reveals

MARRIED At First Sight fans were left baffled as intruder groom Reiss revealed his very strange requirement for his wife.

The painter and decorator revealed to the experts tonight what’s on his checklist when it comes to his future bride.

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But viewers were left confused when Reiss admitted he’s looking for a woman with a specific walk.

In his VT, Reiss said: “When people first meet me, they think I’m flash because of the looks. I consider myself to be a pretty boy.”

He continued: “If I was to go for a certain woman, I initially look at her teeth, her smile.

“I get a bit silly and I start looking into their walk, making sure they have a nice walk as well.

“A good walk for a woman is when they go one by one and not side by side.”

He then demonstrated using his fingers the type of walk he wants his wife to have.

But E4 viewers were left bemused by the requirement.

One wrote: “What did Reiss mean about a woman’s walk? The only way to do it is one foot in front of the other. It’s just a shuffle otherwise.”

A second posted: “WTF does Reiss mean about ‘I don’t like side by side walk’. He seems like a weirdo but was hoping he would be ‘nicer Steven’.”

A third said: “Hope Reiss demonstrates the crab walk he despises. I want to make sure I walk correctly.”

This person commented: “What the f*** is Reiss on about? How many women walk like crabs!?”

Someone else said: “Where the f*** did they get him from? At least I now know how to walk,” while this viewer posted: “Leisha better crab walk down that isle.”

“A good walk for a woman is legs going straight of each other one at the time and not side to side. Either the women where he comes from are constantly p***** or have s**t themselves,” another shared.

This person said: “She best walk down the aisle in an assertive…one foot in front of the other yet straight manner.”

While this viewer wrote: “Reiss seems to think he’s gods gift to women as long as they don’t walk like a crab…ok then.”

Another added: “How does he think women walk?”

Reiss, who owns his own painting and decorating company, said he loves to get his hands dirty and isn’t shy when it comes to grafting.

Reiss said: “I’m very close to my family, my nanny Linda is like an angel, she’s my rock. I love playing chess with her.

“My nan and granddad have had a romantic relationship for years, I’m hoping that’s what mine will be like.”

The Essex lad said he’s a romantic at heart and has learnt from the best – so is now ready to settle down.

Reiss, who previously dated Towie star Dani Imbert, also spoke about his most recent split.

He said: “I miss being in a relationship. You can’t really beat it.

“I don’t know if I’ve found the full package.

“I do choose the wrong girls. My last relationship unfortunately came to an end because the bickering became too much.

“I’ve been heartbroken in past relationships. When a girl leaves you, I feel abandoned and I just feel lost.

“Marrying a strange will work because I’ll do anything to find the perfect one.”

Yesterday, E4 viewers saw the pair meet for the first time at the altar.

Reiss could be seen turning around to greet Leisha, who was already laughing away.

The overexcited bride appeared to be too much for Reiss within the first few seconds.

In one scene, she can be seen bending her knees before screaming at the ground in excitment.

Reiss was seen looking on uncomfortably.

Speaking to the camera, Reiss voiced his concern as he said: “She’s 100 miles an hour.

“Let’s hope it doesn’t turn to 1000 miles an hour.”

Still clearly overexcited for her wedding day, Leisha said to the camera: “Buckle up because he’s in for a good ride.”

Ahead of the experiment, Reiss spoke out about his hopes for the show and the kind of bride he was hoping to marry.

His ideal bride is “someone blonde, petite with an element of glamour”

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Comedian and TV star Paul O’Grady was set to be the host of Britain’s Got Talent and even have the show named after him until things got very heated behind the scenes

Former Britain’s Got Talent judge Piers Morgan has revealed Paul O’Grady was meant to be the host for the hit talent show, until things went very wrong. The controversial broadcaster was part of the original line up on Simon Cowell’s talent show back in 2007.

Music mogul Simon was inspired by former talent shows including Opportunity Knocks and New Faces as he wanted to create a competition for people of any age and location to enter. He wanted a range of personalities on the judging panel with him, and first settled on Piers and Fern Britton.

Simon set his sights on comedian Paul as host and even planned to name the show, Paul O’Grady’s Got Talent. He met with Piers for lunch in Kensington, London to get him on board.

READ MORE: Britain’s Got Talent’s scramble to film auditions after Simon Cowell’s illnessREAD MORE: Simon Cowell’s real reason for pulling out of Britain’s Got Talent after head injury

Piers admitted: “I owe him a lot actually because I would not have had any career in America without him. He has been great for me. He said ‘I am going to bring back an old all-round talent show like New Faces, Opportunity Knocks and The Gong Show in America. It can be any talent’.”

The broadcaster explained: “We did a pilot at ITV. Paul O’Grady was the host. The judging panel was Simon Cowell, me, and Fern Britton. It was about to be greenlit as a prime-time ITV show.”

Piers said he was ready “to get back in the game” but things quickly took a turn and the production was halted. He said: “Then Paul O’Grady had a massive falling out with ITV, told them to shove it and went to Channel 4.”

At the time, the Paul O’Grady Show moved over to Channel 4 and ITV stopped him being able to rent their studios. Paul decided to refuse all work with the network following the row.

He explained years later: “I did the pilot for Britain’s Got Talent – which was originally going to be called Paul O’Grady’s Got Talent. But I told the producers they were having a joke if they thought I would front a show with that title.

“The original panel of judges was going to be Simon Cowell, Fern Britton and Piers Morgan. I was the host. Then when I had the row with ITV I was banned from the studios.

“I remember I rang Simon and told him he had a huge hit on his hands, but there was no way I could do it. I said, if I am banned I have to be banned from everything. I can’t be a hypocrite and come in and do this. I had to bow out.”

Paul added: “I don’t regret what I did. Not in the slightest. Good luck to them.” He did also manage to patch things up with ITV and returned years later with Paul O’Grady Live!.

Paul’s decision to boycott ITV meant Britain’s Got Talent was hit with a huge delay and Simon decided to kick off with America’s Got Talent first. Simon enlisted Piers again as he wanted “someone who is judgmental, opinionated, obnoxious and arrogant” as him.

Britain’s Got Talent hit screens a year later with Simon, Piers and Amanda Holden as judges and Ant and Dec as hosts. Piers said on The Overlap and Betfair’s Stick to Cricket show: “He had literally come up with the entire concept of Got Talent on a napkin at the Ivy in Kensington.

“Bring back a talent show. Have a tough mean judge, a mother hen figure, a funny person and any talent goes. Now the Got Talent franchise is in more than 60 countries around the world. It changed my life.”

READ MORE: Shoppers ditch cheap tights for pair that ‘feel soft, warm and comfortable’

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BROOKS Nader has shown off her incredible figure in a super-revealing sheer top while strutting her stuff around Paris.

The reality star stepped out in a daring ensemble while in town for Paris Fashion Week.

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In photos obtained by The U.S. Sun, Brooks, 28, donned a completely see-through black halter-top with no bra, exposing her bare breasts underneath.

She paired it with a high-waisted black miniskirt, a tan ankle-length fur coat, and knee-high black boots.

The model accessorized with massive dangly earrings, rings, a full face of makeup, and wore her long blonde locks flowing straight down.

Brooks was seen leaving the famed Siena party in Paris, paying no mind to the cameras as she walked down the sidewalk.

Despite Brooks’s outfit not leaving much to the imagination, it was an even riskier look than she wore hours earlier while attending the Grand Palais party with her sister, Sarah Jane.

The Hulu star put her breasts on full display in a long, form-fitting gold dress zippered in the front.

Its incredibly low-cut top and tight fit proved to be trouble for the TV personality as cameras captured her falling out of the dress numerous times.

Brooks also had a battle with the wind at another unexpected moment, which revealed her decision to go commando that night as well.

The Maxim star wore similar attire last week while at Milan Fashion Week, where she donned a sparkly dress with a plunging neckline.

Additionally, the Sports Illustrated model sported an entirely see-through blouse during a recent sighting in New York City.

Brooks has made a name for herself in the modeling industry since winning the Sports Illustrated Swim Search competition in 2019.

She also competed on last year’s season of Dancing With The Stars, alongside pro partner Gleb Savchenko.

The actress made it to ninth place before being eliminated, and her name continued to flood the media thereafter due to her and Gleb’s romance during their partnership.

Brooks later claimed that Gleb had cheated on her, which he vehemently denied.

It was recently confirmed that Brooks is now dating Spanish professional tennis player Carlos Alcaraz.

The Backtrace star recently ventured back into the reality TV world, starring alongside her sisters in their new Hulu series, Love Thy Nader.

The show follows Brooks and her siblings, Mary Holland, Grace Ann, and Sarah Jane, as they navigate their careers in NYC.

Brooks and her sisters have already been compared to being the next Kardashians following their reality TV success.

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A LOVE Island star opened up about his secret 18-month health battle, saying ‘I felt like my brain was falling out’.

Chris Williamson, 37, featured on the ITV2 dating show’s first series in 2015.

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He entered the villa on Day 1, however, he was ultimately “dumped” on Day 19.

Speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, Chris discussed his health with subscribers.

In particular, his experience facing toxic mould exposure, Lyme disease and EBV.

In a clip recorded in September 2024, Chris said: “Struggling, yeah, in the last week.

“Five episodes in three days in New York. Two episodes in two days in Florida, plus travelling. Plus a bunch of meetings.

“It’s felt like my brain is trying to fall out of my ears the entire time.

“Memory is really rough, thoughts are very muddy. Getting confused in the middle of sentences.

“So it’s probably the worst that my mind’s been – just disheartening as I’ve been working on trying to get out of all this.

“Mould, EBV, Lyme, whatever it is, stuff for six months, more.

“It’s disheartening. I’ve no idea how far along I am, it feels like I’m going backward.”

Chris also appeared on dating show Take Me Out and has completely reinvented himself following his reality star days and is now a millionaire.

He earned the bulk of his fortune through his podcast, Modern Wisdom.

Chris does not look back fondly on his time on Love Island, stating in a chat with Sadia Khan he was “pretty bored” and having an ‘”existential crisis” while in the villa. 

He told the BBC: “I was living this persona of the professional party boy – the big name on campus, the guy with the hair out front [of the club], that wanted people to need him, that thought he had found the culture and industry he belonged in.

“Then I got on to Love Island and had nowhere to hide from people who were the person I was pretending to be.

“I was there with people who were genuinely extroverted, outgoing, party people. And I was just playing a role…

“I’d convinced myself [Love Island] was something that made me finally belong. And I didn’t belong.”

Love Island airs on ITV2 and ITVX.

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FORMER Home and Away actress Isabel Lucas, 40, is expecting her first child and has revealed her partner for the first time.

The actress announced her happy news with a series of beachside photos where she showed off her growing baby bump and shared a smooch with her partner.

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Isabel posed in a flowing white linen dress which she wore completely unbuttoned and showed her lacy black underwear, as she cradled her belly.

Other photos in the post shared to Instagram showed the Aussie actress sitting beach side in a white top and skirt, and where her baby bump was proudly on full display.

Also in the photos was her partner, Cyrus Sutton, a US filmmaker, surfer and the owner of a luxury spa home in Washington State.

Isabel captioned the post: “Sometimes words flow and sometimes the mystery is too vast and all that remains, is to feel. A new forever exists here. Among petals of silent wonder and pure love.

“Together we hold this miracle with tender heartful hands.”

Her fans and famous friends rushed to congratulate the star in the comments.

“Another perfectly healthy and beautiful 40 year old woman having a baby. don’t let anyone tell you there is a deadline by 30,” wrote one fan.

Fellow Aussie actress Teresa Palmer wrote: “Can’t wait to see you as a mother and for these little babies to be together. We love you guys xxx”

And Slumdog Millionaire actress, Freida Pinto added: “Oh Izzy!! This made my heart so happy. Sending you and your sweet baby so much mad love.”

Isabel rose to fame playing Tasha Andrews on the Aussie soap, Home and Away.

It was on the set of that soap where she met future Hollywood A-lister, Chris Hemsworth, and they dated for around three years.

Isabel later dated Entourage star Adrian Grenier and Australian folk singer, Angus Stone for two years.

The actress’ other TV roles include in the MacGyver reboot and Steven Spielberg’s war miniseries, The Pacific.

Her film credits include Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and 2022’s Bosch & Rockit opposite her ex, Chris’ brother, Luke Hemsworth.

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A DEVASTATED family ripped apart by the death of their beloved son in the Idaho murder tragedy was forced to quickly move on from unimaginable heartbreak in less than five months for the sake of their surviving children. 

Ethan Chapin, 20, was a triplet and one of Bryan Kohberger’s four victims in the sickening University of Idaho knife attack in November 2022.

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Brave mom, Stacy, opened up her heart to The U.S. Sun at Crimecon last month about the nightmare of dealing with her beloved, fun-loving son being murdered with the world at his feet. 

She stressed that even though sick Kohberger will rot behind bars for the rest of his life after eventually pleading guilty to the savage killings of Ethan, Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle, her family aren’t interested in the reasons why. 

But Stacy, who has thrown herself into vitally important advocacy work in the wake of her son’s shocking death, has revealed there was no time for her and husband Jim to wallow in misery. 

With Ethan’s brother and sister, Maizie and Hunter, who were on campus on that fateful evening, recently completing their own studies, the couple made the decision to somehow come to terms with the tragedy and move on for the sake of the remaining triplets’ future.

She says a heart-heart with Jim over a cup of morning coffee helped them realize that the best way forward was to “just get up and live life.”

They will never forget their beloved son, who they joked was minoring in Bud Light Lime and Taco Bell.

But with his brother and sister needing their parents more than ever to deal with the aftermath of Ethan’s senseless killing, Stacy and Jim vowed to honor his memory by ensuring Maizie and Hunter have their unconditional attention and support. 

“We just decided that you can lose yourself in grief, “ Stacy told The U.S. Sun.

“We had to do that for Ethan’s siblings. They didn’t deserve parents who had potentially gone in the tank or lost themselves. 

“We made a decision on a day in March of 2023 that we couldn’t change the outcome, and we had to still live our life and be great parents to Maizie and Hunter, giving them the best life they deserved.”

BRAVE FACE

The Chapin’s were the only family to abstain from attending Kohberger’s sentencing hearing earlier this summer.

They didn’t want to subject themselves to any more pain. 

Once the deranged Washington State graduate admitted to his heinous crimes, that at least removed the prospect of Ethan’s brother and sister having to take the stand and retrace the moments leading up to the sickening murders in a potential retrial.

Kohberger has never revealed why he cut short the lives of the four students. 

Stacy admits she won’t waste any time wondering why. 

The agony remains and will never leave her. Seeing her children recover from the nightmare and thrive, however, fills her and husband with hope.

“I would be lying if I didn’t say there are still tough moments,” Stacy continued. 

“But even now, every day feels like we’re a little bit closer to our new normal, whatever that looks like. Our kids are doing great. 

“They’ve also persevered in a way that amazes me as a mom. They were there that day. They all went to college together; they spent every second together.

“The fact that they went back to school and graduated and are now looking at their careers. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Kohberger avoided the death penalty upon pleading guilty on July 23 and was hit with four consecutive life sentences. 

The full details of Bryan Kohberger’s sentence

On July 23, 2025, Judge Steven Hippler sentenced Bryan Kohberger to the following:

• Count 1: Burglary – 10 years fixed, zero years in determinate. $50,000 fine.
• Count 2: First-degree murder of Madison Mogen: Fixed term of life in prison without the possibility of parole. $50,000 fine and civil penalty of $5,000 payable to the family of the victim.
• Count 3: First-degree murder of Kaylee Goncalves: Fixed term of life in prison without the possibility of parole. $50,000 fine and civil penalty of $5,000 payable to the family of the victim.
• Count 4: First-degree murder of Xana Kernodle: Fixed term of life in prison without the possibility of parole. $50,000 fine and civil penalty of $5,000 payable to the family of the victim.
• Count 5: First-degree murder of Ethan Chapin: Fixed term of life in prison without the possibility of parole. $50,000 fine and civil penalty of $5,000 payable to the family of the victim.

The sentencings will run consecutively to one another.

ALWAYS REMEMBERED

While the Chapins stayed away from court, Ethan was on their mind. Stacy posted an emotional message on social media declaring her late son would “forever” be in their hearts.

His name will also shine on through Ethan’s Smile Foundation, which was established by the family to honor his memory. 

It aims to showcase “his love of life, people and new adventures” by providing scholarships for fellow students to “follow their dreams.”

“Ethan’s love for life was boundless. With a booming laugh and infectious smile, he spread joy to all who were fortunate enough to know him. Ethan was our storyteller, hard worker, and friend-maker,” Stacy and Jim declared on the foundation website.

‍“In the wake of his absence, the foundation was born—a tribute to Ethan’s unwavering passion for life. Our mission is simple yet profound: to carry forward the legacy of Ethan by providing scholarships that enable others to follow their dreams.

‍“In every corner we venture, in every heart we touch, we strive to keep the spirit of Ethan alive, reminding ourselves and others of the adventures and kindness that life has to offer.”

Stacy has also begun to foster a strong relationship with cutting-edge forensics company Othram, who helped accelerate the process of proving Kohberger’s guilt.

The Texas based specialists were able to extract DNA from the tan leather knife sheaf which was found in the room of Goncalves following the killings.

Investigators believe she was the first victim, with Kohberger leaving it behind after her friends came back to check on her wellbeing. 

“Myself and Jim are a team,” Stacy concluded. “To have closure means the world to us.”

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Taylor Swift has accidentally revealed she plans on inviting as many people to her wedding day as possible to avoid the stress that come with planning an intimate ceremony

After announcing her engagement to Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift has been inundated with questions surrounding her upcoming nuptials. And while on The Graham Norton Show, the globally renowned singer accidentally let slip a huge detail about her wedding – but immediately regretted it.

The singer, 35, told host Graham Norton that she plans on having a big wedding so she can invite as many people as possible.

And she also confessed that she will start to plan her wedding after the promotional tour of her latest studio album comes to an end.

During her chat with the legendary presenter, Graham asked her if next year will be her wedding year. And in response, Taylor said: “Oh you’ll know.”

At which point the audience erupted in laughter. Graham then pressed further and asked: “So you’re going big?” To which Taylor said: “I was just meaning I was going to invite you to it.”

Graham could barely contain his excitement but managed to ask if she was in the initial stages of planning.

In response, she continued: “No, I am doing the album thing now which is a big thing and then I think the wedding is what happens after that in the scheme of the planning.”

She added: “I’m so excited about it. I know it’s going to be fun to plan because I think the only stressful weddings are the ones where you have a small amount of people. You have to evaluate or asses your relationship with them to see if they should be there. I’m not going to do that. I shouldn’t have said any of that.”

In August, Taylor and Travis nearly broke the internet with news of their engagement. Following their post, an estimated 28 million people liked it.

A number of pictures made up the huge announcement. In one picture, Travis is seen getting down on one knee to pop the question as they gazed into each other’s eyes.

According to US reports, Taylor’s engagement ring was reportedly bought from Artifex Fine Jewellery. It remains unknown how much the singer’s ring is worth but rings from that retailer start at £21,000.

In another picture, the couple are seen in a loving embrace surrounded by flowers including roses and hydrangeas. The flowers appear to have been set up in woodland constructed in an archway.

Travis recalled his attempts at trying to catch Taylor’s attention by handing her a bracelet with his number on it. Speaking on his podcast which he co-hosts with his brother, he admitted: “I was disappointed that she doesn’t talk before or after her shows because she has to save her voice for the 44 songs she sings.”

He added: “So I was a little butt-hurt I didn’t get to hand her one of the bracelets I made her. I received a bunch of them being there, but I wanted to give Taylor Swift one with my number on.”

His brother then joked if he meant his shirt number or his phone number. And in response Travis said: “You know which one. She doesn’t meet anyone or at least she didn’t want to meet me so I took it personal.”‘

Speaking about her now fiancé, Taylor recently said on Heart Breakfast radio show: “He’s the most fun person. He’s such a natural, like in life. He’s never been nervous about anything in his entire life, so it’s pretty fun.

She added: “He’s all the things; he’s fun, vibrant, has this infectious personality, makes me laugh so much. There’s a line in the song [‘Wi$h Li$t’] that you just wanted a best friend who you think is hot. Well, that’s kind of it, you know?”

READ MORE: M&S shoppers say ‘cosy’ new cardigan is ‘perfect for colder weather’

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BIG BROTHER housemate Cameron revealed the surprising REAL reason he entered the house.

The 22-year-old farmer, from Somerset, got candid with fellow housemate Zelah, and opened up about his true intentions for coming onto the show.

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Cameron, who introduced himself as an introvert, told his co-star that he had entered the house on a mission to lose weight, as the pair openly discussed issues around body image.

As the pair had a conversation Cameron admitted that he had come into the house to “lose a bit of weight”.

Zelah, who works a professional trainer, asked if Cameron had any goals when it came to food.

Cameron responded: “Just like not eat so much crap all the time, like don’t binge as much.“

He went on to ask Zelah: “Did you used to be big?”

The personal trainer responded: “I used to be bigger, I used to be overweight.”

Zelah continued: “During my teen years, I developed an eating disorder.”

He opened up about his battle with bulimia, telling Cameron he struggled with “eating and then throwing up”.

Zelah admitted: “It stayed with me for a long time.”

Cameron responded: “At boarding school, we were made to run all the time and I was made to do rugby which I never really liked.”

He added: “I never really enjoyed, especially doing it with other people, I never really enjoyed doing all that.

“I felt embarrassed doing all that actually.”

Viewers praised Cameron for opening up about his body image struggles, particularly after he shared his fears over housemates liking him in an emotional diary room confession after entering the house.

Fans on social media admitted that the farmer has started to grow on them.

One viewer wrote on X: “Farmer O.G Cameron is really growing on me. Seems like such a nice guy. Love the way he emotionally checks in with people so effortlessly.”

Another fan said: “Farmer Cameron is a great addition to the cast i shouldnt have judged him prematurely”.

It comes as Gani became the second housemate to be given the boot from Big Brother house – after facing the first public vote of the series. 

Poor weather conditions meant ITV bosses had to pull the plug on using their outdoor set forcing this week’s evictee to leave via the back door.

Both Gani and Zelah found themselves facing the public vote after being given an evil eye by the four newest housemates – Richard, Feyisola, Cameron B and George.

Upon his departure being confirmed, he was met by Will Best, who walked him over to the Late and Live studio amid the shake-up.

When asked how he was feeling, Gani looked heartbroken as he confessed: “I seriously don’t know what to even say right now.”

During his exit interview with AJ and Will, Gani admitted he wanted to share more of himself whilst on the show.

IT is often a shock when celebrities suddenly find themselves sprayed orange and squeezed into a skimpy outfit for Strictly.

But for proud Geordie Vicky Pattison it is not a problem, because that is how she has spent most Saturday nights since she was as a teenager.

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For the TV star, getting dolled up to the nines every weekend is not being Strictlyfied, it is just being a lass from Newcastle.

Vicky, 37, said: “Everybody knows I’m super nervous about this entire process, I’m just a gobby girl from the north east doing her best.

“The dancing, the being out my comfort zone, learning something new, being judged by the public is also terrifying.

“But the one element that made me feel really excited and I had no reservations about at all was definitely being Strictlyfied.

“I’m sorry but the tan, the hair, the glam! I’ve been preparing for this for like 25 years.

“Like, I didn’t even have to change my fake tan routine at all — this girl was ready.”

Although Vicky, who is partnered on this series with pro Kai Widdrington, admits she likes a party her blind spot is actually the dancing.

She said: “I’ve joked that this is the first time I’ve danced sober but it’s probably not that far from the truth.

“You normally see me at people’s parties at the bar or chewing someone’s ear off in the kitchen. Definitely the last place you’d find me is on the dance floor.

“Everyone is gonna think I’m a novice — and they’d be right. But I am ready for a challenge and desperate to prove myself and some people wrong along the way.”

‘Reality TV scum’

Vicky admits people constantly underestimate her and in the 14 years since she shot to fame on MTV series Geordie Shore, has always been a bit of an underdog.

It was something Vicky, who last year married fashion brand businessman Ercan Ramadan, faced when she was a contestant on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here a decade ago.

Cynics would do well to remember she won that contest after a substantial public vote.

She said: “Winning the jungle was the best moment of my life, maybe tied with the day that I got married to Ercan.

“Everybody just wanted us out initially. Obviously I was in there and in me bubble and I’m actually really grateful for that, you know.

“But I learned afterwards everyone was like: ‘Get her out. We don’t want her in here. Reality TV scum blah, blah, blah.’

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I’ve joked that this is the first time I’ve danced sober but it’s probably not that far from the truth. You normally see me at people’s parties at
the bar . . . not on the dancefloor

“I don’t know what they thought I was gonna do like, go in there and down a Jaegerbomb and punch a kangaroo or something?

“I just wanted a chance to prove myself, to show people that I could be something different than what they’ve seen before.

“I just want to put my best SELF forward and within about 24 hours I was the favourite to win. I’m so proud of me achievement there.

“This is a very different ball game. I’m totally aware of that. But, like I say, I have always been the underdog and if people wanna get behind us, that is really nice.”

Although the public have yet to be fully won over by her dance on last week’s first live show, she finished in fifth place on the scoreboard — which is pretty impressive given she is one of 15 celebrities competing.

Meanwhile bookies Ladbrokes have her as favourite to win at 5/1, ahead of West End star Amber Davies and ex-footballer Karen Carney whose sensational jive saw her top the scoreboard last week.

Vicky said: “I can’t believe anyone would have us down as favourite in the lasses to win. I mean, have you seen the women in this competition? They’re all incredible.

“Amber’s amazing, did you see Kaz Carney’s jive on Saturday night? I mean, come on, that’s my winner right there!

“Bal is beautiful inside and out and just has so much rhythm. Alex is so theatrical and emotional when she dances it’s so beautiful.

“Ellie’s energy is infectious, just don’t even get us started on La Voix, you can’t look anywhere else when she’s on the stage.

“Maybe there’s a mistake there with those odds.”

Despite being up against the likes of Amber, who has appeared in 9 to 5 The Musical and stage show Back To The Future, plus Lewis Cope who was in the stage version of Billy Elliot, she feels no resentment.

Instead she adopts a more philosophical approach to the issue which pops up each series.

I don’t know what people thought I was gonna do in the jungle . . . like go in and down a Jaegerbomb
and punch a kangaroo?

Vicky said: “Every year Strictly has people of different abilities, doesn’t it? Some people who have never danced before, totally inexperienced, and some people maybe did ballet before as kids, some people a bit more.

“I don’t think it’s a big problem.It’s part and parcel and there’s loads of different styles of dance isn’t there?

“Just because someone’s experienced in one, doesn’t mean they’re experienced in another.

“Also, I do think it’s nice for the viewers at home that they get to watch some really good dancers early doors, like you know when maybe the rest of us are just learning. There is some still really brilliant performances to watch and everyone goes on a journey.”

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Vicky sees her journey continuing after she has completed Strictly, whether that is after this weekend’s first eviction, or after potentially making her way to the final.

But she admits wherever her career goes, it won’t be in dance.
She said: “I honestly haven’t thought past getting through the first week.

“Like if I managed to stay in on Saturday I’ll be shocked and over the moon.

“I certainly haven’t got any Grand Designs on being a West End star or, you know, pivoting into the world of performing. There’s far more deserving and better people than me. I’m a big fan of Strictly, I’ve watched it since I was a kid.

“I watched it with me grandma — it was me grandma’s favourite. I think that’s why I’m doing it, great big tick off the bucket list.

“But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping it would take us to different opportunities.

“The BBC is British institution, it’s a great channel. I would love to make more TV with them so, yeah, maybe I am hoping it will lead to more things but probably not in the dance space to be totally honest.”

Vicky and Kai will be dancing a foxtrot to the track Rein Me In tonight, which has special meaning as its by Sam Fender who she describes as “a Geordie legend.”

She added: “I feel like I’ve got the weight of the world on my shoulders trying to do, like, all the Northeast proud, Ercan proud, Kai proud, myself and my family proud.

“I’m absolutely terrified. Everyone keeps saying like, ‘Oh do you feel a bit better now you’ve got the first show and the first live dance done?’ I’m like, no I’m not.

“I’m still nervous. I can actually go home you know. It’s just like we’re dancing for fun. It’s not even a pre-record, we’re live and I’m just not ready.

“I’m not ready to say goodbye to people. I’m not ready for this journey to be over so I actually feel sick to my stomach about it.

“By nature, I’m not a very confident person, despite appearances.”

• Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One today at 6.20pm.

EMMERDALE and Coronation Street have officially begun filming crossover episodes in a historic first for ITV.

ITV has pulled off the ultimate soap shocker with the first-ever Coronation Street and Emmerdale crossover – and it’s been called Corriedale.

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Cameras are rolling on this one-off extravaganza, bringing together the nation’s favourite telly titans.

Expect Weatherfield’s lot to collide with their Yorkshire neighbours in a whirlwind hour of drama, secrets, and epic soap action.

Fans are already buzzing about what could go wrong… or right!

The two soaps are going all out, with production teams cooking up a jaw-dropping stunt that promises life-changing consequences for the characters involved.

ITV Executive Producer for Continuing Drama Iain Macleod said: “It’s beyond exciting that filming is underway on Corriedale.

“There is a massive buzz around both the Leeds and Manchester sites and the images coming out of the shoot are utterly spectacular.

“And that’s before we’ve even got to all the brilliant transpennine interactions between characters from the different shows!

“As a soap fan myself, I think my head is going to explode when the episode airs next year.

“It will be mind-blowing, historical and unmissable.”

There will also be an interactive twist for fans to determine one part of the episode.

A vote will be opened allowing soap fans to choose which Emmerdale and Coronation Street character will share a carefully-written scene together as part of the episode.

Corriedale is set to hit screens on ITV and YouTube in early 2026 – kicking off the brand-new soap power hour.

From then on, Emmerdale will roll out at 8pm, followed by Coronation Street at 8.30pm, every weekday in a double dose of drama.

The schedule change sees both soaps lose one episode a week amid dwindling ratings.

Biggest soap stunts

By Conor O’Brien

Soaps are no stranger to dramatic stunts in the storylines. Not only do these moments create a spectacle for viewers, they also fundamentally change characters’ lives.

Here is a look at some of the biggest soap stunts from over the years.

CORONATION STREET

• Tram crash (2010): The ITV soap marked its 50th anniversary with a intense tram crash – and live episode to boot. Overall, the crash and its effects were broadcast across a week in December 2010. Its resulting chaos saw regular characters Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold) and Molly Dobbs (Vicky Binns) die.
• Richard Hillman tries to kill the Platts (2003): Of all the men unlucky-in-love Gail tied the knot with, Richard Hillman (Brian Capron) is probably the one she regrets most in hindsight. In 2003, murderer Richard tried to kill his step-family: first by gassing them with car fumes and then driving Gail (Helen Worth), Sarah (Tina O’Brien), David (Jack P. Shepherd) and Bethany (Amy and Emily Walton) into a canal.

EASTENDERS

• Queen Vic fire (2010): In September 2010, EastEnders bid farewell to matriarch Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor) as a permanent fixture on the soap – she returned as a guest before the character’s death in 2016. In the build-up to her initial exit, Peggy had trapped crack cocaine-addicted son Phil (Steve McFadden) in the Queen Vic. However, he escaped and set the boozer on fire.
• Bus crash (2017): In April 2017, a total of 11 Albert Square residents had their lives at risk in a terrifying bus crash. The stunt saw a double decker bus – the 764 to Barking – lose control and crash through the Albert Square market before hitting a low-level bridge. Notable passengers at the time included Denise Fox (Diane Parish) and Louise Mitchell (Tilly Keeper).

EMMERDALE

• James Barton’s death (2016): Interestingly about James’ (Bill Ward) death was that it came in a spiral of events. After wife Emma (Gillian Kearney) locked James up in a jealous rage, he escaped and they tussled on a bridge over the bypass. Emma pushed him and James fell into traffic, in turn causing a 12-vehicle pile up, As well as James dying, key characters including Ashley Thomas (John Middleton) and Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) were injured.

Prince William has revealed his strict parenting rules when it comes to his kids – Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte – and mobile phones

Prince William has revealed his stern parenting when it comes to his kids and mobile phones. The future King revealed Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte are banned from owning a device by himself and his wife, Princess Kate.

He made the revelation while speaking with Eugene Levy, shortly after Kate had confirmed the pair try to limit their children’s screen time. And he also admitted they regularly sit down for dinner together no matter how busy his schedule gets, labelling their chats “really important’.

“None of our children have phones, which we’re very strict about,” he confessed before revealing the kids’ other obsessions. “Louis loves the trampoline,” he admitted. “He’s obsessed. And Charlotte loves it too.

READ MORE: Prince William reveals how he and Kate told their children about her cancer battleREAD MORE: Prince William – ‘I’m going to change the monarchy for the better to make my children proud’

“As far as I can tell they just end up jumping up and down, beating each other up, most of the time. Apparently, there is an art to it.”

As well as enjoying the trampoline, William, 43, says daughter Charlotte, 10, takes part in netball and ballet. William claimed both he and Kate think it’s really important to ensure their kids are involved in sports and outdoor activities.

As for 12-year-old George, William says his eldest is a staunch football fan, like himself. He said he is also keen on hockey.

William also opened up on the pain he felt as he watched both his father, King Charles III, and his wife be diagnosed with cancer. The Royal Family were left devastated by the double cancer diagnosis last year. They came just months apart.

Buckingham Palace announced in February 2024 that the King had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer following a prostate exam. Then in March, the Princess of Wales confirmed she too had been diagnosed with cancer following tests that were conducted after major abdominal surgery in January.

Speaking to Eugene for his The Reluctant Traveler series, William described having his father and wife sick at the same time was like “having the rug pulled from underneath you”.

He candidly admitted: “We’ve been very lucky, we hadn’t had many illnesses in the family for a very long time. My grandparents lived until they were in the high 90s.

“So, they were the vision of fitness, and stoicism, and resilience if you like. So we’ve been very lucky as a family.” He then went on to reference his father King Charles ‘ cancer diagnosis and his wife Kate’s diagnosis.

“But I think, when you suddenly realise that the rug if you were, the metaphorical rug can be pulled from under your feet quite quick at any point. You maybe think to yourself ‘It won’t happen to us, we’ll be okay.’

“Because I think everyone has a positive outlook, you’ve got to be positive. But when it does happen to you, then it takes you into some pretty not great places.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

A 20-YEAR-OLD mother has revealed how she really spends her Universal Credit payments. 

Skye Byrne, a young mum from the UK, claimed that not only has she treated herself to a holiday, but she even splashed the cash in Sainsbury’s on a huge homeware haul.

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And as well as stocking up her daughter’s wardrobe, she also indulged with a McDonald’s takeaway.

Posting on social media, the content creator who lives in a council house, revealed a typical day in her life. 

She said: “What I spend in a day, UC Benefit Britain Edition.”

Skye kicked off her morning with a Universal Credit appointment and was quick to clap at trolls who have criticised her for booking a trip abroad.

She said: “For everyone that said, ‘you shouldn’t be going on holiday when you’re on UC,’ well, I told my work coach and she cried, she actually cried because she knows how much I’ve been wanting so badly to take my daughter on a holiday and she was so happy and thrilled for us, so, yeah, suck on that, everyone.”

Following this, Skye then headed to her local supermarket and stocked up on homeware buys and clothes for her daughter.

She added: “I went into Sainsbury’s and picked up these little bits and bobs for the house – I got three pillows and a blanket.”

As well as this, Skye also nabbed some tea towels and place mats, bringing her interior purchases to a total cost of £48.

However, Skye then picked up two pairs of £3.50 leggings and a pair of £7 jeggings for her child.

Following this, she also nabbed a pair of beige trousers and a PAW Patrol bottle, but was lost for words when she went to the till and saw the total cost of her haul.

The benefits recipient shared: “Honestly, I almost had a heart attack when I saw the price – this all came to £88, I was stunned.”

But the money spending clearly didn’t stop there, as Skye ended her day with a takeaway.

So glad my taxes are being spent wisely

TikTok user

Although Skye didn’t splurge masses on her fast food as it cost her just £2.99. 

“Then went into Maccas cause I was quite hungry, so I picked up a triple cheeseburger,” she concluded.

Social media users react

Skye’s TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @skyebyrnex, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 32,100 views. 

But social media users were fuming by how Skye spent her money and many raced to the comments to express this. 

One person said: “So glad my taxes are being spent wisely.” 

I am allowed a nice home for my daughter to live in. I’m also allowed to take my daughter on holidays and enjoy her childhood

Skye Byrne

Another added: “How can you afford to shop in Sainsbury’s on UC? I’m lucky if I can afford Primark nowadays.” 

A third commented: “Workshy and diet shy.”

To this, Skye responded and alongside a kiss emoji, cheekily wrote: “Don’t be jelly.” 

At the same time, one user questioned: “Isn’t UC designed to help you survive when you aren’t working? Not for pillows? And apparently a holiday.” 

In response, Skye shared: “1. I am allowed a nice home for my daughter to live in. 2. I’m also allowed to take my daughter on holidays and enjoy her childhood.” 

Meanwhile, someone else asked: “How on earth do you afford to go on holiday?”

Setting the record straight, Skye wrote back and confirmed: “I save. I make sure I can do these things for my daughter.” 

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club

Reality TV queen Kim Kardashian has emotionally revealed that someone close to her allegedly put a ‘hit’ on her life in a shocking trailer for the new Kardashian series

Kim Kardashian has claimed someone close to her put a “hit” on her life in a dramatic admission. The reality TV star, 44, was seen crying as she shared the situation for the first time.

She revealed she learned of the alleged plot through her investigators as the scenes are expected to play out on her family’s reality show. The Kardashian clan have let cameras into their lives once again, but this time things have appeared to take a harrowing turn.

In a trailer for the upcoming series, Kim was left in tears as she opened up on someone wanting her dead. “I got a call from investigators,” she said.

READ MORE: Kylie Jenner steps out in little black dress with famous pals at Paris Fashion WeekREAD MORE: The Kardashians season 7 release date announced as new trailer ‘feels like old times’

“Someone extremely close to me put a hit out on my life.” Short clips of Kim pacing a room and then being left in tears were show as she made the shocking revelation.

Her younger sister Kendall Jenner appeared as she said: “Everybody’s kind of on edge.” The trailer cut to Kylie Jenner, who was sat speaking to her mum Kris, as she recounted: “I heard footsteps walking into my room.”

It ended with a shot of Kim speaking directly to the camera as she admitted: “I am happy it’s over.” The series is set to feature Kim’s Paris jewel robbery trial as well as brother Rob, who has taken a step away from the spotlight in recent years.

Caitlyn Jenner is also poised to make an appearance as the 75-year-old is seen in the explosive trailer. There are also big changes for the family as they bid farewell to their Hidden Hills mansion, where they filmed Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

They revisited the home for one last time as they prepared for an emotional goodbye. It also left many of the sisters spilling their confessions from life at the property.

The youngest sisters, Kendall and Kylie, admitted to sneaking boys into the home, while Khloe left her family stunned by confessing to having sex in many of the home’s rooms.

The Kardashians teases in their official synopsis: “The Kardashian-Jenners are back, and it feels like old times! Kris, Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, Kendall, and Kylie are diving head-first into the drama, the hustle, and the heart.

“They must revisit their past as they chase passions that push them further than ever before. Through unforgettable moments and deeply personal challenges, the family continues to evolve and redefine their legacy.”

The upcoming series has been branded a “whole different beast” as viewers are warned: “You better watch out.”

It marks the seventh season of The Kardashians and begins on streaming site Hulu on October 23, with new episodes are shown on Thursdays.

READ MORE: ‘I tested this £28 foundation – it’s a dream and made my face glow all day’

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

ROBBIE Williams has revealed his life-changing health battle for the first time, admitting ‘you’re always looking for the cure.’ 

The music star said he’s been secretly living with Tourette’s syndrome. 

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Robbie, 51, has claimed that his Tourette’s are ‘intrusive’ while speaking on a podcast about it for the first time. 

The music legend starred on the first episode of the new season of Paul Whitehouse and Dr Mine Conkbayir’s podcast I’m ADHD! No You’re Not. 

He said: “I’ve just realised that I have Tourettes, but they don’t come out. 

“They are intrusive thoughts that happen, I was just walking down the road the other day, and I realised that these intrusive thoughts are inside Tourettes. It just doesn’t come out.

“Not only that, you would think that a stadium full of people professing their love to you would work as (a distraction), but whatever it is inside me cannot hear it. I cannot take it in.”

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN has paid tribute to former World Nineball Pool champion Mika Immonen.

Immonen passed away at the age of 52 on Sunday after a long battle with cancer.

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Tributes poured in for the Iceman, who became a legend on the pool circuit.

O’Sullivan has now opened up about his bond with Immonen, who would stay at his house during his time in the UK.

The Rocket took to Instagram to say: “So sad to hear of the passing of my friend Mika, someone I did not see enough of but thought a great deal of.

“Stayed at my house on times in UK and enjoyed our runs in the forest, one of the greatest pool players of the generation, an honour to share a pool table with him but also the personal times together I will never forget.

“Sadly missed, devastated today.”

Immonen became the only Finnish star to win the World Nineball Championship in 2001.

He also won back-to-back US Open Pool Championship titles in 2008 and 2009.

The Iceman established himself as a pool icon with his appearances at the Mosconi Cup over the years.

He represented Team Europe on 15 occasions – the second-most of any European.

Immonen was named MVP for his performance in the 2008 competition.

Emmerdale’s latest episode reveals who mystery newcomer Kev, played by actor Chris Coghill, really is and how he’s linked to Robert Sugden on the ITV soap amid a new twist

There’s a big discovery on Emmerdale on Monday, as newcomer Kev’s link to Robert Sugden comes to light.

Actor Chris Coghill debuts on the ITV soap in the episode that is available to watch on ITVX now. In said episode, we finally find out who he is and why he’s in the village.

The Mirror have chosen not to give these details away just yet for viewers tuning in to ITV1 on Monday evening. This article does contain some slight spoilers though, so look away now if you want to avoid any details.

In the episode, Kev locates Robert and he soon gets invited into his home. It follows Friday’s episode that saw someone, known as K, texting Robert and leaving him unnerved.

READ MORE: Emmerdale’s Anthony ‘not the body dug up by Caleb’ as John’s real victim ‘revealed’READ MORE: Emmerdale reveals who Gabby slept with as Vinny betrayal exposed

The message asked Robert to “stop ignoring” him, and Robert began looking around to see if anyone was watching him. On Monday, we see Kev arrive in the village and asking for directions to where he might find Robert.

Robert opens the door to a very familiar face, Kev. As he watches to see if anyone has spotted them together, he quickly closes the door and it becomes clear they know each other.

In this episode it details who he is and how he and Robert know each other, as we learn more about his time in prison. Victoria Sugden, Robert’s sister, walks in on the pair holding hands and quickly questions what is going on.

Confused, she demands answers with Robert left to explain who Kev is. Viewers can expect an explanation about it all, while later in the week spoilers reveal Robert is caught up in a “tricky situation” that he has caused for himself.

But what does this mean for Robert and Aaron Dingle, amid hopes of a Robron reunion? On Friday Aaron tried to kiss his ex, after a traumatic few weeks thanks to his killer husband John Sugden.

Robert rejected the kiss though, telling Aaron that he didn’t want them to reunite “like this”, knowing what Aaron was going through. Aaron initially acted out over this but soon realised Robert was supporting him.

He told Robert he couldn’t get through the turmoil on his own, grateful to have him by his side even if “just as mates”. Robert promised he’d help “fix” him and that he was going nowhere – but what will Kev’s arrival bring to the pair, and how will Aaron react to Kev’s arrival when he finds out?

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

BRITAIN must join the fight against Hamas and not reward terror by recognising a Palestinian state, the former chief of Mossad has said.

Veteran Israeli spy Yossi Cohen vowed to eradicate every last enemy fighter in Gaza – as he fumed that Israel is “doing the world’s job alone”.

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Mr Cohen demanded to know why Britain and other countries were not helping Israel after joining previous fights against other terror groups.

Sitting down with The Sun, he said: “The big question is, will you join us?

“More than 70 countries, including Britain, fought together to defeat one terror organisation with ISIS, and you joined the war against the Taliban in Afghanistan.

“How many armies are fighting with us alongside Hamas? None. The state of Israel is doing the world’s job alone. You’re invited.”

With or without the support, Mr Cohen said he will hunt down every last Hamas fighter, vowing: “If there are 100 Hamas fighters left in Gaza City… I’ll find them for you.”

Mr Cohen, who reveals his life as a spy in his new book The Sword of Freedom, slammed Sir Keir Starmer for his decision last week to formally recognise a Palestinian state – insisting he has “no power to do that”.

Several other countries including France, Canada and Australia all recognised Palestine this month – pushing the number of UN members doing so over 150.

Successive UK governments have vowed to recognise a Palestinian state at the point of most impact as part of a peace process – and Starmer felt the time was now.

The PM said the decision was in aid of a two-state solution, which is the “opposite” of what Hamas wants – though the terror group still claimed it as a victory.

But Mr Cohen said the move by Starmer was cynical.

It was designed to “strengthen” support for the Labour government at home, Mr Cohen claimed, while serving no purpose on the world stage.

He speculated that Starmer felt forced into the decision to “keep people quiet” in the UK – rather than it being “from his heart”.

And he fumed it was a “reward” to Hamas for their heinous October 7 attack.

“If Hamas are the UK’s partners, that’s very sad,” Mr Cohen said.

Cohen dismissed the declaration as toothless because it is “legally impossible” for other countries to mandate a two-state solution.

Referring to the Oslo Accords of 1993, the only standing agreement Israel has with the Palestinian Authority, he insisted that decisions about statehood may only be made between Israel’s government and the PA.

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Earlier this year, Trump also suggested recognising the Palestinian state would risk “rewarding Hamas”.

Cohen said there is a history of governments, including the British, saying one thing to their population and another thing to Israel behind closed doors – and that he “hopes” that remains the case.

He revealed that, in his former roles, he met with foreign diplomats who would be appreciative during private meetings – only to later release “the filthiest statements” about Israel.

‘We take care of Gazans’

Directly addressing the hundreds of thousands of Brits who regularly take to the streets as part of pro-Palestinian marches, Mr Cohen said: “Israel is conducting a just war. This is absolutely the right thing that we have to do.

“Intentionally, we do not kill civilians. Intentionally, we do not starve anyone. Intentionally, we’re taking care of the Gazan people.”

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Mr Cohen even claimed he had received criticism in Israel for helping bring in financial support for Gazans from donors.

“Why is it that we do that? Because we do care about the Gazan people,” he insisted.

A United Nations commission determined this month that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

Israel’s conduct in the war has faced increased scrutiny over the past year as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens.

Reflecting on why there is such a gulf in feeling between Israel’s public and Brits, Mr Cohen said his country is still reeling from the atrocities committed on October 7 – with hostages still being kept in Gaza.

He said: “Civilians were killed and butchered. Babies included, burned in their beds, raped. The atrocities that we’ve seen are on a different scale.

“This is the reaction of a normal country. We are a normal country.

“Demonstrators will demonstrate whether Israel conducts itself rightly or wrongly. This is part of their agenda.”

Civilians were killed and butchered. Babies included, burned in their beds, raped. The atrocities that we’ve seen are on a different scale

Yossi CohenFormer director of Mossad

Hundreds of civilians in Gaza are being killed every week in air strikes and shootings.

Israel has repeatedly blamed Hamas for the high civilian death toll – claiming the people of Gaza are being used as human shields.

The IDF has recently expanded its military operation in Gaza City where hundreds of thousands of civilian remain.

Confronted with this fact, Mr Cohen said: “The type of war that we conduct is hard.

“It is not something that you can even imagine when you have terrorists living together with kids and babies in kindergartens, UN facilities, hospitals, clinics, and any other thing.

“They just conquered everything, every single house in the region, to create a kind of a terror activity in within.

“So it’s hard to do, but I know for sure that the state of Israel is doing its best to make sure that the Gazan people will not be hurt.”

Almost 70,000 people have been killed in Gaza since October 7, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ex spy master served as Benjamin Netanyahu’s national security advisor – and has hinted at aspirations to become the next Prime Minister of Israel, or returning to the government in some capacity.

“If Netanyahu wants to use me or to use my capabilities… of course he can do that,” Mr Cohen said. “He knows my phone number.”

Hinting at Netanyahu’s handing of the war, he added: “I think the people of Israel need a change that is basically founded on the need of unification.

“It is getting a little bit too intense to my taste.”

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‘Amazing’ Tony Blair

Cohen also passionately backed an emerging plan for former UK PM Tony Blair to temporarily govern Gaza after the war.

Blair has reportedly pitched a plan to Donald Trump which would see him lead a Gaza International Transitional Authority (GITA) overseeing the strip before handing over to the Palestinian Authority.

Cohen told us it was an “amazing move from Blair”, and insisted they would work well together.

He said: “This is the main problem – what do we do the day after? And who is going to take care of the close to 2.2 million people?

“We need someone to run the show in the Gaza Strip and stop it deteriorating into the hands of Hamas.

“Tony Blair‘s initiative and willingness to do that is highly appreciated. God bless him.”

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IT was the Autumn equinox on Monday – which means the days are about to get a lot shorter.

Before you know it, it will be dark when you get home from work and when you get up in the morning.

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And although that means less gardening time – there’s still loads you can get in the ground or your greenhouse.

In fact, Autumn is a great time to get planting – simply because the soil is still warm but the weather is cooler – which means roots can establish well before Winter.

Whether it’s for produce or colour before Christmas – or flowers after – I’ve put together a guide on what can go in the ground now.

FLOWERS

You can always tell from what’s on sale in your local garden centre or supermarket as to what will bring you colour in the run up before Christmas.

But staples like container grown Geums, Cyclamen, Astor, Japanese Anenome, and Chrysanthemums can be bought in flower and planted now.

Plus racks of bedding plants like pansies, viola and primroses are filling supermarket shelves.

I managed to find three packs of eight viola plugs from Asda for just a fiver last weekend – which means each of the 24 plugs are only 20p.

Plus the gorgeous colour combinations will fill your garden with rainbows of colour.

And a lot of the garden centres are offering Winter Bedding packs – which takes the decision of what to buy out of your hands – and provides you with a lovely rainbow of colours for your outside space.=

Seeds-wise – you can plant sweetpea, poppies, calendula, cornflower, nemesia, forget-me-nots, and lavender under cover.

BULBS

Daffodils, crocus, alliums and grape hyacinth bulbs are good to go in September and October – as well as the more unusual large Fritalliaries  and Camassia – which look really like bluebells.

But hold fire until November until you plant your tulip bulbs – they love the colder weather.

If you put them in too early, you’ll risk the change of Tulip Fire, which is a fungal disease that causes distorted leaves and spots – that look like scorch marks – on the tulips themselves.

A lot of online garden centres have big bulb sales on at the moment, so it’s worth shopping around.

Suttons Seeds are offering Sun Gardening readers an exclusive link to get 80 per cent off their bulb sales right now.

Access it now at www.suttons.co.uk/sunoffer

VEGETABLES AND FRUIT

Butterhead and Lamb’s lettuce actually like the colder weather – so under a cloche or cold frame, or in a greenhouse – sow the seeds thinly, about 1.5cm deep. Sow every 2-3 weeks for a continuous supply.

Overwintering cauliflower seeds like ‘All The Year Round’ and ‘Autumn Giant’ can be planted now – under protection.

Plus onion seeds, winter greens, garlic, pak choi, spinach and kale.

There’s a lot of fruit you can grow in pots – including cherries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries.

Then wait until November for bare root season

Also in Veronica’s Column this week…

Gardening news, top tips, Plant of the Week plus a chance to win a £200 Gardening Express voucher.

Fore more gardening content and competitions follow me @biros_and_bloom

NEWS! Did you know that 22 billion carrot seeds are sown each year in the UK, and we eat our way through 700,000 tonnes of carrots annually?
This works out to be around 100 per person, and laid out end to end they would stretch 1.4 million miles – two and a half trips to the moon.  
And as British growers provide 97 per cent of the carrots consumers buy in the UK, there is almost no need to buy imported carrots.
They’re also worth £290m to the UK Economy yet are one of the cheapest vegetables – with loads of nutritional benefits.  
The incredible stats have been released in time for British Carrot Day on Friday – which celebrates the UK carrot growing and encourages people to buy, get creative, eat, and cook with carrots.
For more information visit www.britishcarrots.co.uk 

NEWS! A whopping leaf four metres long has been grown at the Eden Project, Cornwall. Lodoicea maldivica, more commonly known as coco de mer, is native to the islands of the Seychelles and is famous for producing the world’s largest and heaviest seed.
The mature leaf has taken around ten years to develop to this stage. And over the next decade, it could reach a massive eight to ten metres. A coco de mer can live for up to 800 years, reaching up to 112 feet tall.

TOP TIP! September is the start of baby hedgehog (hoglet) season, and you may find that they need your help.
Autumn Juvenile hedgehogs are old enough to be away from their mums, but often too small to hibernate successfully.
Guidance from the British Hedgehog Preservation Society  says that “if the hedgehog is a regular visitor to your garden, is only seen at night, appears active and you are prepared to feed it every night then it can be left in the wild.
But  if the hedgehog goes off its food, wobbles and staggers or starts coming out in the day, then it needs extra help as soon as possible.
The best way to ensure wild hedgehogs are well-fed is to create organic wild spaces, leafy corners and log piles where they can forage for natural foods, like grubs and insects.
To supplement their diet in the wild, you can offer hedgehogs a good quality meaty hedgehog food, meaty cat or dog food or dry biscuits for cats.

NEWS! If you fancy turning your hand to growing houseplants, Unwins have launched a brand new Houseplant Seed Collection, a curated range of eight varieties that have been specially selected and bred to flourish in UK and Irish homes.
Including Asparagus Ferns, Sempervivum, Bird of Paradise and Dichondra Silver Surfer, the packs are available now in your local garden centre.
Natasha Lane, Head of Seed, for Unwins, commented: “We’re very excited to be launching a collection of houseplant seeds for the first time. It now means that it’s easier than ever to create your very own indoor jungle. Whether you’re looking to enhance wellbeing, purify the air, or simply add style to your space, our houseplant seeds are ready to grow with you.”

WIN! One lucky reader can win a £200 Gardening Express voucher to spend online. To enter, visit www.thesun.co.uk/EXPRESSVOUCHER or write to Sun Gardening Express competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Entries close 11.59pm. October 11, 2025. T&Cs apply

PLANT OF THE WEEK! Japanese Anemone. Blooming now, they’re graceful and tall with long stalks and single or double flowers – great for brightening up shady corners, but prefer a bit of sun. Spread by rhizomes.

JOB OF THE WEEK! If you’ve got a pond it’s time to get it ready for winter – net it before leaves start to fall and trim back any overgrown pond plants. Put a tennis ball in to help prevent freezing.

Ex Married At First Sight star Erica Roberts has taken to TikTok to spill all the behind the scenes tea on the E4 show – and another dating show she was ‘secretly’ a part of…

Former Married At First Sight bride Erica Roberts has taken to TikTok to spill all the BTS tea on the E4 show – and her stint on Love Island that was never aired.

Erica rose to fame on the 2023 series of the show when she entered as an intruder, tying the knot with Jordan Gayle. Despite hitting it off after saying their vows, the couple called it quits less than a year after entering the experiment.

However, Married At First Sight isn’t the only “dating show” the star has taken part in. In fact, Erica took part in a Love Island dry run before her stint on MAFS.

READ MORE: MAFS UK gets a major schedule change ahead of Celebrity Traitors and fans are worriedREAD MORE: MAFS UK honeymoon disaster as bride walks off and ‘demands to go home’

For those who don’t know, refers to a pre-show rehearsal where a group of people who applied or were scouted, move into the villa to test out all the production elements before the actual cast arrive. Some of them will in fact make it to the main cast, with Casa Amor bombshells Lauren and Ty from this season revealing they had met in there before.

Now, Erica has revealed she was in a dry run a year before MAFS, which is how she got scouted for the E4 show. Taking to TikTok, she said: “I was actually meant to go on Love Island. I got flown out to Majorca. This was the year before,” explaining that “essentially it’s actually an audition for Casa Amor”.

However, Erica said she would never have wanted to go into Casa, and would have turned it down if it was offered to her.

“So the girl that cast me for Love Island then got back to me a couple of months later and was like, ‘Erica, please, please, please, can I put you forward for MAFS?’

“Initially, I was like, absolutely not. Nah, it’s not the show for me. I don’t think I want to do that. I’m good. They contacted me again not long after, maybe two months later, and I was in a bit of Heartbreak Hotel so when she came to me, I was like, yes, yes, let’s do it,” she continued.

“But I’m gonna be honest, I really didn’t think anything of it at first. I was like, you know what? F*** it. Let’s just do it.”

Elsewhere on her TikTok page, Erica revealed that the cast had absolutely no idea where they were going on honeymoon beforehand, but were told by producers what type of clothes to bring.

“People that ended up going to like, Lapland, they would have been told to bring warm clothes. Honestly if they sent me somewhere like that I’d be so fuming. I got to go to Antigua and it was unreal!”

Former MAFS groom Thomas Kriaras joked in the comments: “When they told me I needed to bring a jacket for my honeymoon, I was fuming!”

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