Holly Willoughby is ‘secretly plotting a spectacular TV comeback’ with her producer husband Dan Baldwin after being left without a show for the first time in two decades.
The presenter, 44, was ITV’s Golden Girl for many years and carved out her place as the fan favourite face of its top shows including This Morning and Dancing On Ice.
However, after leaving the daytime hit in 2023 and following the cancellation of Dancing On Ice as well as Netflix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt, she was left without a hosting role in 21 years.
Holly quit This Morning due to the terrifying kidnap and murder plot by obsessed security guard Gavin Plumb which saw her take a break from the spotlight.
Now, it’s been reported Holly is secretly plotting a major comeback to screens with her TV producer Dan Baldwin.
Dan, who owns his production company Hungry Bear Media – the firm behind hit shows such as Gladiators – met Holly through work in 2004.
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Holly Willoughby is ‘secretly plotting a spectacular TV comeback’ with her producer husband Dan Baldwin after being left without a show for the first time in two decades
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Dan, who owns his production company Hungry Bear Media – the firm behind hit shows such as Gladiators – met Holly through work in 2004 (pictured in 2016)
The couple have three children together – Harry, 16, Belle, 14 and Chester, 10.
Sources close to the pair said how there had been ‘pressure’ on their marriage as Dan continued to flourish professionally during Holly’s break.
The Sun report Holly is looking at primetime for her big return, leaving behind the daytime schedule she previously thrived in for 14 years.
An insider told the publication: ‘She and Dan both know she has what it takes to go solo in a primetime evening slot, and they plan to make her the biggest female presenter in the UK again. Together, they are a force to be reckoned with.
‘Plans are in early stages, but they are quietly sounding out friends from the TV, film and music industry to get them onboard for a potential new primetime show fronted by Holly.’
The mole added that after two decades of fronting television with co-presenters, she is ready to go at it alone.
She is also believed to see herself as the next chat show host, such as a female Jonathan Ross or Graham Norton.
The mum-of-three is also said to have reached out to pals Emma Bunton, Christine Lampard and Fearne Cotton ‘under the radar’ to see if they’d support her solo comeback and for advice.
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Holly quit This Morning due to the terrifying kidnap and murder plot by obsessed security guard Gavin Plumb which saw her take a break from the spotlight
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Holly is looking at primetime for her big return, leaving behind the daytime schedule she previously thrived in for 14 years
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She is also believed to see herself as the next chat show host, such as a female Jonathan Ross or Graham Norton
Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Holly for comment.
Last year, Holly co-hosted a one-off special of ITV game show You Bet! with Stephen Mulhern, though stepped away from the format when it was green-lit for a full series.
A source previously told the Mail: ‘You Bet was so popular with the viewers wished it came back for two shows that ITV bosses decided to give it a full run.
‘Holly and Stephen are a great double act and they were both brilliant so they were asked back.
‘But Holly politely declined, she has other commitments and couldn’t make it work.
‘She is in demand and now she isn’t shackled to This Morning four days a week, she is able to look at more options, some are global.
‘Celebrity Bear Hunt was a huge thing for her, her first role with Netflix and she just loved it and they loved her so there could very well be much more where that came from.
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The mole added that after two decades of fronting television with co-presenters, Holly is ready to go at it alone
‘The world is now Holly’s oyster, there are so many opportunities for her.’
An ITV spokesman added: ‘Unfortunately Holly couldn’t commit to the dates to host the new series of You Bet!, but will hopefully appear as a guest panellist on one of the shows in the new series.’
Holly also runs her own wellness and lifestyle brand, called Wylde Moon.
Her business empire is estimated to be worth £10million and she has also worked with brands including Marks & Spencer, Diet Coke and Oral B.
BREAKING NEWS: TV Presenter Holly Willoughby Makes IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT About Stunning Career Comeback
Holly Willoughby plotting to become the next Graham Norton in huge career comeback(Image: 2024 Karwai Tang/Getty)
Holly Willoughby is said to be quietly preparing the next phase of her career, with husband Dan Baldwin stepping in to help steer the plans. After some time away from the spotlight, the couple are said to be putting together a strategy that could mark her biggest return yet.
Sources claim Holly’s aim is nothing less than a primetime slot, with the ambition to rival the likes of Graham Norton and Jonathan Ross. “Anyone who has written Holly off has another thing coming,” an insider revealed.
“She’s never been more determined. The next move is going to be spectacular, and Dan is her secret weapon.”
The former This Morning presenter, 44, who met Baldwin through work back in 2004, has faced a turbulent few years both personally and professionally. Her career slowed after she left daytime TV in 2023, while Baldwin went on to notch up a string of successes, including the reboot of Gladiators.
That difference reportedly caused some tension, but the pair are now firmly aligned, determined to re-establish Holly as one of Britain’s biggest presenters.
“She and Dan both know she has what it takes to go solo in a primetime evening slot, and they plan to make her the biggest female presenter in the UK again. Together, they are a force to be reckoned with,” the source added to The Sun.
Holly has reportedly already been reaching out for advice and is said to have been quietly reconnecting with close friends such as Emma Bunton, Christine Lampard, and former Celebrity Juice co-star Fearne Cotton.
She has also recently been pictured alongside a strong circle of showbiz pals including Christine, Myleene Klass, and Spice Girls Nicole and Natalie Appleton.
Her break from television followed a deeply traumatic period. Gavin Plumb, who plotted to abduct and murder her, was later jailed for at least 16 years.
Holly then withdrew from public life to focus on her family – Harry, 16, Belle, 14, and Chester, 10 – and only dipped back into screens with Netflix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt alongside Bear Grylls, which was sadly axed after one season.
Now, with her children older and more independent, she is said to be considering a return on her own terms.
“This isn’t a new thing – Holly has always had ambitions way beyond the This Morning sofa,” the insider explained. “She can see herself being the first big female primetime chat show host – a bit like a female Jonathan Ross. She’s 45 next year and she’s ready to go solo.”
Willoughby has always been most visible as part of a presenting duo, particularly with Phillip Schofield, but her focus now is on standing alone. She wants the top guests, the best slot, and the chance to finally carve out her own space in evening television.
The Mirror has approached Holly’s representatives for comment on this story.
HEARTBREAKING: Thomas Skinner’s wife, Sinead, has BROKEN HER SILENCE after his AFFAIR became Public News
Thomas Skinner’s wife has reportedly found all the attention on her marriage “upsetting” but remains committed to her husband. Skinner, who made his Strictly Come Dancing debut this evening, admitted last week that he cheated on his wife Sinead just weeks after their wedding in 2022.
However, he said she has forgiven him and the pair, who share three children, have “moved forward together”.
“This has of course all been upsetting for Sinead. The attention has been difficult for her as it brings it all back but she is resilient and her family is strong, her marriage is strong,” a source close to Sinead has claimed.
The insider continued to tell the Sun: “And, as she says, she knew about this more than three years ago and they dealt with the aftermath together back then. This is old news to her, she forgave him then.
“What people probably don’t realise is that Sinead is an incredibly strong woman. Tom has described her as his rock and it is so true, she is.”
The comments come after the former The Apprentice star took to social media to tell followers: “It’s been a hard couple of weeks for me and family. What I’ve learned is my wife is unbelievable.”
His personal life has been intensely scrutinised after he admitted to he admitted to having an affair with Essex beautician Amy-Lucy O’Rourke. However, despite trying to play it down as just a fling, Amy-Lucy has disputed his version of events, insisting they had a three-month romance that was far more serious than he has made out.
She told the Mail Online : “He insisted his relationship with her was a sham and they weren’t really in love. He said he’d never told Sinéad he loved her and had never felt about anyone how he felt about me.”
As fans of Strictly watched the pre-recording launch show of the dance contest they let their feelings be known after discovering Tom had been paired with Amy Dowden.
Fans were quick to share their discontent at the news, saying popular professional dancer Amy “deserved better”.
“THEY ACTUALLY PUT AMY WITH HIM. Hasn’t she been through enough. WTF BBC #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing,” fumed one user on Twitter/X. And the opinion was matched largely by others on the platform.
Another user raged: “WHO THE F*** DID THAT TO AMY. WE NEED TO HAVE SOME BIG BIG WORDS. #Strictly” “why’d they do this to amy . #strictly.”
A third added: “Poor Amy. She is really due a break #strictly,” while a fourth said: “Amy, I salute you, hang on in there #Strictly,” alongside a gif from The Hunger Games.
Despite the online backlash, Tom said during the show he was very happy with his partner for the show. When asked by the presenters for his thoughts on his link-up, he said he is “over the moon” to be dancing with Amy.
He is one of fifteen stars to grace the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor this series in the hope to land the coveted Glitter Ball. After he was initially announced for the show, he admitted he was “beyond excited” to be joining the BBC dancing contest. He also admitted he has “never danced in my life other than at weddings”.
One civil service whistleblower told ITV filmmakers he was “disgυsted” by amoυnt of ρrofits some comρanies made
Matt Hancock was Health Secretary dυring the covid crisis when a VIP ρriority lane was set υρ for PPE(Image: PA)
Details of how the Tories ρresided over one of the biggest government sρending scandals of all time are to be revealed in a shocking new docυmentary.
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Eye-watering waste rυnning into many billions of ρoυnds resυlted from hυge Covid contracts for moυntains of ρersonal ρrotective eqυiρment and medical tests.
One civil service whistleblower told ITV filmmakers: “I was disgυsted at the amoυnt of money that these comρanies were making. It was jυst ka-ching, ka-ching, ka-ching for them.”
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Some comρanies with little or no track record in sυρρlying PPE landed massive contracts, inclυding many introdυced by ministers and key government figυres via the high-ρriority VIP lane.
Baroness Michelle Mone is being sυed by the Deρartment for Health for more than £120 million(Image: Getty Images)
The ρrocυrement υnit saw staff from Gove’s Cabinet Office join the team(Image: Getty Images)
One firm, linked to Baroness Michelle Mone, is being sυed by the Deρartment for Health for more than £120 million for allegedly sυρρlying υnυsable gowns. Bυt the docυmentary names other ρrevioυsly υnknown corρorate winners.
Instead of bυying foυr months of PPE stock as ρlanned, within months of lockdown the government stockρiled years’ worth – inclυding enoυgh goggles to last 15 years.
One million ρallets of υnwanted PPE ended υρ being incinerated in what Gavin Hayman, of the Oρen Contracting ρartnershiρ, says reρresents “ρrobably the biggest government missρending scandal in the UK of all time”.
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As the UK’s exρensive Covid-19 inqυiry rυmbles on largely υnnoticed by the ρυblic, new ITV docυmentary Exρosυres asks how we went from having almost no PPE to having more than we coυld ρossibly υse.
The Mirror has ρrevioυsly revealed how thoυsands of ventilators boυght for £50,000 each dυring the ρandemic were sold off for as little as £100 via online aυctions last year.
We also exρosed how the NHS flogged 6,000 υnυsed Nightingale hosρital beds it had boυght for £13million for jυst £410,000 as they were not sυitable for hosρitals. When the coυntry went into lockdown in March 2020, the UK’s hosρitals were woefυlly lacking in sυρρlies of PPE.
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Boris Johnson set υρ a new ρrocυrement υnit rυn by Matt Hancock ’s Deρartment of Health, with many of its staff coming from Michael Gove ’s Cabinet Office. The government ρυt oυt ρυblic aρρeals to helρ soυrce PPE from new sυρρliers, and the normal tender and comρetition rυles were sυsρended.
Under ρressυre to resρond qυickly, a secret VIP lane was also set υρ by civil servants to deal with credible offers coming via ministers, MPs or senior officials.
Charles Hυang’s firm, Innova, secυred a contract after reaching oυt to Cυmmings
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According to the docυmentary, this is when things started to go wrong. A whistleblower who was working in the deρartment at the time was exasρerated that comρanies with a backgroυnd in sυρρlying PPE were being sidelined in favoυr of VIPs.
The soυrce tells the ρrogramme: “It was very frυstrating becaυse yoυ’ve done a lot of the backgroυnd work, taking the time to find oυt aboυt the comρanies, see who their manυfactυrer was, so that we coυld check the manυfactυrer had the caρability of ρrodυcing as many items as they said, and then to find oυt none of yoυr deals have gone throυgh.
“The VIP lane was obvioυsly the Premiershiρ, and all the rest of the sυρρliers were in the second division.” Mr Gove and Mr Hancock say the VIP lane was created by officials to effectively ρrioritise significant offers, that ministers were not involved in decisions to award contracts and jυst forwarded ρromising leads to civil servants. They say their ρriority at the time was to “save lives and ρrotect the NHS”.
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The ITV film shows how two ρrevioυsly υnnamed Covid-testing comρanies, Tanner Pharma and Nationwide Pathology, both made hυge ρrofits thanks to their contracts.
Nationwide made £40million over the ρandemic, while Tanner was given testing contracts totalling £1.4bn after it contacted a Deρartment of Health official.
Tanner went from a ρre-ρandemic loss off £678,000 to a cυmυlative ρrofit over the ρandemic of £193m. Its American owner, Banks Boυrne, ρaid himself a £148m dividend, coυrtesy of the British taxρayer.
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Another comρany called Innova aρρeared from nowhere in March 2020. It was set υρ by Charles Hυang, who rain a ρrivate eqυity firm in California.
Innova got its contract after it reached oυt to Dominic Cυmmings, who was Boris Johnson’s advisor at the time. By the end of the ρandemic, Innova had been ρaid over £5bn by the UK government desρite having no track record in sυρρlying medical goods.
By contrast, Arco is a leading UK sυρρlier of PPE with over 50 years’ exρerience. It sent 750,000 PPE kits to Sierra Leone dυring the ebola eρidemic. Bυt when Covid arrived, nobody was retυrning their calls.
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Arco chairman Thomas Martin tells Exρosυre: “We υsed the government ρortals, we υsed all of oυr existing contacts. There woυld be 50 or 60 attemρts every day to break throυgh, and we were coming υρ against the closed door. I coυldn’t υnderstand why anyone in charge woυld choose to ignore the exρertise on taρ.
“The safety indυstry was not mobilised.” In all, the UK sρent aroυnd £15bn on PPE. The whistleblower adds: “We had so mυch, bυt we were still bυying when we didn’t need any more. We weren’t able to warehoυse it, and it was getting left at docks.”
By March 2022, the UK had 300 ρieces of υnυsed PPE for every ρerson in the coυntry. Comρanies that were hired to sυρρly PPE were now being rewarded again to store it. Mυch of it ended υρ incinerated. The whistleblower conclυdes: “We were wasting so mυch money.”
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Tanner Pharma said: “Tanner Pharma was selected to ρrovide lateral flow tests becaυse they were determined by UKHSA to have high sρecificity and sensitivity. We were not referred to the high-ρriority lane and delivered over 480m reliable, accυrate testing kits.”
Boris Johnson, Dominic Cυmmings, Michelle Mone and Nationwide Pathology all declined to comment.
SAD NEWS: Strictly Come Dancing makes HEARTBREAKING ANNOUNCEMENT about Balvinder Sopal’s serious INJURY during rehearsals
Strictly Come Dancing contestant Balvinder Sopal was rushed to medics after suffering an injury during rehearsals for the BBC dance show, days before its due to launch.
The EastEnders actress, 46, is due to take to the dancefloor for the BBC show, which launches this weekend, though has now revealed she sustained a medical mishap after she heard “something popped” as she practised for the programme. Speaking in a video posted to Instagram, she said: “So it’s the second day of training and I’m at physio. Something popped and I’m here to find out what exactly.
“I’m fine, everything is okay. I can still walk and still move but my left glute, my left hip is feeling a little tight and uneasy, so I’m going to get someone to look at it.”
EastEnders star Balvinder – who is best known for playing Suki Panesar on the BBC soap – added her stint on Strictly Come Dancing is “the hardest [she] thinks [she’s] ever worked”.
She continued: “I can’t tell you, this is the hardest I think I’ve ever worked. The pros are incredible, superhuman, literal gods honestly. The way they move, the way they teach you it’s just brilliant and I’m loving every single second of it.
“But I’m just going to get checked out by the physio. I hope they go easy on me. But yeah, second day training.”
Balvinder has since confirmed she is back in training, and is feeling “all good”. She shared a snap of herself in rehearsals and captioned the post: “Day three training done!
“Hip/glute all good – just tight. Thank you for all your messages of love and support. We kept dancing (sic).”
Balvinder is just one of many famous faces due to compete in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing – which is due to air on Saturday (20.09.25) on BBC One at 6:40 pm – and will be joined by the likes of Dani Dyer, Chris Robshaw, Thomas Skinner Ross King and Vicky Pattison.
Looking to her time on the show, Balvinder said “being on Strictly is a dream that [she] held on to, with no proof that it would ever happen”.
Balvinder joins a string of celebs on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing (
“I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom!”
The actress isn’t the only star to have sustained an injury since rehearsals for the popular dance show began. Vicky Pattison last week showed off her painful injury in a reel of photos shared to her Instagram, with the caption “Strictly BTS”.
Sharing a snap of her painful toe blister, Vicky also opened up on her Instagram account about the ups and downs of her rehearsal week. She penned in the caption: “It’s been a WEEK let me tell you lads!
“I’ve laughed, cried and been strictlified. But I already feel like I’ve made friends for life with all my gorgeous dancers, not to mention the pros and the fabulous crew! It certainly is a juggernaut and I’m so honoured to be a part of this years show… even if it means I’ll have no skin at all left on my feet soon.
She signed off: “Love you all and Thankyou for your continued kind and supportive words… they mean so much!!! Not long now.”
The first episode of the new series of Strictly Come Dancing has already been recorded and will air on Saturday, September 20 on BBC One.
BREAKING EVERY LIMIT: Dani Dyer SPEAKS OUT about terrifying ‘STRICTLY CURSE’ months after marrying Jarrod Bowen
Dani Dyer is one of the celebs taking part in this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Dani Dyer is stepping back into the spotlight this weekend as one of the celebs taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing series – but the newlywed 29-year-old has insisted she isn’t worried about the dreaded ‘Strictly curse.’
The former Love Island star, who is the daughter of acting legend Danny Dyer, tied the knot with West Ham and England footballer Jarrod Bowen, 28, in a lavish Bridgerton-inspired ceremony in May in what she called ‘the most perfect, special day’. The couple are already parents to twin daughters, Summer and Star, both one. While Dani has four-year-old son Santi from a previous relationship.
Though it’s yet to be revealed which pro dancer Dani will be paired with on this year’s show, which kicks off on Saturday night and will see 15 new celebs compete for the coveted glitterball trophy, the mum-of-three has assured husband Jarrod he has nothing to worry about.
She said, if anything, it will be Jarrod’s shyness of the cameras when he comes to support her in the audience that will more of an issue for the couple.
Dani told The Sun: “Jarrod’s so chill. We aren’t worried. There is no ‘Strictly Curse’. As soon as me and Jarrod met, we just gelled. We get on so well, and I’ve always wanted to have a nice, chilled and easy relationship.
“If we have a problem, we talk about it. I can’t be bothered with games, and when I met him there was none of that. I’m just so glad I got a good prince at the end. Finally!”
In a chat with the Daily Mail, she reiterated there was no chance of her straying on the show and said: “‘I’m newly married and we’re so good, know what I mean? He’s such a shy person, Jarrod, so when he gets there and they put the camera on him.”
The Strictly curse refers to a belief that the show leads to the breakdown of a contestant’s existing romantic relationship. Over it’s 20 year run, the dancing series has reportedly led to the breakdown of at least 21 relationships.
But Dani says one of the things she is most looking forward to is feeling ‘sexy’ again after signing up to the BBC show. And she plans to use it as an excuse to wear skimpy outfits – which she says she should have done more of when she won Love Island back in 2018 alongside ex-boyfriend Jack Fincham.
“I can’t wait to feel a bit sexy!’ she said. ‘I’ve been a mum, you know what I mean, I’ve been so deep in motherhood. My eldest is four now and, I’m like, ‘Am I sexy?’ When I was on Love Island, I never wore the thong bikinis or anything. I’m like, ‘Dan, why didn’t I do that?’ Do you know what? I’m going to push the boundaries,” Dani shared.
Dani and Jarrod first met in 2021 when they became neighbours and he would often take parcels for her. Speaking on Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast earlier this year, Dani shared the unusual story of how they got together.
She said: “I’ve never really spoken about this. I moved into the house I was in with Santi [her oldest child] and he was only a few months old. It was a really small, cute little neighbourhood. I loved that house. People were like ‘oh, Jarrod Bowen lives next door’ but I didn’t follow football at the time, just wasn’t interested in football.
“Then he knocked on my door a couple of times because my parcels went there. I remember the first time I opened the door… you know what it’s like, slicked-back hair… and I opened the door.
“I didn’t know it was Jarrod Bowen – and he was hot. Blue eyes, blonde hair, a bit of me. I was like ‘ohh, thanks!’ Then there were a few times I’d see him. I used to know when he was leaving for football because I’d hear his car go and he’d reverse out and I was like, oh I can go put the bins out.
“There was once I knew I looked OK because I had a shoot that day and I remember walking back round and then I put the key in the door and he came out and I thought ‘I know I look good today’. So then he said ‘have you got a meter reading key?’ But I didn’t think nothing of it and said ‘no, no I don’t’ and then he was like ‘oh I’m moving house’ and I was like ‘oh good luck with everything’.”
It was only after Jarrod had moved out and messaged her on her birthday that ‘they never stopped speaking’. The pair went official with their romance at the end of 2021. Then in an unexpected twist early in 2023, Dani and Jarrod shared the joyful news that they were expecting twins before tying the knot in May this year.
SH0CK REVEAL: Roy Cropper discovered the TRUTH about Becky Swain in Coronation Street episode and Lisa Swain spoke about her FUTURE with Carla Connor
The café owner was the first resident outside of number six to discover that Lisa Swain’s late wife was actually alive. Over the course of the last year, viewers have watched as the relationship between DS Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers) and Carla Connor (Alison King) has blossomed, but their recent engagement was blighted when Becky (Amy Cudden), whom Lisa thought was k1lled in the line of duty four years ago, walked back into the house alive and well.
Just days before the bombshell revelation, Roy had spotted a woman at the hospital whom he was certain was Becky, having recognised her from a photograph. He called round to tell Carla this after she had already found out the truth and she sent him away, pretending to not believe him.
But on the latest instalment Roy popped round to number six and there was Becky standing right in front of him. Roy clocked Becky straight away, and claimed to Carla that she would never have told of him the truth.
Roy was told: “Becky’s d3ath was all part of a covert police operation, Roy. Tell him.” Becky explained: “My life, Lisa and Betsy’s lives were in danger so my superiors organised for me to leave the country, and they certified the d3ath of someone who wasn’t me.”
Carla begged with Roy to not tell anyone no matter how ‘complicated’ the situation is but he insisted to her that he was not a liar. He shot back at Becky: “Your return, therefore, has put all of these people in grave danger. I told you, Carla, I had seen her alive and you made me think I was going mad,” before storming out.
Lisa went round to the café to reason with him. later on When Evelyn butted into the conversation, she ended up making up that Becky was her sister, and Roy went along with it. Meanwhile, Lisa had to address what the whole absurd situation will mean for her future with Carla.
She said: “So come on then, what’s the d3al with the fake identity? Are you alive or d3ad? I’m marrying Carla no matter what, do I need to start divorce proceedings?” When Becky insisted again that she only came back from the d3ad for Betsy, Lisa came back with: “It’s a shame you weren’t this concerned about her before when you faked your own d3ath and moved to Alicante, isn’t it?”
Having had enough of it all, Carla told Becky to get out. Becky stormed out, but not before Lisa asked if there was anything else she wanted to tell them. Becky ignored the question.
DI Costello has helped cover up her fake d3ath for the past four years, with he and Becky telling Lisa what really happened in 2021 in scenes that aired in recent days. Lisa was told where her ‘d3ad’ wife Becky had been all this time, and why she and the others faked her d3ath. When Lisa confronted her boss Costello on Monday, she demanded answers and threatened to leak the cover-up to the press. It was clear Costello was scared about this, and was determined to keep a cover on things.
There was so much emphasis from both Costello and Becky about needing to protect her family. But fans were not buying what he was saying at all, believing both of them or even just Costello were spinning a fake version of events.
Fans now think Costello is hiding even more, and there could be so much to the story that is yet to be confirmed. So is Becky being in hiding and Costello’s involvement all linked to something much darker than they have let on?
BREAKING NEWS: BBC releases the FULL LIST of Celebrities and Professional Partners for Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 has begun and fans now know exactly who will be entertaining them throughout this year’s run.
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BBC fans have been waiting for Strictly to make its comeback following comedian Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell lifted the Glitter Ball Trophy last year.
Now a new bunch of 15 celebrities will try and impress not only viewers at home but the eagle-eyed judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas.
Saturday, September 20, saw the famous contestants meet their professional matches who will be guiding them through the competition and showing them the steps each week.
Here’s a full rundown of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 celebrities and their professional partners.
Strictly Come Dancing 2025’s line-up. (Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 celebrities and their professional dancers
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley (Image: BBC)
Jimmy is a former professional footballer and football manager who is probably best remembered for his “prolific goal scoring career”.
Speaking about joining the Strictly family, Jimmy shared: “Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge!
“Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.”
He has been matched with Birmingham-born dancer Lauren Oakley who has been with the show since 2022.
Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast: Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola (Image: BBC)
Ellie is a model, actress and influencer who made history two years ago when she became the first woman with Down syndrome to feature on the front cover of British Vogue.
It was earlier this year that she joined the cast of BBC’s Malory Towers as Nancy Mahe.
Ellie said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros of Strictly Come Dancing this year.
“It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream.”
She will be dancing with Italian dancer Vito Coppola who won the show in 2023 with Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach.
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast: Balvinder Sopal and newcomer Julian Caillon (Image: BBC)
Balvinder Sopal has worked in theatre, radio, film and television but soap fans will best recognise her as Suki Kaur Panesar – now Unwin – on EastEnders since 2019.
She will be matched with Australian-born newcomer Julian Caillon who has previously performed on America’s Dancing With The Stars.
Balvinder commented: “Working on EastEnders and being a part of Strictly Come Dancing is the stuff that dreams are made of.
“I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom!”
George Clarke and Alexis Warr
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast: George Clarke and Alexis Warr (Image: BBC)
George Clarke has been paired up with fellow newcomer Alexis Warr who won So You Think You Can Dance three years ago.
George, also known as George Clarkey, is a YouTuber, podcaster and social media influencer.
He joked: “Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly!
“Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in… and potentially fall over a fair bit.”
Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast: Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova (Image: BBC)
Former England rugby union player and captain Chris Robshaw says that he is out of his “comfort zone” with Strictly and hopes to take his “dad dancing to a whole new level”.
He added: “My mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class. Let’s see if a rugby sidestep works in the Cha Cha Cha.”
Chris will dance alongside Ukrainian professional Nadiya Bychkova who has been with Strictly since 2017.
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast: Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe (Image: BBC )
Alex Kingston will be remembered for starring as River Song in the 2006 series of the fantasy sci-fi drama.
Some of her other most notable roles have been in Douglas Is Cancelled, A Discovery of Witches, The Widow and in iconic medical drama ER as Elizabeth Corday.
She is dancing with Strictly fan-favourite South African dancer Johannes Radebe who currently has a biopic film based on his life story and his memoir JoJo: Finally Home, in development.
Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast: Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin (Image: BBC)
Love Island winner and actor Danny Dyer’s daughter Dani Dyer is gearing up to waltz around the ballroom with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin.
She shared: “Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year!
“I feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.”
Ukrainian dancer Nikita spent some time away from Strictly last year to star in Celebrity Big Brother and was announced as the runner-up.
Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast: Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell (Image: BBC)
Actor Stefan Dennis, who is best known for portraying Paul Robinson in Neighbours, says this is an “opportunity” for him to step out of his comfort zone.
He added: “Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.”
Stefan has been partnered up with last year’s winner Dianne Buswell who recently announced that she was pregnant with former contestant and boyfriend Joe Sugg.
Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast: Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington (Image: BBC)
Vicky Pattison may have rose to fame on the reality show Geordie Shore but she has since become a household name.
Not only did she win season 15 of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here, she is now a presenter, author, podcaster and radio host.
She will be dancing with Kai Widdrington who has previously been matched with presenters AJ Odudu, Kaye Adams and broadcaster Angela Rippon.
Vicky said she was “absolutely buzzing” to be part of the Strictly world but is also “terrified”.
Harry Atkines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast: Harry Atkines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer (Image: BBC)
Two years ago, Harry Atkines-Aryeetey was announced to be joining the cast of the Gladiators reboot as Nitro.
Prior to joining the BBC show, Harry was an Olympian, having won multiple gold medals for Team GB as a sprinter.
He is matched with Venezuelan dancer Karen Hauer who has been with the Strictly family for 13 years.
Ross King and Jowitza Przystal
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast: Ross King and Jowitza Przystal (Image: BBC)
Ross King is a regular face on morning television, featuring on ITV’s Good Morning Britain and on Lorraine as their Los Angeles correspondent.
He said: “From the bright lights of Hollywood to the glittering ballroom – it’s a dream come true to be part of such an iconic show.
“I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes!
“Let’s give this the best that I can!
“As my mum always said: ‘You’ll never know till you give it a go!’”
Ross has been partnered up with Polish dancer Jowita Przystal who has recently shared that she is now in a relationship with former Towie star Pete Wicks who she was matched with last year.
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast: Karen Carney and Carlos Gu (Image: BBC)
Karen is an ex-footballer who has played for Arsenal, Birmingham City, England and Chelsea.
She is now the leading female pundit for both men’s and women’s football across TNT and ITV.
She said: “I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part.
“I’m so excited to meet everyone and get dancing!
Karen will be spending her Strictly journey with Chinese dancer Carlos Gu who has been with the show for the past three years.
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast: Lewis Cope and Katya Jones (Image: BBC)
Actor Lewis Cope joined the world of ITV’s Emmerdale in 2022 as Nicky Miligan but has been acting since he was a child, starring in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical.
He will be dancing with Strictly veteran Katya Jones who famously performed the Gangnam Style routine with former politician Ed Balls.
Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast: Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden (Image: BBC)
Thomas will be best recognised for starring in the business reality show The Apprentice in 2019 but was fired in week nine.
He has since featured on various shows including 8 Out of 10 Cats, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show and Celebrity Masterchef and often posts motivational videos.
Thomas will be dancing with Welsh star Amy Dowden who had to pull out from the competition early last year because of a stress fracture in her foot.
She wasn’t able to perform the previous year either as she was diagnosed with grade three breast cancer but thankfully, she is now in remission.
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La Voix and Aljaz Skorjanec
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast: La Voix and Aljaz Skorjanec (Image: BBC)
La Voix is a drag performer, presenter and singer who competed in the 2024 series of BBC’s RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
She will be dancing with Slovenian dancer Aljaz Skorjanec who joined the show in 2013 and is married to former fellow Strictly star Janette Manrara who is also one of the spin-off It Takes Two hosts.
CORONATION STREET SPOILERS: Coronation Street’s Asha Alahan will confront her abuser in tense upcoming scenes
ITV soap spoilers have revealed that Asha Alahan (played by Tanisha Gorey) will have a rough ride in upcoming Coronation Street scenes. During a special episode that focused on a day in the young paramedic’s working life, viewers got an insight into her life at the hospital where she was subjected to horrific racial abuse and violence from a woman she was trying to help.
Since the incident, Asha’s mental health has suffered, with the character enduring panic attacks. She’s becoming increasingly withdrawn, and in episodes set to be aired this week, Bernie (Jane Hazlegrove) questions Dev (Jimmi Harkishin) about his daughter’s health. Also worried about her mental state, her dad admits that she has been spending more time in her room of late.
It’s at this point that the pair work together to get Asha involved in activities outside of the house and convinces her to help Ryan (Ryan Prescott). At the start of the week, Dev persuades the reluctant paramedic to let him take her for lunch at the hotel.
But Asha’s shaken when she comes face to face with Naomi, the woman who abused her. Bravely, Asha confronts the woman, reminding her that she tried to help her when she was drunk, but all she got in return was abuse, with Naomi spitting in her face and throwing a bottle at her.
Naomi denies all of this and warns Asha that she needs to be careful about making allegations against her. Shaken, Asha returns home in tears and tells Bernie what happened.
Bernie is not someone who will let someone get away with abusive behaviour, especially to a member of her family, and she heads out on a mission to seek justice. Normally, she would go in all guns blazing, but this tim,e she takes some advice from her police officer son, Kit (Jacob Roberts).
He points out that it’s only Asha’s word against Naomi’s, so it would be difficult to bring charges. Instead, Bernie manages to get her hands on Naomi’s laptop as she comes up with a cunning plan.
While Naomi gives a presentation on stage, she clicks on the first slide and can’t believe what she’s seeing as the audience gasps in shock. Standing up, Bernie explains that Naomi abused a paramedic and a woman of colour who was only trying to help.
The careers fair descends into chaos, leaving Naomi livid. Ryan swiftly closes the event, but not before Nina (Mollie Gallagher) and Amy (Elle Mulvaney) have managed to capture video of most of the action on their phones.
Asha is mortified by Bernie’s actions, but the madness doesn’t end there. Soon, Naomi storms over to number 7 to tell Bernie she’s going to sue her for defamation. Only adding flames to the fire, Bernie has turned the heat up on the explosive situation. But what will this mean for Asha?
Alison Hammond launched a blistering attack on her ‘rubbish’ This Morning dress – insisting that ‘it stinks’ and she’s ‘donating it to charity’ after getting a nasty shock on the ITV set.
The host, 50, was joined in the studio by fellow presenter Dermot O’Leary, 52, on Friday, where they began by discussing Trump’s recent visit to the UK and discrimination against pregnant workers.
But talk soon turned to Alison’s deep purple belted leather dress when presenter Jeff Brazier complimented her outfit choice.
However Alison herself seemed to have been unimpressed with her look, saying of the material: ‘I thought it was leather but it smells weird – I think it’s PVC.
‘It’s something rubbish,’ she continued. ‘Don’t worry, I’m going to donate it to charity afterwards.’
Elsewhere on the programme, she took yet another swipe at her own outfit when the hosts resumed after a break by dancing to music blaring in the studio.
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Alison Hammond launched a blistering attack on her ‘rubbish’ This Morning dress on Friday – insisting that ‘it stinks’ and she’s ‘donating it to charity’
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Talk turned to Alison’s deep purple belted leather dress when presenter Jeff Brazier complimented her outfit choice
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However Alison herself seemed to have been unimpressed with her look, saying of the material that it was ‘rubbish’ and ‘stinky’
Bouncing jovially, Alison said: ‘I don’t know what it is about this dress but it’s making me dance like a granny!’
Alluding to an earlier conversation, Dermot replied: ‘Well, I told you, we can’t get rid of the dress.’
Fans of the show also noticed Alison’s outfit, and took to social media to swap notes.
‘Is it national Wear A Binbag To Work day?’ asked one commenter, while another wrote: ‘Alison is wearing a garden waste bag.’
‘Thought I’d seen it before,’ joked another, sharing an image of a sofa. Another agreed, saying: ‘Alison is wearing an original DFS.’
The faux pas comes hot on the heels of a series of gorgeous selfies shared by Alison, where the TV personality showed off her incredible 11 stone weight-loss.
The host flashed a smile after undergoing a dazzling makeover by her ‘glam man’ Mikey Phillips in the snaps shared to his Instagram.
She wore a white T-shirt with a colourful A-line skirt and a denim jacket layered over the top.
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It comes after Alison showed off her incredible 11 stone weight-loss in a series of glowing photos
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Alison flashed a smile after undergoing a glamorous makeover by her ‘glam man’ Mikey Phillips in the snaps shared to his Instagram (pictured right in 2021)
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Alison has lost 11 stone in recent years, prompted by the discovery that she was pre-diabetic – a situation she has reversed with healthier food choices and workouts
Alison has lost 11 stone in recent years, prompted by the discovery that she was pre-diabetic – a situation she has reversed with healthier food choices and workouts.
In a recent interview with Daily Mail, she discussed how she stays trim while surrounded by cakes on The Great British Bake Off.
She said: ‘I eat a bit of Paul and Prue’s after they’ve finished judging. I only try the ones that got a handshake from Paul or ones that won. If the judges aren’t impressed, I’m not trying it.’
Alison revealed how she managed to lose the pounds without the assistance of weight-loss jabs, giving an insight into her exercise plan with her personal trainer.
The TV personality, who weighed 28-stone at her heaviest, told Heat: ‘I’ve got a personal trainer – she’s amazing, she trains me when I can train.
‘If I’m working, I don’t train, I’ll go for a walk.
‘But when I’m at home, I’ll go and have a session with her in the morning, just an hour. It might be four days a week.’
She also revealed her approach to her diet, saying she hasn’t cut anything out completely but focuses on ‘moderation’.
‘I don’t deny myself anything, I eat everything, but in moderation,’ she added.
