by just five minutes in St Tropez.

It’s no surprise that Elton is trying to get the Beckhams back together. Growing close during David’s footballing heyday, their 30-year friendship even saw ‘Uncle Elton’ perform at godson Brooklyn’s christening. He is also godfather to Romeo, 23.

And it’s far from the first Elton wants to bring the family back together time that Elton has reached out a helping hand to a celeb in need. Branded a ‘fairy godfather’ by singer Anastasia, the megastar has helped Robbie Williams, Donatella Versace, Ant McPartlin and Eminem through their addiction issues and has previously spoken of how he feels ‘very protective’ over Prince Harry and his young family, as he was a close friend of the late Princess Diana.

The source continues, ‘Elton knows it’s sensitive and won’t force anybody into an uncomfortable situation. But he’s also not going to choose between the Beckhams – he loves them all, and has known Brooklyn his entire life.

‘Elton did try to fix things over the summer. He was sat talking to Brooklyn and Nicola, then on the phone to Victoria. But the Peltz-Beckhams weren’t ready to meet his parents, which Elton understood and didn’t push. Nothing has really changed between them. There’s still an enormous amount of hurt – and neither side feels ready to make the move that the other one wants.’

HEARTACHE

Things between Brooklyn and his family have apparently been strained since his 2022 wedding to Nicola. But after missing several important occasions last year and failing to invite the Beckhams to their vow renewal last August, things amped up after Brooklyn’s social media statement in January, in which he made shock allegations about his famous family.

Despite the claims, the rest of the family – including brothers Romeo and Cruz, 21 – are still reaching out with olive branches via social media. Harper, 14, even delivered a letter to her big brother when the family were in Los Angeles for David’s star unveiling on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last month – which a spokesman for Nicola and Brooklyn slammed as being ‘choreographed for the cameras’.

The insider continues, ‘Victoria is finding it an extremely difficult situation to navigate. She misses her son and says she can feel her heart aching.

‘The big question now is whether they actually go to the party. Elton has done all he can by making it clear that everyone is welcome. He isn’t excluding Brooklyn and Nicola because David and Victoria might be there, and vice versa. Nobody is expecting Elton to sit everyone around a table and demand they sort themselves out. But sometimes, just being in the same place can break the ice.’

With a reunion meeting between the Sussexes and King Charles and Queen Camilla seeming to be a success last month, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle simply needed to keep their heads down to stay in the King's good books. That was until US baking powerhouse Martha Stewart, 85, appeared to land Meghan in seriously hot water, when the homemaking guru claimed the Duchess had gossiped about her reconciliation with King Charles at a recent Hollywood party.

Now, with the bombshell news that the Sussexes are set to return to live in the UK for 'an extended period' - as reported in The Telegraph - we're told these reports have proved incredibly frustrating for Prince Harry, with a source telling Closer that he fears the rumours will upset the royals and lend weight to the argument that the couple can't be trusted.

An insider says, 'This is the absolute worst thing that could be happening right now. Here they are trying so hard to build back trust – Harry's giving his father and palace staff these assurances that he and Meghan will both be total vaults – and then this comes out. No doubt royal advisors will see the headlines about Meghan supposedly talking about her visit with His Majesty as a full-scale disaster and use it as proof that she can't be trusted.'

Ever since Meghan, 45, landed her own now-defunct Netflix cooking show, With Love, Meghan, she has repeatedly been pitted against Martha, with the press even branding her 'Montecito's version of Martha Stewart'.

Martha, for her part, seems to have done little to quash the mounting speculation of a feud, and last week served up a low blow during an interview with People magazine. Martha told them, 'I had dinner with Meghan Markle the other night. We were both guests at a party in California. She had just gotten back from the palace. I didn't talk to her really more than to say a couple of words, but I know she was talking about it.'

She went on to speculate as to why Meghan's cooking venture may not have resonated with viewers as strongly as she'd hoped.

'If you're an actress, it's hard to then transition to a princess and then from a princess into a homemaking guru on a television show. It doesn't sort of follow,' she said.

Exactly what Meghan may or may not have let slip remains unclear, but the source warns that at such a delicate moment, with the Sussexes returning to the UK, the damage may already be done.

'Meghan is adamant that she absolutely wasn't sharing anything private, or anything at all for that matter, but unfortunately, that doesn't really undo the damage,' the source says. 'Perception is everything, and now there are global headlines that make it seem as though Meghan was blabbing about the visit. It's a terrible look and is not going to go down well with anyone at the palace.'

Meanwhile, Harry, 41, had until now been basking in the glow of his homecoming, which featured his much-anticipated appearance at the One Year To Go for Invictus Games.

Now, the source says the headlines have prompted the largely estranged royal to question just how much trust he can place in Meghan amid his ongoing efforts to reconcile with his family.

We're told he's desperate not to see that opportunity ruined, with a source saying, 'It's incredibly frustrating for Harry. His goal is to smooth things over with his family, and these are the things that make them wary. Harry's taking the stance that the safest thing to do is avoid attending these Hollywood parties for the time being, just to make sure nothing like this happens. He feels they cannot afford any missteps.'

Just weeks on from Harry and Meghan's meeting with the King and Queen at Highgrove House, the Duchess released a carefully curated selection of snapshots from the family's European summer, even choosing to share a picture of their children – Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five – making their way to lay flowers at Princess Diana's grave at Althorp House.

Meghan then offered a glimpse of her 45th birthday on Instagram, complete with ice cream, a tiara and a moment where she launched herself into a swimming pool clutching a bunch of birthday balloons.

Yet even so, her celebrations were branded 'desperate' by some of her critics – and we're told the headlines she's generated have prompted some to advise the King to take a step back.

'Yes, it's an authentic fun moment, but she's gone and given the critics ammunition by dancing around in a tiara and essentially playing right into the hands of people urging the King to pull back,' we're told.

These latest images only fuel the growing speculation that Harry and Meghan may not see eye to eye on just how much of their private lives to share on social media. What's more, royal observers have widely reported that Harry seems to have grown increasingly disillusioned with the Hollywood scene – placing him at odds with Meghan's ambition to launch a global lifestyle brand that hinges on her maintaining a very public presence.

'The root problem is that their goals are at odds. In order to please the royals, the best approach is to take a very low-key, very guarded approach to anything public-facing. But, to promote her brand, Meghan is required to do the total opposite,' the insider explains.

'The truth is, it's just not possible for her to fit into the royals' very narrow view of what is acceptable.'

Having built her own lifestyle empire from the ground up and been crowned America's first self-made female billionaire in 1999, Closer has learned that Martha Stewart is determined no young upstart will eclipse her level of success – and won't hesitate to tear down anyone who dares to try.

Her scathing insults over the years have included calling Blake Lively's preserve company 'stupid' and saying of Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow, 'She just needs to be quiet. She's a movie star. If she were confident in her acting, she wouldn't be trying to be Martha Stewart.'

And now, following Martha's claims that Meghan was talking about her recent reunion with King Charles at a Hollywood event, a source tells us the Duchess of Sussex may have just become the newest casualty of Martha's tirades against her rivals.

An insider says, 'Martha is very territorial and catty. She knows that her words carry a lot of weight, so no one thinks it's an accident that she managed to make Meghan look bad and get herself attention in the process.'

It’s been five years since she was sensationally axed from Hollyoaks following her decision to join the adult website OnlyFans.

But now, Sarah Jayne Dunn is flying high, after she was rumoured to have earned a staggering £1.5 million from her racy online content. The actress, 44, who played Mandy Richardson on the Channel 4 soap for 25 years, is mum to son Stanley, 10, with her personal trainer husband, Jonathan.

Now, Sarah tells Closer that OnlyFans has changed her life, reveals how she handles negative opinions and opens up on her hopes for a less judgemental future.

What's your experience been like since joining OnlyFans?

It’s been brilliant! I’ve been on it five years, and I’ve said this since day one, it’s given me real control and autonomy of my own body, and freedom in every sense of the word. I’ve spent my entire career – from being 14 when I first started Hollyoaks– having my schedule run for me. So, to take that back and to now monetise off it is just brilliant. I have found a really nice community of followers that genuinely want to support and connect.

Would you say it makes you feel more powerful?

There is a huge element of it that is empowering because it is about having complete control. I choose who I work with, I choose when I shoot. Being able to find another source of income as an actor, I think is becoming more needed because it’s a hard industry to be in. It’s nice to be able to find something that does fit around any other job, because I can do it whenever I want to.

There was a lot of controversy when you were axed from Hollyoaks...

Well, Hollyoaks terminated my contract because I started on OnlyFans. That was huge and controversial at the time because of the hypocrisy. Growing up, I was doing lads’ mags and calendars. The whole image of the show was sort of the sexy soap! One of the big things that I stood my ground on was that I do the same content on OnlyFans as I was doing for the show and whatever in the lads’ magazines in the ’90s and ’00s that we were contractually bound to do. So, yes, starting OnlyFans is when I left Hollyoaks, not out of choice, but I still stand by it being one of the best things that ever happened because it gave me my voice, as well as taking my life back.

Do you think the taboo around OnlyFans has died down now?

I do. The taboo around the platform when I first joined was that it has this association with adult content because that content is available, but there is everything on there. There’s also OnlyFans TV, where there’s some great shows. I filmed Race Of Wits, which was so much fun and it was really nice to see James [Sutton, from Hollyoaks] as we’d not seen each other for ages. I think that the more people become aware of the different areas of OnlyFans, the more the taboo is lifting. I feel like America don’t have a problem at all with something like this. In the UK, we’re just behind the times and a little bit prudish!

Your son Stanley is 10 now. Are there any plans for a sibling?

I don’t think so. I don’t know. It’s one of those questions… We’d never say never. I feel like when Stanley was the age that we might have had more was when Covid hit and everyone was obviously going, “What the hell’s going on?” It was a really uncertain time. Then he was really poorly for a little while. So, yeah, I feel like he’s such a good boy, and he’s 10 now, and I’ve got my sleep back. I don’t know whether I could go back to that. But if it happened it happened, it’s one of those things.

What's next for you?

I’ve started doing pole dancing retreats, I’ve done pole dancing for four years and absolutely fell in love with it. I’m also dipping my toe back into the acting world. That’s the exciting thing about being back in the acting world, but on my terms, I’m auditioning for roles and I’m enjoying it rather than having the pressure that I’ve got to get this job. I was manifesting Strictly this year, so I feel like that’s now on the cards for 2027. I manifest every single year. So Strictly, I would love to do!

She’s been open about the difficulties she’s faced over the years, from being diagnosed with cancer to struggling to make ends meet. And now EastEnders icon Cheryl Fergison emotionally tells Closer how her son Alex saved her from rock bottom.

‘He is the reason why. He has been through so much in his life so far, it is incredible,’ says Cheryl, 60. ‘It is difficult not to feel guilty, as he is my child.’

Becoming a mum to Alex, now 27, back in 1999 undeniably changed Cheryl’s life – and they are closer than ever. She tells us, ‘Our bond is unbreakable. We have been homeless; I have lived in a refuge with him. I don’t know where the strength came from.’

Alex – who Cheryl shares with her first husband Jamshed Siddiqi – got married to husband Andrew in a stunning ceremony at Liverpool’s St George’s Hall back in July. Proud mum Cheryl can’t hide how happy she is for the newlyweds – even admitting it’s made her wish she’d settled down earlier on in life.

‘I am so happy he has his husband now. He has found his soulmate,’ she gushes. ‘They work out life and I look at them and go, “I wish I could have worked that out when I was your age. I wish that could have happened”.’

Cheryl’s love life has been far less straightforward. Her first love Pete Whitfield came out as gay, seven years into their relationship – but Cheryl only looks back with pride.

She recalls, ‘That was difficult as I thought we were going to have children together. But I was so happy he came out and he was happy with who he was.’

She went on to marry Jamshed and welcome Alex, but their marriage came to an end in 2008. Fast-forward to 2010, Cheryl met Yassine Al-Jermoni in an online chat room, and the pair fell in love. A year later, Cheryl and Yassine – who is 21 years her junior – married in his native Morocco, before he relocated to the UK permanently to be with her.

And while Cheryl and Yassine have been happily married now for 15 years, things haven’t always been plain-sailing for the couple. A year into their marriage, Cheryl signed up for Celebrity Big Brother, having been enticed by the ‘humungous amount of money’ she’d been offered.

‘I thought, “This is amazing. I can pay for my house in London and buy somewhere in Morocco”. Life’s absolutely rosy,’ Cheryl tells us. But these dreams were shattered when the star – who famously played hapless Heather Trott in EastEnders– exited the CBB house weeks later. She was quickly informed that she’d been conned by her accountant and had been hit with an enormous tax bill. ‘The second I put the cheque in from Big Brother, I had to take the money out and give it to the tax man,’ she recalls.

In the midst of trying to pay back the debt, Cheryl was diagnosed with stage two womb cancer. She underwent a full hysterectomy and a course of radiotherapy and thankfully was later given the all-clear. Cheryl opted to keep her cancer battle a secret until 2024, having previously explained that only her family and a handful of close friends knew about her diagnosis. Among those she confided in were EastEnders castmates, Steve McFadden and Linda Henry, known for playing Phil Mitchell and Shirley Carter.

EastEnders has remained a major part of Cheryl’s life, despite leaving the soap in 2012. She was cast as Heather Trott in 2007 and took on numerous storylines, but it was Heather’s love for George Michael that most remember her for. ‘I knew all of his songs and everything about him,’ Cheryl laughs.

But Heather’s legacy lives on in her son George, who would now be around 17 years old, and while he hasn’t been in EastEnders since Heather’s death, fans have been theorising that he could one day make a comeback to Walford. And Cheryl’s all for it. She jokes, ‘He is still trotting around somewhere. I am sure they are going to bring him back!’

She looks back on EastEnders fondly – and there’s no denying she misses it. ‘It was a fantastic time. I was blessed,’ she says.

As she reels off all the things she loved on set, Cheryl goes on to remember the late June Brown, who played Albert Square’s chainsmoking gossip Dot Cotton. ‘I used to love going into June’s dressing room. She knew her on-set house inside out, if anything had been moved, she knew,’ Cheryl says.

And while we won’t be seeing Heather back in Albert Square, we may be seeing Cheryl back on our TV screens in the near future. The star reveals she’s writing a TV series with Alex and they’ve got high hopes for their project.

She adds, ‘We are looking for producers now. It’s set in the 1970s. The series is about amazing characters, they are very funny and a lot of drama happens. We can’t wait to get it on the TV screens. It will be one of the must-watch things!'

He has been estranged from much of his family for more than six years, but Prince Harry’s most deeply fractured relationship is with his older brother, Prince William.

And with the Sussexes’ return to the UK confirmed, there is growing expectation the brothers will finally come face-to-face – an outcome King Charles is said to be firmly encouraging.

However, the insider reveals that William has no interest in reconciliation as he insists he will never be able to trust his brother after everything that has happened.

‘William is fuming. The Sussexes’ shock decision to return to Britain has created an enormous headache for the Prince and Princess of Wales,’ our insider says. ‘They were blindsided by the move and are deeply uneasy about what happens next.

‘William and Kate were so angered at being caught off guard that they called an urgent meeting with senior aides to establish why they appeared to be in the dark over such a significant royal development.’

The source continues, ‘Kate can’t quite believe it. There’s a growing feeling that they’re losing control of the narrative and, even more worryingly, that they’re increasingly being portrayed as the ones standing in the way.

‘She feels she’s being backed into a corner and expected to make peace with someone she believes has deeply wronged and publicly humiliated her. She’s scared Meghan will try to cause her more humiliation and once again destroy the reputation of the royal family.’

And, with William preparing to take the throne one day, the insider adds that allowing the Sussexes to return to the fold and take centre stage with their endeavours and endorsements is simply not an option for the future King.

‘William thinks the agreement when they left was clear. You cannot represent the monarchy while simultaneously making private commercial deals from your royal connections,’ the source says. ‘He is going to be furious if there is any suggestion that the rules are being rewritten. William is preparing to become King. He thinks about what precedents are being created. To him, this isn’t simply about whether he likes Harry or Meghan. The trust simply isn’t there.’

The brothers’ relationship has been strained for years, with Prince Harry laying bare the extent of their fractured bond in his memoir Spare. In the book, he alleged that a 2019 argument between them escalated into a physical confrontation, claiming that Prince William ‘knocked [him] to the floor’, and labelled Meghan ‘difficult,’ ‘rude’ and ‘abrasive’.

They were last seen together in August 2024, when they both attended the funeral of their uncle, where it was reported they didn’t speak to each other. The distance between them remains particularly poignant given their shared history and the loss of their mother, Princess Diana, whose statue they unveiled together in 2021.

The strain has also filtered into the wider family dynamic. Meghan and the Princess of Wales have had a frosty relationship over the years, evidenced by their widely reported clash over bridesmaid dresses and the Duchess of Sussex’s alleged comments about Kate’s ‘baby brain’. Kate – who shares George, 13, Charlotte, 11, and Louis, eight, with William – has nevertheless sometimes been portrayed as a potential mediator between the brothers.

‘The King wanted Harry, William and Kate to sit down together at one point, but William said no,’ the source goes on. ‘There have been other opportunities for the Sussexes and the Waleses to talk, but they’ve gone nowhere.’ As the bitter rift between the brothers reaches boiling point amid the Sussexes’ return, King Charles summoned William and Kate to Balmoral for a crisis summit.

They say, ‘William and Kate’s visit to Balmoral was expected to be dominated by one issue – Harry and Meghan. Charles was determined to use the gathering to finally confront the family rift and hoped to push William to agree to a meeting with Harry. He’s very aware that people have grown tired of the Wales and Sussex feud, and there’s a real concern that it’s now having a negative knock-on effect on the royal family as a whole.’

With all eyes on The Firm’s next move, the source emphasises how the Wales and Sussex children could prove vital. ‘For the first time, George, Charlotte and Louis could have the chance to build a proper relationship with Archie and Lilibet,’ the insider shares.

‘The children are the one aspect of this that are above any criticism. Whatever William thinks about Harry; Archie and Lilibet haven’t done anything. They’re still George, Charlotte and Louis’ cousins.

‘William is nowhere near ready to forgive Harry and simply cannot trust him ever again. He’s said to feel unable to even look at his brother, such is his resentment. But with his brother back in Britain, the days when they could simply live separate lives on opposite sides of the Atlantic are over. Harry will be here. Their father wants a relationship with him. Their children are cousins. At some point William is going to have to look his brother in the eye and bury the hatchet.

She has never hidden her hopes of finding The One, even signing up for Celebs Go Dating earlier this year in the search for love. But it seems Coleen Nolan’s romantic fortunes may finally have changed after her son Shane appeared to let slip on their family podcast, Nolans Uncensored, that she’s seeing someone new.

And now, Coleen, 61, has confirmed it all herself. During a live recording of her podcast she gushed about her new man and even joked that her new fella has helped ease her hip pain. ‘I have now met someone, Ryan. And this will be the best one – Shane’s joked he’s got a new step dad!’

LOVE LIFE

She cheekily adds, ‘My hips are not what they used to be, to be honest – but they are probably better now I’ve met Ryan. They absolutely are!’ The couple were then pictured arm in arm on a summery day out, with the mystery man revealed as fashion lecturer Ryan Brockbank, who is around 15 years her junior. Coleen has spent more than two decades sharing her unfiltered views on the Loose Women panel, but the TV star first shot to fame along with her sisters as a member of The Nolans in the 1980s – and fans have followed her love life ever since. Coleen was previously married to EastEnders star Shane Richie, with whom she shares sons Shane, 37, and Jake, 33. The couple split in 1999 after nearly a decade of marriage. She later married musician Ray Fensome, and they welcomed daughter Ciara, 25, before ending their marriage in 2018.

Following her split from ex Michael over a year ago – who she’d met on Tinder and been with for three years – Coleen decided to give love another chance by signing up for Celebs Go Dating. But her search for romance didn’t exactly go to plan. After she was brutally rejected by her date on camera because he felt there wasn’t any sexual chemistry between them, she ultimately left the E4 dating show single.

‘My ego was on the floor,’ Coleen admits. ‘It was mortifying when people did not put their hands up [if they wanted you]. It was a bit humiliating, but you’ve got to take it. It is transparent and you learn along the way.’

While her love life has had its fair share of ups and downs, Coleen’s career has gone from strength to strength. A familiar face on our screens for more than four decades, she’s appeared on everything from Celebrity Big Brother to The Real Full Monty, but it’s her nononsense, outspoken style on Loose Women that has made her a daytime TV favourite.

This year, however, it was announced that the long-running ITV show would be cut back to 30 weeks a year, following the decision to axe its live studio audience.

‘I hate not having an audience,’ Coleen admits. ‘It is really hard, as we don’t get a reaction about anything. But I am glad to still have a job.’

Despite the changes, Coleen has always been one of Loose Women’s biggest champions. ‘Loose is such a good show,’ she previously said. ‘We’ve achieved so many wonderful things and there isn’t anything else like it.’

SISTERHOOD

And while she’s been at the centre of her fair share of fiery on-air debates over the years – including memorable clashes with fellow panellist Janet Street-Porter – Coleen has insisted there’s never any lasting bad blood. ‘There are moments when you go, “You’re getting on my nerves, now”, and I love that because we’re like sisters; it never lasts.'

In recent years, she’s also been a pillar of support for close friend and fellow Loose Women panellist Ruth Langsford, whose personal life has dominated headlines since her shock split from Eamonn Holmes in 2024 after 27 years together. In the months that followed, Eamonn quickly moved on with new partner Katie Alexander, while Ruth has kept a much lower profile as she navigated life after the breakup.

And speaking of her friend’s resilience, Coleen says, ‘Ruth is fantastic! She’s held her head high with everything she’s been through and has kept her dignity. She’s kept quiet.’

As well as embracing a new chapter in her love life, Coleen has also been turning heads with her impressive health transformation. Having spoken candidly over the years about her struggles with her weight, the TV star has wowed fans with her recent weight loss, dropping from a size 20 to a size 14 and regularly sharing updates from the gym.

Opening up about her transformation, Coleen says, ‘I feel so much better health-wise. I’ve lost 3.5st and I’m at a good place. I don’t want to lose any more weight – I’m happy. It’s about maintaining now and having a healthy relationship with food and with myself. I feel so much more confident. And confidence definitely impacts how you feel mentally.’

She had her hotly anticipated comeback last month, launching her YouTube project Together to mixed reviews. It sparked a wave of comments comparing her show – produced by husband Dan Baldwin’s production company – to Meghan Markle’s Netflix series With Love, Meghan. One fan wrote that it was ‘a marginally less agonising than With Love, Meghan’ while another wrote, ‘it makes Meghan Markle’s show look good’.

FRUSTRATED

And insiders now tell Closer that Holly, 45, has been left ‘incredibly frustrated’ by the comparisons to the Duchess of Sussex, despite saying otherwise publicly in a recent interview.

‘Holly has really high hopes for her show but she’s been absolutely hating the Meghan Markle comparisons,’ they say. ‘It’s become one of the biggest irritations around the whole launch. She’s privately found it infuriating because she feels the conversation is just constantly dragged back to Meghan.’

They continue, ‘There’s a feeling that Holly has now become almost obsessed with making sure every detail of her show feels authentic and different because she knows that there are people just waiting to pick holes in it.’

Together was seen as Holly’s big comeback. Once TV’s golden girl, she hosted This Morning alongside her on and off-screen former best friend Phillip Schofield for 14 years, but this came crashing down in 2023 when Phil quit the show following an ‘unwise but not illegal’ affair with a younger colleague. Five months later, Holly stepped away after a foiled kidnap and murder plot by exsecurity guard Gavin Plumb.

PRESSURE

Holly’s remaining shows Dancing On Ice, Celebrity Bear Hunt and You Bet! were then axed – so there was a lot riding on this comeback, with the twice-weekly lifestyle series marking her return to presenting after over 18 months. And the source says mum-ofthree Holly – who has Harry, 17, Belle, 15, and Chester, 11, with Dan – is less than impressed by the feedback. ‘In her mind, the show was supposed to be a very British, charismatic and wholesome reset,’ they explain. ‘She wanted this to be seen as a strong comeback, not a copycat moment. She’s taken the criticism personally because this project feels like one of the first times in years she’s putting herself out there without the protection of an established format around her.’

Last week it was reported that Holly could potentially be filming a pilot for a Disney+ talk show project. Our source adds, ‘With or without the public criticism, Holly has been feeling the pressure to make this next chapter a success. She knows other platforms and producers will be watching and seeing the reaction, so she wants it to just get better and better.

‘She has brought in fresh PR support because she knows the show has to work. There’s a real sense that everything is being controlled and handled super carefully to try to make this chapter a success.’

Will Lewis pop the question to Kim?

They went Instagram official in June, and sources say things are quickly moving forward between Kim Kardashian, 45, and Lewis Hamilton, 41.

‘Lewis has known Kim for over 10 years now. They were friends for a long time, even when she was with Kanye [West],’ says our source. ‘He didn’t step over that boundary because he respected that she was married and had children, but he’s been admiring her for close to a decade; he’s now completely and utterly head over heels for her and is trying everything he can to make it work, even though both of them have extremely busy schedules.’

With the F1 racing season approaching its final leg, sources say Lewis is now planning to get down on one knee. ‘He has talked about a December or Christmas proposal over in the States and then letting Kim plan the wedding, one that will fit into both their schedules. They’ve had conversations about marriage because of the logistics involved, but Kim doesn’t know that he’s serious about asking her. He’s never felt like this about a woman before, and he wants to make sure things are done properly.’

Although they have only been public with their romance for weeks – sharing a photo of the pair cycling in New York City as part of a carousel – romance rumours first swirled earlier this year, when reports emerged that they stayed at the romantic Cotswolds hotel Estelle Manor.

In the months that followed, Kim – who shares North, 13, Saint, 10, Chicago, eight, and Psalm, seven, with ex Kanye, 49 – was spotted heading out to dinner with Lewis, sitting with him at the Super Bowl, spending time with him at Coachella, and even swimming in the ocean in Malibu together. Lewis – who ‘gets on very well with Kim’s children’ – was even seen at the Grand Prix in Japan alongside Saint.

The source adds, ‘He wants to make it a more permanent thing because their relationship feels very easy and natural to him.’

Kim has also been spotted supporting Lewis at several of his races, and an insider says she’s ‘scheduled to meet him in Abu Dhabi on 4 December to watch the Abu Dhabi F1 leg.’ The source continues, ‘They will spend some time together in a villa he’ll be renting in Dubai. He will then head over to the States with Kim to spend time with her and the children.’

James & Ola's shock split

They were once branded Strictly’s golden couple and had been together for 26 years – but fans have been left gutted after James Jordan, 48, and Ola, 43 announced they’ve parted ways.

The couple – who share six-year-old daughter, Ella – called time on their 22-year marriage; taking to Instagram to share a joint statement which read, ‘At the moment we’re taking some time apart as we work through very difficult personal challenges. (James) moved out of the family home some time ago. This has been an incredibly painful and emotional journey for us both and it certainly wasn’t an easy decision.’

Following the split, James – who gave up his 27-year smoking habit in 2022 – was snapped puffing on a cigarette as he left the gym.

Molly-Mae: 'This will be my last child!'

Molly-Mae Hague – who welcomed son Midas with fiancé Tommy Fury in June – has sworn off adding to her brood of two after admitting that the couple are ‘separate all the time’ as they juggle looking after their family.

Molly, 27, took to her YouTube Channel where she opened up about feeding struggles, saying, ‘This reflux thing is actually becoming like a massive issue for me – I’ve never, ever heard a baby scream like that… This will be my last child. It’s just a lot.’

Molly shares three-year old Bambi with Tommy, also 27, who recently raised eyebrows when he revealed they food shop separately as she ‘lives off toasties and crisps and sweets’.

Olivia: 'Is something amazing happening?'

Olivia Attwood, 35, recently opened up about her whirlwind romance with Pete Wicks, 37, which began seven months after her January split from husband Bradley Dack, 32.

In an interview after the presenter filmed the third series of ITV’s Bad Boyfriends – a show which straightens out boyfriends who’ve behaved poorly to their significant other – Olivia said: ‘I could genuinely say to these girls, “I got the information I needed and I left.” I had a little cry on the last day of filming because I’d been holding it all in.’

And on her newfound happiness with Pete, Olivia says, ‘Is something amazing happening while I’m still processing something awful?’ Rumours of a romance were confirmed when Pete hardlaunched their relationship on Instagram with loved-up snaps from their recent trip to Ibiza.

But their whirlwind romance has triggered caution in pals with Olivia admitting, ‘Yes. People are telling me to be single, to go on dates, but if I end things with Pete, I’d just be dating people to try and find the connection I already have with him.’

Meanwhile, Bradley has sparked romance rumours himself after being spotted with his former flame Emily Rose Maloney.

There was once a time when George Clooney had two very important but not indistinct job titles; ‘Actor’ and ‘World’s Most Eligible Bachelor’. I think we can all agree that these were equally important on a global scale and as such George took both his titles very seriously. Sure, every two years there appeared to be a revolving door of uber glam, beautiful women who accompanied George to premieres and fancy holidays at his Lake Como residence. Céline Balitran, Lisa Snowdon, Sarah Larson, Elisabetta Canalis and Stacy Keibler to name a few. Alas, it seemed that while they were all stunning women and doted on him to within an inch of his life – Mr. Clooney remained wifeless.

But then in July 2013 there came a woman named Amal Alamuddin, she stepped into the doors of the Clooney Lake Como compound on the arm of their mutual friend, and everything changed. She was the very definition of a superwoman, and she even wore a cape - it was the cape of justice, for she was an international human rights lawyer and barrister. She had superhuman powers of intellect and beauty, a seductive combination that proved too much for George to resist – he had finally met a woman so accomplished she made him look, well, frankly a bit lazy.

After a flurry of email exchanges, the pair got out of their inboxes and started dating in real life. George said of their instant connection; "It's the wildest thing. A mutual friend of ours said, 'I'm stopping by and can I bring my friend?' And I was like, 'Of course.' But it appears that other people already knew that Amal and George were destined for each other. During an interview with legendary US talk show host, David Letterman, George told him, ‘I got a call from my agent who called me and said, 'I met this woman who's coming to your house who you're gonna marry.'

Marry they did after George popped the question on 28 April 2014, "I knew fairly quickly that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Amal. When I asked her, we had never talked about it. There wasn't like 'Maybe we should get married.' I dropped it on her … I have someone … who I care about more than I've cared about anything, so it's really nice," Detailing the at home proposal which came after a pasta dinner, George told The Hollywood Reporter, "I did all the stuff, got down on my knee and did all the things you're supposed to do. And she just kept staring at the ring, going, 'Oh, my God.' He went on to explain, ‘It was 20 minutes of me on my knee, waiting for her to say yes, because she was so shocked.'

They tied the knot just five months later at the Amande Canal Resort in Venice. Fast Forward to 2017 and it was revealed that the Clooney’s were about to become parents and as if that news wasn’t exciting enough, they were expecting twins! Born on 6 June 2017, the announcement read, "This morning Amal and George welcomed Ella and Alexander George into their lives. Ella, Alexander and Amal are all healthy, happy and doing fine. George is sedated and should recover in a few days,"

But after years of publicly exchanging their love and devotion for each other, George once admitting, "I felt that I had met someone who I would absolutely, you know, trade my life for. I met someone who her life meant more to me than my life. And I'd never had that experience before," It now appears that the Clooney’s have hit a bit of not-so-smooth sailing in recent months. The Clooney’s have been enjoying glam outings in Lake Como and a source says it’s part of a much-needed boost for the couple to add spice to their marriage, which is said to have been struggling for a while and faces another big test when he starts filming Oceans 14 later this year.

An insider says, “They’ve both been very consumed with work the past couple of years and that absolutely took a toll on the relationship, there just wasn’t any time for each other. They weren’t fighting but they also were getting any work life balance and that eventually kills the passion in any relationship, even for these two. George went through the wringer last year doing that show on Broadway, it took him ages to recover and he sort of let himself go a little. Amal always looks incredibly glamorous, but for a while George just wasn’t really making the same effort with his appearance. He’d just throw on his dad jeans and not think much about it. But he’s had a wake-up call and has realized he needs to woo his wife again. So, he’s breaking out all the designer duds again and looking really good and Amal has noticed, the spark is back.

They are dating each other again, and they’re getting out living life again, after spending a long period hidden away working.”During George’s extensive interview with David Letterman, he detailed how he was caught off guard by meeting his wife of twelve years, "I thought I'm gonna work, I've got great friends, my life is full, I'm doing well. And I didn't know how un-full it was until I met Amal. And then everything changed. And I was like, 'Oh, actually, this has been a huge empty space.' … I'd never been in the position where someone else's life was infinitely more important to me than my own,"

Sadly, it seems that while there is still a deep and life-changing connection between the husband and wife – even the Clooney’s aren’t immune to minor conflict. It appears work schedules have meant that they’re missing some of the magic that has made them such an aspirational couple. And that, they have agreed is something they are committed to remedying. “They hadn’t planned to spend the summer in Italy, they started out at their home in France but then they were evacuated because of the fires so they ended up packing up and leaving for the place in Como.

It was pretty scary, they didn’t know at one point if their home would survive, thankfully it did but it still really affected them. It was a very sobering reminder of just how unpredictable and fragile life can be. The silver lining is that it did push them to savour the moment more. Amal is a very social person by nature, she loves getting dressed up and going out for dinner and George often shies away from that.

But lately he’s making a big effort to take her out more, it’s like they are back to dating. It does make it easier being in Como because they have so many longtime friends and connections there. They are constantly getting invited out and they have been accepting a lot of the invites. They’re taking the kids out as well, which is fun. It isn’t exactly easy to make it happen, even in the summer they both have very demanding work schedules. Amal has so much she’s trying to accomplish and George is deep in his prep for Oceans 14.

In order to have quality time together they have to schedule it, which is why there are times it’s fallen to the wayside. But they’ve both vowed not to let that happen anymore. They are still very much in love and neither of them wants to take that for granted and risk losing what they have so they’ve been really doing the work to make sure they revive the spark. The good news is that it’s working, they are back in step and very happy.”

It’s hard to believe that next month it will be four years since Prince William and Prince Harry last spoke, with their rift now appearing so deep, royal observers have speculated over whether the pair will ever be a part of one another’s lives again.

To add to what can only be described as a personal tragedy for the Royal Family, next year will also mark the 30th anniversary of their mother Princess Diana’s tragic death, as their father, King Charles, continues to receive treatment for cancer.

Still, the silence between the once close siblings is only widening with each passing month. And following Harry’s reconciliation with Charles at Highgrove House last month, William, who reportedly only found out about his brother’s return just weeks beforehand, is said to feel angrier and more betrayed than ever.

However, after the bombshell news, as reported by the Telegraph, that Harry and Meghan Markle – alongside their children Archie, eight, and Lilibet, six – are set to return to the UK as soon as later this month, their family’s move will undoubtedly force William to come face-to-face with his brother.

So it comes as little surprise that we are told how one senior royal, notorious for their no-nonsense approach and straight-talking, has now stepped in to put an end to the constant fighting that’s tearing the family apart – their aunt, Princess Anne - who a source says is urging the two men to grow up and make up.

‘Anne says everybody in this situation shares some of the blame, not just the Sussexes and not just the Waleses, and in her view they all need to be brought into line and told that this nonsense has gone on far too long,’ the insider says.

‘The reputational fallout the entire family is suffering because of this immaturity is simply unacceptable, especially when the King is still ill and he’s repeatedly asked both of his sons to find a way through this.

‘In her view, for two grown men to be fighting, sulking and getting bent out of shape over every little thing when they should be treasuring every moment they have left with their father, and showing him proper respect is appalling.’

In June, the family joined together to celebrate the wedding of Anne’s son, Peter Phillips, to NHS nurse Harriet Sperling. Harry and Meghan Markle were not on the invite list, which undoubtedly gave Anne some precious time to catch up with William at the wedding reception, which was held at her home of Gatcombe Park.

And the source says Anne has been encouraging William to try and place his own feelings to one side and consider the repercussions of his row with Harry on his father, and how Charles’ reign will one day be remembered.

‘She’s been chipping away at William and trying to get him to see how bad this is for his father’s legacy,’ they tell us.

‘It’s fair to say things did go quite cold between her and Harry after his book came out but she’s come around to the King’s way of thinking and she’s ready to move forward and feels strongly it’s time William did too.

‘By all accounts Harry has been a lot more open to fixing things, so in some ways she’s actually happier with his attitude at this point, though she’s in no way letting him off the hook.’

Anne, 76 – the only daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip – has always had to carve her own way within the family which, at the time of her birth in 1950, prioritised younger sons over older siblings; meaning that by the time Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Prince Edward were born, she had already been pushed way down the line of succession.

Still, Anne has maintained her lifelong passion for competitive horse riding and breeding and has become known as being one of the most pragmatic and hard-working senior royals; also remaining loyally by her mother’s side until her death in 2022.

Anne has also spoken candidly over her mother’s decision to keep the boys at Balmoral Castle following their mother’s passing in 1997.

Opening up to ITV she said, ‘I just don't know how you could think that that would have been a better thing to do…I don't think either of those two could, would have been able to cope they'd been anywhere else.

‘That was the only good thing that happened was that they were there, and they had that structure, they had people around them who could understand, give them the time, little time that they had, which was never going to be very much, to try and come - even in a fleeting sense - to terms with what had happened.’

Appearing on her son-in-law Mike Tindall’s podcast in 2023 alongside William, Anne also reminisced on how she would chase William and Harry along castle corridors, with William quipping, ‘You were quite quick. The look that you had on your face was quite terrifying.’

Even now, the source says both Harry, 41, and William, 44, see Anne as someone they can confide in. So much so, that when Harry wrote his scathing 2023 memoir, his aunt was one of the only senior royals who was spared from his explosive bombshells.

We’re told, ‘Anne has always been very close to both boys; she’s someone they’ve gone to for advice over the years, especially during times when they’ve not been getting along with their father and that is still the case to this day.

‘It’s telling that Harry didn’t have a bad word to say about Anne in his memoir and in fact went out of his way to let the world know that she was the one person from his family who greeted him when he flew to see his grandmother when she was dying.

‘Anne may not always have the warmest demeanor in public but she has always been very loving with Harry and William as well, she cares deeply about them and she genuinely hates to see them both suffering like this.’

What appears to be Anne’s recent U-turn, we’re told, stems from her attendance at the funeral of Dame Shân Legge-Bourke, alongside Prince William, in March.

Anne’s long time lady-in-waiting was also the mother of William and Harry’s beloved nanny, Tiggy, who cared for them both before and following their mother’s death and whom Harry called their ‘favourite nanny’.

The source says, ‘They just attended the funeral a few months ago for her former lady in waiting and Anne was very sad that Harry wasn’t there because she knows he would have like to pay his respects since she was the mother of his and William’s dear nanny Tiggy.

‘The funeral was a big reminder for Anne of how quickly life goes by and she didn’t miss the chance to hammer that home with William. He’s the one who is being the most hard headed here, so he’s the one she’s really got to work on but she and Harry are speaking as well.’

Anne has also remained incredibly loyal to her own siblings, appearing to share a close bond with them all. When Charles received his cancer diagnosis in 2024, Anne stepped up her duties. And, despite the furore surrounding Andrew and having strongly aligned herself with Charles, there have also been reports that Anne and Edward have questioned the monarch’s treatment of Andrew.

And we’re told she firmly believes that if William and Harry fail to reconcile, it would truly be a ‘tragedy’ for them both – especially as they will now essentially be living on each other’s doorsteps.

The insider says, ‘She absolutely believes they are missing each other and worse off because of this feud. She relies so much on her siblings to get through the hard things in life, it’s a tragedy in her view that the boys are forsaking that privilege and she’s not going to sit back and let this go on.’

She’s one of the nation’s most famous reality stars, shooting to fame on TOWIE and later becoming a household name.

And through almost all of it, Gemma Collins had her beloved mum, Joan, beside her – which is why fans were heartbroken to hear Joan had recently died following a battle with pneumonia.

Speaking in an interview ahead of her mum’s passing, Gemma poignantly opened up about how much her mum had always supported her. ‘My parents were brilliant,’ she said, adding, ‘We’ve always been very close. I didn’t leave home till I was 30. They’ve been the making of me.’

SACRIFICES

Gemma shot to fame in 2011 when she joined ITV2’s TOWIE, quickly becoming known for iconic one-liners such as, ‘You ain’t ever gonna get this candy.’ Her sassy ‘GC’ persona had viewers hooked, making her a reality TV icon after I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2014 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2016. She later became an internet meme when she dramatically fell through an opening in the stage at the Radio 1 Teen Awards. Although she left TOWIE in 2019, fans were ecstatic to see her return for I’m A Celeb All Stars earlier this year.

Gemma recalls the humble beginnings she grew up with in the interview, saying, ‘I wasn’t brought up with money – I would say, poor. We didn’t have a toaster. If we wanted toast, we’d get bread, stick a fork in it and put it against the gas fire. That’s how we made toast.’ She went on, ‘You have to make sacrifices. I’m 45. I don’t have children – yet. I wanted money, I wanted to do well for myself. I got a job working for Warehouse… I think I was on £3.25 an hour.

‘I was a hard-working individual. When I left school, I didn’t come out with sky-high grades. I started working for a recruitment agency – I used to have to cold call. After about five years, I went: “Surely life’s got more to offer?” I had my first job at 13. I’ve always had it in me. Forget the GC, what you see on the TV – me, Gemma Collins – I’m a grafter.’

Gemma was working in car sales when she was scouted for TOWIE. ‘A call came through: “Hi… we’ve heard you’re a bit of a character. Will you meet us?” I thought it was my mates taking the p***. TOWIE was just on TV. Mum and I watched it, and we couldn’t wait for the following week. So, the call came in again. “Please don’t put the phone down. We need to get you in.” I went to London and pulled it out the bag. They asked me originally to go on for seven weeks.’

AUTHENTICITY

And Gemma says her mum convinced her to do it after initial hesitation from her dad. ‘Mum’s going, “Do it! Take no notice of him.” My boss said, “We’ll give you seven weeks. You’ve always got a job here.” That was it. I was 30 years old. I’d given up a well-paid job. I had a lot more responsibility, and I didn’t know if it was going to do well or not…’

Gemma, who went on to spend almost a decade on TOWIE, admitted she had doubts in the early days of the show. ‘I did question, why am I in this show? I’m not the best looking, I’ve not got the body of a goddess… They were picture perfect. But they said I was the most popular. I think people loved my authenticity and realness, and I’ve never been afraid to say what I feel, whether it offends or not.’

Her success has even seen her rub shoulders with the royals, after being invited to an event hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla. Recalling the moment she got the call, Gemma said, ‘The King called me – Clarence House. This was an OMFG moment. I was drinking tea in my garden, and they said, “Clarence House have called. They would like to invite you to an elephant ball.” I go with all these fancy people. They were raising money. You’ve got top wealth there, and you’ve got me – I’m just a normal girl. Then the call came again from Clarence House. “We’d like to meet Gemma,” the King and the Queen. Another pinch-me moment – rocking up to the Savoy, like I live there!’

STRUGGLES

Over the years, Gemma – who is engaged to Rami Hawash and is stepmum to his eight-year-old son, Tristan – has been open about her struggles with weight. She’s also become a role model for plus-size women, championing body confidence and launching her own boutique. ‘The GC boutique was for girls who were bigger so they could feel fabulous – people were queueing up out the door.’

Opening up about body image and staying true to herself, Gemma says, ‘I never grew up worried about my body or wanted surgery. I’ve still got my own teeth, my own nose, my own butt. I have not – apart from the odd little bit of Botox and some skin boosters – gone under the knife. I could look a million times better, but it’s just not who I am. It’s your spirit, your personality, your aura, what you bring. Your energy is everything.’

A new face is about to spin around in one of those swivelling chairs as Destiny’s Child icon Kelly Rowland joins current mentors will.i.am, Tom Jones and McFly’s Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones, completing a star-studded line-up on The Voice.

And Kelly, who takes over the hot seat from country legend LeAnn Rimes, is bringing a wealth of experience to season 14, having already mentored two winning acts from The Voice Australia.

‘I’ve been blessed to sit in that chair in different places around the world, but every version of The Voice has its own heartbeat,’ she says. ‘It’s so exciting to be here. I love discovering somebody who walks onto that stage without anybody knowing their name and leaves with the whole room knowing exactly who they are.’

STRONG TRADITION

‘What I love about British artists is that there’s such a strong tradition of storytelling and musicality, but they’re not afraid to mix influences. There’s always been a real willingness to experiment while still connecting to that British musical heritage.’

As one-third of Destiny’s Child alongside Beyoncé and Michelle Williams before going solo, Kelly, 45, has enjoyed enormous chart success. She’s looking for ‘unique, dynamic and versatile voices’.

‘I’m the coach who wants to get to know you, not just your voice. I’m not necessarily looking for the perfect voice. I’m looking for an artist that makes you feel something,’ she explains.

CHEMISTRY

The former X Factor judge, who has sons Titan, 11, and Noah, five, with talent manager husband Tim Weatherspoon, has loved working with her fellow coaches. ‘The chemistry is really fun because everybody brings something completely different to the table,’ she says. ‘I love the coaches, but being in those chairs together is a whole different experience. You get to know people very differently when you’re all fighting over the same voice!

‘will.i.am is so much fun to work with. He’s genuinely one of the smartest people I’ve ever met, and I always enjoy the energy and conversations we share. Sir Tom is a legend. The conversations I’ve had with him are ones I’ll always keep close to my heart. He shared so much wisdom with me, and I feel so grateful to have had those moments with him.’

She adds, ‘With Tom and Danny, I really enjoyed talking about parenthood. It was nice to hear their experiences and to be reminded that men are balancing it all too.’

WILL.I.AM: ‘The British have adopted me’

As one of the original coaches since the debut series in 2012, will.i.am considers himself to be part of The Voice family. ‘I feel like I’m “Brit-ish!” The UK has adopted me and understands me to the point I’ve been on TV for over a decade. I love it,’ he says. ‘I feel at home in the UK. It’s my home. It’s my favourite place on earth.’

The Black Eyed Peas rapper, 51, has loved welcoming Kelly as the new addition to the coaching panel. ‘She is a hero to singers and myself,’ he says. ‘She’s the most down-to-earth superstar and the most humble diva I’ve ever met. She’s a darling to be around.’

And despite being on the show for 14 years, will.i.am says he’s still ‘the most driven’ to win.

TOM: ‘If music moves me, I have to sing’

Like will.i.am, the Sexbomb crooner has been on the show since the start, but reveals he’s still impressed by the level of talent stepping on stage each year.

‘The standard is incredible as always,’ he says. ‘Every year I wonder if we’ll still find those brilliant voices, and we do. It gets better and better. They’re all different, unique, and have brilliant voices.’

This season, he’s looking for someone who ‘surprises’ him: ‘I want someone with individuality who knows who they are as an artist and tells a story through their performance.’

And Tom, who is now a sprightly 85, admits he can’t help his impromptu performances in the chair. ‘If the music moves me, I can’t help it!’ he says, laughing. ‘I’ve been doing this a long time, but I still love singing and being on stage. If the feeling takes me while I’m sitting in that chair, I’ll sing.’

DANNY & TOM: ‘Kelly keeps us on our toes!’

After their victory with dog groomer Ava Mannings (AVA) last year, the McFly bandmates and reigning champions are hoping to repeat their success. Tom says, ‘We knew instantly that AVA had something special, so we’re really hoping to get that feeling again.’ Danny adds, ‘We’re ready to get back out there and champion someone equally as talented. And we’re going to perfect our pitches – we aren’t afraid to fight hard for the artists who excite us from the very first note.’

This year, Danny and Tom – who have ‘a shorthand’ thanks to their decades-long friendship – will compete with new coach Kelly. ‘She’s injected so much energy into the panel,’ Tom says, with Danny adding, ‘She keeps us on our toes!’

After tying the knot in a star-studded ceremony and becoming the breakout stars of Netflix’s At Home With The Furys, it’s been a huge year so far for Venezuela Fury and Noah Price – and it only looks set to get bigger and better.

It’s rumoured that the pair are set to join the cast of I’m A Celebrity’s new spin-off show Wild Frontier, which will see a string of famous duos take part in some of the programme’s iconic challenges in Canada.

And insiders say Venezuela and Noah have their sights set on stardom, with hopes of being as iconic as Katie Price and Pete Andre were on I’m A Celebrity in 2004.

LOVED-UP

A source says, ‘Venezuela and Noah want to recreate the vibe of the I’m A Celeb love story that happened between Katie and Peter. Viewers loved watching the dynamic between them on the show, their personalities and chemistry. Venezuela and Noah are hoping fans will fall in love with them, too, and that they’ll be an even bigger hit with viewers.

‘They’re just as loved up as Katie and Peter were, but they also bring the same drama and feistiness. They’ll make for brilliant TV.’

Last year, Noah, 19, and Venezuela, 16, announced their engagement, following a proposal at her 16th birthday party. Deciding not to waste time, the couple exchanged vows in May in an extravagant ceremony on the Isle of Man. Proud parents Tyson, 38, and Paris, 36, were joined by their brood of children, while other guests included Molly-Mae Hague, 27, and her daughter Bambi, three, and even Peter Andre, who performed for guests.

The Furys are big fans of Peter, 53, and have watched his ascent to fame, which was accelerated by his appearance in the jungle, becoming one of the most talked-about couples in showbiz with Katie. Brand deals came in thick and fast, and their iconic 2005 wedding at Highclere Castle earned them £1 million in publicity deals. More reality TV followed, with Peter and Katie landing their own ITV2 series, which followed their new life together and documented the arrival of their two children, Junior, 21, and Princess, 18.

HUGE DREAMS

And after seeing the level of success Katie and Peter enjoyed post-I’m A Celeb, Venezuela and Noah have high hopes.

‘The plans are in full swing. Venezuela and Noah both have huge dreams and have been prepping how to play their relationship out for the cameras to ensure they come away with massive job opportunities and brand deals lined up,’ says our insider.

‘They plan to earn millions from the show, become a hit in the UK and, eventually, they’d love to take the next step and break America, making their brand global and becoming the world’s biggest reality stars.’

Since becoming a hit on At Home With The Furys earlier this year, Venezuela and Noah have continued to grow followers on social media. Fans have loved getting a first-hand look at their newlywed life, especially after they moved in together in a static caravan.

And by sharing content online, they’ve figured out what works and what doesn’t, with sources saying this has prepared them well for their reality TV venture – and they’re ready to hit the big time.

The source adds, ‘They know the power of reality TV and have seen what works on At Home With The Furys. They’re already open on social media about their marriage, showing the highs as well as the lows, and they want to show that they’re relatable. As the youngest couple on the show, they know they’ll also grab that Gen Z audience.

‘There’ll be romance, and then there’ll be explosive rows, which they’re hoping will make them fan favourites. This will be their biggest gig to date, and there’s a lot riding on it – they’re aware of what they need to do to pull off this mega plan, and it’s going to be great TV for sure.’

After two years together, it was revealed last week that Louise Redknapp had split from her boyfriend Drew Michael.

But insiders say newly single Louise has little time for heartbreak as she’s now enjoying single life with her best pal Tess Daly – who split from hubby Vernon Kay earlier this year. And the gorgeous duo are now said to be ready to ‘wingwoman’ one another, with plans for a flirty girls’ trip to Ibiza!

A source says, ‘Both being single has brought Tess and Louise closer. They’ve always got on, but recently even more so. They’ve joked they’re the hottest single-woman union ever.

CLOSE PALS

‘They’ve been having fun catching up over drinks and going out. And they’re going to help each other out when they step into the dating world, as they have similar tastes in men and they’ve got their sights set high.’

Despite having both spent years working in the showbiz industry, it was Louise’s stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 that sparked a friendship between her and Tess, now 57. The duo have remained close pals ever since, even working together on occasion.

Louise’s relationship with Drew – a former Army officer-turned-CEO – came after the end of her 20-year marriage to ex-footballer Jamie Redknapp. The former couple – who wed in 1998 – share sons Charley, 22, and Beau, 17. Following their divorce, Jamie, 53, moved on with model Frida Andersson, with whom he welcomed son Raphael in 2021.

SUMMER OF FUN

Meanwhile, Tess shocked fans when she and husband Vernon, 52, announced they’d ended their 22-year marriage earlier this year, insisting that there were ‘no other parties’ involved in the split. While the couple had been a happy family unit with daughters Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 17, for over two decades, they’d also weathered storms over the years, including Vernon’s sexting scandal with model Rhian Sugden in 2010.

With both Tess and Louise now finding themselves single, insiders say they’re capitalising on a summer of fun – but they aren’t looking to settle down again anytime soon.

The insider says, ‘As women in their 50s who are both fit, sexy, wealthy, clever and successful in their own rights, they want a man who’ll not be intimidated by that and who will be supportive of their lives.

‘They’ve laughed that most of the men out there don’t quite seem to fit the criteria – Mr Perfect is a myth, but going on a hunt to find him is a challenge both Tess and Louise are up for. They’re just enjoying a bit of window shopping, joking that they’re looking for some silver foxes who are charming, self-made, driven and intelligent.’

The source adds that the girls are even planning a sun-soaked getaway to let their hair down, saying, ‘They’re planning a girls’ getaway to Ibiza, staying in a luxe villa. There’ll be glitzy dinners, yachts and yoga – and possibly a holiday romance if the opportunity comes along.

‘They’re looking at this as a load of fun – they’re both single and happy to mingle, but there’s no urgency to find someone. They’re loving being single and being able to flirt as much as they want without guilt.’

Alaia-Mai Humes, 13

She’s the daughter of The Saturdays star Rochelle, 37, and JLS singer Marvin, 41 – and while Alaia-Mai Humes is hoping to find fame like her parents, earlier this month Rochelle revealed that her daughter is hoping to become a social media influencer rather than a singer.

‘Next week, Alaia-Mai is doing a week of work experience with me,’ Rochelle said, after revealing a member of her social media team was away on holiday. ‘She wants to be a content creator – the girl who isn’t allowed any social media – which is ironic! I want to be a nepo-mum! I’m like, “Go do your thing!”’ Marvin and Rochelle also share daughter Valentina, eight, and son Blake, five.

Harper Beckham, 15

Being part of Brand Beckham, there’s no doubt Harper Beckham is destined for a career in the limelight. With mum Victoria, 52, by her side, Harper has been teasing her new beauty range, Harlo by Harper Beckham, which is tipped to be a hit.

Harper has the support of her Spice Girl turned fashion designer and beauty businesswoman mum, whose company, Victoria Beckham Beauty, has been a global success.

Victoria previously said, ‘I’m so proud of all of the kids. They are kind. They work hard.’

Princess Andre, 19

She’s already a TV and social media star – having hit 1 million followers on Instagram – and now Princess, daughter of Peter Andre, 53, and former glamour model Katie Price, 48, is preparing to launch her own beauty empire. Princess – who has already worked with Superdrug, Morphe and Revolution – has been teasing her highly anticipated makeup line, taking fans behind the scenes of the journey on her ITV series, Princess Diaries.

‘This is the start of my career and I’m loving it,’ she said. ‘I want to achieve so many things and be my own person. I just know I want to be very successful.’

Valencia Fury, 8

She hasn’t even reached double digits, but little Valencia has already secured her first major brand deal, teaming up with Superdrug to launch her own hair and beauty range.

Dad Tyson, 37 – who shares seven children with wife Paris, 36 – proudly said, ‘Congratulations to my baby girl Valencia on her collaboration with @superdrug. She is made for it, my little Bette Davis.’ Valencia – who proved a hit with viewers on Netflix show At Home with the Furys – is seemingly following in the footsteps of her eldest sister, Venezuela, 16, who has been making waves on social media by updating fans on her married life.

Scarlett Thomas, 17

Her parents Tina O’Brien, 43, and Ryan Thomas, 42, were once an iconic TV couple, both on and off screen – and now their daughter Scarlett is making a name for herself, too.

Scarlett is hoping to carve out a career as a singer, regularly sharing studio clips and music video teasers with her TikTok followers.

Scarlett – who is rumoured to be dating December 10 star Josh Olliver – recently revealed she had signed a record deal, writing on social media, ‘Today was a lifechanging moment for me. I’ve been working hard behind the scenes but I can now finally share it with you all. I can’t wait for what this year brings, hopefully some amazing music.

Shock bombshells were dropped last week in a new book about the Beckhams, revealing fresh details of the toxic feud between the family and eldest son Brooklyn and his wife, Nicola Peltz.

One of the standout claims was that while Brooklyn posted the jaw-dropping statement in January 2026 – which, after years of rumours, confirmed his relationship with parents David and Victoria had reached breaking point – his wife Nicola and her ‘people’ had input too.

And in Brand Beckham: The Fame. The Feuds. The Fallout, author Alison Boshoff claims that while Nicola is already ‘over’ the Beckham drama, Brooklyn is still feeling ‘so, so sad about it’.

Now insiders reveal to Closer that, despite his presentation of his life on social media, the behind-the-scenes reality is drastically different.

Our source says, ‘This book suggests that Nicola was a driving force behind his recent public statements. Behind closed doors in the US, Brooklyn’s life is very much driven that way – by Nicola. While it may seem like Brooklyn is this brave young man standing on his own two feet and breaking free from the Beckham “machine”, in reality it’s an illusion.

‘Behind the scenes, Brooklyn rarely makes a single move without it being vetted by Nicola’s inner circle and her family’s representatives. It seems like he’s more isolated now than ever – and as managed as he was before. Every statement released, every interview agreed to and even his day-to-day communications are heavily curated by the people around him.’

Relations between Brooklyn and Nicola and his family have been fraught since 2022, in the run-up to the young couple’s wedding. Despite behind-the-scenes tensions, the newlyweds put on a united front with the rest of the Beckhams for the next two years, with the last time they were all seen together being Christmas 2024.

After being notably absent from David’s milestone 50th birthday in May 2025, Brooklyn, 27, and Nicola, 31, had a second wedding that August, without the Beckham family, who were apparently unaware it was even happening until they saw it on social media.

Since then, Brooklyn has skipped major family milestones including birthdays, his dad’s knighthood and Hollywood star, his mum’s fashion shows and the première of her Netflix documentary. In his now infamous post, Brooklyn had even addressed claims he was being controlled, saying, ‘The narrative that my wife controls me is completely backwards. I have been controlled by my parents for most of my life.’

Away from the Beckhams, Brooklyn spends his time in America focusing on his Cloud 23 hot sauce venture and being a culinary influencer. Meanwhile, Nicola dabbles in acting, while the couple are supported by her billionaire father, Nelson Peltz.

The source says, ‘Brooklyn is living inside an ultra-exclusive, high-security American bubble where others influence where he goes, who gets access to him and how he presents himself to the world. Every move is strategic.

‘Brooklyn seems to be trapped in a situation where he feels he has no choice but to double down on the public narrative that his life is completely picture-perfect and that he’s madly in love.

‘He knows that if he voices any genuine doubt about how his life is playing out, it would trigger a complete fallout with the very people who are fundamental to his entire world in America. It’s a silent pressure cooker.’

The book also claimed that Victoria, 52, was devastated by the rift, with author Boshoff writing that she was left ‘reeling’ and ‘inconsolable’, adding that ‘Victoria was in such a bad way that her mother, Jackie, started to worry she might harm herself’. It’s also claimed that Victoria had therapy over the situation.

Victoria and her firstborn were once extremely close, with Brooklyn accompanying her to parties, fashion shows and red-carpet awards ceremonies, and our insider says that, since losing contact with him, she is becoming desperately worried about her son.

‘Victoria feared that a new book release would bring a fresh wave of public scrutiny, alongside painful allegations, and it’s been hard. Her biggest dread is that it will only push Brooklyn further into the Peltz camp,’ they say.

‘She feels powerless and a profound sense of agony knowing that an impenetrable wall of PR handlers, lawyers and the Peltz family stands between them. The revelations made in this book have only amplified her fears that he might be feeling trapped. She can’t shake the hunch that, despite what’s been said in public, he’s actually hurting over this fallout – and that’s incredibly hard for her to bear as a mother.

‘Victoria misses him desperately every single day and is completely heartbroken. She still clings to the hope that Brooklyn will come to his senses and realise how much he’s loved and missed by his family.’

As she gears up to perform in the Pussycat Dolls world tour, Kimberly Wyatt, 44, is making sure she’s fighting fit. From reiki at bedtime to fantasy novels, she reveals the rituals that keep her feeling her best...

Photos: Getty, Kimberly Wyatt Instagram

RECHARGE YOUR BATTERY

I learnt how to do reiki healing years ago and still use it as a way to help us wind down at night. When I’m getting the kids ready for bed, I’ll use reiki and put pressure on different parts of their bodies to help them feel nice and relaxed. I’ll practise it on myself too before bed, to get into a calmer space. My cats are another huge source of comfort. If I’m feeling on edge, it’s almost like they know. They’ll lie on my chest and purr, which helps me slow down and settle my breathing. There’s something incredibly soothing about that physical connection with an animal. I’m such a cat person, so judging the Marro Meow Competition is right up my street. We’re searching for the UK and Ireland’s ultimate feline vocalist – the cat whose meow sounds most like ‘Marro’. I can’t wait to hear all the different entries! Reading is also my escapism. I love getting swept up in another world. I read about three books a month and I’m currently addicted to Sarah J. Maas’s A Court Of Thorns And Roses series. There’s something about romantic fantasy that really takes me out of everyday life.

KEEP BEAUTY SIMPLE

I’m really into beauty and love going back to simple, natural products. Olive oil has been amazing for my son, who has eczema. If he starts scratching at night and his skin gets sore, I find it’s the one thing that really helps him. I swear by oils for my own skin too. After years of wearing heavy stage make-up, coconut oil and olive oil are the only things that get all that stubborn eye make-up off! I’m also a big fan of under-eye patches for a hit of hydration and to help with puffiness. And I love the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. It really soaks into my lips, so I load it on heavily before bed, especially when they’re feeling dry.

GROUND YOURSELF WITH NATURE

We live near a pick-your-own farm in Surrey, it was one of the reasons we moved here, and I love getting my children Willow, 11, Maple, eight, and Senna, six, involved. We’re growing tomatoes, chillies, marrow and a huge pumpkin patch. Watching things grow together, then picking, washing and eating it is amazing! I’m a country girl at heart and I love physically getting my hands in the soil and feeling grounded. In the mornings, I love to go outside and get my bare feet on the grass, that connection with nature is a brilliant way to de-stress. I’m a big believer in filling your fridge with colourful, nutritious foods and putting the good stuff where you can actually see it. We eat with our eyes first, so if you open the fridge and there’s fresh fruit, veg and healthy snacks at your fingertips, you’re more likely to reach for them. I have to keep sugar out of the house because I can’t help myself - and neither can the kids! Taking away that temptation makes healthy choices much easier. I keep meals simple too. Every day for lunch I make a caprese salad with my home-grown tomatoes, and I feel like I’m perfecting it!

SUPPORT JOINTS WITH COLLAGEN

As a dancer, looking after my joints is really important, especially when I can be dancing for eight to 10 hours a day, I really like Elavate collagen, it combines cocoa powder with hydrolysed collagen peptides to make a chocolate drink that you mix with milk or water. With the Pussycat Dolls tour coming up, I’m going to be asking a lot of my body! When I’m feeling a little depleted, I also like Zooki’s handy liquid supplement pouches for a boost. I also take electrolytes to stay hydrated when I’m training hard. Dance will always be my number-one way to keep fit. There’s something incredible about the release you get from putting on music, telling a story through your body and working up a sweat. With the tour coming up, I’m doing everything I can to stay strong and stage-ready, mixing dance with HIIT and weightlifting. We have a studio at home with a Pilates reformer and equipment for calisthenics. I’m a big fan of hot yoga too, but I also love simply getting outdoors – you’ll often find me cycling along the canals.

BUILD CONFIDENCE

I start my day with my Angel cards – a deck of cards with positive messages that you pick for a little guidance. I put my card on the windowsill next to my plants and also have an affirmation app on my phone, and they pop up throughout the day. I often do a little meditation around them when they appear. I love journalling my thoughts too, these little rituals help me rewire my brain and stay in a positive space when I’m feeling overwhelmed. I’m really conscious of the way I speak to myself and my body. I’ll look in the mirror and focus on being grateful for everything my body can do rather than picking it apart. Having that connection with myself, from my fingers to my toes, really helps my confidence - especially when I’m preparing to perform with the Pussycat Dolls. I love the ‘woo-woo’ side of wellness, although you’ll never catch me in a cold plunge! My husband Max tells me to get in an ice bath when my muscles ache, but I’d rather be sore for a week. Give me a sauna or hot tub any day!

Kimberly Wyatt is a judge for the Marro Meow Competition. Fresh cat food brand Marro has launched a nationwide hunt to find the UK and Ireland’s ultimate feline vocalist, offering £10,000 for the cat whose meow sounds most like ‘Marro’. Enter your cat today at www.marro.com/meow

It’s been one of the most turbulent years yet for Katie Price and, following a series of dramas with her husband Lee Andrews, she was seen letting her hair down on a wild holiday to Ibiza last week – without her wedding ring.

The mum-of-five, 48, partied at Ocean Beach in a minuscule bikini, alongside eldest son Harvey and longtime close pal Wayne Lineker. The pair cosied up in the VIP area with pool party club owner Wayne, 64, even organising a parade for Harvey, 24.

Fans quickly noticed how suited the former glamour model – who married her fourth husband Lee Andrews on 25 January – and Wayne seemed. One wrote, ‘They look like a real couple,’ while another added, ‘Match made in heaven! What’s happened to Lee Andrews?’

And now, insiders tell Closer that Katie’s trip to Ibiza was a welcome escape from her rollercoaster marriage to Lee, 43, and all the drama of the last few months.

The source says, ‘Katie took off her wedding ring in Ibiza and seemed determined to enjoy herself. It’s been a rocky few months for her – with Lee’s disappearance and stint in prison – so she loved spending a few days without discussing it. It was almost like she wanted one weekend where nobody was asking about Lee. Frankly, she feels lost about what’s going on there; she loves drama but even she’s finished with all the lies, twists and turns.

‘Katie’s known Wayne for years, and loved seeing him again. She’ll be the first to confess that she loves a flirt – and that was definitely going on! She enjoyed the attention far more than she was willing to admit.’

Fans were shocked earlier this year when Katie announced she’d tied the knot for a fourth time with Dubai-based businessman Lee – who she’d connected with via social media just ten days earlier. Upon announcing the marriage, many of Lee’s concerned exes came forward and branded him a ‘liar, a narcissist and a manipulator’.

Among the numerous accusations, one claimed Lee hoodwinked her into handing over £123K to invest in his company (self-proclaimed millionaire Lee is allegedly on a travel ban after defrauding another), while nowdeleted pictures with tech guru Elon Musk and Kim Kardashian on his Instagram were suspected to be AI-generated, and his flamboyant CV is thought to be fabricated.

Things came to a head when Lee sparked an international manhunt after disappearing on 12 May for 40 days. Katie eventually located her husband in Dubai’s Al-Awir prison – alleging he’d been taken close to the Hatta-Oman border by ‘an extended arm of the National Guard’, ‘held at gunpoint’ and accused of ‘espionage’ before his wife saved him.

Despite his drama and saying she ‘needed answers’, smitten Katie has seemingly stood by her man – but she’s stayed quiet afterit was recently reported Lee is back in prison. In fact, her once-gushing Instagram posts of her husband have been deleted from 25 March onwards– and she ditched her wedding and engagement rings while on holiday.

‘Ibiza was the perfect distraction for Katie from the ongoing drama in her life, and everything she doesn’t want to deal with emotionally,’ the insider explains. ‘Katie’s refusing to put her own life on hold, and went to Ibiza to party her worries away. In a way, it felt like revenge on everyone who thinks the Lee saga has knocked her. She’s still The Pricey! She loves letting her hair down and being the centre of attention. It felt like she was slipping back into her old, carefree ways.

‘Spending time with Wayne also really stirred something in her. He’s been her rock in many ways through the difficult times. Nothing happened between them, but people definitely noticed the chemistry. It made her realise he’s the kind of new man she wants: confident, fun, available and actually in front of her – he’s drama-free, without any lies.’

While her partying hit the headlines, fans also commented on Katie’s boobs. Among the negative comments were, ‘She’s become a grotesque cartoon of herself,’ while another added, ‘She was so beautiful before all the surgeries – she’s gone too far.’

Recently undergoing her 18th breast surgery, Katie debuted her new look during daughter Princess’s reality show – telling the 19-year-old and son Junior, 21, that ‘one is bigger than the other at the minute’.

The source says, ‘There are growing concerns about Katie’s health. Friends have noticed her breasts are abnormally wonky. They don’t look normal – she needs proper medical advice but Katie’s insisting it’s fine.’

And our insider adds that Katie’s friends are also concerned over her mental state. ‘Part of Katie is still convinced she can come up with a plan to save Lee,’ they say. ‘One minute she’s talking about fighting for him, and the next she’s partying like she hasn’t got a care in the world.

‘Friends worry she’s using the holidays to numb herself – the bigger the emotional mess becomes, the more determined she seems to prove she’s having the time of her life.’

In an incredible turnaround, last month saw frosty relations beginning to thaw between the royal family and Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle.

After much speculation, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Sussexes had indeed met with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House on 10 July – describing it as a ‘private family occasion’ which lasted ‘for an hour or so’.

Meghan, 45, later shared a carousel of photos with her 4.7 million Instagram followers – showing their children Archie, seven, and five-year-old Lilibet in the grounds of their late grandmother Princess Diana’s ancestral home, Althorp House.

And, as the Sussexes edge their way back into the fold, insiders say a full reconciliation could be on the horizon. But insiders tell Closer that the threat of this reunion has left William and Kate feeling wary – leading to King Charles blasting them as a block to potential peace at last within The Firm.

A source says, ‘Charles believes the division has weakened the monarchy, and desperately wants his family to present a united front. He feels William, and even Kate at times, can be stubborn about Harry – and wants them to rethink. But William and Kate have refused to meet with the Sussexes.

'For a long time, Harry and Meghan were seen as trouble – but for the King, there’s now a rising sense of anger that William and Kate are standing in the way of any reconciliation and have in fact become the source of his problem. Charles is pushing for a face-to-face meeting at Balmoral in an attempt to find a way through the family impasse – and Kate and William are coming under increased pressure to find a way forward.’

Once branded the ‘Fab Four’, tensions between Meghan and the Waleses have been rife since their ‘jarring’ first meeting. Things reportedly soured before the Sussexes’ 2018 nuptials – and despite reports to the contrary, Meghan claimed it was Kate who reduced her to tears over a disagreement about flowergirl dresses.

In his 2023 memoir Spare, Harry recalled that Kate, 44, said she was ‘owed an apology’ from her sister-in-law, who joked she had ‘baby brain’ – allegedly telling Meghan they weren’t ‘close enough for you to talk about my hormones’.

But while Meghan and Harry have been building a life for themselves in LA since 2020’s ‘Megxit’ and bitter interviews talking about their mistreatment within the palace, William and Kate have continued to throw themselves into their duties – even through the Princess of Wales’ cancer battle.

The couple – who celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary this year – have remained stoically silent on the feud. But insiders say years of allegations have left them fuming – and they’re resolutely uninterested in reconciliation.

‘Neither Kate nor William are prepared to make the first move, as they don’t believe they should apologise and forget everything that’s happened,’ says our insider. ‘It makes it impossible to move forward. What was once regarded as “the Sussex problem” is now increasingly being seen as “a Wales problem”.’

’In fact, William and Kate, both 44, are apparently so concerned about the repercussions of the Sussexes getting back into the fold that they’ve hired a new PR guru to keep their image intact.

The insider adds, ‘The Waleses are determined not to take their popularity for granted. Public support matters enormously and they’re aware of how they come across – so they need to make sure they’re getting things right.

‘Experienced PR executive Liza Ravenscroft joined Kensington Palace a few months ago to revamp their image and focus on crisis management. But though she’s pushing them to find a way forward, the Waleses are reluctant to forgive.

‘The strategy is to make William and Kate more visible and improve their relationship with the public through engagements, but they also need to draw a line under the negativity surrounding Harry and Meghan. Liza is hoping she can finally turn the tide when the family comes together at Balmoral later this month.’

With reports confirming that the Sussexes’ July visit was a success, more could be to come as our insider says Harry has been ‘love-bombing’ the King to help orchestrate his return to royal life. Harry, 41, has plans to visit in September for the WellChild Awards, and rumours are swirling that Charles, 77, has invited the family to Balmoral this month.

It’s also claimed that Harry has invited Charles – who royal biographer Omid Scobie claims is often sent picture messages by Meghan, containing photos of his grandchildren – to open the Invictus Games in Birmingham next July.

The source adds, ‘Charles wants the Waleses to sit down with him in Scotland and discuss what a relationship with the Sussexes could look like – and Harry and Meghan have been invited to join. There needs to be a plan. The King knows Harry isn’t going to disappear – so they must work out how the Sussexes fit into the picture without reopening old wounds.

‘Harry’s return could prove to be a huge test for William and Kate. If he continues to receive a warmer welcome from the public and the King, they risk defending a feud that few people understand. They must find a way to move on – but after everything that’s happened, that’s easier said than done.’

Back in Montecito, he'll likely be packing his suitcase for his next return to the UK in a matter of weeks. But any hope Prince Harry may have held of playing happy families with the royals will be once again put on hold as he steels himself for yet another very tense visit.

Over the past few weeks, little has been said publicly by King Charles or the Sussexes about their secret summit at Highgrove House last month, and it has been widely reported that Harry, 41, and Meghan Markle, 45, had been sworn to secrecy.

Clearly riding on a high, reports earlier this week then suggested that Harry could now attempt to persuade his father into attending the Invictus Games next year in Birmingham, where he is said to hope they will make a joint appearance together.

Of course, any photographs of father and son together would be a huge milestone; sending out one clear public message: All is forgiven. But after six years of animosity, estrangement and betrayal, are the royals ready?

Prince William is certainly not, given that he and Harry are believed not to have spoken in four years. And while King Charles, who has been accused by sources close to William of being ‘weak’ when it comes to putting his foot down with Harry, is still very much in charge, there is reportedly still a strong level of distrust from some senior palace officials and certain members of the Royal Family.

One senior royal in particular, we’re told, may have been persuaded to ‘play nice’ when Harry and Meghan visited with their children - Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five –but remains ‘deeply resentful’ – Queen Camilla.

An insider says, ‘Just because she was courteous and made nice the last time Harry was there doesn’t mean the bad blood has gone away. She’s still deeply resentful over what he said in Spare, and by all accounts, there’s been no apology from Harry. And there’s not likely to be any apology because Harry is still just as resentful of her.

‘Harry admitted [in Spare] that he and William both begged their father not to marry her. Camilla always suspected they were being vicious behind her back, but Harry finally confirmed it, and she won’t soon forget it. She doesn’t trust him one bit, and even less now that he’s with Meghan.

‘Camilla is convinced they have ulterior motives and need to be kept at arms’ length, but she has to act as though she’s being open-minded about this, since she promised the King she would be.’

Since ascending to the throne at his coronation in 2023, Charles, 77, has made it very clear just where Camilla, 79, stands. Immediately dropping the ‘Consort’ from her new title of ‘Queen Consort’, he added in his first speech as King, 'I count on the loving help of my darling wife Camilla.'

Following his 2024 cancer diagnosis, Charles is now rarely anywhere without Camilla by his side – both at public-facing events and in private, including Harry’s meeting with his father. And with Camilla as the ‘gatekeeper’ of his ‘pa’, we’re told Harry is already bracing himself to walk back into the ‘lion’s den’.

‘For Harry, it’s especially difficult because he’s coming back into the lion’s den knowing Camilla will be watching his every move and that if he trips up, she will seize on it,’ the source says.

‘Camilla is very much the gatekeeper, and she’s let it be known that she will be front and centre anytime Harry sees his father, whether Meghan is there or not. If Meghan does come, there’s no doubt she will be even more hawkeyed.

‘He suspects she’s still stirring up trouble behind the scenes, particularly with the press and inside the Palace, but with his father too. So there’s a lot of hostility between them that’s running just below the surface. He can’t say a thing about it to his father without creating another huge problem.’

However, all hope for Harry’s homecoming is not lost. Sources previously told us how Camilla had urged Charles to ‘stop being naïve and see them [Harry and Meghan] for the threat that they are’ and has been against the Sussexes' return to the UK.

But increasingly over recent months, as we saw with the King’s overriding of William’s reported wishes for Harry and Meghan to be kept at arm’s length, Charles appears to have fully stepped into his power as monarch, and the source says Camilla has reluctantly agreed to ‘get on board’ with Harry’s visits to appease him.

‘It is a very big deal that Charles got this past Camilla and managed to put his foot down about Harry spending time at Buckingham Palace, because it certainly wouldn’t have been something she would have allowed for even a few months ago,’ the insider says.

‘But clearly the King won out, and she’s had to change her tack. Camilla is used to having her way on most things, but Charles is very strong on this. She’s had to agree because she wants to keep him happy, but also because there’s a sense that nobody can really stand in his way. He can be incredibly stubborn, and this is one of those times where the only option is to get on board with what he wants.’
Now, Camilla can do little but stand back and ensure she remains by Charles’ side, but the source says there is no doubt that Camilla is ready to pounce on any ‘missteps’ Harry makes.

The insider says, It’s guaranteed that anyone that tries to block him [Charles] will find themselves in his bad books and Camilla knows that so she’s opting to stand by his side. That way, she can do what he deems best while also keeping a close eye on the situation.

‘She will still give her opinion; no doubt she will be quick to point out anything that doesn’t sit right with her, and she will be looking for any missteps. The King may be ready to forgive and forget, but Camilla is not.

Meanwhile, speculation is growing that Harry could also be set to approach his father about the potential of a ‘half-in, half-out’ role within the Royal Family for himself and Meghan – the same proposal that had been rejected by Queen Elizabeth II in 2020.

Yet the source makes clear that Harry is all too aware of the tightrope he’s walking. So much so that he could be set to kill his stepmother with kindness by extending his invitation to the Invictus Games to include her.

We’re told, ‘Harry is under no illusions, he knows she’s an enemy, but he needs her on side in order to push things forward with his father. He’s desperate for his dad to make an appearance at Invictus, and if Camilla were to agree, it would make things much easier, so of course, he’s extended the offer to Camilla as well.

‘He would love to have them both there. He doesn’t have to like her to respect the fact that she holds enormous influence with his father and also with the British public. She’s worked her way into a pretty popular place, so he can’t afford to alienate her.’

She made a surprise pregnancy announcement in June – taking to Instagram to show off her growing belly alongside the song, and accompanying caption, ‘Baby, I’m yours’. But while Anne Hathaway’s 44 million followers were quick to send their well wishes after her bump reveal, the actress sadly hasn’t been feeling the love lately as she’s taken her bump on the road to promote her new movie.

In fact, the 43-year-old found herself the target of some serious backlash – and some very unsettling conspiracy theories that she wasn’t even pregnant – last week, after choosing one particularly belly-baring maternity outfit to walk the red carpet.

Posing for photographers in Los Angeles to promote her new movie, The End Of Oak Street, Anne smiled broadly, cradling her stomach in a light blue top that was cropped at the front – to reveal her ever-expanding bump – with a longer train in the back, and a pair of low-waisted, denim jeans.

Her visible bump drew the attention of some seriously nutty conspiracy theorists, with one writing, ‘Looks like a fake stomach. The belly button looks unreal.’ Another posted that it looked like a ‘prosthetic bump’, a third keyboard warrior chimed in, ‘As someone who has kids, her belly looks like those fake ones they use in movies.’

As for Anne herself, she proved – or pretended at least – that she’s not fazed by the haters, as she later posted a behind-the-scenes video while getting ready for another press event. Taking to task the ‘fake belly’ rumours, she joked, ‘Fake hair, real bump.’

And it wasn’t just the ‘fake bump’ commentators who were out in force, with a large portion of the internet deciding they just didn’t like her outfit – and they didn’t hold back. One social media user said Anne’s look was ‘awful,’ adding, ‘She’s too pretty for this to happen.’ Another wrote, ‘Please let me UNSEE this,’ while another weighed in, ‘The jeans make it worse.’ Other outraged commenters labelled her outfit ‘ridiculous’, ‘tacky’ and ‘bizarre’

Still, the outrage was matched by fashion praise from kinder corners of the internet. One fan wrote, ‘Anne Hathaway at a world premiere is always a win, she always looks stunning,’ while another added, ‘She looks radiant.’ Her lightning rod ensemble even sparked impassioned think pieces, as Vogue published the article, ‘Famous or not, a woman’s bump is nobody’s business,’ while The Independent argued in an op-ed, ‘Anne Hathaway’s baby bump style isn’t ridiculous – it’s a celebration of life.’

Despite Anne’s playful response to the ridiculous comments, no doubt it masked some frustration over the very loud maternity backlash. What’s even more shocking than the ‘fake bump’ rumours is that Anne has had to get used to being the internet’s punching bag over the years. What’s been labelled the ‘Hathahate’ era was kick-started by her 2011 Oscars hosting stint, where she and her co-host, actor James Franco, were declared the worst ever hosting duo. But while Anne at least tried to inject humour and energy into the ceremony, as a woman she undoubtedly copped the most flak, with viewers labelling her ‘desperate’.

Another wave of public negativity then came two years later after she took to the stage at the Oscars to accept the award for Best Supporting Actress for Les Misérables, opening with the words, ‘It came true.’ Her performative and gushing speech prompted dissenters to call her ‘pretentious’, ‘contrived’ and ‘always putting on a show’ – and Anne later agreed with them, admitting she felt ‘uncomfortable’ on the night winning the award.

She added, “I tried to pretend that I was happy and I got called out on it, big time. That’s the truth and that’s what happened. It sucks. But what you learn from it is that you only feel like you can die from embarrassment, you don’t actually die.”

Thirteen years later and the actress is back on top – both professionally and personally – and celebrating her ‘Anne-aisance’. Last month, Anne candidly revealed that she and her husband, Adam Shulman, were both ‘shocked’ to be expecting again. The star, who’s already mum to sons Jonathan, 10, and Jack, six, revealed, ‘It’s amazing. I mean, we knew what we were doing. But we were so shocked it worked…we were just shocked it went this way.’

She added, ‘So, we’re calling this one our buzzer beater’ – referring to the basketball term where a shot is taken right before the timer clock counts down to zero.

Meanwhile, in addition to her expanding brood, it’s been a seismic year for the actress, who’s already promoted four movies – Mother Mary, The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Odyssey and The End of Oak Street – with a fifth, Verity, released in October. Her mega year has earned her critical praise, with awards pundits predicting a Best Actress Oscars win for her role as Penelope in The Odyssey.

So, with that in mind, fans can rest assured that – though the internet might continue to disagree over her maternity outfits and conspiracy theories will always abound – Anne remains resolutely above the noise.

Just two months ago the Royal Family appeared to make a huge U-turn when Prince William was photographed kissing his cousin Princess Beatrice on the cheek when she and sister Princess Eugenie made their return to public life at the Cotswolds wedding of Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling.

It was, to many royal observers, a very public sign that the girls were still very much a part of the royal fold. They were in, while their parents – Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson - were still very much out. So out in fact, that Sarah had retreated to the Austrian mountains and Andrew, to living a very low-key life at the outer edges of the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

However, the tables turned when, after welcoming her third child – a daughter named Adelaide Elizabeth– earlier this month, Princess Eugenie, 36, had been left facing her own dilemma over whether to continue living largely estranged from her mum and dad, or whether the Yorks could find a way to move forward as a united family.

That question was answered when, just days after the birth of the latest royal addition, it was reported that Sarah, 66, had flown into Portugal - where Eugenie lives part of the year in an uber exclusive villa with her husband Jack Brooksbank and sons, August, five, and Ernest, three – to support her daughter and meet her new grandchild.

Meanwhile, Eugenie’s major decision to allow her mother some precious bonding time with her new granddaughter, a source tells us, has left Andrew feeling ‘betrayed, with his fury at his daughters only plunging the whole family into further chaos and threatening to overshadow Eugenie’s new baby joy.

An insider says, ‘The last thing Eugenie needs right now is more stress caused by her father, but that’s exactly what he’s heaping on her. The last couple of years have been absolutely horrendous thanks to him and now he’s trying to guilt trip her because she wants to have her mother around to help her with her new baby.

‘He’s complaining that she and her sisters have betrayed him and are abandoning him which is not true, they are very careful not to speak badly of him and they do still maintain contact. That being said, it is the bare minimum, they are not rushing to invite him over and they’re both much closer to Sarah.’

Royal biographer Andrew Lownie further claimed that Andrew, 66, is not likely to meet his new grandchild face-to-face, adding, ‘Relations with their father are particularly fractured and complex as daughters take on board each new disturbing disclosure about Andrew. It is unlikely Andrew will see his new grandchild except through Facetime.'

But rather than giving his daughters space and time to make their own decisions, we’re told that Andrew – who appears to be isolated with just a small handful of staff and his dogs for company at Marsh Farm – has continued ‘raging’ over what he is reported to see as a grave injustice.

‘He won’t simply accept this is how they feel now and they need some time and space and instead he’s calling up raging at them, it’s egregious behavior and so selfish but that’s Andrew for you,’ the source says.

‘He’s irate and complaining to anyone that will listen about how ungrateful his daughters are. He’s calling up Sarah and accusing her of poisoning them against him which doesn’t help matters. But still, he has not been invited over and it’s likely he will not be invited to visit for a very long time, if ever.’

Royal biographer Andrew Lownie further claimed that Andrew, 66, is not likely to meet his new grandchild face-to-face, adding, ‘Relations with their father are particularly fractured and complex as daughters take on board each new disturbing disclosure about Andrew. It is unlikely Andrew will see his new grandchild except through Facetime.'

But rather than giving his daughters space and time to make their own decisions, we’re told that Andrew – who appears to be isolated with just a small handful of staff and his dogs for company at Marsh Farm – has continued ‘raging’ over what he is reported to see as a grave injustice.

‘He won’t simply accept this is how they feel now and they need some time and space and instead he’s calling up raging at them, it’s egregious behavior and so selfish but that’s Andrew for you,’ the source says.

‘He’s irate and complaining to anyone that will listen about how ungrateful his daughters are. He’s calling up Sarah and accusing her of poisoning them against him which doesn’t help matters. But still, he has not been invited over and it’s likely he will not be invited to visit for a very long time, if ever.’

So much so, that last week a source told us that the doting grandmother has become so enamoured with the town of Melides – which locals say she has visited several times over the years – that she’s keen to put down some temporary roots there and sees Eugenie and Jack’s beach front mansion within the luxe and private Costa Terra Golf and Ocean Club, as the perfect base to reinvent herself.

Eugenie and Jack only live there part of the year, splitting their time between Portugal and London, where they keep Ivy Cottage in the grounds of Kensington Palace.
Recent reports have suggested that Jack follows a ‘code of honour’ which means that, as his mother-in-law, he can’t ostracise Sarah completely, but our source says he is ‘sick of the disruption’ the scandal has brought and is adamant that he must put his foot down to protect his wife and children.

They tell us, ‘Jack is furious that his wife is being put through this during what should be the happiest time of their lives and he’s not nearly as willing as she is to let Sarah off the hook. He’s sick of the disruption and shame that his wife’s parents have heaped on them.

‘Jack is in a very tough spot right now because he needs to be supportive to his wife first and foremost, and right now that means opening up his home to Sarah. But he’s put his foot down over having her move in long term, he’s got to think of the impact on the family unit and having his mother-in-law living with them is not going to be healthy, especially when you consider the message it sends to the public.’

There also remains no doubt that the girls’ own standing within the Royal Family could again be pulled into doubt if Eugenie is seen to be communicating with her parents.

Prince William, for one, is said to have been in the camp that strongly believed Andrew should have been stripped of his titles years ago and is reported to be undecided over whether Eugenie and Beatrice should have a place within the new streamlined monarchy. And we’re told Jack is all too aware of the potential repercussions of this.

‘The girls’ approval rating is already so low and he knows that is going to impact how the King and William proceed, he doesn’t want to give them more ammunition,’ the insider says.

‘It’s a delicate balance to manage. Edo [Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Beatrice’s husband] has to walk this same fine line as well because Beatrice does want her mother in her life and yet at the same time it can’t be denied that her decisions have landed them all in hot water.’

The absence of Andrew in their lives, however, is likely to continue for the foreseeable future as the source says that no matter how much vitriol he allegedly spews or how much he pleads his innocence, his words are falling on deaf ears – at least for now.

The source says, ‘Andrew is a non-negotiable. Certainly they will want to see his name fully cleared before they resume their close relationship with him. They are hurt and angry and of course they have Sarah and their husbands in their ear telling them not to allow him back in.

‘He says he can’t believe after all the things that he’s done for them, they’ve now totally turned their backs, and in his hour of need as well. His pity party isn’t having any effect though, if anything it’s only driving a wedge even further between him and his daughters.’

Heroes and Nashville star Hayden Panettiere was tragically found dead at the weekend after reportedly going into cardiac arrest following a suspected overdose.

In audio of a 911 call made at 1.51pm on Sunday 16th August in South Carolina, a female dispatcher described the 36-year-old as suffering a 'cardiac arrest.' A few moments later, a male dispatcher could be heard saying that Panettiere had suffered a suspected overdose at the home in Greenville.

Hayden heartbreakingly said she had ‘a lot more life to live’ and had ‘shaken off all of this darkness and this negativity’ just weeks before her tragic death at 36. The US actress, who died five days before her 37th birthday, opened up about celebrating life and moving past her dark times after losing custody of her daughter, the death of her brother and her struggles with postpartum depression and addiction – the latter of which doctors warned could ‘kill her within five years’ if she didn’t stop drinking.

‘I finally feel like I have shaken off all of this darkness and this negativity. And that means I’ve closed one door and another door is opened, and I can feel it opened, and I can feel all the possibilities, all the exciting possibilities,’ she said in May, adding, ‘I feel like I have a lot more life to live.’

In her final post on Instagram, she wrote about ‘good times and good friends’ as she shared a photo of her smiling and hugging photographer Randall Slavin. It came after Hayden recently spoke of the unexpected and ‘heartbreaking’ loss of her brother and ‘best friend’ Jansen, who was 28 when he died from heart complications in 2023.

‘There’s nothing in my life that feels like losing my other half. He was born to be the yin to my yang,’ she told life coach Jay Shetty on his podcast. ‘We were so close. Especially being the older sibling, it’s your job to protect them and keep them safe, and not being able to is, I mean, heartbreaking doesn’t even begin to cover it.’

She continued, ‘I would need a dictionary to go through all the words for all the feelings that you go through in your mind. I know time is the best healer, but it’s been three years, and every year the heartbreak has changed.

‘But losing him and realising how much of life I was going to have to go through alone and without him, where I always saw him as being there. There’s been so many times I want to call him all the time. He was my best friend, and when he first died, I remember screaming, “I don’t want to live in a world where he doesn’t exist”.’

She added, ‘That’s something I don’t think I’ll ever get over. I feel him with me. I know that he’s protecting me from where he is and was needed elsewhere, but I wish he could be sent back to me.’

Hayden, whose memoir This Is Me: A Reckoning was out in May, also opened up about the ‘gut-wrenching’ loss of her daughter Kaya, 11, after she made the difficult decision to give her ex-fiance, former Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko, full custody of her in 2018 while she battled postpartum depression and addiction. The pair live in Ukraine, and Hayden admitted being apart from her child was ‘a living nightmare’.

‘It was the worst, signing those papers and like the most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever, ever had to do in my life,’ she said. ‘I mean, the idea that anybody would think that I would just give away my child and be OK with it is heartbreaking. Couldn’t be farther from the truth.’

She wrote in her book, ‘Not being under the same roof with her every day has been the most gut-wrenching experience of my life, and it’s hard to describe the layers of emotion – including sadness, resentment, and anger – I’ve felt because of it. I grieve that I’m not the mother I thought I’d be and definitely not the mother I want to be (trust me, no one should ever have to raise a child on FaceTime), and although I miss Kaya so much my heart aches, I know how blessed I am to be her mom. She is the greatest gift of my life, with all the best parts of her father and me.’

The former child actress, who started acting as a baby and is best known for her roles in Heroes, Nashville and Scream, was found 'unresponsive' in an apartment in South Carolina yesterday after she and her on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson flew there from LA the day before. Police, who responded to the incident, say there is an open investigation into her death, but said the 'preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances'.

Her father, Skip, called her death an ‘unimaginable loss’, saying, ‘It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her – and to the millions who watched her onscreen.’

Hollywood’s finest paid tribute to the actress, who received two consecutive Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of ambitious country-pop singer Juliette Barnes in Nashville. Oscar winner Viola Davis – who worked with Hayden in 2016 legal drama Custody – described her as an ‘amazing talent’ and an ‘old, wise soul with such a deep heart’. She wrote, ‘So gifted. I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming. I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy. You will be remembered.’

One Tree Hill’s Bethany Joy-Lenz, who had known Hayden since she was a child actress, said she was ‘crushed’ by her death. ‘Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming back to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young, and there’s still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surrounded by love… This can’t be real,’ she wrote.

Despite her onscreen success, Hayden’s life was marred by addiction, depression and grief as she turned to alcohol to numb the pain. She spent eight months in rehab in 2020. ‘After my daughter’s traumatic birth, alcohol was my only comfort,’ she wrote in a piece in May. ‘The first thing I thought of when I woke up was alcohol. I’d drink a bottle of wine and feel the euphoria of a blanket on me like warm water, washing away all my anxiety, self-doubt and fears.’

She previously said that she used alcohol as a crutch to numb depression, trauma and emotional pain. ‘As I got older, the drugs and alcohol became something I almost couldn’t live without.’

Hayden also opened up about her abusive relationship with Brian, who was arrested multiple times for assault and spent 45 days in jail in 2021, throughout their on-off four-year relationship between 2018 and 2022.

‘I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me with the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve,’ she said then. ‘I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again. I’m grateful for my support system, which helped me find the courage to regain my voice and my life.’

Prince Harry may have returned from Britain feeling ‘buoyed’ and ‘energised’ after his secret summit with King Charles, but when it comes to repairing the wider family rift, the Duke is still facing one very significant obstacle: his brother.

Harry’s meeting with his father may have offered a glimmer of hope for reconciliation, but the glaring absence of any meaningful relationship with Prince William remains the biggest stumbling block to a full-scale royal reuinion.

While Harry was meeting with their ‘Pa’ and attempting to rebuild bridges, William was notably elsewhere, attending a charity polo match rather than joining the family reunion.

And there appears to be little sign that time has softened the bitter six-year rift between the brothers. Indeed, Harry’s claims that William physically assaulted him in 2019 during an argument over Meghan Markle have only added another deeply personal layer to their already fractured relationship.

By Charles’ coronation in 2023, the brothers’ relationship appeared strained at best. Now, it has seemingly hardened into something far more entrenched, with William widely reported to have no desire to repair the relationship. There has even been growing speculation that, once King, he could take the dramatic step of stripping Harry and Meghan of their royal titles.

Yet next year presents the brothers with a potentially pivotal moment. It will mark 30 years since the tragic death of their beloved mother, Princess Diana – an anniversary that could prove impossible for either man to ignore.

And we’re told Harry is prepared to use the occasion as an opportunity to finally draw a line under the past. According to our source, he is even willing to acknowledge his own part in their bitter fallout, provided the brothers can sit down face to face, say what needs to be said and finally attempt to settle their differences once and for all.

An insider says, ‘He misses his brother and sister-in-law, and wants his father to see his sons at peace. On top of that, Diana’s anniversary is coming up there are all these emotional reasons for wanting to find a way forward.

‘Harry believes William can be vengeful and knows it’s not fair that he’s being told he has to essentially beg his brother to come to the table and accept his apology. But, it’s also the pattern he’s been used to for as long as he can remember.

‘He was always having to be the bigger person when they were younger, or at least that’s how he tells it, and he says if he has to do that yet again to save the family then, he’s not opposed to it.’

One person who isn’t willing to allow Harry to bow down to his brother, however, is Meghan, who we’re told ‘can’t stomach’ the idea that after all of the experiences she and Harry have alleged happened behind palace walls, that he should be the one made to apologise.

‘Meghan understands why he wants to bury the hatchet. She absolutely supports that, but she doesn’t believe Harry should have to throw himself at William’s feet to make it happen,’ the insider says.

‘She can’t stomach the idea of Harry totally swallowing all the things that have been done to them and pretending nothing ever happened; she doesn’t think that’s healthy, or the least bit fair.

‘She’s telling Harry that if and when he makes peace with William, it needs to be for the right reasons, with a mutual sense of contrition. They both need to sit down, be adults about it, own their respective sides and actually hear each other out.’

Long before Harry, 41, officially stepped away from royal life and relocated to the US in 2020, the cracks in his relationship with William, 44, appeared to have been widening for years.

For many royal observers, meeting Meghan in 2016 proved to be a significant turning point. As Harry’s confidence grew and his outlook on life changed, so too did his willingness to speak openly about the tensions within his family. That ultimately culminated in his 2023 memoir, Spare, in which he offered an extraordinarily candid account of his relationship with William, whom he described as his ‘arch nemesis’.

And while Harry’s allegations were seen by many as damaging not only to his relationship with William but to the reputation of the monarchy and the future King himself, we’re told there is now a question over whether he should attempt to make amends.

According to our source, Harry is willing to acknowledge his own role in the rift – but Meghan is said to be firmly against him making an apology, instead encouraging her husband to ‘stand firm’.

The source says, ‘She thinks it would be remiss of Harry to apologise for things he’s not done wrong. And, if that means that this takes longer to happen, so be it.

‘She wants to see Harry play the long game and hold out until William is ready to acknowledge his part in things, otherwise she believes he’s signing up for more misery.’

Meanwhile, William’s absence from the Sussexes secret summit with Charles speaks louder than words, and he is reported to have been left so furious when his father told him about Harry and Meghan’s UK return that he threatened to ‘boycott’ any family events for the foreseeable future.

William’s behaviour, we’re told, has proved a ‘red flag’ for Meghan, who believes her brother-in-law is not only unwilling to admit he played any part in the feud, but is also trying to block Harry from reconciling with his ill father.

‘It’s not just about what has happened in the past that’s a huge red flag for Meghan, it’s how William is handling things now which is even more worrisome because he’s clearly still so vengeful and angry,’ the source says.

‘To her it’s is very difficult to have a genuine relationship with anyone who doesn’t admit they played a part. That doesn’t sit well with Meghan, she wants him to stand firm, the way they have been doing.

‘In her view, it’s very telling that while Harry is focused on rebuilding his situation with his seriously ill father, all William seems to be doing is standing in the way and trying his best to slam the door shut.’

Now back in Montecito and potentially preparing for their next UK return in the coming months, the source says Meghan is adamant that they continue to play their cards as they are, and sees Charles’ recent olive branch as a sign they are on the right track – whether William likes it or not.

‘It’s clearly working with the King and they’re making progress, her view is that it may take longer with William but if Harry doesn’t bend, he will eventually come around,’ the source says.

‘She says bullies usually give in when they feel outnumbered, and if Harry keeps plugging away and bringing more people on to their side, eventually William won’t have any other choice but to come calling.’

When you are the world’s first billionaire footballer, expectations for your wedding are understandably high.

Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, has spent decades living a life of extraordinary luxury, from lavish homes and private jets to designer clothes and some of the most expensive cars money can buy.

So when the Portugal football legend finally married his long-term love Georgina Rodríguez after 10 years together, many would have expected a spectacular ceremony to match his staggering fortune.

Instead, the couple went in the opposite direction.

Their wedding was deliberately intimate, deeply personal – and took place somewhere that might surprise even Ronaldo’s biggest fans.

Rather than exchanging vows in an extravagant venue surrounded by hundreds of guests, the couple chose to make their marriage official at their family home in Portugal.

Ronaldo and Georgina, 32, tied the knot on the tenth anniversary of the day they first met at a Gucci store in Madrid, where Georgina was working as a shop assistant.

It was therefore fitting that Gucci played a role in their wedding day, with the couple describing the decision as a ‘full circle’ moment.

But the real significance was where they chose to say ‘I do’.

The pair married in the living room of their summer home in Cascais, Portugal – a $25 million mansion they had spent years building together and had only moved into a few months earlier.

For Georgina, the room held far more meaning than any grand wedding venue could have offered.

‘We've chosen to do it in the living room of our house here where we have breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and where we live the reality of our lives,' she told Vogue.

And the reason becomes even more touching.

‘In 30 years' time I want the children to think, something wonderful happened at this table – the wedding vows of our parents.’

It was a long way from the wedding Georgina once imagined for herself.

‘When I was a little girl I dreamt of the biggest castle, the biggest carriage, the longest dress, a crown full of diamonds,' she said. 'And now I'm saying: no. I want something intimate, with my partner and our children, at home.’

The couple had spoken about their plans in the days leading up to the ceremony, making it clear they wanted the occasion to feel like a genuine reflection of their family life rather than a huge celebrity spectacle.

But even with the pared-back approach, there was still plenty of luxury – just not necessarily in the way guests might have expected.

The couple chose Gucci for their wedding looks because of the role the brand played in the beginning of their relationship.

Georgina wore a sheer white shirt and skirt with satin shoes and sparkling Chopard diamond jewellery.

While the Argentine-Spanish model was every inch the glowing bride, it was her husband's choice of outfit that has left fans stunned.

Ronaldo ditched a traditional suit and tie, and instead opted for a white T-shirt and loafers.

Speaking on the surprising decision, his wife Georgina has made her feelings known.

‘He's not going to dress us up,’ she explained in the days leading up to the wedding. ‘I didn't want us to go into a day that was so simple for us in costumes.’

After the ceremony, the newlyweds travelled to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, around an hour away, where a priest gave them a blessing.

The decision to keep the ceremony small made sense for a couple whose relationship has always revolved around their family.

Ronaldo and Georgina share twins Eva Maria and Mateo, nine, who were welcomed through surrogacy, as well as daughters Alana, eight, and Bella, four.

The couple tragically lost Bella’s twin brother Ángel in 2022, shortly after his birth.

Ronaldo is also father to Cristiano Jr, 16, from a previous relationship, meaning their wedding was ultimately a celebration surrounded by the five children they have raised as a family.

A representative for Ronaldo confirmed the news, saying: ‘Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez were married today in a civil ceremony in Cascais, Portugal, and are now officially husband and wife.’

‘The ceremony was a private and intimate moment attended by their five children.’

Jornal de Noticias later published a copy of the marriage certificate, reporting that only four witnesses were present alongside the children.

Interestingly, Ronaldo’s mother Dolores Aveiro and his three siblings Hugo, Elma and Katia were noticeably absent from the ceremony.

A local report claimed his family only found out about the marriage moments before it happened, although Dolores appeared to give her blessing afterwards by responding to her son’s wedding announcement on Instagram with a heart.

But there could still be a much bigger celebration.

For all the effort the couple made to keep their actual wedding intimate, this may not be the only celebration.

Georgina has already hinted that a much larger wedding could take place in the future, allowing them to celebrate with their wider family and friends.

‘In the future we will have a big wedding, so we can celebrate with family and friends,’ Georgina explained.

But for now, she insists the intimate ceremony was exactly what she wanted.

‘I want something intimate, with my partner and our children, at home,' she said. 'Because castles, houses, islands, horses, cars: We have all of that within reach every day. But something intimate- that's more unusual for us.’

The newlyweds won't be heading off on a honeymoon either, having already returned to Saudi Arabia, where Ronaldo continues his football career.

And his latest marriage comes at a potentially pivotal moment in that career.

After years at the very top of the sport, Ronaldo has now admitted that retirement is firmly on his mind.

‘This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,’ he told Vogue.

For a player who has spent much of his life focused on football, it would mark the beginning of an entirely different chapter.

And when it comes to his family, there could potentially be room for another addition.

Asked about whether he and Georgina might have more children, Ronaldo left the door open.

‘Never say never.’ he says.

For the past six years, they've been the outcasts of Buckingham Palace, but everything shifted following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla last month. Recent reports suggest the Sussexes are firmly back in favour, with Charles said to be extending an invite to Sandringham for Christmas and even weighing up a future for them as part-time working royals.

And the greatest blessing of all? They've achieved it without the blessing of the Prince and Princess of Wales, who are still refusing to forgive and forget. Little wonder, we're told, that Meghan is feeling smug about finally being in the driving seat.

'It's becoming increasingly clear they don't need William and Kate's approval, which has really boosted Meghan's confidence. The fact that Charles is working so hard to put this rift in the past and lay the groundwork for their future – not just for Harry and Meghan, but for their children – is hugely satisfying,' says a source close to Harry and Meghan, who are yet to publicly comment on bringing Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, to meet the King last month, reportedly in an effort to show they respect his wishes to keep things low-key.

'Both Meghan and Harry believe that both William and Kate went out of their way to make life as difficult as possible for them and tried to block a reconciliation at every turn. Ultimately, they failed, so Meghan and Harry feel vindicated. That being said, they would still very much like to have a better relationship with William and Kate, but even if that never happens, they believe they and their children now have a place within the family.'

There was a time when the Sussexes and the Waleses stood on firm ground – in public at least – with the couples earning the nickname 'the Fab Four'. But sadly, that changed dramatically after Harry and Meghan stepped back as senior royals in 2020, igniting the royal rift that has only widened.

The greatest source of tension was the allegations Harry and Meghan levelled about the Waleses' treatment of them. In their 2021 tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan claimed Kate had made her cry during a disagreement over Princess Charlotte's bridesmaid dress for her 2018 wedding – contradicting reports at the time that it was Meghan who had reduced Kate to tears.

Then, in his 2023 bombshell memoir Spare, Harry revealed a then-pregnant Kate had rebuked Meghan after she had joked about her 'baby brain', snapping that they weren't 'close enough for you to talk about my hormones'. William also found himself in the firing line, as Harry accused his older brother – whom he branded his 'arch-nemesis' – of physically attacking him during a row over Meghan.

Since then, the Sussexes have softened their criticism of the royals and Harry has made it his mission to work his way back into the family fold. Now, it appears he's got his wish – with whispers that Charles might even restore them to royal life in the half in/half out arrangement they had requested before Megxit. And, we're told, Meghan believes they're in a stronger position than ever.

'For Meghan, the way William and Kate are behaving just proves that she and Harry were never the problem,' says our insider. 'She's always believed that they were singled out and bullied by a large majority of the family, aided and abetted by William and Kate. It's obvious to her that they've been poisoning everybody against her and Harry for years. It's nothing short of a miracle that she and Harry have managed to rebuild their relationship with Charles.'

Meghan Markle certainly wasn’t going to let turning 45 pass quietly. With 4.7 million followers watching, the Duchess appeared determined to make sure nobody missed the memo that it was her big day.

Her celebrations came complete with a tiara, birthday tunes and a rather exuberant dance around her luxe Montecito kitchen, followed by an arty black-and-white photograph of Meghan launching herself into a swimming pool while clutching an impressive bouquet of balloons.

It was, in other words, Meghan’s idea of keeping things low-key, although for someone who has built so much of her image around a simple, understated lifestyle, there was arguably rather a lot of careful curation going on.

Yet for all the attention she attracted online, it was the attention Meghan didn’t receive that may have stung the most.

Her 45th birthday came and went without any public acknowledgement from the Royal Family, despite the fact that she and Harry had travelled back to the UK just weeks earlier for their much-talked-about reconciliation with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House.

And now, a source tells us the apparent public snub has left Meghan feeling ‘hurt’, with the fallout potentially casting fresh doubt over her reported plans to spend more time in the UK alongside Harry.

We’re told the experience has left her feeling increasingly like an outsider, and wondering whether she really has a place back in the royal fold after all.

An insider says, ‘It would have meant the world to her, and to Harry too, if there’d been some sort of public acknowledgement of her birthday because it would serve as a message to the world that she’s been genuinely accepted back.

‘Everyone knows she’s constantly at the mercy of this narrative that she’s not one of the family, and being publicly ignored this way reinforces that story, so of course it hurts.’

Meghan has never exactly hidden her bemusement at royal protocol, famously revealing her shock at discovering she would have to curtsy to Harry’s grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.

And now, another royal rule appears to have rubbed salt into an already rather raw wound: only working members of the Royal Family receive public birthday greetings from the Firm.

As royal author Tom Sykes explained, ‘Birthday wishes to a private citizen would be sent privately. There’s absolutely no way anything will be put on social media feeds or anything like that.’

That explains why Meghan hasn’t received a public birthday message from the royals since 2020. But after everything that has happened since her and Harry’s recent return to Britain, we’re told this particular silence may have felt rather different.

Just weeks earlier, the Duchess had travelled to the UK with Harry and their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, for their top-secret summit with King Charles and Queen Camilla. For Harry, 41, who has endured years of estrangement from his family, the reunion was reportedly a hugely positive experience, leaving him feeling ‘buoyed’ and ‘really energised’.

But while the emotional meeting may have given Harry fresh hope of repairing relations with his family, within weeks of the family returning to California, whispers had already emerged that the Duchess was far from impressed with how events had unfolded.

Days after they arrived back at their Montecito home, a source close to the Sussexes told People that Meghan would have been left ‘humiliated’ by the very public war of words between Harry and the Palace over their security and accommodation arrangements – despite the Sussexes’ own team having revealed their plans in the first place.

The source also claimed there had been ‘a lot of sadness’ for Meghan over the decision for her not to accompany Harry to any public-facing events because of the ongoing security dispute.

Instead, she was largely absent from the photographs and visits that followed, left watching from the sidelines as what had begun as a family reconciliation increasingly became the Harry show.

And with all of that still likely to be fresh in her mind, our source says Meghan could view the lack of a public birthday message as more than simply royal protocol.

‘The excuse that she can’t be acknowledged because she’s not a working royal feels very hollow because who exactly is making that rule? Is there some sort of social media committee in Parliament? It just feels like yet another chance to exclude her,’ the insider says. It's not known whether she received birthday wishes in private.

‘She’s the mother of the King’s grandchildren, and she’s just bent over backwards to bring those children over to England so that His Majesty could spend time with them. She’s very grateful that he wants to get to know Archie and Lili and grateful to have been welcomed the way she was, so to then be snubbed this way, and just a few weeks later, must be very hurtful.’

It’s been six years since Meghan and Harry first stepped back as senior working royals, and until as late as this year, it was reported that she had sworn never to step back on UK soil.

Instead, it had widely been speculated that she may even be set to release her own memoir, continuing on from her and Harry’s scathing exposés of the way they alleged Meghan had been treated behind palace walls – including claims of racism, which the family strenuously denied, and bullying.

So it came as a huge surprise to many that the Duchess was willing to let bygones be bygones – at least for now – and return to England by Harry’s side. And we’re told that for Meghan, this was no easy feat.

The source says, ‘Meghan genuinely wants to get along with Harry’s family, and she feels like she’s gone above and beyond to make that happen. It’s not just about the effort she put in during their time in England; she’s spent a long time biting her tongue and letting go of a lot of resentment.

‘She knows how important this relationship is to Harry, and she is trying her best to move forward. That doesn’t mean she has just forgotten the way they’ve all made her feel over the years. She went through some incredibly painful experiences and still carries those scars, but she’s made the conscious decision to forgive, move on and support Harry in rebuilding his relationship with his family.’

Meghan has also made it abundantly clear that when it comes to her own love language, gifting is a way to show someone you care for that ‘ I see you, and I am nurturing you’, and she previously sweetly shared that she sends notes to her children every night to read when they grow up.

Just last year, in the midst of their rift, Meghan heavily hinted that she had also sent Queen Camilla a box of her own branded wine for her 78th birthday, teasing fans on social media that she had gifted the bespoke rose to ‘ladies near and far’.

But we’re told Meghan is tired of always being the one ‘to make the effort’, as the source says she can’t help but feel her generosity is a ‘one-way street’.

The insider says, ‘She’s gone so far as to send gifts, not just all of her own products but lots of her favourite things; gifting is one of her love languages, so it was very sincere and thoughtful. But unfortunately, it does feel like a one-way street; she doesn’t see a whole lot from them in return.

‘Yes, Charles has begun making more of an effort in recent months, but even still, they always have to be the ones to reach out. And the same goes for the rest of the family that they still speak to, it’s almost always the Sussexes that have to make the effort, or at least that’s Meghan’s feeling.’

Meanwhile, Meghan revealed on her 35th birthday in 2016 – coincidentally the year she met Harry – that she also marks the occasion in a very reflective way each year.

She wrote on her now-defunct blog, The Tig, ‘My mom has always said that birthdays are your own personal New Year. Your own chance to make resolutions just for yourself and what you prognosticate for your year ahead.’

Without doubt, her reflections this year will include musings on the crossroads she and Harry appear to have reached as they navigate building their life, and Meghan’s lifestyle business, stateside. And the source says Meghan has also been left reflecting on her relationship with the royals, asking one burning question: Is it worth the effort?

‘She’s not going to make a fuss publicly about not getting any sort of birthday acknowledgement from the royals, but privately it has left her wondering why she should keep putting herself out there if the effort isn’t being reciprocated,’ the source says.

‘To Meghan, sending someone a birthday message or extending a simple kindness is basic human courtesy, so when those gestures don’t happen, she takes it very hard.’

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She’s devoted the past ten years of her life to her six children – prioritising her role as a mother over anyone and everything else. But while Angelina Jolie’s family life is her biggest driving force, there’s one family member who’s been left out in the cold: James Haven, the older brother who used to be her closest ally.

Last week, James hit the headlines after coming out as gay on his ex-wife, Romi Imbelli’s Substack and Instagram account. Posting a collection of photos together, and taking part in an accompanying livestream video, the pair, who wed in August 2024 but separated 15 days later, appeared united as James revealed he was finally sharing his truth and ‘beginning a new chapter’.

He added, ‘After many years of healing from childhood trauma, I am now free to live the life I believe I was always meant to live – one of hope, one of pace, and one of love’ – while life coach Romi told her followers, ‘I wasn’t here to out someone I love. I was here to help set someone free. There is a difference. In return, he set me free.’

But while James’ coming out was – ostensibly – a liberating moment for the 53-year-old, insiders tell us that Angelina’s silence in response was a deafening reminder of their estrangement. As pop culturists will remember, the pair had a particularly close relationship throughout the 1990s. Indeed, while Angelina, now 51, was in the first throes of fame and fortune, it was James who was often pictured with her, culminating in the moment they shocked the world by locking lips on the red carpet at the 2000 Academy Awards.

As former wild child Angelina had already proven, she had a taste for courting controversy (that same year she also started wearing a vial of new husband Billy Bob Thornton’s blood around her neck), so the stunt was par for the course. Later, taking to the stage to accept her Best Actress Oscar for Girl, Interrupted, Angelina doubled down, telling the world she was ‘so in love’ with her only brother.

Over the years, James continually accompanied Angelina to A-list events and even appeared in her movie, Gia. He also credited her for igniting his passion for activism and humanitarian work. But despite staying close during her relationship with Brad Pitt, and stepping up to support her after they split, the pair’s bond now appears to be fractured. And as insiders tell us, Angelina’s silence in the wake of James’ big news has left him feeling more isolated than ever.

‘This is obviously a huge moment in James’ life, and of course he wants Ange there to support him,’ says an insider close to the activist and podcaster. ‘However, it’s not simple for her because, as much as she loves him, they have grown apart over the years. It’s not something she readily talks about, but it’s no secret that there were a number of things that took a toll on their relationship that went far beyond his loyalty to their father.’

Born to actor Jon Voight and the late actress Marcheline Bertrand, James and Angelina were primarily raised by their mum after their parents split. Angelina reflected on their closeness in 2000, revealing, ‘I don’t know if it’s divorced families or what it is, but he and I were each other’s everything, always, and we’ve been best friends.’

Both Angelina and James had a notoriously strained relationship with Jon, while they were equally devastated when their beloved mum died in 2007 from breast cancer. But while Angelina’s barely managed to repair the wounds with her dad, especially given his notoriously Conservative views and staunch, vocal support for Donald Trump, James has seemingly been more willing. To that end, Jon was a notable attendee at James and Romi’s wedding in 2024…while Angelina was glaringly absent. As our insider tells us, this wasn’t a coincidence.

But, as mentioned, that’s not the only issue. Last year, amid Angelina’s legal battle with ex-husband Brad Pitt, court documents went public, including private emails she’d shared with her business manager in 2021. In one partially redacted email, Angelina expressed her frustrations over sending money to her brother, writing, ‘Financial situations like Jamie where I just give and give and don’t even get a thank you…is just wrong.’

She added, ‘It’s not for me to have to worry that I am always responsible every year, no matter what. And he doesn’t need to save because he isn’t advised and always gets funds.’

Neither Angelina nor James ever publicly discussed the emails, but – as our source tells us – it inevitably caused further friction.

‘Ange didn’t attend his wedding a couple of years ago or acknowledge it,’ we’re told. ‘And then last year it came out that she’d been complaining about James always expecting her to pay his bills, without so much as thanking her. It’s not something she would have necessarily wanted him to know that she was resentful of, but it ended up coming out in court. It’s pretty sad when you consider how incredibly close they used to be. It was the two of them, and their dear mother, Marcheline, against the world for so long. That sort of bond doesn’t just evaporate, not without a lot of pain. She may have some very valid complaints about James, but a lot of people feel it would be best for both of them if they could find a way back to solid ground.’

For James, Angelina’s distance is apparently all the more painful considering his protectiveness over her. In 2024, he told the 90WHO10 podcast, ‘That’s where it all started, with the protection of [Angelina], and then in the direction of her children – my nieces and nephews. I just want to be there any time, very much like my mum. Any time I’m blessed to be in their presence, I want to be in their presence.’

Sadly, it seems he’s no longer feeling so blessed. And, as Angelina’s youngest children, Vivienne and Knox, recently turned 18, meaning she’s no longer obliged to stay in Los Angeles to honour Brad’s custody rights, we’re told he’s worried the distance will only grow. Angelina herself has spoken about wanting to leave the US as soon as she can, with insiders reporting she’s considering moving to Cambodia or Europe full-time.

Still, as our insider tells us, their inner circles are hoping that – in time – she’ll drop whatever resentment she still harbours.

‘Angelina doesn’t have a lot of people that she’s close to aside from her children, and neither does James,’ we’re told. ‘He needs hers and she may not want to admit it, but it’s hard to imagine there isn’t still a part of her that still needs him too.’

For a brief, shining moment, it seemed Meghan Markle and Prince Harry had finally cracked the royal code: keep your head down, keep your mouth shut and, most importantly, don’t tell anyone what happened behind the gilded doors of Highgrove House.

In the days after their top-secret summit with King Charles and Queen Camilla last month, the couple’s unusually low profile left royal watchers wondering what on earth had happened. There were no interviews, no photographs and barely a peep from the Sussex camp.

Then, just as she made her appearance on MasterChef Australia, the Duchess seemingly decided it was time to lift the lid. Three weeks after the secret meeting, Meghan returned to social media with a carefully curated collection of photographs from the family’s European summer, including the first glimpse of Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, as they visited Princess Diana’s grave at Althorp House to lay flowers.

The images may have offered a warm glimpse into the Sussexes’ family life, but they reportedly failed to impress everyone behind palace walls, with Prince William said to be particularly unimpressed.

And now, barely a week later, the Sussexes have found themselves facing another royal headache - only this time, it’s the oven mitts rather than the crowns that are coming off.

US homemaking powerhouse Martha Stewart, 85, appeared to drop Meghan into some seriously hot water after claiming she had been discussing her reconciliation with Charles at a recent Hollywood dinner party. A revelation which, if the King really did want the meeting kept under wraps, could hardly have come at a more awkward time.

Now, we’re told the latest reports have left Harry particularly frustrated. A source tells us that he is worried the Martha Stewart claims could upset the royals and, more damagingly, breathe new life into concerns among some members of the royal household that the Sussexes remain loose cannons who simply cannot be trusted with sensitive family matters.

An insider says, ‘This is the absolute worst thing that could be happening right now. Here they are trying so hard to build back trust, and Harry’s giving his father and everyone on the King’s staff these assurances that he and Meghan will both be total vaults. And then this comes out - it’s an absolute nightmare.

‘The King has a ton of people in his ear who have made it their job to warn him about anything that might be interpreted negatively, and no doubt they will see the headlines about Meghan supposedly talking about her visit with His Majesty as a full-scale disaster and use it as proof that she can’t be trusted.’

Ever since Meghan landed her own now-defunct Netflix cooking show, With Love, Meghan, she has been widely pitted against Martha, even being depicted in the press as 'Montecito’s version of Martha Stewart'. Martha, meanwhile, appears to have done little to dampen the growing speculation of a feud and, last week, the apron-clad firecracker served up a low blow during an interview with People magazine.

Martha told them, ‘I had dinner with Meghan Markle the other night. We were both guests at a dinner party in California. And she had just gotten back from the palace. I didn’t talk to her really more than to say a couple words, but I know she was talking about it.’

Grab your popcorn folks, as she then went on to deliver yet another clanger when she speculated why Meghan’s foray into cooking may not have chimed with viewers as much as she might have hoped.

The outspoken octogenarian then added, ‘If you’re an actress, it’s hard to then transition to a princess and then from a princess into a homemaking guru on a television show. It doesn’t sort of follow. So go from there.’

It’s not clear what, if anything, Meghan did let slip, but the source warns that at such a vulnerable point in time with the Sussexes on the precipice of a royal return, the damage may have already been done.

‘Meghan is adamant that she absolutely wasn’t sharing anything private, or anything at all for that matter, but unfortunately, that doesn’t really undo the damage that Martha’s comments have done,’ the source says.

‘Perception is everything, and now there are global headlines that make it seem as though Meghan was blabbing all about the visit. It’s a terrible look and is not going to go over well with anyone at the Palace. Things are so delicate right now, and people are so thirsty for any bit of gossip, even the nod of a head can be twisted into something.’

Meanwhile, until now, Harry, 41, had been riding on the crest of his homecoming, which included his much-anticipated return to the One Year to Go for Invictus Games; his attendance at a festival for the incredible charity, Scotty’s Little Soldiers, and, of course, the highlight - his frolicking with baby goats.

Now the source says the headlines have made the largely estranged royal, who still hasn’t spoken to his brother for four years, even more determined to put his foot down over who, if anyone, they can really trust in Hollywood.

We’re told, ‘It’s incredibly frustrating for Harry; these sorts of public dramas have the potential to set back everything he’s been working towards. Harry’s goal is to smooth things over with his family, and these are the exact sorts of things that make them wary.

‘Harry’s now taking the stance that the safest thing to do for now might be to avoid attending these sorts of Hollywood parties for the time being, just to make sure nothing like this happens because he feels they cannot afford any missteps and clearly nowhere is safe.’

Meghan, however, appears to be dusting herself off in the way that only a Duchess knows how – with ice cream, a tiara and launching herself into a swimming pool whilst holding a bunch of birthday balloons to celebrate turning 45 last week.

But even then, her celebrations have been labelled ‘desperate’, ‘embarrassing’ and ‘obnoxious’ by her critics, as we’re told the headlines she’s once again generated over the past few days have led some to advise the King to ‘pull back’.

‘The same goes for all the photos and videos Meghan shared online [for her birthday], that was also deeply frowned on,’ the source says.

‘She’s gone and given the critics ammunition by dancing around in a tiara and essentially playing right into the hands of people urging the King to pull back. Yes, it’s an authentic fun moment and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it, but the question is: Why share it online with people who are going to make it their business to suck the joy out of it and turn it into something that bites them?’

These latest pictures also only add fuel to the growing speculation that Harry and Meghan may have differing views over how much of their private lives they share on social media. Not only that, it has also been widely reported by royal observers that Harry appears to have become increasingly disillusioned with the Hollywood scene – putting him at odds with Meghan’s goal to launch a global lifestyle brand which depends on her having a very public presence.

‘The root problem is that their goals are at odds. In order to please the royals, the best approach is to take a very low-key, very guarded approach to anything public-facing. But, to promote her brand, Meghan is required to do the total opposite,’ the insider explains.

‘To build a fan base on social media and connect with them and hang on to them, she needs to share her life. If she doesn’t do that, she won’t get followers, and that impacts everything these days, including investments.’

They add, ‘The truth is, it’s just not possible for her to fit into the royals’ very narrow and stuffy view of what is acceptable. She doesn’t want to have to censor herself and everything she does in hopes of pleasing them. Especially because she’s done so much already and gotten next to nothing back. It’s very hard to imagine that she and Harry will ever see eye to eye on this.’

Career-wise, Jennifer Garner has never been busier. With hit series The Five-Star Weekend under her belt and major film projects on the horizon - including a 13 Going on 30 reboot - the 54-year-old’s schedule is packed to capacity.

And, by her own admission, Garner is exactly where she wants to be.

‘I get so much joy from what I do,’ Jen recently told Today With Jenna & Sheinelle. ‘I like to work. I'm a worker bee.’

But behind the scenes, the actress may have found herself facing a very different kind of crossroads.

Because while Jennifer has spent years carefully building a life around her career and her three children, there is one part of her past that continues to have a surprisingly significant place in her present.

Garner shares Violet, 20, Fin,17, and Samuel,14, with her ex-husband, meaning that despite their divorce, Ben Affleck has never truly disappeared from her life.

And now, it seems, that complicated history could be creating a fork in the road for Jennifer’s seven-year romance.

When it comes to romance, Ben Affleck is anything but a fleeting fancy. Sure, his relationships can be a bit of a rollercoaster, but he rarely walks away forever, often returning right back to where it all began.

Jennifer famously provided Ben, 54, the steadfast support he needed throughout his alcohol recovery, and, in the past two years, she has been a shoulder for him to cry on during the implosion of his second marriage to Jennifer Lopez.

It’s a closeness that has inevitably attracted attention over the years, particularly because Garner has quietly been dating businessman John Miller since 2018.

Indeed, when Garner spoke about her divorce in 2016, it was clear just how profound that bond was.

‘I didn't marry the big fat movie star; I married him,’ the actress said. ‘And I would go back and remake that decision. I ran down the beach to him, and I would again. You can't have these three babies and so much of what we had. He's the love of my life.”

Elaborating on their divorce process, Garner said, ‘We still have to help each other get through this; he's still the only person who really knows the truth about things. And I'm still the only person who knows some of his truths.’

After their split, Affleck previously admitted in an interview on Good Morning America in 2020 that the decision to part ways was a heartbreaking one.

‘I didn't want to get divorced, I didn't want to be a divorced person, I really didn't want to be a split family with my children,’ he said.

Unlike her famously scrutinised marriage to Ben, Garner’s relationship with businessman John Miller has been almost entirely out of the spotlight.

The ultra-private pair were first linked in 2018 and have never walked the red carpet together, choosing instead to keep their romance largely away from public view.

For a while, that arrangement seemed to suit them perfectly.

There was no pressure to perform their relationship for the cameras, no need to constantly discuss their future and, importantly, no rush to recreate the kind of public marriage Jennifer had already experienced.

But while Jennifer has been juggling Hollywood projects, motherhood and her complicated co-parenting relationship with Ben, John has apparently been wondering what comes next.

And now, sources say that this summer could ultimately decide their fate.

‘The non-traditional arrangement between Jen and John seemed to work perfectly for a while,’ a source told RadarOnline.com.

That arrangement, however, may have finally reached its limits.

‘Neither of them felt pressure to move in together or make a big commitment. But they've reached a point where they both want more, and they're struggling to figure out how to get there.’

Garner’s determination to get her relationship with 48-year-old John out of limbo is complicated by the life she has built with Ben.

Co-parenting with him – particularly after he moved on with his second wife, Jennifer Lopez, in 2022, before their split in 2024 – meant navigating custody schedules and family commitments alongside her relationship with Miller.

Her dynamic with Ben was meant to be purely about the kids, but sources say it's now driving a wedge straight between her and John.

‘John doesn’t feel threatened in terms of Jen ever getting back with Ben, but at the same time, it’s hard not to feel jealous when it’s clear they have a strong connection and friendship,’ our source says.

The source also claims that the dynamic became particularly difficult during Ben’s marriage to Lopez.

‘Throughout his marriage to J.Lo, Ben was always raving about the other Jennifer like she was some sort of saint,’ says a source inside the Affleck-Garner camp. ‘It was a huge issue in their short marriage because, any time they had a fight, he’d go running to Jennifer. After they split, seeing photos of him and Jennifer together was painful and humiliating for her.’

Now, however, it is Garner’s own future that is under the microscope.

While Miller is reportedly not ‘pushy’, there is said to be a part of him that wants more from their relationship.

And that could be where Jennifer’s carefully balanced life becomes harder to maintain.

‘There’s definitely a part of him that wants more,’ the source said. ‘People would love to see Jen take the leap and commit to John, but for various reasons she's elected to push the pause button.’

Garner has previously spoken candidly about the emotional toll of her split from Affleck and how difficult it was to imagine what her life would look like afterwards.

In February, the Alias alum opened up about the impact of her 2015 split, admitting she had spent so long inside her marriage that she worried the upheaval might have permanently changed her.

‘I was in the middle of something for a really long time,’ she told Flaunt magazine, adding that she worried the family ‘shake up’ might have changed her forever. ‘When you're many years into something, you think, 'I don't know how it's gonna pass.’

And perhaps tellingly, Garner also appeared to rule out one traditional symbol of commitment.

Asked about a ring on that finger, she made it clear that the jewellery did not signify an engagement.

‘I actually have taken over my own left hand, my left ring finger, because I don't care… I just feel like I'm in my 50s, I own my own fingers.’

For now, Jennifer appears determined to do things on her own terms.

But friends are reportedly concerned that Miller could eventually feel as though he has been waiting on the sidelines for too long.

‘Some of her pals are worried he could get to the point where he feels taken for granted,’ says the source. ‘They need to come up with a realistic plan for their future. Neither of them wants this relationship to drift along forever.’

After seven years together, Jennifer and John have seemingly reached the point where simply keeping things as they are may no longer be an option.

And with Ben Affleck still such an important part of Jennifer’s life, the actress now appears to face a difficult choice: find a way to move forward with John, without disrupting the unique family bond she has fought so hard to preserve – or risk watching another important relationship reach its breaking point.

When these Hollywood stars tied the knot in 1996, anyone with eyes could see they were madly in love and thought the world of each other.

Even when they split in 2015, neither had a bad word to say. Their joint statement emphasised the divorce was consensual, no third parties were involved, and they were separating in a ‘loving and friendly manner’.

And now Antonio Banderas, who is currently starring in Tony, a film about the life of Anthony Bourdain, says that Melanie Griffiths is his ‘best friend ‘and they have ‘a lot of fun together’. Indeed, this April, they were snapped together arm in arm, smiling and joking as they headed out for dinner in LA with their daughter Stella, 29, and her husband, Alex Gruszynski.

It’s the latest in a long line of warm comments he’s directed towards his ex, and she’s returned the compliment too, writing she’ll ‘always love him’ and calling him handsome on an Instagram birthday post.

What’s interesting is that though Mask of Zorro star Antonio, 66, has been in a ten-year relationship with businesswoman and model Nicole Kimpel since 2016, Melanie, 69, hasn’t publicly dated anyone since their divorce.

And a source tells us this is because no other man has even come close to Antonio, and she’ll always consider him the love of her life, even though he’s happily settled with Nicole.

The insider says, “It speaks volumes that Melanie hasn’t had a single serious relationship since their divorce. She’s been on dates, but nothing has ever developed into anything significant because there just isn’t room in her heart for anyone but Antonio. If she were asked to describe her perfect man, it would essentially still be him. She insists that they can’t be together, that she knows they are better off as good friends.”

And we’re not just talking casual friends, apparently, they consult and support each other through all of life's ups and downs, whether it includes Stella or not. The source tells us, “The fact is, they are still very close, he’s still a big part of her day-to-day life. When she has a problem, Antonio is still the person she calls, and he’s always happy to be there for her. In many ways, they are still very codependent, and there’s almost this sense that she’d rather have this dynamic than cut him off so she can find someone else. Antonio is loyal to Nicole, but there’s no doubt he’s very protective of his bond with Melanie, so this is by no means a one-sided situation.”

Antonio experienced a frightening health scare eight years ago when he suffered a heart attack while living in the UK. He was rushed to the hospital, where three stents were inserted in his arteries via emergency surgery. While he downplayed the incident, calling it merely a ‘startle’, he has since acknowledged that the brush with death led to a time of reflection and important changes. He said last week that the incident was the ‘best thing that ever happened to me’ in that he finally quit smoking and decided to move back to his hometown of Malaga in Spain.

Our insider says, “Antonio is the first to admit that his heart attack in 2017 totally changed him; he became so much more open, and his priorities completely shifted. It was too late to go backwards with Melanie at that point, getting back together just wasn’t on the table but he did make a huge effort to make amends for a lot of the hurt he put her through and it worked, she totally forgave him and they were able to create this new chapter. What they have now is a deep and very genuine friendship, and everyone in their lives has come to accept that.”

How Antonio ‘hurt’ Melanie is not entirely clear. Certainly, cheating rumours surrounded him during their marriage, something that both parties denied. And their parting was as amicable as it’s possible to be – publicly at least.

The couple first laid eyes on each other when they were both married to other people. Melanie to Miami Vice star Don Johnson, father to their daughter, actress Dakota, and he to Spanish actress Ana Leza. It was the 1989 Academy Awards. The Spaniard asked who the blonde beauty in a white silk gown was and found out she was the star from 80s zeitgeist movie Working Girl. It wasn’t until they filmed romcom Too Much in 1995 that ‘sparks flew’ according to those who witnessed the electric chemistry between them.

Both of their marriages broke down rather quickly and conveniently, with denials of any physical affair, and they became a couple marrying the following year.

You may be wondering how Antonio’s long-term partner feels about his closeness with Melanie, especially given that she has never moved on romantically. Our insider says Nicole, 45, is secure. They tell us, “Nicole has clearly accepted it; everyone says what an incredibly secure woman she is to be so comfortable with this, because a lot of partners could not handle this. But she doesn’t seem to be at all threatened. The fact that Antonio feels comfortable giving interviews about how close he is to Melanie shows just how par for the course this is. He says all the time that Melanie is his best friend and doesn’t seem to be concerned about upsetting Nicole.”

As for Melanie meeting someone new, it remains to be seen if another man would have the same level of acceptance: “If Melanie was in a relationship herself, it might be a different story. It’s hard to imagine too many men being okay with the level of closeness she and Antonio share. That’s yet to be an issue though. She gets asked out plenty, and her friends are always offering to set her up. Kris Jenner has certainly tried a number of times, but no one can get Melanie to crack.

Melanie’s been married to three men – Don, Antonio, her first husband Steven Bauer, with whom she has a son, Alexander, 40 – so maybe she’s just given up on meeting Mr Right.

But those who know her well think it’s more to do with putting Antonio on a pedestal.

“A lot of her friends think she’s doing herself no favours with this arrangement with Antonio, but there’s really no convincing her of that. She insists that she doesn’t feel any great desire to be in another relationship, but most people say that’s because she doesn’t believe it can get any better than what she had with Antonio.”

Were they to rekindle their romance, Antonio and Melanie would be joining a fascinating history of Hollywood couples who have divorced and remarried.

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner, Pamela Anderson and Rick Salomon all gave it a second go. Sadly, these second marriages fell apart too.

Oh, and there’s one other couple – Melanie Griffith and Don Johson. Yes, she has form for remarrying the same man, holding on to hope that past love can be rekindled. Whether she is secretly wishing that she and Antonio will decide to spend their twilight years back together, only she knows.

It's now been four months since Sarah Ferguson emerged from hiding at a £2000-a-night ski resort in the Austrian mountains, and now the so-called 'disappearing Duchess' is reported to be on the move again.

Perhaps a little tired of the climate of the mountains – where she is alleged to be enjoying spa treatments and household staff, of course (this is no rustic log cabin) – the disgraced former Duchess of York is believed to have flown over to the sunny climes of Portugal, after her daughter, Princess Eugenie, welcomed her third child earlier this week.

Announcing the news, Eugenie, 36, wrote on social media, 'Jack and I are so excited to announce Baby Girl Brooksbank!! We are beyond in love with our girlie.'

Narrowly missing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who stayed at their own property nearby just weeks ago ahead of their UK return, Sarah, 66, is reported to have flown to Melides, just south of Lisbon, to help new mum Eugenie at the family home she shares in the picturesque town with husband Jack Brooksbank and their two sons, August, five, and Ernest, three.

Now, we're told the doting grandmother has become so enamoured with the town, which locals say she has visited several times over the years, that she's keen to put down some temporary roots there.

And what better place to stay than Eugenie and Jack’s beachfront mansion within the luxe and private Costa Terra Golf and Ocean Club, where villas cost upwards of £3.6 million?

An insider says, ‘Sarah would love to be given the keys. It’s a beautiful place, and Eugenie and Jack aren’t there year-round. In her view, she could lovingly maintain it when they’re away and then be grandma on call when they’re in town.

‘She adores her grandchildren, and now that there’s a new baby, she says there’s even more reason for her to be there to help and dote on them.’

Eugenie, who splits her time between Portugal and the family’s UK home of Ivy Cottage at Kensington Palace, has also previously praised the anonymity she is afforded whilst staying in the town.

On the Table Manners podcast in 2023, Eugenie described living in Portugal as 'the dream,’ adding, ‘I can go to the supermarket in my exercise gear and my hair piled on my head and not mind. Not care. No one cares.’

Of course, following the public furore surrounding her friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and her very public eviction from Royal Lodge alongside her ex-husband Andrew Mounbatten Windsor last year, privacy is exactly what Sarah needs right now as she attempts to formulate a comeback plan amidst reports that her funds have been rapidly depleting, and with no sign that the royals are set to welcome her back.

And we’re told Sarah feels ‘it’s only right’ that, after being thrust into this dire situation and having reportedly maintained she had absolutely no part to play in her own demise, she has the right to shockingly demand that her daughter does what she can to help out her out.

‘She could reinvent herself there and enjoy a quieter way of life, away from the public eye, the paparazzi and all the scrutiny,’ the source says.

‘Sarah sees this as a win-win because she can help with the children, so she doesn’t see this as her being an imposition. And even if she is asking for her, she feels it’s only right to expect that kind of support from her daughter.’

To say the situation would be complicated for Eugenie is a huge understatement, and the source says she’s now been left torn over prioritising the wishes of her family – namely her supportive husband Jack – and helping her mum.

‘Eugenie certainly isn’t dumping her mother, but having her move in full time is a lot more complicated than Sarah seems to want to acknowledge,’ the insider says.

‘Even if Eugenie wanted to hand her mother the keys, she also has Jack in her ear. By all accounts, he’s been far more patient and accommodating than Beatrice’s husband [Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi] has been with Sarah, but there are still limits. He’s sympathetic and isn’t suggesting they turn their backs, but having Sarah effectively move in is a whole different matter.’

The past few months of her pregnancy were no doubt incredibly stressful for Eugenie as the storm surrounding her parents continues to show no sign of slowing.

And in May, it was the turn of Eugenie and her sister Princess Beatrice to endure the eye of the storm when an audit by The National Audit Office (NAO) reported that King Charles covers the accommodation costs for non-working royals' homes, meaning that the sisters live rent-free in their properties within the Royal Family's London palaces.

These allegations only intensified the scrutiny of the whole family at a vulnerable time for Eugenie, and the backlash was harsh and unrelenting. Former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown even went as far as to cruelly describe Beatrice and Eugenie as ‘symbolising a rot at the heart of the monarchy’, with calls for the Princesses to be stripped of their own titles.

So it comes as little wonder that we’re told that Eugenie and Jack’s priority right now is to bond as a new family of five and stay firmly out of the limelight.

‘Eugenie and Jack are already under enough scrutiny; they can’t afford to be at the centre of any more damaging headlines or be seen as troublemakers,’ the source says.

‘What they need to do right now is keep their heads down and draw as little attention as possible, aside from something positive like new photos of their growing family. The last thing they need is the sort of drama that Sarah will inevitably bring to their doorstep if she moves in.’

But despite the cloud of controversy still shrouding the sisters, both Eugenie and Beatrice were welcomed back into the royal fold in June when they attended the wedding of their cousin Peter Phillips and his bride, Harriet Sperling, where they were photographed being affectionately greeted by Prince William.

Now we’re told Eugenie is faced with balancing her loyalty to her mother with the very real threat that she could turn their Portuguese sanctuary into a ‘zoo’ and create a ‘headache’ for the Palace if she allows Sarah to stay longer term.

The insider says, ‘Any show of support she’s seen to be giving her will likely have consequences for Eugenie. She has to be very conscious of how it will play with the public, but also potentially with William and maybe even the King.

‘As it stands, they need to be seen to be keeping their distance, and even if Sarah does everything she can to stay out of sight, eventually word will spread that she’s moved in with them. She’d be tracked down, the property would become a zoo, and it would inevitably create more headaches with the Palace.’

For any new mum, this upheaval would be a struggle, and the insider says Jack has been forced to put his foot down, with him and Eugenie wanting to concentrate on their family and leave the drama very much outside of their front door – at least for now.

‘Jack accepts that she will visit from time to time, but giving her the keys to live there full time is a step too far. It’s not just the potential for more damage to their reputations and their standing within the family; they’re also busy with a young baby, they want to bond as a family unit, they need time on their own without Sarah hovering,’ we’re told.

‘It’s not that Jack wants to keep her away from the grandchildren; he just feels the visits need to happen quietly and in a controlled way that puts everyone’s interests first. He’s very conscious of avoiding any further controversy and, as difficult as it is, Eugenie has to think that way as well; life as they know it is on the line.’

For most teenagers, making their runway debut at Paris Fashion Week would be a dream come true. But for Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s daughter, Sunday Rose, stepping into the spotlight came with intense scrutiny almost immediately.

Since making her modelling debut for Miu Miu during Paris Fashion Week in 2024, Sunday has quickly become one of fashion’s most talked-about new faces. At just 16, the Nashville-born teenager landed a coveted campaign with luxury watch brand Omega – the same brand Nicole has proudly represented since 2005 – before returning to the runway for major labels including Dior, Calvin Klein and Khaite.

Yet while her modelling résumé continues to grow, so too has the criticism.

Sunday’s debut was met with backlash about her modelling credentials. Her famous mum has previously rushed to her defence. ‘She is modelling now and she is very composed and a very sweet girl,’ the 59-year-old actress said.

Nicole later admitted she was hesitant about her daughter’s involvement in the industry, but her long-standing relationship with Miuccia Prada, whom she has known since she was 23, ultimately put her at ease.

‘I was like, "Hmm, I don’t think this is a good idea"', she previously admitted. ‘But Miuccia just loved her and was like, "No, I want her." And Miuccia is so powerful as a woman. So that was a good match.’

Nicole said that she was determined to be ‘supportive’ of her daughter's career choice, telling E! News, ‘[I'm] just there for her. Just being a mom. I'm trying to give her her own space, you know? [Not be] overbearing or dominant in any way.’

But her future could have looked very different, after Nicole has now revealed the poignant conversation with her own mother, Janelle, before her death in 2024.

Most recently, the budding model walked in Dior's latest show, just one day before her 18th birthday. For the occasion, she wore a textured grey-and-coral knit coat from the French fashion house, paired with coordinating shoes and a printed clutch.

But the appearance once again sparked fierce debate online.

‘Not model material,’ one person commented.

Another wrote, ‘If she wasn't Nicole's daughter, there would be no way she would be up there.’

Others criticised what they viewed as the privilege of being the daughter of two Hollywood stars.

‘Without the famous surname, casting directors would've walked right past. Nepotism is the hardest-working model here,’ one commenter wrote.

‘It must have been so difficult for her to get there. It surely took years of effort and hundreds of auditions to achieve it,’ another user joked.

Another simply added, ‘We don't need more nepo models.’

Addressing her ‘nepotism,’ the teenager credited her mum, Nicole, for paving the way for her. ‘I definitely gained a lot of interest from those experiences and especially being privileged enough to experience them at a young age,’ Sunday previously explained. ‘My mum is someone who has always been so creative and my biggest inspiration in life. She’s a key part of everything I do.’

And Sunday certainly isn't the only celebrity child to follow in her parents' fashionable footsteps.

Romeo Beckham, the son of David and Victoria Beckham, has walked for Burberry, Balenciaga and Versace, while Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin's daughter, Apple Martin, has fronted campaigns for Chloé and appeared alongside her famous mum for GAP.

As Sunday’s modelling résumé continues to grow with appearances for brands including Miu Miu, Calvin Klein, and Khaite, it's a dream Nicole appears more than happy to support – and now she's revealed exactly why.

The Academy Award winner has shared she consulted her own mum, Janelle Kidman, for her thoughts on Sunday pursuing a modelling career.

Explaining that Sunday was with her before Janelle died aged 84 in September 2024, Nicole recalled, ‘I said, ‘Oh, should I let her? She wants to model.’ And my mum said, "Well, you did it. You have to let her because I let you."'

‘My mother let me do my passion that I wanted when I was 14 [when] I started,” added Kidman.

‘So that was, sort of, my mom’s parting gift to Sunny.’

‘She kind of encouraged me to let her be able to follow her "bliss" and follow her passion and what she wanted. So, I’m so grateful that my mama passed [that on].’

Kidman’s mother’s death was announced in 2024 through a statement read aloud by Babygirl director Halina Reijn at the Venice Film Festival, after the actress left the event early.

In the moments leading up to her passing, Kidman recalled how she was experiencing an ‘enormous high’ at the time, having just won the festival’s best Actress award for her role in Babygirl.

‘I was about to go onstage and I found out my mother had died and I went right back to the room in Venice, got into bed and was completely devastated' she said during a conversation with Hoda Kotb at HISTORYTalks.

‘My husband wasn’t there, my children weren’t there,’ she continued. ‘I was there to win an award, which should’ve been a beautiful thing. That there is the contrast of life.’

‘She came from an era where she wasn’t given the career advice she would’ve loved,' Nicole explained. ‘She basically gave to her family and didn’t have the career that she would’ve loved to have had. She was exceptionally smart.’

Nicole - who is also mum to Isabella,33, and Connor,31, with ex Tom Cruise and Faith,15, with ex Keith Urban- also shared how her own mother encouraged her not to retire from acting when roles began to dwindle as she reached her 40s.

‘I'd moved to Nashville, I was pregnant, I had my daughter, and I was going to retire,’ she recalled. ‘My mother was like, I wouldn't completely give up. You've been doing this since you were little - it's your makeup.'

‘And thank God she said that,’ Nicole continued, explaining that she ultimately went down ‘a much more interesting road in her career’ by doing more producing and pursuing meaningful projects.

Prince William and King Charles may have managed to keep their reported differences behind palace walls for now, but with Prince Harry’s next UK visit looming, the King and his heir may need to find a compromise - and fast.

For months, reports of a growing power struggle between the pair have suggested that Charles’ determination to make his own decisions and reconcile with Harry is increasingly at odds with the reports that William wants nothing to do with the Sussexes and views them as a threat to the monarchy.

And Harry and Meghan Markle’s secret meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla last month appeared to make the growing divide between them so apparent that a source recently told us how even Princess Kate fears the public may soon find out just how much their relationship appears to have deteriorated.

Now a source tells Closer how the father-and-son are being ordered to sit down and work out a compromise before the situation spirals out of control, as we’re told how Charles, 77, has finally agreed to meet William, 44, for a secret summit before Harry’s next trip, which threatens to tip the whole family over the edge.

An insider says, ‘It’s making life uncomfortable for everyone at the Palace; their advisors are still communicating, but William and the King are barely acknowledging each other, even when they’re in the same meeting.

‘The situation has become absolutely ludicrous, it’s causing chaos and fact is, it reflects badly on everybody. A lot of people are saying William is playing straight into Harry and Meghan’s hands by alienating his father this way.

‘But anyone that tries to broach this topic with him is ignored or reprimanded. People have been avoiding it for months but His Majesty has finally agreed that it’s time they sit down and face this before it gets any worse.’

Claims of hostility between the King and his heir come two years after Charles’ cancer diagnosis thrust the future of the monarchy into the spotlight, with questions inevitably raised about when William might take the throne and whether his father could eventually be forced to step back to focus on his health.

During the King’s treatment, William took on a greater share of responsibility and appeared to step confidently into the role of heir, offering a glimpse of the more streamlined monarchy he could one day create. But now, with Charles having revealed that his treatment has been reduced and showing every sign of wanting to continue as King for many years, the balance of power appears to have shifted once again.

And while William will undoubtedly be delighted to see his father in better health, he was perhaps not expecting the King to assert his authority in such a way that he must surely have been aware could pose a huge risk to their bond.

William is reported not to have spoken to Harry in four years, so the decision by Charles to roll out the red carpet for Meghan and Harry to waltz back into the heart of the royal fold has been seen as an upmost betrayal by some royal observers.

Now the source says the pair are facing a crucial test of their relationship, with Harry’s return to Britain – expected to be ‘before the end of the year’ - potentially forcing them to finally thrash out their differences.

The source explains, ‘Time is of the essence because Harry’s upcoming trip could tip things over the edge. It’s no secret that William is already furious that his father is ignoring his objections. If he doesn’t get a chance to air his grievances and say why he thinks it’s a dreadful idea, he may very well do something drastic.

‘William is convinced the Sussexes are plotting a permanent path back to Britain and are using Charles to regain as many privileges as possible while quietly building alliances with people like the Spencers and the York sisters behind his back.

‘From his perspective, it's deeply disrespectful to him and Catherine, particularly when he feels they've never received a proper apology, and he sees it as incredibly dangerous for the monarchy as a whole.’

William is reported not to have spoken to Harry in four years, so the decision by Charles to roll out the red carpet for Meghan and Harry to waltz back into the heart of the royal fold has been seen as an upmost betrayal by some royal observers.

Now the source says the pair are facing a crucial test of their relationship, with Harry’s return to Britain – expected to be ‘before the end of the year’ - potentially forcing them to finally thrash out their differences.

The source explains, ‘Time is of the essence because Harry’s upcoming trip could tip things over the edge. It’s no secret that William is already furious that his father is ignoring his objections. If he doesn’t get a chance to air his grievances and say why he thinks it’s a dreadful idea, he may very well do something drastic.

‘William is convinced the Sussexes are plotting a permanent path back to Britain and are using Charles to regain as many privileges as possible while quietly building alliances with people like the Spencers and the York sisters behind his back.

‘From his perspective, it's deeply disrespectful to him and Catherine, particularly when he feels they've never received a proper apology, and he sees it as incredibly dangerous for the monarchy as a whole.’

While speculative for now, this threat may come to fruition over the coming months following reports that Harry hopes to become a working member of the Royal Family again - in some capacity.

Wanting to both have, and eat, his cake, it’s claimed that Harry wishes to remain living in Montecito but to carry out philanthropic work and visits in the name of the Royal Family – for which, of course, he could be paid for via the taxpayer-funded sovereign grant.

This so-called ‘half in, half out’ bid had reportedly been rejected by the late Queen Elizabeth II back in 2020 when Harry and Meghan first stepped down as senior working royals, but now the source warns the tables could be turning – and not in William’s favour.

The insider says, ‘He could hand them all sorts of perks and total freedom to operate as they see fit; he could even give in and allow them to be working royals based in America. He’s the King of England so ultimately, he can do what he wants, and William should know that.’

However, given that William - who was last week seen putting on a united front with Kate and their children when the family attended the Commonwealth Games – has reportedly already threatened to ‘boycott’ family events at the Sandringham estate for the foreseeable future if this whole Sussex saga continues, we’re told it’s ‘unlikely’ he’ll bow down to any demands he sees as unjust.

‘Whether he’s actually willing to accept that reality is another story altogether and truth be told most people think it’s unlikely,’ the source says.

‘He’s cut from much the same cloth as his father. If he feels he's been wronged, he becomes very righteous and he rarely gives in. It’s not hard to imagine him being willing to go head-to-head with his father over this for a lot longer, no matter what the consequences are.’

The oven mitts are truly off as Meghan Markle and Martha Stewart battle it out for the title of the ultimate Queen of the kitchen.

Just weeks after she and Prince Harry made their much-anticipated return to the UK for a secret summit with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House, it appears Meghan may have dipped her finger into one pie too many, as last week the domestic Duchess found herself in the clasp of, as rumour has it, some of the sharpest claws in Hollywood.

Since Meghan landed her own highly sought-after Netflix deal with her cooking show, With Love, Meghan, she has been widely pitted against Martha, who, meanwhile, appears to have done little to dampen the growing speculation of a feud.

And last week, the pinafored powerhouse appeared to hit out at Meghan during an interview with People, not-so-subtly hinting that she had been discussing her visit with Charles and Camilla. Yes, the very same visit that the monarch is reported to have wanted to remain completely private.

Martha, 85, told the magazine, ‘I had dinner with Meghan Markle the other night. We were both guests at a dinner party in California. And she had just gotten back from the palace. I didn’t talk to her really more than to say a couple of words, but I know she was talking about it.’

Then, making matters worse, she then went on to criticise Meghan’s decision to enter into the lifestyle/homemaking sphere – a world many in Hollywood, including the likes of A-listers Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Garner and Jessica Alba have battled to compete in.

Martha, the all-time reigning Queen of the pantry, added, ‘If you’re an actress, it’s hard to then transition to a princess and then from a princess into a homemaking guru on a television show. It doesn’t sort of follow. So go from there.’

One thing Martha has never been, however, is subtle. She minces her meat, but not her words. Her scathing insults have included calling Blake Lively’s preserve company ‘stupid’ and said of GOOP founder Gwyneth Paltrow, ‘She just needs to be quiet. She's a movie star. If she were confident in her acting, she wouldn't be trying to be Martha Stewart’.

And now a source tells us that Meghan may have just become the latest victim of Martha’s tirades against her competitors.

An insider says, ‘The way she tells it, she was just innocently answering a question and telling the truth. She says she heard Meghan chatting about her time in the U.K., and she sees nothing wrong with saying as much.

'But Martha is very territorial and very catty, of course, she knows that her words carry a lot of weight, so no one thinks it’s an accident that she managed to make Meghan look bad and get herself a load of attention in the process.'

They add, ‘Martha does not like other people coming into the lifestyle space. Just look at how vicious she’s been to Gwyneth over the years, and when she feels at all threatened, she goes on the attack.'

Martha’s claims that Meghan had been gossiping about her royal return will no doubt have landed badly with the Palace at a time where the upmost discretion and total secrecy over any interactions with the Royal Family is the order of the day.

However, having seen a drop in popularity over recent months, both in the UK and the US, according to recent polls, what appears to have been a low blow from Martha may have actually helped boost Meghan’s acceptance in Hollywood, where even the biggest stars have fallen victim to Martha’s sharp tongue.

The source says, ‘She didn’t give any details or imply Meghan was being negative and says she finds it quite shocking that this has been turned into such a big deal. But it’s hard for most people to believe Martha is that naïve.

‘Martha has decades of playing these social games and manipulating the media. She’s acting as though she doesn’t see what all the fuss is about, as though she didn’t just drop a grenade.’

Meghan, however, appears to be brushing off the comments in the way only a Duchess can - with ice cream, a tiara, a birthday swim, holding a bunch of balloons and dancing around her kitchen, which appears to have undergone a swoon-worthy makeover with TWO islands, luxe Portuguese tiling and a dining area fit for a royal.

Showing off her gleaming new kitchen and whipping up homemade ice cream using jam from her own line also proves Meghan knows how to serve her own ice-cold revenge without saying a word. And the source says Meghan only plans to continue in the same vein and will hit Martha ‘where it matters most’ – in the kitchen.

‘Meghan will be fuming, but she’s not going to get into a public war of words with Martha; instead, she’s going to hit her where it matters most, by taking some of her market share,’ the insider says.

‘It may not happen tomorrow, but she’s vowing it will happen, no matter how long it takes, and Meghan plans to keep at it because, whether Martha believes it or not, she is sincere in all of this.

‘Cooking has always been a passion for her, and it still is; you can see that in her incredible state-of-the-art kitchen, it’s clearly something she’s invested in and takes seriously.’

Yet having built up her own lifestyle empire from scratch and being named as America’s first self-made female billionaire in 1999, we’re told Martha is adamant that no young upstart is going to eclipse her level of success - and isn’t afraid to tear down anyone who tries.

The source says, ‘The truth is that she [Martha] does not appreciate anyone that she views as trying to knock her off her perch in any way. She sees herself as the undisputed queen of the domestic lifestyle world, and all these newer personalities, with Meghan being the biggest name among them, really get under her skin.

‘Martha is clever enough to take her little swipes in a way that still allows for reasonable deniability. She plays dumb, but anyone that knows her, knows that she’s as wily as a fox, and, whether she wants to acknowledge it or not, her comments have fuelled another wave of negative headlines for Meghan.’

Yet we’re told there could also be another reason Martha appears to be so vehemently against Meghan’s bid for success as, alongside unexpectedly being BFFs with Snoop Dogg, she also revealed earlier this year how she calls King Charles ‘chuck’.

Ahead of her attendance at a charity gala hosted by the King at Christie's New York in May, Martha told journalists, ‘I call him Chuck, and he looks great girls’, before going on to compliment Camilla, too.

Now we’re told, ‘She’s also a huge anglophile, she adores King Charles and was falling all over herself to impress him a few months ago, so it’s not hard to imagine that has something to do with this too.’

Understandably, then, the source says Meghan feels like she’s fighting an uphill battle, but is determined to play Martha at her own game.

‘It’s the last thing Meghan needs right now and so demoralising because she is adamant that this never happened,’ they tell us.

‘But what can she do to defend herself? Her only reasonable option is silence because anything she says will only draw more attention to it, so she simply has to swallow her feelings and use them as fuel to outdo Martha at her own game.’

For plenty of couples, the idea of staying with the in-laws brings more anxiety than excitement – especially when it means bunking down in a guest room under their watchful eye.

Of course, when those in-laws happen to be King Charles and Queen Camilla, and the guest room is inside Buckingham Palace’s 240-room residence, you might expect the invitation to be hard to turn down. Yet insiders claim Meghan Markle isn’t keen on the idea and has reportedly told Harry she would prefer to remain at home in their luxury Montecito mansion.

The Duke of Sussex is due in the UK this September for a series of major charity engagements, and a room at the Palace has reportedly been set aside for him. King Charles is said to have invited both Harry and Meghan, 45, to stay at his London home. But sources suggest Meghan isn’t sold on the plan – and the disagreement has allegedly caused friction between the couple, as Harry focuses on repairing ties with both his father and the British public.

A source tells us, “Harry is working overtime to change her mind, and it’s becoming quite the saga as they continue to butt heads over differing priorities. Harry really wants her there with him; he feels like it’s crucial they build on the momentum from the last visit, and having her there by his side will send the message loud and clear that they’re both being welcomed back. If the public sees them both staying together at Buckingham Palace, it will go a long way to proving Meghan has got the King’s stamp of approval too, and he’s convinced that will give her popularity in the UK a huge boost.”

That boost may be needed. Since the couple publicly criticised the royal family in interviews, documentaries, and Harry’s memoir Spare, public sentiment in Britain has remained cool. A YouGov poll released last week indicated Meghan’s ratings have fallen to a new low, suggesting attitudes to the Duchess have hardened rather than softened.

However, Meghan is said to be concentrating on her profile – and earning power – in the United States. The source says, “Meghan keeps bringing the conversation back to reality. She's got businesses to run, projects to launch and money to make. As she sees it, that money isn't going to magically appear if she's spending all her time in Britain.”

It’s been a challenging stretch for the California-based couple, who relocated to California in June 2020. In March, Meghan separated from Netflix, which had backed her lifestyle venture As Ever. Then, in July, Harry lost his court battle against the publisher of the Daily Mail, a defeat that could reportedly cost them millions. He had alleged unlawful information gathering, but the court did not rule in his favour.

Business remains Meghan’s priority, according to insiders. “It’s great that the palace wants to extend this offer, but it’s not going to pay all the bills that are piling up. She’s just trying to keep their heads above water financially, and as great as it is that this trip to the UK might generate goodwill, it’s not going to generate cash.”

Harry’s focus lies elsewhere. With the Invictus Games set for Birmingham next year, maintaining strong UK relationships is vital. The charity sporting event for wounded and injured service personnel is widely viewed as his proudest achievement, making public and institutional support especially significant.

Still, he recognises his wife’s concerns. As one insider explains, “Harry understands why she wants to stay home; she’s got an endless pile of work, and, of course, throwing in a trip to her in-laws overseas, even if it is to stay at Buckingham Palace, is one more thing on her plate.”

There are also emotional factors. Palace life can be intense, and Meghan has previously spoken about feeling constrained during her time as a working royal. The couple reportedly remain estranged from Prince William and Kate, both 44, and their children – Archie, seven, and Lilibet, eight – have had very little contact with their cousins George, 13, Charlotte, 11, and Louis, eight.

“Harry knows it’s very draining, there are so many rules, and so many eyes judging her every move, so he gets why she is digging in her heels, but at the same time, he’s been working hard to make this happen, and now they are getting this amazing chance, which not too long ago seemed too much to ever hope for. He feels she ought to see the big picture and make it her number one priority.

“He stood very strong on her behalf and demanded plenty of concessions from the Palace and the royal team, and they’ve been very generous, so in his view she ought to be gracious and reward that show of good faith by showing up and standing by his side.”

Repeated questions about Meghan’s absence while Harry is in the UK are said to weigh heavily on the Prince.

“He must be dreading going over there on his own and, once again, having everybody asking him, ‘Where’s Meghan?’ It doesn’t feel like it’s too much to ask her to come stand by his side, even if it’s not something she wants, just for his sake.”

Beyond appearances, there is also family urgency. King Charles, diagnosed with cancer in 2024, continues treatment – and according to insiders, time feels precious.

“He knows just how much it meant to his father to see the children at Highgrove back in July,” we’re told. “He doesn’t see why they should wait until Christmas for the next family visit, especially since there’s a very real chance they may not make it over there for the holidays. These opportunities with his father don’t come along very often, so there’s a real danger of getting people’s backs up if Meghan doesn’t come. It’s a huge honour for the King to be welcoming them to stay at the palace; it will be seen as very bad form to reject that offer, and Harry is doing his best to impress that upon her. One of the key things that’s going to persuade his dad that they can be trusted again is to follow protocol and show proper respect to the institution and to him.”

Harry has reportedly warned that further indecision could frustrate palace aides. His plans for September still appear to be fluid, and patience is no doubt thinning. In July, officials pointedly noted that Harry had missed the deadline to secure a Palace room during a previous visit – a reminder that royal schedules are tightly managed.

“Harry senses that either of them is hesitant about accepting this invitation, it will get withdrawn the way it did the last time – he doesn't want to risk that happening again.”

Having been married for 18 years, Emma and Matt Willis are one of showbiz’s strongest couples – and they’ve clearly mastered the art of mixing business with pleasure.

Returning as hosts for a third series of Love Is Blind UK, they say that while many people would struggle to work with their partner, it only strengthens their relationship. ‘You’d think if you lived and worked together, you’d be like, “Christ, I need a break.” But we don’t,’ Emma, 50, gushes. ‘We just absolutely love being with each other all the time.’

BEST MATE

Matt, 43, says, ‘Of all the things I do, Love Is Blind is my favourite and it’s mainly because I’m working with Emma. We get to do this really cool job together, we get flown around the world with this amazing show which is all about love, and I’m with my best mate every day.’ The hit Netflix show sees a set of singletons attempt to find their soulmate from behind a wall in the famous Pods. While the format never changes, the love stories seem to get better with each series – and Matt and Emma are convinced this is the best one yet.

‘They’ve nailed the job of getting an amazing mix of people from all walks of life. It has all the romance, all the love, lots of comedy, a little bit of some drama, everything you’d want from a series,’ Emma teases. Agreeing with his wife, Matt says, ‘It’s my favourite series yet. It gets better and better as we progress, and there are some great standout characters.’

The show has already created some successful love stories, including Kieran Holmes-Darby and Megan Jupp, who fell in love on the second season and are now happily married in real life. And it sounds like season three could bring even more wedding bells.

A record-breaking 14 engagements happen this time around – a figure that even the hosts are startled by. ‘They’re all mad for it this year,’ Emma laughs, while Matt adds, ‘There are clearly a lot of thirsty people in the UK.’

Fans can also expect some steamy conversations from the contestants, with Emma saying, ‘When you’re at the point of going on a TV show to find a husband or wife, these are some of the most important questions you should be asking. I liked that they all had the guts to go there.’

And if you’re going to take relationship advice from anyone, it can definitely be the Willises. It’s safe to say that Emma and Matt – who tied the knot in 2008 and share children Isabelle, 17, Ace, 14, and Trixie, 10 – know a thing or two about romance.

LESSONS

However, Matt admits their first date didn’t quite go to plan. The Busted singer reveals he went to great lengths to woo Emma, but his efforts weren’t received well.

‘I tried to pick a really posh restaurant when me and Emma went out on our first date because I knew her as this glamorous woman who was a model and on MTV,’ Matt laughs. ‘She couldn’t eat anything on the menu because she didn’t like any of it. I could have chosen somewhere way cheaper!’ Emma chimes in, ‘He didn’t realise he was going out with someone from Birmingham who didn’t care!’

But first impressions aren’t everything. Matt and Emma reveal this is one of the lessons they’ve learned from hosting Love Is Blind, as contestants cannot see one another during their initial dates. ‘It always reminds me that we should never judge a book by its cover,’ Emma says. ‘You can see and perceive somebody in one way, but there’s always so much that we don’t know.’

Filming also came with an added bonus for the couple, as the show’s retreat segment was filmed in Ibiza, meaning Matt and Emma’s annual trip to the party island fit in perfectly with their work schedule.

SECOND HOME

Some downtime was no doubt needed for the pair. After a successful stint in the West End as Cabaret’s Emcee earlier this year, Matt has been busy working on his podcast, On The Mend. Meanwhile, Emma – who’s presented shows including Big Brother and The Voice – is gearing up for her biggest TV gig to date as she gets set to take over as Strictly ’s host alongside Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe.

Opening up about their ‘happy place’, Ibiza, Matt explains, ‘We’ve been going there on and off for 20 years. The island is like a second home.’ Emma adds, ‘We go every year, so even when we’re only there for a few days for work, we know exactly where we want to go and how to get there. We had it planned out to a T, and it all worked really well for us.’

After over a year away from TV screens, Holly Willoughby made a major comeback with her own YouTube lifestyle series, Together, last month. And when Closer catches up with her close pal Jenni Falconer, she’s full of praise for the ex-This Morning host.

‘I’m sure it will be absolutely brilliant,’ Jenni tell us. ‘Holly and her husband Dan are both working on it – it will inevitably be a huge success.’

Holly is the latest celebrity to set her sights on YouTube stardom, with the platform becoming increasingly popular in recent years. Jenni, 50, admits that she too is tempted to launch her own channel for her popular fitness-focused podcast, RunPod.

Passion

‘The way the world is going and the way content is being consumed, it feels like it’s a no-brainer to do that at some point,’ she says. ‘There’s been a real return to YouTube and turning everything into content. It’s fascinating.'

After moving in similar circles due to their TV careers, Jenni grew close to Holly, 45, and they sparked up a friendship. And in 2011, when Holly went on maternity leave from This Morning, Jenni filled in for her, presenting alongside Phillip Schofield.

Stepping into Holly’s role is one of Jenni’s career highlights, but the star admits she can’t pinpoint one standout moment from her incredible 32 years in showbiz. The mum-of-one laughs, ‘Every time I think I’ve got a career highlight, I go off to do something else and I’m like, “Oh, I love this!” Every step of the way, I have found something else that’s a passion. Everything has been amazing.’

As well as her This Morning stint, Jenni names live television gigs, fronting travel series and co-hosting GMTV’s Entertainment Today with Ben Shephard as some of her career favourites. Launching RunPod and becoming the host of Routes – a travel podcast in collaboration with London Northeastern Railway – are also on the list, as well as co-founding wellness brand Kollo Health.

She also talks fondly about her radio career, most notably her current gig as Smooth Radio’s Breakfast Show host. Jenni presents for four hours each morning, before handing over to Kate Garraway – a close pal and former colleague from GMTV. ‘I’ve known her since 2000 and we’re still working alongside each other,’ Jenni says warmly.

And as a doting mum to 14-year-old daughter Ella Grace – who she shares with husband James Midgley – it’s safe to say Jenni has her hands full. ‘It’s a bit of a struggle sometimes to juggle everything. In a perfect world, there would be an eighth day,’ she says.

Balance

Opening up about her work-life balance, she continues, ‘I have a bit of a routine with working on radio. From 6am until 10am, I’m on-air, and that means that I have the evenings at home. We work hard so that we can enjoy the reward of quality time together. I’ve got to say, I think I’ve got a good work life balance.’

But while Jenni boasts a glittering career in TV and media, she hasn’t quite convinced her daughter Ella to follow in her footsteps. ‘I don’t think she’s remotely interested. It’s so funny because she’s grown up with me and doesn’t really think it’s that interesting,’ she laughs. ‘I don’t think she’s had her head turned by this industry. Well, not yet…’

Showbiz might not have caught Ella’s attention, but Jenni’s love of fitness has certainly rubbed off on her. Spending time trying out new sports has become a way of bonding for the mother-and-daughter duo, with Jenni telling us, ‘Me and my daughter love being active together. We play tennis, we play Padel. Neither of us might be amazing at it, but it’s such a nice way to make memories.’

Strength work

Fitness has also given Jenni and husband of 16 years James, 51 – an actor known for his roles on Ackley Bridge and Coronation Street – a way of spending more quality time together. ‘We both try to play Padel. Sometimes James will play golf, because it’s a great way for us to hang out if we’ve both got an afternoon free,’ Jenni explains.

There’s no denying that Jenni looks incredible – and she certainly works hard for her figure, admitting that it’s running that has had her heart for decades. ‘I quite often run my commute because it’s a great way of getting that run in and ticking two birds with one stone,’ she says.

As she’s got older, strength training has also become a priority for the star. She adds, ‘I used to just do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. For me now, training is more structured. I definitely do more strength work in the gym.’

She recently announced that she’ll take a step back from the spotlight due to ‘endless, ongoing public scrutiny’.

And now, Ariana Grande’s family are rallying around her.

Watching his sister perform at the Chicago stop of her Eternal Sunshine tour, Frankie Grande shared a video of the pop star, 33, performing her 2014 track One Last Time.

‘Family forever,’ he captioned the clip, which showed him watching the concert alongside their mum Joan, 69. ‘I will have your back until the end of time. I am so proud of you and so happy for you.

‘Last night was a beautiful celebration of your artistry and the magnificent, eternal sunshine family you have built and created. It was a magical night. You are magical.’

Frankie, 43, added, ‘You are my everything, and I am so so happy I was there to see you shine on this tour one last time.’

Ariana will return to the stage on 15 August for the international leg of her tour in London, which will occur over several dates at the O2 Arena until 1 September.

But despite branding the tour ‘deeply fulfilling’ and ‘joyful’, a spokesperson for the Wicked star announced that she would be taking a public hiatus following its run.

‘She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny,’ said the representative. ‘This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.’

Shortly after the announcement was made, it was revealed that Ariana would be stepping down from her role in Sunday in the Park with George.

In what would’ve been her West End debut, the Thank U, Next singer was set to perform alongside her Wicked co-star Jonanthan Bailey in the Stephen Sondheim musical at London’s Barbican Centre over summer 2027.

A statement from the show’s official X account read, ‘Following this evening’s announcement from Ariana Grande’s team, we can confirm that she has decided to step back from Sunday in the Park with George.

‘We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support. We wish her nothing but the best.’

A source told Page Six of Ariana’s reasons for pulling out, ‘She went back and forth over it because she was genuinely excited about it, but in the end she felt it was the right decision for where she is at this point in her life.

‘Right now there isn’t some set timeline for when she’ll be back. She’s just taking things one step at a time and isn’t putting pressure on herself to make those decisions yet.’

Ariana’s decision to spend some time away from the limelight comes after months of public speculation about her appearance - particularly following the release of her music video for the song, Petal.

In a clip from the video, Ariana is seen auditioning to a panel of men in an office - but fans couldn’t get past the fact she appeared to be very underweight.

‘She is extremely thin and it’s concerning,’ wrote one person, while another added, ‘I think people are allowed to be concerned for her health.’

Ariana also recently split from her boyfriend of three years, Ethan Slater. The pair met on the set of Wicked - with the God Is a Woman songstress playing Glinda, the witch Ethan’s character Boq is hopelessly in love with. They were both still married - Ariana to her now-ex-husband, Dalton Gomez, and Ethan to Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a three-year-old son.

While it’s now been confirmed that Ariana is back together with her ex-boyfriend Ricky Alvarez, the source continued, ‘Ariana’s been nonstop and it’s taking a toll. ‘She’s never handled the public scrutiny well and constant chatter about her weight [doesn’t help].’

Another source added, ‘It's finally got to a point where she realised she needed to give herself permission to step back for a while.

‘She’ll be spending time with her family and friends, with loved ones, and just enjoying some well-deserved downtime.’

But while Ariana’s loyal fans will be sure to miss watching their favourite pop star onstage, it’s thought they’ll soon be able to from the comfort of their own homes.

According to reports, her ten-date residency at the O2 Arena is set to be filmed and released as a concert special.

The rights to the gigs - which sold out in minutes - will spark a bidding war with streaming giants battling to be the one to release the film.

Before this current run, Ariana hadn’t been on the road since 2019 with her Sweetener World Tour - which was eventually filmed for Netflix in a seven-figure deal.

‘Ariana didn’t think she would ever tour again and certainly won’t for a long, long time, so she wants Eternal Sunshine immortalised,’ an insider said. ‘It’s also the perfect present to her fans while she takes time away from the spotlight.’

Few public figures grasp the art of the strategic photo moment – or the subtle language of style and jewellery – quite like Meghan Markle.

Throughout her relationship with Harry, the Duchess has used meaningful accessories to hint at deeper narratives. Long before their engagement was confirmed, she wore fine 'H' and 'M' necklaces as a quiet nod to their romance. She has chosen pieces from Princess Diana's jewellery collection to reflect the enduring presence of Harry’s late mother in their lives. And on her wedding day, she famously incorporated 53 flowers into her veil, honouring every Commonwealth nation in a gesture toward the monarchy’s global reach.

So when Meghan appeared at a recent entertainment industry event noticeably without her striking six-carat engagement ring, many believe it was a deliberate choice rather than an oversight.

An insider tells heat, “There’s no way Meghan wouldn’t have known that stepping out without her wedding ring would create a storm of speculation. There’s this never-ending obsession with predicting doom and gloom for their marriage, and this is exactly the sort of detail people would notice.”

Naturally, questions have followed. While there may be a straightforward explanation, some close observers wonder whether the move could also serve as a subtle reminder to Harry amid ongoing discussions about where their future lies – particularly as he increases his time spent in the UK. Meghan has long been open about how unhappy she felt in Britain, and the idea of returning more permanently is said to be deeply unappealing.

Harry, 41, has been intent on rebuilding bridges with his father, King Charles, 77. Their family meeting in July reportedly went smoothly, and another trip to London is already said to be in the works for September, with plans for him to stay at Buckingham Palace. With the Invictus Games heading to Birmingham next year, his schedule is expected to involve more regular transatlantic travel as he focuses on the event he founded.

Meanwhile, Meghan, 45 – who shares Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, with Harry – reportedly has “zero intention” of abandoning her California life, even if discussions with King Charles about revisiting royal duties were to progress. Sources suggest she is unpersuaded by any idea of splitting her time between continents – which will inevitably lead to more time apart from Harry if he chooses to be in the UK.

“Harry’s dream is to work out some sort of compromise where he can go back more often and potentially even become a part-time working royal again and he would love Meghan to join him,” we’re told. “But there’s no way Meghan wants to move back to England, even part time. LA is her home. She shudders at the thought of going back there even for a visit, it’s impossible to imagine her moving back there, with all the hostility toward her there.”

At the screening of Cookie Queens – a documentary about girl scouts for which Meghan is credited as exec producing – she opted for a sleek cream trouser suit. The minimalist styling only heightened attention on her bare ring finger. Given the timing, amid complex conversations about their future, the symbolism did not go unnoticed.

Our insider says, “It’s almost like she’s reminding everyone, including Harry, that she’s still the independent, self-assured, driven woman he fell in love with. And if he wants to take her for granted then it’ll be at his peril.”

Before meeting Harry, Meghan had already built a successful career spanning television, modelling, brand partnerships and humitarian work. That drive, friends say, has not diminished simply because she’s a duchess.

Our insider says, "What gets underestimated is just how busy Meghan is and how much she has going on in LA. People have this idea that she’s running around looking pretty and trying to land deals on Zoom calls, but there’s a lot more to it than that. She’s constantly in meetings and talking to potential partners and investors, handling negotiations.

Harry has taken more of a back seat on that side because he’s so busy with charitable work, and this whole crusade he’s on to mend fences with his father. Ultimately that means that Meghan is the one who has taken on more of the responsibility for bringing in the money. Of course, they come together for meals and family time, but the days go by incredibly quickly when they’re both pulled in so many different directions.”

Those close to the couple say that, in practical terms, they already operate with a high degree of independence. Their professional goals, social circles and personal passions often differ, and extended travel is part of their reality. With considerable resources at their disposal, regular long-haul flights are less disruptive than they might be for most families.

The source says, "On one level, Harry and Meghan spending more time apart while he jets back and forth to the UK is less dramatic than people might assume it would be. They already have very full, independent lives. And LA is everything Meghan knows and loves. Her friends and mum are there, her work is there and her children have roots there now. Culturally, it’s where she feels comfortable; the fact is, she never really took to the stuffiness of England and all the rules. She has agreed to go back to England again, but only in short bursts, so whatever Harry ultimately decides he wants to do in the UK, it’s very hard to imagine Meghan agreeing to uproot the life she’s built in California.”

Still, some observers feel that appearing without her engagement ring at such a visible event inevitably reignites the very rumours the couple have previously spoken out against.

“This starts up the kind of gossip she and Harry have previously said was unbearable, so naturally people are asking why she would do something that would fuel it. Some people feel there’s really no question that it must have been intentional. She’s far too media savvy to accidentally do something like this, which is why people are convinced she could have been sending some sort of message.”

Harry personally designed Meghan’s engagement ring, embedding it with emotional significance. The centre stone came from Botswana – a destination meaningful to them early in their relationship – while the side diamonds were taken from Princess Diana’s collection. Given the symbolism attached to the ring, any decision not to wear it is bound to attract questios.

Ultimately, the biggest question may be whether Harry pursues a deeper return to royal life or chooses to remain fully anchored beside Meghan in California. Whatever unfolds, it is likely to shape not only their public image, but the next stage of their partnership.

They haven’t been seen together publicly since their bitter divorce over 16 years ago. But Katie Price and Peter Andre are gearing up for a face-to-face showdown at daughter Princess’ upcoming beauty range launch – and sources tell Closer it’s set to be drama-filled.

‘This will be their first official joint appearance since their split. Princess is feeling positive that they will both be in the same room on the night, it would mean a lot to her,’ an insider reveals.

‘She hopes they can both be civil and pose together for a picture. Ideally, she wants a family line-up, which to date has not happened, and she’s unsure whether it actually will. She knows historically that Katie is the most likely to do a no-show or have some kind of drama happen at the 11th hour. But this is about Princess and she wants them to bury the hatchet.

‘Princess doesn’t want Katie to do anything outrageous, and she has promised she will be on her best behaviour. She wouldn’t want to miss it for the world. In Katie’s eyes, she’d love nothing more than to sit down with Pete and have a good conversation, but she thinks it’s Pete that has the issue.’

Princess, 18, confirmed on her ITV2 reality show, The Princess Diaries, that she’s planning a party for her beauty company, called By Princess, which launches in September. During an episode, she was seen telling mum Katie that she plans to ‘invite close family and friends’. She later told older brother Junior, 21, ‘Mum and dad are in a truce now. So I am just going to invite mum and dad and whoever wants to come, comes,’ before noting that it could be ‘quite awkward’.

It would mark the first time warring exes Katie, 48, and Pete, 53, have been in the same room since their divorce in September 2009. The couple famously met on I’m A Celebrity! in 2004 and married the following year, but it all came crashing down four years later. While they’ve continued to co-parent Junior and Princess, all of their communication has been via lawyers over the past years.

Katie – who has since been married three times, including to most recent husband Lee Andrews – has hinted that she has no hard feelings towards Pete. In her recent Sky documentary, Behind It All, she called her relationship with him the ‘best times of my life’, but admitted that while she’d love to sit down and reminisce with him, the chance is ‘zero’.

Her comments came after she and Pete appeared to bury the hatchet earlier this year following their long-running feud. They released a statement saying they’d come to a ‘mutual agreement’ that neither would ‘speak negatively about the other going forward’, adding, ‘We want to stand united for our children. We are hoping this is a start of a positive relationship.’

While the next step in their journey to being amicable could be this in-person reunion, insiders say Pete is still wary of Katie and the drama that seems to follow her.

‘Pete thinks it would mean a lot to Princess if Katie did attend. He wants the best for Princess and totally understands and respect his daughter’s wishes for her mum to be there. But he worries that she could build her hopes up only to have them dashed,’ the source says.

‘He knows to be realistic when it comes to Kate – it’s 50/50 odds on whether she’ll turn up. There has been a shift in relations since Katie’s marriage to Lee. Pete is concerned that she’s made a terrible mistake – but it’s not his problem. His focus is on how it affects Princess and Junior.’

And Pete is no doubt concerned about his wife Emily, 36, who is set to attend the beauty launch with him. Over the years, Katie has taken a string of swipes at Emily – who has been married to Pete since 2015 and shares three children with him – and the pair are understood to have never come face-to-face.

Our source continues, ‘Emily puts her differences aside when it comes to Katie and she will be there supporting Princess. But pals are worried that this could well turn into another “Pricey” episode. Everyone’s scared she will play up and that there’ll be fireworks. Emily rises above it, and so far has avoided being in the same room as her.’

But Princess – who has carved out a career as an influencer and collaborated with beauty brands like Superdrug – still hopes that her parents can unite for one evening.

‘She knows her launch could be overshadowed by headlines of her parents both coming, but this is about her knowing that for once she has her parents in the room with her,’ the source adds. ‘Hopefully they can park it for one day and focus on what’s important – their daughter and her achievements.

She has remained tight-lipped about her infamous fallout with former co-host and best pal Phillip Schofield since it made headlines in 2023.

But now, Holly Willoughby has been warned that breaking her silence could be the key to saving her new YouTube show, Together, after it received mixed reactions.

NEGATIVE REACTION

‘Holly’s been all smiles on the surface, but behind the scenes, it’s been getting incredibly hard for her to ignore some of the negative reaction to her show,’ an insider tells Closer.

‘It’s left her asking a lot of questions. She’s found herself getting a few of the same answers from people in the industry who she respects – for some, they feel fans are still not over the whole drama with Phil and This Morning, and are eager to hear the real story from Holly. Some industry bigwigs have told Holly that if she wants a fair shot with anything in her career, she needs to address it. Bringing Phil back into her life at this point feels like a crazy move – but bosses are saying it could be her only chance.’

Once considered the queen and king of the small screen, Holly, 45, and Phil, 64, had a friendship and co-working dynamic spanning 17 years. But it imploded in May 2023 amid his confession to lying about an ‘unwise but not illegal affair’ with a younger colleague, which apparently left Holly ‘hurt’ and ‘blindsided’. While Phil quit his roles at ITV immediately, Holly remained at the helm of This Morning until October 2023 – when she stepped away from the spotlight following a kidnap, murder and rape plot against her coming to light.

ROCKY

The presenter returned to host the now-axed You Bet!, Bear Hunt and Dancing On Ice, but Together – which is produced by her husband Dan Baldwin’s production company Hungry Bear – is considered her big comeback. As Closer reported last week, reviews of the lifestyle series – which currently has 13.5k subscribers – have been mixed so far. While one fan said they ‘can’t wait for the next episode’, another described it as ‘too polished and overproduced’.

Our source goes on, ‘What doesn’t help is that the show is very surface-level and fluffy. Some viewers feel she’s trying to rehash what she did on This Morning, but without addressing the elephant in the room – her rocky relationship with Phil and everything that went down.

‘Holly’s really torn over it, but she does understand the advice about speaking her truth. She just doesn’t know if it’s better to carry on and keep her head down.’

Lydia warns Jesy: ‘Look out for red flags!’

It seems Jesy Nelson has found love again, as it’s been revealed that the singer is now dating Ben Davies, the ex-boyfriend of TOWIE’s Lydia Bright.

But sources tell Closer that Lydia has issued an ominous warning to Jesy about her blossoming romance with Ben. ‘Lydia hopes Jesy is careful, as a bit of male attention intensifies hugely when you’re a newly single mum, and it’s easy to get caught up in the moment.

‘You tend to have your barriers down and are not as observant for red flags or love bombers in the early days of a new relationship,’ our insider reveals.

HEARTBREAKING

It comes after Jesy, 35, who hinted at her romance with Ben when she posted a snap of a tattooed arm, split from fiancé Zion Foster earlier this year. She and Zion, 27, were on/off for around four years and had twin girls, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe in May 2025, going on to get engaged months later.

However, their relationship came to an end soon after Jesy shared heartbreaking news with her fans that their twins had been diagnosed with SMA Type 1, a genetic muscle-wasting condition.

Speaking about the break-up in her Amazon Prime documentary, Life Changing, Jesy said, ‘You’ll either be a team, or it’ll tear you apart, and unfortunately, I feel that’s what it’s done to me and Zion.’ She added, ‘We’re both dealing with this situation completely differently, and together we were clashing, so I decided we would be better off apart.’

Meanwhile, Lydia, 35 – who famously had an on/off relationship with James ‘Arg’ Argent for eight years – has been single since confirming her split from gardener Ben last January.

ROMANCE

The ex-TOWIE star – who is mum to daughter Loretta Rose, six, with ex-boyfriend Lee Cronin – confirmed their romance in April 2024 with a string of loved-up photographs appearing on social media, following months of keeping the relationship under wraps.

However, by the end of 2024, all of Lydia’s posts featuring Ben – a dad-of-one – had disappeared, and she eventually confirmed she was single again.

And despite Lydia’s relationship with Ben ending over a year ago, insiders say she’s still feeling taken aback by his new romance with Jesy, who is yet to publicly confirm her relationship with Ben.

Our source adds, ‘Lydia’s disappointed but not surprised to see Ben dating another celebrity. He loves the limelight and what comes from dating famous women.

‘It hurts – and knowing how fast it’s likely to develop with Jesy, she’s expecting to see a lot more of it over social media.’

Bradley & Gigi spark marriage rumours

Hollywood star Bradley Cooper, 51, and Gigi Hadid, 31, have apparently tied the knot in secret after they were both spotted wearing matching rings on their left hands.

The couple, who have been dating since October 2023 after meeting at a mutual friend’s child’s birthday party, have largely kept their relationship out of the spotlight, though model Gigi previously gushed that she feels ‘very romantic and happy.’

Insiders now tell Closer that the couple have had marriage on their minds for some time. ‘Gigi and Bradley are in love, there’s no doubt about it. His mum loves Gigi too, and has given her the stamp of approval. And of course, Gigi’s mum is absolutely over the moon at the idea of her daughter marrying a true movie star.’

This comes after Bradley’s split from model and actress Irina Shayk, 40, with whom he shares nine-year-old daughter Lea De Seine, and Gigi’s split from One Direction star Zayn Malik, 33, father of her five-year-old daughter Khai.

Bradley and Gigi are already said to be looking to add to their blended brood, according to our insider. ‘They’ve agreed they both want a baby together. They aren’t going to rush it, but a baby is high on her list. And Bradley is the most devoted dad.’

Kelly hits out at ex Sid

After ending their engagement in March, it looks like things have taken a bitter turn for Kelly Osbourne and Sid Wilson.

Following reports that Sid, 49, was fired from heavy metal band Slipknot – something the group has not yet publicly commented on – Kelly let rip about her ex on Instagram Stories.

Asking him to ‘let her heal’, the 41-year-old – who shares three-year-old son Sidney with the DJ – then slammed, ‘Also, while I’m at it, can I have my dogs back and all my possessions. Oh yeah, and maybe some child support?’

The couple, who began dating in 2022, got engaged at her late dad Ozzy Osbourne’s final show with Black Sabbath in July 2025. Reports later claimed they had faced challenges for some time before their split.

Danny puts Maura kiss scandal behind him

They've had a rocky year after he was spotted kissing I'm A Celeb! co-star Maura Higgins, 35, at the Brit Awards in March 2025. But Danny Jones, 40, proved that he and model wife Georgia Horsley, 39, have put this behind them as they celebrated their wedding anniversary.

‘Happy 12 Year Wedding Anniversary Darlin’, Georgia penned in a wholesome video where she kissed and danced with the McFly star and their eight-year-old son Cooper.

When the scandal erupted, Georgia, who began dating Danny in 2010, briefly moved out of their family home, according to reports.

Danny issued a public apology at the time that read, ‘I want to deeply apologise to my wife and family for putting them in this situation. I love them so much and we’ll continue to deal with this privately.’

She’s been soaking up the sun after jetting off to Turkey on a family holiday with her two-year-old daughter, Bonnie. But fans were surprised to see Laura Anderson travelling with Natasha Lucy – the ex-wife of Laura’s former boyfriend, Gary Lucy.

While the holiday may have seemed unconventional from the outside, the TV personality insists it worked brilliantly. ‘It was honestly so magical,’ Laura, 37, tells Closer. ‘Natasha’s been such a good friend to me. I was a bit nervous to ask her, but she said, “100% yes – me and all the kids would love to come and spend time with you and Bonnie.”’

CHALLENGES

Prior to his relationship with Laura, Hollyoaks star Gary, 44, was married to Natasha, 47, for 14 years before the couple split in 2018. Together, they share four children – India, 20, Elvis, 15, Sadie, 11, and Theodore, seven. Gary later found love with Laura after the pair met while filming Celebs Go Dating in 2022. But their romance ended shortly before the birth of their daughter Bonnie in 2023, and the former couple have endured a turbulent relationship ever since.

But Laura tells Closer that spending quality time with Natasha and their five children was exactly what she needed. ‘The four kids were just doting over Bonnie,’ she gushes. ‘Bonnie was just literally licking the face of Theodore. He’s the youngest one, so she was just jumping all over him. India, the eldest, is so motherly. Gary and I weren’t even together that long, but I remember when I would meet his kids, I was like, “I love them so much.” Natasha’s brought them up so well. It felt like we were a family, and it was just so lovely.’

Since her split from Gary, the former Love Island star has spoken candidly about the challenges of co-parenting. In 2024, Laura alleged that Gary had not seen their daughter for several months, claiming that ‘co-parenting and financial support didn’t exist.’ Gary appeared to respond by sharing a sweet compilation video of himself and Bonnie, captioned, ‘The little things’.

Tensions between the former couple flared again in September last year, when they became embroiled in a public war of words. Laura shared what she claimed were cruel messages from Gary and took a swipe at fathers who ‘hide money’, while Gary hit back by calling her a ‘narcissist’.

Now, Laura – who is currently single following her split from footballer Clark Robertson in March – gives Closer an honest update on life as a solo parent. ‘When I became a single mum, I felt probably a little bit embarrassed or like a failure,’ she says.

ACCOMPLISHMENT

‘But soon I realised, I’m doing a really good job, and this is an accomplishment. It’s very empowering, and when you look at your child, and they’re so happy, and you’ve actually done that all by yourself. Sometimes I do think, if I was still with her dad, would I be as good a mum? Maybe not. I think the most important thing is that you have a happy, calm, loving home, and I feel like I’ve achieved that. She’s so safe and happy, and that is the most important thing.’

The Scottish-born star first found fame on Love Island in 2018. While her journey in the famous villa had its ups and downs, life beyond the show has been a very different story, with Laura carving out a successful career as a radio presenter. Looking back on her time on the ITV2 dating show, she tells us, ‘Everyone’s so different. I think society does put Love Islanders in a box, so the more success people have, I think, makes us all look good, because then it’s like, “Oh, they’re not just dumb blondes with fake boobs!”’

NO-BRAINER

Laura is currently partnering with CoppaFeel! after admitting she was previously unaware of how younger women are susceptible to breast cancer. ‘In the years gone by, I just would never think someone my age could even get breast cancer,’ she says. ‘And the charity was set up by Kris Hallenga, who was diagnosed so, so young at 23. It just seemed like a no-brainer to get involved.’

After the highs and lows of recent years, Laura is firmly focused on the future – and right now, it’s all about making memories with her daughter. ‘Bonnie’s going to be three next month, I can’t believe it,’ she smiles. ‘I’m not going to have a big party this year, so I might take her to Peppa Pig World.’

Beyond that, though, Laura already knows what she’s hoping for – ‘Ideally, retired, in the sun with a big family, married and have lots of money!’

CoppaFeel! is on a mission to ensure all breast cancers are diagnosed early and accurately by encouraging everyone to know the signs and symptoms and check their chest regularly. For more info, visit www.coppafeel.org.

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She’s kept a low profile in recent years, but Cheryl is now set for a huge career comeback with her own documentary. And insiders tell Closer that the Fight For This Love singer is ready to share a string of explosive bombshells – and won’t be holding back.

'There are so many elements to Cheryl’s life and so many ups and downs, from a troubled family background, Girls Aloud fame, the truth behind The X Factor and what really happened behind the scenes when she was axed from the US version. That was explosive for her relationship with Simon Cowell and to get the truth from the horse’s mouth will be unmissable viewing,’ our source says.

‘Cheryl won’t hold back. She will expose what really went on. There are the Girls Aloud years with fallouts behind the scenes, reconciliation, the tragic death of Sarah Harding and then the comeback tour. And of course, there will be her relationship with Liam Payne, becoming a mum and her heartbreak over his death, which completely floored Cheryl. It will be hugely emotional for Cheryl to open up about some of the most devastating times in her life.’

Cheryl, 43, is said to be in ‘early talks’ for the documentary film, which would follow her rise to fame from Popstars: The Rivals, alongside her love life – which includes her marriages to football star Ashley Cole and restauranteur Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini and relationships with US dancer Derek Hough and Liam, father of her nine-year-old son, Bear.

While nothing is confirmed yet, Cheryl’s show is tipped to create a bidding war between all the big networks including Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple – and our insider says that Louis Theroux is particularly keen to land the exclusive.

‘Louis thinks he is the right man to do this with Cheryl. He believes it will be huge. He is desperate to get her and has been pursuing her,’ the source explains. ‘Cheryl is also a huge admirer of Louis but she likes the format of the Beckhams’ Netflix show, so she is still undecided. It will be a massive pay day, on a par with the Beckhams and Rooneys.’

However, after being out of the spotlight for so long, Cheryl is feeling torn over her return to public life. Our insider continues, ‘Cheryl knows opening up her life in a documentary will bring her firmly back into the spotlight, which will open up more opportunities for her. She also hopes it will show people the real her and give her take on some of the biggest stories in showbiz over the years. She knows it will be huge but she wants to tread carefully and be in control of it all.’

The source adds, ‘Cheryl has been super-protective of Bear so this will be the first time she will properly open up about being a mother and give everyone a look into that world. She wants Bear to see it one day and be proud.’

Cheryl's shock roller-coaster moments

Love life

Cheryl was former footballer Ashley Cole’s wife between 2006 until 2010, before her second marriage to French restaurateur Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini from 2014 and 2016. She and Ashley, 45 – who met in 2004 while living in the same block of flats – were one of the iconic power couples of the Noughties. But they divorced following allegations of infidelity, which left the singer ‘betrayed’.

Cheryl later found love with JB, 45, and they secretly married in Mustique after a whirlwind three-month romance. However, they split 19 months later, with Cheryl claiming his ‘unreasonable behaviour’ had caused her ‘stress and weight loss’.

Simon Cowell

The singer has had a feisty friendship with Simon over the years. They worked together on The X Factor between 2008 and 2010 but fell out after he sacked her from the US version in 2011. However, she forgave her mentor, returning to the UK show in 2014 and was by Simon’s side for the Judge’s Houses stage in 2017.

‘I miss her,’ Simon said. ‘We had great fun working together. I would work with her again in the future with the right show.’

Liam’s death brought the pair closer, with insiders saying he’s supportive of her like ‘a family member’.

Liam tragedy

After her divorce from JB, Cheryl and Liam started dating in March 2016 and they made their red carpet debut as a couple two months later. A year later, they welcomed their son Bear, only to split in July 2018 after growing apart. Liam’s shock death, at just 31, in October 2024, left Cheryl heartbroken as she focused on looking after Bear.

Two years on, more details are still coming to light about the One Direction star’s death, with two call girls recently claiming he flew into a drug and alcohol-fuelled rage before falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Shereen Low joined Bauer as a celebrity writer for Bella in October 2018 and is now a senior content creator across Bella, Closer, Grazia, heat and Yours. Shereen, who received a distinction in NCTJ’s Senior Journalism course, has interviewed some of the biggest names around: she was propositioned by Ryan Gosling, sat on the same sofa as Beyonce, pondered the meaning of life with Johnny Depp and got up close to Rihanna.

She oozed confidence as she jetted off on a family holiday to Turkey, where she proudly showcased her figure in the sun.

And after months of speculation surrounding her relationship, insiders tell Closer that Stacey Solomon is feeling better than ever – but it has nothing to do with husband Joe Swash.

‘Stacey is feeling really happy with how she looks and is inspired to keep working out throughout the summer, but she has been quite clear that she’s finally doing this for herself and not Joe,’ a source reveals.

‘She’s doing this to feel sexy, and has been loving the response she gets on Instagram from fans who are cheering her on for being real and embracing her body. Stacey wants to inspire her fans that they don’t need to do this for a man.’

The getaway to Turkey was a family affair for Stacey, 36, and Joe, 44, who were joined by their three children, Rex, seven, Rose, five, and Belle, three, and Stacey’s son Leighton, 14, while her eldest Zachary, 18, was absent after jetting to America for the summer. The star’s sister Jemma, her husband Lee and their three children joined the Solomon-Swashes, as well as Stacey’s dad David and brother Matt.

Ahead of the trip, Stacey showed off her swimwear options on Instagram as she talked her fans through her picks. ‘I’ve finally, because it’s been years, found a swimsuit that doesn’t make me feel like Old Mother Hubbard’, she jokingly told her followers.

The holiday comes amid ongoing rumours about trouble in her relationship and talk of a split with Joe. In their BBC reality series Stacey & Joe, the pair laid bare their everyday squabbles at home, before delving into their troubles in a tense couples’ therapy session on-screen.

Speculation about the state of Stacey and Joe’s relationship intensified when the Sort Your Life Out host was pictured without her wedding ring earlier this year. When quizzed about it on This Morning, Stacey simply shrugged it off, joking that she’d ‘probably took it off to go to the toilet or something’.

Shortly after, it was revealed that Stacey and Joe’s marriage is in fact not legally binding. After tying the knot in 2022 at Pickle Cottage – their sprawling five-bedroom mansion in Essex – the couple never registered their marriage.

And while she and Joe – who are said to be eyeing up a new eight-bedroom Victorian mansion – have failed to address the question mark over their marriage publicly, Stacey has spoken out in defence of their relationship. She previously said, ‘Who cares if the whole world is like, “Oh, they’re on the brink of divorce?” Being in the public eye I think creates certain pressures, but not on our relationship because half the time what they’re saying, if we know it’s not true, who cares?’

And despite renewing her reality series with Joe for a third season, insiders say Stacey is keen to have her own career and independence away from her husband.

‘Stacey doesn’t want to be defined by her marriage. She’s really proud of the empire she’s built herself, and working out and looking good is just a bonus,’ our insider continues. ‘She and Joe have had their well-documented ups and downs, and she’s aware that some people might think she’s doing this to make him jealous, but it’s really about making herself feel good – which to her is the best type of revenge.’

Stacey’s well-known for being an advocate of body positivity. Sharing an Instagram snap on the beach in a yellow bikini back in 2024, she revealed how she’s teaching her daughters that they shouldn’t ‘measure their beauty against anyone else’.

The mum-of-five also documents her fitness routine online, having become a fan of working out in the gym in recent years. But she’s been adamant that changing her body isn’t the motivation behind her workouts, previously saying, ‘I genuinely only do it because I want to be so strong.’

And with over a year of strength training under her belt, our source says Stacey’s feeling better than ever. ‘Stacey has been working hard and doing extra squats whenever she can amid her gym workout routine,’ the insider explains.

‘It gives her such a rush and boosts her mood – when she’s feeling confident in herself, she feels like she can achieve anything. When pals have mentioned Joe being a lucky man or whether she’s doing it all for Joe, she’s just brushed it off because she feels as though that’s really missing the point.’

Although she’s been focusing on herself, she’s keeping Joe in mind. ‘She hasn’t given up on romance but she’s just in a type of mood where it’s more about what she wants, rather than what Joe wants,’ our source adds. ‘Stacey doesn’t think it’s healthy to be in a marriage where you feel insecure or as though you’re not enough for somebody.’

They’ve long faced rumours that they’re living separate lives. And insiders tell Closer that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are clashing over the duke’s growing desire to spend more time in the UK – while his wife of eight years has no intention of leaving behind her life in LA.

The source says, ‘Harry dreams of a compromise where he can come back to the UK more often, potentially as a part-time working royal again. He’d love Meghan to join him – but there’s no way she’d move back, even part-time. She feels there’s too much open hostility towards her.

‘They’re figuring out an agreement where Meghan accompanies him when it suits her. She’s very independent, so she’s leaving it up to Harry to navigate it, but the feeling is it’s very much a make-or-break situation.’

While Harry, 41, flew to the UK alone last month to mark the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games, he accepted an invitation from King Charles to visit Highgrove House on 10 July – alongside Meghan and their two children Archie, seven, and five-year-old Lilibet.

Though no photos were taken publicly of the Sussexes, Meghan later shared a carousel of snaps of the occasion to her 4.7 million Instagram followers – which was described by Buckingham Palace as a ‘private family occasion’ which lasted ‘for an hour or so’.

The trip – which was the first time in four years that the Sussex family had seen King Charles – was considered a huge success, and Harry has plans to fly across the pond again in September for the WellChild Awards. There are even rumours that Charles has invited the Sussexes to spend time at Balmoral this month.

But since returning home from the trip, Meghan, 45, has apparently caused a stir.

Making a solo appearance in LA as she attended a screening for Cookie Queens, a documentary about the Girl Scouts on which she serves as an executive producer, eagle-eyed fans spotted that the duchess wasn’t wearing her engagement ring – which our insider says was deliberate.

‘Meghan’s too media savvy to accidentally step out without her ring,’ they continue. ‘It’s almost like she’s reminding everyone, including Harry, that she’s still the independent, self-assured, driven woman he fell in love with. And if he wants to take her for granted, it’ll be at his peril.’

It’s far from the first time that the Sussexes’ marriage has come under scrutiny.

A Vanity Fair article last year shockingly addressed rumours that Meghan’s team had been shopping around for a ‘post-divorce book’ deal. The allegation was denied by a source close to Meghan – and Harry has also shut down speculation of their split, after there were suggestions of a ‘professional separation’.

Speaking in New York in December 2024, Harry laughed, ‘We’ve apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times. It’s hard to keep up with, but that’s why you just ignore it.’

However, despite the prince’s insistence of marital bliss, there’s still much speculation around the Sussexes’ separate lives.

‘Meghan’s constantly taking meetings in LA, and is handling a lot of the Netflix negotiations,’ the source says. ‘Harry’s taken a back seat as he’s busy with his charitable work, and mending fences with his father.

‘Meghan’s taking more of the responsibility for bringing in the money. They come together for meals and family time, but the days go by quickly when they’re pulled in different directions.

‘They have very full, independent lives. Culturally, LA’s where Meghan feels comfortable – she never took to the stuffiness of England. It’s hard to imagine her agreeing to uproot the life she’s built in California.’

And a second insider tells Closer that the couple have also been clashing over where their children will go to school.

‘Harry can’t rule out a British education. He wants his children to have a meaningful connection with that side of their family. He’d prefer the kids to attend a mixed school, and has even explored the possibility of a day-pupil arrangement,’ they say.

Singer Joss Stone – a friend of Harry who moved back to Devon from Nashville a year ago with her young family – added more fuel to the fire last September by divulging that the prince told her how ‘wonderful’ UK schools were when they both attended the WellChild awards.

And the insider adds that if Harry and Meghan can’t reach a compromise, things between them may not end well.

‘Education is just the symptom – the bigger issue is deciding where home actually is,’ the source says. ‘Friends are worried the disagreement risks ending in a complete stalemate.

‘If neither of them is prepared to compromise, the consequences for their relationship could be significant.'

After freelancing across the brands for four years, Sophie Cockerham officially joined Bauer Media as a senior content creator in August 2025 - and now writes across heat, Closer, Bella and Yours.

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He’s enjoyed a long, starry career as an acclaimed actor and moonlighting rockstar. But Jared Leto is now facing a seismic reckoning, as serious allegations of historical sexual abuse against a plethora of women, some of whom were teenagers at the time, are stacked against him. The 54 year old continues to deny all claims, which include sexual abuse, threatened sexual assault, sexual grooming and statutory rape, but that hasn’t silenced the global shock as more accusations and revelations of his past behaviour come to light.

Now, insiders tell us, the actor is hoping to call in some famous faces to vouch for him in the form of power players like his ex-fiancée, Cameron Diaz, and former flame, Scarlett Johansson. But whether they’re willing to defend him as the furore gets louder remains to be seen.

‘Jared is staying very defiant and insisting that none of these accusations are true, but – obviously, this is very stressful for him,’ says an insider close to the actor and Thirty Seconds to Mars musician, who was first publicly accused of ‘aggressively pursuing’ teenage fans over 20 years ago, but has – until now - successfully avoided any kind of public takedown. ‘He’s desperate to try and put a stop to what he’s calling a “witch hunt”. He wants to defend himself, and he’s hoping that some of the people he’s dated will come out and say something to defend him. He dated Cameron for years, and Scarlett too, and he’s hoping they might speak out because it could really help him.

‘He needs a Hail Mary at this point, which is why he’s putting the word out that he could really use some reassurance and high-profile support. But it’s unlikely they’re going to want to get involved. They’ve never said anything bad about him, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to put their own necks on the line.’

Last week, the BBC aired the unflinching documentary Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret, which featured 10 women who accused the actor of sexual misconduct between 2002 and 2016, when he was in his 30s and 40s. Four of those 10 women – who went by the aliases ‘Clara’, ‘Alex’, ‘Isabel’ and ‘Etta’ – alleged that they had all been victimised by him when they were still teenagers.

We hear ‘Clara’ recall how she was cherry-picked by someone who worked for Leto at one of his concerts in California – where the age of consent is 18. Though she was just 17 at the time, he allegedly took her back to his house, had sex with her, and apparently said to her ‘I would like you to call me daddy…pretend to be a little girl’.

Meanwhile, ‘Isabel’ claims she was sexually assaulted by the star in a motel bathroom when she was also just 17. The rest of the accusations follow similar patterns – painting the picture of a celebrity who used his power and privilege to indulge his predatory ways.

For his part, Jared has vehemently denied the allegations, saying in a statement shortly after the documentary was released, ‘I have never sexually assaulted anyone in my entire life. These claims are absolutely and categorically false.’ But that hasn’t stopped the public backlash from gaining pace – not least since this isn’t the first time he’s been accused of sexual assault.

Just last year, Air Mail published an article in which nine women accused him of sexual impropriety. This came after a historical Facebook status written by DJ Allie Teilz back in 2012 resurfaced, in which she’d written, ‘You’re not really in LA until Jared Leto tries to force himself on you backstage…in a kilt. And a snow hat.’ Allie gave further context last year, alleging, ‘I was assaulted by this creep when I was 17…He knew my age and didn’t care.’

Aside from his short statement denying all allegations, Jared has yet to comment further. However, as our sources tell us, he’s scrambling behind the scenes to rally VIP support, and pulling out all the stops to convince his friends that he’s not the monster he’s being made out to be. Having been in a four-year relationship with Cameron from 1999 to 2003, before he briefly dated Scarlett the following year, he’s apparently hoping that both famous ladies will be willing to defend him when it comes to his romantic predilections. However, it’s worth noting that neither actress has ever publicly discussed their relationships with Jared over the past 20 years, so it would seem far-fetched to think they’d do so now.

‘Jared swears up and down he’s not a bad guy, and says that his track record proves that,’ we’re told. ‘He has so many great friends and plenty of them are women – plus he’s still friends with plenty of his exes. He’s confident that he could get a thousand character witnesses if needs be, but the reality is that, in Hollywood, there tends to be a lot more weight placed on what famous people say, which is why he would be really grateful for some high-profile support.

‘Of course, he’s going to want to clear his name, and the way the world works and the power that celebrity has, it probably would help a lot if some of his famous exes spoke up on his behalf. He’s not expecting anyone to comment on the allegations, but a show of support would go a long way.’

Unfortunately for the actor, who first found fame on the 90s teen sitcom My So-Called Life, and also established himself as a rockstar in the 2000s, before winning the Oscar for Dallas Buyers’ Club in 2013, his infamous behaviour on set already speaks volumes. Famed for his extreme commitment to method acting, he’s been known to torment cast and crew members while staying in character as one of his anti-heroes. To that end, while filming The Suicide Squad in 2015, in which he played The Joker, he sent his castmates dead rats and used condoms, later telling E! News, ‘The Joker is somebody who doesn’t really respect things like personal space or boundaries.’

He’s also been slammed by crew members on tour for sending them out into the crowd to fetch girls for him. As one former tour member told Page Six last week, ‘He’s not a good guy. There’s no soul behind his eyes.’

Now it seems it’s up to Jared to try to prove the allegations wrong. But with so many voices standing united against him – and, at this point, no friends or former flames vocally lending their support, the odds don’t look good.

For six years, the Sussexes have effectively been treated as outsiders at Buckingham Palace – seldom referenced in public and barely acknowledged by senior figures, even as they lobbed very public grenades at the royal family from their luxury home in California.

Yet in the past few weeks, there’s been a marked shift in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s standing with the royal family. In a twist few would have imagined this time last year, the couple quietly brought their stand-off with King Charles and Queen Camilla to an end when they paid a low‑key visit to Highgrove, the King’s Gloucestershire residence, on July 10, accompanied by their children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five. The meeting allowed Charles to spend time with his grandchildren for the first time in four years.

It may have reportedly only lasted an hour, but the visit carried huge symbolism. It suggested that with patience, goodwill and a firm agreement to keep details private, a route back into the royal fold is possible. Reports that Harry felt ‘energised’ and ‘buoyed’ afterwards – coupled with whispers of a potential Sandringham invitation for Christmas this year – reinforce just how dramatically the tide may be turning.

Perhaps most strikingly, this progress has come without any sign-off from the Heir Apparent and his Queen-in-waiting, the Prince and Princess of Wales. Sources say William and Kate remain deeply reluctant to forgive, and have made little effort to ease tensions. Nevertheless, Meghan is said to feel newly empowered by the knowledge that their return doesn’t hinge on the Waleses’ blessing. Insiders claim her stance can be summed up in five blunt words: ‘We don’t need you anymore’.

‘The fact that Charles is working so hard to put this rift in the past and lay the groundwork for the future, not just for Harry and Meghan but for their children and future generations, is hugely satisfying,’ says an insider close to Harry and Meghan, who haven’t publicly commented on their meeting with the King last month – in a bid to respect Charles’ wishes.

‘It's becoming increasingly clear that they don't need William and Kate's approval, which has really boosted Meghan’s confidence. She and Harry believe that William, and presumably Kate, went out of their way to make life as difficult as possible for them and tried to block them at every turn. Ultimately, they failed, so of course Meghan and Harry both feel vindicated.

‘That being said, they would still very much like to have a better relationship with William and Kate, and they do intend to work towards that. But if that never happens, they believe they and their children will always have a place within the family. After years of feeling like Kate and her supporters were trying to push Meghan aside, they see this as proof that they endured.’

Cast your mind back to the early days before Megxit, when the Sussexes and the Waleses appeared united – at least publicly. Meghan’s arrival was hailed as ushering in a modern era, with the couples dubbed the ‘Fab Four’. Harry once described Kate as ‘the sister I always wanted’, and insiders suggested he was thrilled to have a wife to complete the happy foursome.

But the harmony didn’t last. When Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior royals in 2020 and relocated to the US, the fracture lines widened. As months passed, frustration hardened into open hostility.

Central to the fallout were Harry and Meghan’s allegations about the Waleses’ conduct. In the Sussexes’ 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, Meghan claimed it was Kate who had reduced her to tears during a disagreement about Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress in 2018, countering earlier reports that Meghan had been the one to upset Kate.

Harry expanded on tensions in his 2023 memoir, Spare, recounting a clash in which a pregnant Kate rebuked Meghan for joking about her ‘baby brain’, telling her they weren’t ‘close enough for you to talk about my hormones’.

William, too, was criticised, with Harry alleging that his brother – labelled his ‘arch-nemesis’ – had physically confronted him during a heated argument over Meghan.

Since then, the Sussexes’ tone has softened, particularly after it emerged two years ago that both King Charles and Kate were undergoing cancer treatment. Kate is now in remission, while Charles continues to receive care. Notably, Harry and Meghan have avoided public criticism of the family during this period.

Harry has repeatedly voiced a desire for ‘reconciliation’, expressing hope last year that bridges could be rebuilt.

Even so, such an outcome seemed unlikely – not least because Meghan was reportedly reluctant to return to Britain. Two years ago, Harry said he wouldn’t bring his wife and children back without guaranteed security, citing safety concerns, while sources claimed Meghan was simply unwilling to return to a country where she felt hated.

Fast forward to August 2026, and circumstances appear transformed. The family visit went ahead, and discussions with the King are said to have paved the way for meaningful repair of their relationship. Talk has even surfaced that Charles could formally restore elements of their royal role – the sort of half in/half out arrangement the Sussexes had asked for before being forced to quit entirely. According to insiders, Meghan feels their position is stronger than ever – confident that, regardless of William and Kate’s feelings, their path forward no longer depends on them.

‘For Meghan, the way William and Kate are behaving just proves that she and Harry were never the problem,’ we’re told. ‘She has always believed that they were singled out and bullied by a large majority of the Firm, who were actively aided and abetted by William and Kate. It’s so obvious to her that they’ve been poisoning everybody against her and Harry for years. It’s nothing short of a miracle that Harry has managed to find a way around the tidal wave of hatred levied at them, and she gives him great credit for that. She also credits Charles for being willing to go against the Waleses for the sake of his son and grandchildren.

‘It’s not what anyone was expecting, least of all William and Kate. For so long, they were in the superior position, and – at least in Meghan’s view – very smug about it. And now, she feels they’re having to swallow some humble pie at last.’

It’s always useful to have a friend or partner nearby when you're struggling to apply sunscreen to your back. But Katy Perry seemed to have lost all sense of self-sufficiency last week while on a boat ride in the South of France with her boyfriend, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and a group of friends. Lazing back in the sun, the popstar kicked her feet up as Justin got to work applying sun protection to her body – even lifting up the top part of her dress to allow him to reach underneath and slather SPF across her bare chest.

Responsible, it may have been; no one wants Katy, nor her breasts, to burn in the scorching sun. But it also seemed a tad excessive for the smitten pair to do in public. After all, we haven’t seen PDA on this scale between a politician and a popstar since former MP Lembit Opik dated a Cheeky Girl back in 2006 – and all these years later, the image is just as jarring.

But according to insiders, Katy, 41, and Justin, 54, don’t care what anyone thinks about their very lustful interactions in front of family and friends. Having first got together in July 2025, they still feel like they’re firmly in the honeymoon era, and they don’t care who is judging or what we think. In fact, we’re told they actually enjoy making people blush…which makes us all the more appreciative that Katy actually managed to keep her dress on for Justin’s rub-down.

‘They’re both complete exhibitionists when they’re together,’ says an insider close to the unlikely couple, who sent shockwaves across the globe when they were first spotted together last year having dinner in Montreal. ‘It’s probably shocking for people who know Justin from his political days, but anyone who knows Katy knows this is pretty standard for her.

‘When those photos of Orlando Bloom paddleboarding naked came out all those years ago, Katy’s friends all guessed she was the instigator because she’s always gotten a rush out of testing the limits and shocking people. Now that she’s with Justin, she’s really been encouraging him to embrace his own sexy side, and he loves it. They’re having fun pushing the envelope.’

As fans will remember, Katy and her former fiancé Orlando broke the internet back in 2016 when they were photographed on a paddleboard in Italy – with Orlando going full frontal for the occasion. The actor later claimed they’d been ‘completely alone for five days’ with ‘nothing around us’, so he’d mistakenly assumed they were well out of range of any secret snappers. But, as our source reveals, there might have been more than meets the eyeful, considering Katy’s love for a little bit of envelope-pushing.

The former couple were still well within their own honeymoon era at the time, as they’d only started dating earlier that year. But over time – and despite getting engaged in 2019 and welcoming their daughter, Daisy Dove, in 2020 – their relationship slowly soured, with intermittent break-ups and make-ups causing tension, and they seemed to lose that sexy spark that Katy’s always valued so highly. They finally split early last year, before finally confirming the break-up in June, saying in a joint statement that they’d been ‘shifting their relationship over the past many months to focus on co-parenting.’

Orlando, for his part, didn’t waste any time in moving on – embracing a bachelor Summer with very attention-grabbing appearances at the Oasis reunion concert and Wimbledon. He’s since moved on with Swiss model Luisa Laemmel.

However, not one to be outdone, Katy’s jumped headfirst into her relationship with Justin with all the loved-up lust of a Teenage Dream – gleefully telling friends and media outlets alike just how happy she is in this relationship.

Speaking on the red carpet this June at the New York premiere of her concert film Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour – Live from Paris, Katy told reporters, ‘I feel like a more grounded person in so many aspects of my life. I am very in love.’

Referring to Justin, she added, ‘Actually, that show was after I met the love of my life, and so I felt very anchored by that, because I’m a little bit like a rainbow kite. I fly super-high and touch the veiled cosmos, and sometimes I need to be anchored, so to have that anchor finally makes me feel really whole now.’

Yet despite feeling whole, we’re told that Katy’s still slightly bruised by the Orlando break-up, which came amid reports – fuelled by the singer in her single Band-Aids – that her ex-fiancé hadn’t given her the emotional support that she needed. So, as far as she’s concerned, her and Justin’s PDAs kill two birds with one stone. Not only do they scratch her itch for a little bit of naughty exhibitionism, but they also guarantee that Orlando will get a good look at just how happy she’s been since they split.

We’re told, ‘No one is saying she wants him back. It’s obvious she is absolutely crazy about Justin, but that doesn’t mean she wouldn’t enjoy rubbing Orlando’s face in her happiness. They were together for a very long time and, by all accounts it fell apart pretty badly towards the end, so it would make sense.’

As for how much PDA they can really get away with on holiday before they’re reprimanded, it seems the couple are at least staying on the right side of the law – unlike Kanye West, of course, who was slapped with a lifetime ban from a boat company in Venice after being pictured engaging in a lewd act with his wife, Bianca Censori, on a water taxi.

But more pressing is just how much more Katy and Justin’s entourages are willing to tolerate. We’re told their friends and employees might be averting their gaze for now – but they’re subtly trying to warn the pair that it’s going from cute and flirty to truly anti-social, and it’s now time to exercise restraint.

‘The problem is that Katy travels with this enormous entourage wherever she goes, so people are constantly having to sit there and avert their eyes,’ our source explains. ‘All too often, she and Justin will start shoving their tongues down each other’s throats, or he’ll be fondling her while slathering her with suntan lotion, like he is in these latest pics. It definitely makes people feel uncomfortable but they don’t seem to care.’

His family have been dragged into a seemingly never-ending spiral of scandals in recent years – but Prince Edward had always managed to keep his reputation as one of the royals’ safest pair of hands.

However, his standing as The Firm’s ‘quiet, stable and drama-free’ member has been dealt a blow after new details of his spicy relationship with a showgirl were exposed in a long-awaited memoir.

And now, in the wake of the expose, Palace officials and members of the royal family – in particular Edward’s wife of 27 years Sophie – are braced for even more details of his early life to be dredged up.

A source tells Closer, ‘His ex-girlfriend has essentially painted Edward as this big stallion and keeps teasing that there’s an awful lot more people don’t know about him and that he enjoyed quite the fast life back in his day.

‘Of course, Edward’s forgotten a lot of it. Like most people, he grew up and moved on. He knows he had fun, but now he’s worried this could open the floodgates and other people might come forward, which is also front and centre of Sophie’s mind. It’s no secret she had a pretty hard time with this book, it made her uncomfortable so the last thing she wants is more of the same, or worse.’

In the memoir, titled The Showgirl and the Prince, actress Ruthie Henshall - a five-time Olivier winner who has starred in Chicago, Cats and Les Miserables to name just a few - describes how she met the prince when she was 20 and he was 23, after he came to work as a production assistant at Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Really Useful Theatre Company.

After detailing the slow-burn development of their romance, Henshall – who says she was inspired to write the book after recently finding love letters from Edward during a clear-out of her garage - described the first time she had sex with Edward as like something from a ‘romantic chick flick’.

She revealed how he laughed off rumours that he was secretly gay, saying he was ‘romantic and gentle and definitely NOT GAY! And he clearly had experience.’ In one excruciating confession, she described how she’d ‘often shag him into oblivion, leaving him bleary-eyed’.

There were also details of her regular nocturnal visits to Buckingham Palace, Windsor and a ‘night of passion’ at Balmoral – and in one particular saucy recollection she said, 'I remember turning up to the Palace in hot-pants… Of course Edward couldn’t wait to get them off'.

Henshall added that the couple would also meet at her two-bed flat in south London, where a protection officer would sit outside while they enjoyed ‘girlfriend and boyfriend’ time.

Our source adds, ‘Edward had been on edge for months before this book came out. When he finally read it, he was somewhat relieved because it didn’t paint him in an ultra-negative light, but it did tease an awful lot of other details.

‘Edward was never as wild or careless as his brother [Andrew], particularly when it came to his choice of friends and his behaviour, but he was a big womanizer. The worry now is that some of his former conquests will look at what this woman has got away with and decide they ought to try their luck with a book of their own.

‘There’s potentially a lot of money to be made, so of course he’s very concerned about who else might decide to come forward. It’s a particularly bad time for this because Charles is really leaning on Sophie, just as the Queen did.

'The Wessexes have a heightened place within the family - they’re in that very rare position where they get along extremely well with both the Waleses and the King.  They’ve been keeping calm and smiling their way through engagements, but the truth is things are actually very tense behind the scenes.’

Along with his 61-year-old wife Sophie, Edward, 62, consistently ranks as one of the hardest working of the royals. Following the death of his father Prince Philip in 2021, Edward became Duke of Edinburgh two years later and inherited the role of patron and chairman of trustees for The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. He also has patronages and supports over 70 other charities and organisations, holds several honorary military roles and undertakes official state duties on behalf of The King.

While Edward and Sophie – parents of Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor, 22 and James, Earl of Wessex, 18 – are seen as steadfast and dependable, many of their royal relations have endured scandals and high drama. Notable lows have included the disaster of ‘Megxit’ with Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle making damaging claims about the The Firm, followed more recently by the downfall of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew) and his involvement with shamed paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, a link which has also seen Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson stripped of her title and patronages.

And our source says this is why the expose of Edward’s early life is seen as an unwelcome intrusion into the earnest and dependable reputation that he has carved out in recent years and he is said to be trying to reassure King Charles and other senior royals that there’s nothing to worry about.

The insider adds, ‘[His sister] Princess Anne is trying to calm the situation and telling Sophie not to get too hung on worrying about this, because it’s all water under the bridge anyway.

‘But Edward can’t totally shake his worries and neither can Sophie. They’re wondering who might come out of the woodwork next, or whether Ruthie herself could eventually reveal more and take things up a notch.

‘It’s no secret that they’re being primed for a much bigger role when William ascends the throne. So, for Edward to suddenly find himself in the firing line and dealing with this kind of mess is unfortunate. There is no sense that something life-destroying will come out, but it’s still deeply humiliating for him and it’s very distressing for Sophie.

‘You can only imagine how Edward would react if one of Sophie’s former lovers came out and started sharing intimate details about her, he’d be furious.

‘It’s upsetting for William and Charles as well, because they just can’t manage another scandal and they’re hearing all kinds of rumours, from this woman potentially doing a second book, to others crawling out of the woodwork and taking aim.

‘It’s hard to know how the British public will react but the saving grace is that he’s a popular guy, he has a generally has a great approval rating, but that will only take him so far.  He knows that so he’s on tenterhooks right now and so is Sophie, it’s very tense at home, to say the least.”

Whispers have been growing for some months that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are spending more and more time apart. Sources suggest disagreements have surfaced over Harry’s wish to increase his time in the UK, while Meghan remains focused on building their future in America and is extremely reluctant to relocate – especially to a country she has such unhappy memories of.

According to insiders, the alleged strain within the Sussexes’ eight-year union has not gone unnoticed – particularly by King Charles. The monarch, who has reportedly worked to mend ties with his younger son over the last year, is said to be keeping communication lines open.

‘Charles has been watching everything unfold and, while he’s certainly not wishing for Harry’s marriage to fail, he’s realistic enough to know that even the strongest relationships can hit their breaking point under this kind of pressure,’ an insider tells Closer.

‘The King isn’t blind to any of this and he can’t help wanting to be there for his son. He’s been through a very public divorce himself and knows how different things can be behind closed doors.’

After Harry and Meghan reunited with Charles last month, reports claimed Meghan felt ‘humiliated’ by the very public dispute surrounding the family’s lack of police protection during UK visits. The disagreement reportedly resulted in Meghan and the couple’s children – Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five – arriving at Highgrove House undercover, with news of the visit emerging only afterward.

Even though Meghan later shared a series of photos of her idyllic-looking summer on Instagram – including a romantic dinner with Harry – speculation has continued to swirl that tensions may persist behind the scenes.

Last month, a royal insider alleged, ‘They’re living very separate lives now. It’s gone beyond work schedules. They have different priorities, different routines, and they’re spending much less time together than people realise.’

Previously, a source told heat that Meghan was ‘worried Harry is being pulled back into old patterns of manipulation by his family’ and is ‘extremely upset’ about the idea of relocating to Britain.

As is customary within royal operations, contingency strategies are often prepared in advance for major life events, including births, deaths and marital breakdowns – and officials have also had to consider the possibility of a separation between Meghan, 44, and Harry, 41.

‘The Palace is quietly drawing up contingency plans in the event of a split,’ a source said. ‘The thinking is that Harry might push for a return to the UK, but Meghan won’t want to come back from the US – and that schism is potentially dangerous.’

Despite such behind-the-scenes planning, insiders maintain that Charles’ main concern is his son’s wellbeing. ‘The King wants Harry to know that he’s there to listen and offer whatever wisdom he can as a father – there’s no judgement. Ultimately, all Charles wants is for Harry to be happy, but he also wants him to be able to face whatever lies ahead with his eyes open. He doesn’t think Harry should bury his head in the sand and pretend everything’s fine if it isn’t. More than anything, Charles wants Harry to know he doesn’t have to go through any of this alone.’

Within palace circles, the Sussexes’ marriage is said to have become a hot topic. ‘The relationship has become a major talking point among senior Palace staff,’ says the insider. ‘The tensions are becoming increasingly hard to ignore, particularly now Harry appears to want to spend more time in the UK while Meghan seems very resistant, which is only going to mean more time apart. It doesn’t help that they’ve got such different views on the Hollywood game, which certainly adds to the feeling that they’re on very different paths.’

The source adds, ‘There are people within the royal family who don’t believe it’s going to last, but the general feeling is that they’ve invested so much in their life together, they will do everything they can to make it work.’

Any formal split would have sweeping consequences, far beyond the emotional toll on the family. Previously, royal insiders have told how senior aides were ‘considering a golden handshake’ arrangement for Meghan, aimed at limiting fallout and avoiding a repeat of Princess Diana’s explosive 1995 Panorama interview, in which she detailed the collapse of her marriage to Charles and his love affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles.

‘It would include a strict gagging order designed to prevent further exposés of private life,’ said a source of the potential deal. ‘The agreement would also grant Meghan the continued use of her Duchess of Sussex title. The Palace sees it as a face-saving measure, because tearing it away from her could spark a media war.’

While it’s been widely reported that Charles, 77, is desperate to rebuild his bond with Harry and spend meaningful time with his two youngest grandchildren, insiders say his wish to see his son spend more time in Britain is balanced by a genuine desire for the couple’s marriage to stay strong.

‘Contrary to what a lot of people think, Charles is actually rooting for Harry and Meghan,’ says our insider. ‘He wants Harry to be happy and he wants to see his grandchildren grow up in a happy home. He feels very protective of them all.’

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If there’s one thing we know about Taylor Swift, it’s that she’d ‘very much like to be excluded from this narrative’. It’s the line she first uttered 10 years ago, after being embroiled in a public spat with Kim Kardashian and then husband Kanye West – and it’s the policy she’s been strictly following yet again when it comes to her ex best friend, Blake Lively.

As pop culturists will remember, Taylor, 36, and Blake, 38, had a showbiz friendship that, for over a decade, positioned Blake as the queen bee of Taylor’s girl gang. She was even entrusted with directing one of Taylor’s music videos, while Taylor was named godmother of all four of Blake and husband Ryan Reynolds’ children. But the love died early last year, when Taylor was unwittingly implicated in her BFF’s very public legal battle against actor and director Justin Baldoni.

At first, it was bad enough for the superstar to see that Blake had ostensibly used her as a bargaining chip, name-dropping her in thinly-veiled threats to Justin, and describing her as her Game of Thrones-type ‘dragon’, in what is believed to have been a bid to ‘take over’ their film, It Ends With Us, which Justin was directing. But then, jaws dropped when Blake’s private emails and texts were released, which showed that Taylor had initially colluded with Blake to help her gain the upper hand, and had referred to Justin as a ‘bitch’ and a ‘doofus’. Evidently, we saw their friendship sour before our eyes as their correspondence got colder, with Taylor eventually telling her friend she felt like she was treating her like a corporate ally in her legal battle.

Long story short, the friendship crashed and burned – and nowhere was that more obvious than at Taylor and Travis Kelce’s behemothic wedding in early July, which gathered every single celebrity you could ever possibly think of at Madison Square Garden arena. Every celebrity, that is, except Blake.

Until then, all parties had remained silent, ostensibly letting their public distancing do the talking. But then, director Justin set the cat among the pigeons just days after the wedding, when he piped up – breaking his two-year silence on his battle against Blake.

Speaking in an Instagram video alongside his wife, Emily Baldoni, he said, ‘We have not spoken publicly for the better part of the last two years, and it’s not because we haven’t had anything to say, because lord knows we have.’ They then both thanked their followers for not blindly following Blake’s narrative – which accused Justin of sexual harassment on set (charges that were dismissed) – and added, ‘So many of you had discernment, and you used your intuition, and you trusted that.’

Emily added, ‘There is so much more to say. That time will come’.

With that being said, we’re told that Blake’s feeling anxious. She and Justin reached an out-of-court settlement in May, with neither one ordered to pay damages to the other. Since then, she’s been waiting for the dust to settle, but the fact that Justin’s reclaimed his public voice has got her feeling nervous about what more he has to say – and with that in mind, she’s prepared to answer back.

As for where all this leaves Taylor, insiders say she’s absolutely fuming over what this could mean when it comes to her unwanted part in the neverending war of words. She’s already brutally – and demonstrably – cut Blake out of her life. But having Justin, and Blake in turn, speak up will inevitably mean her name gets dragged back in to the mix. What’s worse, with Blake feeling loose-lipped, we’re told Taylor’s worried she might decide to speak even more directly about her former BFF. Having been top dog in Taylor’s inner circle for so long, you can be sure she knows where all the bodies are buried, and – with nothing to lose – who knows what she could share?

‘The longer that Blake is vilified, the more likely it is that she’ll decide to have her say and explain everything she’s been through,’ says an insider close to the former friends. ‘It wouldn’t be about making money - it would simply be about clearing her name and telling her side of the nightmare. For Taylor, though, that would be a worst-case scenario because she’s incredibly sensitive about any private details coming out that she hasn’t approved.

‘Blake would never go all scorched earth on her, but – after so many years of friendship – she knows a whole lot about her, and the prospect of any of that becoming public would be an absolute disaster for her if it were to happen.’

Let’s remember, Taylor knows better than most the power of being the one to tell a story. She’s made a whole career out of it, famously singing, ‘I’ve got a blank page, baby…and I’ll write your name.’ But while she loves to tell a story, she hates being embroiled in one, which is why she was so quick to delete Blake from her life. But even if the latter does bite her tongue, there’s no guaranteeing that Justin will do the same. He’s already intimated that it’s only a matter of time before he speaks up more, and though his grievances are specifically aimed at Blake, there’s no denying that Taylor, at one point, was indeed involved. So, whether she likes it or not, she’s part of his story.

‘The reality is that she’s always going to be tied to this drama – there’s no escaping that,’ says our source. ‘So, if Blake goes ahead and hits back at Justin, it’s inevitably going to put Taylor back in the news cycle in a way that’s bound to get under her skin. It would be different if Justin was content to let this fade away, but, based on what he and his wife said, it seems pretty clear that he isn’t ready to do that. And Blake’s only human, so of course she’s going to want to defend herself, or – even better – get ahead of them and tell her side of the story.’

For now, it seems that all Taylor can do is hold her breath and hope that, if Blake and Justin do indeed start slinging mud yet again, she’ll stay largely out of the firing line. Yes, Blake must know the finer details of Taylor’s precious inner sanctum, but she also knows that having Taylor on somewhat amicable terms is better than having her as an enemy. After all, as her and Travis’ wedding attests, she has the whole of Hollywood in her corner. Blake won’t want to take on the whole army of Tinseltown. Justin, meanwhile, might be dicier – but the truth is, Taylor’s just a footnote on the massive thesis he must have to write about Blake. Let’s hope, for Taylor’s sake, she’s by and large excluded from this narrative.