Louise Redknapp has made her first public appearance since being accused of trying to ‘cancel’ her Eternal bandmates Easther and Vernie Bennett in a bitter trans rights row. 

The singer, 48, joined fellow star Kelle Bryan, also 48, on Wednesday’s Loose Women as they addressed the controversy – with Kelle insisting the joint appearance was not planned and she had been booked to appear on the show as a panellist a month ago. 

It was revealed this week that the pair had pulled out of an Eternal reunion tour because Vernie and her sister Easther had refused to play any of the LBGTQ+ gigs they had scheduled over claims the community is being ‘hijacked’ by the trans movement.

Shortly afterwards Louise was accused of trying to get her former bandmates cancelled by ‘misrepresenting’ their views.

Yet in a telling statement, Louise said on Loose Women: ‘I would have always loved to have done a reunion with the girls. I have a lot of love for what we have done together and me and Kelle are still the best of friends.’

Standing by her friend, Kelle added of her time in the band: ‘It’s been life changing for me. Obviously the music and the fans are so important.’

Earlier on Wednesday, Vernie broke her silence on the row, seemingly refuting the claims made by Louise’s team as she released a statement about how she has been ‘blessed to connect with so many diverse and wonderful people from all walks of life during my career.’

Vernie released a statement which read: ‘I am “Eternally” grateful for the family, friends, and amazing fans who have and continue to support our incredible journey and artistry.

‘I’ve been blessed to connect with so many diverse and wonderful people from all walks of life during my career. You all have a piece of my heart.

‘Though it is impossible and counterproductive to respond to the overwhelming number of statements and allegations made online recently, I place this moment in God’s hands.

‘I truly appreciate all who continue to express love and support for my family and Eternal.’

Eternal’s original manager Denis Ingoldsby had furiously defended Easther and Vernie, who remain his clients, previously insisting they are ‘devastated’ and accusing Louise’s team of misrepresenting details of a private email.

He told Sky News: ‘Louise and her team have thrown them under the bus and everyone is totally appalled at their bullying behaviour by totally misrepresenting the situation to suit their own agenda.

‘The girls sent an email to Louise’s camp saying they loved playing Pride, and they loved the ethos of the event.

‘For her camp to go on the record suggesting they are homophobic is utterly outrageous. This is nothing about gay rights.’

Speaking to The Mirror, Denis also claimed there were no confirmed, or contracted dates, in place for the reunion. Louise’s team have denied this to the publication.

He claimed that the sisters sent an email to Louise’s camp saying they ‘loved’ playing Pride and the ‘ethos of the event.’ 

Denis added that the dispute is ‘nothing about gay rights,’ and that the sisters have played ‘numerous LGBTQ+ gigs.’

He added: ‘Vernie said she had some concerns about the Pride movement being hijacked – and she is not alone – but this has now been weaponized against her, with Louise’s team trying to get her cancelled.’

Louise’s publicist Simon Jones has stated that they stand by their previous comments, telling the publication: ‘Denis Ingoldsby was not involved in the discussions about the Eternal reunion including all four members over the last two years. Easther and Vernie can try and dress this up however they wish. 

‘The fact remains that the duo said they would only do the Eternal reunion if no Pride or LGBTQ+ festivals were included.

‘Louise would obviously not agree to excluding the LGBTQ+ community from their touring plans. We as a team absolutely do not agree with dividing the LGBTQ+ community or excluding trans people.’

He added: ‘Absolutely nothing has been misrepresented.

‘We have simply explained the reason why the Eternal reunion is not going ahead with Louise and Kelle.

‘It is a fact that an email was sent saying that Vernie and Easther would only do the Eternal reunion if no Pride or LGBTQ+ festivals were included in the plan.

‘Louise would obviously not agree to excluding the LGBTQ+ community from the band’s touring plans, and as such notified the duo that she would not be taking part.’

On Monday, Louise addressed her decision to step down from the tour by sharing the Progress Pride Flag on her Instagram Stories, writing: ‘Always and forever’.

The flag was created in 2018 by nonbinary artist Daniel Quasar, and is largely based on the iconic 1978 rainbow flag. 

The stripes of black and brown represent marginalized LGBTIQ+ people of colour and the triad of blue, pink, and white are from the trans flag.

Eternal, who shot to stardom in the nineties, were planning a huge reunion tour next year, with the highlights including performances at Pride and Mighty Hoopla.

Both festivals celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, however the tour dates apparently did not go down well with band members Easther and Vernie Bennett.

It was revealed that Louise and her team received a message from Vernie and Easther, stating they would not be involved in any Pride shows or LGBTQ+ festivals.

Louise’s publicist said: ‘A message was sent to the team putting together the Eternal reunion stating that if it was to go ahead, neither Vernie nor Easther would perform at Pride shows or LGBTQ+ festivals.

‘This was because the duo felt that the gay community was being hijacked by the trans community and they do not support this. 

‘Louise is a huge supporter and ally of the LGBTQ+ community and both herself and Kelle told the duo they would not work with anyone who held these views, and as such the reunion as a four would not be going ahead. 

‘The team behind the proposed Eternal reunion are gay including management, PR and tour promoter, and neither myself nor any of the team would work with artists who held such views about the trans community.’

Louise, who recently confirmed she is dating new boyfriend Drew Michael, has performed as a solo artist at many Pride events over the years.

Earlier this summer she took to the stage alone at Brighton Pride in August.

The Eternal tour was set to be the first time the original line-up had performed together since Louise quit in 1995 to pursue a solo career.

They soared to stardom in the early nineties with hits such as Stay and I Wanna Be The Only One.

The band stayed together for another five years after Louise quit, before splitting and reuniting in 2014 on ITV’s The Big Reunion without her.

Earlier this week, Louise paid tribute to her time with the band, taking to Instagram to honour their 30th anniversary.

She wrote: ‘Where it all began… 30 years ago today Stay was released. I remember it like yesterday… Happy 30th Anniversary to my Eternal girls.

‘I remember it like if was yesterday the first radio play sat round my mums kitchen table missing the que to hit record when it played, to going to America to shoot the video and so many more incredible memories.

‘Stay is such a timeless song Easther absolutely KILLING that opening note as she does and I’m so proud this was where it all started for us! I’m so lucky I got to record this song myself for my Greatest Hits this year and girls I hope I did you proud.

‘Happy 30th Anniversary to my Eternal girls Kelle, Easther and Vernie and most importantly THANK YOU to each and every one of you that has been there with us from day 1 buying every record, coming to every show and being so supportive over the last 30 years.’

Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber narrowly avoided an awkward run-in with each other at a star-studded afterparty  with Kendall Jenner and Nicola Peltz in Paris, France.

Six months after pleading with her 430 million Instagram followers to stop bullying and sending ‘death threats’ to her ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber‘s spouse, 26, the pop star, 31, and supermodel were spotted arriving to the same popular nightclub on Tuesday evening. 

While it is unclear if they interacted inside, they were seen entering and exiting at separate times. 

The women were spotted in similar outfits, with Gomez rocking a figure-hugging black minidress with diamond cuffs and a pair of latex thigh-high boots.

Meanwhile, Hailey, who left with Lori Harvey and her boyfriend Damson Idris, wore a long black dress and open-toed stilettos.

The Calm Down singer rocked a glamorous makeup look, consisting of bronzer and a golden smokey eyeshadow, and her long brown hair in voluminous curls.

Hailey’s long-sleeved dress, which featured a completely open back, highlighted her jaw-dropping frame. 

She styled her brunette locks into a wavy bob and accessorize her chic ensemble with a pair of gold earrings. 

Earlier in the day, she wore the sexy look at the Saint Laurent womenswear fashion show. 

Gomez and Hailey have reportedly been on good terms since the Bad Liar hitmaker addressed the speculation over their rumored spat once and for all in a post shared to her Instagram Stories. 

At the time, the Grammy nominee told fans that Hailey had reached out to her about receiving ‘death threats’ from Selenators. 

‘This isn’t what I stand for. No one should have to experience hate or bullying. I’ve always advocated for kindness and really want this all to stop,’ Gomez said. 

For years, the internet has pit the former Disney star and the model – who is married to Selena’s ex-boyfriend, Justin Bieber – against one other. 

But in October 2022, they proved there was no bad blood between them when they posed for some photos together at an event – and they were even seen hugging it out.

However, in February 2023, rumors that they were fighting started to spread once again after Hailey shared a TikTok video in which some believed she was making fun of Selena.

Joined by close friends Kendall Jenner and Justine Skye, the ladies lip-synced along to the words: ‘I’m not saying she deserves it, but God’s timing is always right.’

The clip was shared right around the time that Selena was receiving a lot of negative attention over a set of unflattering paparazzi photos that were taken of her during a trip to Mexico – and based on the suspicious timing of Hailey’s post, many were convinced that she was shading Selena.

The TikTok was swiftly deleted, and Hailey insisted in a comment that the video had nothing to do with her husband’s ex.

‘I never comment on this type of thing but we were just having a girls’ night and did a random TikTok sound for fun,’ she wrote. ‘It’s not directed at anyone.’

Selena also got involved at the time, adding in a comment: ‘It’s OK. I don’t let these things get me down. Be nice to everyone.’

However, the drama didn’t end there. Fans then became convinced that Hailey’s pal Kylie Jenner was mocking Selena days later.

The actress had shared a post to TikTok admitting that she had ‘accidentally laminated’ her brows too much.

Taking to Instagram, Kylie posted a snap in a very similar pose along with the accompanying caption: ‘This was an accident?’

The reality star appeared to add even more fuel to the fire by sharing a screenshot from a recent FaceTime call with Hailey right after – during which they both zoomed in on their eyebrows.

However, Kylie denied that she was bashing Selena in a comment, stating, ‘This is reaching.

‘No shade towards Selena ever and I didn’t see her eyebrow posts. You guys are making something out of nothing. This is silly.’

‘Agreed @kyliejenner,’ Selena responded. ‘It’s all unnecessary. I’m a fan of Kylie.’

Even so, the hashtag #TeamSelena started to trend online, and the uproar resulted in Kylie reportedly losing half a million social media followers, while Hailey’s following went down by close to a million in total.

On the other hand, the Only Murders in the Building star saw her following increased by 10 million as a result of the online trolling accusations aimed at the pair.

Later that month, Selena stirred up the pot once again when she started to comment on some TikTok videos about Hailey, as well as some about her ex Justin.

On a TikTok containing old footage of Hailey seemingly sticking her tongue out in disgust when a Taylor Swift song played, Selena wrote, ‘So sorry, my best friend is and continues to be one of the best in the game.’

She also commented ‘I love you’ on a video a fan posted, in which she voiced her support for the singer amid all the bullying she had received from ‘mean girls and nepo babies.’ 

Afterwards, she went live on TikTok and revealed she was taking a break from the platform.

‘I’m very happy, I’m so blessed, I have the best friends, the best fans in the whole world, and I just couldn’t be happier,’ she said at the time.

‘And I’m good. I love the way I am. I don’t care. I’m gonna be taking a second from social media, because this is a little silly.

‘And I’m 30, I’m too old for this, so. But I love you guys so much. And I will see you guys sooner than later, I just… I’m just gonna just take a break from everything.’

She deactivated her account but brought it back hours later.

Gomez’s best friends, Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz, were also spotted leaving The Flower nightclub in Paris.

Gomez and Peltz became fast friends in September after connecting at this year’s Academy Museum Gala fundraiser.

In May, Peltz gushed that they ‘speak the same love language’ and are ‘always working or with the dogs.’

‘The best moments are just like when you don’t have to do anything. You can just be with the people you love, and it makes me so happy, but I’m also such a homebody,’ she said during a Q&A for Wondermind. 

Gomez joined the couple for a New Year’s getaway in Mexico earlier this year, and has even joked about being a ‘throuple’ with the newlyweds. 

Additionally, the star-studded event was attended by Hailey’s longtime best friend, Kendall Jenner, who wowed in a charcoal grey dress and black leather boots.

Their other bestie, Lori Harvey, was seen leaving with her boyfriend Damson Idris.

For their fun night out, Harvey rocked a plunging beige jumpsuit and black high heels.

Rapper Tyga was also spotted at the club with his entourage after attending the Etam Live Show 2023 during Paris Fashion Week.

As The Block dives into Master Suite Week, the real estate agents who have taken on the daunting task of selling the Hampton East houses have been revealed. 

McGrath, Buxton, Belle Property, Ray White and Jellis Craig have all put their hands up to lead the Blockheads to victory during Auction Day on Charming Street. 

With each couple set to win millions should their houses sell in a few weeks time, Domain has revealed which agents will be jumping into the fire.

Kyle and Leslie’s House 1 nabbed McGrath St Kilda for their big day with co-principals Josh Sterling and Michael Townsend by their side. 

The real estate duo are Block champions after snapping up national recognition for their winning auction campaigns on the renovation series in 2018, 2020 and 2021.

House 1 will see a price guide of between $2.5million to $2.75million.

It is described as having an ‘impressive street presence’ and ‘exquisitely designed interiors appointed to the highest of standards’. 

However, Kyle and Leslie’s renovation is the only one which has four bedrooms while all the other houses boast five.  

Leah and Ash’s eclectic House 2 will see Buxton Hampton East at the helm with their agents Halli Moore and Noel Susay stepping up to the plate.

The two locals are confident they can take the win as ‘the only Hampton East agency handling an auction’ this year.

With their agency ‘commanding between 50-60 per cent of sales’ in the suburb, they may be just the edge House 2 needs for the big win. 

The property is expected to fetch between $2.5 million and $2.75 million if it sells as expected. 

The guide refers to it as ‘glamorous’ and boasting ‘a curved ceiling echoing the curvaceous aesthetic of the main home’. 

House 3, being tended to by Kristy and Brett, will be auctioned off by Julian Cannata and Sam Inan from Belle Property Brighton. 

Julian and Sam are returning after their appearance at The Block auction in 2018, and they are singing praise for Kristy and Brett.

‘Their youth and vibrancy is allowing them to create something that is very special out of their untouched 1950s home and it isn’t something you will see in every magazine,’ they said on their website.

‘They are doing a great job on what is the only corner block in this year’s series, which is a unique selling point within itself.’

House 3 has a healthy price guide of $2.5 million to $2.75 million. It ‘encompasses the largest footprint on The Block’ and is the ’embodiment of designer living’.   

Steph and Gian’s House 4 will have three agents backing them on auction day – Ray White Sunbury’s Aaron Hill, Marin Durkovic and Chelsea Kleeven. 

Aaron and Marin led Omar and Oz into a record-breaking win last season when they pocketed $1.7million in profits after selling their home for $5.586million. 

The shocking win led to a slew of controversy with Adrian ‘Mr Lambo’ Portelli at the centre of it after he was accused of being a dummy bidder. 

House 4 boasts a price guide of between $2.2 million to $2.4 million – the lowest of all the houses. 

It is referred to as ‘an architecturally designed and curated home with melding serene Japanese and Scandinavian harmonious features’. 

Meanwhile House 5, being renovated by Eliza and Liberty, will work alongside Nick Renna and Connor Harvey from Jellis Craig Brighton to sell their property at auction.

‘I’m very excited for Team Renna to be representing Eliza and Liberty from House 5 on this year’s season of The Block,’ Nick wrote on Facebook earlier this month.

‘It’s been great to work through the process with the girls so far and I can’t wait to see what they create.’

House 5 is set to fetch $2.7 million to $2.85 million – the highest of this year’s properties.

‘Absolutely breathtaking with its volume of scale, sumptuous finishes and 7-star energy efficiency, this incredible 5 bedroom 4.5 bathroom mid-century transformation will host the most memorable family occasions,’ the guide reads. 

Demi Moore put on an animated display as she attended the Saint Laurent Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday.

The actress, 60, looked glamorous in a sheer black gown while wearing matching underwear underneath.

She boosted her height in chic stilettos and hid her eyes behind a pair of oversized sunglasses. 

Demi’s shiny raven tresses were styled poker straight and she sported a bronzed makeup palette which accentuated her natural features.

The star flashed her dazzling white smile as she arrived at the star-studded event with supermodel Kate Moss. 

It comes hours after her ex-husband Bruce Willis made a rare public outing amid his battle with dementia.

Demi and her former partner, 68, remain close friends and share three daughters — Rumer, 35, Scout, 32, and Tallulah, 29.

The family have rallied around the Die Hard actor after he was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) – an uncommon form of dementia that causes a deterioration in behaviour, personality and language.

They publicly revealed his condition in February of this year and his wife Emma Heming recently gave a heartbreaking update on his ongoing battle with dementia.

The Hollywood icon was seen in the passenger seat of a car in Los Angeles , on Monday – the same day that Emma, 45, revealed it’s ‘hard to know’ if he is even aware of what is happening to him health-wise.

The sighting came just hours before Demi stepped out in Paris during Fashion Week, as she was seen arriving at her hotel with a puppy scooped in her jacket.

The A-lister made a low-key arrival and looked downcast she she stepped out in the French capital on Tuesday. She was cuddling her pet Chihuahua Pilaf.

She was bundled up in an oversized black blazer, which she was wearing with jeans and a pair of boots.

During his outing in LA, Bruce was sporting a quilted navy jacket and a matching navy hat, the actor was seen sitting with the passenger window down as he was driven around his home town in what has become an increasingly rare public outing amid his ongoing health struggles.

Emma fought back tears while she opened up about how she and her two daughters with the actor are coping with the ‘grief and the sadness’ of watching the actor’s health decline in an interview on the Today show.

‘What I’m learning is that dementia is hard,’ she said, during an appearance at the show’s New York studio. ‘It’s hard on the person diagnosed. It’s also hard on the family. And that is no different for Bruce or myself or our girls.

‘And when they say that this is a family disease, it really is.’

When asked how she went about explaining his illness to their children, she said: ‘I think it’s always been… we’re a very honest and open household.

‘And, the most important thing was to be able for us to say what the disease was, explain what it is because when you know what the disease is from a medical standpoint it sort of all makes sense.

‘So it was important that we let them know what it is because, you know, I don’t want there to be any stigma or shame attached to their dad’s diagnosis, or for any form of dementia.’

When asked by host Hoda Kotb if he is aware of what is happening to him, Emma paused and revealed: ‘Hard to know’.

But despite the difficulty of caring for her husband, she said receiving a diagnosis has made life ‘easier’.

‘I think it was the blessing and the curse. You know, to sort of finally understand what was happening so that I can be into the acceptance of what is.

‘It doesn’t make it any less painful, but just being in the acceptance and just being in the know of what is happening to Bruce just makes it a little bit easier.

‘There is so many beautiful things happening in our lives. It is just really important for me to look up from the grief and the sadness so that I can see what is happening around us,’ Emma added.

In a particularly touching moment, Hoda asked Emma what she thinks Bruce is teaching their girls as they all come to terms with his illness as a family.

‘Honestly, he is the gift that keeps on giving. Love, patience, resilience, so much…’ Emma said.

‘And he’s teaching me and our whole… I mean, you know, for me to be out here doing this, this is not my comfort zone, but this is the power of Bruce.’

Hoda continued: ‘I have heard from people that have an ailing family member, and I remember this from a friend of mine… she said, “my husband’s diagnosis made my kids better people”. Is that what you’re noticing?’

‘That is what I’m noticing,’ Emma replied. ‘Listen, I think my kids would be great no matter what! And this is not what I would want for them. But really, like I said, it is teaching them so much and how to care and love and it’s a beautiful thing amongst the sadness.’

She confirmed that she refers to herself as Bruce’s ‘care partner’ as opposed to his ‘caretaker’, and also noted the importance of taking care of herself as well.

‘It’s so important to ask for help and support. And you can look to organizations like the AFTD, like Hilarity For Charity… it is sort of a great starting point.

‘And it’s important for care partners to look after themselves so that they can be the best care, partner for the person that they’re caring for,’ she added.

Taylor Swift‘s The Eras Tour concert film will premiere across the UK and Europe next month following its success in America.

Following record-breaking demand for screenings of the fly on the wall film, ODEON Cinemas group revealed that the movie will also be screened in Europe.

Tickets are now live in the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Spain, Italy, Germany and Portugal and the release is slated for October 13.

In a nod to Taylor Swift’s 1989 album and her favourite number, 13, tickets in the UK and Ireland will be priced at £19.89 for adults and £13.13 for children.

The first incredible screening kicks off at 6pm on 13 October the concert film will play multiple showtimes at cinemas on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays to meet the anticipated demand.

The history-making concert was a phenomenon during the first leg of its US run, and the UK and European leg of the tour is due to kick off on 9 May 2024 in Paris and wrap up on 17 August 2024 in London. 

Fans across the UK and Europe will now be able to see the incredible tour experience on the big screen at the same time as fans in the US, Canada and Mexico, before the tour itself reaches the continent.

The ticket release in the U.S, Canada and Mexico set a new record at ODEON’s parent company AMC as it made $26 million in ticket-sales revenue.

ODEON are expecting similarly high demand for this cinematic experience.

The tour, in which Taylor runs through hits from her 17-year career, is on track to make a projected gross of $2.2 billion in North American ticket sales alone,’ TIME previously reported.

According to TIME, industry analysts said that the performer’s lucrative tour should surpass $1 billion in revenue by March of 2024, when she is slated to be overseas.

The numbers would make it the most-profitable tour ever, surpassing the $939m Elton John made on his The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, according to the outlet.

Taylor’s career continues to soar, but in her private life she is reportedly been hanging out with Kansas City tight end, Travis Kelce.

They have apparently  been spending time together under the radar for months before they were spotted together in public for the first time on Sunday.

The pop superstar supported the sports start as his team beat the Chicago Bears, and afterward the enjoyed an ‘affectionate’ dinner together, but that was reportedly just their most high-profile get-together so far.

Sources with direct knowledge of the couple claimed to TMZ on Monday that the two have hung out together ‘several times’ over the past few months.

It’s not clear exactly when the two began seeing each other in person, but Travis had revealed on his New Heights podcast in July that he had hoped to introduce himself to Taylor when he attended one of her Eras Tour stops.

‘I wanted to give Taylor Swift [a bracelet] with my number on it,’ the tight end shared, but he learned that the singer’s devotion to putting on the best performance possible made it impossible to chat with her.

‘I was disappointed that she doesn’t talk before or after her shows because she has to save her voice for the 44 songs that she sings, so I was a little butt-hurt I didn’t get to hand her one of the bracelets I made for her,’ he said.

Taylor amped up the budding courtship at Sunday’s game when she arrived alone — aside from her usual bodyguards — to cheer on Travis from a box.

However, the sources explained to the outlet that the Lavender Haze singer’s earlier meetings with the NFL star were in a ‘very private setting’ so as to not attract attention.

It appears that she’s moving toward a more open relationship with Travis now, though the sources also stressed that the two are not ‘officially’ dating, even though things are clearly heating up between them.

Another sign that Taylor the Kansas City Chiefs star are growing closer was that she met his parents at Sunday’s game.

The hitmaker could be seen cheering on Travis while standing next to his mother Donna, and Travis’ father Ed was also in attendance.

Meeting parents for the first time is often stressful, but the sources shared that the first meeting went ‘very well,’ and Taylor seems to have particularly won over Donna, who called her a ‘lovely person.’

Although she has now met Travis’ parents, Taylor has yet to meet his brother Jason Kelce, who plays for the Philadelphia Eagles and co-hosts the New Heights podcast with his sibling.

Although Taylor and Travis appeared to keep the PDA to a minimum while heading to the Prime Social Rooftop in Kansas City after the game on Sunday, eyewitnesses spotted them holding hands once they were inside the restaurant.

The PDA escalated when Taylor reportedly sat on the football players lap at one point.

The dinner was only somewhat private, as Travis’ family, including his mother Donna, also showed up, and some of his teammates dropped by as well.

An eyewitness previously told Entertainment Tonight that it was Travis who had bought out the restaurant for the afterparty.

‘Taylor arrived, wearing a denim dress, and was seen snacking, having some cocktails and dancing alongside Travis,’ they said.

Another diner told ET that restaurant staff told them there would be a ‘hard close’ at 8 p.m., and the wait staff handed out to-go boxes ahead of the deadline while letting them know that they would need to leave the premises before that time.

However, they were offered free drinks at the restaurant’s sister venue to cut down on the inconvenience.

Although some of the patrons apparently asked if the closure was related to Travis and Taylor, the staff reportedly were stiff-lipped.

EXCLUSIVE: Gemma Collins shares her hopes to cover Vogue as former editor Edward Enninful ‘is a fan’ after ditching ‘loud and proud’ style for ‘look that’s more Victoria Beckham’

By Laura Parkin For Mailonline

Published: 03:17 EDT, 26 September 2023 | Updated: 03:24 EDT, 26 September 2023

Strictly Come Dancing star Angela Rippon made history this weekend as the oldest ever contestant to perform on the BBC ballroom show.

And though the broadcaster, 78, floored viewers and judges alike with her impressive flexibility and THAT high leg kick, she has admitted that her ageis something that ‘does worry’ her on the show.

Angela told Radio Times that she has wanted to do the show for years but has only been given the opportunity now.

She told the publication: ‘The first words out of my mouth were, “Why didn’t you ask me ten years ago when I was a lot younger?” 

‘I’m doing Strictly this year because it’s the first time they’ve asked me.’

But despite her late-coming to the programme, Angela is determined to let nothing hold her back.

She continued: ‘I look at the younger people and I know I’m not as fit or strong – that’s just a medical fact. But I play tennis, I go to pilates and ballet classes, so I’m pretty fit for someone of my age. 

‘I’ve told my pro partner, Kai, there are things I can do, and things I can’t. I just want to do everything properly. I’ve told him, “Challenge me.”’ 

Angela, who hosted the original version of the programme Come Dancing, has been partnered with professional dancer Kai Widdingtron.

Angela and Kai performed the Cha Cha Cha to Shirley Bassey‘s version of the Pink! song, Get the Party Started and received 28 points out of 40 on Saturday.

During the routine, Angela shocked the judges and viewers when she showcased her incredible flexibility and stretched her leg over head head.

And it appears their relationship may take plenty of credit for Angela’s glowing performance.

She explained: ‘I love him already. We clicked when we met… We laughed all through our first meeting. I’m a very happy bunny that it’s Kai. 

‘I told the producers, “I need someone strong, patient and with a sense of humour.” He’s got all those qualities, and he’s a brilliant dancer and choreographer. He and his partner, Nadiya Bychkova, are both fabulous.’

As for what’s next after Strictly, Angela explained that she simply wants to continue working, in a profession she ‘adores’.  

She said: ‘People told me, “They’ll never employ anyone over 50.” Well, there’s me, Gloria Hunniford and Julia Somerville, and we’re in year 15 of Rip Off Britain – we’re still hanging in there.’ 

On Saturday, Angela wowed viewers with her performance.

She looked sensational in silver fringe mini dress as she performed to Shirley Bassey‘s cover of Pink’s Get The Party Started before kicking her partner lifted her leg for the dramatic finale. 

With the duo impressing the duos scoring 28 for their performance which saw them briefly at the top of the leader board.  

Taking to Twitter one fan said:  ‘I need some tips off Angela Rippon. I’d love to dance like she does and I’m literally half her age!’.

While a second wrote: ‘Angela Rippon’s leg though!’.

Someone else joked:  ‘When I grow up I want to be Angela Rippon’.

And: ‘I want Angela Rippon’s legs!’.

It comes after Angela admitted she is finding Strictly training ‘very gruelling’ and her legs ‘feel like they’re going to collapse.’ 

Speaking in an interview, Angela shed some light on how her training with professional partner Kai is going. 

She told The Mirror: ‘My legs feel like they’re about to collapse.

‘I know what I should be doing, I know how it should be feeling, it’s actually making my legs do it to the music. I’m just getting cross and frustrated.’

Angela continued: ‘I’m exhausted. There are bits of me aching that I didn’t know I had. I’m enjoying doing it and I’m fine with the bits that I get right. But I get very angry with myself when I absolutely muck it up and do it wrong.’ 

Angela’s Strictly stint comes 47 years after she stunned the 27 million viewers of Morecambe and Wise’s 1976 Christmas special by emerging from her newsreader’s desk to perform a high-kicking dance routine, in an era when journalists never ventured into light entertainment. 

Jeremy Kyle has revealed he’s set to become a father for the sixth time as his wife Victoria is pregnant with their second child.

The broadcaster, 58, shared the news that he’s set to welcome a daughter in the coming months, after he and Victoria, 39, welcomed their son Oliver, in 2020.

Speaking to The Sun, Jeremy said he and Victoria, who he married in 2021, are ‘over the moon’ to be welcoming another child early next year, adding his family will be ‘complete.’

It comes as Jeremy prepares to join forces with former Coronation Street star Nicola Thorpe to front a brand new TalkTV breakfast show, starting next month.

He said: ‘Vic says I need to set up a side business by bottling it because I’m 58 and I’ve only got one testicle, but everyone knows that anyway.

‘The other kids are really happy, although my eldest Harriet thinks I need sectioning.

‘I personally think it’s my late parents having a laugh from up above, to be honest.’

Jeremy, who is also a grandfather, previously overcame a battle with testicular cancer in 2012, and has since strongly advocated for men’s health issues.

As well as son Oliver, Jeremy is father to daughters Harriet, 32, Alice, 18, Ava, 17, and son Henry, 13, who he shares with ex-wife Carla Germaine.

Back in October, Jeremy said he would miss Vicky and Oliver as he threw himself into work for his new live show on TalkTV.

The TV star made his television comeback with a brand new live show on TalkTV – three years after his daytime programme was axed following the death of guest Steve Dymond.

When asked what he would miss about returning to work, he said of his loved ones: ‘Not being there at bathtime! No, I’m kidding. I would love to be there every night. Oliver and Victoria have changed my life.

‘Oliver’s two and a half and completely rules the roost, to be perfectly honest. He’s changed me completely. He shouts, “Daddy!” when he sees me on screen now.

‘My kids, my grandkids, my family, my wife saved me. Harriet is an amazing mum with two toddlers. Alice is about to go to university; Henry is about to go to boarding school; Ava has just got eight GCSEs. It’s amazing, she’s severely dyslexic. It’s incredible what she’s done, amazing. I’m so proud.

‘But I’ve always wanted to go back to live television. It’s the best of what I’ve always loved doing.’

The presenter’s eponymous Jeremy Kyle Show was suspended indefinitely in May 2019 following the death of Steve Dymond, one week after a programme featuring him was filmed.

He returned to television screens in April for the first time in three years, as he helped launch new channel TalkTV along with Sharon Osbourne.

Dymond is suspected to have died from suicide seven days after filming for the Jeremy Kyle Show.

He had taken a lie detector test after being accused of cheating on his ex-fiancee Jane Callaghan, of Gosport, Hampshire.

The confrontational talk show, which was hugely popular and had been a regular fixture since 2005 in the daytime TV schedule, was axed for good following calls for it to be cancelled from MPs and members of the public.

After the show was pulled, MPs launched an inquiry into reality TV – and ITV chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall said the broadcaster had been ‘looking at’ cancelling it prior to it being removed from the schedules.

Alicia Keys filed paperwork to trademark the name Alicia Teas.

The 15-time Grammy award winning artist’s company, AK Worldwide, filed the rights to the name, according to TMZ. 

The 42-year-old singer appeared to get the idea for her own tea line after her husband Swizz Beatz, 45, gifted her a personalized tea line in 2020 for her birthday.

In a since deleted post on her Instagram in late January 2020, Alicia was gifted personalized tea bags he called ‘Alicia Teas.’

She told him at the time: ‘It means you did this very far in advance,’ according to Revolt TV. 

Swizz told her at the time: ‘Everybody in Starbucks all around the world gonna see Alicia Teas. Happy birthday baby. Love you.’

The lovebirds first met in the 1990s when she was 14 and he was 16 – they met via mutual friends but did not hit it off.

When they both found success in the music industry, the stars consistently attended the same events but Alicia was not interested, per People.

‘We ended up in the same circles at various awards shows and industry events. He’d usually pull up in some fancy car, rolling deep with his Bronx crew and shining with diamonds. I wanted nothing to do with that scene or with Swizz,’ she said in her memoir More Myself.

The duo worked on a music project together in 2008 – which led to Alicia getting to know Swizz as a person.

‘The more we talked the more I noticed how his mind worked. Beyond the baggy jeans and arm tats there was depth. He was so aware of what was happening around the world,’ she wrote.

The couple began dating fall 2008; Two years later, in May 2010 – they announced their engagement and that they were expecting their first child together. 

They wed July 31, 2010 and welcomed their first child together on October 14, 2010: Eqypt Daoud Dean, now aged 12.

Their second son Genesis Ali Dean, born December 27, 2014, now aged eight. 

Swizz, born Kasseem Daoud Dean, has three children from previous relationships: son Prince Nasir, 22, with ex-partner Nicole Levy; son Kasseem Dean Jr, 16, with his ex-wife Mashonda Tifrere; and daughter Nicole, 15, with singer Jahna Sebastian.

Alicia is also the founder of the skin and makeup brand Keys Soulcare; she created the brand alongside dermatologist Dr. Renee Snyder.

The brand is vegan, cruelty free, and fair trade certified. 

Keys Soulcare also features candles.

Alicia began her professional music career at age 15 – when she was signed by Columbia Records.

The New York native discovered her passion for piano at age six, and started classical piano training the following year.

At age 10, a neighbor who moved gave her their old piano, allowing her to practice for hours at a time.

After she was signed to Columbia Records at age 15 – before negotiating out of her record deal to Arista Records in 1998 due to not wanting to be put it ‘their box’ of who she should be as an artist.

Clive Davis – who was at Arista Records – began his own record label called J Records and signed her to that.

She performed her debut single Fallin on Oprah and it became a hit, going number on Billboard’s Hot 100.

Her debut album Songs in A Minor was released in 2001 to critical and public acclaim.

Alicia’s follow up album The Diary of Alicia Keys proved to be a hit as well; it was released in 2003. 

Her third album As I Am, was released in 2007, and her fourth he Element of Freedom in 2009.

Alicia’s fifth album Girl on Fire dropped 2012, and her latest album Here in 2016.

Bruce Willis‘ wife Emma Hemming has admitted it’s ‘hard to know’ whether or not the Hollywood actor is aware of his brain illness.

In February of this year, Emma announced that the 68-year-old star had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) – an uncommon type of the disease that causes a deterioration in behavior, personality and language.  

Speaking to Hoda Kotb on Monday’s edition of Today, Emma, 45, fought back tears as she gave an update on Bruce’s ‘hard’ condition and said that just being in the know ‘makes it a little bit easier’.

When Hoda, 59, asked how Bruce is doing, Emma took a deep breath and replied: ‘What I’m learning is that dementia is hard. It’s hard on the person diagnosed. It’s also hard on the family. And that is no different for Bruce or myself or our girls.

‘And when they say that this is a family disease, it really is,’ she said, referring to her two young daughters, Mabel and Evelyn.

When asked how she went about explaining his illness to their children, Emma explained: ‘I think it’s always been… we’re a very honest and open household. 

‘And, the most important thing was to be able for us to say what the disease was, explain what it is because when you know what the disease is from a medical standpoint it sort of all makes sense.

‘So it was important that we let them know what it is because, you know, I don’t want there to be any stigma or shame attached to their dad’s diagnosis, or for any form of dementia.’

When mother-of-two Hoda asked: ‘Does he know what’s going on? Is that something he’s aware of?’ Emma paused before responding: ‘Hard to know.’

As Emma composed herself, Emma Dickinson, who is the CEO of The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), joined in and explained: ‘What we know is, obviously, the disease can start in the frontal or the temporal lobes like the name signifies.

‘One of the things that the frontal lobe controls is self-insight. We don’t know. Some people, that’s the first thing they lose, any understanding that they themselves have changed and other people retain that for a long time.’

Emma went on to explain how it felt coming to terms with Bruce’s diagnosis, and said: ‘I think it was the blessing and the curse. You know, to sort of finally understand what was happening so that I can be into the acceptance of what is.

‘It doesn’t make it any less painful, but just being in the acceptance and just being in the know of what happening to Bruce just makes it a little bit easier.

‘There is so many beautiful things happening in our lives. It is just really important for me to look up from the grief and the sadness so that I can see what is happening around us,’ Emma added. 

In a particularly touching moment, Hoda asked Emma what she thinks Bruce is teaching their girls as they all come to terms with his illness as a family.

‘Honestly, he is the gift that keeps on giving. Love, patience, resilience, so much…’ Emma said.

‘And he’s teaching me and our whole… I mean, you know, for me to be out here doing this, this is not my comfort zone, but this is the power of Bruce.’

Hoda continued: ‘I have heard from people that have an ailing family member, and I remember this from a friend of mine… she said, “my husband’s diagnosis made my kids better people”. Is that what you’re noticing?’

‘That is what I’m noticing,’ Emma replied. ‘Listen, I think my kids would be great no matter what! And this is not what I would want for them. But really, like I said, it is teaching them so much and how to care and love and it’s a beautiful thing amongst the sadness.’

She confirmed that she refers to herself as Bruce’s ‘care partner’ as opposed to his ‘caretaker’, and also noted the importance of taking care of herself as well.

‘It’s so important to ask for help and support. And you can look to organizations like the AFTD, like Hilarity For Charity… it is sort of a great starting point.

 

‘And it’s important for care partners to look after themselves so that they can be the best care, partner for the person that they’re caring for,’ she added.

Emma also has support from Bruce’s ex-wife Demi Moore and their three grown up daughters; Rumer, 35, Scout, 32, and 29-year-old Tallulah.