Category: Strictly Come Dancing

Pete Wicks reveals he may be forced to undergo surgery after his best pal Olivia Attwood spotted his worsening eye condition
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Pete Wicks has revealed he could be forced to undergo eye surgery after a childhood condition re-emerged.

The Strictly Come Dancing star, 37, shared the diagnosis in the latest episode of his Staying Relevant podcast, telling pal Sam Thompson that he previously struggled with his vision during childhood.

Pete shared that while he originally sought treatment to fix his eye condition, his pal Olivia Attwood noticed it had begun to return in recent weeks.

Sharing that his mum used to affectionately call him Pirate Pete as he wore an eyepatch to help correct the condition, he shared that he may have to attend several doctors appointments while recording his podcast.

He told Sam: ‘I may have to go back to having an eye patch. I’m going to tell the truth here.

‘I used to be called Pirate Pete, it’s a weird nickname, but actually it was my mum that first called me that when I was a kid because I had a lazy eye when I used to get tired.’

Pete Wicks has revealed he could be forced to undergo eye surgery after a childhood condition re-emerged

As Sam began to snigger in the background, Pete asked him: ‘Why are we laughing at my affliction?

‘So I had this eye patch to try to correct it, which it did, so that was great.

‘The bad eye is coming back as I’m getting older, it’s going for a walk.’

As Sam asked what he planned to do about the issue, Pete replied: ‘I have to go and see an eye specialist to see whether or not we can re-train it or whether I am going to have some kind of surgery.’

Clearly misunderstanding the diagnosis, Sam declared: ‘They are going to get rid of the eyeball!’ with his pal Pete quickly adding: ‘I’m not going to have it removed.’

Pete then shared that his close friend Olivia Attwood had played in a part in him speaking to a doctor, as she spotted the eye condition had begun to return.

He told Sam: ‘I’ve started noticing, it was Liv that f***ing noticed it. It was Liv that mentioned it then.’

As Sam then admitted that Pete’s eye was ‘getting quite bad,’ he then added: ‘Well great, I’m glad I don’t feel conscious about it,’ before confirming his eye appointment was booked in ‘a couple of weeks.’

The Strictly Come Dancing star shared the diagnosis on his Staying Relevant podcast, telling Sam Thompson that he previously struggled with his vision during childhood

Pete shared that while he originally sought treatment to fix his eye condition, his pal Olivia Attwood noticed it had begun to return in recent weeks

During the show, talk also turned to Olivia’s raucous 34th birthday bash, which took place on Saturday, with Sam confirming his romance with Love Island’s Samie Elishi by sharing a kiss with her outside the party.

The podcast episode was recorded before the party had taken place, and Pete was quick to poke fun at Sam over his date for the evening, before accusing his friend of being ‘defensive.’

Pete said: ‘Now you’ve got a date for the night,’ leading Sam to hit back: ‘I don’t have a f**king date for the night.’

Pete then interjected: ‘Me,’ as Sam, clearly still on the back foot, said: ‘Right.’

Pushing his pal on the topic, Pete then quizzed: ‘Who did you think I meant?’ and Sam insisted: ‘No one.’

Pete, who had previously shared how he helped organise Olivia’s birthday, probed: ‘Why so defensive then? I was just talking about me.’

Meanwhile, Pete has been linked with Samantha Kenny, 27, after they reportedly met and hit it off recently, and she was also in attendance for Olivia’s party.

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Pete Wicks reveals he may be forced to undergo surgery after his best pal Olivia Attwood spotted his worsening eye condition
May 6, 2025
Tess Daly, 56, flaunts her abs in a tiny bikini while partying with her pals on board a luxury yacht during girls’ holiday

Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly is looking radiant as ever as she enjoys a girls’ holiday.

The TV presenter, 56, is lapping up the sun in Bodrum, Turkey, for her best friend and business partner Gayle’s 50th birthday celebrations.

Taking to her Instagram to share a photo dump, Tess posted one of her having fun on a luxury boat in a bright bikini and matching sarong.

She looked every-inch the blonde bombshell as she posed with a beer in her hands whilst soaking up the sunshine.

Tess accessorised with a pair of sunglasses to complete her chic beach look, surrounded by her friends.

Whilst on her getaway, Tess enjoyed dinner as part of the celebrations, as well as experiencing breathtaking sunset views.

Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly, 56, is looking radiant as ever on a girls’ holiday for her best friend and business partner’s 50th birthday

She looked every-inch the blonde bombshell as she posed on a luxury boat whilst soaking up the sunshine

Wrapping up a bank holiday weekend of fun, she captioned her post: ‘Finished off a very special trip, with a very big birthday for a very best friend! When your bestie turns 50, you do as only a best friend would and splash her face everywhere. Another happy birthday to my co-founder and ride or die, we all love you so much!’

Tess and Gayle co-own swimwear brand Naia Beach, which offers a selection of bikinis and swimsuits for women.

The pair were also shooting content for the lavish brand whilst in Bodrum.

They were staying at five-star resort Rixos Premium, where rooms start from £600 a night.

Earlier this week, Tess sported a dazzling all-pink look for a selfie to announce she had touched down in Turkey.

‘Touched down in Bodrum and setting in at @@rixospremiumbodrum – here to shoot the new @Naia_beach swimwear campaign and honestly just soaking it all in,’ she captioned the post.

‘Let’s go! Grateful to work in such beautiful locations! Wearing my new favourite swimsuit from this seasons collection.’

Tess and Gayle launched their swimwear brand back in 2021 and last year were awarded the the ‘Best New Brand of the Year’ award at the Drapers Independents Awards 2024.

Tess accessorised with a pair of sunglasses to complete her chic beach look, surrounded by her friends

Tess and Gayle were also shooting content for the lavish brand whilst in Bodrum. They were staying at five-star resort Rixos Premium, where rooms start from £600 a night

Tess and Gayle launched their swimwear brand back in 2021 and last year were awarded the the ‘Best New Brand of the Year’ award at the Drapers Independents Awards 2024

The girl gang enjoyed the glorious sun and boat trips during their expensive stay in Bodrum to shoot for the brand

The presenter has been married to fellow British presenter Vernon Kay since 2003, having met him at a BBC Christmas party two years earlier

Tess has regularly shared snaps of herself modelling her collections, and recently jetted off to Dubai to show off her phenomenal physique in some swimwear.

The presenter has been married to fellow British presenter Vernon Kay since 2003, having met him at a BBC Christmas party two years earlier.

For Vernon’s 51st birthday last month, his wife posted a sweet throwback photo of the couple on holiday.

The couple seemed young and in love in the holiday snap, which saw Vernon flashing a cheeky grin while shirtless on a boat.

Tess wore a beige cap and put her hand on her beau’s chest and also beamed an adoring smile.

As well as the cute throwback photo, Tess too uploaded a newer picture of them looking as loved up as ever.

May 4, 2025
Nadiya Bychkova is the epitome of chic in a white mini dress as she enjoys a mother-daughter outing to Wicked after ex Kai Widdrington went Instagram official with new girlfriend

Nadiya Bychkova was the epitome of chic in a white mini dress as she enjoyed a mother-daughter outing to Wicked on Thursday.

The Ukrainian dancer, 35, split with her boyfriend and fellow Strictly Come Dancing professional, Kai Widdrington, in June 2024 and he recently went Instagram official with new girlfriend Chloe Wells.

For the theatre outing, Nadiya was joined by her daughter Mila, eight, whose father is footballer Matija Skarabot.

Nadiya looked incredible as she graced the red carpet in a French Maje rib knitted dress, priced at £229.

Her garment featured a slightly flared drape and bold cutaway sections outlined with mini Clover buttons along the silhouette.

She added a hint of glamour to ensemble as she toted around her belongings in a white Bottega Veneta chain cassette shoulder bag – worth £1,995.

Nadiya Bychkova was the epitome of chic in a white mini dress as she enjoyed a mother-daughter outing to Wicked on Thursday

The Ukrainian dancer, 35, split with her boyfriend and fellow Strictly professional, Kai Widdrington, in June 2024 and he recently went Instagram official with Chloe Wells

Adding inches to her petite frame, Nadiya slipped into a pair of sophisticated slip on nude mules.

Nadiya looked ever inch the doting mother as she wrapper her arm around her daughter as they posed for a sweet picture.

The blonde beauty’s outing comes after her ex Kai went Instagram official with his new girlfriend Chloe Wells, nine months after their acrimonious split.

Kai has found love again with executive assistant Chloe who hails from Essex, after meeting on a night out at a west London pub.

And proving just how besotted they are, the dancer took to social media last month to share a loved-up snap of the couple looking adoringly into each other’s eyes.

Grinning from ear-to-ear, Kai looked elated while stunning brunette Chloe, cutting a glam figure in a brown mini dress, looked equally as taken with the hunk.

Captioning his snap, Kai simply penned: ‘Happiness is underrated’, alongside a black heart emoji. He also tagged his new girlfriend in the post.

The post garnered plenty of sweet comments from Kai’s fans and Strictly pals, while Chloe herself also replied with a red love heart emoji.

Nadiya looked incredible as she graced the red carpet in a French Maje rib knitted dress, priced at £229

She added a hint of glamour to ensemble as she toted around her belongings in a white Bottega Veneta chain cassette shoulder bag – worth £1,995

The blonde beauty’s outing comes after her ex Kai went Instagram official with his new girlfriend Chloe Wells, nine months after his and split

Kai split from his Strictly co-star Nadiya after two years in June, at the end of their lucrative tour Behind The Magic (pictured with Nadiya in 2023)

According to The Sun, they have kept their romance private as Kai struggled with the publicity surrounding his past relationship with Nadiya, but are now set to make their debut red carpet appearance together.

And in a sign of how well things are progressing, the couple are reportedly planning to move in together soon.

A pal told the publication: ‘Chloe is a great girl and has absolutely no interest in the limelight; she just likes Kai for Kai. They have a real laugh together and although it’s early days, they’re planning on moving in together in the coming months.

‘Kai found it very damaging to his mental health having his past relationship with Nadiya played out in public, and thankfully Chloe has no interest at all in being in the spotlight. She also isn’t a Strictly superfan which makes things easier.

‘They’re super-content, and Kai attributes a lot of his looking so well to being in a happier place in life thanks to her. They make a really cute couple.’

Representatives for Kai had no further comment when contacted by MailOnline.

May 2, 2025
Strictly Come Dancing bosses ‘are in talks with a HUGE British dancer and choreographer’ to join next season’s professional line up
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Strictly Come Dancing producers are reportedly in talks with a huge British dancer and choreographer to join next season’s professional line up.

Professional dancer Luke Miller, who has been performing since he was five, has made several appearances as a guest dancer on the show in the last few years.

But he is now believed to be in talks to join the BBC pro dancing team as a permanent member, according to The Sun.

An insider told the publication: ‘Luke has so much experience and is already loved by everyone so he seems like a very obvious fit.

‘There have been some very big clues recently that haven’t gone unnoticed. Everyone thinks it’s just a matter of time before Luke is announced.’

The award-winning dancer has joined the team for Strictly experience weekends, which will take place in Warner Hotels across the UK.

Strictly Come Dancing producers are reportedly in talks with a huge British dancer and choreographer to join next season’s professional line up

Professional dancer Luke Miller, who has been performing since he was five, has made several appearances as a guest dancer in the last few years

The spin off part of the show are typically billed as a chance for guests to meet the BBC show’s well-known professional dancers.

Luke is on the line up alongside Kai Widdrington, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsakis, Katya Jones and Luba Mushtuk.

In 2024 Luke was asked to join the team to assist with choreography for some routines and is currently working with Kai on his solo tour.

Strictly bosses revealed to the publication the list of pro dancers who would be returning to the show this year.

The list included Katya, Jowita Pryzstal, Kai and 2024’s winner Dianne Buswell- who took home the glitterball with celebrity partner Chris McCausland.

Nadiya Bychkova, Aljaž Škorjanec, Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, Gorka Márquez, Karen Hauer, Lauren Oakley, Luba , Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola and Michelle are all also returning for this years season.

During the start of his dancing career, Luke saw huge success including a British, European and World Junior Champion all before the age of 20.

Luke’s TV credits and appearances also included The UK National Television Awards and the popular ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ making the semi-finals.

But he is now believed to be in talks to join the BBC pro dancing team as a permanent member, according to The Sun

Luke’s TV credits and appearances also include The UK National Television Awards and the popular ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ making the semi-finals

Further stage credits include being a dancer in Backlash Ballroom 2017/2018, UK Pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk 2018 and joined Burn The Floor onboard Norwegian Cruise lines in 2019.

In recent years, the Strictly pro lineup has seen Italian dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni be axed following complaints about their conduct in the training room.

Giovanni faced bullying accusations from former celebrity partner Amanda Abbington while Graziano ‘kicked’ ex-Love Island star Zara McDermott during rehearsals.

There were also reports of a ‘mass cull’ with producers keen to revamp the Strictly pro cast.

Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios said : ‘The excitement is already building ahead of the new series and in addition to welcoming back our fantastic returning Pros, we are looking forward to welcoming two brand new Professional Dancers to the line up who will help bring another unforgettable series of dazzling dance and loads more besides to viewers later in 2025.’

As well as the pros taking part in the competition itself, all of them will be taking to the floor each week in group routines.

MailOnline has contacted the BBC for a comment.

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Strictly Come Dancing bosses ‘are in talks with a HUGE British dancer and choreographer’ to join next season’s professional line up
May 1, 2025
Alesha Dixon hints at relationship woes in candid podcast interview – as she ‘gives it one last try’ with partner Azuka Ononye after ‘split’

Alesha Dixon hinted at relationship woes in a candid podcast interview this week – amid reports that she is ‘giving it one last try’ with her partner Azuka Ononye after their ‘split’ last year.

It was first reported in November 2024 that the Britain’s Got Talent judge, 46, and her long-term partner, who share daughters Azura, 10, and Anaya, four, had split.

Then last month it was claimed that Alesha had admitted to friends that despite them having broken up, they were still living together.

And it appears being under the same roof may have saved their relationship as now The Sun claims they are giving things another go.

And speaking on the Making A Scene podcast with David Walliams and Matt Lucas this week she alluded to a tough time recently but added a positive spin saying she will ‘rise above’ any adversity that comes her way.

She said: ‘If I look back at the course of my whole life, I have highs and lows, and I think that’s just reflective of life, isn’t it?

Alesha Dixon hinted at relationship woes in a candid podcast interview this week – amid reports that she is ‘giving it one last try’ with her partner Azuka Ononye after their ‘split’ last year

It was first reported in November 2024 that the Britain’s Got Talent judge, 46, and her long-term partner, who share daughters Azura, 10, and Anaya, four, had split

‘So as much as we’d all love to have the magical happy ending, life will be life. I’m sure I’ll face many more challenges in my life, but no matter what challenges I’m faced with, I will rise above.’

In the podcast interview Alesha also opened up about the breakdown of her first marriage MC Harvey and how winning Strictly Come Dancing.

She said of his affair coming to light: ‘I felt so lost, like, so lost. I’ve never been in that situation before. I felt sorry for myself for a long time.

‘Then I won Strictly Come Dancing. I’m being spun around in the air at the end. All this confetti was falling on me. I just looked up to the sky and I knew I was going to be okay.

‘I could feel that energy at the time. And that really was what kind of got me through as well. Because it was a very emotionally challenging time.

‘Being in Strictly as well, it enabled me to just be in this bubble.’

Last week it was reported that Alesha has rekindled her relationship with her partner of 18 years Azuka – after it was thought that they had split late last year.

A source told The Sun: ‘They went through a really rocky patch and decided to call it a day. It had been difficult for a long time and Alesha just couldn’t see a way forward.

And speaking on the Making A Scene podcast with David Walliams and Matt Lucas this week she alluded to a tough time recently but added a positive spin saying she will ‘rise above’

Last week it was reported that Alesha has rekindled her relationship with her partner of 18 years Azuka

Last month Alesha is said to have confided in pals that her relationship with choreographer Azuka, 44, became ‘more of a friendship’ before going their separate ways

‘AZ even moved out to a hotel for a while, despite the fact they were co-parenting. But there is still a huge amount of feeling between them. They’ve been together for 18 years and have two beautiful children.

‘So they have decided to give it one last try. They both desperately want to be a family again and are going to do all it takes to make it work.

‘But Alesha’s friends aren’t convinced it will last. Ultimately, none of their problems have been fixed, so it’s going to be tough.’

A representative for Alesha has been contacted by MailOnline for comment.

The star recently enjoyed some time to herself at the £1000-a-night GoldenEye resort in Jamaica, when it was reported that they were still living together.

Last month Alesha is said to have confided in pals that her relationship with choreographer Azuka, 44, became ‘more of a friendship’ before going their separate ways.

The pair made their last joint red carpet appearance in July 2023 at Stormzy’s star-studded 30th birthday and have not appeared on each other’s social media in recent months.

The couple were rumoured to have secretly married in 2017 and she introduced him as her ‘lovely husband’ during an appearance Michael McIntyre’s Big Show Christmas Special in December 2017, however neither have confirmed if a wedding took place.

They first met in 2006 following Alesha’s one year marriage So Solid Crew rapper MC Harvey, following his affair with fellow singer Javine Hylton.

Azuka first worked as the former Mis-Teeq back up dancer before being hired as her creative director.

Speaking about the relationship on The Jonathan Ross Show in 2018, she admitted playing ‘hard to get for about a year’.

‘He was sleeping on the floor because I was on the couch, I couldn’t even get up the stairs. If he can carry me to the toilet then he’s a keeper.’

She said: ‘Then I had the foot operation and I couldn’t walk and he was literally sleeping on the floor looking after me every day. I was just looking at him thinking, ‘That is for better or for worse isn’t it?’ I looked a state.’

Alesha gushed over Azuka again during a 2014 appearance on Piers Morgan’s Life Stories and said she could ‘authentically be herself’ when she was with him.

‘I don’t have to be anything other than who I am and it’s a great feeling when you can just be yourself with someone. And it’s like being with my best friend every day’.

Meanwhile speaking about their family she told Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum podcast in 2020: ‘[Azuka] was the first person that I’d met, that I knew that we could have children together because of our values, our morals, our thinking aligned’.

And later told HELLO! in 2022: ‘If you choose to have children, you are their first introduction to the world.

‘I make a very conscious effort that my daughters have a very loving, supportive home with two parents who are great role models. I feel a sense of responsibility.’

They also didn’t appear on each other’s social media for months ahead of the split. While he doesn’t use social media much – he hasn’t posted her since 2021.

The pair made their last joint red carpet appearance in July 2023 at Stormzy’s star-studded 30th birthday and have not appeared on each other’s social media in recent months

Reports at the start of the year suggested that the couple both attended rapper Nas’ concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall in November.

But the former couple went separately and sat at opposite sides of the venue.

Azuka shared a snap of himself with friends on the night, but Alesha was not seen with them.

Alesha appeared to have been trying to hide her left hand where she had previously worn a ring on her wedding finger. And in October she was seen without it in a BGT publicity picture.

April 30, 2025
Rachel Riley rocks a colourful knit cardigan and distressed jeans as she steps out in the Manchester sunshine

Rachel Riley’s colourful dressing matched the spring sunshine as she stepped out in Manchester at Media City on Tuesday afternoon.

The Countdown star, 39, looked lovely in a chunky patchwork-style knit cardigan, which boasted floral applique all over.

Rachel wore the statement piece over a pink vest, which was styled with a pair of distressed ripped jeans and trainers.

The TV personality styled her blonde locks in soft waves and opted for a glamorous coat of make-up with a red lip.

Rachel accessorised the look with a metallic silver bag and carried her phone in her hand as she walked along in the afternoon sun.

The outing comes after she shared a series of bikini-clad snaps as she shared an insight into a past trip with husband Pasha Kovalev.

Rachel Riley’s colourful dressing matched the spring sunshine as she stepped out in Manchester at Media City on Tuesday afternoon

The Countdown star, 39, looked lovely in a chunky patchwork-style knit cardigan, which boasted floral applique all over

Rachel wore the statement piece over a pink vest, which was styled with a pair of distressed ripped jeans and trainers

In celebration of World Wildlife Day in March, Rachel uploaded some photos from Brazil in 2016, with the Strictly Come Dancing star, 45.

The couple could be seen enjoying a bike ride, hiking, scuba diving and kayaking after visiting a conservation project in the world’s largest wetlands.

Rachel wrote: ‘It’s World Wildlife Day today, which gives me a good excuse to post this pic taken just as Pash was getting bitten by ants when we were in India a few years back!

‘You’re supposed to tell wildlife conservation success stories today, so it made me think of our first nature trip together, which sparked a whole load of others and is pretty much our favourite way to spend our time.

‘Back in 2016 we went to Brazil, and one of the highlights was visiting the Onçafari jaguar conservation project in the world’s largest wetlands – The Pantanal.’

Rachel continued: ‘It was in its infancy then, conservationists had visited Africa, and brought techniques back like staking (already killed in nature) prey out in open spaces vs dense forest.

‘So, tourists have more chance of spotting cats returning to the carcass to eat at nightfall, in order to boost eco tourism, collecting data showing jags weren’t the culprits eating cattle, and generally that jaguars are more valuable alive than dead.

‘As is so much in life, the financial arguments often have more sway than anything else.

The outing comes after she shared a series of bikini-clad snaps as she shared an insight into a past trip with husband Pasha Kovalev

In celebration of World Wildlife Day in March, Rachel uploaded some photos from Brazil in 2016, with the Strictly Come Dancing star, 45

‘Since then we’ve been to The Galapagos, Napo Valley in the Amazon Basin, Sri Lanka, India, The Maldives and can honestly say wildlife trips are where our happiest memories are.

‘Hopefully more trips to follow when the kids are a bit bigger! (Any suggestions on where and when with them for future are much appreciated!)

‘PS sorry for the terrible home videos at the end (Pantanal capybaras, jaguar, giant anteater), I’ve definitely not missed my calling as a wildlife camerawoman but happy memories nonetheless!’

Rachel and Pasha met when they were paired together on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013.

The couple could be seen enjoying a bike ride, hiking, scuba diving and kayaking after visiting a conservation project in the world’s largest wetlands

Rachel wrote: ‘It’s World Wildlife Day today, which gives me a good excuse to post this pic taken just as Pash was getting bitten by ants when we were in India a few years back!’

The presenter continued: ‘You’re supposed to tell wildlife conservation success stories today, so it made me think of our first nature trip together, which sparked a whole load of others’

April 30, 2025
Oti Mabuse reveals ‘toxic’ relationship with her figure and no longer having a ‘dancer’s body’ after leaving Strictly as she teases return to the show

Oti Mabuse has opened up about having a ‘toxic’ relationship with her body image after spending her career as a professional dancer.

The former Strictly star, 34, who quit the show in 2022 after seven years, admitted it has been a ‘continuing journey’ to rebuild a healthy relationship with body.

Oti said part of the journey is accepting that she no longer has a dancer’s body after going through ‘ups and downs’ and welcoming her baby daughter.

Speaking to Prima magazine, Oti discussed her body image struggles, how she has adjusted to motherhood and a possible return to Strictly Come Dancing.

Detailing her early thoughts as a child about her body, Oti said: ‘Growing up, I always thought that the people who did the best (in dancing) were the thinnest, and you always felt like, “If I need to be successful, I need to look like that.” And I think it’s not just Latin and ballroom dancers, it’s across the board.

‘All dancers, we always feel like that. And so we then have this very toxic relationship with our bodies, and even when you walk into the room, and if you’ve lost weight, they go, “Oh my gosh, she looks so good.”

Oti Mabuse has opened up about having a ‘toxic’ relationship with her body image after spending her career as a professional dancer

The former Strictly star, 34, who quit the show in 2022 after seven years, admitted it is a ‘continuing journey’ to rebuild a healthy relationship with body

Oti discussed how dancer’s are often judged on ‘how small they are’ (pictured in 2016)

‘And it’s like, “Wait, do I look good because I’m small, or do I just look good in general?” Words hold power over a lot of us as women. So it’s trying to rebuild that relationship and it’s a continuing journey.

‘It will be every day, I guess, for the rest of my life, that I’ll just have to work on that relationship, and hopefully by talking about it, it’s going to create more of a conversation around the fact that we need to build our relationship with our bodies in a very healthy way.’

Despite her previous struggles, Oti revealed she has now found peace with her body, telling the publication: ‘I’m now coming into the world as a human being who used to dance, not as a dancer. I still dance, but I’m a person first, before the dancer.

‘My body has had its ups and downs; the gaining of the weight, the losing of the weight, having the baby. It’s been such a rollercoaster, but I think it’s normal to experience that as a woman. Yes, there are some moments where I feel, “Oh my gosh, I’m not happy with what I look like,”…

‘And then I have to say to myself in the mirror “No, you are good. You are perfect. You have had a baby, you’ve had a human being come out of you. It’s okay to not look perfect, as long as you move, as long as you’re trying to be healthy.’

Oti’s time on Strictly was hugely successful and she walked away a two-time champion following successive wins with Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey.

Reflecting on her time on the show, she said: ‘When I look back on Strictly, I think the whole seven-year journey was amazing. I still work on the show. I still do choreography, I’m still talking to the producers.

‘I say that the show brought me everything, like me sitting here today, and the relationship still very much continues. There were ups, there were downs; if you can imagine being the first Black anything, anywhere, there will always be ups and downs.’

Oti said part of the journey is accepting that she no longer has a dancer’s body after going through ‘ups and downs’ and welcoming her baby daughter

Speaking to Prima magazine, Oti discussed her body image struggles, how she has adjusted to motherhood and a possible return to Strictly Come Dancing

Oti’s time on Strictly was hugely successful and she walked away a two-time champion following successive wins with Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey

Reflecting on her time on the show, she said: ‘When I look back on Strictly, I think the whole seven-year journey was amazing’

Oti is married to fellow professional dancer Marius Iepure, who she shares a little girl whose name is unknown, after giving birth in November 2023

Oti confessed she is regularly asked whether she would ever return to the show and she teased that is a case of ‘never say never’

She said: ‘Everyone asks me [if I’d return to Strictly]. I think right now, with a daughter and everything I’m doing, I’m quite busy, and I’m happy with what I’m doing at the minute. But never say never. The doors are always open, which is really, really nice.

‘Aljaž [Škorjanec] went back and he’s doing really well. I went back to choreograph with him and he’s just in a different space. He’s absolutely sensational. So, you never know.’

Oti is married to fellow professional dancer Marius Iepure, who she shares a little girl whose name is unknown, after giving birth in November 2023.

Elsewhere in the interview, Oti spoke about when she first moved to London and she immediately felt at ease being in an interracial couple.

She said: ‘When I lived in Germany [where Oti moved to broaden her dancing horizons, appearing on the German version of Strictly], Marius and I used to come to London. The best dance school was in Croydon, and all the best couples would go there.

‘I remember the first time we’d be walking the streets, and there were so many interracial couples. I would say to Marius, “There’s us! There’s us! Oh, there we go again!” And I was just like,

‘Wow, where have I been living? Why am I not here? I just see so many multicultural couples,’ and it felt like, ‘I need that diversity in my life.’ And when I came here, every time we took a lesson, we’d always take a walk. It just felt amazing; it felt like I belonged.’

Elsewhere in the interview, Oti spoke about when she first moved to London and she immediately felt at ease being in an interracial couple

Oti also touched on her experiences as a mother as she described it as her ‘most challenging journey yet’

The June 2025 issue of Prima is now on sale

Oti also touched on her experiences as a mother as she described it as her ‘most challenging journey yet’.

She said: ‘Motherhood is amazing. It’s really incredible. But if I’m being brutally honest, it’s also the most challenging and exhausting journey of self-discovery that you will ever be on.

‘I have a one-year-old who’s very expressive but doesn’t speak, so when something’s happening, I don’t know what’s going on. But she’s so incredible, fun and so determined.

‘She’s like a little me – and it scares the life out of me, because my mum didn’t know what to do with me and I moved to another continent.

‘So now I’m like, “I will follow her wherever she goes. If she’s going to a jungle in the Amazon, we’re moving to the jungle in the Amazon.” She’s a very determined child and it’s exhausting trying to keep up, but I love it.’

The June 2025 issue of Prima is now on sale

April 29, 2025
Tasha Ghouri takes a subtle swipe at ex Andrew Le Page after he unfollows her on Instagram following split

Tasha Ghouri appeared to take a subtle swipe at her ex Andrew Le Page on Instagram after he unfollowed her in the wake of her recent split revelations.

The Strictly Come Dancing star, 26, and the estate agent, 29, ended their relationship earlier this year, having been in a relationship since meeting on Love Island in 2022.

But posting to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, Tasha invited fans to catch up by submitting any questions – particularly about her new book, Your Super Power, which was released last week.

One fan asked: ‘If you could give any advice to younger Tasha, what would you give?’

Tasha responded: ‘I would say no one else is you and that’s your biggest power. No-one else is living your life you are now so embrace that!’

In what seemed to be a dig at Andrew, she added: ‘I also would say don’t listen to the trolls or those who have negative opinions because it says more about them than you. Only people that really matter are the people that know you and care for you.’

Tasha Ghouri appeared to take a subtle swipe at her ex Andrew Le Page on Instagram on Tuesday, after he unfollowed her in the wake of her recent split revelations.

The Strictly Come Dancing star, 26, and the estate agent, 29, ended their relationship earlier this year, having fallen in love on Love Island in 2022 (pictured together last year)

It comes after Andrew unfollowed Tasha on Instagram following her revelations about their split in her new book.

Andrew appeared to take a swipe at the dancer while answering a series of fan questions on Snapchat on Monday.

When asked how he dealt with the ‘different negative narratives’ surrounding their breakup, he hinted: ‘Let’s just say I’ve had to bite my tongue with all of it. Truth always comes out at some point right?’

Fans also asked whether he’d consider starting a podcast, saying his ‘voice should be heard,’ but he replied: ‘To be honest it’s not my thing. We’re done and I’m moving on.’

Tasha recently revealed that ‘cracks began to appear’ in her relationship with Andrew during her stint on Strictly Come Dancing.

Explaining what went wrong in her new book, she said the show meant they were spending less time together.

The reality star said she ‘knew it wasn’t right’ but declared it was hard to walk away from a relationship where she had considered marriage and children.

She said: ‘I knew deep down it wasn’t right. There were a lot of tears and it was a really hard time.

It comes after Andrew unfollowed Tasha on Instagram following her revelations about their split in her new book. Andrew appeared to take a swipe at the dancer while answering a series of fan questions on Snapchat on Monday

Tasha revealed that ‘cracks began to appear’ in her relationship with Andrew during her stint on Strictly Come Dancing

‘Andrew was the man I was going to marry. We had discussed having children.’

Addressing the split again last month, Tasha said she was the one to end the relationship with estate agent Andrew, and she is now looking forward to the next chapter of her life.

She told The Mirror: ‘It’s a new chapter. It’s a new beginning and it’s all about embracing that, and that’s what life is about.’

For Tasha, this new chapter involves continuing her dancing and modelling work, which are set to reach new heights after her Strictly success, her as well as her book.

While the exact reason for the split has not been publicly revealed, Tasha said a lot of things ‘went on behind the scenes’.

She said: ‘Break-ups happen in life. Just because ours is in the ‘public eye’ doesn’t make it any different.’

Tasha, who has raised awareness of deafness since appearing on Love Island, also addresses her disability in the book.

She said: ‘It’s a long process, but it’s really about having people out there, in other people to help them find their self-confidence with their disability.’

The reality star said she ‘knew it wasn’t right’ but declared it was hard to walk away from a relationship where she had considered marriage and children

In a new interview in the wake of the ‘heartbreaking’ break-up, Tasha told of her huge regret at creating a Raya dating profile immediately after the split which reportedly left her ex ‘blindsided’, with the beauty deleting it very soon after.

She told The Sun: ‘I think at the time, I made a silly mistake. I did it way too soon. It was just a heat-of-the-moment kind of situation. Everyone makes mistakes. And in that situation, I did and I own up to that.

‘Unfortunately, that’s something I just have to put my hands up and say: ‘Tasha, it was way too soon.’ It is what it is. I can’t turn back time, but I’ve learned from that.’

Meanwhile, the blonde beauty reflected on the ’emotional’ break-up with Andrew as she revealed the real reason for the split.

She explained: ‘It is hard. Any break-up is hard. I spent so much time with Andrew. We were together for two-and-a-half years. We had a house. We got our dog Luna together in 2023. It was heartbreaking. But sometimes you just grow apart, and that’s what happened.’

Tasha added that the couple ‘didn’t end badly at all’ and are in fact ‘still in touch’ as they have to communicate about their shared dog Luna, who they ‘co-parent’.

She went on to say how much she still ‘cares’ about Andrew but acknowledged that the two are now on ‘different paths’ in their lives.

April 29, 2025
Gemma Atkinson turns up the heat showing off her VERY toned figure in a black bikini as she shares sizzling snaps from family holiday in Tenerife

Gemma Atkinson sent temperatures soaring after posing in a black bikini as she shared sizzling snaps from her Tenerife family holiday on Sunday.

The mother-of-two, 40, showed off her incredibly toned curves as she was captured enjoying a plunge in the pool in her latest Instagram carousel.

The Hollyoaks star displayed her washboard abs and ample assets in the pictures which she had captioned: ‘Adiós Tenerife

‘Vitamin D, great food, great sleep, loads of swimming and lots of laughs. Just what we all needed. ☀️’

Gemma joined her partner and Strictly legend Gorka Marquez, as well as their two children Mia, five, and Thiago, one, on the getaway.

The doting mum grinned from ear to ear as she was snapped holding little Mia in her arms as the pair soaked up the sun.

Gemma Atkinson sent temperatures soaring after posing in a black bikini as she shared sizzling snaps from her Tenerife family holiday on Sunday

The mother-of-two, 40, showed off her incredibly toned curves as she was captured enjoying a plunge in the pool in her latest Instagram carousel

The family enjoyed a break, shortly after Gorka, 34, opened up about the struggles of juggling his family life with his dancing career, claiming that it’s ‘not easy.’

The Spanish dancing pro who joined the BBC show back in 2016, often has a hectic schedule due to work commitments.

Opening up about how he manages to balance everything whilst maintaining a level of happiness, Gorka says it’s about ‘making the right choices.’

‘When I was in my 20s, it was just about me, me, me,’ he told the Mirror.

He continued: ‘It’s easier because you kind of don’t have anything to worry about more than yourself.

‘When you have a partner and children, sometimes work is great. I always say, there’s a difference between living for work and work for living.’

Gorka has worked with some big names over the years – partnering with the likes of Katie Piper, Maisie Smith and Helen Skelton.

But he’s made it clear that there’s a boundary between working hard and making time for his wife and children.

The Hollyoaks star displayed her washboard abs and ample assets in the pictures which she had captioned: ‘Adiós Tenerife’

The soap star – known for playing Lisa Hunter in Hollyoaks – flaunted her very pert bottom

The doting mum grinned from ear to ear as she was snapped holding little Mia, five, in her arms as the pair soaked up the sun

The happy family enjoyed a sunshine break, just shortly after Gorka, 34, opened up about the struggles of juggling his family life with his glittering career, claiming that it’s ‘not easy’

The Spanish dancing pro shares daughter Mia and son Thiago, one, with Gemma

Gorka admits that his family are priority and that ‘the only thing we cannot get back is time,’ and he aims to ‘make the right choice.’

He shared that sometimes he’s worried he’ll ‘miss out on so many things that will never come back,’ and it’s important to ‘work out if its worth it being that far away or for a long period of time.’

His revelation comes after Strictly fans were left very unimpressed after Gorka and co-star Karen Hauer cancelled their performance in Cheltenham just hours before getting on stage.

Venezuelan dancer Karen and fellow Strictly star Gorka are touring the world with their dazzling Speakeasy tour, and earlier this month took to their Instagram sharing the news on a written story.

Gorka admitted to be ‘gutted’ to disappoint fans with the last-minute announcement, explaining ‘technical difficulties’ would make it unsafe for them to perform.

April 28, 2025
Seann Walsh is seen for the first time in public with his newborn Casper and partner Grace Adderley – after keeping pregnancy a secret

Seann Walsh was seen for the first time in public with his newborn son Casper and partner Grace Adderley as they enjoyed the sunshine in London on Monday.

The comedian, 39, announced the birth of his second child last month, after keeping his partner’s pregnancy a secret.

The doting father-of-two looked happier than ever as he walked around Kensington with Grace.

Grace looked radiant and glowing as she kept Casper close to her chest in a baby sling while he slept peacefully.

Seann, who wore a casual grey T-shirt and navy jeans for the outing, grabbed a coffee to aid the tiredness.

The mother-of-two looked incredible in light blue jeans and a loose-fitting T-shirt as she giggled with Seann on their walk.

Seann Walsh, 39, was seen for the first time in public with his newborn son Casper and partner Grace Adderley as they enjoyed the sunshine in London on Monday

The comedian announced the birth of his second child last month after keeping his partner’s pregnancy a secret

Revealing the shock baby arrival last month, he posted a picture on his Instagram story of his daughter Wylda, two, who he shares with Grace.

Alongside the picture of the little one with what looks like yoghurt on her head, he quipped: ‘My first five minutes being left alone with Wylda and our newborn Casper. S*** just got real.’

He then posted another picture, this time holding baby Casper, with Wylda sat in a high chair as the family ate lunch on a bench outside.

Seann jokingly wrote: ‘Gonna need a bigger boat’.

Their baby news no doubt came as a surprise to fans as Seann and Grace never shared the news they were expecting.

Seann first became a father in February 2023 after the couple welcomed daughter Wylda, and shared the happy news to Instagram.

Taking to his stories, he shared a clip of himself as he sat in the hospital after the birth, saying: ‘Grace has had our baby and I’m sat here in the very relaxing postnatal department, and the staff have been great.

‘The nurses have been coming up to me all morning and congratulating me.’

Grace looked radiant and glowing as she kept Casper close to her chest in a baby sling while he slept peacefully

The doting father-of-two looked happier than ever as he walked around Kensington with Grace

Seann wore a casual grey T-shirt and navy jeans for the outing

Seann grabbed a coffee to aid the tiredness

The mother-of-two looked incredible in light blue jeans and a loose-fitting T-shirt as she giggled with Seann on their walk

The couple were full of spirits on their walk

Their baby news no doubt came as a surprise to fans as Seann and Grace never shared the news they were expecting

Seann and Grace have been dating since 2019, but largely keep their relationship out of the spotlight

He then shared a post, which read: ‘Oh btw. I passed out during the birth. Of course I did. The nurse’s response… “Men.” Fair.’

The former Strictly Come Dancing revealed in October 2022 that he and his dance teacher girlfriend were having a baby.

Speaking to a friend during an Instagram Live session at the time, Seann told a friend: ‘I’m having a child.’

Seann was then asked by the friend: ‘So you’re gonna be a dad?’, before replying ‘yeah’ – with the unnamed man responding: ‘That’s worrying.’

The funnyman then told his followers: ‘Unbelievable. Everyone else has been really nice, that’s the worst response yet.’

Seann and Grace have been dating since 2019, but largely keep their relationship out of the spotlight.

Apart from being on I’m A Celebrity, Seann hit headlines during his 2018 stint in Strictly Come Dancing when he was caught kissing his married dance partner Katya Jones on his then-girlfriend Rebecca Humphries’ birthday.

Seann previously confessed he still feels ‘traumatised from his time on Strictly Come Dancing.

Revealing the shock baby arrival last month, he posted a picture on his Instagram story of his daughter Wylda, two, who he shares with Grace

The comedian surprised fans on Saturday by revealing his family has seemingly gained a new member

Seann first became a father in February 2023 after the couple welcomed daughter Wylda and shared the happy news to Instagram

Taking to his Stories, he shared a clip of himself as he sat in the hospital after the birth, saying: ‘Grace has had our baby and I’m sat here in the very relaxing postnatal department’

He then shared a post, which read: ‘Oh btw. I passed out during the birth. Of course I did. The nurse’s response… “Men.” Fair’

In April 2024, the stand-up explained on Russell Howard’s Wonderbox podcast that he can’t dance anymore and if he ever sees a ‘Strictly No Parking’ zone while out driving, the bad memories come flooding back.

He said: ‘I do not dance. What it is more actually is when you turn up to any car park or something, and it says, ‘Strictly No Parking’. I still just go, ‘Arghh’, every time I see it.

‘I can hear the word — like a dog hearing something — I can just hear the word strictly and I still go, ‘Arghh!’

He went on to explain that he went back to doing comedy shows far too soon after the scandal erupted and that he was often heckled on stage after spiralling into depression.

Seann said he ‘looked unwell, thin and gaunt’ while performing during that time and that some audiences would just leave his shows because of it.

He said on the podcast: ‘I went back too soon — that’s for sure. You’ve got to kind of let audiences, or the public, almost let them get over it. But I wanted to kind of fight it.

‘I didn’t want this thing that was happening to my life to take away the only thing that I had.

‘I would have looked unwell. I was extremely thin and gaunt. It was so difficult. The audiences didn’t know how to feel. They’d get up, they’d leave. Sometimes they’d tell me that they were appalled by me.’

April 28, 2025
Vernon Kay and Tess Daly look unrecognisable in throwback photo posted for his 51st birthday – as their daughter Phoebe pays tribute with adorable family snap

Tess Daly posted a sweet throwback photo for her husband Vernon Kay’s 51st birthday to Instagram on Monday and the pair looked unrecognisable.

The couple, who tied the knot in 2003, seemed young and in love in the holiday snap, which saw Vernon flashing a cheeky grin while shirtless on a boat.

Tess wore a beige cap and put her hand on her beau’s chest and also beamed an adoring smile.

In her main social media post, the Strictly Come Dancing presenter, now 56, uploaded a newer picture of them still looking every inch the loved up couple, while sporting the same grins.

Vernon donned a mid blue denim jacket over a navy T-shirt, letting his long dark brown locks loose.

Tess, meanwhile, matched her husband in an admiral blue denim jumpsuit, accentuating her looks with a light makeup palette.

Tess Daly posted a sweet throwback photo for her husband Vernon Kay’s 51st birthday to Instagram on Monday and the pair looked unrecognisable

Their eldest daughter Phoebe, 20, also took to social media to post a series of snaps paying tribute to Vernon on his special day, including one of them at a party

She also took to her Instagram Stories to post a slew of memories the pair had made over the years, including a photo of them in the sun with Vernon holding a drink.

The radio presenter wore a knitted cream short-sleeved shirt over a black t-shirt, teaming it with black trousers, while Tess donned a white and gold ruffled mini dress and large squared sunglasses.

In another, Vernon looked dashing in a black suit and tie with a light bue shirt, while his wife wowed in a black mini dress with silver trim.

And another picture saw him in a white and grey polo below a camel bomber jacket and Tess in a sparkly purple sequin dress.

Their eldest daughter Phoebe, 20, also took to social media to post a series of snaps paying tribute to Vernon on his special day.

One upload saw her father with one arm round her shoulder and another holding a drink while at a busy party in the sun.

Vernon sported a white pleated shirt with a flower pattern, teaming it with large aviator sunglasses.

His daughter, meanwhile, wore a cream cut-out top with silver clasps, adding a ruffled white skirt.

In Tess’s main social media post, the Strictly Come Dancing presenter uploaded a newer picture of them looking every inch the loving couple, while sporting the same grins

She also took to her Instagram Stories to post a slew of memories the pair had made over the years, including a photo of them in the sun with Vernon holding a drink

Phoebe also posted a snap of her as a baby and a delighted Vernon and Kay holding her up for the camera

On her Stories, she uploaded a picture from a shoot where Vernon sported black tie with a white dinner jacket while his daughter wore a sparkly gold sequin mini dress

She also posted a snap of her as a baby and a delighted Vernon and Kay holding her up for the camera.

Phoebe captioned the update: ‘Happy Birthday Dad. love ya so much. I’m so lucky to think of you as not only a great dad but a best mate too! (I can’t believe these photos are nearly two decades apart)’

On her Stories, she uploaded a picture from a shoot where Vernon sported black tie with a white dinner jacket while his daughter wore a sparkly gold sequin mini dress.

Vernon and Tess also share Amber, 15, from their 22-year marriage.

The cute snaps come after Phoebe joined her dad as the pair celebrated the EE Rising Star nominees.

The broadcaster and his eldest were among the stars in attendance at the Vanity Fair EE Rising Star party at The Four Seasons Hotel’s Pavyllon London restaurant, London, in February.

Vernon looked dapper for the event as he stepped out in a double-breasted suit with a navy turtleneck sweater underneath.

Meanwhile Phoebe looked glamorous in a sleek black low-cut cami top paired with matching flared trousers.

Vernon and Tess also share Amber, 15, (second right) from their 22-year marriage

The cute snaps come after Phoebe joined her dad as the pair celebrated the EE Rising Star nominees

The broadcaster and his eldest were among the stars in attendance at the Vanity Fair EE Rising Star party at The Four Seasons Hotel’s Pavyllon London restaurant, London, in February

She paired the co-ord with sparkly silver stilettos and a metallic handbag, as well as a collection of diamond jewellery.

Phoebe has frequently been spotted at glamorous events with her famous parents in recent months as she makes a name for herself in the industry.

She looked the spitting image of her famous mother as she appeared alongside her father in an EE Christmas commercial in December.

In the fun ad the Radio 2 DJ was put in charge of holiday preparations but was forced to enlist to tiny pet pooch Mickey to find the Christmas decorations.

And Phoebe also mucked in when when her hapless father seemingly forgot to order a turkey for the festivities.

Since turning 18, Phoebe has started creeping into the public eye, making her red carpet debut alongside her father at the John Wick Chapter 4 premiere last March.

While TV presenter Vernon was on hand to support his daughter, he previously revealed that he and Tess insist his children don’t live off their fame and must form ‘their own careers’.

It’s an important factor for the celebrity duo, who both fell into fame after being scouted as models and then turning to television.

Phoebe looked the spitting image of her famous mother as she appeared alongside her father in an EE Christmas commercial in December

Speaking to MailOnline in 2022, Vernon said he and his wife believe it’s important for their offspring ‘to find themselves’ and not be given their ‘life on a plate’, crediting the pair’s northern backgrounds for shaping their parenting beliefs.

The radio personality said: ‘We let them be independent when it comes to them and their futures because it’s important that you allow them to find themselves, which is character building and personality development.

Tess is of the same opinion as her husband, telling MailOnline in 2021 how she kept her children ‘grounded’ against the trappings of fame and raises them with ‘morals, respect and a work ethic’.

The Strictly host revealed that Phoebe didn’t realise her mum worked on TV until she was seven years old as she and Vernon worked to keep their family shielded from the limelight.

She explained: ‘She had no idea until she saw me once and said “there’s my mum!”

‘She just thought I went to work on a Saturday because to them it is work.’

April 28, 2025
Ashley Cain ‘being eyed up for Strictly Come Dancing’ after ‘impressing’ BBC bosses with presenting work

Ashley Cain is reportedly being eyed up for Strictly Come Dancing after ‘impressing’ BBC bosses with his TV work.

The former Ex On The Beach star, 34, is said to have made it to the initial list of names that producers have in mind for the next series of the show.

A source told The Mirror: ‘He’s a proper character with a very interesting background that looks the part.

‘He would be a great addition to the Strictly line up. He’s presented a couple of shows and has really impressed.’

According to the publication, an insider revealed that bosses work from a list of roughly 30 names before whittling it down to the final 15 to take part.

MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment.

Ashley Cain is reportedly being eyed up for Strictly Come Dancing after ‘impressing’ BBC bosses with his TV work (pictured last September)

Ashley, who rose to fame on the dating show in 2014, has recently branched out into presenting with his show Ashley Cain: Into The Danger Zone having aired this month

Ashley, who rose to fame on the dating show in 2014, has recently branched out into presenting with his show Ashley Cain: Into The Danger Zone having aired this month.

In the show, he visits some of the world’s most dangerous places to deep-dive into issues that affect young men born into a life where criminality has become a form of survival.

After an insider secures him an intro, he’ll use his curiosity, physicality and sheer force of personality to earn peoples’ trust and infiltrate an infamous underworld.

In each episode Ashley explores the reasons why young men in each location have chosen a life of extreme criminality.

He is pushed to his physical and emotional limits, form personal bonds with complex men, and explore extreme male cultures he never knew existed.

The star has previously said he would love to take part in Strictly as a tribute to his late daughter Azaylia.

The reality star and his now ex-partner Safiyya Vorajee were left devastated after their little girl lost her battle against leukaemia in April 2021 at just eight months old.

Former footballer Ashley and Safiyya raised more than £1.5million to fund Azaylia’s specialist treatment before her death.

After she passed, they put the unspent money into The Azaylia Foundation which aims to support families and provide memorable experiences for children fighting cancer.

The former Ex On The Beach star, 34, is said to have made it to the initial list of names that producers have in mind for the next series of the show

The star has previously said he would love to take part in Strictly as a tribute to his late daughter Azaylia

Ashley and his now ex-partner Safiyya Vorajee were left devastated after their little girl lost her battle against leukaemia in April 2021 at just eight months old (pictured together)

In an interview with The Sun in July 2024, Ashley said: ‘When I had my daughter in hospital, when she was poorly, any time that she used to be feeling poorly or she was going through a chemotherapy, I used to hold her in my arms and I used to dance with her.

‘And I’d dance with her for hours and hours and hours and hours. So something like Strictly would relate to me in a sense where I would love to do a Lion King-themed dance.

‘I would love to be able to tell my story on such an amazing platform that could reach out to so many incredible people.’

Ashley and Safiyya separated after the death of their daughter, with Ashley going on to become the father of two sons with two other women.

He welcomed son Aliyas, one, with a new partner and mystery woman in January last year who he later split from and has a five-month old son Atlas too.

Though Ashley hasn’t disclosed the identity of Atlas’s mother, he has confirmed that they are no longer in a relationship, and have been friends since they were 18 years old.

It comes just after Ashley shared a heartfelt tribute to Azaylia as her ‘crown’ headstone was placed on her grave, four years after her tragic death.

On Wednesday, the grieving parents unveiled the special headstone that had made for Azaylia, which they have named as her ‘crown’.

Ashley previously said: ‘I would love to be able to tell my story on such an amazing platform that could reach out to so many incredible people’

It comes just after Ashley shared a heartfelt tribute to Azaylia as her ‘crown’ headstone was placed on her grave, four years after her tragic death

Sharing a photo of Azaylia in the hospital and her heart-shaped headstone at her gravesite, he penned a touching message praising her ‘strength and courage’

And commemorating the moment, Ashley took to his Instagram to pay tribute to his little girl, as he admitted that he felt ‘an overwhelming sense of pride’, alongside ‘the numbing guilt and the devastating pain’.

Sharing a photo of Azaylia in the hospital and her heart-shaped headstone at her gravesite, he penned a touching message praising her ‘strength and courage’.

He wrote: ‘For 4 years, I’ve lived in fear of this very moment. As a parent, you never, ever want to reach the day where this becomes the final thing you can do for your child.

‘But today, on Azaylia’s 4th anniversary, through the numbing guilt and the devastating pain… I feel an overwhelming sense of pride.

‘Pride that one of Earth’s most beautiful little princesses, and one of Heaven’s most beloved angels, now has a special crown worthy enough to hold her story.’

Addressing Azaylia directly, Ashley admitted he had struggled to find the words to express how much he loved her ever since her passing.

He gushed: ‘These words have taken 4 years to write – and even now, they will never be enough to say who you are, or what you’ve done for me as your father.

‘They’ll never come close to expressing the enormity of your strength, your courage, your beauty, and your purity. Or the profound impact you’ve had on this world and its people.

‘But I hope, as your daddy, they show just how much I love you. And I know your mummy and all of our family will feel the exactly same.’

Safiyya also shared a tribute, alongside a photo of her family gathered at Azaylia’s garden, admitting it had been ‘a day with a sad heart and many tears but also a memory filled with happy moments’

He welcomed son Aliyas, one, with a new partner and mystery woman in January last year who he later split from and has a five-month old son Atlas too (pictured)

Concluding the heartbreaking post, he added: ‘I miss you with a pain that never fades, and I love you with a strength that will never end. Forever, with every piece of me – Daddy.’

The beautiful ‘crown’ headstone was emblazoned with a photo of Azaylia and read: ‘Earth 10.08.2020 Heaven 24.04.2021. Our precious daughter Azaylia Diamond Cain.

‘Azaylia, our brave and beautiful little warrior. You were more than we ever dreamed. Our miracle, our heart, our hero.

‘Your love so pure, your spirit unbreakable, and your light endless. You faced every challenge with courage, lighting up the world with your smile.

‘We are so proud of you, Azaylia, and always will be. You taught us to live, to fight, and to love without limits.

‘We long for you more than words can express, But your legacy lives on, inspiring and saving lives. Keep shining, our guiding light. LET’S GO CHAMP’.

‘Forever and Always, with all our love, Mummy, Daddy & Your Loving Family’.

Safiyya also shared a tribute, explaining: ‘I call it her crown instead of a headstone, just like I call it her garden ✨using softer words brings a little peace to something so heavy. It helps me honour her in a way that feels gentle, beautiful, and true to who she is’

Former footballer Ashley and Safiyya raised more than £1.5million to fund Azaylia’s specialist treatment before her death, and put the unspent money into The Azaylia Foundation which aims to support families and provide memorable experiences for children fighting cancer

She shared a heartbreaking video of her singing When You Believe by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston to Azaylia the day before she died.

While she also posted a photo of her family gathered at Azaylia’s garden, admitting it had been ‘a day with a sad heart and many tears but also a memory filled with happy moments’.

She added: ‘You are my magical guardian angel. I love you forever and always mummy’.

If you are struggling with the loss of a child please contact Sands on 0808 164 3332 or helpline@sands.org.uk

For help and support caring for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, please contact Together for Short Lives on 0808 8088 100 or visit www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk

April 27, 2025
Radiant Louise Redknapp cuts a stylish figure in camel jacket and white denim as she steps out of the BBC studios
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Louise Redknapp looked sensational in an effortlessly stylish ensemble as she stepped out of the BBC studios on Saturday.

The former Eternal singer, 50, stunned in a camel jacket, which she wore over an animal print top and paired with cream jeans.

She added a few extra inches to her frame with a pair of brown nude stiletto heels to complete her look.

The music star couldn’t wipe a radiant smile off her face as she made her way out of the building.

She carried the essentials in a large tote bag and accessorised with chic dark shades, as well as minimal gold jewellery.

Louise Redknapp looked sensational in a camel jacket and white denim as she stepped out of the BBC studios on Saturday

The former Eternal singer cut a very stylish figure flashing an animal print top underneath, adding elegant brown nude stiletto heels

Elsewhere, Louise recently revealed she begged her agent to pull her out of Strictly Come Dancing as she discussed her difficulties behind the scenes.

The star was a celebrity contestant on the 2016 series where she and dance partner Kevin Clifton finished as runners up to winner Ore Oduba.

But the competition wasn’t plain sailing for Louise who experienced a crisis of confidence after taking a break from show business before the series.

Speaking on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast, she said: ‘I realised having the kids and being away from the industry really had taken away my jazz hands and disappeared. I was like ‘where are they?”

‘I think [I had] muscle memory for dance, but not muscle memory for being in the limelight. I think that part had gone.

‘The fear had come in and I think when I was younger, I was completely fearless. I gave everything a go.’

Louise admitted she was put off after seeing some of the other female contestants who she thought seemed much more confident than her.

The blonde stunner carried the essentials in a large tote bag and accessorised with chic dark shades, as well as minimal gold jewellery

She said: ‘That element of confidence and fearlessness – that had gone.

‘Walking down that opening show and seeing, like, some of the other females in the show and they had their little dresses on and they were so confident.

‘I was looking at the other girls and they were shaking their bums and I literally came off the first show, rung my agent and went ”You’ve got to get me out of here”.

‘This week you can pretend I’ve broken an ankle.’

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Radiant Louise Redknapp cuts a stylish figure in camel jacket and white denim as she steps out of the BBC studios
April 26, 2025
Louise Redknapp looks leggy in a black blazer dress alongside boyfriend Drew Michael as they attend Mr Porter launch party in Amsterdam

Louise Redknapp was the epitome of elegance as she attended the Mr Porter Launch Party alongside her boyfriend Drew Michael in Amsterdam on Thursday night.

The singer, 50, showed off her toned legs in a pair of glossy tights and a chic black blazer dress, finishing off with towering stilettos.

The former Eternal star carried her essentials in a black leather tote bag, as she smiled while departing the lavish party.

The blonde beauty was joined by her beloved half businessman Drew, 41, who cut a smart look in a blue suit.

The couple led stars arriving at the glitzy bash, which celebrated Mr Porter’s new opening of its modern Steakhouse, Bar & Lounge at 22 Park Lane in the Netherlands capital.

Madonna’s son Rocco Ritchie certainly caught the eye in a a stylish cow-print jacket, which he teamed with denim.

Louise Redknapp, 50, was the epitome of elegance as she attended Mr Porter Launch Party alongside her boyfriend Drew Michael in Amsterdam on Thursday night

The singer showed off her toned legs in a pair of glossy tights and a chic black blazer dress, finishing off with towering stilettos

Elsewhere at the star-studded event Leigh Francis, whose stage name is Keith Lemon, put on an eye-catching display in a print co-ord.

Love Island’s Omar Nyame looked handsome in a brown leather jacket which he paired with loose-fitting brown jeans.

Meanwhile Hannah John-Kamen put on a very leggy display in a short black dress which she layered under an oversized black coat.

Martha Ward looked elegant for the evening as she stepped out in a white flared trousers and a black and white blazer.

Also celebs’ stylist Sani Gabrai looked elegant in a blue mini dress which she paired with strappy black heels and a black bag.

The singer’s appearance comes after she revealed she begged her agent to pull her out of Strictly Come Dancing as she discussed her difficulties behind the scenes.

The star, was a celebrity contestant on the 2016 iseries where she and dance partner Kevin Clifton finished as runners up to winner Ore Oduba.

But the competition wasn’t plain sailing for Louise who experienced a crisis of confidence after taking a break from show business before the series.

The former Eternal star carried her essentials in a black leather tote bag, as she smiled while leaving the party

The blonde beauty was joined by her beloved half businessman Drew, 41, who cut a smart look in a blue suit

She accessorised with chunky gold rings and gold hoop earrings to tote her stunning look

Madonna’s son Rocco Ritchie certainly caught the eye in a a stylish cow-print jacket, which he teamed with denim

Elsewhere at the star-studded event Leigh Francis, whose stage name is Keith Lemon , put on an eye-catching display in a print co-ord

Love Island’s Omar Nyame looked handsome in a brown leather jacket which he paired with loose-fitting brown jeans

Meanwhile Hannah John-Kamen put on a very leggy display in a short black dress which she layered under an oversized black coat

Martha Ward looked elegant for the evening as she stepped out in a white flared trousers and a black and white blazer

Also celebs’ stylist Sani Gabrai looked elegant in a blue mini dress which she paired with strappy black heels and a black bag

Speaking on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast, she said: ‘I realised having the kids and being away from the industry really had taken away my jazz hands and disappeared. I was like ‘where are they?”

‘I think [I had] muscle memory for dance, but not muscle memory for being in the limelight. I think that part had gone.

‘The fear had come in and I think when I was younger, I was completely fearless. I gave everything a go.’

Louise admitted she was put off after seeing some of the other female contestants who she thought seemed much more confident than her.

She said: ‘That element of confidence and fearlessness – that had gone. Walking down that opening show and seeing, like, some of the other females in the show and they had their little dresses on and they were so confident.

‘I was looking at the other girls and they were shaking their bums and I literally came off the first show, rung my agent and went ‘You’ve got to get me out of here.

‘This week you can pretend I’ve broken an ankle.’

April 25, 2025
Louise Redknapp puts on a leggy display in black mini dress as she joins trendy Rocco Ritchie at the launch of Mr Porter in London

Louise Redknapp and Rocco Ritchie led the stars attending the launch of Mr Porter in London on Thursday.

The singer, 50, looked chic as she stepped out in an oversized black blazer which she layered over a pair of black sheer tights.

Adding inches to her petite frame, Louise slipped into a pair of tower black heels and toted around her belongings in a black leather clutch bag.

Meanwhile Rocco, 24, who is Madonna’s son, commanded attention in an animal print jacket which he paired with distressed blue jeans.

Elsewhere at the star-studded event Leigh Francis, whose stage name is Keith Lemon, put on an eye-catching display in a print co-ord.

Love Island’s Omar Nyame looked handsome in a brown leather jacket which he paired with loose-fitting brown jeans.

Louise Redknapp, 50, and Rocco Ritchie cut a stylish display in black and cow print as they attended the launch of Mr Porter in London on Thursday

Rocco, 24, who is Madonna’s son, commanded attention in an animal print jacket which he paired with distressed blue jeans

Sani Gabrai looked elegant in a blue mini dress which she paired with strappy black heels and a black bag.

Hannah John-Kamen put on a very leggy display in a short black dress which she layered under an oversized black coat.

Martha Ward looked elegant for the evening as she stepped out in a white flared trousers and a black and white blazer.

Louise’s appearance comes after she revealed she begged her agent to pull her out of Strictly Come Dancing as she discussed her difficulties behind the scenes.

The star, was a celebrity contestant on the 2016 iseries where she and dance partner Kevin Clifton finished as runners up to winner Ore Oduba.

But the competition wasn’t plain sailing for Louise who experienced a crisis of confidence after taking a break from show business before the series.

Speaking on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast, she said: ‘I realised having the kids and being away from the industry really had taken away my jazz hands and disappeared. I was like ‘where are they?”

‘I think [I had] muscle memory for dance, but not muscle memory for being in the limelight. I think that part had gone.

Elsewhere at the star-studded event Leigh Francis, whose stage name is Keith Lemon, put on an eye-catching display in a print co-ord

Love Island’s Omar Nyame looked handsome in a brown leather jacket which he paired with loose-fitting brown jeans

Sani Gabrai looked elegant in a blue mini dress which she paired with strappy black heels and a black bag

Hannah John-Kamen put on a very leggy display in a short black dress which she layered under an oversized black coat

Martha Ward looked elegant for the evening as she stepped out in a white flared trousers and a black and white blazer

Louise’s appearance comes after she revealed she begged her agent to pull her out of Strictly Come Dancing as she discussed her difficulties behind the scenes

The star, was a celebrity contestant on the 2016 series where she and dance partner Kevin Clifton finished as runners up to winner Ore Oduba

‘The fear had come in and I think when I was younger, I was completely fearless. I gave everything a go.’

Louise admitted she was put off after seeing some of the other female contestants who she thought seemed much more confident than her.

She said: ‘That element of confidence and fearlessness – that had gone. Walking down that opening show and seeing, like, some of the other females in the show and they had their little dresses on and they were so confident.

‘I was looking at the other girls and they were shaking their bums and I literally came off the first show, rung my agent and went ‘You’ve got to get me out of here.

‘This week you can pretend I’ve broken an ankle.’

April 25, 2025
Katie Piper reveals she was verbally abused by prisoners over her appearance as she films new TV series – 17 years after horrifying acid attack

Katie Piper has opened up about being verbally insulted by prisoners as she filmed her latest TV documentary series.

The presenter, 41, was just 24 in March 2008 when her ex Daniel Lynch, 47, plotted the vicious ambush that left her face severely burned and in need of 400 operations.

The Loose Women star revealed she now suffers more pain by people judging her appearance.

Despite her attack being 17 years ago, Katie explained that she faced several insults from inmates while filming in a New Orleans women’s prison for her series Locked Up In Louisiana.

She told Radio Times: ‘Some of them shouted stuff like, “Hey lady are you addicted to Botox?” or “Slow down on the plastic surgery”, they didn’t know what had happened to me.’

After sharing her experiences with the inmates, it earned her trust with the prisoners.

Katie Piper has opened up about being verbally insulted by prisoners as she filmed her latest TV documentary series

The presenter, 41, was just 24 in March 2008 when her ex Daniel Lynch, 47, plotted the vicious ambush that left her face severely burned and in need of 400 operations

She continued: ‘We’re all one bad day away from being locked up. You don’t know what’s going to happen to you in life and who is going to harm you – and how you’re going to react when somebody harms you.’

Katie had sulphuric acid thrown in her face by Stefan Sylvestre in an attack that was orchestrated by her then boyfriend Danial Lynch.

Stefan got life in prison and served nine years while Daniel was given two life sentences with a minimum term of 16 years for planning the assault and for another attack when he raped her.

Katie lost her sight in her one eye and after 400 operations she decided to get an artificial eye earlier this year.

It’s not the first time Katie has been horrifically trolled for her appearance as she faced abuse while appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018.

She told The Mail On Sunday: ‘I got some really horrible abuse, it was awful.  I was told, “You look like a monster” by someone one night. It’s so cruel.

‘Then someone else said, “Thank good- ness for make-up”.’

But, maintaining a strong exterior, Katie reiterated at the time that she was just ‘so glad to be alive’ following the attack.

Despite her attack being 17 years ago, Katie explained that she faced several insults from inmates while filming in a New Orleans women’s prison for her series Locked Up In Louisiana

She said: ‘Some of them shouted stuff like, “Hey lady are you addicted to Botox ?” or “Slow down on the plastic surgery”, they didn’t know what had happened to me’

It’s not the first time Katie has been horrifically trolled for her appearance as she faced abuse while appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018; pictured with professional Gorka Marquez

She told The Mail On Sunday: ‘I got some really horrible abuse, it was awful. I was told, “You look like a monster” by someone one night. It’s so cruel. ‘Then someone else said, “Thank good- ness for make-up”‘; pictured with professional Gorka Marquez

Katie has been married to carpenter husband Richard James Sutton since 2015 and the couple share two children, 10-year-old Belle and Penelope, six.

It comes after Katie told how she’s never fully ‘discharged’ from medical care as she has continued to have treatment and pioneering surgery to repair her damaged skin, face, throat and eyesight.

Speaking in The Mirror’s health segment, she explained: ‘I learnt at such a young age the value of looking after your mind, your body, how our health is a privilege and how it can suddenly change.’

Amid her heartbreaking ordeal and continued treatment by health professionals, Katie has told how maintaining her physical and mental health is important to her as she knows what it is to be ‘incapacitated’.

She shared: ‘I’ve had this unique experience as a 20-something where I know what it is like to be incapacitated, to be ill, to be in hospital for a long time. I always take myself back to that memory of “Do all this now, so when you are older, your quality of life is the best it can be”.

‘I want to be healthy. I take looking after my body as a job. I want the best from it.’

As well as keeping fit with running and lifting weights, Katie also notes that her gut health is just as important, having learnt this by spending much time on gastro wards during her recovery.

She added how the gut is ‘epicentre of everything’ and had learnt from eye and skin specialists throughout the years that those things can be affected by one’s diet and gut as they’re all ‘intrinsically linked.’

Last year, Katie opened up and revealed the ‘only thing’ that helped her confidence following the acid attack.

Katie has been married to carpenter husband Richard James Sutton since 2015 and the couple share two children, 10-year-old Belle and Penelope, six

Speaking to Women’s Health UK she explained that during those years where her face was constantly changing through surgeries, her hair was the only thing she could control.

She revealed that her hair became her ‘armour’ and her ‘crown’ during her recovery.

Speaking to the publication, Katie explained: ‘My face was changing after I was burnt, and the only thing I had control of was my hair, and it became my crown.

‘My hair was the only way I could communicate and express to the world how I was feeling…My hair is my armour, my hair is my strength, my hair is my way of communicating with the public.

‘I found this whole new community in a world that I hadn’t felt a part of for a long time, in the beauty world.

‘I don’t want to sound superficial, but my hair is connected to my confidence – and it’s not in a frivolous or vanity way – but a good hair day gives me that sass to feel more assertive, more in control, to feel sexy, to feel pretty, and that’s okay.’

April 22, 2025