EXCLUSIVE: This Morning star Gyles Brandreth is a Trustee of Queen Camilla’s Reading Room charity

 

Broadcaster Gyles Bradreth has opened up on his charity work with Queen Camilla (Image: Getty)

This Morning star Gyles Brandreth has shared an insight into his relationship with Queen Camilla. The broadcaster, journalist and author has worked closely with Her Majesty as one of the trustees of her charity The Queen’s Reading Room since 2023. He was responsible for hosting the launch event for  their first major outreach project, A Kensington Christmas Story, in November 2024. He also attended the inaugural Queen’s Reading Room Literary Festival in June 2023, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Suffice to say he has spent a lot of time around her.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk Gyles confirmed her love of reading and passion for the work of the charity. “I’m a trustee of The Queen’s Reading Room, which is Queen Camilla’s charity for encouraging reading, the joy of reading. Essentially, she loves reading, and what it’s all about is giving people opportunities to read more, to enjoy reading more,” he said of Camilla’s initiative.

Gyles Brandreth has a close association with Queen Camilla thanks to her Reading Room charity (Image: Getty)

“We’ve done lots of research showing how reading is good for your mental well being – even reading five minutes a day, just five minutes of fiction, can improve your your mental well being, by about 20%.”

He previously said about her to Good Housekeeping: “She has always been fun and anyone who has met her confirms she is very easy to get on with. I have been with her when people have come up and said: “Can I have a selfie?” and she has said, “Why not?” I think that may have had to stop now, but she was totally relaxed about it.”

Camilla’s charity isn’t the only one Gyles is involved with. Indeed he dedicates quite a lot of his spare time to helping various organisations something he said he finds “both worthwhile and very moving.” One of his next upcoming charity engagements will be on October 23 when he is the guest speaker for the Autumn Lunch of Surrey based charity, Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People’s (QEF) a charity he believes do great work.

Reflecting on his work with charities supporting people with disabilities he says his friend Christopher Robin Milne, the son of Winnie the Pooh author AA Milne, who was the little boy featured in the books, changed how he aproaches the work after he opened up to him about his daugher Clare, who had cerebral palsy.

“He told me having a disabled child is only a sadness if you are looking for the sadness. If you are envious or concerned about what they don’t have, think about what they do have. With his own daughter he said they loved her and celebrated her for what she did have,” Gyles recalled.

Christopher Robin Milne and Gyles Brandreth, seen together in 1986, were good friends (Image: Supplied)

“Through knowing Christopher and through meeting his daughter, Clare, I think I changed the way I look at people with disabilities. I’m involved with a range of charities that do things for people with disabilities and when I go there and meet the people, I put on my Christopher Robin hat, and I think, Look at these people for what they are not, for what they are not. Because he explained to me that we tend to look at disabled people for what they are not, rather than for what they are.”

His friendship with Christopher Robin also features in his latest book Somewhere, A Boy and a Bear, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of the creation of Winnie the Pooh. Gyles says Christopher Robin had a complicted relationship with his father’s work.

Somewhere, A Boy and a Bear by Gyles Brandreth (Michael Joseph, £25) is out now. Gyles is supporting Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF) and is a guest speaker at its Autumn Lunch on October 23. More information and tickets are available here. 

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Rod Stewart sent fans into a frenzy after sharing an exciting new career update in the midst of his ongoing global tour

 

Rod Stewart has announced new tour dates in Florida in 2026 (Image: Getty)

Rod Stewart sent fans into a frenzy with a major announcement about new upcoming tour dates. The 80-year-old musician has been captivating audiences worldwide on his One Last Time tour which kicked off in March in Austin. He’s scheduled to perform across South America throughout October, before heading to Europe for shows in countries like Germany, Switzerland, and Greece in November and December. Sir Rod has since expanded the tour by adding shows in Colombia and Uruguay, along with extra dates in Argentina.

Although One Last Time is intended to be one of his final large‑scale global tours, the Maggie May hitmaker is showing no signs of slowing down as he has just announced new performances in Florida in 2026. Sir Rod will perform some of his greatest hits at venues in Hollywood, Tampa, and St. Augustine in February and March. While many fans flooded the comments with messages of excitement, others were left in tears, pleading with Sir Rod to bring the tour to their country.

“Peruuuu please,” one wrote alongside a crying emoji as a second penned: “It’s so sad that we won’t see you in Brazil.” Other fans pleaded with the musician to add performances in Sweden and Vancouver.

The update follows Rod’s announcement that his Las Vegas residency has officially begun. Alongside a photo of himself on stage, Sir Rod penned: “My residency in Las Vegas kicks back off tonight! Can’t wait to be back at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.”

His Las Vegas residency marks a welcome return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, following the cancellation of two shows earlier this year due to the flu.

Issuing the devastating health update in June, Sir Rod left fans emotional as he shared: “I’m awfully sorry to have to cancel my show June 5th at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. My doctor ordered a bit more rest while I recover from the flu. Thanks for your love and understanding – Rod.”

The singer is scheduled to perform across South America throughout October (Image: Getty)

He was later forced to cancel another six shows in the US across that month, telling fans: “I have to cancel and reschedule my next six concerts in June as I continue to recover from the flu. So sorry my friends. I’m devastated and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience to my fans. I’ll be back on stage and will see you soon.”

The update left fans concerned that the singer would not be well enough to perform at Glastonbury. Rod’s wife of 18 years, Penny Lancaster, disclosed just how ill the singer was, telling Hello! magazine: “He had influenza A, which is the worst one you can get. It knocked him sideways, he’s never been so ill in his entire life.”

But after being placed on vocal rest, Rod miraculously recovered just forty-eight hours before the show. With his voice restored, Rod triumphantly delivered his performance at Glastonbury, joined by music legends such as Lulu, Mick Hucknall and his longtime Faces bandmate Ronnie Wood.

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Lorraine Kelly has posed topless in a bid to raise awareness about breast cancer.

In its seventh year of championing breast cancer awareness, Lorraine’s Change + Check campaign has announced the launch of National Check Your Boobs Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness for the importance of proactive attitudes towards breast health.

The new day will take place on October 1st every year and aims to be a permanent staple in the programme’s calendar, serving as a crucial reminder for everyone to make self-checking a regular monthly habit.

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Posing for the launch, Kelly, 65, posed with two Chelsea buns on her chest as she aims to seek an official endorsement from Prime Minister Keir Starmer to establish the day on the national calendar.

Lorraine Kelly said: ‘Launching Britain’s first ever National Check Your Boobs Day is a huge step forward and will hopefully be a crucial reminder for everyone to prioritise their breast health.

‘This is something that truly matters to me, and I’m so grateful for all the support we receive from the public and our partners to get this vital message out there.

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Lorraine Kelly has posed topless in a bid to raise awareness about breast cancer

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Lorraine’s Change + Check campaign has announced the launch of National Check Your Boobs Day

‘I think the reason Change + Check has been such a successful campaign is because the message is so clear and simple, it’s easy to understand and it’s something we can all do for ourselves.

‘We will never know how many lives have been saved, but the fact there are over 100 women and of course one man (because breast cancer affects men too) walking around today because of the campaign, makes me so proud of my fantastic team.

‘It has been incredibly emotional watching them all put their heart and soul into helping spread the word.

‘There are so many highlights but one of the stand out moments for me was our Change + Check choir being invited to close the Royal Variety Show last year, singing our number one fundraising single Love Is All Around with the wonderful Marti Pellow.

‘If appearing at the Royal Variety Show wasn’t enough, a few months later we were asked by the King and Queen to perform at Buckingham Palace for a special reception for cancer charities.

‘They were both so interested in the Change + Check campaign and Queen Camilla told us she had enjoyed watching us perform on the show. It was an unforgettable moment for all of us.’

The presenter revealed earlier this year her husband of 32 years Steve Smith regularly checks her breasts for lumps.

Lorraine, who married cameraman Steve in 1992, joked that he is a ‘selfless’ man because of the act.

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Lorraine’s Change + Check campaign is now in its seventh year of promoting breast cancer awareness

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Lorraine’s Change + Check choir was invited to close the Royal Variety Show last year

Lorraine admitted that she is ‘fastidious about mammograms’ and admitted that she knows all ‘boobies are different’, but when it comes to thorough checking, she enlists the help of her husband.

The Scottish star, said: ‘Steve regularly checks mine… selfless, he is. Selfless. But that’s great. He probably knows them better than I do. It’s the same with women and men checking for testicular cancer.’

The Change and Check campaign, which launched in 2019 to show women how to check themselves for signs of breast cancer, was championed by Lorraine’s friend and producer Helen Addis who was diagnosed aged 39.

Posters and stickers which show what signs to look out for, are put in hundreds of changing rooms nationwide.

Writing for MailOnline at the time of the launch, Lorraine said: ‘The stickers show a range of images that highlight the red flags for breast cancer.

‘It could be lumps in the breast or under the armpit, or other signs such as a discharge or bleeding from the nipple, swelling or a change in breast or nipple shape, puckering or dimpling of the skin, unusual pain, or a rash on the breast.’

She added: ‘Of course, our boobs are all different. What is normal for you might not be normal for me.’

Stacey Solomon was left in tears as she shared the devastating news that her dog may never walk again after he slipped a disc and was rushed to the vets

 

Stacey Solomon has been inundated with support following ‘devastating’ family news (Image: Instagram/ @staceysolomon)

Stacey Solomon was left in floods of tears as she shared heartbreaking news about her beloved dog Teddy during BBC One’s Stacey and Joe. The popular presenter’s programme chronicles her life alongside husband Joe Swash and their brood at Pickle Cottage, including their cherished rescue spaniel Teddy. But during tonight’s emotional episode, tragedy struck on Good Friday when Teddy suddenly fell seriously ill, prompting Stacey to rush him to the veterinary surgery after he lost all ability to walk.

When Joe and son Zachary turned up at the clinic, she emerged in floods of tears before falling into Joe’s arms, telling him: “It’s not that good. You come in and speak to her. I feel really bad.” Through her sobs, she explained: “I don’t know what to do because you can see all his discs are gone, they’ve been bad – it must be hereditary, she said,” Stacey told Joe and her son Zachary. “I don’t know what to do.”

Stacey Solomon has shared a heartbreaking update (Image: BBC)

Addressing viewers directly, Joe revealed the devastating prognosis: “At the moment, there’s a 70% chance that he’ll never be able to use his legs again. He’s slipped a disc in his back which is crushing his spinal cord which is making him paralysed.

“Is it fair putting him through an operation with such little chance of recovery? But then, he’s part of our family.”

The devastated pair eventually agreed to put Teddy through the risky procedure and left him at the clinic overnight, though they remained distraught during their journey home.

In a tearful phone call to her sister Gemma, Stacey said: “He’s only got a 30% chance of recovery. She didn’t say there’s 0% chance so what do you do? You have to give it a go, don’t you?

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“He has to stay with them until at least Tuesday and that’s if he makes it and the spinal cord doesn’t die,” she added, while Gemma tried to comfort her.

“I’ve got to work out what I’m going to say to them,” Stacey said, referring to her kids. “Because he might not come home, Gem.”

Last week, Stacey shared a heartbreaking update on social media, months after Teddy’s surgery. In an Instagram clip, Stacey revealed she had taken Teddy for professional grooming as washing him had become challenging due to his inability to stand.

She told followers: “Thank you for always asking after Teddy. It really means a lot. He’s such a happy boy. He’s such a lovely boy.

“He will never be able to use his legs again, but he’s getting used to the wheelchair and, just, yeah. You just get on with it don’t you Teddy?”

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The One Show host Alex Jones leaves fans concerned as she shares pic from hospital bed

Alex shared a video from a recent visit to the mole clinic

The One Show presenter Alex Jones sparked concern among fans this week after sharing a video of herself having a medical procedure to her Instagram Stories.

In the clip, posted on Monday (September 29), the beloved TV host could be seen lying on a hospital bed wearing a pair of light tan high-waisted jeans and white sneakers.

A doctor appeared to be treating her lower left leg as she filmed the moment.

Alex shared a video from a recent hospital visit (Credit: Alex Jones via Instagram)

The One Show host Alex Jones shares video from hospital visit

The unexpected post prompted an outpouring of concern from followers, many of whom feared something serious might be wrong.

But in a follow-up video posted shortly after, Alex, 48, reassured fans and explained the full story behind the seemingly dramatic scene.

“The last video has created more questions than answers,” she began, speaking directly to the camera with a smile.

“Basically, I went to the mole clinic. They said this little freckle on your leg needs to come off. I said: ‘Oh, well, can you do it now? Because I’m here now.’ And they said: ‘Alright then.’”

The presenter revealed that the hospital trip was just a routine visit to a mole clinic (Credit: Cover Images)

‘Unexpected start to a Monday’

Alex went on to explain that the reason she was still fully dressed, shoes and all, was down to time pressure.

“The only thing is, I’d only got 10 minutes. That’s why my shoes are still on in the video despite the fact I’m on a hospital bed,” she said.

She then lifted her trouser leg to reveal a small plaster on the removal site, confirming that the mole had been successfully removed and sent for testing as a precaution.

“[The doctor] put some anaesthetic in my leg, whipped it off, and was going to send it away,” she continued. “I think better safe than sorry, isn’t it? And if you’re there, you might as well just do it all at the same time.”

Alex signed off by calling it an “unexpected start to a Monday”. However, she admitted she was “glad it’s done”.

A Big Brother housemate left his co-stars stunned by revealing he’s never had a partner but has adopted a 33-year-old man. Richard entered the iconic house on Tuesday night and wasted no time in getting to know his housemates.

In a very candid conversation, Richard was asked if he’d ever been married. He admitted he missed out on having a wife but has a son. Richard went on to share he adopted a 33-year-old man, who he met while on holiday.

He now lives in the UK and has welcomed children of his own, making Richard a grandad. Richard said: “I’ve missed out the wife bit but I’ve got an adopted son and three grandchildren.

Richard was praised for sharing his story ( 
Image:
ITV/ITV2/BigBrother)
“I’m going to watch your chins drop the floor – he was 33. Do you want something that will your chin go even further? He was a refugee.”

Richard explained: “I was actually working in Malaysia at the time and the hotel I was staying in, this particular gentleman was working there but he was refugee from Myanmar. He told me early on that he lost his natural father when he was a kid.

“That was our first meeting but a friendship began to develop. Whenever my travels took me to that part of the world, I would try to visit.

“Then, he turned to me for advice and as we got close to the end of it, he said, ‘Is this what it’s like having a dad to help you through life’s problems?’ and the crucial thing is independently of that, I began thinking, ‘Is this what it’s like having a son?’”

The housemate added: “I suddenly thought, ‘Why not make it official then?’ The more I thought about it, the more I realised that there wasn’t really a decision to be made because it had already happened and we just had to acknowledge that it had already happened.”

Viewers were also taken aback by the news as one said: “Can’t cope with Richard adopting a 33 year old refugee. Stop the show and crown him already.”

Another added: “richard has always been single but has an adopted refugee son and three grandchildren OH RICHARD WE LOVE YOU.” Someone else commented: “Richard is so interesting GOD this is what big brother is ABOUT.”

A fourth wrote: “Richard’s story of his adopted refugee son had me welling up. GIVE HIM THE 100K ALREADY.” “In bits at richard adopting a 33 year old refugee,” said another.

One viewer added: “Richard is bringing me to TEARS with that story Such a lovely, genuine human being.”

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie face ‘difficult’ situation if Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson are ‘snubbed’ from Christmas gathering

The Duke and Duchess of York might not be invited to Sandringham this year

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie could face a “very difficult” situation at Christmas if their parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, aren’t invited to the royal family’s annual gathering, a commentator has claimed.

Royal journalist Phil Dampier told the Daily Mail that the royal sisters might “feel it would be unfair” of them to join King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 78, at Sandringham for Christmas if their parents aren’t invited.

It’s been reported that both Prince Andrew, 65, and ex-wife Sarah Ferguson could be snubbed from the gathering amid a new Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Sarah Ferguson is under fire for an email she sent Jeffrey Epstein (Credit: Cover Images)

Sarah Ferguson scandal over Epstein email

Recent reports revealed that the Duchess of York, 65, wrote to late convicted sex offender Epstein in 2011 to seemingly apologise for publicly cutting ties with him. And now, sources claim that Andrew and Fergie may be excluded from the Christmas gathering with the royal family.

In an April 2011 email, just weeks after publicly vowing to cut ties with Epstein, Sarah referred to him as a “steadfast, generous and supreme friend”.

She allegedly told Epstein in the email that she had been “advised in no uncertain terms, to have nothing to do with you and to not speak or email you”.

Last week, a spokesperson for Sarah said she was “taken in by his lies”. They said she had sent the email as Epstein had “threatened to sue her for defamation for associating him with paedophilia”.

Meanwhile, Andrew’s association with Epstein has haunted the royal family for years.

Prince Andrew and Sarah could miss Christmas with royals

Now, reports claim that the Duke and Duchess of York may miss this year’s festive celebrations with the royals.

An insider reportedly told The Sunday Times that it would be “very much for the best” for Andrew and Sarah to miss the Christmas gathering  at Sandringham.

The source said: “You can’t sack someone from being your brother.

“But this year, if the duke and duchess were both to be as honourable [as last year], it would be very much for the best and the family would not be disappointed. Not least to avoid the king having to make any more difficult decisions.”

Sources told the newspaper that Charles would prefer it if they were “invisible” at future gatherings. This would include arriving and leaving through discreet entrances where they can.
Beatrice and Eugenie could face a “difficult” situation at Christmas (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Beatrice and Eugenie ‘in very difficult’ position

Last year, Eugenie, 35, spent Christmas with the family of Jack Brooksbank, her husband, while Beatrice, 37, went to Sandringham as usual. The only other time either of them has missed the regular festivities happened in 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking about the sisters, royal commentator Mr Dampier said he “feels sorry for the situation they are in”.

He told the Mail: “If it turns out they are not invited, or decide themselves not to go, then it makes it very difficult for Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. They may feel it would be unfair of them to go when their parents aren’t there and it simply rubs salt in their wounds.

“The king has a soft spot for both Beatrice and Eugenie and feels sorry for the situation they are in. So it’s a real dilemma for him and one he could do without.”
Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson pictured together in 2024 (Credit: Cover Images)

Beatrice ‘loses hope’ of becoming a working royal

Meanwhile, Beatrice has reportedly “lost all hope” of becoming a working royal thanks to the scandals concerning her parents. Friends have reportedly claimed that she’d have liked to help the king and Prince William out.

A source close to her added to the Mail: “Beatrice does want to be a working royal and she wants to do royal events to help her uncle because she’d enjoy them and she would be good at the job.

“Charles apparently appreciates this. There had at one stage been a feeling that Bea could have been lined up one day. She’s never put a foot wrong, don’t forget. And she shouldn’t be punished for the sins of her father.

“But the king’s courtiers are concerned Andrew could try to ‘get in via the back door’ by exerting influence over her.”

Royal Insider has contacted reps for Buckingham Palace and Beatrice for comment on the Mail’s article.

Ann Widdecombe has made her stance on the current JK Rowling and Emma Watson feud crystal clear with a damning assessment of the 35-year-old actress’s behaviour.

Appearing on Channel 5’s Jeremy Vine the day after Ms Rowling branded the actress “ignorant of how ignorant she is” and accused her of “trashing women’s rights”, Ms Widdecombe argued the author was “100 percent” in the right.

Mr Vine kicked off the discussion about the fraught relationship between the two on Tuesday’s show, in which Ms Widdecombe was joined on the panel by Storm Huntley and Henry Bonsu.

“This is about Emma Watson, who obviously starred in the Harry Potter films,” Mr Vine began. “And Emma Watson, as we know—let’s just go back a stage here—JK Rowling is very, very keen that we should understand that if you’re born female, you’re female, and if you’re born male, you’re male, and that ain’t gonna change.

“Emma Watson is very much more in favour of people determining which gender they are, sort of what’s known as trans rights. And she’s fallen out with JK over it, and she then talked about the relationship on a podcast. So have a listen to this first.”

A clip from the Jay Shetty podcast in which Ms Watson participated, then played out. The actress said: “I really don’t believe that by having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have means that I can’t and don’t treasure Jo and the person that I had personal experiences with.”

Confused by her remarks, Mr Vine weighed back in: “Basically, what she’s saying is, I disagree with JK, but I don’t want her to think I don’t like her. And then she sort of said, I love her, actually.

JK Rowling has been publicly cut off by the main stars of Harry Potter | GETTY“In response, JK Rowling has gone up on one. She’s basically written a 600-word post on X where she says, ‘Like other people who’ve never experienced adult life, uncushioned by wealth and fame, Emma has so little experience of real life, she’s ignorant of how ignorant she is.’

“She goes on to say, ‘I’, that’s JK Rowling, ‘lived in poverty while writing the book that made Emma famous, and therefore I understand from my own life experience what the trashing of women’s rights, in which Emma has so enthusiastically participated, means to women and girls without her privileges.’”

“Good. I’m 100 percent with JK. 100 percent,” Ms Widdecombe chipped in, to which fellow panellist Ms Huntley argued: “It’s a really difficult one.”

“No,” Ms Widdecombe protested, but Ms Huntley said: “I mean, these are two people who had a relationship prior to them realising that they had very different views. And I struggle with this one a little bit.

Jeremy Vine: Ann Widdecombe disagreed with Storm Huntley (right)

“But I think what Emma Watson was saying was, I would like to have a friendship even though we have different views.

“And what JK is saying is, actually, when I was at my lowest, a friend should be there for me. Absolutely. And when you stoke the fires, that hurts me even more.”

The panel then watched a clip from Ms Watson’s appearance at the Baftas in 2022 in which she made a loaded “witches” comment that sparked widespread discussion about her feud with Ms Rowling.

“I don’t then see, Ann, why JK Rowling’s so upset about that. It seems obscure,” Mr Vine proposed. Ms Widdecombe promptly fired back: “I mean, it’s gone back well beyond two years. And, you know, JK Rowling has suffered hugely for her views.

Jeremy Vine: Storm Huntley found the arguments ‘difficult’

“She’s been threatened, and there’s been some very nasty stuff. And the fact is that those young people who made their names because of her book just distanced themselves. More than that, they attacked her.

“And if what Emma was now saying is, ‘Look, I’m sorry, I got that wrong, I was young, you know, I should have really thought this through’, that would be different. Then I’d say, yeah, okay. But she’s effectively saying, well, I want it both ways. And I don’t think that works.”

Mr Bonsu appeared to agree as he weighed in: “The big problem is that she didn’t get in touch with her behind the scenes, as far as I understand, to say, ‘Look, you know, I respect you, I love you, I cherish what you’ve done for me, but I was just in a difficult position’. Something like that. But she didn’t. And she went on the podcast and spoke freely.”

The debate sparked a mixed reaction from Channel 5 viewers. On Facebook, one fan replied to a clip of the discussion: “Well said Ann Widdecombe. You nailed it exactly. JK Rowling advocates for the enforcement of LEGAL safeguarding rights for women and girls. Emma Watson advocates against these safeguards for women and girls.

“Emma Watson has a right to voice her support but no right to cause so much trouble for some one else. She did it purposefully and consistently, with malice. JK Rowling has at last commented in a calm collected and TRUTHFUL way about her feelings.

“I would like Emma Watson to explain her exact reasons for supporting the erosion of women’s rights and safeguarding protections for women and girls.”

A second Facebook user echoed the sentiment as they replied with the much shorter comment: “Well said Ann.”

However, over on Instagram, it’s safe to say viewers were less sympathetic towards the Harry Potter author.

“Why is it ok for JK to attack minority groups, though?” one social media user argued. “There’s no mention of that here.

“Why can’t she just leave people alone with something that is none of her business. She’s using her money and influence to spread hate…I would distance myself from her too!”

And a second concurred: “‘JK Rowling has suffered for her views’, what about the suffering of the trans community caused by the views of people like JK Rowling?”

Strictly: It Takes Two presenter Fleur East confirmed that model Ellie Goldstein made a confession to her behind the scenes

Ellie Goldstein was spotted ‘in tears’ (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Goldstein had fans worried as they spotted her “in tears” behind the scenes of the live show on BBC One this weekend. Ellie, who is partnered with professional dancer Vito Coppola in the latest series of the dance competition, appeared to be comforted by Dianne Buswell, Karen Hauer and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey during the post-dance interviews.

But Ellie was keen to clear things up as she appeared on spin-off show It Takes Two tonight (September 30) alongside Vito. Fleur asked her about the emotional moment: “Now, Ellie, a few people online thought you looked upset on Saturday, but backstage you told me you had a great night. Did you enjoy it?”

Ellie replied: “Yes I did. I was not upset at all – I was absolutely fine and it was a great night with him. It was the best night ever.”

 

She added to her social media followers: “Thank you for the comments. they are really kind. Be confident, be in your element and be happy.”

She clarified: “Thank you all so much for the incredible love and support! I’m over the moon that so many of you enjoyed watching me dance last night – I’m honestly having the time of my life. This really is a dream come true.”

Ellie went on to say: “Just a little note: sometimes my eyes get watery after a long day – I promise I’m not upset! I’m doing so well and feeling SO happy, and your concern truly means the world.”

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The Strictly star opened up on It Takes Two (Image: BBC)

It comes a week after Dani Dyer was forced to withdraw from the contest due to injury, after suffering a fall in rehearsals. She has now been replaced by TV star Amber Davies – the second of the 2025 contestants to have a stand-in take their place.

Emmerdale star Lewis Cope took the place of Kristian Nairn, who retired from Strictly due to “unexpected medical reasons”.

Prince Harry’s ‘secret move’ in the UK was clear ‘sign’ he ‘wants to remain part of royal family’

The Duke of Sussex visited some family members in Britain

Prince Harry was busy with charitable engagements and having a meeting with King Charles during his UK trip this month.

The Duke of Sussex, 41, travelled to Britain to attend the WellChild Awards on September 8. A couple of days later, Harry visited his father, King Charles, at Clarence House, the king’s London residence.

It’s said they enjoyed a “private tea” for around 55 minutes. More details have since emerged, with Harry’s team revealing “a framed photograph was handed over” during the meeting.

During his return to the UK, Prince Harry also reportedly paid a visit to another family member which seemed to be a “sign” that he wants a reconciliation with the royals.

Prince Harry visited the UK earlier this month (Credit: Cover Images)

Prince Harry ‘visited’ Duke of Kent during UK trip

According to reports, Harry visited the Duke of Kent following the death of his wife, Katharine, Duchess of Kent, on September 4.

A source close to the duke told HELLO! that he “travelled privately to Kensington Palace to offer condolences” to the Duke of Kent – Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin – in person before leaving the UK.

I think it’s a sign that Harry very much wants to remain part of the royal family.

Harry didn’t attend the duchess’ funeral service on September 16.

Now, according to royal commentator Jennie Bond, this move from Harry proves he “very much wants to remain part of the royal family”.
The Duchess of Kent died on September 4 (Credit: Photo by Tim Rooke/Shutterstock)

‘Sign’ Harry wants family reconciliation

Speaking to the Mirror, Jennie said: “I think it’s a sign that Harry very much wants to remain part of the royal family. But that doesn’t mean he wants to be part of the institution.

“Family ties seem to mean a lot to him these days, in spite of the damage he has done and the hurt he has caused.”

She went on to say that the Duke and Duchess of Kent were “part of his life for many years”, both attending Harry’s 2018 wedding to Meghan Markle.

Jennie added of Harry’s visit: “I think he felt it important to go to see the Duke and express his condolences personally — I’m sure he felt it was a natural thing to do. We know that he is seeking reconciliation, and this was just another small step to show that he does still care about his relatives, even though his life is now elsewhere.”
Harry expressed a desire to reconcile with his family in a BBC interview (Credit: BBC)

‘There’s no point in continuing to fight any more’

Harry’s recent meeting with King Charles, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, has sparked speculation that a reconciliation between father and son could be on the horizon.

They’ve said to have had a strained relationship for some years now, following Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from being working royals in 2020.

 

Harry has also spoken about his father, and other family members including brother Prince William, in tell-all interviews and his memoir, Spare.

However, in May of this year, Harry expressed a desire to reconcile with his family. He told the BBC: “I would love reconciliation with my family.

“There’s no point in continuing to fight any more. Life is precious. I don’t know how much longer my father has.”

Are Harry and Charles finally on the path to a reconciliation?