Author: thien4

Kate Lawler shared what she spent her winnings on (Image: Getty)

Marking history as the first ever female Big Brother winner, Kate Lawler pocketed a whopping £70,000 after her time on the reality TV show back in 2002. She appeared on the third ever series, which was aired on Channel 4 at the time, as she became a decent amount richer at the age of just 22 – but where did the money go?

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, the now 45-year-old shared what it was like standing next to stage with host Davina McCall as she was declared that year’s winner and what she spent the prize fund on. Kate said: “I put all of my prize money into buying a flat and I still have that money in this house. I was very sensible with the prize money. I wasn’t very sensible with the money I earned afterwards but I was very sensible with my prize money.” When asked what it was like to see the life-changing money hit her bank, Kate replied: “It definitely didn’t feel real. I was looking at my bank balance like ‘this can’t be real’. It was only when I purchased my flat that I was like ‘wow, this is really something’.

Kate was in the Big Brother house in 2002 (Image: Channel 4)

“I remember Davina McCall, as we came out [of the Big Brother house] and I was on the stage when I’d won, she was like ‘there’s the bank of Big Brother and there’s the bank of Kate’, and it showed £70,000 going across. But I was just like ‘oh my God, is that the photo you used of me?’ It wasn’t computing that I had just won £70,000.

“It was really weird. I didn’t think about the money that I’d won. But it was really important to me that I’d won it because I was reallt desperate to move out of my parents’ house but I couldn’t do that without a deposit. So that was my deposit for a flat.”

Kate has recently teamed up with Pooch and Mutt to help with a campaign to ensure dogs can have better gut health. Considering that 70% of a dog’s immune system is linked to their gut microbiome, understanding how it works and how to keep it healthy is essential for supporting their overall wellbeing.

Pooch & Mutt has launched a new Gut Health Test which can easily be done at home – and Kate’s two dogs, Shirley and Baxter, were some of the first to try it out.

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Speaking about why she got involved, Kate said: “I will do anything if it is going to benefit my dog’s health. Baxter, my eldest dog, has been really poorly over the last two years. He had three bouts of pancreatitis and he almost died with that.

“So I thought it’d be interesting to see how his health is now, especially considering that we had to change his diet completely. But now he’s in good shape for his age. The results from the gut test came back and I was really surprised because it showed his previous conditions but now he’s really healthy so that’s great.”

The results of the test might mean that an owner needs specific supplements to get their dog back on track. The Pooch & Mutt Gut Health Supplement range has been specifically designed to address microbiome-related imbalances in dogs. The range includes: Gut Detoxifier, Gut-Joint Matrix, Microbiome Support, Immunity Support, Fibre Support, Multivitamin Complex and Gut-Skin Support and is offered as a bespoke plan based on their dog’s gut health results.

OPINION

Express columnist Debbie McGee is sharing all her thoughts on Strictly (Image: Express )

Strictly Come Dancing is really upping its game. Everyone brought it to the table last night; it was a truly fabulous episode. It is unusual to see such a high-quality group of people this early in the series. I felt so sorry for Stefan during his dance, there is always a week where the nerves will get to you. All it takes is one mistake, and then suddenly you make a few because your rhythm is thrown off. You get very stuck in your head, and it’s very easy to fall out of sync, which he did with Dianne, but I still thought it was a lovely dance.

I noticed some backlash to the criticism Motsi gave to Dianne and Stefan about rehearsing more, but I have actually been enjoying the judges’ constructive criticism. I think the comments are very fair, and they strike a good balance of not knocking their confidence while also giving them something to work on. What Motsi said is only what you’d naturally say when someone stumbles, but the judges don’t know how much time each couple spends on rehearsals each week, and maybe that would change their comments. Dianne and the viewers must remember that it is a competition, and the judges are there to be honest.

I really hope Stefan doesn’t let it get to him and can continue his journey on the show. Dianne has been an absolute trooper for doing so much while pregnant; she is incredible. I got why she responded why she did; it is easy for professionals to be protective of their partners, and the week can be very draining. However, I must say that so far, the judges have been spot on this year.

Some fans were frustrated with the remark Dianne and Stefan got (Image: BBC)

Tom Skinner was a sight to behold in those shiny silvery trousers! They seem to be the trend of the year. To be honest, if I hadn’t been told it was a Salsa, I couldn’t really see it because there are certain steps that should be visible in it. However, we must remember that he is a market trader, not a dancer, and he did appear to be genuinely enjoying it. One thing to love about Strictly is the variety of people you get on the show, and he did seem like he was having a great time.

I saw what Nadiya said in an interview about celebrities with dance experience having an advantage over those with none, and that is why they will leave earlier. I see what she is saying, but it has always been the case that they’ve mixed people with no experience whatsoever and people who have had experience, because even the year I did it, Joe McFadden won, who was fantastic but didn’t have any dance training.

Nadiya spoke out to defend her partner Chris Robshaw (Image: BBC )

A lot of actors have dance experience because of theatre school, but that doesn’t make them ballroom trained, and not everyone who has won the show has had dance training before; it all depends on the individual and their journey. It seems like just another case of a professional dancer being protective of their partner, which is understandable, but there are plenty of people who could win this year who haven’t danced before.

Ross King’s dance was so lovely, too. It left me in tears when he spoke about his mum and dad; it was a very lovely tribute. I felt that the dance held a lot of meaning for him, and hopefully, viewers can see that too. Last week, I said he was in danger of being left behind, and I can only hope people vote for him. He got a low score, and I feel like his confidence has been knocked so much, but I think he can bounce back. I think he deserves at least another week to show what he is capable of.

A GB News guest has spoken out after the former Deputy Prime Minister was accused of wasting public money in a fresh scandal. Former Met Police detective Peter Bleksley reacted as Angela Rayner is embroiled in another furious row, with claims that her boyfriend took free rides in her taxpayer-funded vehicle. Sam Tarry, the former MP for Ilford South, was seen with her two close-protection officers moving boxes in an £80,000 BMW X5 to and from their properties in Hove and Brighton. Ms Rayner’s spokesman confirmed that the officers assisted Mr Tarry in relocating “a small number” of the ex-deputy prime minister’s possessions due to security concerns.

On the news programme, Rayner was labelled “embarrassing” and that she “doesn’t learn.” Host Alex Armstrong said: “I just don’t get it, it’s common sense, isn’t it?” whilst Peter Bleksley slammed: “The minute she gets a sniff of privilege, she wraps herself around it and abuses it!”

 

Angela Rayner has been accused of wasting public money (Image: Getty)

Images in the Mail on Sunday show Mr Tarry taking items between her £800,000 seaside flat in Hove, East Sussex, and his £450,000 flat in Brighton. The photos have sparked intense criticism from opposition parties.

Tory MP Ben Obese-Jecty said: “Highly trained close-protection officers shouldn’t be moonlighting as removal men. The public will be astonished at this outrageous waste of taxpayers’ money and appalled at such shameless behaviour.

“Angela Rayner’s arrogance has already cost her her ministerial career. Her sense of entitlement shows calls by senior Labour figures last week to bring her back are very poorly judged.”

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Sir Keir Starmer’s former right-hand woman, Angela Rayner, admitted that she had not paid the correct amount of stamp duty on a house she bought in Hove, East Sussex, earlier this year.

She also stepped away as deputy leader of the Labour Party last month. Her departure sparked a major reshuffle of Keir Starmer’s cabinet, with Rachel Reeves staying in her role as Chancellor.

In a letter to the Prime Minister announcing her resignation, Rayner admitted that the strain her three children have been put through by her remaining in post has “become unbearable”. She also “deeply” regrets her decision not to seek additional specialist tax advice.

Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has sparked controversy after suggesting pregnant professional dancer Dianne Buswell and her celebrity partner Stefan Dennis need to increase their practice time following Saturday night’s error-laden performance.

The 66-year-old Neighbours actor, who is this series’s oldest competitor, had performed a Cha Cha to Give It Up by KC and The Sunshine Band, earning just 17 points from the judging panel.

 

Ms Mabuse praised the duo’s partnership and energy, describing them as “like sunshine when you pair up together” before addressing what she called “the elephant in the room”.

She highlighted numerous small errors throughout the routine, prompting boos from the studio audience.

“There were guys, sorry, let’s just be honest,” Ms Mabuse told the crowd. “Just let’s try next time to rehearse and stick to the routine.”

The 36-year-old Australian professional, who is expecting her first child with partner Joe Sugg, immediately challenged the judge’s critique during the live broadcast. “I don’t know how much more we can rehearse, Motsi!” she responded.

When Ms Buswell protested about their rehearsal schedule, Ms Mabuse persisted: “Find a way, I don’t know, we have to get one performance without those tiny tiny creepers in there.”

Mr Dennis later revealed he had been “petrified” before taking to the dancefloor, acknowledging the routine had completely “stumped” him.

The reigning champion professional is the first dancer to compete whilst pregnant in the show’s history. She announced before the 2025 series launch that she and Mr Sugg, her 2018 celebrity partner, were expecting a baby boy.

BBC insiders previously confirmed that welfare protocols are in place for all participants, with sessions featuring regular breaks and rest periods. The rehearsals are reportedly tailored to accommodate both dancers’ needs.

 

The programme introduced stricter training limitations in 2023 following internal misconduct investigations. Couples are now restricted to 48 hours of practice weekly, equivalent to eight hours daily across six days, with mandatory chaperones present during all training sessions.

Social media users swiftly condemned the judge’s remarks. On X, one Strictly viewer hit out: “Such a horrible comment to make. That will make people think they haven’t put the time in.”

A second weighed in: “I thought Strictly capped the amount of hours they could rehearse to 8 hours a day? So how can the judges be giving out comments like ‘you need to rehearse more’ when they’ve been doing their 8 hours a day… every day. They aren’t allowed.”

Elsewhere, a third fumed: “Dianne was NOT happy with the ‘rehearse more’ comment and I’m glad because I nearly jumped out of my seat in anger lol #strictly.”

“I feel like telling the eldest contestant with the pregnant pro to rehearse more when they have been doing long days, and it’s clear it was because of nerves and not lack of rehearsal is an extremely unfair thing to say #Strictly,” a fourth added.

And a fifth echoed: “I’m so glad Dianne fired back at that rehearsal comment. What the hell else do they think they’ve been doing? What a bizarre criticism #strictly.”

A sixth also argued: “I’m sorry but it’s clear that Stefan and Dianne have been rehearsing all day, every day, all week…they can’t magic more time…such an uncalled for comment! #strictly.”

“Ouch Motsi. Rehearse! I think they did #Strictly,” a seventh concurred before another hit out: “‘Let’s try next time to rehearse’what the f*** does she think they’ve been doing all week? Motsi’s on a right one this week #Strictly.” (sic)

Ms Mabuse’s comments to Ms Buswell weren’t the only ones that landed her in hot water with the Strictly fandom.

The judge also faced criticism for a “harsh” and “ridiculous” comment to Karen Carney after the former Lioness revealed she had a health condition that affected her spine.

BBC Strictly: Dianne Buswell and Stefan Dennis during Week Two of the series

| BBC

“I have this thing called Scheuermann’s,” Ms Carney told BBC viewers. “I’ve had it since I was a kid.

“It’s a curve in my spine. It’s really, really hard for me to open my back up. There’s just certain elements that I won’t be able to do as well as I’d like to, but Carlos has been really supportive, really encouraging.”

Despite the challenges posed by the condition, Ms Carney still performed her Tango, but during Ms Mabuse’s feedback, she made some questionable remarks.

Referring to Ms Carney’s health challenge, Ms Mabuse said to the former footballer: “It’s going to be something that we have to challenge to see how far we can really stretch and open up because it’s a ballroom dance and there’s a specific posture that we need.”

The Strictly star left some viewers “disgusted” by suggesting they could “challenge” the condition, with others saying it was too “personal”.

Dani Dyer has left the door open for a Strictly comeback, but under one strict condition (Image: Getty)

Dani Dyer is already eyeing up a sensational return to Strictly Come Dancing — but only under one condition. The Love Island winner was left devastated when she fractured her ankle in rehearsals and had to pull out of the 2025 series before the first live show. Amber Davies was drafted in as her replacement, sparking controversy over her stage background, while her professional dance partner, Nikita Kuzmin, was left without the partner he had been training with for weeks.

Now, an insider has told us Dani is determined to put things right next year — but only on her terms, as friends say it will only happen if she’s reunited with Nikita. Our source said: “Dani’s heart is still on that dancefloor. She was gutted to go out before she even had the chance to show what she could do. But the one thing she’s made clear is that she’ll only go back if Nikita is her partner again.

 

The Love Island winner was left devastated when she fractured her ankle in rehearsals (Image: BBC)
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“They had such a good bond and she doesn’t want to do it with anyone else.” The insider added: “She’s been telling friends she feels like she’s got unfinished business. For her, it’s Nikita or nothing.”

Nikita has also spoken of his disappointment, saying it “breaks my heart” that their journey ended before it had begun. Their close bond during training has fuelled speculation the BBC could reunite them if Dani is offered a place in the 2026 line-up.

Dani has opened up herself about the impact of her exit on Live and Let Dyers, the podcast she co-hosts with dad Danny Dyer.

She admitted: “The doctor said to me, if I continue dancing on this foot, it’s not going to heal, it’s going to get worse and worse and worse.”

She confessed she had been living her dream before the accident: “It was the best time of my life.

“I was so excited, happy, loving the photoshoots, the process, and of course dancing with Nikita.”

The 28-year-old also revealed the injury took a toll on her mental health. “Everyone around me was pure devastation, and that’s why I couldn’t leave the house, because I knew if someone said to me ‘are you okay Dani’ I’d just cry,” she said.

Danny rallied behind her with typically blunt advice: “What you’ve got to do is, which you have, is pull up them big girl knickers, and we f*****g get on with it, because up to this point it’s been an incredible year.”

Danny even revealed he considered stepping in as her replacement.

Dani herself hasn’t closed the door, telling listeners: “I would love to come back. My door is open.” But with sources insisting it will be “Nikita or nothing,” the ball is now in the BBC’s court.

Nick Knowles’ wife Katie was rushed to hospital in (Image: Getty)

Nick Knowles’ wife, Katie Dadzie, has shared an update with fans after she was rushed to the hospital. The wife of the DIY SOS presenter went to hospital this weekend in “crippling” pain following complications from recent surgery. Katie has now revealed to fans that she is back home and sent a video message to her followers, explaining that she only had an “infection” after experiencing “loads of pain.” The glamorous businesswoman, 34, opted for an operation after struggling with years of pain from endometriosis, but her recovery has not gone quite as smoothly.

She added: “It’s awful. Nick has been making me some food, and I am mostly going to be here on the bed with my emotional support sloth doing absolutely f*** all, because it’s really painful. It’s a harder recovery, it turns out. So they’re trying to make sure that the stitches don’t come loose again. They’ve used thicker ones. But happy to be home.”

Nick had posted on social media on Saturday (October 4) that Katie was in hospital. He captioned his post: “Poor Katie Knowles back in hospital again. More complications after her lifesaving surgery last week – but still smiling thru all the pain and medical procedures (When she’s not crying with pain).

“I can’t tell you how much my wonderful wife has gone thru over the past few months – and I don’t mean just living with me – the medical procedures and painful recovery, the setbacks and starting from square one again – and she does all this with enormous resilience and determination and the occasional cry.”

“I’m so proud of her [heart emoji].” It didn’t take long before his famous friends and loyal fanbase flooded to the comments to pass on their well-wishes online. Presenter Nicki Chapman wrote: “Sending love to you both. She’s a brave one xxx” as Ollie Lockewood added: “Sending you both all our love and thoughts Xxxxx”.

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Reacting to Katie returning home from hospital, many of her fans have flooded her with support. One person said: “So glad you are home, just do nothing and let Nick look after you now, sending lots of love xxx.”

A second also commented: “Bless you Katie ! Sending you a big hug. Pleased you’re home…. Now rest xxxx.”

A third also similarly echoed: “You’ve been through so much and on top of that an infection as well! Gas pain is awful! Rest up, do nothing.”

 

ick Knowles and the DIY SOS team returned last night (October 3), ready to transform the lives of school girl Isla Screaton Kilpatrick and her family.

Isla, who turned eight while DIY SOS was filming, suffers from the rare genetic condition, Mandibuloacral Dysplasia.

The condition affects bone growth and causes premature ageing of all the body’s major organs. Isla is the only person living in the UK with unique gene mutation.
 
DIY SOS’s Ashley Edwards with little Isla Screaton Kilpatrick (Credit: BBC)

Isla’s single mum Stacey has even been warned by a doctor her daughter could start suffering from strokes and heart attacks now she is past seven years old.

Stacey was in desperate need of help to make her three-bedroom semi in Aylestone, Leicester, accessible for the youngster. Isla’s room was too small, there was no storage for medication and equipment and, concerningly, the render was flaking off the outside wall and the downpipes were at risk of causing damp.

Cue Nick and his DIY SOS team, who are back on BBC One for the first time in three years.

DIY SOS: Independence For Isla

Nick Knowles and his team of DIY SOS experts – including designer Gaby Blackman, electrician Billy Byrne, gardener Ashley Edwards and plasterer Chris Frediani – visited Isla’s home for the first episode in the new series of the show. And, boy, what an emotional rollercoaster it was.

Isla lives with mum Stacey and her older sister Paige. The family’s home was completely unsuitable for Isla, who weighed just 15lbs (7kg) when she was two years old. She was unable to reach any light switches, door knobs and had to stand on a cardboard box to brush her teeth.

Most importantly, Isla has a tracheotomy in her throat to help her breathe. This means she speaks quietly and cannot shout. As a result, Isla was forced to sleep in Stacey’s bedroom over fears she wouldn’t be heard in an emergency.

Stacey says: “The tracheotomy means I can’t hear her. She’s very quiet. If there is an issue, she can’t shout for me.” She added: “I just want my kids to feel like kids.”

When Nick visited the Screaton Kilpatrick family and told them the DIY SOS team would help, Isla burst into tears. Even Nick looked choked up as he checked: “These are happy tears, aren’t they?!”
 
Nick is back with all the team, including electrician Billy Byrne (Credit: BBC)

Isla’s big DIY SOS build

Nick and the DIY SOS team quickly realised there was not enough space in Stacey’s home to ensure Isla’s needs are met. They drew up new plans and added a timber rear extension to the property. It was to become a swish new lounge.

This meant they could move older sister Paige downstairs into the old lounge and turn upstairs into two big bedrooms. All the rooms were given an extremely stylish makeover, thanks to Gabby, but the adjustments made went beyond Stacey’s expectations.

The family’s made-over house featured plenty of new storage cupboards to house medication and equipment for Isla. The youngster was given an electric, low level bed, a low level ‘grown up’ dining chair – so she didn’t need a baby seat anymore – and even her own low down, retractable kitchen worktop.

An electric sink was fitted in the bathroom, so the height can be adjusted, and a double handrail was added to the stairs.

Most impressively, the DIY SOS team added a secret door between Isla’s new bedroom and Stacey’s new room. Disguised as a children’s bookcase, it means the mother and daughter can have privacy but Stacey is close in the event of an emergency.

DIY SOS: Tears for Isla

We warned it would be an emotional one – and there were plenty of moments for viewers to cry. During the build, plane enthusiast Isla celebrated her eighth birthday. Together with Stacey, Gabby and Billy, Nick took her to a local airfield. Nick then surprise Isla with a flight in a small aircraft.

If you weren’t crying yet, you will have been when the plane flew over the house and the 160 tradesmen and women working on it stood waving in the garden, shouting: “Happy Birthday, Isla!”

Stacey opened up on her struggles as Isla looked at the planes in the hanger with Billy and Gabby. She cried: “The last year was the hardest, as that’s when we found out things were changing. It is something that always runs in the back of your mind. It terrifies me.”

The brave mum added: “My biggest fear is seeing her deteriorating. She’s such a big happy character and that’s what I want her to be always.”

Nick told Stacey she is “doing an extraordinary job”, adding: “Isla is full of joy.”
 
A total of 160 local tradesmen and women turned up to help Isla and her family (Credit: BBC)

Isla’s reaction

It’s fair to say Isla, Stacey and big sister Paige couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw their new house for the first time. All three were left sobbing as they walked through the door and into their new lounge.

Addressing the army of local tradesmen and women outside, Stacey told them: “That in there, is stunning. Watching Isla being able to walk around the house…she looked like a completely different person. She was so independent.”

Stacey added: “You have just achieved everything I wanted to do. Our future now is going to be so much more comfortable.”

DIY SOS viewers react

Viewers watching at home admitted they were reached for the Kleenex minutes into the opening show of the new series.

“With all the hate in the world at the moment, you and your crew remind me that there is good in humanity. I watched it with my two little girls, it’s good to have you all back,” said one. “Absolutely in pieces again – thanks #diysos and @mrnickKnowles for reminding us what happens when communities come together for a common cause – Isla and her family are so deserving!” said a second.

A third added: “So refreshing to see a crowd of people marching down a street filled with love instead of hate. Imagine what this world would be like if we did more of this.”

“Watching #DIYSOS makes me proud to British. We have more in common that unites than divides us,” another posted. “Tonight’s episode had us in bits from 5 minutes in…that amazing little girl, her spirit, her smile, her love for life. Your heart goes out to that family – so much love.”

“Restores your faith in humanity when there’s so much hate in the world,” another concluded

tefan Dennis has flown halfway across the world to take part in Strictly Come Dancing – and there will definitely be some viewers swooning.

Stefan is a heartthrob of the 1980s and has been on TV screens in Australian soap Neighbours for 40 years. But when it comes to dancing live in front of millions of Brits, the actor admits he is “petrified”.

Although many will all know Stefan from Neighbours, do they really know the man behind the Ramsay Street baddie?

Here, we take a deep dive into the life of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 star Stefan Dennis, including his age, who he is married to and the family tragedy that has shaped his life.
 
Stefan Dennis is partnered with pro dancer Dianne Buswell on Strictly Come Dancing (Credit: BBC)

Who is Stefan Dennis? How old is he?

Stefan Dennis was born in Tawonga in Victoria, Australia, on October 30, 1958. This makes him 66 years old. Stefan’s family relocated to the Gold Coast when he was a small child.

Stefan developed an interest to performing in childhood. When he was 11, he was cast in a local amateur production of Oliver!. Stefan attended Southport State High School and, on the weekends, would perform with his brother at charity events and weddings.

Once he had left school, Stefan had plans to become a chef. He completed a five-year culinary apprenticeship, but soon decided his true love remained with the arts. He moved to Melbourne in pursuit of a career as a performer.

Stefan’s big break

Stefan landed his first acting role in 1978 in an Australian police drama series called Cop Shop. He went on to appear in a string of television shows, with small roles in The Flying Doctors, Infinity Limited and The Henderson Kids.

But his big break came thanks to Neighbours – and it is what he’s most known for. Stefan joined the cast in 1985 as ruthless businessman and womaniser, Paul Robinson.

He continued playing the character until 1992, before leaving to pursue other projects. He made a brief return a year later, before bowing out again. Stefan reprised the role of Paul in 2004 and stayed put for the next 21 years.

Over the years, Stefan’s character Paul has been involved in plenty of big storylines. He has been married six times and infamously lost his shares in hotel chain Lassiters. In 2008, Paul suffered memory loss after having a brain tumour removed. He initially appeared more compassionate and kind but it was short-lived. Paul soon returned to his callous ways.

Stefan previously described Paul as a “sneaky b*****d” and a “smiling baddie”. He recently filmed his final scenes as Paul, as the show comes to an end after four decades. The last scenes will air this December on Prime Video.
 
Stefan has played Paul Robinson in Neighbours since the 80s (Credit: YouTube/ Neighbours Official Channel)

Forgotten Scottish soap role

During Stefan’s 11-year hiatus from Neighbours (from 1993 to 2004), he headed to the UK. While here, he bagged a main role in the BBC’s River City, which was filmed in Glasgow.

Stefan played Dr Marcus McKenzie in the Scottish soap and his character was involved in a grisly storyline. Dr McKenzie was stabbed to death by his girlfriend Heather as he tried to rape her. He had previously raped and attempted to rape two other women.

Stefan later landed roles in BBC medical drama Casualty and ITV‘s The Bill. Making the most of his popularity in the UK, Stefan also starred in multiple pantomimes, including shows in Aberdeen, Bournemouth and London.

During the early years, Stefan also dabbled in a pop career. In 1989, he released two singles, Don’t It Make You Feel Good and This Love Affair. But despite initial success in the UK charts with his first song landing at No 16, his second charted at Number 67. In 2013, he sang in a music video for his Neighbours co-star Alan Fletcher. He was dressed as Father Christmas.

Who is Stefan Dennis married to?

Stefan is married to Scottish wife, Gail Easdale. The couple fell for each other while appearing in a pantomime together. Gail is a professional dancer and also an actress. She even starred in Neighbours very briefly in 1985. The couple have three children; two sons – Declan and Cameron – and daughter Darci.

Prior to meeting Gail, Stefan was married to first wife Roz Roy. Roz was working as a model and a host for The Price is Right at the time. They were married from 1979 to 1989. Stefan dated his Neighbours co-stars Natalie Imbruglia and Gayle Blakeney (one of the Alessi twins) during the 90s.
 
Stefan and his Scottish wife Gail met in panto (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Who is Stefan Dennis’ daughter?

Two of Stefan’s children have followed in the footsteps of their Neighbours alumni parents. In 2020, Stefan’s son Declan was cast in a guest role as teen baddie Louis Curtain. Two years later, Stefan’s daughter Darci also made a cameo in the soap.

Darci played the brief role of Daisy McCartin in Neighbours. She appeared in one episode in 2022. Darci is now a model and dancer with her own agent. Her mum, Gail, recently shared a sweet message on Darci’s birthday. She wrote on Instagram: “Happy Birthday to my darling girl Darci. You make my heart sing louder each and every day.”

Where does Stefan Dennis live?

Stefan and his family live in Melbourne, Australia. But he describes Scotland as his “second home”. His wife Gail and her family hail from Glasgow and the couple married at Borthwick Castle. “I call Scotland my second home. It’s where my wife and her family come from,” Stefan said in 2022.

Stefan’s love of the UK means he hasn’t batted an eyelid at flying 10,000 miles from Australia to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.
 
The final Neighbours episode will air on Amazon Prime in December (Credit: INFphoto.com)

Family tragedy

Stefan has dedicated his life to raising awareness of drink-driving following the tragic death of his older brother. John Dennis was just 12 years old when he was knocked off his bike and killed by an intoxicated driver. The driver was fined just $200 Australian dollars (£98).

Stefan spoke about his family heartbreak on Channel 5‘s The Jeremy Vine Show in 2019. He revealed he had been fighting for tougher punishments to be handed to drink-drivers in Australia and called for the same in the UK.

He told Jeremy: “My brother was killed by a drink-driver when he was 12 years old on his bicycle.” Revealing the shocking fine the driver received, he added: “That same weekend somebody killed a koala. They weren’t drunk but because koalas are protected species, they got something like five times that fine.”

Stefan continued: “The repercussions of somebody’s actions of getting behind the wheel on drugs or drink is devastating to the people involved. This happened decades and decades ago, but it still affects me. In fact, I’m more affected today than I was back then, because I was just a little kid then.”
 
Stefan’s older brother was killed aged 12 (Credit: YouTube/ Jeremy, Storm and Vanessa on 5)

Stefan’s Strictly signing

Stefan Dennis was the 12th celebrity to be announced for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. He has since been partnered with fellow Aussie, Dianne Buswell.

During Week 1, Stefan and Dianne danced to the Neighbours theme tune by Barry Crocker.

Is Stefan’s ‘Paul Robinson limp’ real?

Neighbours fans will know that Stefan’s character Paul lost his leg after falling down a cliff. The limb became infected while he was recovering in hospital and it was amputated. Paul was fitted with a prosthetic and has walked with a limp since 2005.

Stefan does NOT have a limp in real life, so it will not affect his chances on Strictly Come Dancing. In fact, Stefan was looking forward to Neighbours coming to an end for this reason.

He told The Sunday Post: “One thing I’m looking forward to is not walking with a limp any more. There’s been times I’ve done stage shows since coming back to Neighbours. One was in Aberdeen, it was the first panto I’d done since Paul lost his leg, and I realised I was walking with a limp on stage. The same happened just before lockdown, when I was doing a Chekhov play, and on the first day I limped across the stage.”

Meghan Markle appeared on the Drew Barrymore Show in March 6 and, she has let slip an adorable nickname that her kids call Prince Harry.

At the time, Meghan released her Netflix show With Love, Meghan. Despite not getting great results Meghan, 44, had been continuously promoting the show. And one interview she did to promote the series was with talk show host Drew Barrymore.

During the chat, Meghan gushed about her family life. She even revealed an adorable nickname that her kids Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, call their dad.
Meghan did her first talk show appearance in three years in March (Credit: Netflix)

Meghan Markle opens up to Drew Barrymore in TV interview

In a sit-down chat, Meghan admitted one thing she always likes to do is “show up” for her family. And with the travelling that she does, this can sometimes be hard.

But she came up with her own solution to missing bedtime stories for her kids, and it seems her husband helps her out with it.

I want people to know you can show up for each other, because you know how good it feels when someone shows up for you.

She revealed: “I always make it a point when I am travelling that if I can’t do bedtime stories with my kids, I will always pack a really thin book and I will video tape myself reading it.”

Meghan then went on to explain why she does this and, in doing so, revealed what Archie and Lilibet call Harry behind closed doors. And it’s adorable.

The Duchess of Sussex continued: “Whoever is with them – papa – can say, ‘Here’s mama reading your bedtime story.’ You find ways to show up for each other. And if that’s the one thing that I can convey through the show or As Ever as my brand, I want people to know you can show up for each other because you know how good it feels when someone shows up for you.”

It’s not the only thing Meghan revealed on the talk show, as she explained that her children still pronounce some words with a British accent – despite not being in the UK for years.
Harry appeared in the first season of Meghan’s Netflix show for a few minutes (Credit: Netflix)

Why Prince Harry barely appeared in With Love, Meghan on Netflix

The adorable nickname comes as Prince Harry appeared in With Love, Meghan for a mere few minutes.

He showed up in the last episode of the first season when Meghan hosted a party outside with their friends.

Body language expert Darren Stanton told Royal Insider exclusively that his lack of appearance was down to Meghan getting “her own identity back”.

He revealed: “It’s her way of carving back her own identity. Having Harry in there for just the odd cameo gives it gravitas while showing he is still supporting her.”

It’s believed this step of separating their shared brand to her own space was “really empowering” for her.

Meanwhile, he explained: “This comes out in a non-verbal point of view. We see her appearing very happy and genuine, she’s grounded and humble. She’s visibly excited to be doing this project.”

Are you excited to see Meghan Markle on the Drew Barrymore show? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsiderOfficial. We want to know your thoughts!

Rylan Clark shared an emotional update on his mum (Image: ITV)

Rylan Clark had an emotional update about his mum Linda for fans on Instagram this weekend, as he announced he was “so proud” of his beloved co-star. Linda herself shot to fame starring with Rylan on Celebrity Gogglebox, and soon endeared herself to fans. She’s also appeared with her son on his radio show and on ITV’s This Morning.

This week, Linda was booked to cut the ribbon on a Christmas grotto at her local garden centre, sharing a snap of her alongside a man dressed as Santa and one of the workers. Rylan gushed: “My mum was asked to open the Christmas grotto at our local garden centre where she goes all the time and genuinely I’ve never been more proud xx LOOK AT HER!” along with three love heart emojis.

His A-lister pals couldn’t get enough in the comments section, with Denise Van Outen sharing a heart-eyed emoji as Michelle Visage said: “I LOVE YOU LINDA!! Look at that pride!”

Strictly’s Sarah Hadland posted: “I’m with her – it’s a big moment and also the discounts she can now look forward to!”

Rylan told the Daily Star that he would love to do more TV work with his mum, but she’s simply “not well enough”. Linda has severe Crohn’s disease, which has no cure, and in 2021 was diagnosed with skin cancer.

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He told the publication: “We’ve been offered hundreds of things. We got asked to do a travel show and the chance to go here and go there.

“It would be hilarious, but she’s just not well enough to do it. Gogglebox is enough for us. She feels comfortable doing that show because we’re just sat in my kitchen.”