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HEARTBREAKING: Kate Garraway and Susanna Reid SHARE Deeply Moving Message in MEMORY of GMB star John Stapleton

Susanna Reid paid an emotional tribute to John Stapleton (Image: ITV)

Beloved Good Morning Britain star John Stapleton has d1ed aged 79 after battling Parkinson’s disease. His agent announced in a statement: “John had Parkinson’s disease which was complicated by pneumonia. His son Nick and daughter-in-law Lisa have been constantly at his side and John d1ed peacefully in hospital this morning.”

It comes a year after the GMTV and and Daybreak legend revealed his condition in an emotional interview on BBC One’s Morning Live.

Tributes have poured in from John’s GMB co-stars, as Susanna Reid penned: “So so sad to hear of John Stapleton’s d3ath. He was a legend in broadcasting, the consummate pro and always good-humoured and gracious to work with. A huge part of GMB’s story and television history. Sending love to John’s family.”

Charlotte Hawkins wrote: “So sad to hear John Stapleton – our ‘Stapes’ has d1ed. He was such a brilliant broadcaster and I loved working with him on GMB. A genuinely lovely man, it was good to see him when he came in just a few months ago to talk about his Parkinson’s diagnosis. He’ll be much missed.”

John d1ed after battling Parkinson’s disease (Image: Getty)

Kate Garraway added: “Absolutely devastated to hear of the passing of my dear friend and journalistic hero #johnstapleton . Rock solid broadcaster and the ultimate gentleman. His experience stretched back to when he was a cub reporter on the Yorkshire Post. On his first day alone in the office, he took a call from the police to say that they were starting to dredge the moors looking for what they feared were the bodies of murdered children.

“He found himself less than an hour later at the scene of one of our nation’s most horrific crimes. Others will pay testimony to his incredible career better than I, and I hope they do but all I can say is he was most generous co partner, always lifting who was along side him up , never crushing or ramming that he knew better ( which he did!) down their throat, never taking over and always always fair , truthful and honourable.

“Huge fun too – no one told a story down the pub better than John. We will not see his like again . Thinking of his son Nick and all who knew and loved him.”

Appearing on ITV’s Good Morning Britain in October, John said of his diagnosis: “There’s no point in being miserable. It won’t ever change.

“I mean, Parkinson’s is here with me now for the rest of my life. Best I can do is try and control it and take the advice of all the experts.”

His wife, Lynn Faulds Wood, with whom Stapleton presented Watchdog, d1ed from a stroke in 2020.

Tom Skinner released a furious statement after his Strictly debut (Image: Karwai Tang, WireImagevia Getty Images)

Strictly Come Dancing’s Thomas Skinner has launched a fiery rant following his debut on the BBC show, defiantly stating, ‘I won’t be cancelled’. He issued a stern warning to viewers not to ‘start a war they won’t win’ as he attempted to dispel various rumours circulating about him online. Acknowledging his extramarital affair, past arrests and questions over his character, Thomas vowed he would not be silenced in a heated post to X.

This comes after fans speculated whether Amy Dowden had been dealt the ‘short straw’ after being paired with Thomas. Some spectators suggested that Amy appeared disheartened already after landing the controversial star as her dance partner.

Thomas’ Strictly journey hit a rocky start even before he stepped onto the dance floor when he grabbed a reporter’s phone during a press day with the BBC. He subsequently confessed to cheating on his wife Sinead just weeks after their wedding, with his former mistress sharing her side of the story.

This followed Thomas causing a stir with his political affiliations after he was photographed getting cosy with US Vice President JD Vance – leading many to question if he was a suitable choice for the family-friendly BBC show, reports the Mirror.

Tom was subjected to ‘terrifying’ death threats (Image: Thomas Skinner Instagram)

Hours after the Strictly launch show aired on Saturday night, Thomas took to X, stating he had noticed people were ‘fuming’ he was part of the line-up – but insisted the animosity was only fuelling his determination to remain on the show.

Addressing the backlash to his affair, Thomas said he was speaking out as his ‘poor wife’ was heartbroken to have to relive it as his time on Strictly put him under a huge spotlight.

He posted: “Life ain’t easy. I’ve been kicked down an called every name under the sun recently and probably some of it I deserve, as yes I ain’t always right. But since I got invited to have a barbecue with JD Vance….its gone crazy. Certain people are doing everythin they can to ruin me. Mainly Faceless accounts givin it large and abusing me, hypocrites making everything political,” he fumed.

“Now I see people are fumin’ that I’m on Strictly…. and the funny thing is that the majority of them got “be kind” wrote in their bios. You couldn’t make it up. Let me tell you this. I won’t be cancelled. I ain’t gonna kill myself like some of you want. I’m still here. I’m still standin,” he insisted.

Strictly’s Amy Dowden has been paired with Tom (Image: BBC)

Thomas went on: “Trust me when I say this; I am stronger than people think. Every insult, every lie, every attack….it don’t break me, it builds me stronger. I built what I got from nothing. I Slept on a pull-out bed on the floor for years cus I never had a bedroom. Weirdos write rubbish on Wikipedia about my upbringing that ain’t true, but they can’t take away what I’ve built with graft and fight.

“They call me a grifter, but all I do is work. Day in, day out, graft. And yes, all the political parties have come knockin wantin me to work with them from both the left and right. But I ain’t got no interest in that. I’m not for them. I’m for the people. For the man or woman on the street who just wants to do better in life. For the parent workin two jobs to keep the lights on. I get it. I live it.

“I know the struggles of life. I’m in a fight I can’t win, but I don’t give up. I know what it’s like to not have the rent money at the end of the month. I’ve lived it. That’s why I’ll always stand shoulder to shoulder with the people who graft and struggle but never stop pushin forward.

Thomas and his wife Sinead have three children together (Image: Instagram/@iamtomskinner)

“I’m not a millionaire, if I was I wouldn’t be out in my van doing bed deliveries in between training for strictly. I wouldn’t still be organising my market stall. And I’ll be real with ya. I’ve made mistakes,” he admitted.

Referring to his extra marital affair with Essex beautician Amy-Lucy, Thomas went on: “As you’ve seen in the news…. I cheated on my wife once over 3 years ago. We moved on from it. She forgave me. We are stronger now; yet my poor wife has to relive it because my past has been dug up to sell stories online. I am the news at the moment. Yes I got arrested several times when I was younger. Yes I was always in trouble. But I’ve turned my life around. Yes I went to a private school cos I worked my arse off for a scholarship and my parents sacrificed everything.

“I was brilliant at sports, but I got expelled and ruined my opportunity. Yes I’m dyslexic an my spelling is bad. Yes I’m outspoken. But anyone who says they ain’t made mistakes is a liar. I don’t hide mine. I own them. They made me the man I am today. I’ve buried mates. I’ve got friends doin life in jail. I’ve made bad choices. But I ain’t scared of nothin. My wife is my rock. My familly is my world. I love my kids more than life itself. That love keeps me standin tall when the world tries to drag me down.

HEARTBREAKING: Jay Slater’s final CCTV images before D3ATH seen for first time as Channel 4 doc airs

The final CCTV images of Jay Slater alive hours before he d!ed will air as part of the new Channel 4 documentary.

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The film will aim to clear up the mystery around his d3ath and put an end to social media theories and claims.

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Jay, 19-year-old, of Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, went missing on 17 June 2024 and a huge search was launched before his body was found in a remote area near the village of Masca on 15 July.

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Within hours of Jay Slater’s disappearance in the summer of 2024, mass online interest set conspiracy theories flying, causing a social media storm led by true-crime keyboard detectives. The case became the focus of global attention, with over 30 million videos online speculating about Jay’s whereabouts.

Channel 4’s new film has the final shots of CCTV of Jay which they will show alongside messages he sent.

 

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At 11.55pm Jay is seen at Papagayo Nightclub and then there is CCTV of him leaving at 01.04am.

At 1.12am he is refused re-entry into the club and can be seen at the entrance. A doorman appears to be pointing into the distance to show Jay something.

At 2.40am he send a message telling friends: “Can’t get in Papagayo they got marker on me”.

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Pal Lucy replies at 2.48am: “I’ve just said I’ll come out and get you if you come home.”

Then at 2.49am Jay replies: “Doesn’t matter it’s OK. I on a mission.”

He was spotted inside Tramps nightclub at 3:07am

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He can then be seen in CCTV at Tramps Nightclub at 3.07am. This is the last CCTV sighting of Jay. It it thought he then left this club and later that morning d!ed.

According to a coroner report in July, Jay told his friends he was “in the middle of the mountains” and in need of a drink, as he attempted a 14-hour walk home the morning after taking drugs and alcohol on a night out.

Jay sent a text message to a friend after being refused entry(Image: Channel 4)

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The Disappearance of Jay Slater also has never-before-seen CCTV footage, previously unheard audio, the discovery of unsent messages, and access to the Slater family as they search for answers about what happened to Jay.

It was the only media granted full access to Jay’s post-mortem, Jay’s funeral and Jay’s inquest. The film explores the true impact of social media sleuthing – on police investigations as well as the damaging effect on the family and loved ones grieving the loss of their son.

SAD NEWS: Family Deeply Mourns As They Share HEARTBREAKING UPDATE About GMB Legend John Stapleton

Broadcaster John Stapleton, 79, who had Parkinson’s disease complicated by pneumonia, d!ed peacefully in hospital early this morning, his agent said. Jackie Gill said: “John had Parkinson’s disease which was complicated by pneumonia. His son Nick and daughter-in-law Lisa have been constantly at his side and John d!ed peacefully in hospital this morning.”

Last year, the Good Morning Britain presenter revealed his condition in an emotional interview on BBC One’s Morning Live.

He opened up about on Good Morning Britain last year. He said: “There’s no point in being miserable or trying to change anything, it won’t ever change. It won’t ever change, Parkinson’s is here with me now for the rest of my life. Best I can do is try and control it and take the advice of all the experts I’m talking to.” In a poignant moment, he added in a heartbreaking seven-word response: “I’ve got it, get on with it!”

He first suspected he had Parkinson’s a few years before he was diagnosed, and spoke to a specialist.

Stapleton added: “So I went back and of course he did confirm, about two to three months ago, he confirmed it was indeed Parkinson’s. Also, I had other symptoms as well – difficulty swallowing, handwriting going, I would find myself writing tiny letters that no one else could decipher, feeling fatigued a lot of the time when I wouldn’t do otherwise and of course the voice.

“The voice has lost a lot of its resonance so I have to speak louder! I’ve got a speech therapist who has helped me a great deal, teaching me to speak more loudly.”

John’s son Nick also spoke about his dad’s diagnosis, explaining he had noticed his dad suffering more. He said: “Over the last year, I’ve started to notice that dad was seeming a bit more anxious.

“He wasn’t walking as confidently and he had this tremor in his hand.

“So two months ago, he went for some tests and unfortunately a few days later he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.”

He continued: “It was deeply troubling news.”

Stapleton was best known for appearing on Newsnight, Panorama and GMTV’s News Hour. He was also one of Sky News’ original presenters.

PR PICCaption: Stacey Dooley reveals ectopic pregnancy with Kevin on Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over, series 6, episode 2 – the Surrogacy KingLink: (Image: U)

Stacey Dooley broke down in tears as she courageously revealed her heartbreaking ectopic pregnancy ordeal with husband Kevin Clifton.The documentary maker, 38, is mum to daughter Minnie, whom she shares with the Strictly Come Dancing professional. The couple welcomed Minnie in January 2023, having first met on the BBC dance show back in 2018.

Stacey occasionally shares glimpses of their family life together, but chose to open up more deeply in a raw confession during her latest television series.

Her popular show Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over has returned to U, with the presenter staying overnight with Britain’s first legally recognised gay father, Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, reports the Mirror.

He is a vocal advocate for commercial surrogacy, which remains prohibited in the UK.

As Stacey became acquainted with Barrie in his residence, she disclosed that she doesn’t share his views when he expressed his desire for his children to be beautiful.

Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton share a daughter together (Image: Getty Images for SOLT)

Speaking directly to the camera in private, Stacey chose to reveal her hidden battle to expand her family with Kevin.

“I have experienced what it is like to struggle to have a child,” she said.

“We obviously wanted to expand our family and last year I feel pregnant and it didn’t go brilliantly. It was ectopic… I am so sorry because this is so predictable. I am sat here crying on a bed. It was ectopic and it was really f***ing difficult.

“There was an internal rupture and there had to be emergency surgery. Of course, when you go through something like that you are forced to think of alternatives. S*** happens and if you want a bigger family, you have to think how you’re going to do that.”

According to the NHS, an ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants itself outside of the womb, typically in one of the fallopian tubes. They state it is not possible to save the pregnancy, with 1 in 90 pregnancies being ectopic in the UK.

Stacey Dooley opened up about her personal life on the show (Image: Instagram/sjdooley)

Earlier this year, Stacey frankly discussed the difficulties she’s encountered since becoming a mother in 2023. During her stint on the Parenting Hell podcast with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe, she confessed that her intimate life with Kevin had taken a back seat as their daughter shares their bed.

Nevertheless, Stacey revealed she’s not troubled by it, as she’s perfectly happy snuggling up to their two year old. Stacey confessed: “We need to start remembering how to have sex.”

She continued: “Minnie is in our bed. I am sort of not really ar**d. I know there’s such emphasis on getting kids in their own bed, but I think it’s because Kev is away so much anyway.

“What am I doing otherwise? Maybe when Kev is back on the scene, we will start remembering how you have sex. Then maybe I would think, Minnie, you’re going to have to go and hang out in your own bedroom now.”

Thomas Skinner has hit out those criticising his Strictly Come Dancing debut as he fumed ‘I won’t be cancelled!’

Some Strictly viewers think they saw tension between Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden (
Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing’s Thomas Skinner has unleashed a furious tirade following his debut on the BBC show as he fumed, ‘I won’t be cancelled’.

He warned viewers not to ‘start a war they won’t win’ as he tried to clear his name from a number of stories swirling about him online. Acknowledging his extra marital affair, past arrests and questions over his character, Thomas said he would not be silenced in a fiery post to X.

It comes after fans questioned if Amy Dowden had been handed the ‘short straw’ after she was teamed up with Thomas. Some viewers said Amy looked downbeat already after landing the controversial star as her dance partner.

Thomas’ Strictly journey got off to rough start before he set foot ohn the dancefloor after he snatched the phone of a reporter during a day of press with the BBC. He then admitted to cheating on his wife Sinead just weeks after they got married, with his former mistress airing her side of the story. That was after outspoken Thomas had already raised eyebrows with his political leanings after he was pictured cosying up to US Vice President JD Vance – with many questioning if he was a good fit for the BBC family show.

Fans saw Thomas Skinner paired up with Amy Dowden on the 2025 launch episode ( 
Image:
PA)

Skinner’s announcement on the show came after his cosy meeting with US Vice President JD Vance ( 
Image:
Thomas Skinner Instagram)

Taking to X hours after the Strictly launch show aired on Saturday night, Thomas said he had seen people were ‘fuming’ he was on the line-up – but said the hate was only making him more determined to stay.

Addressing the backlash to his affair, Thomas said he was speaking out as his ‘poor wife’ was heartbroken to have to relive it as his time on Strictly put him under a huge spotlight.

He posted: “Life ain’t easy. I’ve been kicked down an called every name under the sun recently and probably some of it I deserve, as yes I ain’t always right. But since I got invited to have a BBQ with JD Vance….its gone crazy. Certain people are doing everythin they can to ruin me. Mainly Faceless accounts givin it large and abusing me, hypocrites making everything political,” he fumed.

“Now I see people are fumin’ that I’m on Strictly…. and the funny thing is that the majority of them got “be kind” wrote in their bios. You couldn’t make it up. Let me tell you this. I won’t be cancelled. I ain’t gonna kill myself like some of you want. I’m still here. I’m still standin,” he insisted.

Thomas went on: “Trust me when I say this; I am stronger than people think. Every insult, every lie, every attack….it don’t break me, it builds me stronger. I built what I got from nothing. I Slept on a pull-out bed on the floor for years cus I never had a bedroom. Weirdos write rubbish on Wikipedia about my upbringing that ain’t true, but they can’t take away what I’ve built with graft & fight.

Thomas and Amy have been training together for weeks ( 
Image:
BBC)
“They call me a grifter, but all I do is work. Day in, day out, graft. And yes, all the political parties have come knockin wantin me to work with them from both the left and right. But I ain’t got no interest in that. I’m not for them. I’m for the people. For the man or woman on the street who just wants to do better in life. For the parent workin two jobs to keep the lights on. I get it. I live it.

“I know the struggles of life. I’m in a fight I can’t win, but I don’t give up. I know what it’s like to not have the rent money at the end of the month. I’ve lived it. That’s why I’ll always stand shoulder to shoulder with the people who graft and struggle but never stop pushin forward. I’m not a millionaire, if I was I wouldn’t be out in my van doing bed deliveries in between training for strictly. I wouldn’t still be organising my market stall. And I’ll be real with ya. I’ve made mistakes,” he admitted.

Referring to his extra marital affair with Essex beautician Amy-Lucy, Thomas went on: “As you’ve seen in the news…. I cheated on my wife once over 3 years ago. We moved on from it. She forgave me. We are stronger now; yet my poor wife has to relive it because my past has been dug up to sell stories online. I am the news at the moment. Yes I got arrested several times when I was younger. Yes I was always in trouble. But I’ve turned my life around. Yes I went to a private school cos I worked my arse off for a scholarship and my parents sacrificed everything.

Thomas said his ‘poor wife’ Sinead was having to relive details of his affair in the press ( 
Image:
Instagram/@iamtomskinner)

Amy-Lucy O’Rourke, the Essex beautician who Skinner has an affair with has spoken out about their fling ( 
Image:
Instagram/amylucyclinic)
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“I was brilliant at sports, but I got expelled and ruined my opportunity. Yes I’m dyslexic an my spelling is bad. Yes I’m outspoken. But anyone who says they ain’t made mistakes is a liar. I don’t hide mine. I own them. They made me the man I am today. I’ve buried mates. I’ve got friends doin life in jail. I’ve made bad choices. But I ain’t scared of nothin. My wife is my rock. My familly is my world. I love my kids more than life itself. That love keeps me standin tall when the world tries to drag me down.

“And I know so many are strugglin right now. That’s why I keep goin. Not just for me, but for you. For every person who needs to hear this: believe in yourself. You are ten times stronger than you even know. These last few weeks for me & my family have been horrific. Journos knockin on doors. Been front page of nearly every national newspaper. But it only makes us stronger.

“You start a war with me….. you don’t win. You start a war with my family & friends…the whole lot of us rise together. This country is beautiful. Full of beautiful people. I love it with all my heart. It’s built on graft, pride, community and family. It’s built on good people from all walks of life. Not people that gave up! So don’t waste your energy on faceless cowards. Don’t let hypocrites win.

“Whatever battle you’re fightin behind closed doors, don’t give up. Keep pushing. If I can keep goin, so can you. We are strong. We are proud. We never give up. Ever. Thank you for all the love and support I’ve been getting! It means the world to me. Love to you all.”

The pair are putting their best foots forward ( 
Image:
INSTAGRAM)

Thomas Skinner issued a promise to dancer Amy Dowden amid backlash ( 
Image:
CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Thomas Strictly partner Amy also spoke out after the launch so, as she heaped praise on her partner’s enthusiasm – downplaying any speculation she was unhappy with the pairing.

Amy penned: “The news is out! @iamtomskinner and I are excited and working hard rrrrrready for the first live show next Saturday! Tom is working so hard and is loving learning to dance ( more than he ever imagined). We are laughing lots too! Honestly Tom it’s been so lovely getting to know the really lovely, bubbly, full of life you this week. Thanks for a great week and so looking forward to our strictly journey ahead! Let’s do this,” she wrote on Instagram.

Thomas then replied: “Reallly really enjoyed training with you this week. You are honestly an amazing person and everything you have been through…. Shows how strong and inspiring you are. I promise I won’t let you down. I might not be the best dancer. But I promise I’ll be the hardest worker. Thank you for being so kind and lovely to me and I’ve enjoyed your company so much. I ain’t stopped laughing with ya. Can’t wait to get on that dance floor with ya next week,” he penned.

The BBC has released a first look trailer at the Celebrity Traitors on Saturday as it officially confirmed its launch date.

Claudia Winkleman appeared on screen in the intense 40-second clip just moments after signing off from the first episode of Strictly Come Dancing’s new series.

It saw the 53-year-old as she welcomed the famous faces to the roundtable for the very first time.

Walking in circle motions, she told them: ‘Welcome. But don’t get comfortable.

‘This game doesn’t care who you are. In here, your glamorous lives count for nothing.’

As the celebrities all appeared tense, Claudia added: ‘Most of you will be murdered. Sorry about that.’

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The BBC has released a first look trailer at the Celebrity Traitors on Saturday as it officially confirmed its launch date

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Claudia Winkleman appeared on screen in the intense 40-second clip just moments after signing off from the first episode of Strictly Come Dancing’s new series

It was then revealed the Celebrity Traitors will officially kick off on Wednesday 8 October at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

Bosses also confirmed fans will be treated to a bumper-long episode that is 70 minutes in duration.

The series will then continue to air over two nights a week, on Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 9pm.

The celebrities will play the ultimate game of detection, backstabbing and trust, in the hope of winning a cash prize up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice.

Appearing on the star-studded debut series are Alan Carr, Cat Burns, Clare Balding, David Olusoga, Joe Marle, Celia Imrie, Charlotte Church, Joe Wilkinson, Jonathan Ross and Kate Garraway.

Completing the lineup is Lucy Beaumont, Mark Bonnar, Nick Mohammed, Niko Omilana, Paloma Faith, Ruth Codd, Stephen Fry, Tameka Empson and Tom Daley.

Meanwhile, the BBC has also announced the civilian series of The Traitors will return for a fifth series, with applications now open.

Mark Bonnar recently revealed that the cast of Celebrity Traitors have a group WhatsApp chat together, after filming the hotly-anticipated show earlier this year.

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The clip, which aired on BBC One, saw Claudia welcome the famous faces to the roundtable for the very first time

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The Strictly host was worlds away from the ballroom as she walked in circle motions, telling them: ‘Welcome. But don’t get comfortable’

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Claudia added to the stars: ‘This game doesn’t care who you are. In here, your glamorous lives count for nothing’

The Scottish actor, 56, was one of the 19 famous faces who arrived at Ardross Castle in April, to put their cunningness to the test.

Speaking about his time filming the show, Mark admitted that he was keen to sign up as he, his wife Lucy Gaskell, and their children, Martha, 14, and Samuel, 10, were all fans of the BBC series.

While he gushed over getting to mingle with his fellow stars in the castle, revealing that the cast still keep in touch on WhatsApp.

He told The Sunday Times: ‘We watch The Traitors as a family, so I knew Lucy and the kids would be excited if I did it.

‘It’s so intense — you have no phone, so all you think about is the show. The line-up was pretty starry.

‘Stephen Fry has been omnipresent in my life — I watched Blackadder growing up — and I loved chatting to Jonathan Ross about Nirvana. It’s mad being in a Traitors WhatsApp group with them all.’

Stephen himself gave an insight into his ’emotionally violent’ stint on the series, likening the experience to ‘a Chinese foot massage’ as he praised the programme.

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The Celebrity Traitors will officially kick off on Wednesday 8 October at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer

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The highly anticipated series will continue to air over two nights a week, on Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 9pm

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The celebrities will play the ultimate game of detection, backstabbing and trust, in the hope of winning a cash prize up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice

Speaking on The Show People podcast, the actor, 67, explained: ‘It was a bit like a Chinese foot massage. You know it is absolutely agony but you sort of want to do it again. It is emotionally violent but you kind of love it.

‘Obviously, I can’t say a word about what is in this recently recorded celebrity version I suppose. I am certainly not telling you if I am a traitor or a faithful. I am one or the other.

‘I have said no to any number of Strictlys and Get Me Out of Heres as it is just not my kind of thing. But this, I watched the first and second series and it is such a clever game.’

He added: ‘It’s so extraordinary what it does to the ps

HEARTBREAKING: Singer Jessie J shares INCREDIBLE Health Battle on Strictly Come Dancing debut

Jessie will sing Living My Best Life on Strictly in a pre-recorded special performance(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)

Jessie J will take to the stage tonight during the first Strictly Come Dancing show of 2025 – just 12 weeks since having her mastectomy for breast cancer.

The 37-year-old singer, famous for hits like Price Tag and Do It Like A Dude, shared a teaser clip to her Instagram stories alongside Strictly judges Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke. Telling fans they could tune in from 6.40pm on BBC1, she revealed she will be singing her recently released single, Living My Best Life.

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But although Jessie has still been performing gigs, including at a festival in Sao Paulo, Ronnie Scott’s club in London and at Radio 2 In The Park this month, she revealed she will undergo more surgery in four weeks time after doctors found ‘more breast cancer in other places’.

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Here’s what she has said about her illness and recovery with fans since she publicly shared her cancer diagnosis at the beginning of June.

Jessie J will perform one of her new singles on the Strictly launch show tonight (Image: BBC/Guy Levy)

Cancer diagnosis

Jessie first revealed she had been given the devastating news she had early breast cancer in June 2025. It came after she discovered a lump on her breast, which was confirmed to be a 5cm tumour.

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Posting a video on Instagram to her 14.2 million followers she told fans she had gone back and forth about whether to make the news public, but wanted to be honest as she had always shared what is going on in her life.

She said at the time: “Before [her new single] No Secrets came out, I was diagnosed with early breast cancer. I’m highlighting the word early. Cancer sucks in any form, but I’m holding on to the word early. I have been in and out of tests throughout this whole period.”

In true Jessie style, she joked: “It’s a very dramatic way to get a boob job. I am going to disappear for a bit after Summertime Ball to have my surgery, and I will come back with massive tits and more music.”

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Surgery and break from music

Later that same month, Jessie announced the Capital Summertime Ball on June 15 would be her last show before she underwent surgery for breast cancer.

As she took to the stage, she paid a tearful tribute to those who had supported her as she announced she was taking a break from music to recover.

She told fans: “Today, this show is my last show before I go to beat breast cancer. So it’s so special to me, you have no idea. I feel so special to be from the UK, to be an honest person and say how you feel.

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“This is my last show before I have treatment., It’s the most special thing and I’m so grateful for this life, for you guys, for my career, to my, my son. My partner, my parents. My family, my band, my crew. We are so lucky, we have so much to live for, so much joy, so much, so many things to do.”

Jessie shared this snap from her hospital bed after undergoing surgery for breast cancer(Image: @jessiej/Instagram)

‘All-clear’ mix up

After having surgery, fans mistakenly thought Jessie had shared the news she had received the all-clear. But she later took to social media at the end of June to clarify what she meant.

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She explained it was now a “positive affirmation” and highlighted that she used a fingers crossed emoji. Addressing the update having made headlines, she said: “You have misunderstood my post. I posted a list of pros and cons of having breast cancer surgery. The first pro I put was … The cancer has all gone [fingers crossed emoji].”

“This was a positive affirmation NOT a fact. I don’t have my results yet. I added the emoji in thinking people would understand and clearly a lot didn’t.” Jessie added: “A weird situation. My fault for not being clearer.”

She went on to share her hope that the statement comes true, writing: “But for now I do not have my results after surgery which was only 6 nights ago. I pray it will be true soon but the journey of cancer isn’t that simple unfortunately.”

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Hospital dash and blood clot fear

In early August, Jessie revealed she had been rushed back to hospital following her mastectomy as her fight against breast cancer continues. The singer needed surgery again for an infection after fluid on her lungs took hold.

From her hospital bed, Jessie shared a selfie and explained the “most mentally challenging time” she had been through with a photo of an IV cannula in her hand.

In the post, she shared: “How I spent the last 24 hours. 6 weeks post surgery and I was back in the same ward I was after my surgery. Not expected or planned.

“I had and still have symptoms that pointed towards a blood clot on the lung. It is not a blood clot, thank God.

“They ran a lot of tests, which ended up showing I have an infection (still trying to figure out what) and a little fluid on my lungs. Finding it hard to breathe in, but I discharged myself last night (I hate being in hospital) and will continue the investigation as an outpatient.”

Jessie told fans her hair was falling out due to cancer treatment (Image: Instagram)

Hair loss and chest scars

Last month, Jessie bravely shared that her hair is “falling out like crazy”, after undergoing treatment for breast cancer as the mum-of-one – who shares three-year-old son with partner Chanan Colman – has vowed to do everything she can to beat it.

She also has said that she “sobbed” over her breast cancer surgery scars when she looked at the scars for the first time after her surgery.

The singer needed to have a full mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy because of the size of the lump. And while the surgery was successful and all of the cancer was removed, Jessie says the fight still isn’t over.

She says: “People think, once you’ve got the all-clear, now it’s done. But I’ve got another surgery [to improve the symmetry of her implant with her other breast] and I need to heal, so I have to figure out the rest of this year.”

Cancelled tour and return to spotlight

After cancelling some of her tour dates, Jessie was back performing in September and is still releasing her new album – her first in seven years – called Don’t Tease Me With A Good Time. It will be available from November 28.

An excited Jessie shared a sneak peek at the artwork for the album on social media.Taking to Instagram, she shared the news and told fans they can pre-order it now. DON’T TEASE ME WITH A GOOD TIME OUT 28.11.25. PRE ORDER THE ALBUM NOW LINK IN HIGHLIGHT.”

During a recent performance at BBC Radio 2 in the Park in Essex, she gave an emotional update as she told the crowd: “I had breast cancer surgery 11 weeks ago today. The last show I did I had no idea what was gonna happen. And I’m still very much in the recovery process.

“I’m just so grateful to be here. You have no idea how grateful I am to see so many of you singing along after all these years. It truly feels like I’m a little kid still doing what I love.”

‘Cancer in other places’ and more surgery

In a social media post last week, Jessie confirmed she would be having more surgery in 4 weeks as biopsies during an MRI scan had revealed she had ‘breast cancer in other places.’

Sharing a clip of herself performing at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London, she wrote: “Today marks 12 weeks since my mastectomy for breast cancer and 4 weeks until my next surgery.

“I feel like only now I’m really processing how much I have done in the last 5 months since my diagnosis. I am not ashamed to say I am so proud of myself. “This showcase was the afternoon after I had 5 more biopsies after they had found more breast cancer in other places after my MRI. No one knew at this point. So watching this back just feels so special knowing what I have endured and overcome. “I have done and am still doing my best in all that life has thrown at me this year. I truly feel SO INSPIRED. I am still very much in it BUT IMO it’s so important to celebrate these milestones. So that’s what I am doing today! For me! “I am heading to the gym now for the first time in 3 months, and then I’m going to sing for thousands of fans later on stage at @thetownfestival in Brazil. Anyone going through a tough time and having to still show up for life and raising kids and jobs and other people still. I’m hugging you proper.”

Strictly Come Dancing fans have let their feelings be known about Amy Dowden’s latest pairing on the hit BBC dance show. The popular professional, 35, has had a loyal following on the show since joining the cast in 2017.

However, her fanbase has been left in dismay after she was paired with Thomas Skinner for the latest series. The former contestant on The Apprentice’s inclusion in the show has been met with a wave of criticism thanks to his controversial comments on social media.

Tom is happy to be paired with Amy ( 
Image:
BBC)

But Tom said he is “over the moon” with the pair as he joked he hopes Amy can teach him a few moves.

He recently met up with American vice president JD Vance on his UK visit, causing uproar online. And he has also been caught up in a cheating scandal in recent weeks, with his ex-mistress threatening to spill all after Skinner had claimed it was only a short fling.

 

 

Despite the backlash and threats to reveal more, Skinner has been quick to claim that he and his beloved wife, Sineda, had put it behind them and had forgotten it happened. They were seen all smiles with their three kids days before the Strictly launch show.

And in an interview with The Sun, he said: “We are in an incredible place now. We are strong. It’s forgotten about.”

Thomas Skinner’s Strictly inclusion was met with a backlash ( 
Image:
CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Tom and Sinead Skinner ( 
Image:
Instagra)
Skinner is one of fifteen stars to grace the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor this series in the hope to land the coveted Glitter Ball. Following the announcement of his inclusion, Skinner admitted he was “beyond excited” to be joining the BBC dancing show. He also confessed that he had “never danced in my life other than at weddings”.

His statement read: “I’m beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff!

“I’ve never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I’m ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!”

Following the backlash after his inclusion announcement, BBC director general Tim Davie publicly defended the decision to cast Skinner. He told MPs from the Culture, Media and Sport committee that the casting team chose contestants who they believe will be interesting to the audience.

BBC News presenter Peter Levy has admitted he feels sorry for Amy Dowden after she was partnered with Thomas Skinner for this year’s series of Strictly.

Despite mounting pressure to axe him from this line-up after he stormed out of the show’s press event earlier this month, the BBC have stood by Thomas.

And after Saturday’s launch it was revealed Thomas will be taking to the floor with the Welsh professional dancer as she makes her return to the dancefloor following her battle with breast cancer.

The dancer, 35, was partnered with JB Gill during last year’s series, however she sadly had to withdraw from the competition due to injury.

Taking to Twitter following the launch episode, BBC TV and radio presenter Peter, who fronts Look North, expressed his sympathies to Amy as he penned: ‘I feel sorry for Amy Dowden…’

And it seems plenty of fans agreed with the journalist as they took to the comments to share their thoughts.

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BBC presenter Peter Levy has admitted he feels sorry for Strictly’s Amy Dowden after she was partnered with Thomas Skinner on Saturday’s launch episode

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Despite mounting pressure to axe him from this line-up after he stormed out of the show’s press event earlier this month, the BBC have stood by Thomas (Peter Levy pictured)

They penned: ‘Don’t we all?; ‘Agree- she deserved a good celebrity this year, especially after her health battles. He’s not that!’;

‘We all do’; ‘She deserved better, with all she’s been through’; ‘she does not deserve this’;

‘We all do Peter, the producers did the dirty on her’.

Daily Mail have gone to both the BBC and Thomas Skinner’s representatives for comment.

Thomas has found himself at the centre of headlines in recent weeks after admitting to cheating on his wife just weeks after their wedding in May 2022. Claiming the ‘two week fling’ was a ‘moment of madness’.

However ‘secret mistress’ Amy-Lucy O’Rourke later suggested in an interview with the Daily Mail that their secret relationship lasted three months, during which time he said he was in love with her and unhappy with his wife.

While Thomas’s ‘secret mistress’ has vowed to expose even more about their affair, the star addressed his 700,000 followers on Thursday, in which he referenced the ‘dark shadows’ of life.

Alongside a selfie, he penned: ‘Good Morning You Lovely People!!’.

Thomas continued: ‘Nice early start in the gym finishing up my work out and looking forward to another day of dancing with my wonderful Strictly partner.

Taking to Twitter following the launch episode, BBC TV and radio presenter Peter, who fronts Look North, expressed his sympathies to Amy as he penned: ‘I feel sorry for Amy Dowden…’

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And it seems plenty of fans agreed with the journalist as they took to the comments to share their thoughts

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Thomas and Amy were all smiles as they joined their co-stars on the couch as this year’s series kicked off

‘Remeber [sic]….Never give up, because one day you will look back and be glad you didn’t!

‘Now go smash it! You are ten times stronger than you can ever imagine.

‘Make today your day!! Keep your face pointing to the sunshine and the dark shadows will always fall behind you! Bosh.’

Thomas gave a shoutout to his three children and wife in his introduction video during Saturday’s show as he revealed they will be watching every week’s show at home.

Speaking to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman he admitted he feels like the ‘underdog’ of the competition: ‘I am buzzing to be here, what an opportunity.

‘I do feel like the underdog, as the only dancing I have done is at wedding’s after a couple of beers. But I will give it my best and I will learn.’

Mere hours earlier, Amy-Lucy had insisted she wasn’t a ‘homewrecker’ after being targeted by trolls.

Meanwhile on her own Instagram Stories on Monday, the aesthetician said: ‘I just wanted to come on and say thank you to everyone for sending me really nice messages.’

‘Obviously I’ve had a few trolls, but their opinions are clearly not important, because the masses can see through his lies.”

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Thomas has found himself at the centre of headlines in recent weeks after admitting to cheating on his wife just weeks after their wedding in May 2022

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Thomas shocked journalists earlier this month when he grabbed a female reporter’s phone before storming out of the room during an interview, he later took to Instagram to apologise

Amy-Lucy went on to insist that she hasn’t revealed the affair for money or for 15 minutes of fame but instead to make clear how badly she feels she has been treated.

‘No-one knows the full story, the story’s massive the story is insane. I’ve had to give recipes I’ve had to show text messages, phone calls, voice notes, CCTV. There’s message with me saying “I cant believe you’ve done this to me”  I’ve proved it.’

Before adding: ‘It’s not about money it’s about speaking my truth and about what Thomas put me though.’

Meanwhile Thomas shocked journalists earlier this month when he grabbed a female reporter’s phone before storming out of the room during an interview.

Despite mounting pressure to axe him from the line-up, the BBC have stood by Thomas and he addressed the scandal himself in a statement apologising to the journalist.

He shared: ‘To set the record straight off the back of yesterday, during one of the interviews, a journalist placed their phone on the table to record the conversation.

‘I happened to catch a glimpse of the screen and saw numerous messages – not about Strictly, but about a personal story from my past.’

Revealing he felt triggered by the tales of his past, he continued: ‘I’ve been through some difficult times in my life, which I’ve worked hard to move on from.

‘In that moment, seeing it there caught me off guard. I felt it was best to step away and gather myself.’

Thomas continued: ‘This had nothing to do with the interviews or Strictly itself.

‘I’m sorry I picked up someone else’s phone and I don’t even know if the journalist realised their messages were visible, and I don’t want to suggest any bad intentions on their part.

‘What I do want to say is how excited I am to be part of Strictly this year. I’m so grateful for all the love, kindness and support I’ve been shown so far.

‘It means the world to me, and I can’t wait to give it my all on that dancefloor. Bosh.’

Before finding fame, Tom landed himself in trouble with the police in 2011 for handling stolen goods.

He was charged with dishonestly handling 4,992 tubes of Body Shop cleansing gels worth nearly £40,000 and 2,000 diazepam tablets.

In February, he brought up his past misdemeanours after coming under fire from trolls for witnessing a robbery at a Greggs.

He slammed the individuals for stealing while wearing designer clothes and furiously asked ‘what’s happening’ to the state of the country, before social media users reminded him of his own criminal past and branded him a ‘hypocrite’.

Hitting back on X, he wrote: ‘Still finding it mad that people are actually having a go at me on Twitter because I pointed out that Greggs got robbed whilst I was in there. And then bringing up my past. Yes, I did get arrested when I was younger, in fact I got arrested several times. And been charged and paid the price for my convictions. I wrote a book about it.’

He continued: ‘I never had my own bedroom at one point when I was younger and slept on a pull-out bed on the floor.

‘I never had any money or had anything given to me on a plate, yet I turned my life around. I go around schools/colleges/universities telling my story hoping I can inspire others.’

He added: ‘I’m no hero. I’m just a hard worker. I’ve made mistakes, in fact more than most, who hasn’t made one? I now try to spread positivity. I’ve been stabbed when I was younger because of what I got up to and that’s why I try to help with my knife crime campaign at my gym.

‘People need to get in the real world and see that there is a problem in this country. And we can fix it if we stick together. Bosh.’