Victoria Johns

Actor Jason Done joins Emmerdale as a new villain named Steve in what insiders describe as a major casting success for the ITV soap. His arrival follows a career spanning Coronation Street, Waterloo Road and other dramas. Cast members Bradley Riches and Chris Coghill are also involved in new and returning storylines, with Riches revealing he knew of Coghill’s return in advance but kept it confidential.

Dan Walker faces an employment tribunal after his former Channel 5 co-host Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije accused him and Channel 5 of sexism, misogyny, bullying and contributing to a toxic newsroom culture. Walker denies the allegations and has received more than 50 witness statements supporting him, including strong backing from Sue Barker. Vanderpuije claims she was subjected to a sham redundancy after whistleblowing about racism and sexism within Channel 5 News. ITN and Channel 5 deny the claims, and the case will examine conflicting accounts, including Walker’s previous assertion that an earlier inquiry fully cleared him.

ITV will permanently close the remaining CITV programming block on ITV2 on April 10, marking the final end of the children’s channel after its original shutdown in 2023. The closure ends a 42‑year legacy that launched several well‑known TV presenters and featured popular shows such as Art Attack, Horrid Henry and Press Gang. Some CITV programmes will move to CBBC and ITVX Kids. Fans expressed disappointment and nostalgia as the brand’s remaining presence on television comes to an end.

The asking price of Huw Edwards' London home has fallen by £900,000 to £3.85 million. The former BBC presenter issued a statement criticising the Channel 5 drama Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, arguing it misrepresents events surrounding his conviction for making indecent images of children. Channel 5 responded that the programme is based on extensive interviews and evidence and adheres to Ofcom rules.

Graham Norton publicly supports Claudia Winkleman’s new BBC chat show, stating she has successfully delivered a format true to her style despite mixed critical reactions. Reviews range from praise for her warmth and potential to criticism that she cannot replace Norton and that the concept may not suit her strengths. Guest appearances and audience interaction received positive notes, but several outlets argued the show needs refinement. The series remains available on BBC iPlayer.

Actor Finnian Garbutt, known for his role in the BBC series Hope Street, announced that his stage 3 skin cancer has progressed rapidly and he is entering the final stages of life. After a major operation and years of treatment, scans revealed widespread cancer progression. Garbutt expressed gratitude for personal milestones achieved and intends to spend his remaining time with family and friends.

Actor Eric Allan, known for his early role as Frank Blakey in Emmerdale and his long-running portrayal of Bert Fry in The Archers, has died at 85. His career spanned television, radio, theatre and film, including significant collaborations with director Mike Leigh and work with the Royal Shakespeare Company. His extensive credits ranged from Bleak Moments to guest roles in major British TV dramas. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Ruby Bhogal shared that she suffered a miscarriage shortly after discovering she was pregnant during a trip to Mexico, describing the loss as destabilising and expressing feelings of failure and heartbreak. She explained that she has sought support from others with similar experiences and hopes to eventually find clarity and acceptance. Bhogal asked followers for patience as she grieves while maintaining hope for the future.

Richard Osman suggests fellow crime author Harriet may be the Secret Traitor in the new series of The Traitors, noting their shared profession and her limited early screen time. The latest episodes introduce a hidden fourth Traitor unknown to both contestants and viewers, prompting speculation after comments by psychologist Ellie. One Traitor, Hugo, has already been eliminated following betrayal by Stephen, as the series returns with Claudia Winkleman hosting and renewed viewer excitement.

Charlotte Crosby fell ill on the final day of a family holiday in the Maldives and was briefly hospitalised after experiencing vomiting and weakness. She shared updates on social media, including a photo from a hospital bed. The incident followed online criticism she received for posting a prank photo of her daughter Pixie appearing to hang from a plane’s fire exit sign, which she later clarified had been edited and was a joke.

ITV’s daytime schedule overhaul has expanded Good Morning Britain and reduced other programmes, with Lorraine and Loose Women cut back significantly following major staff redundancies. Kate Garraway has taken on additional duties, including presenting London updates. Viewer reactions to the changes were mixed, and the latest GMB broadcast featured a tense exchange between Susanna Reid and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch over party policy positions.

Gordon Ramsay defended his emotional father‑of‑the‑bride speech at daughter Holly’s wedding to Adam Peaty, calling it perfect despite family tensions that left most of the groom’s relatives absent. Reports indicate the dispute stemmed from disagreements involving Adam’s mother, Caroline, whose exclusion and references in Ramsay’s speech were perceived as hurtful. Only Adam’s sister Bethany attended, while both families navigated ongoing rifts. Additional parallels were drawn to a similar estrangement involving family friend Brooklyn Beckham, who avoided the ceremony amid unresolved issues with his parents.

Ed Sheeran ruled out joining Strictly Come Dancing, citing his marriage and limited dancing ability while referencing the show’s so‑called curse. Speaking at the Capital Jingle Ball, he explained that past choreography required extensive rehearsal and that he prefers to focus on what he does well. The article also notes his recent tribute to his wife Cherry during a performance and his decision to keep personal elements of their life private, including opting not to feature her in a new music video.

Strictly Come Dancing producers clarified that Amber Davies’ Charleston routine was newly choreographed, with only a brief intentional reference to moves she previously performed in The Great Gatsby. After viewers accused her of copying choreography, the BBC emphasised the tribute was appropriate for Musicals Week. Davies and partner Nikita Kuzmin discussed her decision to include a small ‘easter egg’ from her stage work and addressed ongoing criticism, including claims her theatre background gives her an unfair advantage. Kuzmin defended her against daily negative comments, while supporters such as Hannah Lowther praised her character and rejected suggestions that her training directly translates to Strictly. The series approaches its 2025 final on BBC One.

Sharron Davies says her outspoken opposition to transgender women competing in female sports cost her nearly all her broadcasting work, leaving her struggling with rising heating costs despite a previously successful career. She credits an inheritance with keeping her financially stable and describes her forthcoming appointment to the House of Lords, nominated by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, as an opportunity to advance her advocacy for women’s rights and sports safeguarding. She rejects accusations of transphobia and says many female athletes share her concerns.

Holly Willoughby pleaded guilty via post to driving without due care and attention after turning without indicating and knocking a scooter rider to the ground in Barnes, causing a vertebra fracture and broken toe. Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court viewed footage of the incident before issuing six licence points and a £2,444 fine. Statements from both prosecution and victim detailed how the collision occurred. The report also notes her recent lack of TV roles following the cancellation of multiple shows.

Gladiators performer and Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special contestant Jodie Ounsley announced that her father, Phil Ounsley, died suddenly while hiking Pen-y-Ghent. Emergency crews attempted an air ambulance rescue but were unable to save him. Family members are devastated by the loss, with friends highlighting Phil’s active lifestyle and charitable work. Jodie shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, reflecting on his support and influence as she continues preparations for her upcoming television commitments.

Bradley Walsh has intensified speculation that he may replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as host of Strictly Come Dancing after being seen with the show's production staff at Elstree Studios. He is currently the bookmakers’ favourite and is reportedly in advanced discussions with the BBC, while The One Show’s Alex Jones is also considered a leading contender. Sources suggest producers want an experienced and reliable presenter to take over following the outgoing duo’s confirmed departure at the end of the current series.

Coldplay postponed the final two shows of their 10-date Wembley Stadium run due to planned London Underground strikes that prevent the venue from securing an event licence. The concerts originally scheduled for September 7 and 8 have been moved to September 6 and 12, with tickets remaining valid and refunds available. Other scheduled dates will continue as planned. The band is set to break the record for most Wembley shows in a single year, donating 10% of earnings to the Music Venue Trust and powering the concerts entirely with renewable energy.

Anton Du Beke recounts being shocked to learn his wife Hannah Summers was expecting twins after IVF treatment, recalling his candid reaction during the ultrasound. He reflects on their fertility challenges, Hannah’s endometriosis diagnosis, and the eventual success of treatment that led to the birth of their twins. Speaking on a parenting podcast, he describes fatherhood as the best experience of his life and expresses a wish for an even larger family if circumstances allowed.

Anton Du Beke recounts his shock and joy upon learning he and his wife, Hannah, were expecting twins after undergoing IVF due to her endometriosis. He reflects on the emotional moment of the pregnancy reveal, celebrates the arrival of their children, and speaks openly about the challenges and gratitude tied to their fertility journey. He describes fatherhood as the best experience of his life and expresses deep admiration for Hannah’s strength and motherhood.

Anton Du Beke reflects on discovering he and his wife Hannah were expecting twins after IVF treatment following her battle with endometriosis, describing his shock and their gratitude for the successful pregnancy. He expresses deep joy in fatherhood and wishes he could have had more children, though financial and fertility challenges limited the possibility. He praises Hannah’s strength and highlights the irony of her maternal qualities despite their struggles to conceive, calling becoming a father at 50 the best thing that ever happened to him.

BBC has ended contracts with MasterChef presenters John Torode and Gregg Wallace following a misconduct investigation, prompting speculation over their replacements. Gogglebox and Great British Menu star Andi Oliver leads betting markets, with Tom Kerridge, Poppy O'Toole, Angela Hartnett and Nadiya Hussain also in contention. Several other celebrity chefs and broadcasters, including James Martin, Grace Dent, Nigella Lawson and Matt Tebbutt, remain possible candidates as the BBC evaluates the future direction of the programme.

John Torode will not return to MasterChef after an investigation upheld an allegation that he used racist language, leading the BBC to decline renewing his contract. Gregg Wallace has also been dismissed following a probe that substantiated multiple allegations against him. As the programme’s future remains uncertain, Grace Dent and Matt Tebbutt have emerged as leading candidates to take over presenting roles, with the BBC seeking familiar and reliable figures to stabilise the show.