Geordie Shore Star Faces Heartbreaking Family Loss

A star announced the tragic loss of their beloved grandmother in a heartbreaking Instagram post on Sunday.   

Natalie Phillips, 38, who was the show's oldest cast member when she joined the series in 2019, paid tribute to her Nanna Nellie who died aged 99. 

The TV personality said Nellie had been the 'heart and soul of the family' who would now be reunited with her late husband in heaven after 34-years apart.  

She penned:  'It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share the passing of my beloved Nanna Nellie. She left us peacefully yesterday, whilst surrounded by her loving family'.

'Born in July 1926, my Nanna lived an incredible 99 years. A life filled with love, laughter, strength, and countless stories that will stay with us forever. 

Natalie went on: 'After 34 years apart, she is now reunited with her beloved husband, my Granda Billy. Together again at last. A proud Irish woman and a devoted Catholic, she lived her life with unwavering faith, kindness, and resilience'.

My Nanna was the matriarch of the Phillips family. The heart and soul of so many of our lives. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her legacy and memory will live on in each of us, always.

Before adding: 'May your journey to heaven be gentle and full of grace Nanna, and may you be welcomed with open arms into eternal rest. I love you Nanna'.

Fans and friends were quick to share their condolences writing: 'So sorry babe': 'Sorry to hear about your little nanna Nat. I know how much you adored her sending all my love xxx': 'So sorry Nat! Sending all my love': 'Sending my love and deepest condolences mate'.

Natalie first joined the hit show in 2019 before admitting she felt 'too old' for the boozy house environment and quit after two series. 

It comes following reports 's brutal pay row and cast exodus reportedly threaten to end the long-running programme for good.

The reality show launched on MTV back in May 2011, with 26 series having aired to date.

Stars including and , to name a few, first found fame on Geordie Shore. 

According to The Sun, the show has found itself in chaos days before filming for series 28 is due to start. 

The publication revealed only six cast members are confirmed to be returning - while the line-up had been planned to begin a French road trip on Monday. 

These six names are , , Jay Gardner, ,  and Ricci Guarnaccio.

It was revealed earlier this week that four cast members had quit the now-Paramount+ series.

Up first were James Tindale, Abbie Holborn and Marnie Simpson, with Chloe Ferry later following suit.

The remaining cast members - Chantelle Connelly, Kyle Christie and Nathan Henry - are said to be on the fence about whether to return, according to The Sun. 

A source told the publication that, except for the six confirmed returnees, the other cast members received an ultimatum: agree to a pay cut and less screen time, or lose their role on the show.

They revealed the group were called into a meeting and informed they would appear in six episodes rather than 10 - meaning a 5% pay cut.

The source claimed these cast members were 'given a deadline to sign the new agreement' - and told they would not be invited back if they did not.