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…
22:44, 25 Sep 2025Updated 22:44, 25 Sep 2025
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.
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!”
STACEY Solomon has shared how she keeps her bouncy blow dry in place for more than a week after getting it done.
The mum-of-five retained her crown as the most relatable celeb in showbiz as she took to TikTok to post the exact routine she swears by.
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Stacey Solomon took to TikTok to share how she makes the most of a bouncy blowdryCredit: TikTok/@staceysolomon
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She sleeps in heatless curls, and then uses dry shampoo on the rootsCredit: TikTok/@staceysolomon
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A quick run through her locks with her fingers and she’s doneCredit: TikTok/@staceysolomon
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And her hair looks just the same as it does when it’s freshly blow driedCredit: Getty
In the video, she said she was doing her best to get ready “as quickly as possible” for work, so had done her make-up in seconds and prepped her locks the night before.
“I didn’t wash it, but I just dampened it down,” Stacey said in a video on her TikTok page.
“It was, I had like a really old blow dry, and I’ve been trying to keep it in for a week.
“So I’ve just been putting my heatless curler in, and then going to bed with it, taking it out.”
Once taking the heatless curling rod out, Stacey, 35, used some of the REHAB. Essential Dry Shampoo on her roots – to absorb the grease and give her hair some extra texture.
She then ran her fingers through her hair, and grinned as she showed how it looked as though she’d had a “fresh, bouncy blow dry”.
“I wonder how long I can like this blow dry for,” she laughed.
“Like we’re on week one, I wonder if I can bring it into week two with my heatless curler.
“They’re just so good, and it just means I only have to destroy my hair with heat once every couple of weeks, because I can keep all of the curls in place, and keep it looking fresh with my dry shampoo and heatless curler.”
She finished off her speedy makeover with a swipe of lip oil, and then was ready to go.
Stacey Solomon’s rarely seen ex and dad to eldest son Zach appears on show as she discusses teen pregnancy
“I want daily updates on the hair! BRING ON WEEK 2!” one person commented on the TikTok.
“You have such great hair,” another added.
“And it actually looks stunning!” a third praised.
“Go on girl!”
“I love the dry shampoo, it’s a life saver,” someone else said.
While others admitted they were more than a little jealous of Stacey’s finished look.
“I swear if I don’t wash my hair for two days on day three my curls look like rats’ tails!” one wrote.
“I have such hair envy! My hair doesn’t hold curl ever!” another added.
“OMG! You are so glamorous even when you’re not,” a third smiled.
Paul Dhaliwal, Chief Commercial Officer at Iceland Foods, said: “Our customers expect variety and flavour without breaking the bank, and this year we’ve delivered just that. We’ve perfected the festive staples and added new twists that will impress and bring joy to every bite.
“From classic centrepieces and irresistible desserts to brand-new creations and party essentials, there’s something to suit every kind of Christmas celebration, no matter your style or budget.”
What’s on the menu?
Iceland‘s menu this year offers customers everything they’ll need for Christmas lunch or dinner from beloved Christmas classics to some new additions.
This includes everything from their Sweet Chilli Sticky Prawns and Pizza Chicken Wedges to TGI Fridays Cheeseburger & Chip baskets.
Shoppers will be able to sink their teeth into a range of Christmas meats, pigs and blankets and all the trimmings on top.
And if you are thinking of throwing a festive bash this year, customers can take advantage of their mix-and-match deals on select products like three items for £10.
Or shoppers can stock up with their £1 party range and luxury platters.
But among the showstoppers of this year’s Christmas range is the Luxury Perfect Turkey Crown.
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For £28, you can get your hands on 2.2kg of frozen boneless skin on turkey crown with added water topped with sunflower oil and herb and spice marinade.
We also have a feeling that many will be eyeing up the Bailey’s Iced Yule Log for £12.
It features mouthwatering Baileys salted caramel mousse, a dark chocolate sauce and chocolate flavoured meringue.
Joanna said: “There are always going to be predators in an environment like this when you’ve got young, beautiful girls who are desperate to get a job.
“It is so hard to get that job.”
“Most of the time the people who are giving you those jobs are older men and they know that you want the job and there’s a million girls out there trying to get the job.”
She continued: “You don’t ever go, ‘Oh God, I’m going to report this’, because in those days you kind of didn’t, you just got on with it, it was what happened at work.
“It wasn’t every single job I went into, but in lots of different jobs there would be one type of thing.”
Mum-of-four Joanna, who is promoting her memoir Lush!, does not name the perpetrator as she says: “The legal people said, ‘Be careful’.”
A BBC spokesperson told The Sun earlier this year: “What started as a six month project turned into more than a year of joyous TV chatter, and over 80 heart-warming episodes.
Watch as Joanna Page reveals she was in floods of tears filming final scenes
“Though they both loved making the series, Natalie Cassidy and Joanna Page have very busy schedules and on the 21st May, the final episode of Off the Telly will be released on BBC Sounds.
“Thank you to Nat and Jo for their warm recommendations and insider analysis, and to the whole team for keeping listeners in the loop with what to watch.
“We look forward to working with Nat and Jo again soon!”
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‘You’re a woman…and it’s so hard to get jobs anyway and you don’t want to make a fuss’, said the actressCredit: Rex
TV legend Johnny Ball has revealed he has been secretly fighting prostate cancer.
The 87-year-old, who first found fame presenting Play School in 1967, was diagnosed in August 2022.
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TV legend Johnny Ball, father of presenter Zoe Ball, has revealed he secretly battled cancerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
He then underwent three months of daily radiation treatment and is now in recovery.
He told The Mirror: “I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in August 2022 and, thankfully, after three months of daily radiation treatment, starting in the September, I’m through it, I’m fine.”
Johnny, who has regular annual checks, says he knows how fortunate he has been to survive.
He said: “My friend Harry Secombe didn’t survive it, Bob Monkhouse didn’t survive it. I’m 20 years younger than them and I am lucky, because now we can cure it.”
Three MiG-31 jets flew over Vaindloo Island and stayed there for nearly 12 minutes.
NATO allies scrambled Italian F-35s to repel the planes – which had their transponders turned off.
Security expert Will Geddes told The Sun: “What we’re increasingly seeing is incursions into NATO country airspace, whether that be Poland, quite recently on September 10, with drones, whether it be Romania, or now Estonia.
“This is becoming increasingly concerning, as NATO has a joint agreement in terms of protecting their airspace.”
He added: “I think what it really comes down to is the fact that Russia is testing NATO countries, and testing their aerial defence measures.”
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One of the Russian mig-31 fighter jets that flew into Estonian airspaceCredit: Reuters
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Vladimir Putin gestures while speaking at a meeting with leaders of the political parties represented in the State DumaCredit: AP
DINERS who were rushed to hospital after an “excruciating” meal suspect one ingredient was the cause of their torment.
After tucking into a family meal at the Dosa Kingss eaterie in Sale, Manchester, on September 6, 11 diners had to be treated by medics.
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Cops were called to Dosa Kingss following reports diners had been taken illCredit: Handout
A massive emergency response was sparked by the incident with fire crews, police and paramedics called to the chaotic scene.
Customers inside the restaurant became violently unwell after eating some of the food on offer and have now blamed one ingredient for the disastrous dinner.
The incident sparked a Greater Manchester Police investigation.
Two of the 11 diners suffered severe reactions to the food and had to be hospitalised while several others were treated inside the restaurant.
Police said a number of people were treated for “minor reactions” to the dodgy food.
One of the lines of inquiry being probed blames yams for the diners illness.
Some types of the root vegetable can contain toxins that can be harmful if undercooked.
It is believed to have been part of one of the dishes served from the restaurant’s set menu.
The exact cause of the violent reaction to the food has yet to be confirmed.
One diner, Amrita Kapadia, who was dining with her young son and her family at the restaurant, was among the customers served the food.
Emergency at Dosa Kingss: eight diners fall ill at Manchester restaurant
She said the Aviyal, which is a thick stew of mixed vegetable, contained yams.
Amrita was one of the two diners to be hospitalised after the meal made her feel like she was “chewing glass.”
She claims the food left her suffering a severe reaction with her mouth and throat burning.
She was unable to speak following the “frightening” ordeal and said it felt as though she had been “stung by bees.”
Amrita told Manchester Evening News: “The table next to us started complaining that something was stinging or spicy in their mouths.
“The restaurant folks brought them water and, while that was going on, two of us at our table of five had the same dish at the same time, which was a mixed vegetable dish called Aviyal.
“As soon as we ate it, we had this stinging sensation in our mouths. It was like chewing glass, it was excruciating. It felt like I had been stung by bees it was just so painful.
“We couldn’t taste anything and our tongues went bizarre. The sensation travelled to our gums, cheek and throats.”
Before her own situation deteriorated further, Amrita instructed her son, who thankfully avoided any serious reaction to the food, to stop eating immediately.
Diners began to call 999 and ask for paramedics to be sent as they began to lose the ability to speak and felt paralysed.
The harrowing ordeal left diners with increased heart rates, dizziness, pain and swelling.
Amrita was hospitalised for four hours after she was given two shots of adrenaline that did nothing to combat her extreme symptoms by paramedics.
She received a form from Trafford Council to complete detailing what each member of the party had consumed.
Police remained at the scene for hours after the incident as their investigation got underway.
The scale of the emergency response sparked fears of a serious gas leak which was quickly ruled out by the probe.
Dosa Kingss posted a brief statement on social media following the chaos.
It reads: “Dear valued customers, due to unforeseen circumstances, we are temporarily closed.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and truly appreciate your understanding and support. We look forward to serving you again.”
A spokesperson for GMP previously stated: “At around 12.40pm today (6 September), we received a report of people becoming unwell at a restaurant on Northenden Road, Sale.
“Emergency services quickly attended and several people were treated at the scene for minor reactions. Enquiries into the incident are currently ongoing.”
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON FOOD ALLERGIES?
APPROXIMATELY 44 per cent of people in Britain have an allergy or allergic disorder of some kind, says the charity Allergy UK.
Rates are higher in under-35s and lowest in pensioners.
The most common food allergies, according to the NHS, are:
Cow milk
Eggs
Peanuts
Nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews, pistachios and Brazil nuts
Soy beans, chickpeas and peas
Shellfish
Wheat
You may be allergic to a food if it makes you feel dizzy, lightheaded, sick or itchy, brings you out in hives or swollen lips or eyes, or causes diarrhoea, vomiting, a runny nose, cough, breathlessness or wheezing.
BONNIE Blue’s security has revealed they often deal with aggressive attacks aimed at her after she was “slapped” in a club.
Bonnie arrived at Onyx Nightclub in Sheffield, South Yorkshire at 1am on Friday as part of her “Bang Bus” tour before chaos ensued.
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Bonnie Blue was ‘slapped’ at an event on Friday according to her securityCredit: Yorkshire Live
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The adult film star had appeared at a club event on her “Bang Bus” tourCredit: Yorkshire Live
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But 40 minutes after arriving chaos ensued and security could be seen hauling people away insideCredit: Yorkshire Live
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In another video, Bonnie is seen telling her security to get rid of a woman who told her she was ‘setting feminism back’Credit: TikTok/@ffiwilliamss
The notorious adult film star was appearing at an event dubbed “the wildest freshers experience in Sheffield”.
But carnage soon followed 40 minutes later as footage showed cops tackling suspects at the venue after an attendee reportedly punched her in the jaw.
However, Bonnie’s head of security told The Sun that she wasn’t punched but was “slapped” by a fan.
“Bonnie takes risks every time she poses for thousands of pictures with fans — and that’s always the main challenge for us, as we keep constant eyes on her safety,” he said.
“In this case, a fan took a split-second opportunity to slap her. Our team immediately stepped in with reasonable and necessary actions to de-escalate the situation, and Bonnie carried on with her night’s work.
“For the sake of content and socials, Bonnie often allows fans within arm’s reach, but our team has successfully managed numerous situations to stop anything aggressive — whether verbal or physical.
“This was an opportunistic attack, and it will not be tolerated.”
Bonnie also downplayed the altercation and said she was “totally fine” and thanked her security.
“She said: “There was a tiny incident last night but I’m totally fine — big thanks to my A+ security for keeping everything smooth.
“No scratches, no stress, and definitely no slowing me down. Can’t wait for my Nottingham homecoming for the next two days.”
Controversial adult star Bonnie Blue stuns Rangers fans with shock Ibrox visit ahead of game
A separate video from that night showed Bonnie ordering her security to get rid of a woman who said she was “setting feminism back”.
A woman with bright pink hair had approached Bonnie who told the woman: “Your hair looks so cool.”
She replied: “Thank you – but do you know how many years you’ve set back feminism?”
Bonnie is heard to say: “Oh get out. I haven’t.”
She appears to tell security to “get those fat f**** out”.
Her “Bang Bus” tour across the country promised “high energy DJ sets” but “no sexual behaviour”.
The event site, Skiddle, said in the build-up to the event: “This is a night built for making new friends, laughing until your cheeks hurt, and throwing yourself into the wildest Freshers experience in Sheffield.
“Important Notice: This event is a safe space for all. No sexual behaviour is permitted inside the venue – respect others and enjoy the party the right way.”
The adult film star has previously insisted that there were no plans to film herself having sex with students after she appeared at Glasgow University.
She told The Scottish Sun in an exclusive chat that she just wanted to “have a good time and meet more people that would never be able to come toLondonto see me normally.”
She announced Scotland was the first stop on her tour and said: “I wanted to go on tour through the UK, from the top to the bottom and Glasgow gave me the warmest welcome when I mentioned I would be going to Scotland.”
But all three of the city’s universities distanced themselves from her with Glasgow, Strathclyde and Caledonian, all saying they “have no links with Bonnie Blue”.
Bonnie infamously claimed a record in January 2024 after she was filmed having sex with 1,057 men in 12 hours.
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Bonnie said that it was a ‘tiny incident’ and that she was ‘totally fine’Credit: Olivia West
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She was previously the focus of a Channel 4 documentaryCredit: Rob Parfitt / Channel 4
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN has said that his defibrillator implant is “just part of me now” as he admitted that he only remembers it is there during airport security checks.
Eriksen, 33, collapsed on the pitch during Denmark‘s opening game against Finland at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament in 2021.
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Christian Eriksen has said that he only remembers his defibrillator implant is there during airport security checksCredit: Getty
The former Manchester United midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest and needed life-saving resuscitation on the pitch.
He was later fitted with a defibrillator implant (ICD) before returning to football with Brentford and then United in 2022.
Now Eriksen has signed for Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, having been let go by Man Utd at the end of the season, and has opened up on how he rarely thinks about his heart condition these days.
Speaking at his official presentation for Wolfsburg on Friday, the Dane discussed how setting off alarms when going through airport security body scanners is his only reminder of the incident.
He said: “I only have to go past the scanner and undergo a separate check. That’s all. There are no restrictions. Nothing.
“I have never felt anything since then. It is just a part of me now – nothing strange or sad.”
Eriksen went on to explain that he won’t delve into the details of what happened until after his career is over.
He added: “[I’m happy to] be seen as a footballer again, and not as the guy who had this moment at Parken [Stadium].
“I will only talk in detail about it after my career – it is something very personal.”
Stubborn Ruben Amorim says ‘not even the Pope will make me change’ tactics despite horror Man Utd start
He leaves Man Utd having made over 100 appearances in which he helped the club win both the FA Cup and the League Cup.
And despite the turbulent few years at Old Trafford, Eriksen had nothing but positive things to say about his time in Manchester.
He said: “Personally, I had a great time being at United. When I came back to football with Brentford, getting the chance to play against United was a massive thing.
“I also think I proved myself as a footballer at United. I had a really great time, and my family loved it there, and I’m sure we still have a lot of friends from our time there.
“I had a good time at the club, but it was a strange time because there was a lot of stuff going on at United.
“The focus and the perception of the club from the outside world is a bit different sometimes to how it really is.
“There are some lovely people at the club who are really working hard and trying their best, but it does not always go your way.”
THERE’S been a lot of talk about bedding plants recently.
Rebranded as ‘Seasonal Interest’ they’ve annoyed some folk in the gardening industry because of environmental concerns.
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Sun gardening editor Veronica Lorraine and Roger Seabrook son of former Sun gardening Peter Seabrook at Floral Fantasia, at RHS Hyde Hall, Essex.Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun
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Sun gardening editor Peter Seabrook at Hyde Hall in EssexCredit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun
You’ll know them better as those lovely flowers in garden centres and supermarkets that bring an instant burst of colour to your outside space – like petunias, marigolds, begonias, nemesia, cosmos and lobelia.
Often you’ll buy them in plugs to plant straight into the soil before the frost sets in.
Naysayers reckon that because they’re not perennial, need a lot of watering and are bred in greenhouses – which use lots of energy – they’re bad for the environment.
But there’s one man in particular who couldn’t have loved them more – holding firm in the face of all the negative comments.
I was lucky enough to visit recently and was overwhelmed with the astonishing array of beautiful planting – showcasing swathes of stunning colours and species – which are crucially all affordable.
“‘We sell smiles’ is what Peter would have said,” Mike Smith, chair of the Floral Fantasia Working Group told me.
“His vision was to be ‘the centre of excellence for seasonal plants’ and although we’re not quite there yet – we’re definitely on our way.
Peter Seabrook’s guide to gardening: Sowing
“When I first came to Hyde Hall I was in awe of the gardens there, but appreciate they’re quite overwhelming to try and recreate in the average garden that is less than 15 metres square.
“We want to inspire people to have a go, show them something achievable – and this is where the Seasonal Interest comes in.
“They’re not grown in peat any more, they bring happiness to the consumer and they’re manageable.
“But also, it’s worth recognising that ornamental growers add over £1bn to the economy.
“Alan Titchmarsh agreed with Peter, and said after he died: ‘We all need to take up the baton from him to keep fighting our corner and explain what this means and how important horticulture is and it’s value to the British economy.’
“And that’s what we’re trying to do. We’re showing visitors to Hyde Hall the latest UK plants – and we’re celebrating Fleuroselect’s Year of the Begonia with over 150 varieties being trialled in beds and containers – they’re a stunning splash of colour.
“The public get to see all manner of cultivars that they’ve never seen before and everyone comes out smiling.”
Peter’s son Roger Seabrook told Sun Gardening: “‘Floral Fantasia at RHS Hyde Hall meant so much to Dad – he saw the garden as a way to show what could be achieved with seasonal planting and to inspire people to get growing, however small their space.
“He put a huge amount of energy into championing Floral Fantasia and rolled his sleeves up to spend long hours working in the garden himself.
“For this reason it’s a special place for our family and it’s just fantastic to see it looking so vibrant and colourful.
“I’m sure that Dad would have been delighted to see the progress made, a testament to all the hard work of those involved over the years.’
Tim Kerley, of Kerley Plants, Cambridge, which provides blooms for Floral Fantasia added: “They’re bright, cheery flowers that will put a smile on your face all summer long! Modern varieties are low maintenance and thrive in our varied climate.
“They’re great for your mind and pollinators -all for the price of a cup of coffee.”
Annual chrysanthemum’s are also considered bedding plants. And they’re a fantastic way of bringing colour to your garden in Autumn when everything is dying back a bit.
Lidl has one on sale for £1.99 from next Saturday and it’s going to be my cheap secret weapon to bring colour to my outside space.
Also in Veronica’s Column this week
News, top tips, plant of the week and a firepit competition
For more top tips and gardening content follow me @biros_and_bloom
NEWS! THE Cuprinol Shed of the Year results are in – and the winner is engineer Mike Robinson from South East London with his spectacular shed, ‘The Tiny Workshop. Designed to slot neatly into a garden with limited room, it wowed judges with its imaginative use of space. With off-the-shelf sheds too big for his plot, Mike built the shed using two sets of heavy-duty steel shelving, bolted together and clad with wood’ Two doors flap open at the bottom and top to provide flooring and handy rain protection, with a smart overhanging green roof to store garden tools and welcome nature to the garden. Mike wins this year’s top prize of an overnight nature getaway, £1,000 cash and £250 of Cuprinol product.
TOP TIP! Time to start thinking about feeding the birds in your garden a little bit more. And Alex Gill, founder of Awesome Wildlife Company, has some unusual advice. “By providing food and shelter now, we can give birds, hedgehogs, and insects the best possible chance of thriving through the winter, and in turn, we get to enjoy a garden full of life. “Both dried and fresh fruit works. Apples and pears are very popular with garden birds. If you do choose to put any spare fruit that you might have out, make sure it’s fresh as mouldy fruit isn’t good for birds. “Dried fruits, like Raisins, are also well loved by some bird’s species. Just remember to be careful and avoid if you have a dog, as raisins are toxic to dogs. He added: “During the colder months, birds benefit from high-energy foods, such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, mealworms, and suet. These kinds of foods help them build up their fat reserves so that they can survive the colder months.”
NEWS! THE CANNA UK National Giant Vegetables Championship will be taking place at the Malvern Autumn Show next weekend. It showcases some unbelievably large vegetables – which often break Guinness World records. Taking place at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, you’ll also get the chance to see talks by Monty Don, Adam Frost, August Bernstein, and RHS Ambassador Manoj Malde. And there will be fabulous flowers, plants, bulbs, seeds, tools and equipment to marvel at.
NEWS! BBC TV presenter, keen gardener and National Garden Scheme Ambassador, Fiona Bruce will host a very special National Garden Scheme Ask the Experts event at the Royal Geographical Society, London on Tuesday 2nd December at 7pm. Answering a range of pre-submitted audience questions and covering all aspects of gardens and gardening will be a panel including Arit Anderson, Danny Clarke, Rachel de Thame, Joe Swift.
NEWS! There’s a beautiful new book called The Essential Guide to Bulbs, by Jenny Rose Carey, coming out next month. Published on October 16th by Timber Press, its a fabulous guide to growing bulbs all year round in gardens and containers. The pictures are gorgeous and it’s really informative too, it would make a lovely present for the Gardener in your life.
WIN! As the evenings draw in – warm up with an eco-friendly, low carbon Eco Fuego fire pit worth £179.99 and a wax refill worth £26.99. To enter visit www.thesun.co.uk/ECOFIREPIT or write to Sun Eco Firepit competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Entries close 11.59pm. October 4, 2025. T&Cs apply
PLANT OF THE WEEK! “Verbena Officinalis Bampton” Still flowering now – it’s an unusual looking bushy drought-resistant perennial with small purple flowers on the end of wiry branches. Prefers full sun, south facing borders.
TOP TIP! Raise your pots now to prevent waterlogging – you don’t have to pay for proper feet – you can use bottle caps, coasters, tiles, bricks, or even logs cut to size. There just needs to be drainage space under the pot.
Two and a Half Men star Jon Cryer has claimed that his salary was ‘a third’ of what Charlie Sheen received when they worked together on the CBS sitcom
Two and a Half Men star Jon Cryer has claimed that his salary was ‘a third’ of what Charlie Sheen received when they worked together on the CBS sitcom(Image: CBS via Getty Images)
Two and a Half Men star Jon Cryer has claimed that his salary was ‘a third’ of what Charlie Sheen received. The actor, 60, starred as Alan Harper on the CBS sitcom from 2003 until 2015, alongside Charlie, also 60, as Charlie Harper, and was honoured with two Emmy Awards for his work but revealed that he was not paid nearly as much as his co-star.
The series centred on the ups and downs that came about when divorcee Alan and his son Jake (Angus T. Jones) moves in with Charlie, but, more than a decade after it all came to an end, the subject of money has come up as part of a new Netflix documentary AKA Charlie Sheen.
It’s thought that Charlie was earning $2 million per episode towards the end of the sitcom’s run, whilst Jon was earning at least two-thirds less than that, and only managed to get to a salary of $620,000 an episode once his co-star had left.
Jon Cryer has opened up about his salary(Image: Variety via Getty Images)
Jon has now explained that Charlie was able to negotiate a salary that was ‘off the charts’ as he suffered through a well-documented battle with substance abuse, and endured marital difficulties with then-wife Denise Richards.
He said: “Well, that’s what happened here. [Sheen’s] negotiations went off the charts because his life was falling apart. Me, whose life was pretty good at that time, I got a third of that!” He also noted that bosses had been under pressure to sign Charlie in the first place because they had ‘pre-sold a couple extra seasons of the show.”
When Charlie left the show in 2011, he was replaced by Ashton Kutcher, who took on the role of Alan’s best friend, Walden Schmidt, but it’s thought that he earned $700,000 per episode at that time.
Despite not contacting Jon, Charlie was appreciative of his former co-star for speaking “honestly and very compassionately” for the documentary. He admitted the only reason he didn’t reach out prior to the production was due to having an incorrect number.
The Hollywood star told People: ” I wrote to him and I said, ‘Hey, thank you for your contributions, and I’m sorry we didn’t connect personally. I hope to see you around the campus.'”
Despite not contacting Jon, Charlie was appreciative of what his former co-star had to say about him(Image: Getty Images)
However, he admits he is yet to hear back from the star – although he believes he might have the wrong details. “It’s not like Jon did not respond. He’s super responsible like that,” he added. “So if you’re reading this, Jon, DM me your new number!”
And he admitted that his former co-star had “nailed” his words on the documentary regarding Sheen’s lack of belief that he deserved the fame and fortune he received. Jon had explained how he thought this is where his struggles and addiction my have stemmed from, leading Sheen to say he was “dead on”.
Wild Things star Denise, who has Sami, 21, and Lola, 20, with Charlie and is also adoptive mother to 13-year-old Eloise, was also interviewed for the two-parter and had paid a visit to his home during the tumultuous time where she made sandwiches.
She said: “I’m making sandwiches and Jon was super nervous and he goes, ‘What are you doing?’ I go, ‘Well, he hasn’t eaten and I’m making sandwiches.
“And then you see two or three hookers come downstairs. And I remember Jon asking me, ‘Are you making them sandwiches?’ and I go, ‘Well, yeah. What am I gonna say? Sorry, because of what you do for a living, you don’t get one of my white trash mayo, mustard, turkey, cheese, lettuce sandwiches?’”
Stephen Graham has revealed that a follow-up to Adolescence is in the works following the Emmy Award-winning success of the Netflix hit but cannot say much right now
Stephen Graham has revealed that a follow-up to Adolescence is in the works.(Image: Variety via Getty Images)
Stephen picked up Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the ceremony, whilst Owen Cooper, 15, who played teenager Jamie, received the gong for Outstanding Supporting Actor.
Filming for each episode of the drama series was carried out in one continuous take, and Stephen, who is also known for his roles in This Is England and Peaky Blinders, has revealed that another project that would follow the same sort of production method is potentially on the way, but has to be ‘tight-lipped’ about it at the moment.
Stephen said: “Right now we are having talks and discussions about finding another story. I think we have to be tight-lipped at the moment.” He went on to tell the Daily Mail: “And we’re all talking at the moment. The same concept with the idea of doing something in one take.”
The programme examines so-called incel (involuntary celibate) culture, which has led to misogyny online and bullying using social media.
Adolescence has prompted a national conversation around online safety, with Graham and co-creator Jack Thorne accepting an invitation to a parliamentary meeting on the subject by Labour MP Josh MacAlister.
Speaking to Parliament’s Women And Equalities Committee (WEC) during an evidence session, Thorne spoke about being subjected to “personal criticism or even abuse” since it began streaming.
The Netflix series received critical acclaim when it was released earlier this year (Image: AP)
He said: “You know that I’m a bald, skinny, weird-looking man, and some people have made something of the fact that I’m a bald, skinny, weird-looking man, and saying these things and that somehow my masculinity is the reason why I’ve questioned other people’s masculinity.
“Well, if you look at how Stephen Graham looks, he looks more male than anyone else on the planet, I think, and so we’re a combination of things and we work together on it all.
“So, yes, my looks have been put under the microscope a little bit by it all, but I’m absolutely comfortable with those questions being answered, and that’s the thing, when I talk about boys feeling that they need to look a certain way.”
Stephen picked up Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the ceremony, whilst Owen Cooper, 15, who played teenager Jamie, received the gong for Outstanding Supporting Actor(Image: Variety via Getty Images)
He said the comments about his appearance were a symptom of the issues the show is highlighting. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also praised the show, urging Parliament and schools to watch it, and saying he had watched the show with his own children.
During an edition of Prime Minister’s Questions in March, Sir Keir said: “This violence carried out by young men, influenced by what they see online, is a real problem, it’s abhorrent, and we have to tackle it.”
The show also received plaudits for the way it was filmed in a one-shot format, which sees each of the four episodes filmed in a single shot. Speaking about the show ahead of its release, Cooper, who beat Scott Jacoby’s long-held record for the youngest male Emmy winner, said he got the role after sending in a tape.
Talking about the impact the show had on him in February, Cooper said: “One week before filming, it was my last day in school before I was off for six weeks and at the final assembly my head of year told the whole school something like, ‘Owen is going on a journey and making this show for Netflix…’, and I was like, ‘oh my God’.
“So it went from two or three people knowing to suddenly the whole year knowing about it, and everyone coming up to me and asking about it. It was a bit weird but everyone is fine with it.”
At the Emmys, co-star Erin Doherty, who plays psychologist Briony Ariston, won best supporting actress in a limited series, dedicating the award to her older sister while Graham picked up the award for lead actor in a limited series.
Doherty, 33, also worked with Graham in Disney+’s A Thousand Blows, where she played Mary Carr, the leader of a crime syndicate called the Forty Elephants and she has also played the Princess Royal in The Crown.
Adolescence recently scooped two gongs at this year’s National Television Awards (NTAs), including the new drama award and best drama performance for Cooper.
But Judge Anton insisted it was not a problem as viewers always grow to love the line ups of long running BBC series
20:56, 16 Sep 2025Updated 20:56, 16 Sep 2025
Anton with Strictly hosts Tess and Claudia that he knows very well – unlike some of the celebs this year(Image: Joe Maher/Getty Images for the NTA’s)
TV judge Anton Du Beke has admitted that he does not recognise many of the stars picked for Strictly Come Dancing these days. Echoing public criticism that the BBC dance show’s line-up can sometimes lack a little lustre or the big names of previous years, he admitted the first time he would see some of them could be on the ballroom.
Anton said: “When I first started, we sort of knew them, but now as you get older… there are a number of people on the show that I am not familiar with.” Speaking of last year’s model contestant Tasha Ghouri, he added: “I mean last year, Tasha? I did not know Tasha. No, I don’t know a number of people on the show.”
But he has got used to being a bit baffled, as more online personalities are introduced onto the show, explaining: “You don’t know who they are, but that is normal.”
Anton admits he had no idea who Tasha Ghouri was (Image: PA)
He said of the 25-year-old YouTuber taking to the dancefloor for 2025: “There is that lovely boy George Clarke doing it this year. I thought it was the buildings fella, George Clarke the architect.”
And although he has now watched performances by the contestants who will be strutting their stuff on telly from this Saturday, he hasn’t seen enough to pick a winner.
Anton, 59, recalled how he was asked for an early opinion at the recording of the launch show and said: “They made it down the stairs unaided. I don’t know what you want me to say. Ask me next week when they have danced a bit.”
This year’s 15 celebrities include four reality TV stars: Vicky Pattison, 37, Thomas Skinner, 34, Dani Dyer, 29, and La Voix, 45. There are four sports stars too: sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, 37, footballers Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, 53, and Karen Carney, 38, and rugby union’s Chris Robshaw, 39.
A new crowd of celebrity faces will take to the dancefloor in a matter of weeks(Image: PA)
It is actors who make up the biggest group, with five: Stefan Dennis, 66, Alex Kingston, 62, Balvinder Sopal, 46, Ellie Goldstein, 23, and Lewis Cope, 30. There is also presenter Ross King, 63, and YouTuber George.
Speaking at an event to launch his new novel, Monte Carlo by Moonlight, Anton said he will soon be reading the celebrities’ body language. He said of judging: “As I sit ther,e I know exactly what has been going on. I can see by this routine what sort of a week you have had and I laugh.
“If they start at the top of the stairs and walk down, they have had a very difficult week, like they are wasting as much time as they can until they get on the floor and have to take hold. The waltz is always lovely to judge. You can always see how good and bad their week has been by how long they stay ‘in hold’.”
After years of grumbles that contestants with dance experience – such as Lewis Cope – have a head start, Anton conceded it is tru,e but that the advantage is only slight. “It will help them a bit. I have not seen many of those who have actually won.”
And he had some tips for the professionals, too. “Learn that it is not about you. I was always aware of that. It is not my name they say first. It is the celebrity’s name.” Anton, who has eight-year-old twins with wife Hannah, also urged BBC bosses to tweak the rules on voting.
This year voting via premium phone lines has been axed and instead viewers have a brief opportunity on Saturday nights to vote online. But Anton thinks voting should go on all week, as many Strictly Come Dancing fans catch up on iPlayer.
He said: “I remember when we started the show, you could vote all week. Now you have a little window, and that is a shame because some people can’t watch it on a Saturday night.
“They might be working or may go out. I would like people to be able to vote during the week as everyone is invested even if they watch it on catch-up, so give them the opportunity to vote.”
And as for the show’s enduring popularity as it enters its 23rd series, he said: “The show works because we re-cast it every year and now we have a couple of new pros. There is an extraordinary amount of enthusiasm for it. The room is always enthused and I think that transfers to people watching it.
“You can like it for different reasons. You can like it for the frocks, the group dances, the couples or want to see how people are getting on. You can like the judges – or not like the judges!”
* The launch show of the new series of Strictly Come Dancing is on at 6.40pm on Saturday on BBC1 and BBC iPlayer.
BARRY HEARN reckons Luke Littler has made darts so popular that there aren’t enough days in the year to squeeze in the amount of events needed to meet fan demand.
The PDC chairman has said that “main man” Littler is one of the reasons behind darts‘ incredible growth in recent years.
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Barry Hearn has said Luke Littler has made darts so popular he could fill the calendar twice overCredit: Getty
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Littler has become a sensation since bursting onto the sceneCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Littler, 18, burst onto the scene at the 2024 World Championship and has since cemented himself as one of the best players in the world.
His meteoric rise has seen him be crowned world champion on his second attempt, pocket in excess of £1MILLION in prize money and add over 15 PDC titles to a growing trophy cabinet.
Speaking to Sky Sports about what Littler’s emergence has done for the sport, Hearn said: “It’s [darts] just getting bigger and bigger.
“I’m actually having a problem that there is only 365 days in a year!
“The demand worldwide is so huge that I could fill that twice.”
Adding: “It’s non stop. The players are responding with performances beyond what I’ve ever seen in my life, in terms of averages and checkouts.
“Led by the main man Luke Littler, who is fast becoming a phenomenon.”
Watch Luke Littler’s ‘top s***housery’ to crowd while he is getting booed during Win Series of Darts final vs Van Gerwen
Speaking on the changes, Hearn said: “This is the first year where our prize money goes past £25million, World Championship is worth £1million, more European events because of demand in Europe.
A DJ and reality TV star has paid tribute to his late friend – champion Ricky Hatton.
The music producer – who is best known for his songs Darlin’ and You Want Me – shared a sentimental snap with boxer Ricky taken just weeks before his shock death.
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Ricky Hatton passed away over the weekend
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Tom Zanetti marked the incredibly sad news with a photo of his friendCredit: instagram/@tomzanettitz
Former Celebs Go Dating star Tom Zanetti posted the picture alongside his friend and wrote a touching tribute.
He penned: “So horrible. I was with him two weeks ago and speaking on Insta just recently.
“What a nice talented man, a natural comedian and obvs huge legend in boxing.
“So sad. Love and strength to Ricky’s family and friends.
“We never know what’s round the corner. We have to enjoy every day, take care of ourselves and each other.”
It comes after Ricky, 46,was found dead at his home over the weekend.
It’s thought pals called the police after they were unable to contact him.
Friends were ‘initially worried’ after The Hitman missed a gym session on Friday and was absent for an event in Bolton on Saturday, featuring one of his young boxers.
They then made a “concern for welfare” call to the police.
STRICTLY Come Dancing star Thomas Skinner has revealed that he had terrifying death threats after meeting up with the vice-president of the United States JD Vance.
The American politician reached out to him after seeing his social media posts saying he admired his positive attitude for life.
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Tom Skinner, left, says he received death threats after he posted a snap of himself with US vice-president JD VanceCredit: Instagram
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The Apprentice star has confessed he has cheated on his wife SineadCredit: Instagram
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JD Vance invited Tom to the barbecue of the summer at 18th-century Dean ManorCredit: Getty
And he invited him to the barbecue of the summer at 18th-century Dean Manor near Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds.
But afterwards The Apprentice star and market stall holder proudly posted a photo of them together on social media – and received a shocking backlash.
In an exclusive interview he admits: “Since I posted that picture I’ve had loads of death threats. People saying they want me dead, saying I am this political figure that I’m actually not. I actually really ain’t. I couldn’t tell you what’s going on in the world right now.
“Now the left seems to be attacking me every day on social media. The right seems to see me as this figurehead and it’s all been a bit much for me, if I’m honest with you.
“I was getting death threats and people calling me controversial. I was thinking, what have I ever done? What have I ever said that’s controversial? When you actually go through my tweets, apart from saying that knife crime is bad in London, yeah?
“I’m not this political figurehead that people believe that’s got my hand.
“I’ve had loads of death threats over the years, you know.
“I didn’t see it as anything more than a barbecue, if I’m honest with you. But I’ve been turned into this political figure that I’m actually not.”
But the East Londoner does admit he was nervous after accepting the invite along with Cambridge academic James Orr and Tory MP Danny Kruger.
He said: “I was very nervous about it, I didn’t know what to wear. When I arrived he literally was like, ‘Why have you got a suit on?’
Strictly shock as Thomas Skinner STORMS OUT of launch in furious rage
“He was actually a normal bloke. We spoke about English cheese being so much better than American cheese, West Ham United and how they call football ‘soccer’.”
Fry-up fan Thomas was blown away by the food, laid on by the local pub, describing it as “the b******s.”
He said: “There was a pub in the town, and Jay wanted to go to a traditional English pub, but he knew by going to this pub it would obviously have to shut, because I’ve never seen so many security guys in my life… a proper entourage… he didn’t want it to affect the locals.
“So he asked the pub if they would kindly – he paid them a lot of money – bring some of their staff to cook at the place, and they did, they actually left this beautiful pub in the Cotswolds, they’d come round to the garden, and they cooked this fantastic spread, it was steaks, kebabs, halloumi, honestly it was unreal. Everyone was really friendly.”
He didn’t take pictures, he says, because he didn’t want to “disturb his privacy”.
Joking, he adds: “When Trump comes he might invite me to a BBQ too.”
NO REGRETS
Despite the furore online Thomas insists he doesn’t regret posting the picture. He said: “I don’t regret it, I am a normal bloke and it was an amazing opportunity.
“Put yourself in my shoes. What would you do? You’re a normal person. And, I’ve been given this opportunity to sit with the Vice President of the most powerful country in the world, the United States of America. To me that was, “Wow’.
“And I would have gone, whether it was the leader of France, Germany, I think to sit there and learn, and experience that, whether you agree with him politically or not, it wasn’t about that for me, it was literally to say, ‘I’ve sat there and met the Vice President of the United States of America’.”
Sinead has been by his side since they got together nearly a decade ago.
Thomas began working part time as a market trader at 13 after being expelled from school. He found several businesses before starring on The Apprentice in 2019 after Sinead encouraged him to apply.
But he is also known for his motivational videos on social media where he shares his love of kebabs and pints.
It was his conservative political views that led to US Vice President JD Vance actually getting in touch with him.
SPREADS POSITIVITY
He says he loves spreading positivity.
He said: “Even when JD Vance sent me a DM, he was like, ‘Look I love your energy, keep it up, I love seeing the high energy and the positivity you spread’.
“Which is literally all I do, all I do is share videos of me having a roast dinner, and do a morning video to say, ‘Have a good day’, because I know what it’s like to wake up and feel like you can’t do this. I’ve been there, and that’s why I won’t ever give up spreading the positivity.”
Throughout the ups and down in his life Sinead – who he dubs Super sensible Sinéad – has been at his side throughout.
He admits the past few weeks have been tough and he has struggled with the public scrutiny.
He said: “It does affect you. I’ve always put on this brave face. But it’s alright to be vulnerable and be down and be upset. There are times I’ve felt low.”
CLOSE PALS WITH RYLAN CLARK
His close pal Rylan Clark also faced backlash recently over his views on migrant hotels which sparked over 700 Ofcom complaints.
Thomas said: “Rylan has been a friend of mine since I was a teenager. I love him. He’s a family friend, he comes to our family events. I go round to his and I bring him round to ours.
“He’s a top guy. And the thing that I just worry about is nowadays, whether someone’s got a different opinion to you, or you say something that might be slightly incorrect or you don’t agree with, everyone should be allowed to have their opinion, and everyone should be allowed to express it and argue it and talk about it.
“But if your opinion is different to someone else’s, people shouldn’t be able to attack you and ram it down your throat, and I think that’s wrong, if I’m honest with you.
“Poor old Rylan got a bashing, and obviously I know what it feels like, because I’ve had a bashing in the last couple of years.”
What Rylan said was: “How come if I turn up at Heathrow Airport and I’ve left my passport in Spain, I’ve got to stand at that airport and won’t be let in? But if I arrive on a boat from Calais, I get taken to a four-star hotel?
“I find it absolutely insane that all these people are risking their lives coming across the Channel like they are. But when they get here, it seems, ‘Welcome, come on in’.”
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Tom says he doesn’t deserve the backlash against himCredit: Twitter/@iamtomskinner
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The TV celebrity is now putting on his dancing shoes for BBC’s hit show Strictly Come DancingCredit: BBC
He later said he was angry at being “put in a box” over his opinions and called for more intelligent debate. Rylan posted on X: “You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes. You can support trans people and have the utmost respect for women.
“You can be heterosexual and still support gay rights. Stop with this putting everyone in a box exercise and maybe have conversations instead of shouting on Twitter.”
Thomas says the pressure that he and other celebrities receive due to fame can be hard to deal with.
And key to helping keep his mental health stable is the group of friends from the market that he still meets every Friday for “a pint”.
He said: “I think that’s so important, they think it’s funny I’m going on Strictly.
“Every Friday, and I’ve done this for years, you know, since I started out, no matter what, me and my group of little pals have a pint on a Friday afternoon.
“Some of us could be skint on our arse, some of us could be flying, we’re all having the same beer, in the same circle, talking the same thing, and we always, we always talk about what’s been a bad week, sad week, a happy week, a good week, a great week, and we all support each other, and I think that’s so important.”
And his biggest fan – his mum couldn’t be prouder.
Both his parents still work and are real “grafters” – which is where he says he gets his work ethic from.
His mum works in a call centre – but until this week hadn’t revealed who her famous son was, because she says they “never asked”.
He said: “She’s one of the people, when your boiler goes, she’ll ring up, my mum’s the one that you abuse on the phone saying, ‘My boilers gone,” she’s got one of the hardest jobs in the world. bless her.
“When she asked for the day off she said her son was on Strictly. They said, ‘What who’s your son? What do you mean?’ She showed them a picture of me.”
Her son is still a market trader with his own stall selling mattresses and pillows. He survives on just five hours sleep a night and even when rehearsing for the BBC show he says he will set up his stall first.
He still loves his work and feels proud to be helping Britain’s High Street.
Thomas said: “I’m going to try and set up at 6am. Markets help the shops, but then the shops are suffering, the high street’s dying.”
One thing that isn’t dying is his fan base.
Thomas confesses that he has been inundated with direct messages from celebrities on social media offering support for the new dance show.
He said: “I’ve had hundreds of messages, footballers, TV stars, all sorts.
“But I don’t think it’s fair to say who, because they’ve said that to me confidentially, and I respect that.
“People like my energy and the positivity I spread, which is literally all I do.”
Thomas has experienced financial highs and lows, and even homelessness.
He said: “I know what it’s like to have a few quid in my pocket, when everything’s going well, and your business is flying, and you’ve got everyone around you.
“But I also know what it’s like to be on your a***, not having anywhere to live, and not knowing how you’re going to pay your next bill. I’ve been at both spectrums.
“It’s taught me to be strong, and taught me to try and help other people, because life can be so hard.”
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Tom says he’s had ‘loads of death threats’ over the yearsCredit: Louis Wood
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Tom first appeared on The Apprentice in 2019 and has gone on to star in on Celebrity MasterChef, 8 Out of 10 Cats, and Michael McIntyre’s Big ShowCredit: Getty
MARRIED At First Sight star JJ Slater has revealed who he still speaks to from his series’ cast.
Currently recovering from his and hers surgeries with his girlfriend Katie Price after they jetted out to Turkey together, JJ has lifted the lid on his MAFS experience and unveiled the two people he still speaks to.
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JJ shot to fame on MAFS in 2023 when he was paired with Bianca PetronziCredit: Channel 4
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He then struck up a romance with Ella MorganCredit: Channel 4
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He is now in a relationship with Katie PriceCredit: Getty
Speaking to The Sun on behalf ofCasino.org, JJ opened up about whether or not he speaks to people from his series of MAFS.
JJ appeared on Married At First Sight UK in 2023, firstly marrying Bianca Petronzi before striking up a romance with co-star Ella Morgan.
When asked if he is still in touch with anyone, he said: “Not on a basis where we would message and check in with each other, apart from with Luke and with Terence.
“There is a boys’ group chat with all the boys in there. It’s pretty quiet now.
Read More about JJ Slater
“It was lively at first, but now it’s just like, happy birthdays.
“Or if someone’s going out, they’ll be like, I’m here, if anyone fancies a beer, stuff like that. But on a day-to-day basis, no.”
JJ’s comments on Married At First Sight UK come after he and his girlfriend Katie Price underwent his and hers surgeries.
The former glamour model, 47, and JJ had planned to go under the knife together, but he was banned from having an op.
JJ was forced to change his plans due to his Type 1 diabetes.
Katie Price reveals boyfriend JJ Slater got ‘hair transplant’ in Turkey after initially being denied surgery
She filmed her beau and shared the video on Snapchat as he underwent a Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) procedure.
He had the work done at the last minute after his plan to have his eye bags removed couldn’t go ahead.
“I went to Turkey to have the bags under my eyes done, but I couldn’t have it done,” he explained in our exclusive earlier this week.
JJ went on: “I was all in the gown, wearing the knee-high socks, ready to go down. But my blood sugars were flagged.
“I got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after the show, actually.
“So yeah, my blood sugars, there was a reading in my blood that they weren’t happy with, so they didn’t do the procedure. So recovery was fine, as it didn’t happen.”
Speaking about his diabetes diagnosis, JJ said it “was definitely one of the biggest life-changing things since the show”.
He went on: “Type 1 is an autoimmune disease, so I’ve done a lot of research into it.
“One of the potential triggers can be stress – not scientifically proven, but it does make you wonder, given everything going on around that time.”
He added: “I was 31, had never had any issues before, and suddenly I was really ill for about two months. But being a typical bloke, I just ignored it, thinking it would go away.
“But then, when I did get really ill, my dad was like, mate, you’ve got to get yourself to the hospital.”
Recalling when he was diagnosed, JJ said that he lost nearly two stone and was really thirsty.
“It’s a bit disgusting, but I was also passing blood in my urine,” he explained.
“That was the biggest trigger for me – that was when I told myself I had to get myself to get checked out.
“But since then, it has helped me. Now I’m more focused on what I eat because I have to, and I try to be a lot healthier.”
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He recently underwent a procedure in TurkeyCredit: BackGrid
Davina McCall has revealed she has secretly got engaged to hair stylist partner Michael DouglasCredit: Getty
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He has been a rock during her recovery from a life-saving brain op, and a friend said: “Everyone is so thrilled for them.”
The couple, together seven years, then flew to the Burning Man festival in Nevada, US, three weeks ago to celebrate.
They have revealed the happy news only to their innermost circle.
Davina is recovering from an op to remove a benign brain cyst last November and a friend said: “To say it has been a rollercoaster year for her is an understatement.
“Whilst surgery was, of course, traumatic, she made peace with a lot in the days and weeks leading up to it.
“Then, having survived, she had a new lease of life — as so many do who have been in similar situations.
“Michael was her absolute rock throughout her recovery.
“If you see them together, genuinely they are like lovesick teenagers.
“Their chemistry is insane.
“Basically Davina thought ‘f*** it, life is short’, and decided it was time to, as the kids say, lock in the love of her life.”
Davina McCall hosts new reality show Stranded on Honeymoon Island
The pair met on Big Brother in the early 2000s when he styled her hair.
They stayed friends for years but only began dating after she finalised her divorce from Matthew Robertson in early 2018.
It is not known when Davina and Michael will but is unlikely to be until after May next year when Davina is expected to be fully recovered from her brain op.
The pal added: “She has a ring but is only wearing it in private.
“It is wonderful news and everyone who knows them is just so thrilled.
“They really do make the most gorgeous couple.”
Yesterday mum-of-three Davina detailed her post-op journey to Radio 2’s Scott Mills, and, without mentioning her engagement, said she had never been happier.
She said: “After my operation they said it will take a year to 18 months to get as good as you’re going to get.
“I keep thinking that next May I’m going to go out for dinner with Michael and say, ‘I hope this version of me is all right as this is what you’re going to get’.
“I don’t know if you think I see any difference but I am so happy.
“It is mad. I guess I am just super-grateful to be here, alive.
“I can’t believe the sliding doors that happened to get me here are magical.
“It’s been a massive journey and some has been incredibly hard.”
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Davina has been recovering from brain surgery, and praised Michael for his incredible supportCredit: Instagram
Michael has styled her locks for years and created a glam beehive hairdo for her appearance at Wednesday night’s NTAs at the O2 in London.
He runs his own award-winning brand, MD London and co-hosts popular podcast Making The Cut.
Davina, who once hosted dating show Streetmate, last month insisted they’d never tie the knot.
She said: “We go on honeymoons all the time but without getting married.
“We’re in the honeymoon period even after all these years.
“I couldn’t be more happy. And sometimes there’s an idea of, why change anything?’”
But in another recent interview she praised Michael for his support.
She said: “I want to just big up Michael for a minute, because you and I have been through something mega, and I want to say out loud, just thank you.
“It’s been really difficult for both of us, and I love you with all of my heart.
“You are everything to me, you’re my soulmate.
“We are more than married!”
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Davina’s marriage to first husband Andrew Leggett lasted for only two yearsCredit: TillenDove
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Davina’s marriage to second husband Matthew Robertson lasted for 17 yearsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Davina was married to TV adventurer Matthew Robertson for 17 years, and the couple have children Holly, Chester, and Tilly.
Davina wed then-shop manager Andrew Leggett in 1997.
But they fell out after a few months and the marriage ended in 1999.
After realising their feelings for one another, Davina and Michael went public with their relationship in 2018, and by January 2023 had moved in together.
Last autumn doctors discovered a 14mm tumour after Davina had a scan as part of a deal with One Welbeck, a private healthcare facility for whom she had given a talk on the menopause for.
The presenter explained: “In my head, I was literally the healthiest person in the world.
“I had this head-to-toe scan.
“And they came back and they went, ‘Okay, we’ve got your results. Um… we’d like to talk to you’.
“They said, ‘You’ve got a benign cyst in your brain.’
“The doctor explained it’s called a colloid cyst.
“And a colloid cyst is a three in a million thing, and it can also cause… very, very rarely, but it can also cause sudden death.”
Speaking to podcaster Steven Bartlett, Davina said she faced the diagnosis head on with Michael, with the pair discussing what might happen if something went wrong during the surgery.
She added: “I said, ‘Look, I’ve got to plan for it if it doesn’t go according to plan.’
“When I’d spoken to the doctors, they talked about things like stroke, epilepsy, these being risks.
“Nicking an artery or a blood vessel in the brain and having a bleed… so there were a lot of things that could be a risk.
“And obviously, because of my age, you know, I’m 57. That was another thing that mattered to me. I was thinking, you know.
“Would you rather have brain surgery now, or if it grew in eight years’ time, would you want to have it in your mid-to-late 60s?
“Would it not be better to get it done now while you’re fit and healthy in every other way?”
After speaking to her children and closest family, Davina said she immediately set about sorting her affairs — including updating her will.
Following the surgery, Michael updated Davina’s followers and said she was recovering well.
Seeing them in the flesh is like witnessing teenagers in the first flush of intoxicating, all-consuming, hormonal-heavy love. Minus the angst.
News of their engagement is the bit of cheer we all needed at a time when so much else in the world is unrelentingly grim.
Davina is one of the kindest, most genuine celebrities in Britain.
Michael is a bundle of high energy fun.
He is as deeply in love with his fiancée as he is rightly proud of her.
Whilst their public lives are deeply entwined thanks to a successful podcast and his artful rendering of her locks, they are also deeply successful, and independent, in their own right.
A few years ago I bumped into Michael at London’s Soho House.
He came over to say hi; he drinks (moderately, not in a lush way) whereas six-packed, uber-fit Davina is famously teetotal.
He was lovely, unguarded and deeply complimentary of his then-girlfriend.
Michael invariably accompanies her on set and, granted, they’re not snogging unprofessionally between takes, but their chemistry is palpable.
Their decision to marry, having insisted they would never want to rock the boat, will give dog-obsessed spinsters like me hope.
Evidently Davina’s recent trauma, which she so powerfully documented to help others experiencing similar, has given her fresh perspective. Life is short; celebrate those you love.
For a woman so synonymous with menopause awareness, how lovely another M word “marriage” is now what we are all talking about.
Manager Eddie Howe says his relationship with Alexander Isak changed after the former Newcastle striker went on “strike” to force through a move to Liverpool.
AMIR KHAN fears Canelo Alvarez has lost his hunger for boxing – leaving Terence Crawford ready to feast.
Canelo defends his undisputed super-middleweight titles against Crawford on Saturday night – which will be the 68th bout of his iconic career.
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Amir Khan was knocked out by Canelo Alvarez in 2016Credit: Getty
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Khan also lost to Terence Crawford in 2019Credit: Reuters
The red-haired boxing hero – who was bullied for his ginger hair earning him the nickname Canelo, which translates to cinnamon in Spanish – turned pro aged just 15.
And now two decades later the 35-year-old is the sport’s top attraction.
He is on course to become a BILLIONAIRE and has world titles in four division’s clogging up his trophy cabinet.
So Khan – who was beaten in his retirement fight against Kell Brook in 2022 – reckons Canelo has lost the same fire which burnt him in their 2016 clash.
Khan, 38, told SunSport: “I think that Crawford takes the fight in my opinion.
“I like Canelo and he’s very respectful but the reason why I think this is because Crawford’s a fresher fighter.
“I’ve just started seeing little things in Canelo in the last couple of fights where he moves more.
“I just don’t think he’s got the fire in the belly like he used to or have that killer instinct like before.
Canelo vs Crawford – All the info
IT’S finally time – one of the biggest boxing matches EVER takes place THIS WEEKEND.
Two of boxing’s GOATs will meet in the ring as they fight for pound-for-pound supremacy and the super-middleweight crown.
CANELO VS CRAWFORD: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF THE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY
“I don’t think he has that killer instinct now. Normally they have that killer instinct where they wanna go for the kill and hurt the guy, but I think he’s calm and he’s a made man.
“I know how that is. Like when I fought against Brook, you don’t have that fire in your belly like you are coming up and you wanna achieve something.
Canelo Alvarez hit me so hard I was KO’d before I even hit the canvas, warns Amir Khan ahead of Terence Crawford fight
“You know when you’ve achieved everything – which Canelo in my opinion has when it comes down to belts, titles, and also weight categories and also financially – that fire in the belly just goes and I know you might say that it might not go, it’s automatically it’s gonna happen.
“Your mind’s a very strong muscle that it just takes over your whole body.”
Khan boxed to an early lead against Canelo almost ten years ago – before a frightening right hand in the sixth robbed him of his momentum and senses.
The former super-lightweight champ was caught so hard he was out for the count well before the he even hit the deck.
Khan said: “I don’t know if he’s got the same kind of power that he had then, but in my opinion, he does hit very, very hard.
“I mean, even before I hit the floor, I was probably knocked out, to be honest with you. That’s how hard he hit me. So that just shows pure power.
“The guy’s very strong and he can definitely hurt someone really badly. But like I said, I don’t know how much power he has left in him now.
“Obviously, as you get older, the power’s not gonna be the same, but I’m sure it’s still very strong.”
Crawford, 37, beat a past-his best Khan in 2019 but the pair reunited as training partners three years later before the Brook grudge bout.
I just don’t think he’s got the fire in the belly like he used to or have that killer instinct like before.
Amir Khan on Canelo
But Khan – who had Crawford in the corner the night he lost to Brook – warned the unbeaten American can hang with the biggest and best of them.
He said: “Crawford is a bigger guy in camp. He’s always a stronger and bigger guy. I’ve seen him take down heavyweights.
“The guy, he’s a good wrestler and also he’s just a very strong guy. He’s got a strong upper body.
“So yeah, I don’t think anyone’s gonna give him any problems, especially Canelo, I don’t think Canelo’s gonna give him any problems.
“Look, you make them wrestle, I guarantee you Crawford will take Canelo down easy. That’s how strong he is.
“He’s a very good strong wrestler as well. But obviously that shows how much strength he has, core strength is solid. He’s a solid guy.”
The pound-for-pound greats meet at the Las Vegas Raiders’ 65,000-seat NFL stadium – streamed live on Netflix.
It has the hallmarks of a bonafide super-fight for the ages – one Khan reckons cannot disappoint.
He said: It’s gonna be a fantastic fight though still regardless because one thing I can say about both fighters is that they’re not gonna sit back and they’re not gonna put on a performance, they’re gonna fight till they die.
“But I just feel that Crawford has that little bit more than Canelo.”
