FIRST FOR CELEBRITY NEWS EWS ISSUE 1218
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7 JANUARY 2020
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£2.40 WEEKLY
DUCHESS DELIGHTED BY ‘PRINCESS CHARMING’
YOUNG ROYALS SHINE AFTER ‘BUMPY’ YEAR
DANCING ON ICE EXCLUSIVE
TRISHA GODDARD
WILLIAM LEADS THE ALL NEW FAB FOUR
THE VERSION OF THIS EDITION WAS CURRENT AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRESS – OTHER VERSIONS OF THIS ISSUE MAY BE DISTRIBUTED, THE CONTENTS OF WHICH MAY VARY FROM THE CONTENTS OF THIS MAGAZINE
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CONTENTS
THIS WEEK’S COVER STARS
NEWS AND INTERVIEWS
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’ spent the ’ve h llast two weeks k gorging on mince pies and turkey and drinking too much fizz, which means I haven’t had any time to think about my New Year’s resolutions. My mum says I sometimes get quite irritated by her so I’m going to try and be nicer. My children beg me not to complain to the manager in the supermarket when there aren’t enough checkouts open, so I’ve made a mental note to shout louder! Our brilliant coverage of the new series of Dancing On Ice has also given me the urge to strap on my skates again. I used to love going to the all-year round rink at London’s Queensway with my friends. After looking through this issue, I’m also going to add a visit to John Barrowman’s amazing house in Palm Springs to my list (see
page 28) He opened the doors to h is ffabulous ab bulous l s 28). H his home and even one of his dogs got in on the action, diving in and out of the hot tub! John spoke candidly about his New Year hopes to have a baby, even though his husband Scott isn’t so thrilled at the prospect of changing nappies. Then again, who is? The good news is, they all come out of them eventually. And just look what happens when they do... Prince George and Princess Charlotte stole the show on their debut outing at Sandringham. They are so sweet, and such brilliant advocates for the royal family, it almost makes me want to have another child. Maybe I should add that to my New Year’s resolution list? CHARLOTTE SELIGMAN Then again, I think my OK! EDITOR husband would kill me. charlo e_seligman
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THE ROYALS TRISHA GODDARD JOE SWASH MAURA HIGGINS IAN H WATKINS LISA GEORGE JOHN BARROWMAN KYM MARSH CAROLINE FLACK BUMPS BABIES AND WEDDINGS DAVINA MCCALL HOMES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN THE VOICE UK EMILY ANDRE NICOLE KIDMAN THE MASKED SINGER THE GREATEST DANCER JASON MANFORD
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PHOTOS: LORNA ROACH, SHUTTERSTOCK
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THE ROYALS CHRISTMAS THE ROYALS’ CHRISTMAS
PRINCE GEORGE AND PRINCESS CHARLOTTE CEMENT BRIGHT FUTURE FOR THE ROYAL FAMILY THE CAMBRIDGE SIBLINGS MELT HEARTS DURING THEIR SANDRINGHAM CHRISTMAS DAY DEBUT AS THE “CHEEKY” PRINCESS GREETS THE CROWDS
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rince George and Princess Charlotte made their official royal Christmas Day debut, stealing the show as they joined their parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for the annual service at St Mary Magdalene Church. Branded “the all new fab four”, their appearance, and in particular the children’s impeccable behaviour, further cemented the Cambridge family’s status as the beacon of hope for the monarchy’s future. It followed OK!’s exclusive story of how Kate had promised to support Her Majesty the Queen after a “bumpy” year for the royals. The crowning moment came when Charlotte performed the perfect curtsey for her ‘Gan Gan’, the Queen. The four-yearold, who joined her big brother at Thomas’s Battersea school in September, looked adorable as she followed her mum’s lead and shyly held her Amaia Kids coat as she dipped her knees. Charlotte also offered Reverend Jonathan Riviere her hand to shake as she was leaving g the service.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte at the Christmas Day service with The Queen (left) WWW.OK.CO.UK 5
Beatrice with her fiancé Edoardo
The Prince of Wales and the Duke of York
George, six, who is third in line to the throne, was quite the Prince Charming and just as well-mannered as he held his father’s hand for the short walk to the church. Kate, who celebrates her 38th birthday on 9 January, revealed that Charlotte’s day had got off to “a very early start”. But that didn’t seem to have dampened the family’s spirits, although at one point Kate appeared to be giving her children a pep talk as she crouched down to their level – and perhaps a reminder to be on their best behaviour! As they chatted to well wishers, Charlotte was given an inflatable flamingo named Felicity, along with a hug from a wheelchairbound royal fan who just moments earlier had given George a quick cuddle. Charlotte also received a gift box containing a toy doll from Karen Anvil who took last year’s famous ‘fab four’ picture of Kate, William, Meghan and Harry. Karen said Charlotte “liked the doll”, adding, “her manners are outstanding. She’s cheeky – she wasn’t at all scared. When you’re a mum you know when a child is trying to keep a straight face!” Karen also described George’s behaviour as “perfect”, but said he was noticeably “more anxious” than his confident younger sister. Indeed when a royal aide offered to carry some cream roses Charlotte had been given by a little boy, the strongwilled princess shook her head in refusal, preferring to carry them herself. George didn’t appear to be carrying any gifts, but perhaps he was content with the
Prince Edward and wife Sophie with James Viscount Severn and Lady Louise Windsor 6
Princess Anne opted for purple
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were all smiles with Princess Charlotte and Prince George
Jack Brooksbank and Princess Eugenie
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presents he’d received earlier. William revealed that his eldest son had asked for art materials and football-related presents in his letter to Father Christmas, adding that George is “a very good drawer”. He also said he supports Chelsea FC despite William’s own love for Aston Villa FC. “I try not to be too biased. I said you can support anyone but Chelsea. So naturally, he supports Chelsea,” William, 37, previously said. The Queen was said to be “buoyed” by the show of unity from Kate and William and delighted to have her great grand children present following a very troubled and “bumpy” year for the royals. During what’s being referred to as her ‘annus horribilis mark II’, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were criticised for their comments about media intrusion and the Duke of Edinburgh was involved in a traffic collision which led to him giving up his driving licence. Meanwhile, the Duke of York’s recent scandal threatened to overshadow the good work of the monarchy. Walking to the church in the grounds of the Sandringham Estate for the 11am Christmas Day service is a rite of passage for the royals. William first attended a public Christmas service at Windsor when he was five years old. Kate, who plans to focus on her work with young people in 2020, looked sensational in her Catherine Walker coat with faux fur trim. She coordinated her green accessories with Charlotte’s outfit, adding Emmy London heels and matching clutch with a hat by Lock & Co. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were very much missed by royal fans who listened to the service through speakers erected outside the 16th century church. Harry and Meghan, who became parents to son Archie in May, announced their decision to skip Christmas at Sandringham in order to “spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the duchess’ mother Doria Ragland”. The Duke of York was also a no-show for the traditional church outing but attended the
Princess Charlotte received gifts from well wishers
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Princess Charlotte was given owers (above) and a warm hug from one fan
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earlier 9am service with his older brother, Prince Charles, and their mother. Andrew stepped down from royal duties after he was summoned to the palace by the Queen in response to his ‘car crash’ Newsnight interview in which he was quizzed on his friendship with billionaire US paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. However, his daughters Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice did attend the 11am service. Eugenie, 29, was with her husband Jack Brooksbank, 33, while Beatrice, 31, was beaming as she walked by the side of her fiancé Edoardo ‘Edo’ Mapelli Mozzi, 36, who is believed to have been invited by the Queen herself. The couple are to announce their wedding date in January, with an early summer wedding looking likely. Also spotted walking to the church were Princess Anne, her husband Sir Tim Laurence and Prince Charles. The Duke and Duchess of Wessex were there too, accompanied by their two children Lady Louise Windsor, 16, and 12-year-old James, Viscount Severn, who apparently has inherited his grandfather Philip’s skill for fly fishing. The Queen, 93, who looked festive in her red coat, was the last to arrive for the main service, accompanied in her maroon Bentley by the Duchess of Cornwall. The 98-year-old Duke of Edinburgh opted to remain at the house having spent four nights at the King Edward VII Hospital in London for observation and treatment in relation to “a pre-existing condition”. A spokesperson for the Duke said it was a “precautionary measure” on the advice of his doctor. As a result, the Queen was said to have cancelled the traditional Boxing Day shoot and her routine visit to the royal stud to inspect her horses. Before joining the other royals for Christmas lunch, the Cambridges are thought to have made their way back to their nearby Anmer Hall home where the couple’s youngest son 20-month-old Prince Louis was being looked after by their nanny Maria Borrallo. Camilla was intending to make an early getaway from Sandringham to spend time with other members of her family. Her son, Tom Parker Bowles, said that after spending the morning with the royals at church, his mother would be departing straight after the Queen’s televised Christmas message at 3pm. He also hinted that this isn’t the first time the duchess has made her excuses to leave.
Prince Philip has now left hospital
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“Even now, we all drive down to be together. My mother’s up with my stepfather, and she comes down on Christmas Day straight after the Queen’s speech.” Speaking during her annual Christmas Day speech, the Queen referred to a difficult year and the global climate crisis. On overcoming “differences and deep-seated divisions”, she said “the path is not always smooth, and may, at times this year, have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference.” A carefully selected group of photos placed on her desk featured Charles and Camilla, Philip, the Cambridge family and the Queen’s late father King George VI. Absent this year was Harry and Meghan’s wedding photo, but the monarch made reference to Archie’s birth saying, “Prince Philip and I have been delighted to welcome our eighth greatgrandchild into our family.” She also gave a nod to Harry and Meghan’s efforts to raise awareness of climate change, saying she had “been struck” by the way “new generations” have bought a “sense of purpose” to such issues. Ahead of the festive celebrations, the royals shared a set of new images showing the Queen with three future kings, Charles, William and George, as they prepared Christmas puddings for armed forces veterans. The photos were taken in The Music Room at Buckingham Palace. Speaking recently on BBC’s A Berry Royal Christmas, William had let slip that he and Kate were planning on making festive treats with the children. “I love mince pies, so if the children are going to cook mince pies then I’m happy to do that,” he said. The Cambridge family’s new Christmas card was also unveiled. It shows William with Kate posing on a vintage motorbike with their children. William is a big motorbike fan and famously rode around London on the eve of his 2011 wedding. Kensington Palace later released a picture taken by keen photographer Kate in Norfolk earlier this year. It features William giving Louis a kiss on the cheek as Charlotte and George smile for the camera. OK! REPORT: MICHELLE GARNETT PHOTOS: ALAN DAVIDSON, ALPHA PRESS, GETTY, GOFFPHOTOS.COM, PA
The Queen delivering her annual Christmas Day message WWW.OK.CO.UK WWW WW.OK OK.CO CO.UK UK 11
MEANWHILE
KATE’S SISTER PIPPA AND MUM CAROLE ESCAPE TO THE CARIBBEAN W hile the Cambridges braced the cold in Norfolk, Kate’s mum and sister were soaking up the sun in St Barts. Pippa, 36, who welcomed her first child Arthur in October 2018, looked very athletic in her Heidi Klein polka-dot bikini as she joined her mum Carole Middleton, 64, in the cooling Caribbean waters. She later enjoyed a swim with her husband James Matthews. The Matthews family own the Eden Rock resort, which is one of island’s most exclusive hotels. Suites can cost up to £25,000 a night – although that’s probably small change for the stars who stay there, including Sir Elton John and Brad Pitt. There was no sign of little Arthur, but Carole’s husband Michael donned trendy board shorts to top up his tan on the beach. James’ brother Spencer Matthews was also staying on the island with his wife Vogue and their son Theodore. Meanwhile, experiencing cooler climes, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan spent Christmas in Canada at a luxury Vancouver Island hideaway. A royal aide confirmed, “They are enjoying sharing the warmth of the Canadian people and the beauty of the landscape with their young son. The decision to base themselves in Canada reflects the importance of this Commonwealth country to them both.” Harry was spotted hiking in Horth Hill Regional Park and jogging with Meghan in the neighbouring town of North Saanich. Meghan lived and worked in Toronto while starring in legal drama Suits and has a lot of friends in Canada. The couple had earlier posted a gorgeous black and white Christmas photo of Archie peering curiously at the camera lens. The Cambridges are also set to enjoy some “chill” time as they take their annual ski holiday early in the new year. It will be Louis’ first time at a ski resort. Carole and Michael will reportedly accompany the young family – and no doubt provide babysitting duties at their chalet! OK! WORDS: MICHELLE GARNETT PHOTOS: IMP FEATURES/MEGA/ELIOT PRESS/BACKGRID
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Pippa and Carole go for a swim
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Ben Hanlin, Lisa George, Libby Clegg, Perri Kiely, Joe Swash, Lucrezia Millarini, Caprice, Trisha Goddard, Kevin Kilbane, Maura Higgins and Ian ‘H’ Watkins
GET YOUR SKATES ON!
MEET THE DANCING ON ICE CLASS OF
CHEER UP THE JANUARY NIGHTS WITH A NEW BUNCH OF CELEB SKATERS
PHOTOS: ITV
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t’s the TV show to take away our January Blues. Dancing On Ice is returning to our screens on Sunday 5 January. And this year sees another star-studded cast hit the ice, including former Love Island star Maura Higgins, presenter Joe Swash and Corrie actress Lisa George. But the line-up hasn’t been without its hiccups. Michael Barrymore was hoping the show would mark his return to the spotlight but he was forced to pull out after taking a tumble during shooting for the show’s Christmas special – breaking his wrist. In a statement, the 67-year-old said, “I am absolutely devastated; I have loved every second of the journey so far with my wonderful dance partner Alex Murphy and the support from the public has been overwhelming. I have been fortunate enough to work with such a great bunch of people over the previous few months.” He’s since been replaced by Blue Peter presenter Radzi Chinyanganya, who was only given a fortnight to get his skates on and rehearse. But could Radzi pull a Kelvin Fletcher on Strictly – who stepped in at the last minute to replace injured Jamie Laing – and become the underdog who steals the show and wins? WWW.OK.CO.UK 15
AFTER A TOUGH DECADE
‘I GO THROUGH LOW POINTS REGULARLY – OUR FAMILY HAS REAL ISSUES’ DANCING ON ICE HOPEFUL TRISHA GODDARD OPENS UP TO OK!’S EMILY WHITWAM ABOUT HER STINT ON THE SHOW OVERCOMING CANCER AND DEPRESSION AND BEING LOVED UP AGAIN WITH HER MYSTERY MAN
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hen OK! sits down with Trisha Goddard at our exclusive photo shoot, we’re struck by how amazing the 62-year-old looks. A vision of health, she beams about her love of trail running between taking sips of her turmeric tea. With so much energy, positivity and a real zest for life, it’s no wonder she doesn’t seem remotely nervous about taking part in the new series of Dancing On Ice. But the London-born star has faced far worse challenges than whatever the reality show can throw at her. Trisha battled depression back in the 90s, overcame two failed marriages and fought for her life after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. Today, the former chat show host – who is mum to Billie, 30, and Madison, 26 – bases herself in Connecticut and has plenty to smile about. After
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splitting from her second husband Peter Gianfrancesco in 2017 after 20 years of marriage, she is loved up with a new man, who she only refers to as #Boo to keep his identity private. And Trisha is clearly head over heels for her mystery man as she excitedly shows OK! the Tiffany ring he gave her. Here, Trisha looks back on her darkest days but opens up about her happiness and not feeling like she’s in her sixties... Trisha, are you keeping your new man hidden away because of your previous relationships being in the spotlight? Yes, it’s definitely down to previous relationships. It started off as a joke, but then we realised our relationship was working by keeping things private. He’s amazing. He’s from Connecticut and we have a lot in common. He’s a widower and lost his wife to breast cancer, so now he’s a single dad. He’s also Jewish and
TRISHA WEARS DRESS BY REISS
‘ I THINK PEOPLE WILL SEE ANOTHER SIDE OF ME’
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they both now earn good incomes. We don’t expect a man to pay for us. You and your daughters have been through a lot together over the years, do you think that’s brought you closer? Hell, yeah! We’re the three musketeers. One falls over, the others get her up. We have real issues but we have an understanding. We had to be the nucleus of our family. How are they doing? Madi has just qualified as a specialist mental health social worker with the NHS. I’m really proud of her. Billie is a Time To Change ambassador. We’re all mental health activists and my mum and dad worked in mental health, too. Madi also does male drag – she runs a cabaret and earns very good money doing so.
understands what it’s like to be on the support each other completely. He receiving end of racism, especially now! bought me this Tiffany ring, it’s the first ring a man has ever bought me. I don’t do sparkles and I work out so it What does he do? had to be simple, but it’s beautiful. I’ve He’s in a management job and is the first boyfriend I’ve ever had who earns more than me. Can you believe, I had to wait until I was 60 to be bought a meal! He drives a luxury car, which I didn’t buy [laughs]! This is a first for me. I cook for him and he’s not had a partner who’s done that because it’s a different way of life in Connecticut. The men are all very wealthy and they just eat out all the time. He’s four years older than I am, but he has as much energy as me so we do things like always bought my own wedding rings going hiking together. and jewellery in the past, but he just bought it for me. It was a lovely gift. Is he supporting you through the But I was raised by my mum who told whole Dancing On Ice Process? me never to rely on a man for money. Both my daughters are the same and Of course, we’re great friends and we
In what sense? Well, I look back at my weight before my divorce and at the time I thought I looked great because I was a double zero. But really I was like a lollipop head and really underweight. My kids recently told me how worried they were at the time. What do you do now to combat any depression? I adapt my lifestyle to it. I keep active and I listen to music. Being outdoors is a huge mood lifter, so I make sure I go outside every day.
‘I’VE ALWAYS BOUGHT MY OWN WEDDING Do you feel like you can face anything now? RINGS’ God, no. I feel like every moment’s
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precious. I hate how people say things like, “beat cancer” like it’s a war, it always makes them sound weak. When you don’t know how long you’ve got, you make rash decisions. I don’t plan things and I don’t take time for granted now.
LEFT: TRISHA WEARS DRESS BY TOPSHOP BOUTIQUE RIGHT: TRISHA WEARS SUIT BY ASOS
You’ve been through many dark times in your life, including cancer, divorces, losing loved ones and addiction. What would you say was your lowest point in all of that? I go through low points regularly. Depression was the hardest because it’s not sexy. Nobody brings you cards and everybody avoids your eyes. Everyone says people who go through cancer are brave and it’s all decorated with pink ribbon. But I hate that, you don’t hear that kind of language associated with mental health. You feel very isolated and alone. I did a breast cancer fashion show and people applauded me for walking down a catwalk. I think it would have been braver for someone who suffers with a mental illness to have done that without having a panic attack. At least, when I was diagnosed with cancer, I knew there was something wrong with me rather than me just feeling like a failure and a wimp. Sometimes you don’t know you’ve been through a low point until you’re out of it.
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Do you still have to have regular check ups despite being 10 years clear? Yes, once a year because my eyes took a bit of a beating with the chemo, so I had to have a couple of operations on them. But the hospital is opposite a park, so in between each test I go for a run. I used to run to my daily radiotherapy and I remember once I was running up to the ward to have it done and I was late and this nurse shouted at me, “Walk, please, don’t run! Oh, my God, I’ve never said that on a cancer ward before.” [Laughs] I was so proud of myself! Where do you get the energy from? I’m sure if I was at school today, I’d be diagnosed with ADHD. I’ve always had lots of energy. I don’t know who my father was, but maybe it comes from him.
THIS PAGE: TRISHA WEARS SUIT BY ASOS, BLOUSE BY RALPH LAUREN FACING PAGE: TRISHA WEARS JUMPSUIT BY REISS
Do you ever worry about your cancer returning? No, but it’s definitely a reality. The only time I think about it is every spring when I have to go back and have my checks because it brings back all the memories.
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With daughters Madi and Billie Will it affect you at all on the ice? The toughest thing for me is my short-term memory. I really developed bad chemo brain, which also probably isn’t helped by the menopause. I’m like a goldfish [laughs]. But, I think skating will help to train my brain. You’ve also recently spoken about getting Botox for the first time… I don’t think there should be any taboo in getting Botox at my age. I had a tiny bit. When you get to 60 and survived cancer you can do whatever the hell you like [laughs]! But I think it’s ludicrous that girls are getting it when they’re so young, it’s all down to social media, which is sad.
‘I THINK SKATING WILL HELP TO TRAIN MY BRAIN’
Are you proud to be representing women over 60 on the ice? I seriously haven’t thought about it like that, because I don’t see myself as my age. What shocks me is all the sparkly outfits – I told them I don’t do sparkle! I’m such a tomboy. I’m also working really hard not to lose too much weight while I’m skating. I’ve already lost a dress size. I’ve upped my carbs, but if I eat them at lunch I’ll fall asleep! Who are you getting on with so far on the show? Caprice [Bourret] and I get along really well because she’s the next oldest in the competition, but it’s such a lovely and fun cast. We
all keep in contact on a WhatsApp group. Do you think you could win the competition? No! If I manage to perform and remember everything that would be me winning in my head. I think people will see another side of me, they think I’m fierce and serious but I’m mad really. I’m really happy #Boo is similar and doesn’t see the child in him as something to be ashamed of. He’s very secure in himself which, for me, is a first. OK! DANCING ON ICE BEGINS 5 JANUARY AT 6PM ON ITV PHOTOS: LORNA ROACH STYLIST: CAROLINE SULLIVAN HAIR AND MAKE-UP: ALEX GOLSHAHI
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ON THE RINK
‘I’M NOT WORRIED ABOUT A DANCING ON ICE CURSE!’ TV PRESENTER JOE SWASH TELLS OK!’S KIRSTY HATCHER HIS GIRLFRIEND STACEY SOLOMON HAS NOTHING TO FEAR
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uggling Dancing On Ice with a sixmonth-old baby can’t be easy, but luckily Joe Swash has his supportive girlfriend Stacey Solomon by his side every step of the way. “She did get a bit of the hump in the beginning but she understands that it’s really tough and if I don’t do it properly I’ll kill myself,” laughs Joe when we catch up with him during a break from rehearsals at the studios in Hertfordshire. The 37-year-old, who is dad to sevenmonth-old Rex with Stacey, is the first to admit he’s not the best ice skater, but he says that won’t stop him from giving it his all. “No one expects me to be a dancer or an ice dancer, so I’m just going to enjoy it without any pressure,” says Joe, who is partnered with Finnish skater and last year’s winner Alexandra Schauman. Here, Joe, who is also dad to Harry, 12, from a previous relationship, tells OK! about his many falls, missing out on family time, and why he’s not worried about a Dancing On Ice curse... Is training harder than having a newborn? I think both of them at the same time does make the whole thing a little bit harder. How is your training going? I’m a blank canvas and my trainer says that I’m best the person to work with. He says
the potential in me is amazing, but I’m holding back because I’m on a journey [laughs]! I do things too fast and with too much energy and on the ice that’s really dangerous. Yesterday I fell off the ice! Sometimes I look good, other times I look awful. I fell the other day and I literally pulled every single person down to the floor. Did you train Judges Jayne Torvill over Christmas? and Christopher Dean I need as much time lend a hand as possible! Stacey’s stepmum is a skating ill teacher. I haven’t used h her yet b but I will. h d on this hi really ll muscly l geezer’s ’ b d head body These things fall into my lap sometimes. so the neck is massive with a really tiny head. Her dad took it. I just wasn’t around. Are you and Stacey worried about a I’ve had to miss a few things but it has to Dancing On Ice curse? be done. She did get a bit of the hump in Not really. No one’s shown any interest in me! the beginning but she understands that I don’t think Stacey’s got anything to worry it’s really tough and if I don’t do it properly about. If anything, she could do with a bit of I’ll kill myself. time out [laughs]! We’ll leave that up to Perri Kiely. But he’s letting us down so far, he hasn’t Are you still pulling your weight at home really had any romance. Perri is in his own with the night feeds? competition then there’s Caprice and Ben Of course. I reckon I do about 70 per cent of Hanlin and then there’s the rest of us! the night feeds [laughs]. That’s off the record! No, we do share them. Stacey had to Photoshop you into the family Christmas card because you’ve How good are you at taking criticism? been so busy… I’ve taken quite a lot in my life. It’s like Did you see how bad it was? She put my water off a duck’s back. I’m alright with a bit of criticism, I think it’s good for you. It grounds you. Are you worried you could do a Todd Carty and stumble right off the set? The good thing is, no one expects me to be a dancer or an ice dancer, so I’m just going to do it with a smile and enjoy it without any pressure.
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Joe was Photoshopped onto the family Christmas card
What about falling over? I’m not worried about that. I’ve come to terms with it already. I just don’t know whether to smile it out or what. It’s like when you lose out on an award and you don’t know what to do with your face! OK! PHOTOS: ITV
‘I’VE TAKEN A LOT OF CRITICISM IN MY LIFE’
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LOVING THE SPINS
‘I’LL TELL THE JUDGES IF I THINK THEY’RE WRONG’ MAURA HIGGINS IS FOLLOWING IN SOME PRETTY BIG FOOTSTEPS WHEN IT COMES TO LOVE ISLAND STARS TAKING ON DANCING ON ICE
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orgeous Maura Higgins is the third Love Island star to grace the rink on Dancing On Ice and she has a lot to live up to. She follows 2017 Love Island winner Kem Cetinay, who managed fourth on the ice in 2018 and Wes Nelson, last year’s runner-up to James Jordan. “Wes was incredible. I’m under pressure!” says Maura, who appears to be very at home in her glitzy outfit when we sit down for a catch up during rehearsals. But the star, who became famed for her outspoken nature and was called a “feminist hero” during her time on the ITV2 dating show, says she won’t be scared to tell the judges if she thinks they’re wrong. Here, Maura, 29, still loved up with her Love Island co-star and The Greatest Dancer receptionist Curtis Pritchard, opens up to OK! about her performance nerves, Curtis’s support and her relationship with her professional dance partner Alexander Demetriou…
Has Curtis given you any tips for performing? No, I think it’s very different on the ice. Training is already hard enough without going home and practising in the evenings. It’s a lot of training. You want to take your mind off it when you go home. Will he come to watch you each week? Definitely. I’m very close to fellow Love Islanders Chris [Taylor], Molly-Mae [Hague], Tommy [Fury], Lucie [Donlan] and Joe [Garratt]. Some of them are coming. Has Wes given you any advice, having done so well last year? No. I haven’t asked for any. I’m just going to do the best I can. That’s all I can do. Do you trust your professional partner to lift you? I trust Alex 100 per cent. The lifts and spins and stuff haven’t been scaring me. I’ve been fine with all that. It’s the steps I’m struggling with. I love the spins and the lifts, I’ve been upside down and everything! I’m fine. Have you been getting on with Alex? We have a really good relationship. We have such a laugh and we take the p**s out of each other but we still get the work done. If I come in in a mood, he’ll just be like, “Oh, shut up.” I give it back to him. We bicker but we have a laugh. How are you about performing live? It’s terrifying. I keep forgetting the steps. I go into rehearsals every day and mess it up every time. I’m not a performer. I’ve never done anything like this in my life – I’m petrified!
WORDS: KIRSTY HATCHER PHOTOS: ITV, OK!/JAMES RUDLAND
Are you worried? Yeah. In the tunnel before we come out during rehearsals, my legs are like jelly. It’s so scary. Are you concerned about criticism from the judges? I still want to know what I’m not doing right. It’ll make me work harder the following week. If I disagree, I’m not going to be afraid to say it. I won’t cry – I’ll probably make them cry! In safe hands with Christopher Dean. Above left: Maura with boyfriend Curtis
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How are you feeling about winning the public over? I feel like it’s hard for me coming from Love Island. Obviously it was my mouth that got me to the final then, but on this I’m not talking! You just keep your mouth shut and smile. OK!
‘I GO INTO REHEARSALS EVERY DAY AND MESS IT UP EVERY TIME’
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SAME SEX OR NO SHOW
‘IF WE CAN MAKE A CHANGE LET’S DO IT’ FORMER STEPS STAR IAN H WATKINS REVEALS WHY HE AGREED TO TAKE PART IN DANCING ON ICE THIS YEAR
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inger Ian H Watkins will make history with his first Dancing On Ice performance later this week. The Steps star is part of the show’s first same-sex partnership, with his professional partner Matt Evers, and the 43-year-old says the partnership was so H and Matt important to him are ready that he wouldn’t to rumble have taken part in the show if it wasn’t on the table. Here, H, dad to threeyear-old twin boys Macsen and Cybi with his former partner Craig Ryder, tells OK! about the support he’s received from his former bandmates, who he’s backing to win and why a certain part of his anatomy is making the lifts tricky… How do you feel about being part of the first same-sex partnership? It’s about time! When I auditioned for the series back in the summer, I requested that it happened. There were lots of discussions and it wasn’t confirmed until about two weeks before.
WORDS: KIRSTY HATCHER PHOTOS: ITV, GETTY
How important was it to you? I did say to them that if it doesn’t happen, I’d bow out. Because it’s that important to me and a lot of other people. For me, growing up in the deep dark valleys of Wales, I had nobody. There was no visibility and no role models. So if me and Matt can make a change to somebody who is feeling lonely or isolated then let’s b****y do it. What do you think about Strictly Come Dancing getting complaints for their professional same-sex routine? They had 200 complaints, but 10 million people applauded. So screw them! 26
W What part of the training have y you found the hardest? W We’ve started to do lifts and w we’ve spoken about my bits g getting in the way and that hurts. It It’s just the constant battering yo your body gets daily. Matt eloquently put it that your b******s got in the way of one lift… That is true! We were doing a lift and I grabbed on to Matt and he went, “That’s my hole!” So I had my hand up his crack. Your Steps bandmate Faye Tozer did incredibly well on Strictly last year. Is there pressure to go as far? She smashed it. In my eyes she should have won. I’m just going to enjoy the journey. We’ve all said Perri [Kiely] has already won so let’s just enjoy the ride. Do you think you’ll give Matt an easier time than he got last year with Gemma Collins? It depends how he treats me! We’ve got a great rapport and he’s handsome as hell so I’m very happy. He’s eye candy. He’s the oldest serving pro! My life is literally in his hands.
BROKEN WRIST ENDS MICHAEL’S ICE TIME
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ichael Barrymore, 67, says he is “absolutely devastated” that he has had to quit Dancing On Ice after breaking his wrist in a “nasty fall” during rehearsals. He has been replaced by Blue Peter presenter Radzi Chinyanganya, who OK! spotted at the studios during the show’s press day. Radzi will be partnered with professional skater Jessica Hatfield. Michael said, “I have loved every second of the journey so far with my wonderful dance partner Alex Murphy and the public support has been overwhelming.” Speaking before his fall, Michael admitted to OK! he had “hit the deck a few times”. He said, “If I actually thought about what I was doing I’d probably say, ‘I can’t do this.’ It’s so scary.”
TINKER SKATER SOLDIER ON
‘I GET A LOT OF BRAIN FOG’ CORONATION STREET ACTRESS LISA GEORGE TALKS PERIMENOPAUSE AND WHY SHE HUNG UP HER ICE SKATES AFTER AN ACCIDENT AS A CHILD
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ressed in a glittery gold outfit with not a hair out of place, the 49-yearold looks every inch the skating star. It’s a big deal that Lisa is taking to the ice because when she was younger, she suffered a fall that made her put away her skates, seemingly for good. But after finding the courage to strap them back on, she says she wants to inspire other women her age to try new things. Here, Lisa, Beth Tinker in Corrie, tells us about her skating journey so far… How have you found training? I love it, but it’s frustrating and so intense. You have to remember the routines and I get a lot of brain fog. My partner [Tom Naylor] said to me today, “Every time we’ve done this, you’ve not once got it right.” It’s terrible, but I just forget! Tom has the patience of a saint. I tell him I’m so sorry he’s got me this year! He’s gorgeous and a lovely man. Why did you want to do the show? I’m going to hit 50 next year so I want to show women my age that you can try these things. And to show that, wow, she got back on the ice 40 years after stopping. I had a horrible accident when I was nine – I fell over and cut my chin open and it scared me so much I didn’t want to go back. It was 40 years ago so I’ve forgotten now! And I’m perimenopausal and dealing with that, you do lose your confidence. Your inhibitions get a lot higher when you get older. How are you finding the outfits? I love them. I love the 40s sweetheart neckline. I’m not skinny, so I think it’s more flattering for people of this shape. What advice have your Corrie co-stars who have done the show given you? I haven’t seen Brooke [Vincent] because she’s been on maternity leave, or Antony [Cotton], but I’ve seen Jane [Danson]. She basically told me to take care of myself and to make sure I get my sleep, eat properly and don’t let work push me to exhaustion. So you’re juggling the two shows? Yes. I’ve been leaving my house at 6am and getting home at midnight. I just don’t know how I’m going to do it. I said to them, “Is there any way you could write me out or cut me down?” They said, “You’re only busy the first three weeks [of the year]” and I said, “That’s the first three weeks of the show! I could be out after that!” OK! WORDS: KIRSTY HATCHER PHOTOS: ITV
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OPPOSITES ATTRACTED
JOHN WEARS TOP BY LACOSTE; SHORTS BY ASOS; WATCH BY BREITLING; AND SHOES BY LOUIS VUITTON. SCOTT WEARS TOP BY MARKS & SPENCER; SHORTS BY NEXT; TRAINERS BY TOMS; AND WATCH BY TUDOR
‘IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT FOR US!’
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OPENING UP THEIR STUNNING PALM SPRINGS HOME JOHN BARROWMAN AND SCOTT GILL TALK TO OK!’S KAT ROMERO ABOUT BABIES PAIN AND TV JUDGING
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hen OK! arrives at John Barrowman and his husband Scott Gill’s Palm Springs home, we’re greeted at the gate by the star himself. The couple’s home is stunning, with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a huge garden for their beloved three dogs, salt water pool, hot tub and shaded veranda for cocktails with stunning views of Mount San Jacinto. Not a bad life! One of the biggest debates in John and Scott’s household is over having a baby. John says he’s keen to adopt but Scott, 56, admits he’s not so thrilled at the idea of changing
nappies. “I just feel we have a lot of love to give,” John, 52, adds. The former Torchwood star is set for a big start to 2020 as he’s joining the judging panel of Dancing On Ice. He will sit alongside Torvill and Dean and Ashley Banjo, replacing Jason Gardiner who quit to pursue other avenues. But his new role was almost in jeopardy before it had even begun when he suffered an agonising neck injury after performing a dance move called the death drop. The actor and presenter was left crying on the floor in pain and forced to cancel dates on his A Fabulous
John Barrowman, Scott Gill and that terriďŹ c view WWW.OK.CO.UK WWW OK CO UK 29 29
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Scott and John have lived in their US home nearly five years
John, are you excited for Dancing On Ice? Yes! When they asked me to be a judge, it was an instant yes. I love shows that have a competitive aspect but not the backstabbing. What sort of judge are you going to be? Jason Gardiner was renowned for being Mr Nasty… I’m not Jason, but if something is s**t, I’m going to tell you! I’m not a scary judge. I like to mix with everyone. The other day, Gemma [Collins] told me she was so impressed that I was spending time with all the contestants. But that’s just me, I don’t want to be shut away in my dressing room. I want to get to know everyone and we’re still all part of the same family.
Ice judges Ashley Banjo, John, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean
How do you get on with the rest of the judging panel? We all hate each other! No, it’s so fun. Chris Dean looks at me and he’s like, “Here’s trouble.” I’m the naughty little WWW.OK.CO.UK 31
SCOTT WEARS TOP BY NEXT; AND TROUSERS BY MARKS & SPENCER. JOHN WEARS SHIRT BY NEXT; TROUSERS BY MARKS & SPENCER; AND WATCH BY BREITLING
Christmas Ch ristmas i s tour but after treatment has been told he’ll make a full recovery. Though he jokes that he won’t be able to bust his usual moves at parties. “No slut drops from me for a while!” Here, John and Scott open up about their lasting love, overcoming obstacles and how it was love at first sight…
b h – well, brother ll I shouldn’t h ld say that h because Ashley is younger than I am – I’m the naughty big brother. But Ashley is lovely too. He and I have already stashed sweets under our desk so between takes we can sit and eat our sweets. How about Holly and Phil? Yes, they’re great. I’m part of the This Morning family too, so I already know them well. I haven’t had a night out with Phil, and I haven’t really with Holly either. We’ve had drinks after shows, but I do plan on having some nights out with them. Phil and I go way back, he was on Going Live and I was on Live And Kicking. I think they should let Phil and I host h a couple of the shows together so the Silver Foxes can rule the roost! Your role on Dancing On Ice was almost thrown into uncertainty after you suffered a serious neck injury. What happened? I did this move and the pain was instant. I was on my knees, literally crying in pain.. I don’t cry in front of people. I was in agony and just saying ‘help me’. That must have been so scary? John: It was, because I was terrified I’d done some irreversible damage. Scott: It was awful to see him in so much pain. You feel helpless. John: Actually, I think you enjoyed it a bit [laughs]. But luckily Scott’s brother is one of the top neurosurgeons in the UK. He did an MRI and saw that it was my vertebrae and my facet joint, and I had the injections and within a couple of hours I felt the pain alleviate. 32
Alth Although h h tthey fell in love at first sight, John and Scott didn’t get together for a year
JOHN WEARS SUIT BY CHRIS KERR BESPOKE LONDON; SHIRT BY MOSS 1851; SHOES BY LOUIS VUITTON; AND WATCH BY BREITLING. SCOTT WEARS SUIT BY MOSS LONDON; SHIRT BY MOSS 1851; AND SHOES BY GUCCI
How are you feeling now? John: I should be fine but I’m still vulnerable, so it’s going to take some time. Scott: You’ve got to avoid throwing your head back. John: Yeah. I’m not going to be doing any death drops or slut drops anytime soon! You’ve been together for 27 years. How did you first meet? Scott: We met in the summer of ‘93. I skived off work to go and see John in a production of Rope. It was him and two other guys on stage completely naked. John: So he saw everything he was getting!
Scott: But it was weird because the moment I saw John, I was like, ‘Oh my god, that’s the guy.’ Was it the same for you, John? Yeah. Scott came backstage and I was actually putting my trousers on. When I turned around, I saw him and I thought the same thing. We hadn’t even spoken to each other but I knew he was the person I was going to spend the rest of my life with. It took us a year to actually get together though. We just kept bumping into each other. Like fate kept pushing us into each other’s paths.
Scott: Once we got together, I moved in about three months later. What do you think makes your relationship work so well? Scott: We’re basically polar opposites. John: We’re yin and yang, but we have arguments and row like everyone else. But I have a motto of never going to bed angry. He can go to bed angry no problems. Scott: I make him apologise first [laughs]. John: Don’t try to change people, either. We’ve been together for so long and stupid things happen, but you have to ask yourself, “Is it worth breaking what you have for silly WWW.OK.CO.UK 33
SCOTT AND JOHN WEAR T-SHIRTS AND SHORTS ALL BY FOREVER SEWING
‘We both flirt! But we know we’re going home together, so it’s all fine’
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little things?” Like, if at a Christmas party, someone gets a little tipsy and snogs somebody, that’s not a reason to split up. It’s not a reason to turf somebody out, you know what I mean? Let’s get real. Scott: If he flirts with somebody, I enjoy it! John: We both flirt! But we know we’re going home together, so it’s all fine. John, you mentioned during your time on I’m A Celeb that you wanted to adopt but Scott was a little hesitant… John: Oh, we had this same argument just last night! I keep seeing people having their kids and I just think we have a lot of love to offer. m Scott: I love dogs, but I’m not so keen on babies. I love the idea of fostering a young child of like seven or eight – who I could teach stuff, but who’s past the nappy stage. But I’ve always said I’d have a baby if you wanted to. John: Last night I said you can’t put it on me – it’s not like going to Dogs Trust and coming back with something. You have to be involved. So if we talk about fostering, you instigate it!! John, you’ve spoken in the past about homophobia you’ve faced throughout your life. Have you faced that kind of prejudice in your marriage? John: When we wanted to buy our first house together in the ‘90s, we had to lie to get a mortgage. Scott: There is a section on the forms that asks you ‘are you a homosexual?’ John: If you said ‘yes’, you were immediately sent for an AIDS test. We couldn’t get insurance if we admitted we were gay because they would say you have to go and get an AIDS test – you’re high risk. Scott: I used to enjoy the fact that when we first started dating we could hold hands and people would do a double take! Tell us about your gorgeous home… Scott: We’ve been here for coming up to five years. We did a substantial bit of work to it – not to the overall form, but we fitted new windows at the back. John: Remember when we walked in for the first time? We saw the space and we envisioned it. We walked out into the back yard, saw the mountain, and I grabbed him and went, “We have to have this!”
What’s your favourite thing about the house? Scott: I love the view. I love waking up in the morning. We can press a button on the bed and the blinds go up. I also love the TV room. You sit in this big, relaxing sofa, with a big screen TV, looking out at the view, and the dogs are playing outside. John and I have a routine. We cook dinner in the living room, we watch movies, then we go to bed and we watch the late night headlines and read a book. John: Don’t forget that at 5pm every day we sit down and have a cocktail. Scott: By the pool! John: My favourite space is the kitchen. The island unit costs more than a car!
‘WE SAW THE MOUNTAIN AND I GRABBED HIM AND WENT “WE HAVE TO HAVE THIS”’ And we saw your Dalek. Was that a parting gift from Torchwood? John: It’s the actual Dalek that killed me. But I bought it. Are you kidding me? The BBC don’t give anything away! That cost £9,500. So if anyone says I got it for nothing, I make sure they know that I actually bought it from the BBC! OK! PHOTOS: LORNA ROACH/OK!, ASSISTED BY: JOSH BRYANT STYLIST: HARRIET WHEELER ASSISTED BY: SOPHIE GOODWIN MAKE-UP: LAUREN SEGALA FOR CHELSEA NICOLE MAKE-UP & HAIR. HAIR: COURTNEY WARD FOR CHELSEA NICOLE MAKE-UP & HAIR
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KYM’SCOLUMN
‘TROLLS NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE’ OUR COLUMNIST TALKS ABOUT HER UPSET AFTER BEING THE VICTIM OF AN ONLINE TROLL AND WHY WILL BE AN EXCITING YEAR FOR HER
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espite having a lovely time over the festive season, I was really angry, upset and hurt over a vile comment left by a troll on one of my photos. I’d posted a picture of my hair to thank my friend for cutting it. I just wanted to tell him how much I missed him and didn’t think anything of putting the selfie on Instagram. Then a troll commented that I was “acting aven nice” and that I should go to heaven like my “s*** of a son”. As you probably already know, I lost my son Archie in 2009 after he was born at just 21 weeks and five days. So I was horrified and in tears reading such cruel words. What kind of person writes something like that? I never care when people say stuff about me – they don’t know me personally so I just shrug it off. But to say something about my late
son is just beyond belief. That is the lowest of the low. They deleted the comment but I posted it on my account to name and shame them. The account claimed to be ‘Charley Webb’s biggest fan’ but Charley is the auntie of my son. So what were they thinking? Charley even commented about how disgusting she found the troll’s comment. I reported them and I hope something can be done. I don’t want them saying hor horrible stuff like that to other people. We need to stand up to trolls. They shouldn’t be allowed to post whatever they want. It can cause so much hurt and upset and there’s no justification for it.
THIS YEAR IS A NEW CHAPTER FOR ME
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t’s rare that I make New Year’s resolutions because it sets me up to fail! But I certainly feel like 2020 is an exciting year for me. When I was in Coronation Street, there was so much I couldn’t do because you’re too tied down with the filming schedule. Now I’m open to take on lots of new things. I’ve just done an independent film alongside Martin Kemp [above left] and Luke Goss and I’d love to do more. I’d love to do some good TV dramas and maybe some theatre? People keep asking me if I’d be tempted to go to LA and audition for roles out there. At the moment I’ve got commitments here in the UK but in the future, who knows? One thing I will say is that I’d rather try and fail than never try at all. The biggest lesson I learnt in 2019 was to not take people for granted and cherish the precious moments. Especially with my partner Scott being away on his tour of duty. I’ve also learnt to do what makes you happy and go for your goals.
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PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
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NO TO PROMO!
was surprised to read that a few celebrities were tricked by the BBC into promoting a drink on their Instagram that contained cyanide. I don’t want to have a pop at these stars and I would like to think they didn’t realise what cyanide was or what the drink contained. But personally, I would never promote anything I hadn’t tried myself on my social media. And I would certainly run for the hills if someone asked me to promote something with cyanide! OK!
AFTER A TOUGH FEW WEEKS
‘I’M DOING ALL I CAN TO KEEP MY HEAD ABOVE WATER AND SORT THIS OUT’ PRESENTER CAROLINE FLACK IS REPLACED ON LOVE ISLAND BY FRIEND LAURA WHITMORE
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aroline Flack looked pensive as she left Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court after pleading not guilty to an assault charge. It followed an altercation at her north London home with boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27. The court hearing, which fell just two days before Christmas, left the TV presenter facing an uncertain 2020. Caroline stepped down as host of Love Island, explaining it was, “In order not to detract from the attention of the Caroline has upcoming series.” stepped down There was also from Love Island doubt over the future of her new series The Surjury for Channel 4, where members of the public try to convince a panel to allow them to have cosmetic procedures. Caroline had been due to fly to Cape Town, South Africa, ahead of the start of the winter version of Love Island, which airs on 8 January. Describing the dating show as “my world for the last five years”, she said she was “absolutely devastated” to turn her back on it, but added it was the “best thing I can do”. Taking Caroline’s place for series six as host and presenter of spin-off show Aftersun, is her close friend, Irish presenter Laura Whitmore, 34. In an online statement following the bust-up that left Lewis needing hospital treatment, Caroline wrote, “There have been a significant number of media reports and allegations in regards to my personal life. While matters were not as have been reported, I am committed to co-operating with the appropriate authorities and I can’t comment further on these matters until the legal process is over.” She added that she had never experienced such “kindness and love in my whole life” following the upsetting incident. Showing her support for Laura’s appointment, Caroline said, “I’m glad it’s Laura... She loves the show as much as I do... again... thank you for your continuous messages of support... it’s a really rough time... but I’m doing all I can to keep my head above water and sort this all out.” In the days after Caroline’s arrest and bail, she was believed to be staying in a London
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hotel and then spent Christmas with close friends. There were claims that the 40-year-old’s inner circle were providing round-the-clock comfort. Tennis coach Lewis was thought to be at his parents’ home in Kent. Caroline is due to face trial in March and is not allowed to contact Lewis as part of her bail conditions. Confirming her new role, Laura said, “I wish it was in better circumstances. Caroline is a brilliant host and also a friend. We’ve With her spoken a lot in the boyfriend last few days since Lewis she stepped down. She has been very kind to me and strongly pushed me for this role. I’ve watched her host every series and know I have big boots to fill. I will try to do it justice. I’m a massive fan of this show. I’ve never been to a Love Island villa and I can’t wait to get in there.” Laura’s boyfriend of two years, Iain Stirling, 31, does the show’s voiceover, and Laura added, “He thought he was getting a holiday away from me… not a chance!” OK! WORDS: MICHELLE GARNETT PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES, MIRRORPIX, ITV
Lewis leaves court after plea hearing
THE STATS ON LAURA ◆ The Irish presenter began her career as the face of MTV Europe in 2008. ◆ She competed in 2016’s Strictly Come Dancing with Giovanni Pernice and was the sixth contestant voted off. ◆ She has been linked with actors Richard Madden and Leonardo DiCaprio, model David Gandy and One Direction singer Niall Horan.
◆ Laura hosted Survival Of The Fittest in January 2018 and has previously fronted I’m A Celebrity’s spin-off show. ◆ She moved in with boyfriend Iain Stirling (right) in London in 2018. ◆ In October she revealed she had tragically suffered a miscarriage just weeks after discovering she was
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pregnant, but said the experience made her sure she wants children one day.
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NAPPY NEW YEAR
BLOOMING BEAUTIFUL!
THE STORK’S GOING TO BE VERY BUSY IN BRINGING LITTLE BUNDLES OF JOY TO THESE EXCITED COUPLES
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RONAN AND STORM KEATING
oyzone singer Ronan announced his big news on Magic FM in November, cheekily telling listeners, “We have a story that actually matters. Storm and I are having a baby!” His wife later posted a photo of their two-year-old son Cooper kissing her bump, with the caption, “Another little Keating is on the way.” Ronan
and TV producer Storm tied the knot in 2015, four years after meeting on the Australian version of The X Factor. Storm said last April, “The idea of trying to manage another child on top of everything else and our crazy lifestyle is not exciting, but there is certainly a possibility for Coop to have a little buddy.”
LUCY-JO HUDSON AND LEWIS DEVINE
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ormer Hollyoaks and Coronation Street star Lucy-Jo is due to give birth to a boy with her partner Lewis Devine next month. The actress, 36, who already has a six-year-old daughter, Sienna-Rae, with her ex-husband, Corrie’s Alan Halsall, teamed up exclusively with OK! magazine for the gender reveal. She told us, “I knew it was a boy from the start! My bump is lower with this little one and everything has been so different, with cravings and morning sickness.” Lewis added, “I would have been happy either way. but I’m very excited for a boy. It’s a son to carry on the family name.” The couple met doing panto in 2017 and plan to marry after their son is born.
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LUCY MECKLENBURGH AND RYAN THOMAS
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wo years after meeting on Celebrity Island With Bear Grylls and less than three months after a romantic proposal on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Ryan, 35, and fiancée Lucy, 28, announced their “nappy news”. They also filmed their gender reveal, showing Ryan’s daughter Scarlett, 10, shedding tears of joy after learning she’s getting a baby brother. Fitness guru Lucy, who’s due next month, admitted the early weeks of pregnancy were like “a three-month hangover from hell without the fun night before”. Although her “amazing” second trimester allowed her to work out three to five times a week, she recently said the final few weeks have brought symptoms including back pain, shortness of breath, spots and a “fear of sneezing” as, she said, “everything is getting bigger except my bladder!”
MILLIE MACKINTOSH AND HUGO TAYLOR
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illie and Hugo, from Made In Chelsea, say they are “so excited” about becoming firsttime parents in May. The mum-tobe, who craved “beige food” at 17 weeks pregnant, admitted she “really wanted” a daughter and was thrilled when she found out her new arrival is, indeed, a girl. Millie, 30, and Hugo, 33, who dated during their time on the reality show, reunited following her 2016 divorce from rapper Professor Green, and wed in June 2018. Millie, whose family created Quality Street, said, “I want to do it the same time as my besties so we can all be mums together.” Her friend Vogue Williams, married to Hugo’s best man Spencer Matthews, confirmed that she and Millie had a “baby pact” to get pregnant at the same time.
FELICITY JONES AND CHARLES GUARD
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ctress Felicity and her husband of 18 months Charles, 43, are expecting their first child this year. The notoriously private English actress, 36, debuted her bump at the New York premiere of The Aeronauts last month and her reps confirmed the happy news. Discussing balancing motherhood with career, the Oscar nominee previously said, “Fortunately, I feel like we’re in a new era, where it is empowering rather than limiting to have children. From what I can see from friends and relatives, women get stronger and more decisive from having children. They don’t waste their time doing things they don’t want to.”
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LYDIA BRIGHT AND LEE CRONIN
OLA AND JAMES JORDAN
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he former Strictly Come Dancing professionals have already pooh-poohed the “ridiculous” idea of raising their first child as gender neutral when he or she arrives in March. The couple, who got married in 2003, turned to IVF after experiencing fertility struggles for three years. Describing the process as “really hard”, Ola, 37, told Loose Women, “You inject yourself every evening. You’re swollen even before you get pregnant.” And reliving the moment she told James, 41, the news, the mum-to-be said she was so happy she couldn’t get the words out!
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ormer TOWIE star Lydia says her pregnancy was very much planned, despite breaking up with her baby’s dad, Lee, 32. Lydia, who’s expecting a girl, wrote on social media, “I believe there is no point stressing over something you can’t change. I have so much to look forward to and so much to be positive about, whatever will be will be.” Like her BF Lucy Mecklenburgh, Lydia, 29, is due next month, letting slip that they’re, “#5DaysApart.”
JENNA DEWAN AND STEVE KAZEE
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ctress and dancer Jenna is expecting her first child with her boyfriend of just over a year, Steve. She already has a six-year-old daughter, Everly, with her ex-husband, Magic Mike star Channing Tatum. The pair split in April 2018. Jenna and Steve said they “couldn’t be happier to be expanding our family”. Jenna, 39, revealed Everly is very excited, adding, “She’s really protective. It’s been cute. She’s worried about what I’m eating.”
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MICHELLE McMANUS AND JEFF NIMMO
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ormer Pop Idol winner Michelle delighted fans just before Christmas when she revealed she was pregnant with her first child – two years after marrying Jeff Nimmo. The happy pair announced the news with a festive Instagram photo. Michelle captioned the post, “On the 10th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me Our very own little baby… Baby Nimmo due early 2020.” Michelle married Jeff in her native Scotland in 2017 after two years of dating. The pair got engaged in 2016 during a romantic break to the Spanish island of Tenerife.
MILLA JOVOVICH AND PAUL ANDERSON
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he actress revealed in August that she is pregnant with her third child, two years after being forced to abort a baby when she went into labour at just four months. The Resident Evil star, 43, explained that she is struggling with a “mixture of feelings ranging between complete joy and utter terror”. She said, “Because of my age and losing the last pregnancy, I didn’t want to get attached to this potential baby too quickly.” Milla is already mum to daughters Ever, 11, and Dashiel, four, with her film director husband Paul, 54.
BECKY AND JAMIE VARDY
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hen Becky told us last August she was expecting her fifth child, she didn’t expect to be making headlines for a very different reason just two months later. The 37-year-old found herself in a very public “WAG war” after Coleen Rooney claimed someone using Becky’s Instagram account sold stories on her. The allegations left Becky distraught but she’s now
focusing on the future and recently shared an amazing 3D scan of her unborn child, writing, “We can’t wait to meet you.” Jamie, who turns 33 this month, and Becky already have two children, daughter Sofia, five, and son Finley, nearly three. The Leicester City striker has Ella, nine, from a previous relationship, while Becky is mum to Megan, 13, and Taylor, eight.
RICHARD GERE AND ALEJANDRA SILVA
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hey welcomed their first baby together, son Alexander, in February last year, but it’s been reported that Richard Gere and his wife Alejandra are set to become parents again. Asked whether he was bothered about being an older dad, Richard recently said, “Not at all.” Richard, 70, also has a 19-year-old son, Homer, with his ex-wife Carey Lowell, while Alejandra, 36, has a six-year-old son with her former husband Govind Friedland. The couple wed in an Indian-inspired ceremony early last year. Afterwards, Richard said, “I’m the happiest man in the universe. How could I not be? I’m married to a beautiful woman who is smart and sensitive, committed to helping people, who’s fun, patient and knows how to forgive, who’s a great cook, and who makes the best salads in the world.”
SHERIDAN SMITH AND JAMIE HORN
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heridan confirmed in November that she’s not only pregnant, but is having a little boy. The 38-year-old star of stage and screen revealed her baby’s gender by holding up a cute pair of blue denim dungarees in a clip shared on her Instagram Stories. “Can’t wait to meet my ‘lil man,” she later wrote. Sheridan and insurance broker Jamie, 28, met on the Tinder dating site a year ago, got engaged in May and began discussing family plans after she felt broody working with children in the West End production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. OK! WORDS: MICHELLE GARNETT PHOTOS: GETTY, DIANE THOMPSON, SHUTTERSTOCK
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COUPLING UP
WEDDING FEVER! IT’S TIME TO DIG OUT OUR HATS AS A WHOLE HOST OF STARS ARE SET TO WALK DOWN THE AISLE IN
JENNIFER LOPEZ AND ALEX RODRIGUEZ
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ctress J.Lo got engaged to former sports star A-Rod after a romantic beach proposal but the pair have remained coy about the details of their wedding. Alex said recently, “When you think about wedding plans and Jennifer is your partner, you do a lot of nodding. I don’t know where, I don’t know what I’m wearing, I don’t know when. I’ll just show up.” Jennifer stunned fanss recently by wearing a huge wedding dress forr an upcoming movie role but insisted her real dress wouldn’t be as big. She said, rry “That one is a lot to carry around. Too big.”
PRINCESS BEATRICE AND EDOARDO MAPELLI MOZZI
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he princess got engaged to 34-year-old property tycoon Edoardo in Italy in September. Beatrice, 31, and her fiancé said, “We are both so excited to be embarking on this life adventure together.” The nuptials are already tipped to feature a huge celebrity guest list, including Ellie Goulding, who sang Your Song at the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding in 2011. Beatrice and Ellie’s friendship came to light on a recent episode of Michael McIntyre’s Big Show when, in response to an appeal for song lyrics sent to contacts on Ellie’s phone, the royal replied, “From wedding chats to Saturday evening, I adore this lady with every feeling.”
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AMY DOWDEN AND BEN JONES
he enjoyed a hugely successful Strictly with partner Karim Zeroual, but Amy Dowden’s 2020 is going to be just as exciting as she’ll be tner tying the knot with partner Ben Jones, also a pro dancer. The pair got engaged in 2018 at a New Year’s Eve party. Dianne Buswell and Oti Mabuse are set to be bridesmaids.
GRAZIANO DI PRIMA AND GIADA LINI
LOUISA LYTTON AND BEN BHANVRA
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he EastEnders star exclusively revealed her engagement to boyfriend Ben in OK! back in May after he popped the question on a trip to the Maldives for her 30th birthday. Louisa revealed she was shocked by the proposal and burst into tears. She said, “My life has done a complete 180. If you told me five years ago I’d have a stable job working on a show I love and be engaged, I would never have believed you. When I saw him on one knee I started crying like a baby. I was so excited but my brain went into overdrive and I started freaking out.”
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he Strictly star popped the question to Giada Lini in May and they have booked their wedding for June 2020. The romantic dancer got down on one knee during a performance of live dance show Burn The Floor and asked Giadi, er in a backing dancer the 2018 Strictlyy series and the 2019 Blackpool special, to be his wife.
JAMES MIDDLETON AND ALIZEE THEVENET
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ate and Pippa’s younger brother announced his engagement to girlfriend Alizee Thevenet in October. The couple first met at the members only South Kensington Club over a year ago. It’s thought Prince George, six, Princess Charlotte, four, and 20-month-old Prince Louis will play a part in their uncle’s big day. James, 32, has also said one of his dogs, who he has credited for helping him through his mental health struggles, will have a role. He said, “I still don’t know which one, but they will be one of the keys of that day.”
EMMA STONE AND DAVE McCARY
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hey announced their engagement last month when Saturday Night Live writer Dave posted a couples selfie on Instagram – with Emma showing off a sparkler. The pair have remained tight-lipped about wedding plans and have only been spotted out a handful of times since first being pictured together two years ago. OK! WORDS: KAT ROMERO PHOTOS: ELIYZ/OK!, LORNA ROACH/OK!, PRINCESS EUGENIE/BUCKINGHAM PALACE VIA GETTY IMAGES, SHUTTERSTOCK
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WHAT ARE THE ODDS?
ANOTHER ROYAL BABY? YOU BETCHA!
HERE ARE THE BIGGEST STORIES THE BOOKIES ARE PREDICTING FOR
WILL WILLIAM AND KATE HAVE BABY NUMBER FOUR?
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ookmakers are convinced that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge aren’t finished when it comes to expanding their family. And Diana, the name of William’s late mother, is a firm favourite for the name if they have another girl!
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WILL JENNIFER LOPEZ WIN AN OSCAR?
ver since Hustlers was released, the Oscar buzz around Jennifer Lopez has been electric. The actress, who plays veteran stripper Ramona Vega, will face stiff competition from Laura Dern, who is odds-on favourite to win for her role in Marriage Story.
DIANA
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ALEXANDER
JACK
THEODORE
OLIVER
JENNIFER LOPEZ WINNING THE BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS OSCAR FOR HUSTLERS
WHO WILL BE THE NEXT JAMES BOND?
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ith Daniel Craig set to sign off as 007 in 2020, speculation about who will replace him has reached fever pitch. Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba and Tom Hardy’s names have always been in the hat, but there could be a shock with Outlander star Sam Heughan causing plenty of interest.
TOM HIDDLESTON
WILL VICTORIA BECKHAM PERFORM AT GLASTONBURY?
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fter Victoria Beckham shunned the Spice Girls reunion last year, chatter soon turned to whether or not the band will perform at Glastonbury’s 50th anniversary later this year. And will Victoria be joining them? The bookies believe so…
VICTORIA BECKHAM TO REJOIN THE SPICE GIRLS IN
SPICE GIRLS TO PLAY MAIN STAGE AT GLASTONBURY
SAM HEUGHAN
TOM HARDY
IDRIS ELBA
WHO WILL DESIGN PRINCESS BEATRICE’S WEDDING DRESS?
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ith Princess Beatrice rumoured to be tying the knot with her fiancé Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in June, talk has already started about who will design her wedding dress. The hot favourite is Stella McCartney, who designed the Duchess of Sussex’s gorgeous halterneck gown for the evening reception of her 2018 wedding.
STELLA MCCARTNEY
ERDEM
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: ODDSMONKEY.COM PHOTOS: BACKGRID, GETTY IMAGES, SHUTTERSTOCK
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EXERCISING BODY AND SOUL
‘WORKING OUT CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GOOD DAY AND A BAD ONE’ DAVINA McCALL TALKS TO OK!’S KAT ROMERO ABOUT WHY SHE HATES ALL DIETS AND WHY YOU CAN NO LONGER ‘HIDE’ FROM FITNESS
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avina McCall became an advocate for health and fitness after releasing her hugely successful first workout DVD Power Of 3 in 2004. Fifteen years on, the presenter is just as dedicated and has set up her own website to help other women hit their targets. But it’s not just a number on a scale that pushes Davina to work hard, as she insists that exercise is essential for good moods. The 52-year-old endured a tough 2017 after splitting from husband Matthew Robertson after 17 years of marriage but has since found new love with hairdresser Michael Douglas. Opening up recently about overcoming hurdles in her life, Davina said, “This year has been amazing. I have got a new man. I’m very happy. All in all it’s been a great year. I am enjoying life so much.” Here, the star opens up about fitness, finding happiness and growing older… What does well-being mean to you? It’s really hard to explain well-being because it sounds like we’re teaching people to meditate, but it’s not like that. It’s real tips on how women and men can live better lives. Well-being is self-care, not feeling alone, and that’s the important part off y I the community.
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Davina says exercise is “essential”
think possibly the thing that surprised me the most, that’s come out of nowhere is that our Facebook community has built up into a really beautiful, solid place of comfort and love.
Do you find the effects of working out are uplifting, too? They are. And we’re not talking about extreme exercise, anything helps – even the sma smallest amount. I just talked to a girlfriend of mine who is really sad and I said to her, “Now is the time you need to do lots of little things that make you feel better, and exercise is one of those things.” She loves exercising but at the moment doesn’t feel like doing it. But she does need to try because it will also help her mentally. It’s so important to just go for it and not to wait until you ‘feel rready’. I definitely work out for m my mind as well as my body. …and husband W Working out can mean the of 17 years d difference between a good Matthew d day and a bad day for me. It’s Robertson n not just something I do for fun, it it’s essential.
Do you feel like exercise gets harder as you get older? I’m definitely not doing as much extreme stuff as I used to because I know I have to be aware of injury. I’m still doing really good cardio but I have to be a bit more careful with the weights and the extreme power stuff because I’m more likely to pull a tendon or something. When you do that you are out for ages and it’s so annoying. I do lots of bodyweight exercises, like planking. It’s all slightly less extreme than I used to do, but it still keeps me toned.
Have you had any serious exercise injuries? I had a hip injury in 2018 that I thought was just a niggle, so I carried on working out with it. I thought the niggle would go away and it didn’t. In fact, it got a bit worse. I went to see a specialist and he did a scan, and it was a tendon issue. He told me I had to rest it, so I did for a bit, and then I went for a run and I twanged it again and got really upset. It took a year to heal fully. How do you feel about faddy diets? I’m anti diets because basically all that the word ‘diet’ makes you want to do is eat more. If you eat too much, eat a bit less. It is really that simple. One faddy diet I was annoyed about was when someone nicked my name and used it to promote the keto diet. I don’t agree with diets, full stop, and I was cross that a company was using me to front something I don’t agree with. I think everybody knows what is and isn’t good for them. You can’t hide away from health and fitness any more. You can’t pretend you don’t know how to do it because you can access it so easily. I eat everything and I don’t cut out any food groups. I keep sugar to the bare minimum because it makes me feel terrible afterwards, but I eat everything in moderation. OK! GO TO OWNYOURGOALSDAVINA.COM TO SIGN UP FOR A FREE 10-DAY TRIAL. DAVINA’S FITNESS RANGE IS AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON. PHOTOS: CAMERA PRESS/JAY BROOKS, GETTY IMAGES
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THROUGH THE KEYHOLE
CALIFORNIAN CRIBS FANCY SEEING HOW THE RICH AND FAMOUS LIVE? TAKE A PEEK AT THESE JAW-DROPPING MEGA-BUCKS MANSIONS
The luxury pad even has a shark tank
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THE OBAMAS
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ave you ever lived anywhere with an open-air shark aquarium? The Obamas have! The former US president and first lady rented this luxury Hollywood Hills home last year when their production company, Higher Ground Productions, was securing a huge deal to produce programmes for Netflix. The seven-bedroom, 12-bathroom abode has walls of glass throughout, which slide away to give an indoor-outdoor living layout. Although Barack is said to be a fan of honey ale, there’s also a temperature controlled wine room and a tequila and vodka freezer. The master suite includes a living area, private terrace, walk-in wardrobe and even its own kitchenette, while the bathroom has a rainfall shower. If that’s not enough, there’s also an infinity pool, cinema, a humidity controlled room used for storing cigars and a “wellness centre” complete with resistance pool, sauna, gym and massage room. The property is currently on the market for a hefty £17 million and with the Obamas rumoured to be looking for a permanent pad in the area, it’s a strong contender on their property wish list. WWW.OK.CO.UK 51
MEL GIBSON
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scar-winning actor and director Mel Gibson has put his remote Malibu property on the market for a cool £10.8 million, which could secure him a £2 million profit. The rustic estate, tucked away in a canyon, was once owned by The X Files star David Duchovny and is spread out over five acres, making it the perfect secluded hideaway for A-listers. The two-storey, stone-clad house features exposed wood beams, hardwood floors and large fire places. Wrought iron chandeliers in the great room and den add to the Olde World ambience. The main house has five bedrooms, four bathrooms and
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nearly 6,600 sq ft of living space. A French farmhouse-style kitchen offers picture windows looking out to the Pacific Ocean. Located in a separate wing, the master suite is home to a free-standing, roll top bath tub and looks out on to a private balcony. In the spacious grounds, which are kept shaded by eucalyptus trees, are two ocean-view pools, a gym and a dining pergola covered in grape vines. Guests can stay in their own separate, cosy two-bed apartment above the garage.
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AARON PAUL
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tar of Breaking Bad Aaron Paul has just put his 1931 four-bedroom abode in Los Angeles, once home to Brad Pitt, on sale for an eye-watering £1.69 million. It has a typical southern California feel with arched doorways, beamed ceilings and beautiful Spanish-style floor and wall tiles. The window-lined living space is dominated by a huge stone fireplace and comfy sofas, while the master suite offers sweeping views of downtown LA from the balcony. Outside in the lush garden, stairs lead to an outdoor seating area featuring a fountain and fire pit. There’s also an al fresco chandeliered
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dining area. With the addition of a private cinema, cosy den and bar, it’s a prime party pad. Aaron and his wife Lauren, who welcomed a daughter, Story, in 2018, have already snapped up a new property in nearby San Feliz for their growing family. OK!
WORDS: MICHELLE GARNETT PHOTOS: COMPASS, GETTY, HILTON & HYLAND, NOEL KLEINMAN COURTESY OF SMITH & BERG PARTNERS
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STRICTLY HOME COOKING
‘I NEVER WATCH MYSELF ON TV – I’D BE SICK!’
AS SHE SWAPS DANCING FOR BAKING CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN TALKS LIPSTICK CHILLI CON CARNE AND KEEPING WARM WITH MARY BERRY
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he’s a regular fixture on our screens as the co-host of Strictly Come Dancing and is set to star in the new series of Best Home Cook alongside Mary Berry. But Claudia Winkleman can’t watch herself on TV. The 47-year-old, who’s been married to film producer Kris Thykier since 2000 and is mum to Jake, 16, Matilda, 13, and Arthur, eight, says her kids don’t watch her either – but her mum, journalist Eve Pollard often texts her during Strictly and comments on her look. Claudia has been a familiar face on our screens since 1992 when she appeared on BBC travel show Holiday. She’s now one of the highest paid presenters, but the star insists she doesn’t take her success for granted and says she feels incredibly lucky to still be in such demand. Here, the star opens up about working with Mary Berry, getting emotional on set and why she’s still surprised by her incredible success… You’re one of TV’s most in-demand hosts. Do you enjoy watching yourself on screen? No. I never have. I don’t believe anything I do goes on telly. I’ve never watched myself. I can’t or I’d be sick. I mean, I can’t imagine how irritating I am. I’m really grateful that I’m p employed, though!
On the town with husband Kris Thykier
is so magnificent about her is she puts everyone at ease – from cameraman to contestant. She’s the kindest girl. Did you eat a lot while filming? Somebody made an Arnold Bennett omelette. I have never eaten it before and I swear, my head shot off my shoulders. It was the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten in my life. The crew – who were adorable, I should say – and all of production know when something extraordinary has happened on the floor because the smell goes round. They made this omelette and there were literally 30 of us eating it with our hands. Is there any food you won’t eat? I don’t believe in rice pudding or custard.
Do your children watch you on TV? No. The oldest one is mortified. It’s like, “Can you stop doing it?” I was like, “You know those trainers you’re wearing…” So no, they don’t watch, they’re not interested. What about your parents? My mum texts me during Strictly, yeah. She’ll say, “Why not wear a red lipstick?” And I’m like, “It’s been seven years and it will always be Tippex.” You’re about to host Best Home Cook with Mary Berry. What’s she like? Mary Berry is a goddess. We both get cold easily so we sit in a room with a couple of hot water bottles down our trousers. The heating is on full and we’re sat there with blankets. Mary is funny as hell and what
Do you get as emotional on the show as you do on Strictly? The final of this show is quite emotional. Like with Strictly, you spend an intense amount of time together when people are trying to perfect something, and I’m on their side and I only want them to cook brilliantly. I want them to do well because they’ve given up a lot of time. These people are home cooks so they’ve left their homes, kids and family, and they miss home. How are your own cooking skills? I love cooking but I’d never make pasta from scratch. I make things that are quite straightforward. I make chicken, I like roasting and I like pan things. But I love people coming round. I like feeding people. What’s your signature dish? I make a good chilli con carne. When I fell in love, 100 years ago, with my husband, I knew he loved chilli con carne. Are you happy to continue hosting Best Home Cook and Strictly? If they’ll have me! I mean, I just think I’ll get fired any minute. As I said, I don’t even think this goes out on telly. It’s an elaborate home video my parents have created to make me feel good about myself! You’ve been presenting for so long and achieved so much success. How does that feel? I don’t want to take it for granted. I’m incredibly lucky and that’s all I can say. I appreciate it and I’ve already had too long a ride, let’s be honest! OK!
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Best Home Cook judges Angela Hartnett, Claudia, Mary Berry and Chris Bavin, with contestants
SERIES 2 OF BEST HOME COOK BEGINS ON 2 JANUARY AT 8PM ON BBC1 INTERVIEW: VICKY DEARDEN/HOTFEATURES PHOTOS: LORNA ROACH/OK!, GETTY
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BACK IN THE RED CHAIR
‘THE LAST TEN YEARS HAVE BEEN HARD WORK’
THE VOICE UK STAR OLLY MURS TALKS TO OK!’S KIRSTY HATCHER ABOUT HIS PAINFUL JOURNEY TO STARDOM AND HOW NEWBIE COACH MEGHAN TRAINOR IS SETTLING IN
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etting back into The Voice UK’s red chair was a welcome return to the spotlight for coach Olly Murs. The singer is thrilled to be back after taking a few months off following an operation on his knee earlier this year. “I’d love to get up and sing with the other coaches but I’ve really hurt my knee and it’s really affected my vocal chords,” laughs the 35-year-old as we join him in Manchester for the second day of auditions. Last year, Olly proved his place on the ITV show by claiming his first win with 19-year-old Molly Hocking. And here, the former X Factor star tells OK! he’ll be hoping for much of the same this year... As the reigning champion, does that put you under pressure to win again? There is pressure but obviously it’s a trump card you can use. I’ve won so I’d like to win again. I’m excited about that sort of pressure. But I’m not the newbie this year so I feel like I’ve given that pressure to Meghan [Trainor]. She’s like I was two years ago, she’s like, “I’ve got to win!” I found Molly, who was fantastic and when you unearth talent like that, it felt like validation for me. It made me think I’m actually all right at this. I’ve got my job for another year! What do you think Meghan has added to the coaching line-up? Jennifer [Hudson] had that great American diva queen personality and Meghan has got that as well. She is just a really powerful woman and she has this great energy about her. She’s fun, snappy and sassy but so down to earth. She’s already taking the mick out of me, so that’s when I know she’s settled in. Do you look forward to being back with the other coaches? Yeah, Tom [Jones] and I get on great. I still keep in touch with Jen and I catch up with her and see what she’s been up to. And now with Meghan, we’ve got someone new to speak to. I think that’s what makes The Voice so special and different because we’re giving people a real insight into the music industry and our lives and what we’ve experienced. I don’t think you really get that on other shows. Will we see you perform this series? Yeah, and I get Tom to sing all the time. How was Meghan at the beginning? She surprised us. She was nervous on the first day of filming but she grew as the day went on. She said before we went out, “Oh my God, Olly, no one is going to pick me. What have I got to do?” and then she got the first competitor! All four of us turned for this one girl and Meghan got her. We were annoyed
Olly with last year’s winner Molly Hocking [laughs]. We were thinking, “There’s no chance she’s got this one, we’re pros.” When I was the newbie, I thought, “I’m not going to say too much.” Before I joined the show I sat in my living room with my back to the TV pretending I was in the blind auditions! After The X Factor: Celebrity, could you see there being a celebrity version of The Voice UK? I don’t see why that would be a bad idea. It would be fun to turn around and see a celebrity like Phillip Schofield standing there or someone you didn’t expect. It’s a different experience. I remember seeing Katie Price on Loose Women a few years back saying she was trying to do it, and every year we say, “You never know, she could be here.” It could be anyone and I think that’s quite fun. Have you fully recovered from your knee operation? Not really. I’ve had a few setbacks but it’s going well. I did it 10 years ago playing football and it was the only reason I got into music, so I don’t hate my knee for being the way it is. I started playing football and I had a really bad ACL injury [a tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament] which stopped me playing semi-pro. Back then I didn’t have any money to do the operation or get the physio afterwards. I was working in recruitment and I needed to pay the bills. The last 10 years have been hard work and most days I would get up and my knee would be in bits and I couldn’t move. This summer I told my team I need time off to get this fixed because it was going in a really bad direction. OK! TURN THE PAGE FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH THE VOICE UK HOST EMMA WILLIS PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES, ITV
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HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS
‘MATT SAYS I SOUND HIDEOUS WHEN I SING’ PRESENTER EMMA WILLIS TELLS OK!’S KATIE LANGFORD-FOSTER WHY SHE ISN’T CENTRE STAGE AND HOW SHE SUPPORTS THE FAMILIES
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he might be married to a pop star, but The Voice UK host Emma Willis has no musical aspirations of her own. The 43-year-old admits, “I definitely can’t sing!” Instead, she provides a hand to hold and sometimes a shoulder to cry on for the budding contestants and their families as they take on the blind auditions. Emma and her husband Matt, 36, are parents to daughters Isabelle, 10, and Trixie, three, and eight-year-old son Ace. Her kids, she tells us, are the show’s biggest fans and this year, the addition of newest coach Meghan Trainor has left them particularly excited. In 2018, Emma and Busted bassist Matt celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows. And when it comes to successful parenting,
tag-teaming is the key, Emma says. She recently revealed, “Matt’s like the fourth child. And that for me, is perfect, because I think he has such a fantastic bond and relationship with them because he can get down to their level… and when they want fun they go to him. It makes me feel sensationally boring because I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m that one, the one who tells them off and makes sure the washing is done.’ I’m the quintessential mum and I think security.” Emma began modelling at just 17, when she moved to London alone. But she admits the thought of her kids doing the same terrifies her. She says, “When I think now that in seven years my eldest might ask to do the same and I’m like, ‘No, you’re going to be locked in your room until you’re 25. You’re not going.’ Now I’m a parent it fills me with dread that I’ll have to let my kids go.” As the ninth series of The Voice UK kicks off, Emma talks about supporting her female colleagues and fan girling over Meghan Trainor... Emma, how hard is it for you backstage with the family when no one turns around in the chair? It’s really, really horrible. But most of them deal with it. The initial reaction is quite hard on them and then we spend a little bit of time together and I give cuddles.
Emma and Matt have been married for 10 years
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Do you ever want to have a go at the judges when they don’t turn? No. But there have been points where I’ve just gone, “What the f**k are they doing? Can they not hear what I can hear?” And they can’t hear what I can hear because I don’t have their proper musical ears. They know what they’re doing and I have to remember I’m not in that chair. Nor can I sing! But they’ve got it, they know what they’re doing.
Would you like to be able to add a few people who didn’t get through? No, because, again, it’s not my place. If it was a presenting talent show then oh yes! But not singing. My husband says I’m pitch perfect, but tone deaf! Because I can be up there at the right place. Like if there’s a song on and I’m singing along, he’s like, “Oh my God, you’re in exactly the right pitch, but you sound f*****g hideous!” So when Matt watches The Voice with you, does he explain, from a musician’s perspective, why the judges didn’t turn? We watch it all together as a family. And yeah, he generally will. I mean the judges have musical ears. Are your kids fans of Meghan? Yes! All About That Bass was on in my car constantly. They’ve got g and these little mini iPod things
‘THE JUDGES KNOW WHAT THEY’RE DOING I HAVE TO REMEMBER I’M NOT IN THAT CHAIR’ their own playlist and that’s on there. They honestly love it. When I said Meghan was joining, my daughter’s face literally lit up. When we’re in London for the live shows they’ll definitely come down. If you auditioned for The Voice, which coach would you pick? I would pick Meghan. I always pick the female that’s in the chair. They get cocky those boys. They think they’re hilarious. J Hud [former coach, Jennifer Hudson] every single day, Meghan, every single day. We have to stick together. We have lots of fun. Would you like another female coach on the panel? That would be lovely. But I also think the people who are in those chairs all deserve to be there, so it’s hard to say. It would be great if it was even. But if you think about it, I’m there and AJ [Odudu] is there, so it’s three a piece. OK!
Backstage presenter AJ with Emma
TURN THE PAGE FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH THE VOICE UK JUDGE MEGHAN TRAINOR PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES, ITV
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‘THEY WERE GOING TO SIGN ME UP TO AUDITION FOR THE VOICE AND I SAID NO! I WAS TOO SCARED’
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ALL ABOUT THAT VOICE
‘I WAS CRYING WHEN I FIRST SAT IN THE CHAIR’
THE VOICE’S NEW UK JUDGE MEGHAN TRAINOR TELLS OK!’S KIRSTY HATCHER WHY HER NEW ROLE IS A ‘CRAZY DREAM COME TRUE’
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illing Jennifer Hudson’s shoes is no mean feat, but Meghan Trainor appears to have slotted seamlessly into The Voice UK’s coaching panel. The 25-year-old is a ball of energy from the moment we meet her at the show’s auditions in Manchester, and it’s clear she’s eager to win. “I’m very competitive,” she tells OK!. “I grew up with two brothers and everything was a competition.” But Meghan hasn’t always been this confident and she even reveals she turned down the opportunity to audition for the show when she was younger because she was “so uncomfortable in my own skin”. Here, Meghan, who is married to Spy Kids actor Daryl Sabara, tells OK! about her insecurities and why she so wants to begin with a win…
Was it an easy yes when you were approached for the show? I had to audition! My entire team and family, they’ve known this has been a bucket list moment for me. I would perform on The Voice UK and US and say, “One day I’m going to be in the red chair” so this is a crazy dream come true. I was crying when I first sat in the chair. The coaches are family now. How have you found being based in Manchester? It’s amazing. My hotel is near a lot of beautiful things, which is great as I don’t walk a lot, so it’s been healthy for me. How often do people still mention that you’re married to a Spy Kid? Not often enough! It’s funny, my friends at home still freak out like, “Juni Cortez!” And there have been too many cases when I’m with him and people are like, “Ma’am, will you take our picture?” The best part of it is he can relate to me on so many levels, like, one day you’re suddenly a superstar and you have to adjust to that. How have you found filming so far? I was so nervous. I kept telling the guys, “What if no one picks me?” That was my biggest fear. So to win the first four chair
so uncomfortable in my own skin?” I wrote All About That Bass so I could feel better about myself. I met the songwriter that day and we bonded over being chubby kids and how we still love food too much and are still working on loving ourselves. Did those past experiences help when it came to coaching others? Yeah. When I was a songwriter and too insecure to get a record deal, I was told by my publisher that they were going to sign me up to audition for The Voice and I said no! I was too scared to go on television and sing in front of my favourite artists.
Meghan with husband Daryl turns was a nice confidence boost. I’m new and I’m the youngest and I haven’t accomplished as much as everyone else, so I was very insecure and All smiles with worried they Jennifer Hudson wouldn’t know everything I’ve done in my career or even who I am. I’m still too insecure. Sometimes I need to have help and remind myself who I am and what I’ve accomplished. Where does your insecurity come from? Childhood. I have two brothers so I was the only girl and I didn’t feel comfortable at all and I was always on the chubbier side. We grew up on an island so everyone was always going to the beach in bikinis and I preferred working in my parents’ jewellery store and I hid because I don’t even own a bathing suit. I always wanted to be a superstar but I thought, “How am I going to get in front of people when I’m
Who is your mentor? In the very beginning, I didn’t have one. I felt alone a lot of the time. But I’ve had amazing moments with icons that I will cherish forever. Jennifer Lopez was always so nice to me. She showed me that everything she does in her creative world is all her. I have learned so much so I feel I can take control over what I do now. Did you talk to Jennifer Hudson about what to expect? I do a lot of shows with her and I see her all the time at airports. It’s definitely intimidating and nerve wracking. It’s tough because I’m her number one ffan and it’s hard to fill those shoes. I messaged her and said, “Everyone loves you, we talk about you every five minutes, we miss you… any advice you have, please let me know.” As the newbie of the judges, how badly do you want to win? So bad! When you’re new, you’re thinking you don’t have as good a chance as the legends, but I think I’m already winning! I’ve got this one contestant I’m going to hang on to forever. OK! TURN THE PAGE FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH THE VOICE UK JUDGE TOM JONES
PHOTOS: GETTY, ITV
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TAKING HIS SEAT
‘IT’S AWFUL TO SEND PEOPLE HOME’ SIR TOM JONES TELLS OK!’S KIRSTY HATCHER WHAT HE’S LOOKING FOR
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an you believe Sir Tom Jones is almost 80 years old? When OK! meets him for a chat, the legendary Welsh singer is full of life and excited to be back judging on The Voice UK for its ninth series. “I enjoy every part of it,” he says, adding, “It’s amazing how many good singers are about. We’ve only scratched the surface.” Tom won the very first series of the show with Leanne Mitchell in 2012, and again in 2018 with Ruti Olajugbagbe. But will it be third time lucky for Tom? Do you have a favourite part of the show? The blind auditions are a good way to kick it off. You get a chance to hear people before you see them. And I do like to sing! The battle rounds cut your team in half and you’ve got to know them by then. It’s awful to send people home. I know how they feel, but it’s got to be done. What’s Meghan Trainor brought to the show? She brings more pop. She’s right now; she’s a writer and a singer and she’s making records. Meghan is having fun and she’s enjoying herself. p g] Jennifer [Hudson, who Meghan is replacing], even though she’s a young lady, she had an old soul. You felt like she’d been around.
PHOTOS: ITV, PA
Do you have a mental check list when you’re listening to someone’s voice? To feel the person coming through. Some singers put on a front and they think they should sound like this or like that, but it doesn’t sound natural. When you’re thinking, “Is that a new song because they don’t sound like the original,” and they’ve put their own spin on it, that’s when it’s different. When something has been done so many times, you can’t just do something the same way.
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How do you feel when people sing your songs? It’s a nice feeling. One guy sang everyone’s songs after his audition and he hit me with What’s New Pussycat? which was fun. The Welsh are always good. Sometimes the contestants come up with another spin on a song which is interesting, and you know it’s good when it still sounds good after they’ve done that to it! OK! THE VOICE UK STARTS ON SATURDAY 4 JANUARY AT 8.30PM ON ITV
Tom with his first winner Leanne Mitchell
EMILY’SCOLUMN
‘PARTYING? I’LL MORE LIKELY BE ON THE SOFA WITH A CUP OF TEA!’ OUR COLUMNIST TALKS BIRTHDAY PARTIES WISDOM
TEETH AND SEVERAL THRILLING TRIPS TO THE WEST END
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ur Christmas was amazing. It was so nice to have some quality time with family and friends, and the kids loved all their presents. At the time of writing this, we’re planning to book a last minute skiing trip over the new year. One year I may surprise everyone and say I’m going to go out partying on New Year’s Eve, but I’m far more likely to be on the sofa with a cup of tea! This has been a busy year and in 2020 I want to focus on my career more and really get my teeth stuck into work. It’s also mine and Pete’s fifth wedding anniversary, Theo will be starting nursery and I’d love to go New York as I’ve never been. This week is Millie’s sixth birthday. She’s definitely not a baby any more! I’m organising a party for her with her school friends – there will be no more parties at home as there are 30 in her class!
I recently had my wisdom teeth out and as she hasn’t lost any teeth yet, I told her she could have mine to put under her pillow. All her friends have started losing theirs and she was feeling left out. She wrote a note to the Tooth Fairy [right] and was so excited when she woke up to 50p under her pillow!! I also went to watch Pete in Thriller Live [left] and he was absolutely brilliant. I was so impressed as it’s a big deal to play a big part in a West End show. On my way there I saw a poster of him on the Tube, which was slightly surreal! I went a few times because it was so good and I’m planning to take Millie soon too.
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GIVE DRY JANUARY A GO
HOLLY TONES UP!
resenter Holly Willoughby recently tried out a pelvic floor tightening machine on Christmas Shopping With Keith Lemon. She said of the machine, “It helps make your vagina strong again. Women of a certain age, or after you have a baby… those muscles get kind of looser.” After you have children it is quite common to have some degree of loss of muscle tone. The weight of the baby, pregnancy hormones and giving birth can all contribute to the pelvic floor becoming stretched. There are a range of machines and gadgets that claim to tighten the muscles, but there are lots of simple things you can try to help such as pelvic floor exercises. OK!
EMAIL ME AT EMILY.ANDREA@OK.CO.UK
PHOTOS: BBC, GETTY, LIGHTROCKET
or those thinking of doing Dry January, I would really encourage you to give it a go. There are so many benefits to cutting out alcohol from your diet, including weight loss and sleeping more soundly. The benefits can actually start to happen much more quickly than you think, with some kicking in almost immediately. I haven’t had a drink in seven years – apart from a glass of champagne on my wedding day – and I don’t miss it at all. The main reason I stopped is because I don’t like the taste! I use it in cooking, so we have some in the house, but our friends are usually quite disappointed when they come round!
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HOLLYWOOD ROYALTY
‘I’M AT AN AGE WHERE I DON’T CARE WHAT PEOPLE THINK’ NICOLE KIDMAN OPENS UP ABOUT HER HAPPY MARRIAGE TO HUSBAND KEITH URBAN STANDING UP FOR WHAT SHE BELIEVES IN AND EMBRACING HER FIFTIES
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icole Kidman isn’t afraid to explore tough issues in her work, and her role as Gretchen Carlson in the new film Bombshell is no different. It tells the story of several women at Fox News who set out to expose CEO Roger Ailes for sexual harassment. And the actress wants to inspire people to speak up more, saying, “I hope people realise there’s power in numbers; that everyone standing together is much stronger than standing alone.” Away from the big screen, Nicole, 52, has found huge success in the TV show Big Little Lies – starring alongside Reese Witherspoon and Meryl Streep. She scooped the Golden Globe for Best Actress for her role as Celeste Wright, who suffers at the hands of an abusive husband. In real life, Nicole’s 13year marriage to musician Keith Urban is still going strong and she insists he’s her biggest fan. The couple are parents to daughters Sunday Rose, 11, and Faith, eight. Opening up recently about motherhood, Nicole – who also has adopted children Isabella, 26, and Connor, 24, with former husband Tom Cruise – said, “I think it’s just a journey. And the first thing is, there’s no right and wrong. There’s just different children.” Here, the star talks about her tough new role, breaking down barriers and how her husband Keith makes time for her...
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This movie is about women standing together and supporting each other. What have you learned about supporting women over the years? I come from a family of primarily females. We have my dad – and then the rest of the family is women; complicated women. For me, I’m thrilled that I can bring [to my work] what I’ve learned and had since I was a child. I have a sister who is like my twin – and I’m even closer to my mother, my aunts and my cousins. I have navigated female friendships and all the things that come in to play over the course of decades. I’m a huge believer in working things out. Sometimes that means you’re going to hear painful things and it’s going to be uncomfortable, it’s going to be fractious. But we’ll get there because we know we’re going to move on. How did you become involved with Bombshell ? I was shooting Big Little Lies when I was sent the script. I was sitting on set with Meryl Streep and I said to her, “Should I play Gretchen Carlson?” Meryl replied, “Absolutely.” So, that was it. It’s all down to Meryl Streep. After that, I spoke to Charlize [Theron] as well as the writer and the director. I investigated the story because I didn’t have a really good knowledge of it. That was the beginning for me.
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‘I’VE SETTLED INTO WHO I AM AS A PERSON’
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Charlize Theron, Nicole and Margot Robbie in Bombshell What did you learn ffrom making the film? Were there any bombshells on the set of Bombshell? For me, the unravelling of this has been fascinating – but it’s also really educational. Not just for this story, but for women and what they can do; what they are capable of when they really say, “No, now is the time to stop this.” Nicole and Keith have been married for 13 years What do you hope people will take from the film? I would hope that by telling this story, people feel that they can speak up and be heard – and believed. I hope that people realise there’s power in numbers; that everyone standing together is much stronger than standing alone. I love the idea of the strength in women standing together. When that happens, the more we are heard, the more we can make a change. But this movie also shows you how terrifying it is. But they actuallyy did win. Theyy won. With Keith and daughters Sunday and Faith
In recent years, you’ve moved into producing as well as acting. Why? I think it literally came out of frustration. I started wanting to take control of some of my destiny, because as an actor so much of your destiny is controlled by others. I wanted to be able to have the opportunity to play some really great female roles, but they are not on offer and I can’t find them. That was how Big Little Lies came about, as well as a lot of the films that I’ve become involved with as a producer. Is that how you’ve come to play a lot of strong roles recently? Strong or complicated. I think the word strong gets thrown around too frequently. Sometimes it’s about strength, but it’s also all of the things that go into making up a person. It can be weakness, it can be damage, it can be pain, it can be strength, it can be joy; it can be all of the emotions that a human being experiences. Your role in Big Little Lies was harrowing at times. What does your husband think? I remember the first time Keith saw season one. He was like, “You’ve got a hit show here.” He would sit down and watch it all with me. Even though he was busy, he would clear his schedule because he knew what it meant to me. I don’t think I would be able to do anything without him and without that nourishment; without his open arms. Keith watches everything. Earlier this year, you revealed you were teased for praying and going to church. Are you still being teased about it? I meant that in jest. I’ve settled into who I am as a person and I am able to own up to things now that I kept quiet about before. That’s a big point to get to in your life. I don’t know many 21-year-olds that are there, but it’s very nice to get there when you are 50 years old. I am certainly at that place now. OK! INTERVIEW: ALAN TANNER PHOTOS: ROBERT ASCROFT/AUGUST
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WHO’S BEHIND THE MASK?
‘DAVINA AND RITA DID GET QUITE COMPETITIVE!’ OK! TALKS TO THE STARS OF ITV’S NEW SHOW THE MASKED SINGER TO FIND OUT THE SECRET TO ITS STATESIDE SUCCESS
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ome very well-known names will be performing big musical numbers in ITV’s newest talent show, The Masked Singer. But – here’s the twist – they’ll be dressed in elaborate, colourful costumes that conceal their faces. Their identities will remain a complete mystery to the audience and the panel of celebrity judges. The bonkers concept has already been a huge success in the USA.
Judge Rita Ora with two mystery performers
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Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Rita Ora and Ken Jeong – doctor turned actor, and a judge on the US show – will have to score the contestants on their voices alone. Meanwhile, comedian Joel Dommett, the presenter, will attempt to control the chaos. Ahead of the first episode, Jonathan, Ken and Joel tell us about bonding on set, why they love the show and how good they are at guessing who who’ss behind the mask...
It looks like you had a lot of fun filming the show... Jonathan: We had a really good time! Some of us have worked together before but never on something as regular as this. None of us had worked with Ken before, and we were all so excited when we heard that he was doing it. When you look at the American show, and what Ken brings to it, you can’t imagine the show without him.
Jonathan Ross welcomes a furry blue monster and Queen Bee
Ken, how did filming the UK show compare with the US version? At this point in my life I’m really just going with the flow. I’d never done a panel show before and it wasn’t necessarily a goal of mine, everything happens organically in my life. I never planned to quit my medical job and do comedy, so I have a habit of trying to go with the flow. There’s something unique about The Masked Singer. In the US it’s not only the number one show, but it’s the biggest family show in the country. I’m recognised by kids everywhere – six-year-olds are like, “I’m smarter than you.” Jonathan: [To Ken] Did you do the same thing when you were a doctor? People come in for a diagnosis, and you go, “I know exactly what it is!”
Was there a performer who, when they took their mask off, was totally different from anyone you had guessed? Jonathan: There were a few! For some, we were close, but not close enough. For others, we weren’t close at all. If you weren’t panellists would you take part in it as contestants? Jonathan: I wouldn’t do it because I don’t sing well enough. Everyone can actually sing. Ken: I was a contestant on the Korean version. I sang Radiohead’s Creep. There’s something liberating about it, where you want to do an earnest performance, but I was stressed out all day. When I did the second season, I had a deeper understanding and appreciation of what the contestants go through – it’s a lot!
Joel, did you get any useful presenting tips from Davina? I’d always ask, “Davina, how am I doing?” It was daunting for me being in front of such legends. It’s a pleasure being part of a show where the format has been tried and tested. It was less pressure on me. All I needed to do was sell that format and say the words. What really helped me was the fact that the four panellists got on so well together. They had their own vibe going. There were no egos – it’s so rare for that to happen. Jonathan: We all got on surprisingly well. It doesn’t really matter who’s on the panel – unfortunately, we are very expendable. I think the strength of it, and I hope this is what families and kids will love watching, is that the costumes are amazing. You really WWW.OK.CO.UK 71
Ken Jeong also judged the US version
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Davina McCall tries to guess the singers behind the unicorn and cat costumes
get caught up in the performances. We all fell in love with Queen Bee, who managed to give such a vulnerable and enticing performance even under that mask. The format is the star of The Masked Singer. Hopefully it will click with people.
member might take to social media and ruin the surprise? Joel: This was the hard thing for the audience. There’s 500 or so people watching and when it got to the moment when the performer took their mask off, we got rid of some of the audience. That’s the level of the secrecy. Only six people on the whole production knew the names of all the performers.
Did you have any favourite characters? Jonathan: I really loved Octopus. It was an amazing costume and vocal performance and the way they sold the character choice was brilliant. I’m the oldest person on the show and when I watch this, I’m like, “I wish The Masked Singer was around when my kids were little!” It’s a show that you can watch as a family. Joel: I can’t imagine anyone turning off. Jonathan: Simon Cowell will turn it off. The show is geared to be more of a guessing game than a singing show. What were you looking for in the performances? Jonathan: During the competition, sometimes we found that people were disguising their talent early on, and when you watched later, they would do something vocally that you didn’t think they were capable of. And even though it’s not a live show, the performers were only allowed to do one take. They’re wearing really cumbersome and often uncomfortable costumes, and singing like that in front of an audience and us, there’s quite a lot at stake. Many of them are at the top of
Are the performers ever offended by some of the guesses you make? Jonathan: Sometimes we did say, “Maybe that’s not a professional singer,” and it was. That’s the closest to being awkward that it got. There’s no malice or nastiness. Did you get competitive in your guessing? Jonathan: I didn’t. At my age I was just pleased to be invited out. Davina and Rita did get quite competitive.
their game, and they don’t want to be kicked off early, so it’s really nerve-wracking to come out dressed as a giant duck and perform. The show is filmed in front of an audience. How scared are you that an audience
What costume would you have chosen? Jonathan: I’d like to be a boa constrictor after it’s eaten a goat. You know when it’s eaten an animal far too big and it’s like, “Man, you really had to dislocate your jaw for that one.” That’s me after Christmas lunch. I’d like to make it difficult and be a jellyfish, or a velvet worm. OK! THE MASKED SINGER AIRS ON ITV ON 4 JANUARY 2020. WORDS: GEMMA MCCARTNEY PHOTOS: ITV
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HIT THE DANCEFLOOR
‘WE ALL HAVE EGOS!’
THE GREATEST DANCER IS BACK ON OUR SCREENS AND ITS STARS TELL US WHAT WE CAN EXPECT FROM THIS YEAR’S HOPEFULS
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it show The Greatest Dancer first appeared on our screens last January and saw Cheryl Tweedy, Oti Mabuse and Matthew Morrison judge incredible dance talent from across the country with the help of hosts Alesha Dixon and Diversity’s Jordan Banjo. And the gang are back, alongside new judge, RuPaul’s Drag Race star Todrick Hall, and receptionist Curtis Pritchard. Here, they open up about what we can expect from the new series… How did it feel, watching the first episode? Oti: Amazing! The only thing I was thinking is, “What an honour to work with such an amazing cast!” I feel like the luckiest person. I feel very privileged and blessed right at this moment. Todrick, welcome to the UK! How was your experience filming this series? I was so jet-lagged. I can’t believe that I was even able to stay awake the whole day. But it was so exciting and watching it back, I’m so
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overwhelmed. I forgot, before I came to the show, that I even had tear ducts. When I watch the show it makes me want to cry over and over again. It makes me want to keep dancing and also makes me want to have children. Cheryl, what was it like having Todrick next to you? Hilarious. They couldn’t fit it all into the one-hour show, but I think I had belly laughs all the way through. Alesha and Jordan, when you’re on that stage and the dancers don’t get through, is it really awkward? Jordan: It’s not that awkward for us because the mirrors stay shut and we’re in front of it and they stay behind it. But you do feel for them. Which of the Dance Captains wants to win the most? Alesha: All of them. Any performer, we are all competitive. We all have egos and everyone wants to win, but at the same time, they want to make sure they get the best out of their act.
Returning Dance Captains Matthew Morrison, Cheryl Tweedy and Oti Mabuse, with new boy Todrick Hall WWW.OK.CO.UK 75
Curtis, how’s it been joining the team at The Greatest Dancer? It’s been incredible, honestly, truly incredible. Every single person has welcomed me with open arms. I speak to the contestants for about half an hour in reception and some of the stories of why people dance, and why they started to dance, are truly incredible. Did you get a lot of ribbing for the new moustache, Matthew? That is a good question! I was filming a show called American Horror Story and it was part of my character. All the producers were very excited about it. I’m doing something else right now, so I will be growing it back to keep the continuity back for the live shows [laughs]. No, I won’t. How did you find your first year of choosing contestants, Todrick? It was very stressful. I was on a reality competition show, so I think that I have a little PTSD when I’m about to choose someone and I realise what a life-changing experience this is. But in comparison to Oti, she was acting like Mufasa [Simba’s father in The Lion King] had just died, twice. She was going through it! We had to stop production for a while and pick her up off the ground.
Host Jordan Banjo
What makes this programme stand out alongside other Saturday night shows like Strictly Come Dancing? Cheryl: Strictly is Latin and ballroom, and our show is a huge variety, from tiny, little, dinky kids to 98-year-olds. The variety, the genres, the fact the audience get to choose whether or not they go through the audition process. I just feel warm and happy when I watch it back and know I was part of it. It’s a feel-good family Saturday night show and everyone should sit down with their families to watch. There’s really something for everyone. Curtis: On Strictly, people get behind the professionals as well. This is purely the dancers who come on and everyone’s judging them on their pure talent, not the professionals involved. It’s variety. You see some styles which people didn’t even know existed. Todrick, why did you decide to sign up for the show? I got a phone call from my agency, saying I had an offer. I was blown away, because I haven’t come from traditional media. I’ve done Broadway, but I’ve mostly made a name and a presence for myself on social media. I’m so grateful the BBC has trusted me to come here to another country. I’m learning lots of cool lingo already, so you’ll hear that in action as the season progresses, “innit”. The panel is so diverse, and not just what we look like aesthetically but our backgrounds, ethnicities and orientations. Everybody working on the show has such a different background, so the kids have so many different options of people they can learn from and absorb energy from. We were completely on a roller coaster, laughing, and then crying. Oti’s going to cry more than some people and so is Cheryl.
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Host Alesha Dixon
Dancers Patrick and Laura. Right: Ross and Travis Some of you guys are success stories of TV talent shows. How do you help your contestants cope with rejection? Cheryl: One of the beautiful things about this show is nobody actually does feel rejected. It’s just a different process, definitely, to the one I went through. Everyone’s already competing – dancers are competing in the dance world. They know somebody wins and somebody doesn’t. Alesha: The real dance world is brutal. This is cakes and rainbows. We make sure we console them with positive and uplifting words. Cheryl: It’s brutal. This is gentle in comparison. They all loved it last year and wanted to come back.
Receptionist Curtis Pritchard
Did the judges get into any conflict with each other? Cheryl: There were some rows. Matthew: When we get to the final audition, there’s a moment where
f with each other. we all confer Todrick: It was an odd negotiation process for sure. Oti was stealing all the headshot photos. Cheryl: She tries to hide people so you forget about them. She’s a dirty player. Matthew: You get a little dirty, too. You were just grabbing them. Cheryl: I was just honest, “I want him, I want her. Don’t touch them, I want them.” Matthew: You’re not honest. You play some games like saying, “I want this one so bad” when you actually don’t. Cheryl: He (points to Todrick) told me to do that. Todrick: Do I really look like someone who would play those types of games? OK! THE GREATEST DANCER STARTS ON SATURDAY 4 JANUARY AT 7PM ON BBC ONE WORDS: KAT ROMERO PHOTOS: BBC, SYCO/THAMES
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‘I NEVER REALLY IMAGINED MY BOOKS WOULD BE READ’ AS SHE TURNS OK! LOOKS BACK AT KITCHEN QUEEN NIGELLA LAWSON’S ‘ACCIDENTAL’ CULINARY CAREER
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ver the last 20 Nigella at years, Nigella home in Lawson has the kitchen cemented her position as one of the country’s most cherished food writers and presenters. But it’s still hard to believe the Queen of the Kitchen turns 60 this week! Famous for her culinary based innuendos – which she insists are entirely unintentional – the star has also been both praised and criticised for her uniquely feminist views. Of her second book, ironically titled How To Be A Domestic Goddess, she explains,“If I’d been an op-ed columnist, I would’ve criticised me too, journalist. It was after she witnessed so I understood. But I always felt it is a dinner party host in tears over an essentially anti-feminist to disparage unset crème brûlée that she decided anything that has traditionally belonged to pen her own cookbook, How To Eat, to the female realm. Of course, if it is published in 1998. expected of you and it’s drudgery, that Her career sky-rocketed from there, is not a comfortable thing. But I certainly but sadly, less than three years after feel it’s a space we had to reclaim.” its publication, she lost her husband Daughter of politician and journalist John Diamond to throat cancer. In Nigel Lawson, and Vanessa Salmon, the middle of filming her debut TV heir of catering business J Lyons & series Nigella Bites, she later revealed, Co, Nigella also began her career as a “I took a fortnight off. But I’m not a
With first husband John Diamond
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And father Nigel
great believer in breaks.” The couple are parents to daughter Cosima, 25, and son Bruno, 23. Since then, the star hasn’t stopped, writing 12 books and starring in 10 of her own shows. Her drive, she once said, comes from a place of fear as opposed to ambition. “I feel that people fall into two categories, goal-oriented or fear-driven. I’m feardriven. So it’s that terror of filling the empty page, or the director saying, ‘Action!’ But everything is frightening, isn’t it?’” Her success has, at times, been peppered by scandal. In June 2013 her second husband Charles Saatchi was pictured with his hands around her neck during a heated row. Ten weeks after the incident, the pair announced the end of their decade long marriage. The public interest that ensued, Nigella admits, was difficult. “It wasn’t just about being in the paper all the time,” she says. “It was generally about feeling exposed and under attack. In a way, it would have been much better for me to be able to speak openly. It goes against my nature not to.” These days, Nigella admits she’s most often found “sitting around my house with no make-up, wearing baggy things.” But, in public at least, she’s become known for her glamorous demeanour. She explains, “It takes a braver and more secure person than I am to say, ‘Don’t put make-up on me and don’t brush my hair.’ I admire people who are like that. For me, it’s armour.” Now, as she enters her sixties with style, Nigella reflects on her achievements with modesty. She says, “When I wrote How To Eat, I never really imagined it would be read… it so easily could not have worked. I’m still slightly astonished that it did work.” Well, we’re very glad it did! OK! WORDS: KATIE LANGFORD-FOSTER PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
ICONS NIGELLA’S BEST FOODIE INNUENDOS “Underneath will be a hint of inner thigh wobble.” “I adore the way it comes bulging up over the rims.” “Ah, look at these gorgeous golden globules.” “I love having an implement in each hand.” “That’s a very artistic package you have there, if you don’t mind me saying so!” “The lamb has left some luscious juices behind… I’m going to add a knob of butter.”
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PARTIES
IT’S PARTY TIME! WHAT: Diddy’s 50th birthday bash. WHERE: Los Angeles, California. WHO: The Kardashians joined the Carters at the star-studded event, which was sponsored by CÎROC. LOWDOWN: Diddy pulled out all the stops as nearly 600 guests were wined and dined while being entertained with music provided by DJ Cassidy.
Above: Jay Z and Beyoncé. Below: Kate Beckinsale. Below left: Khloé Kardashian and Kylie Jenner
GETTY IMAGES
Above: Naomi Campbell and Sean Combs aka Diddy. Above right: Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West. Below: Regina King
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PARTIES
Above: Rebel Wilson and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Right: Taylor Swift
A PAW-FECT NIGHT WHAT: The world premiere of Cats. WHERE: Lincoln Center, New York City. WHO: The A-list cast, including Jennifer Hudson, Taylor Swift and Idris Elba, reunited for the exclusive showing. LOWDOWN: The movie, directed by Tom Hooper, sees the cast play cats, with Idris revealing that the actors enrolled in “cat school” to perfect their feline movements.
Above: Idris and Sabrina Elba. Left: Taylor and James Corden WWW.OK.CO.UK 81
GETTY IMAGES
Above: Jennifer Hudson. Below: Jonathan Van Ness and Antoni Porowski
PARTIES
Rob Morgan, Tim Blake Nelson, Jamie Foxx (left), Karan Kendrick, Michael B Jordan, Bryan Stevenson and Brie Larson (right)
A TALE OF INJUSTICE same name tells the true story of Walter McMillian, a man wrongly accused of murder. McMillian (played in the film by Foxx) spent six years on Alabama’s death row before the lawyer finally managed to get him released. The film is out on 17 January 2020.
PHOTOS: REX/SHUTTERSTOCK
WHAT: Premiere of Just Mercy. WHERE: New York City. WHO: Stars of the film, including Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson and Michael B Jordan, attended the celebration. LOWDOWN: Lawyer Bryan Stevenson’s memoir of the
Above: Ashley Roberts. Above right: Vic Reeves and Nancy Sorrell 82
WHAT: Tramp’s 50th celebrations. WHERE: Jermyn Street, London. WHO: Sir Tom Jones, Ashley Roberts, Vic Reeves and many more attended the exclusive private club’s anniversary party. LOWDOWN: Guests enjoyed cocktails and champagne before sitting at the cracker-laden table for a Christmas dinner.
Above: Sir Tom Jones. Left: Jo Wood
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
GOLDEN DAYS
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
PARTIES
Above: Richard E Grant. Left: Meghan Trainor. Right: James Cracknell and Jordan Connell
Amanda Holden with her daughter Lexi
THE FORCE IS BACK
OFF TO THE BALL
WHAT: The European film premiere of Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker. WHERE: Leicester Square, London. WHO: Cast members, including Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, joined guests such as Meghan Trainor and James Cracknell. LOWDOWN: The long-awaited final movie in the nine-film franchise has divided critics but delighted many fans.
WHAT: Press night for the drag version of Cinderella. WHERE: Trafalgar Studios, London. WHO: Amanda Holden and 13-year-old daughter Lexi enjoyed the exclusive showing. LOWDOWN: The pantomime stars Baga Chipz, from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK as the Wicked Stepmother and Sheila Simmonds (known from Britain’s Got Talent) as the Fairy Godmother. WWW.OK.CO.UK 83
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
Above: Daisy Ridley. Right: John Boyega
JACK OF ALL TRADES
‘NO ONE GETS CELEBRATED FOR BEING AVERAGE’ JASON MANFORD TALKS ABOUT WHY WE SHOULD BE EMBRACING THE MIDDLE GROUND AND HIS NEW VENTURE
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ith four stand-up tours, What game shows did you love a show tunes album, when you were growing up? numerous TV reels and Even now I go back and watch clips of starring roles on the West Les Dawson on Blankety Blank. I also End, average is not a word we’d use loved The Generation Game, which to describe Jason Manford. But in his was one of my favourites growing brand new game show, First And Last, up. I love shows that you can watch the Mancunian admits he’s thrilled to together as a family. I’ve actually been be celebrating the middle ground. playing some of the games with my The show sees contestants battling it kids at home. Before going to bed out to avoid either coming first or last. they’re asking to play, so they’re really The 38-year-old’s hectic schedule into it already! is testimony to his talent, but the modest star once joked, “It’s a case How does hosting compare to p of ‘I better do this while I’m p popular acting and stand-up comedy? because in two It’s something years’ time no one I’ve always might care.’” done. I’ve And cracking always done dad jokes is all in game shows a day’s work for and quiz shows, Jason, who shares and panel four children shows, so it’s with his first wife one of the roles “It’s absolutely Catherine. In 2017, I’ve done the nuts,” Jason says of he tied the knot longest really! his new game show with television producer Lucy Do you have Dyke, and the pair a favourite? share a four-year-old daughter. No, I couldn’t say. But the great thing Here, Jason talks family favourites about presenting a game show is you and being a jack of all trades... get to have fun with the contestants, make jokes and ad lib when things What attracted you to host happen. There is always stuff going First And Last? on! I also love contestants and having It just sounded silly really. There’s a laugh with them. As a comedian, nothing too serious about it and in it’s like joking with the front row of a difficult times, when the news is hard gig but someone’s already done the work and everyone is shouting at each research for you, so it’s great fun! other on Twitter, you need a show where you don’t have to think about Why should people tune in? it. It’s a bit of early evening fun. Because you need a bit of a laugh, and to sit down after you’ve had your What can viewers expect? tea and have a bit of fun. That’s what The aim of the game is not to this show does. It’s one of those shows come first and not to come last in where, when you get to work on any round. It sounds simple but it’s Monday people are like, “Did you see actually quite tricky. People’s instinct that show on BBC One where people is always to win games, so you have had to jump out of boxes and weigh to think completely differently to potatoes?” It’s absolutely nuts. OK! not come first and not come last. It FIRST AND LAST HOSTED BY JASON MANFORD STARTS celebrates being in the middle, which ON BBC ONE ON SATURDAY 4 JANUARY 2020 I think is wonderful because no one gets celebrated for being average, PHOTOS: BBC, WIRE IMAGE but most of us are!
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MUSIC
FILM
THE GENTLEMEN
SEEKING THRILLS GEORGIA
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ondon-based producer and singer, Georgia has music running through her veins as her dad, Neil Barnes, is one half of 90s electro duo Leftfield. But Georgia has mixed up her own sounds on Seeking Thrills – think Stranger Things meets Robyn. Singles About Work The Dancefloor and Never Let You Go could fill any futuristic dancefloor and had OK! hooked. Georgia’s selftitled debut album saw her praised as one to watch, but five years on, she’s truly found her weird and wonderful sound. KLF ★★★★ OUT 10 JANUARY
BOOK THE DILEMMA B A PARIS
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aster of plot twists and emotional thrillers, B A Paris strikes again. With Livia set to celebrate her 40th birthday with the party of all parties, Adam has secretly arranged for their daughter Marnie to make a surprise appearance. But when he hears some terrible news about Marnie, he’s faced with the ultimate dilemma. Let the party go on and give Livia a final few hours of happiness? Or break the birthday girl’s heart? With the guests about to arrive, get ready for a riveting read. KLF OUT 9 JANUARY
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irector Guy Ritchie brings us another British gangster film, this time starring Michelle Dockery, Hugh Grant, Matthew McConaughey, Henry Golding, Colin Farrell and Charlie Hunnam. Oscar-winner McConaughey stars as Mickey Pearson, an American drug lord who is running a successful marijuana business in London. But when he decides to start selling off his empire to a group of billionaires and word spreads, it’s only the beginning of his troubles. A crime thriller packed with action and laughs. KH
HOT TICKETS! WINTERLAND
ALPINE CLUB FULHAM
TOP TELLY SEX EDUCATION NETFLIX
sa Butterfield is back as Otis Milburn, a socially awkward teen gifted with a talent for intimate advice – thanks to his sex therapist mum, Jean [Gillian Anderson]. Unfortunately, his gift doesn’t quite translate to his own love life. The show’s second series sees him navigate his relationship with girlfriend Ola [Patricia Allison]. Meanwhile, his friendship with Maeve [Emma Mackey], with whom he set up a school sex clinic, is strained. And with Moordale Secondary in the midst of a chlamydia outbreak, the school is in need of sex education more than ever before! KLF OUT 17 JANUARY
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hristmas may be over, but the frosty evenings are still in full swing! So, why not take a visit to Winterland in London? The famed beach club has undergone a hygge ski chalet makeover providing us with a perfect date night location. Cosy up under a warm blanket with a mug of mulled wine in a fur-lined cabin or perhaps one of their more magical igloos. Then, when it’s time to warm your bellies, dig into their irresistible fondue platter – a gooey baked Camembert with tasty charcuterie, steamed potatoes, green salad and freshly baked bread. Need we say more? EW WWW.OK.CO.UK 85
REVIEWS BY EMILY WHITWAM, KATIE LANGFORD-FOSTER, KIRSTY HATCHER
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Jacket £59 Topshop Shirt £32 Topshop Skirt £29.50 Marks & Spencer Shoes £62 Office Scarf £75 Phoebe Grace
COMEBACK
QUEEN
‘EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN’ IS CERTAINLY TRUE HERE AS s STYLE PAVES THE WAY
PLUS MAJESTIC METALLICS MIDNIGHT SCENTS AND BEAUTY HIGHLIGHTS WWW.OK.CO.UK 87
Below: Top £159.99 Hugo Boss at Zalando Trousers £99 People Tree Shoes £69 Office Scarf £90 Rixo Earrings £32 Branch Jewellery
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Right: Jumpsuit £345 Rixo Top £60 Wrangler Shoes £127.20 Kurt Geiger Earrings £30 Branch Jewellery
Blazer £378 Luisa Cerano Top £39 Zara Trousers £17 Nasty Gal Shoes £38 River Island Necklace £75 Lola Rose
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Right: Dress £39 Topshop Boots £55.20 Wallis Earrings £50 Opal and Iris Below: Dress £265 Rixo Trousers £32 V by Very
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Blazer £64 and trousers £38 both Emma Willis at Next Top £16 Pieces Boots £59 Kurt Geiger Earrings £60 Lola Rose STYLING: SOPHIE GOODWIN PHOTOGRAPHS: LORNA ROACH ASSISTED BY: JOSH BRYANT MAKE-UP: LAUREN SEGALA FOR CHELSEA NICOLE MAKE-UP & HAIR HAIR: CHELSEA LAYTON FOR CHELSEA NICOLE MAKE-UP & HAIR MODEL: PATRICIJA ZILINSKAITE @ STORM MANAGEMENT LA WITH THANKS TO THE SAGUARO HOTEL AND THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS THESAGUARO.COM AND VISITPALMSPRINGS.COM
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WITH OK! FASHION WRITER & STYLIST KATY GALE @KATYGALEXOX
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mma Willis has always been one of my top style icons, so when I saw her first sportswear collection with fashion retailer Next, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Expect to see stretch technology leggings, supportive sports bras, loose fitting vests and a super cosy tracksuit to chill out in post gym.
ECO GYM GEAR
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here’s a new sustainable activewear brand in town. All the pieces are made from recycled plastic bottles and factory offcuts and come in sizes XS to XL. The range offers functional, flattering fits to encourage body confidence – what more could you want from a gym kit? From £28 Wearetala.com
From £16 Emma Willis X Next sportswear
READY, WILLIS AND ABLE GET YOUR GAME FACE ON
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
W
ant an A-list glow without the Beverly Hills price tag? The new 3D-Hyd02 Facial from 3D Lipo combines seven skinrejuvenating technologies, such as oxygenation, radio frequency and ultrasound, to leave your skin looking plump, radiant and squeaky clean. Danielle Lloyd and Christine McGuinness are already fans. From £65 3d-lipo.co.uk
Christine McGuinness
Danielle Lloyd
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MAD FOR
SHINY HUES FOR THE NEW YEAR
Blazer £75 Topshop
Jumper £29.99 Bonprix
Trousers £280 Alice + Olivia at Net-A-Porter
Bag £79 Marks & Spencer
Dress £85 & Other Stories
COMPILED BY: SOPHIE GOODWIN PHOTOS: GETTY
Skirt £39 Topshop
Heels £99 Kurt Geiger Dress £45 Miss Selfridge
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STYLEEDIT
Top £29 Warehouse
Trousers £39 Miss Selfridge
Top £14 Next
Skirt £15 Primark
Jumper £35 Very
Bag £55 Dune London
Michael Kors
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IN THE
MIDNIGHT HOUR
CHOOSE ONE OF THIS SEASON’S SULTRY SCENTS PERFECT FOR THE LATE NIGHTS…
1 Kilian A er Sunset Si Passione Red Maestro from £74 3 Gucci Bloom Ambrosia di Fiori EDP from £81 4 NARS Audacious £125 5 BDK Parfums Rouge Smoking EDP £150 96
PHOTO: MEGAN BRAMLEY
from £78
2 Giorgio Armani
KERASTASE K WATER
Like lipgloss for your locks, this salon-only ‘water’ involves magical molecules that form a light film of lustre over your hair, prepping it for the blow dry of your life. If it’s good enough for EMILY RATAJKOWSKI...
HERE ARE THE
KELA HAIR PINS PER PAIR
First some genius decides scrunchies are cool again, then hair jewellery gets upgraded from ‘tweenage party at Claire’s’ to red carpet glam and everything in between. KELA’s pretty little things are at the top of my pin-terest list.
DANIEL SANDLER WATERCOLOUR GEL CHEEK COLOUR
The original Watercolour is so dear to my heart I was nervous for this update, like when they make a sequel to your favourite film and you’re scared they’ll ruin it. Luckily, this blusher is like the second Blade Runner – just as good as the original.
HIGHLIGHTS OK!’S BEAUTY DIRECTOR LYNNE HYLAND REMINISCES ABOUT THE BEST BEAUTY BITS OF
F
arewell 2019 and hello 2020. How was it for you? Many things have made me happy, especially that glorious heatwave coinciding with the existence of skinny choc-chip ice cream. Oh yes, and joining the OK! beauty team, of course. It means I’ve got this page to look back over the past 12 months and give a gratitude shout out to the beauty arrivals that truly sparked joy in my life. Thanks, and here’s to a beautiful new year ahead.
HI-BROW LAMINATION FROM AT LASH PERFECT NATIONWIDE
This is basically a perm for your eyebrows, and simply the best thing to happen to my face in forever. Gappy, droopy, miscreant brows are tamed and reshaped, and they stay put for six weeks!
BEFORE
AFTER L’OREAL PARIS REVITALIFT FILLER REPLUMPING AMPOULES
EVA LONGORIA raves about this one-week crash course in glowy skin, and she is spot on. Seven days later, my face was visibly fresher, and I’ve got a new stash lined up to blitz the January blues.
Iconic Molton Brown scents in gloriously luxe oil form. Until they cave in and admit they need to launch Delicious Rhubarb & Rose as a proper perfume, this will do very nicely.
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PHOTOS: BRUCE GLIKAS, GETTY IMAGES
MOLTON BROWN BODY OILS
ARE YOU FEELING SAD?
FEELING TIRED AND LOW THIS JANUARY? HERE’S OUR GUIDE TO SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER AND HOW YOU CAN COMBAT IT
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Singer Natalie Imbruglia is said to be a sufferer
GET OUTSIDE
Taking some outdoor exercise during daylight hours is probably the best way to prevent or reduce symptoms of SAD. Doing this during your lunch hour is best and it works because exercise produces the happy hormone serotonin and the daylight itself reduces levels of melatonin and helps to regulate sleep patterns at night. Exercise itself is invigorating and h are has a host of health benefits which both psychological and physical.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Use an artificial light box to replace ce natural sunlight. Diffused artificial light of certain wavelengths can e mimic natural daylight and reduce symptoms. These devices come in the form of sunrise alarm clocks (which gradually wake you with increasing light levels in the morning when you wake with the opposite happening at bedtime) and desk light boxes which you can have facing you while you have your breakfast or during your working day.
JET OFF TO THE SUNSHINE
Taking a skiing holiday or a beach break in January
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truggling to get out of bed in the morning? Then you may be one of the millions in the UK suffering from seasonal affective disorder, which a affects individuals in winter when daylight h hours are shorter. About 15 per cent of tthe population are said to suffer significant ssymptoms but it’s estimated that twice a as many experience moderate feelings o of tiredness and persistent llow moods otherwise known a as ‘winter blues’. Symptoms iinclude fatigue, depression, ssleep disturbance and a craving ffor carbohydrate-rich stodgy ffoods. Celebrities can also suffer ffrom SAD. Natalie Imbruglia has rreportedly struggled with it in tthe past and Miley Cyrus used a sspecial SAD lamp when she was w working long hours. TV’s Dr Hilary Jones explains, ‘‘It’s caused by less natural ssunlight reaching the back of tthe eyes and a consequent iincrease in melatonin, the sleep or February breaks the monotony of the dark days of winter and really boosts mood for people who suffer with SAD.
GO GREEN
If you can’t go away on holiday then just embrace green spaces and nature as much as possible. This is known as the green prescription. Evidence suggests it can boost creativity and mood.
Caption white to be added here
hormone.’ He adds: ‘Some people may be more vulnerable to it if they are prone to hormone fluctuations and low moods anyway.’ Dr Hilary gives us his five top ways to beat SAD this winter, but warns, ‘If you have severe symptoms and have tried everything else talk to your GP about cognitive behavioural ehavioural n.’ therapy or medication.’
GET YOUR VITAMIN D
Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin and is mainly produced during the summer months from the interaction of sunshine on your skin. About 20 per p cent of the pop population are defic deficient in this vitam vitamin which can redu reduce immunity and cause fatigue and mus muscle cramps. Taking it as a supplement during ng th the winter months is ttherefore a good idea. ea. Omega3 from oily fish d and the amino acid oultry tryptophan from poultry nuts and seeds, ass well as ananas vitamin B6 from bananas ful. might also be helpful. WI THANKS TO DR HILARY JONES, WITH ONES, NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NO F MEDTATE. FOUNDED IN 2011, MEDTATE IS FO S A LONDONBASED NUTRACEUTICAL COMPANY BA PANY WHICH DELIVERS ALL NATURAL AND CLINICALLY DE VALIDATED BREAKTHROUGH SUPPLEMENTS VA UPPLEMENTS THAT SUPPORT HEALTHY LIFESTYLES TH TYLES AND PROMOTE WELLNESS. PR
Miley Cyrus has used an SAD lamp
HEALTH&FITNESS
HAYLEY HUGHES
THE FORMER LOVE ISLAND CONTESTANT TELLS OK! ABOUT WORKING OUT AND HER NEW UNDERWEAR RANGE
Do you think your fitness routine has changed a lot since Love Island? Not really. It’s much the same but instead of going to the gym alone I now have a PT.
TOP THREE SAD GADGETS ADGETS LUMIE VITAMIN L SAD LIGHT
The makers recommend using this for 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at another time during the day, so the easiest thing to do with this is set it up on your work desk. LUMIE VITAMIN L SAD LIGHT £75 AT LUMIE.COM
HOMEDICS PORTABLE SOUND MACHINE LIGHT
This’ll have you drifting off in no time. Just pop it on and listen to the sounds of a summer night, rain or white noise. HOMEDICS SOUNDS SPA PORTABLE SOUND MACHINE £29.99 AT HOMEDICS.CO.UK
PHILIPS SOMNEO SLEEP AND WAKE-UP LIGHT
Philips claim that 92 per cent of users find it easier to get out of bed. It will help you wake up (and nod off) gradually using soft light. OK! PHILIPS SOMNEO SLEEP AND WAKE-UP LIGHT £149.99 AVAILABLE AT PHILIPS.CO.UK
FEATURE: KAT ROMERO PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
What fitness regime do you stick to these days? I try and go to my PT sessions twice a week, but sometimes I only manage to go once. It’s great to try a PT because they mix it up so you don’t get bored! ourite What’s your favourite gym class? o I don’t really go to classes, as I preferr my PT sessions, I enjoy them because the main focus is on you rather than a class full of people. But If I had to pick a gym class it would have to be legs, bums and tums, it’s fun. Are there any fitness activities you hate doing? I tried Boxercise once but I just couldn’t get into it. I don’t like fast nd paced exercises and I’m not good at multitasking! What music do you listen to when you’re working out? R’n’b, it picks me up and makes me feel good.
What was your diet like in the villa? I’m a really fussy eater. I ate chips and crisps most of the time when I was in there, which isn’t the best, is it?! What do you like cooking for yourself now? I do love cooking spaghetti Bolognese, I am really good at it even if I do say so myself. Italian food is my favourite. What do you love most about yourself and why? Probably my dimples, because they are unique and they are a sign of beauty! Well, I think they’re cute anyway! Tell us ab about your collectio collection with Nikki Intimate Intimates… Having my own underw underwear collection has al always been a drea dream of mine. Now I hav have one and I abs absolutely love it! The collection is ffun and a little ch cheeky - a bit like m me! My favourite p piece is the re red lark floral s because set t colours the a gorgeous are and the fit is amazing. OK! YOU CAN FIND HAYLEY’S LINGERIE RANGE AT NIKKIINTIMATES.COM
IINTERVIEW NTERV NTER VIEW BY BY E EMILY MILY W WHITWAM HITWAM
Do you think exercising helps with your mental wellbeing? Definitely, I always walk out the gym feeling better. I have more energy too!
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CHLOE MADELEY
LOOKING TO LOSE WEIGHT THIS NEW YEAR? CHLOE’S OUT TO ‘TRANSFORM YOUR BODY’ ACCORDING TO HER NEW BOOK
Sweet potato hash
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illing, warming and very, very healthy. I LOVE this recipe! This is hash, with increased sweet potato and egg quantities. 1. Pour the oil into a frying pan and place over a high heat. 2. When the oil is hot, add the garlic, then the onion and pepper, and cook until softened (3–4 minutes). 3. Add the sweet potato and toss all the ingredients together well. Reduce the heat
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slightly and cook until the potatoes are soft (5–10 minutes), adding a splash of water if it’s looking a little dry. 4. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. 5. Crack the eggs on to the top of the hash, cover the pan with a lid and allow to cook for a further 4–5 minutes. 6. Season with salt and pepper, then add the chilli powder and paprika, if using, and serve. (You could use any other herbs and spices to flavour your hash if you wish.)
SERVES ONE INGREDIENTS
t 1 tsp olive (or chilli) oil t 1 tsp crushed or diced garlic t ½ onion, peeled and diced t ½ red pepper, diced t 2 small sweet potatoes, chopped into small cubes (the smaller the better for quicker cooking time) t 1 large handful spinach t 3 whole eggs t Pinch of chilli powder (optional) t Pinch of paprika (optional)
Chocolate cake and chocolate sauce with chocolate sprinkles INGREDIENTS
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t EBTIFT VOTXFFUFOFE DPDPOVU NJML t H GBU (SFFL ZPHIVSU TNBMM QPU
t EBTI MJRVJE DIPDPMBUF BSPVOE B H UTQ
t UCTQ DBDBP OJCT H
T
IJT NJHIU TFFN B XFJSE CSFBLGBTU CVU TPNFUJNFT XIFO * XBLF VQ * KVTU XBOU TPNFUIJOH TXFFU 8IFO DFSFBM JTO U BO PQUJPO UIJT DBO CF B SFBM TBWJPVS 1. .JY UIF QSPUFJO QPXEFS BOE EBTI PG DPDPOVU NJML UPHFUIFS JO B NJDSPXBWBCMF CPXM UP NBLF B UIJDL CBUUFS 1MBDF UIF CPXM JO UIF NJDSPXBWF BOE DPPL PO B IJHI IFBU GPS › NJOVUFT 2. .FBOXIJMF NJY UIF ZPHIVSU UIF TFDPOE EBTI PG DPDPOVU NJML BOE UIF EBTI PG MJRVJE DIPDPMBUF UPHFUIFS JO B TNBMM CPXM 3. 0ODF UIF DBLF IBT DPPLFE QPVS UIF ZPHIVSU TBVDF PWFS UIF DBLF TQSJOLMF XJUI UIF DBDBP OJCT OK! BOE TFSWF
TRANSFORM YOUR BODY WITH WEIGHTS BY CHLOE MADELEY IS OUT NOW £16.99
SERVES ONE
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MIAMI NICE! FANCY SOME WINTER SUN TO START THE NEW YEAR? THE PARTY TOWN OF MIAMI PROVIDES WARM NIGHTS AND AN EVEN WARMER WELCOME
WHY GO THERE NOW?
Miami is sizzling hot. And we’re not just talking about the balmy temperatures that this Florida hotspot enjoys all year round. The city is known for its pulsating nightlife and vibrant party scene and it’s the perfect place for a New Year break. And if you partied a bit too hard, you can just relax on the soft, white sands
Little Havana’s bustling Calle Ocho
Watch sharks glide above you
of South Beach, which is overlooked by Ocean Drive. This famous, palm tree-lined street is known for its confettihued Art Deco buildings and al fresco cafes. Add to this the melting pot of different nationalities – particularly the large Cuban community – and Miami has a truly unique vibe.
MUST-DO ACTIVITIES?
Visit the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, a cutting-edge museum that houses an aquarium and planetarium, where visitors can immerse themselves in interactive shows including Dynamic Earth, where you can ride the swirling ocean currents, dive into a hurricane and fly into churning volcanoes. You can also pet stingrays on the top floor and watch hammerhead sharks glide above you from the bottom of the aquarium. A visit to Little Havana is an absolute must. Take a guided walk with Miami Culinary Tours and you’ll stroll along Calle Ocho sampling traditional foods such as empanadas and the famous Cuban sandwich. Watch the locals play dominoes in the park and listen to Latino beats playing in the street side cafes. When you’re done, relax with a Mojito at Ball & Chain in front of the outdoor pineappleshaped stage that has played host to legends such as Billie Holiday and Count Basie. 102
WHERE TO STAY?
The contemporary EAST Miami hotel is part of a new upmarket development in the city’s Brickell financial district. All the ultra-modern 352 rooms – including eight suites and 89 one to three-bed residences – feature balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. Even in the bathroom, so you can enjoy breathtaking city views while you unwind in the tub. Owned by a Hong Kong company, the hotel has lots of Asian-inspired furnishings – most notably at the rooftop bar Sugar and the Tea Room, an opulent cocktail den. Make sure you dine at the hotel’s signature Quinto La Huella restaurant. Order one of the steaks from the South American-inspired menu that are cooked using a traditional fire method. After a hard day’s sightseeing, OK! liked to relax on a sun lounger by one of the hotel’s two pools with a cocktail in hand!
EAST’s rooftop bar, Sugar
WHERE TO DINE WHERE TO DINE AND BE SEEN?
A great place to see and be seen is Sugar, the rooftop bar on the 40th floor of EAST hotel. Leafy, hidden walkways give this Balinese-inspired bar a tropical feel. Search out the Tea Room, only accessible by a discreet door, for a Midnight Detox cocktail and some moreish Asian tapas. Another great rooftop bar is the SkyBar at the Shore Club, also famous for its pool parties. If you want to party all night, the huge Blackbird Ordinary in Brickell has DJs, live bands and a pool table. And for a true Miami experience, see one of the many drag acts. OK! saw a mind-blowing contest at Kill Your Idol on Espanola Way. Competition was stiff but the winning performer went that extra mile by leaping off the bar and landing in the splits! OK!
HOW T O D I GEE? THER RWEGIAN. 8 0854; NO
82 IAN (0330 FROM LONDON NORWEG NG 787 FLIES COM/UK) MI ON A NEW BOEI RN IN 75 RETU TO MIA GATWICK AIRCRAFT, FROM £2 R PREMIUM FO ER DREAMLIN ONOMY AND £940 TAXES AND EC L LOW FARE PRICES INCLUDE AL AVAILABILITY. TO T EC CLASS. BJ PER BUT ARE SU I START FROM £230 N IO CHARGES M EAST, MIA INFORMAT RATES AT NIGHT. FOR MORE IAMI.COM. R ROOM PE BOOK, VISIT EAST-M DETAILS HER AND TO ? FOR FURT VISIT MORE INFO AND ITS BEACHES I ON MIAM NDBEACHES.COM MIAMIA
REPORT: AMY ATKINSON EDITED BY OK! TRAVEL EDITOR ANNABEL MACKIE PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
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HOTSPOT
EDITED BY ANNABEL.ZAMMIT@REACHPLC.COM
A riverview room and (below right) the impressive entrance
THE PETERSHAM HOTEL RICHMOND With its grand Victorian architecture and unrivalled views of the River Thames and stunning Surrey countryside, The Petersham is perched proudly on the side of Richmond Hill, just a short riverside stroll from Richmond station for easy connections to central London. Built in 1865, the privately owned four-star hotel has 58 elegant bedrooms with OK! staying in one of the deluxe riverview bedrooms. We felt like royalty, sipping champagne while taking in the beautiful scenery from our very own seating area and balcony.
WHY DO WE LOVE IT?
On arrival we were in awe of the beautiful lobby, magnificent Portland stone staircase and ornate chandeliers; not only are the
walls on each floor adorned with paintings but the ceilings are too! After working up an appetite with an evening walk along the river, we headed for dinner in the award-winning Petersham Restaurant. Here, head chef Jean-Didier Gouges prepares uncomplicated d dishes with fresh and seasonal produce in a modern British style. OK! enjoyed the seared scallops with mushroom and white chocolate e velouté to start (£18) followed by the black cod with squid ink risotto, cress and yuzu foam (£34). We barely had room left but couldn’t resist the beautiful Bonsai dessert; a chocolate, hazelnut and matcha mousse and candy floss (£14). a E Each course was expertly paired with a delicious w wine which enhanced the experience even further.
WHO GOES?
The historic hotel overlooks the beautiful meadows of Petersham
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The Petersham Hotel and restaurant is often frequented by some of the world’s most famous. Photographs of celebrities like Ant and Dec, Amanda Holden, Mick Jagger and Kate Winslet, some with personal messages, line the hall to the restaurant.
The restaurant boasts the ‘best view in Richmond’
WHAT ELSE?
The Petersham would make the perfect wedding venue. For a more relaxing experience, enjoy a delightful afternoon tea at the hotel, or a traditional Sunday roast. Then, you can wander around the spectacular Richmond Park, just a stone’s throw away. OK! DOUBLE ROOMS START FROM £130 IN LOW SEASON. VISIT PETERSHAMHOTEL.CO.UK FOR MORE DETAILS.
REPORT: JEANNE TERBLANCHE
WHY GO?
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ARIES
MARCH 21 – APRIL 20 You’re trying to avoid some tension, Aries but petty conflicts seem to be STARLINE ** bubbling to the surface. Keep people who don’t get on well apart. Remind yourself that you’re not responsible for other people’s words, or their actions. STARLINE **
CANCER JUNE 22 – JULY 23
You could be making some space Cancer in your home for a relative or STARLINE ** roommate. An addition to your family will fill your heart with joy. Adopting a pet or visiting a shelter to look for a furry companion are other rewarding possibilities.
STARLINE **
LIBRA
SEPTEMBER 24 – OCTOBER 23 It’s been a long wait, but at last Libra you’ll get the go ahead to start an STARLINE ** important work project. An openminded professional has been pulling strings on your behalf and as a result you could reach career heights you never thought possible.
STARLINE **
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 21
A friend or neighbour will try to drag Sagittarius you into their problems. This isn’t STARLINE ** unusual and you’ve reached a point where you just don’t want to know. By making yourself scarce whenever they approach you, they will learn to fend for themselves.
STARLINE **
AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 19
You long to explore new territory. It Aquarius might seem as if obligations have STARLINE
** been keeping you tied to certain people and places, but with a little imagination, you could rearrange your agenda to fit in a change of scenery.
STARLINE
**
TAURUS APRIL 21 – MAY 21
Taurus You don’t have to wait until the festivities are over to talk business. STARLINE ** Attending an official event will work to your advantage. Keep networking and this could have a beneficial effect on your budget and your job prospects. STARLINE **
LEO
JULY 24 – AUGUST 23 If you’re travelling to celebrate the Leo new year with family some distance STARLINE ** away, you may have to make sudden alterations to your schedule. This will be inconvenient and will cause frustration, but there is little you can do but accept it.
STARLINE **
GEMINI MAY 22 – JUNE 21
Geminibeen given an important You’ve project or assignment and if you STARLINE ** do a good job, you could attract similar opportunities over the year ahead. Try to keep your feet firmly on the ground and avoid fanciful thinking.
STARLINE **
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 – SEPTEMBER 23 Talking to older relatives will inspire Virgo you to start tracing your family history. STARLINE ** Write down all they tell you and you’ll thank yourself in the future. It will be fun to uncover the backstory of your family. This could mark the start of a fascinating hobby.
STARLINE **
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 22 You can’t wait to get back to your Scorpio normal routines. Other people are STARLINE ** making plans for the future, but you’re not in a rush to start anything new. You prefer to take it at a steady pace. Solitary pursuits will be more relaxing than a big party.
STARLINE **
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 20
Before you start thinking about your Capricorn next big expenditure, pay off all STARLINE ** your debts. A partner takes a very practical approach to their finances and you will follow suit. Creating a new household budget will take time, but it will pay off.
STARLINE **
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 – MARCH 20 Some exciting money news could Pisces add to your financial security. You’ve STARLINE ** been longing to start a home improvement project and this is your chance. If a housemate isn’t keen on the upheaval, remind them it’s temporary.
STARLINE **
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AUSTRALIA EDITION
VINTAGE PROFESSIONAL SKATER SYLVAIN LONGCHAMBON WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO DANCING ON ICE ISSUE – JANUARY
Sylvain and Samia with Freya and Yves
PHOTOS: CAMERA PRESS, TONY WARD
OK!, NUMBER 10 LOWER THAMES STREET, LONDON EC3R 6EN MAIN OFFICE: 020 8612 7000/+44 (0) 20 8612 7000 EDITOR IN CHIEF caroline.waterston@reachplc.com EDITOR charlotte. seligman@reachplc.com 020 8612 7410 DEPUTY EDITOR rowan.erlam @reachplc.com 020 8612 7898 (maternity leave) ACTING DEPUTY EDITOR annabel.zammit@reachplc.com 020 8612 7040 ASSISTANT EDITOR (FEATURES) kat.romero@reachplc.com 020 8612 7105 ASSISTANT EDITOR (NEWS) clare.ďŹ sher@reachplc.com (maternity leave) ACTING ASSISTANT EDITOR (NEWS) oliver.grady@reachplc.com 020 7510 6416 ENTERTAINMENT AND ROYAL DIRECTOR christina.reeves@reachplc.com (maternity leave) NEWS EDITOR kirsty.hatcher@reachplc.com 020 8612 7022 ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR katie.langford-foster@reachplc.com 020 8612 7164 SENIOR WRITER josie.copson@reachplc.com 020 8612 7752 FEATURES WRITER michelle.garnett@reachplc.com 020 8612 7270 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT emily.whitwam@reachplc.com 020 8612 7990 SOCIAL EDITOR AT LARGE: mark.moody@ok.co.uk HEALTH EDITOR yasminegibson@yahoo.co.uk FASHION: FASHION & BEAUTY DIRECTOR michelle.darlow@reachplc.com FASHION & BEAUTY TEAM Rivkie Baum, Zoe Cripps, Katy Gale, Sophie Goodwin, Lynne Hyland, Lauren Goodwin-Grafton, Laura Mulley, Megan Rees, Scott Wells, Harriet Wheeler
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A
s Dancing On Ice launches itss 12th series, there’s one thing noticeably different – French hunk and professional skater Sylvain Longchambon has not been partnered with a celebrity. He will only appear in the group numbers. The 39-year-old has been with the show for ďŹ ve of the past six series, often with soap star partners including Jennifer Metcalfe (from l ffrom Hollyoaks) ll k ) Hollyoaks), Stephanie Waring in 2018 ((also and 2019’s partner Corrie’s Jane Danson. In an exclusive OK! shoot in 2018, Sylvain and wife Samia, who he met during the 2013 series, were both “excitedâ€? about the programme’s return. Samia added, “ Skating is Sylvain’s passion and it’s what he has trained to do his whole life,â€? before the smooth romantic chipped in with, “But you are my passion!â€? The couple tied the knot in 2016 and share son Yves, now four, while Samia, 37, is also mum to Freya, now 10, from her marriage to Matthew Smith. Samia ruled out any more children in the future telling OK!, “We deďŹ nitely don’t want to be outnumbered!â€? For the 2018 series he was based in the north, where Coronation Street star Samia also worked. He said at the time, “When they told me I was going to be based in Manchester I was really happy. Probably not as happy as Sam.â€? But this year, while some have claimed Sylvain was snubbed, he expressed his side of the story on Instagram. “For the record, I was offered a contract I wasn’t able to accept for logistical reasons. I’m very much looking forward to taking part in the group numbers and hopefully, things will work out better next year!â€? OK!
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