David and Victoria Beckham are reportedly launching a range of products that will put them in direct competition with Meghan Markle and her As Ever range. David and Victoria are said to be planning to utilise the produce grown on the couple’s Cotswolds farm by launching a shop featuring his goods.

One of the products the 50-year-old is believed to be planning is a range of jams. The couple are also said to be hoping to eventually launch their own wine and gin. David already has his own snack range Bee Up, created from the honey gathered from his hives. He has become very adept at beekeeping and frequently shares his honey tips on social media. Victoria has also shown her husband’s jam jam-making prowess, working with plums grown on their farm, in a September 7 Instagram Story. The Spice Girls singer gushed, “I’m impressed” as David

The cheeky video came just a week after their son Brooklyn gave his social media followers a tutorial on how to make jam.

This prompted some supporters to suggest that Victoria and David’s latest post about their homemade jam was a subtle jab at both their son Brooklyn – who recently crafted his own preserve – and Meghan, who boasts her own selection of fruit spreads.

In the video, she quips: “So we’ve had a weekend of cooking … Well you have, I’ve been watching! You’ve been making lots of jam and look what you’ve made – David Beckjam!

“He’s very proud. How many Beckjams have you made darling? You’re quite the entrepreneur.”

David and Victoria Beckham are reported to be branchng out into the food market (Image: Getty)

A source told Radar Online: “Vic has big plans, and while the project will mainly be handled by their eldest team, she and David will be front and centre of the launch and any publicity.

“They’re also thinking about branching out into wines and gins, while Vic can see herself designing some country interiors.”

“It could easily be something to rival Meghan’s As Ever brand – Vic knows she has the background and expertise to blow her out of the water if she wanted to.

“There’s a potentially huge market in the US for English country living and both David and Victoria know how to make it a success,” the source explained.

Strictly Come Dancing has officially returned as this year’s celebrity contestants stepped onto the iconic dancefloor for the first time. Stars from across the entertainment industry are hoping they have what it takes to take home the Glitterball Trophy.

They will be aiming to follow in comedian Chris McCausland’s footsteps, after he bagged the top spot last year with professional dancer Diane Buswell. As reigning champions, the pair are delighting fans as they perform once again before handing the trophy back.

On the bill this year is Doctor Who actress Alex ­Kingston, model Ellie Goldstein, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and EastEnder Balvinder Sopal. YouTuber George Clarke, drag queen La Voix, former England rugby ace Chris Robshaw and The Apprentice’s Tom Skinner are also taking part.

 

The contestants will be hoping they can impress the Strictly judges(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Guy Levy)

Neighbours favourite Stefan Dennis, Lioness Karen Carney, reality star Vicky Pattison, ex-Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Love Island’s Dani Dyer and TV host Ross King. They will be judged by Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.

Saturday night’s launch show saw the celebrities matched with their pros for the first time, with fans getting the first look at how they might do in the competition.

The first pairings confirmed were Lewis Cope and Katya Jones, Ross King and Jowita Przystał, Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin, Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova and La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec.

The next to be revealed were Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington, Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe, Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola, Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon plus Karen Carney and Carlos Gu.

The final matches were confirmed as Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley, George Clarke and Alexis Warr, Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell as well as Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden.

Following the announcement, many fans sadly predicted Ross would be first out as one said: “Poor Jowita out first.” Another added: “Sorry Jowita, it’s an early exit for you this year.”

The launch show is pre-recorded and was filmed on the same evening as the National Television Awards. It meant many of the stars were unable to take to the stage at the NTAs and accept their Talent show gong.

Despite the show not being live, many will be keeping a beady-eye on contestant Thomas Skinner, who has brought a lot of controversy since he was announced for this year’s show.

Thomas’ signing didn’t go down well with Strictly fans due to him being an outspoken figure on social media. However, his personal life also hit the headlines of late as he recently confessed to a ‘fling’ with Amy-Lucy O’Rourke just a few weeks after marrying wife Sinead.

He insisted the affair was a ‘one off’ – but Amy-Lucy later spoke out and slammed his claims, in a story which has dominated the headlines in the lead-up to tonight.

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Kate Cassidy shared the video on her social media(Image: instagram/kateecass)

Kate Cassidy’s world was shattered 11 months ago when her boyfriend Liam Payne tragically fell to his d3ath. The former One Direction singer passed away at 31 following the fatal fall at a hotel in Argentina.

Liam’s heartbreaking d3ath occurred just days after Kate had left to return to America. She often shares her grief and pain candidly across social media, and the 26-year-old turned to Instagram on Tuesday to make an appeal to her followers.

It marks nearly a year after losing Liam, as she took to her Instagram stories to reveal her precious keepsake items. Inside were notes from Liam, photos of the couple and small knitted bears alongside various sketches, reports the Mirror.

The footage shows Kate placing her treasured mementos from their relationship into a floral-patterned container, alongside text stating: “She probably just threw it away.”

She wrote alongside the post: “Don’t forget to write your loved ones a letter today, tomorrow is not guaranteed”. Her fans were quick to rush to the comments.

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Kate Cassidy shared some new snaps of her and Liam(Image: Instagram/Kate Cassidy)

One follower commented: “This made me cry. He was so special. Liam’s love will always surround you in so many beautiful ways. He is always with you, Kate.”

This came after an earlier upload where she posted several joyful recollections from recent months. The footage captured her Disney trip, ocean swimming and seaside dining.

She wrote beneath the clips: “11 months ago couldn’t even tell you what my morning to night looked like. I was in such a dark place.

“I now choose to see the light in life and realise how fragile and precious life is, and therefore I will live everyday to my fullest, for us both.”

Her and Liam’s supporters rallied round once again with heartfelt messages. One follower commented: “The sun will always come out. He would want you to live your life to the fullest- happy to see your light slowly come back.”

In a recent update last month, Kate openly admitted she continues to wear Liam’s clothing to bed. She posted on Instagram in an effort to support others navigating loss.

Kate disclosed that followers often have questions about Liam’s passing on social media, as she’s asked how she manages to cope with the void he has left behind.

Responding to fans, she turned to the platform to address the common concerns. She described grief as feeling like “a world that you wake up in and it doesn’t make any sense anymore, especially when you lose somebody so suddenly and unexpectedly you almost have such a hard time forgiving the world for ripping that person away from you.”

She revealed that sometimes she experiences feeling “numb,” in the aftermath of Liam’s passing, whilst at other moments she becomes overwhelmed with emotion.

Kate also confessed she believes her personal sorrow will endure for a “lifetime”. “Grief does not come with an expiration date,” she continued. “It’s not something you learn to get over, it’s something you learn to carry with”.

Strictly Come Dancing has been rocked with recent scandals and drama (Image: Getty)

As we gear up for another series of Strictly Come Dancing, BBC fans will be eager to find out which professional dancers have been partnered up with their celebrity counterparts. This year’s 15 brand new celebrities will be taking to the dancefloor for a chance to win the coveted Glitterball Trophy. The crop of stars includes a retired rugby player, a YouTuber, a Doctor Who actress, a former star on The Apprentice, a Geordie Shore icon, and a Love Island winner.

The hotly anticipated launch show will air on the evening of Saturday, September 20, but in years gone by, there has been plenty of drama on the BBC show. From relationships crumbling to professionals being axed from the show, Strictly has been rocked with several scandals.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are returning as hosts (Image: Getty)

Now, a major fan has spoken exclusively to Express Online about one issue she has found with the long-running show. Jaz Ampaw-Farr had her say on what needs to change on the show if Strictly wants to avoid going on a hiatus.

She said, “Strictly is not immune from scandals, people shacking up with each other, or imbalance in relationships. Instead of pretending to do diversity ticks and getting the right pair, they need to stop trying to overproduce something that we love because of its humanity and reality.

“That’s the hiatus that should go, that kind of pretense. There’s enough glitter and drama and passion and connection and community and excitement in Strictly for us all to be hooked.”

She added: “You don’t have to manufacture it. We do understand how things are produced, how they’re marketed. If you are opting into this human first way of being, then we see that and respect that more than if you are trying to brush things under the carpet and pretend. I think I’ve solved a Strictly problem, quite frankly.”

 

Strictly pro dancer Amy Dowden has been paired with Thomas Skinner and viewers aren’t one bit pleased.

As they were revealed as one of the couples taking part in he 2025 series of the show, complaints on the hashtag poured in.

Some even slammed the BBC, accusing the corporation of “doing Amy dirty”.

Amy’s supporters aren’t pleased she’s paired with Thomas Skinner (Credit: BBC)

Strictly bosses pair Amy Dowden with Thomas Skinner

Amy’s had a tough couple of years. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and was forced to sit out of the show while she underwent treatment. Then, when she returned, she had to pull out midway through the series due to injury.

Meanwhile, Thomas – who rose to fame on The Apprentice – is arguably this year’s most controversial contestant. He’s a self-confessed Donald Trump fan. He’s been accused of having “flirtations” with Reform UK. And, this past week, admitted cheating on his wife weeks after his wedding. Thomas said it was a one-off. The other woman, meanwhile, maintains that it was a three-month affair.

With her new dance partner surrounded in scandal, Strictly fans have now blasted show producers for pairing Thomas with Amy.

They also predicted they will be the first couple to leave the show.

Amy, however, said she’d had a good week with The Apprentice star (Credit: BBC)

Viewers react

“Tom I tell you now, you’re winning the award for first to leave,” said one. “Please can we save our sweet amy from Thomas Skinner,” said a second. “I’m actually gutted for Amy,” said another. “Poor Amy,” said a fourth.

“Amy Dowden MBE desperately needs a break and some good news/luck thrown her way. I can’t believe after all she’s been through they’ve given her that man! My angel,” declared another Amy fan.

Another commented: “Hasn’t Amy suffered enough?” “Amy Dowden they have stitched you up. I am so sorry,” said another. “JUSTICE FOR AMY!!!” another declared.

“Poor Amy Dowden. After everything she’s been through. She deserves SO MUCH BETTER,” another added. “Na #Strictly have done Amy dirty,” said another fan. “Poor Amy. She is really due a break,” said another.

Amy reveals she’s had ‘the best week with Thomas Skinner’

However, Thomas did have some defenders online. And one viewers pointed out that Amy most likely had a say in who she was partnered with for the 2025 series of Strictly.

“Surely she must have agreed to it,” said one.

“Good on you mate, don’t listen to the hatters, bosh!” declared another.

Thomas posted on Instagram once the news was out and said: “Let me introduce you to an absolute legend, me partner for Strictly Come Dancing. The lovely @amy_dowden. We ain’t stopped laughing since we met, and she is teaching me the moves which you’ll see at the end of the video. Honoured to be doing Strictly and I’ll be posting lots of behind the scenes videos. Honestly never fort I would love dancing as much as I am! Enjoy. Bosh.”

Amy replied and said: “Yes partner. Had the best week! You’ve work hard, we’ve laughed, and fun and you are looking after me too as am I you! Let’s do this partner. X”

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Vicky Pattison shares that the Strictly Come Dancing launch show was the ‘worst experience’ of her life.(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Strictly Come Dancing fans across the country will be counting down the hours for the sparkling launch show to grace our screens this evening.

With the celebrity contestants revealed a few weeks ago, many avid viewers have been waiting to see who their favourite Strictly professionals will be partnered up with this year.

While the show is set to be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer at 6:40pm this evening – September 20 – the launch show has already been filmed to give the new dancing duos more time to practice before the first live show, which will take place on Saturday, September 27.

Now while fans of the show are amazed by the sheer amount of glitter gracing their screens, along with the impressive tunes from the live studio band, it seems that the dancing contest may not be all of the glitz and glamour that it appears – especially for the new contestants who are just finding their feet.

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The reality star is part of the Strictly 2025 line up, along with Dani Dyer and Ross King.(Image: Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images)

One of this year’s Strictly stars is Geordie Shore’s Vicky Pattinson, who has recently shared that the launch show was one of the “worst experiences” in her life. Talking to ex-Strictly star Angela Scanlon on the Get A Grip podcast, Vicky said the show made her “cripplingly aware of how s***e you are”, reports the Mirror.

Not holding back while talking about the upcoming BBC show, the 37-year-old confessed that she felt like a “sausage in a skin” during filming.

Also included in this year’s star-studded line-up alongside the reality TV star is Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis, Love Island’s Dani Dyer, Good Morning Britain’s Ross King and football legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

Speaking opening with Angela on the podcast, Vicky revealed: “So we have filmed the launch show. No, it was the worst experience of my life.”

Angela shared that she had sent her co-star a voice memo to try and put her “nerves at ease”, but Vicky shared that she hadn’t seen it and admitted that she really should have listened to it.

Vicky shared: “No, it was just because I was getting so overwhelmed in my own head. So, just for a bit of context, the launch show is everybody all together, all singing, all dancing, for anyone who doesn’t know. It’s the welcome to the series. It’s big guns.”

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Vicky opened up about her launch show experience with podcast co-host Angela Scanlon.(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

She shared that everyone one the show is at “different levels”, with some people being “quite good” and “better” than others, which she said is true for every year of the competition.

Vicky continued: “And being around dancers of different abilities, it does just make you like cripplingly aware of how s***e you are if ya s***e, and I am s***e. And then, of course, the pros, who are all carved by angels – I’m so sorry, where do the women put their organs? They’re tiny.”

Claiming that the show had put a “special girdle” in her outfit, which the reality star described as similar to a corset, she shared that she felt like a “sausage in a skin” during the show.

However, Angela did go on to reassure her co-host that everyone gets one of those in their outfit.

Vicky did also share that the ‘Strictly Family’ is already starting to develop as she explained that fellow contestant Ross King held her hand as he knew she was nervous, while Dani Dyer never left her side during the filming.

Ultimately, despite all of her fears and nerves, Vicky confessed that she was finally able to get a grip of herself and reassured fans of the podcast that once she finally started to dance, she “loved” it.

Strictly Come Dancing star Katya Jones, who is on the show tonight (Saturday, September 20), once opened up about a health battle that left her covered in bruises.

The star, who first joined Strictly back in 2016, opened up about the health ordeal during an interview last year.

Katya went through a horrific health ordeal (Credit: BBC)

Strictly star Katya Jones on being ‘so thin’ bruises appeared on her body

During an appearance on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast last year, Katya opened up about a time that she considered herself “so thin”.

“I was a vegetarian for a few years, but I’m coming back now to eating fish and chicken. I realised there wasn’t enough protein in [her diet],” she said on the show.

Her friend, Aimee Fuller, the Olympic snowboarder, was also on the show and chimed in, offering insight into just how Katya makes sure she gets everything she needs from the meat she eats.

“Katya hates waste. She takes the [chicken] leg and the wing, and all of the skin and the carcass. I’ve never seen anybody eat bones!” she said.

Katya was ‘so thin’ that she was bruising easily (Credit: CoverImages.com)

‘I was so thin’

Elaborating, Katya said: “Me and my mum will fight for the bones, if someone is eating fish let’s say, or trotter, we’re waiting for them to finish it so we can like suck the bones dry, and the head, the head is really good.

“So that’s why I started eating them, but I didn’t gain, I knew I wasn’t gaining enough protein,” she then continued.

Turning to her pal, she then said: “Do you remember that one year when I was so thin? You could touch me and I would just go… like, the bruises would just pop up all over my body.”

According to Healthline, protein plays a crucial role in repairing and building bodily tissues.

According to Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, the amount of protein your body requires depends on your weight and general health. Healthy adults are recommended to eat approximately one gram of protein for each kilogram of their body weight daily.

Katya Jones talks thinking about the future

In a recent interview, Katya admitted that she knows her body won’t let her keep dancing forever.

“I know my body won’t let me dance at this level forever, so I’m already thinking about the future,” she told OK! magazine.

“Judging on Dancing With The Stars Belgium this year was a dream. I loved every second. It felt natural and I realised I can bring something different to the panel, not just as a champion dancer but also from years of guiding celebs as a pro,” she then continued.

“So don’t be surprised if you see me eyeing up a judge’s chair for good.”

trictly Come Dancing launched on BBC One tonight (September 20), with viewers finally finding out who the Class of 2025 had been paired with.

During tonight’s launch show, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman also spoke to the judges, interviewed every single celebrity taking part, and even had a bit of a boogie themselves.

But there were complaints that the show – which ran for one hour and 50 minutes – was a lot longer than necessary…

The Strictly class of 2025 were interviewed by Claudia Winkleman during the launch show (Credit: BBC)

Strictly stars meet their partners tonight

During tonight’s Strictly Come Dancing, the likes of Dani Dyer, La Voix and Ellie Goldstein were partnered up for the 2025 series.

And, as well as interviews with the cast before the partnerships were announced, Claudia also spoke to them afterwards.

Some viewers thought it was nice to get to know the stars, with some relatively unknown to the Strictly audience. Others, however, were quick to brand the show “boring” and urged the BBC to “get on with it”.

Tess Daly spoke to the judges and heard how excited they are for the new series (Credit: BBC)

Viewers react

“Gawd get on with it,” said one. “Yes we know their partners, no need to interview each person,” they added, clearly having looked at the leaked partnerships list.

“How long can they drag this out,” complained another. “Wish they’d cut out all this chit chat and get dancing. Half an hour and other than the opening dance nothing’s happened. Waste of time the launch show,” said another.

“Tonight’s show is a bit of a struggle. The only way is up as they say,” said another, delivering their verdict on the Strictly launch show.

“This is boring,” said another. “Don’t they actually dance tonight? Been on an hour,” another complained.

La Voix and Aljaz Skorjanec are already fan favourites (Credit: BBC)

What actually happened on Strictly tonight?

The show was full of dancing, though. Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell returned to the show to perform their waltz. There was an epic opening number featuring all the pros, all the judges, Tess and Claude and the Class of 2025.

Jessie J also performed, with the pros dancing as she performed to the Strictly ballroom. At the end of the show, the paired-up couples danced together for the first time.

Actor Lewis Cope is paired with Katya Jones (Credit: BBC)

‘If you don’t like it, don’t tune in till episode two’

However, along with the complaints, others were just thrilled to have the Strictly sparkle back on our screens.

“The news is pretty [bleep]y at the moment but, in the middle of all that #StrictlyComeDancing starts again & beams massive rays of sunshine into our homes. We need more of this stuff, but whatever happens the enthusiasm, talent & sheer goodwill will see us through. Thanks #strictly,” said one fan.

“For everyone saying just get on with the dancing. It’s the launch show. It’s all about them pairing up and having one group dance at the end of the show. This is not new! If you don’t like it, don’t tune in until episode two,” another declared.

MasterChef – MasterChef hires anti-bullying consultants post Wallace and Torode sackings(Image: BBC/Shine TV)

MasterChef bosses have hired expert anti-bullying consultants after hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode were sacked following allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

Law firm Lewis Silkin upheld 45 out of 85 complaints against Wallace. It was later announced Torode’s contract would not be renewed after an upheld complaint of racist language against him, which he says he has no recollection of.

Determined to root out bad behaviour, production company Banijay have turned to the UK’s leading experts, Tell Jane, who are HR specialists in bullying, harassment and discrimination.

Tell Jane will investigate any unsavoury incidents and an anonymous reporting employee hotline called Speak Up! has been set up.

 

Grace Dent is one of the new hosts of the BBC programme(Image: PA)

Banijay have worked with them for several years on scripted productions but have extended them to cover unscripted, including MasterChef.

“Our people (both core staff and those working on our productions) are encouraged to seek support or raise concerns or issues with senior management, our HR team, Safeguarding Reps (on productions), Confidential Reps (core staff) or our confidential Speak Up! hotline,” paperwork submitted this month explains.

“We have engaged a third party, Tell Jane, across all unscripted and scripted productions to offer a confidential and independent whistleblowing service alongside our own internally run service.”

A Banijay spokesperson added: “Banijay UK provides multiple ways for staff and freelancers to raise issues when working on productions. This includes our own confidential whistleblowing line and external employee support lines including Tell Jane.”

Wallace is said to have launched a lawsuit against his former employers (Image: BBC/Shine TV)

The firm also makes Big Brother, Peaky Blinders and Deal or No Deal. Wallace was sacked after a 21-year stint, alongside Torode, both 60.

Food critic Grace Dent and chef Anna Haugh will replace them on the main show. Saturday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt takes over from Wallace on MasterChef: The Professionals.

It comes as Wallace launched a High Court action against the BBC over his dismissal for inappropriate behaviour. He filed the lawsuit under the Media and Communications list, citing data protection concerns.

A BBC spokesman said: “We have not been formally notified of any legal proceedings, so at this stage we are unable to comment.”

A columnist has explained Harry and William are like any other siblings (Image: GETTY / WPA)

A columnist has offered her perspective on the rift between Prince William and Prince Harry claiming the two brothers are like any other siblings. Dame Jenni Murray, who has presented Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio, said the Prince of Wales can sometimes be a “misery guts”, while the Duke of Sussex has the “easy manner and more relaxed attitude to life that is typical of the second child”.

As reported in the Daily Mail, she said: “As a mother of two sons, Ed and Charlie, contemporaries of William and Harry, I’m fascinated by the way the royal brothers typify the first and second son syndrome with which I’m familiar.

“From a young age, the older boy knows what he wants to be when he grows up – or in William’s case has to be. While the younger one has no such concerns.”

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She added how Prince William takes his future “seriously”. She explained: “I reckon it starts with the parents. First time around the responsibility of a new baby is enormous. You worry so much about getting it right. The second time, you know what you’re doing.

“The atmosphere in the house is more relaxed. Number two smiles and laughs more… He grows up to be a natural charmer, always breezing in with good humour.”

Since stepping down as working royals in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have aired their feelings about their time in the Royal Family in various public interviews, a Netflix docuseries, and Harry’s own bombshell memoir, Spare.

Dame Jenni said, Harry, 41, must visit William and Kate in person and “apologise, on bended knee” for all the things he “wrote about his family for financial gain” in his memoir, Spare.

Harry was recently in the UK to conduct charity engagements (Image: WPA POOL)

She added: “The royal boys need to share responsibility. Harry can ease some of William’s worries and William can then cheer up a bit while not making Harry feel like a spare.

“They need each other. They are family. It’s love that counts. And perhaps most importantly, it’s what their mother would have wanted.”

Prince Harry was in the UK in early September to attend the WellChild Awards. Although he visited Clarence House for a brief meeting with King Charles for the first time in over two years, he did not meet his brother, Prince William during his short trip.

He last saw his father in February 2024, shortly after it was announced that Charles was undergoing treatment for an unspecified form of cancer. Last May, Harry told the BBC his father wasn’t speaking to him because of his security battles but that “it would be nice to reconcile.”