Michelle Gayle played Hattie Tavernier in the BBC One soap and also had a pop career – and, unbelievably, she hardly seems to have changed more than 30 years later
Michelle was part of the groundbreaking Tavernier family(Image: BBC)
EastEnders’ Michelle Gayle appears to have defied the ageing process, looking as youthful as ever despite her stint on the BBC One soap being more than three decades ago. The London-born actress, now 54 years old, was part of the groundbreaking Tavernier family – the first Black family to join the soap.
Her character, Hattie, was a waitress and then Ian Beale’s PA at his catering company, The Meal Machine. She was a hit with EastEnders viewers, navigating through intense storylines involving miscarriage and sexual harassment – famously kneeing Ian in the groin. She also frequently clashed with Cindy, Ian’s wife, who was jealous of their close working relationship.
But the star left Albert Square in 1993 to pursue a music career, enjoying seven top 40 singles on the UK Singles Chart, including hits like Sweetness, Looking Up and Do You Know. She also released two top 40 albums before parting ways with her record company in 1997.
Michelle stepped out at a charity ball last year, looking super-glamorous as she sported a black satin dress paired with a chic black bag, red lipstick and gold earrings, posing against a beautiful floral backdrop.
Previously, Michelle had set X, formerly Twitter, buzzing with her age-defying photos, prompting comments such as: “I’ve literally just had to google how old you are……as you look about 20! ! You look amazing! ! X,” and, “There is no way you’re in the 50+ bracket! ! My goodness.”
She went on to appear on stage at Mighty Hoopla 2024 at London’s Brockwell Park, singing a few of her biggest hits.
After EastEnders, Michelle made a return to television, making guest appearances on Doctors and Holby City, before landing a role in Channel 5’s short-lived soap Family Affairs in 2005. She’s also been a familiar face on various reality TV shows, such as ITV’s Reborn In The USA, where she competed against 80s popstars Sonia and Tony Hadley, and Channel 4’s The Games.
In 2007, she became a guest panellist for ITV’s Loose Women and ventured into writing in 2011, releasing her debut novel titled Pride and Premiership.
In 2019, she went on to play the role of Hermione Granger in the West End production of the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. At the time, Michelle revealed the hardest part of her job was her unusual working hours, saying: “My ‘weekend’ is Monday and Tuesday and all my friends outside of the show are working.”
She was married to ex-professional footballer Mark Bright for 13 years, and they have a son, Isaiah, together. Michelle also has another son, Luke.
LOUISE Redknapp wowed fans as she posed in a bikini top on her girls’ holiday to New York.
The 50-year-old star shared a snap of herself enjoying the sunny weather in the Big Apple.
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Louise Redknapp looked stunning in holiday snaps from New YorkCredit: Instagram
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Her and a pal stripped off in the Big AppleCredit: Instagram
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Louise posted photos from her rooftop poolCredit: Instagram
Throwing her hands in the air, Louise flaunted her toned figure in the top and low cut shorts.
She captioned her shots: “A little girls trip with Sue.”
Fans were quick to comment on her holiday snaps, with one saying: “Wow u look incredible”.
Another said: “Still stunning after all these years!”
Louise found love again almost two years ago with boyfriend Drew, 41.
Since then, they’ve appeared inseparable, often enjoying music events and spending their summers attending festivals, including Glastonbury and Boardmasters.
If Louise hasn’t been going to festivals, she’s been performing at them, with the singer launching a comeback with her Greatest Hits celebrating her career to date.
The Strictly winner was with ex Jamie Redknapp for 20 years and they share two sons.
“What’s great is (Drew) is brilliant on a friendship level with the boys,” she told The Sun last month.
Louise Redknapp says she felt ‘the lowest a human could get’ when she split from husband Jamie and ‘almost gave up’
“They get on great with him. And that, for me, is super-important. There’s just a real mutual respect there. Obviously Beau is still at school, but we spend a lot of time together.”
The nine-year age gap inevitably led to Drew being described as her “toyboy” and Louise being referred to as a “cougar”.
But it’s “water off a duck’s back,” she added.
“For me, age is irrelevant – within reason – but he’s not 22. I think it’s more about the person and the life experiences and the connection that’s important.”
However, Louise isn’t thinking about walking down the aisle a second time.
“Oh, I’m not even thinking that far ahead. I’m not even going there. Manifesting is a real hint to Drew.
“I’m not going to lie and say it isn’t. But it’s also a life lesson to be present in the here and now, so I’m not thinking down the line. I’m enjoying my relationship, my kids, my album and my life.”
After their split her ex Jamie went on to marry model Frida Andersson in 2021.
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Louise with boyfriend DrewCredit: Instagram
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Louise with sons Charley, 20, and Beau, 16Credit: Instagram
Butlin’s is introducing seven brand-new Big Weekenders in 2025 and 2026 across all three resorts—Bognor Regis, Minehead, and Skegness—and also offering a 20% discount off the adult-only breaks
Win the ultimate VIP experience at a Butlin’s Big Weekender!(Image: Butlin’s)
The biggest holiday park party weekend of the year is back and bigger than ever.
Butlin’s Big Weekenders is an event exclusively for adults that turns the three Butlin’s holiday parks into a riot of music and drinking. The event is known for bringing the same kind of chaotic good vibes that Brits typically venture out to Magaluf or Zante in search of.
“I went to a Skegness 80s one for my stag do (was 26). The best way I can describe it was freshers week (weekend) for people in their 40s and 50s who didn’t go to uni. Just mayhem, really. At one point I was drinking rum and Coke out of a large sock whilst watching a band,” one happy customer relayed on Reddit.
Another fondly remembered: “I think on the whole we can all agree the crowd is very much the salt of the earth (myself included), however in all the times, I haven’t seen even so much as an argument, never mind a fight. The whole setup is brilliant and everyone is just on their best, albeit their most unhinged behaviour. I’m a gay guy and I’ve been in fancy dress as a woman a couple of times – nothing but good vibes from every single person I met. No homophobia, nothing.”
The holiday park also hosts party people (Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Now Butlin’s is introducing seven brand-new Big Weekenders in 2025 and 2026 across all three resorts—Bognor Regis, Minehead, and Skegness—and also offering a 20% discount off the adult-only breaks. Many of them are themed and include weekends dedicated to the best electronic or funky 90s soul music and celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community and Mod culture.
The Big Weekender features bands and DJs alongside a packed schedule of daytime and evening activities, such as pool parties and pop-up exhibitions. The ticket price includes three nights’ accommodation.
Here’s what’s coming up:
2025
Halloweekenders (Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness, 3 – 31 October) from £53pp
Classic decade-themed Big Weekenders across all three resorts are getting a spooky makeover this October, transforming into Halloweekenders. From £53pp, guests can choose from Ultimate 80s Thriller, 90s Reloaded Fright Nights, Back To The 2000s Y2K Scares or a monster mash-up of all these decades with Replay Time Warp Terror. Headline acts include Chesney Hawkes, Claire Richards and A1.
DJ Spoony Presents UNDRGRND (Skegness, 7 – 10 November) from £96pp
For the first time, DJ Spoony is heading to Skegness for 72 hours of clubbing heaven with his brand-new multi-genre break UNDRGRND, following the sell-out success of his A House Full of Garage Weekenders. From £96pp, committed clubbers will not only see the garage pioneer himself, but also David Rodigan, Majestic and radio DJs Rickie & Melvin, playing a mash up of R&B and Dancehall, House and Garage, and Jungle and Drum n Bass.
Madness House of Fun Weekender (Minehead, 28 November – 1 December) from £205pp
Returning to Minehead’s Big Weekender line-up in 2025 is the House of Fun Weekender. From £205pp, fans will be treated to an incredible one-night-only performance by Madness, as well as performances from The Specials – Neville Staple, Aleighcia Scott, Janet Kay and over 20 other artists and DJs. There’s also a jam-packed schedule of activities throughout the weekend, from diving headfirst into The Nutty Professors Pool Party, breaking a sweat at Reggae Aerobics or shouting ‘BINGO’ at Bangerz Bingo.
2026
My Generation Weekender (Minehead, 9 – 12 January) from £131pp
Minehead will kick0start 2026 with a celebration of Mod culture in the form of the My Generation Weekender. The specially curated weekend for Mod fans will feature bands and DJs from the UK and international Modernist scene, including Ocean Colour Scene, Secret Affairs and The Dualers.
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Soul Power Weekender (Skegness, 16 – 18 January) from £114pp
Celebrate the ‘neo-soul’ era of the early 90s with the Soul Power Weekender at Skegness. With a fusion of funk, R&B and acid jazz jams, defining artists of the soul scene, such as Trevor Nelson, Craig Charles and The Brand New Heavies, will be taking the stage throughout the weekend.
Don’t Tell Mama (Bognor Regis, 23 – 26 January) from £113pp
The Bognor Regis resort will host a brand-new LGBTQ+ Big Weekender, Don’t Tell Mama. The Weekender is dedicated to a community that knows how to party, and they’ll be joined by Claire Richards and Louise Redknapp, drag icons Danny Beard and La Voix, plus a whole host of other artists and DJs.
Bugged Out! (Bognor Regis, 6 – 9 March) from £133pp
The legendary clubbing brand’s Weekender boasts a line-up of the best DJs and artists in the electronic music space, including Daniel Avery, Emerald and Helena Hauff. They’ll be blasting only the greatest electronic music, with acid house and techno for the energetic crowd and Balearic beats for those chasing a more chilled vibe. Before guests get ready for another unforgettable night, there’s pool parties, pub quizzes, fairgrounds and so much more, to ensure the good vibes last all day.
