OHMYGOSSIP — David Walliams was “really touched” when he heard ‘The Boy in the Dress’ had helped a young fan come to terms with their gender identity.
The 51-year-old comedian has made a second career out of writing children’s novels since his ‘Little Brtain’ days and was “amazed” to learn that his 2008 bestseller had helped a child with such a personal issue.
He told Graham Norton, 60, on his Virgin Radio show: “I hadn’t figured it would have that kind of impact and I was like, ‘wow, that’s amazing’.
“I was really touched.”
The former ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ judge also shared how he loves to write for children who are “reluctant readers” as he spent his own childhood reading comic books and is keen to add those elements to his work.
He said: “There are kids who like to read and there are kids who are reluctant readers and I want to write books for kids who are reluctant readers.
“I grew up on the Beano, that’s what got me into reading so I wanted to write a book that was really funny, really visual, really silly humour, [a] bit surreal, and maybe a little bit scary at times.
‘The World’s Worst Monster’’ author praised his “genius” team of designers for their illustrations across the book.
David said: “I say to them, ‘I don’t want any pages where nothing is happening other than text’, cause I know what it’s like, you know having being a kid, you flick through a book, and if it doesn’t have illustrations and it’s just text, text, text, often it just puts you off, cause you think where are the rewards?
“I have driven the illustrators mad by saying, ‘Can I have a picture on every single page?’
“They’re contracted to do like 25, and then they end up doing 525, but I just want the books to be accessible as possible and encourage kids to read.”
David revealed he had been “writing” with his comedy partner Matt Lucas, 49, but is waiting until he has wrapped on Ridley Scott’s sequel to the 2000 film ‘Gladiator’.
David said: “We are just writing, we’ve got lots of characters and situations we think are funny, but we want to do it in our own time, we don’t want to rush.
“We want to get it right and we want to create something really special.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Zara McDermott will investigate the death of a Dorset teenager in a three-part documentary for BBC Three.
The former ‘Love Island’ star will front a trio of programmes, titled ‘Gaia: A Death on Dancing Ledge’ – which will begin airing weekly on 25th July – looking into the heartbreaking circumstances of the 2017 death of 19-year-old Gaia Pope-Sutherland and with help from her loved ones, will “tell her story”.
The 26-year-old television personality said: “When I first heard about the disappearance of 19-year-old Gaia on the news in 2017, I was immediately struck by her story. She and I were the same age. I saw Gaia’s face on the news for days and days after this, and it really struck a chord with me. A young woman with the world at her feet, yet her life was over before it had even begun. I began diving deeper into Gaia’s story, alongside her brave family, and I uncovered a huge amount in the year and a half I spent down in Dorset. This young woman needed a voice, and I wanted to tell her story.”
BBC bosses admitted they were “delighted” to be shining light on the “incredibly important” story with Zara – who has already made hard-hitting programmes with the channel like ‘Zara McDermott: Revenge Porn’ and appeared in her former ‘Made in Chelsea’ boyfriend Sam Thompson’s Channel 4 investigation into ADHD earlier this year- and hope it sparks “change”.
Clare Sillery, the Head of Documentary Commissioning “We are delighted to give a platform to this incredibly important and timely documentary series and for Gaia’s story to be front and centre. It follows on from the hugely poignant subjects that Zara McDermott has delved into already in her filmmaking for the BBC and looks at whether enough was done to protect Gaia and other young women and girls, exploring the impact on those closest to Gaia. We hope the series will contribute to a very important conversation about what needs to change in the future.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Davina McCall “misses” her daughters now that they have left home.
The 55-year-old TV star is mother to Holly, 21, Tilly, 19, and 16-year-old Chester with ex-husband Matthew Robertson and she has been left with empty nest syndrome as her two daughters have each taken on summer placements.
She told The Sun newspaper’s Fabulous magazine: “I miss them, and the reality is I do miss the noise. At times, obviously you go, ‘Please, all of you go out. You’re driving me mad but, generally speaking, I just love chaos, I love the music. I love everybody dancing. “But we all talk a lot on the phone [and] I know they’re all happy. The worst thing is if they’re miles away, calling you crying. As long as they’re happy, I’m happy.”
Meanwhile, the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ presenter has served as a judge on ITV’s ‘The Masked Singer’ – which sees celebrities conceal their identity in wacky costumes and perform pop songs – since the inception of the show in 2020 alongside comedian Mo Gilligan, 35, singer Rita Ora, 32, and broadcaster Jonathan Ross, 62 and revealed that co-star Wossy had even fought for her to have equal pay.
She added: “[Another series] is certainly on the cards. Oh my God, I love those guys. I love Mo and send him constant photos of otters. We love otters. Rita, I love. I send her messages. Jonathan Ross is the nicest man and an ally of women. When I [got] my job, [Jonathan] called me and said: ‘This is what I’m being paid. I think you and I should get paid the same amount’. There wasn’t a huge discrepancy. But he wanted to make sure there wasn’t and I love him for that.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Danniella Westbrook has reportedly met a “wealthy businessman” in Turkey.
The 49-year-old actress – who is best known for having played the role of Sam Mitchell on ‘EastEnders’ – is said to have been “heartbroken” when her last relationship fizzled out, but now a source close to the former soap star has claimed that she has “quickly” found herself someone new.
A source told The Sun newspaper: “Danniella was heartbroken by her latest split, but she’s quickly found herself a new man. She met a wealthy businessman in Turkey last week and he’s been spoiling her with presents. Danniella loves being in his company and is over the moon with her latest romance. It’s still fresh but she does genuinely like him and will continue travelling back and forth to see him.”
It is thought that the ‘ Celebrity Big Brother’ star had been seeing her ex on and off over the course of seven years but after the relationship “imploded” last week, just months after the couple had reportedly been planning to move in together because they have both “changed so much” since they got together.
The source said: “Danniella was heartbroken last night. Both Danniella and David have decided to cancel their wedding plans and, it seems, their whole relationship. She has spent nearly seven years travelling all over the country to visit him but it seems the closer he is to coming home, the more the cracks are showing. They have both just changed so much since they first got together”
Following the apparent split, the former ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here’ contestant appeared to have shared a cryptic post seemingly about the breakup.
She wrote on Instagram: “Catch flights, not feelings!”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Rosie Jones used the word “r*****” in the title of her Channel 4 documentary because it is “upsetting”.
The 33-year-old comedienne suffers from ataxic cerebral palsy – which is caused by caused by damage to cerebellar structures and causes issues with balance and coordination – and is fronting ‘Rosie Jones: Am I A R*****’ documentary but opted to use the “slur word” in the title of her new show in an attempt to take “back control” of something that been used against her entire life.
She told the Metro newspaper’s SixtySeconds column: “We had a lot of concerns, but I’m an executive producer, and that gave me a lot of control creatively, and it was my idea to call it that. I fundamentally believe it is a slur word that isn’t taken as seriously as other offensive words.
“It is a word that has been used towards me for my entire life so it was my way of taking back control and turning it back around on the people who call me that because it is still, unfortunately, a word that I hear all the time. I hope people will understand how upsetting it can be and think twice about using it.”
Rosie admitted that confronting someone who had abused her on the internet was not like meeting a “Disney villain” and rather he was a totally normal person and now thinks that stamping out “ableism” is everyone’s job.
She said: “I think I had an idea in my head and expected to meet a Disney villain and that wasn’t the case. Meeting a troll who says, ‘I was an alcoholic. I have mental health issues. I regret what I did…’ I no longer blame that person If it’s not my fault, is it up to the trolls? Is it up to the social media? Is it up to the police? Is it up to everyone who is a positive ally? The conclusion I’ve come to now is yes, yes, yes and yes. Everyone can stop online abuse and ableism.”
The ‘Would I Lie To You’ panellist revealed she “cannot go anywhere without my headphones” as a way to avoid street harassment.
Rosie said: “Because of my job, if I’m walking home on my own at night, you get more drunk people, and they are more likely to laugh at me an shout ableist slurs or ‘look at her’ or something vaguely sexual, so I cannot go anywhere without my headphones.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Catherine Agbaje was left “massively” shocked after she and Elom Ahlijah-Wilson were dumped from ‘Love Island’ on Wednesday night (12.07.23).
The pair finished bottom of a public vote for the least compatible couple, but the 22-year-old commercial real estate agent insists she has a “genuine” connection with the 22-year-old masseuse and fitness trainer.
When asked if she was shocked at being dumped, Catherine said: “Massively, It wasn’t something I saw coming at all.
“When I heard our names I was shocked because I know what me and Elom have is genuine and we are so compatible.
“I’m sad to be leaving everyone, I’ve genuinely made friends for life in the villa who I’m going to miss so much but I’m happy to be leaving with Elom. Not everyone gets the chance to find someone that they have a connection with, so I can’t wait to continue what we have on the outside.
“The girls have become my sisters so it was emotional saying goodbye to them but I’ve told them it’s not goodbye, but see you later.”
Catherine brought Elom back from Casa Amor, effectively ditching Scott Van Der Sluis in the process, but she left things on “great terms” with the footballer.
She added: “It’s all love with Scott, we left on great terms.
“My connection with Scott was good, we bonded over living in Ireland and it felt right at the time but everything happens for a reason and we weren’t meant to be.”
Elom also admitted he was “really shocked” to be voted off the Island.
He said: “I was really shocked because Catherine and I have such a strong connection, everyone in the villa could see that which is why I think everyone was so surprised with the result.
“It is ‘Love Island’ though, so you have to expect the unexpected.”
‘Love Island’ continues tomorrow at 9pm on Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Player, proudly sponsored by Virgin Media Mobile.
The reality show can also be seen on ITV2.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — ‘Gladiators’ legend Diane Youdale is getting married to a woman she met in a supermarket.
The 53-year-old star, who was known as Jet on the popular 90s show, has got engaged to her lover, Zoe, after they first met when she was approached in her local store.
Speaking to Lori Fetrick – who was Ice on the US version of ‘Gladiators’ – on her ‘Chillin’ with Ice’ podcast, Diane said: “Just over a year ago, a gorgeous lady approached me in my local supermarket.
“Over a year later, we’re going to get married. We are what we are.
“It doesn’t matter. And I don’t give a damn.
“I’m safe and I’m loved and there’s no threat to me anymore and that’s what means the world to me.”
Lori – who came out as gay in 2008 – said: “Today’s day and age, people are so accepting of everyone and it doesn’t matter who you are because it’s a matter of who you are as a person.
“It shouldn’t matter who your partner is.”
‘Gladiators’ is to return on the BBC later this year, and Diane recently admitted she wanted to go back the rebooted show.
She told RadioTimes.com: “I was contacted to go and sit in the audience and have a few interviews. I would have liked to have done consultancy work behind-the-scenes because I’m a psychotherapist and I also know the arena inside out.
“I’d love to have done some background interviews about what’s going on for you psychologically, how you go about going into that arena and approaching that event and this contender whose proven themselves to be awesome. I’d love to have done that.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Former ‘Grange Hill’ star George Armstrong has died aged 60.
The actor, was best known for starring as Alan Humphries in the BBC children’s drama series, died on Wednesday (12.07.23).
A tweet on a ‘Grange Hill’ fan account read: “I’ve just heard the very sad news that George Armstrong aka Alan Humphries passed away yesterday. RIP George. A true Grange Hill legend xxxx (sic)”
George starred as Alan from 1978 to 1982 and then reprised his role in the 1983 ‘Grange Hill’ spin-off series ‘Tucker’s Luck’, which featured former ‘EastEnders’ actor Todd Carty as lead character Peter “Tucker” Jenkins.
One of George’s first roles was alongside Bonnie Langford in 1970s show ‘Just William’, appearing as Hubert Lane.
He also went on to appear as PC Driscoll in ‘The Bill’ in 1989, but later gave up acting.
George went on to become a Technical Theatre Manager at a public school.
A number of Twitter users have paid tribute to the late star following his passing.
One wrote: “George was the stage manager when I was at Italia Conti. Lovely fella. Sad news”
Another posted: “Sad news. Met him a few years ago. Top chap”
One tweeted: “Can’t believe it…. gutted. Todd and the others must be feeling it at this time….an Iconic figure of my childhood. Will be sadly missed and leaves a huge gap in my life. Any ideas as to what cause of death was?”
A fan also posted: “Way too soon. One of the great original characters who put the show on the map, as well as helping to light up the spin off Tucker’s Luck. RIP George.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Vanessa Bauer will reportedly strip off for ‘The Real Full Monty’.
The ‘Dancing On Ice’ pro skater will join the likes of former royal butler Paul Burrell on the ITV show – which is fronted by Ashley Banjo and Coleen Nolan – to raise money for cancer charities.
An insider told The Sun newspaper’s TVBiz column: “Vanessa sadly lost her dear dad to cancer in 2021 so when she was asked to take part in ‘The Real Full Monty’ she jumped at the chance.
“Her dad lived with the disease for six years and she wants to help raise awareness.”
When her father died in 2021, Vanessa admitted she was “hurting so much” but vowed to “dream bigger, work harder and find happiness” as he always wanted her to.
She said at the time: “Cancer sucks but we’ve experienced big steps in modern cancer treatments thanks to cancer research.
“Cancer causes, courses, therapies etc are so different and complex.
“I’m not a doctor but I know that our lifestyle choices can prevent some types of cancer so I’ll keep encouraging you to take care of your body as you only have one.”
Meanwhile, Paul was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year and he has also been inspired to try and make a difference after finishing “his last round of radiotherapy in April”.
The source added to The Sun: “It was incredibly emotional for both Vanessa and Paul during filming but they knew by taking part they would help to make a difference and get people checking themselves.
“Naturally there were lots of laughs along the way — getting your kit off on camera makes people incredibly silly but it was all very good fun.”
Former footballer Ashley Cain is also said to have signed up after losing his baby daughter Azaylia to leukaemia at just eight months old in 2021.

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Karen Hauer has admitted her pet dog Betty “saved her live” after her divorce from Kevin Clifton.
The ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ pro and her ex-husband Kevin Clifton broke up in 2018 after three years of marriage, and she admitted the rescue pup from Bosnia helped her “get up out of bed” during the devastating period.
She told The Sun newspaper: “Betty saved my life, pretty much. Having that unconditional love and having her there to help me actually get up out of bed.
“My dog doesn’t judge me. She just looked at me and sat with me and she would pee if she needed to, which then told me that she needed to go outside.
“‘Take me outside then I won’t pee in the house! Take me out. Get some fresh air.’ ”
While the 41-year-old star is “structured” and “disciplined” thanks to her work, she was rocked by her breakup.
She recalled: “I am a professional dancer, and I am structured and I am disciplined. But when emotional things happen to you, nothing you do on the outside helps.
“I went through a really tough divorce, and it was the most difficult thing I’ve faced on my own — and, I guess, in a spotlight.
“It’s almost like you want to hide and go into your own little cocoon.”
She “didn’t want to speak to anybody” or “be around people” after the breakup, so being with pooch Betty had a huge positive impact.
She added: “Those little tail wags and little looks, and teaching her how to sit and how to give high fives — it always brought extreme joy to me.
“Those little things kind of helped me get through.”
Vanessa has “no regrets”, and has since moved on herself after marrying fitness professional Jordan Wyn-Jones, 34, last year, while she has since adopted three more rescue dogs.
She said: “They’re happy to just see you happy and feel that you’re happy.”

Source: VacationHunter.Online

OHMYGOSSIP — Former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ star Ben Cohen’s ex-wife Abby has been diagnosed with cancer.
The 44 year old – who split from the pro rugby player after he left her for his pro dancer partner Kristina Rihanoff, who Ben was partnered with on the Latin and ballroom show in 2013 – took to Instagram to reveal she has been battling cancer, but admitted she only had one symptom.
She wrote: “This was and is the toughest yet. I’m unlucky, but lucky, to have been warned only once with a symptom of this terrible illness. With huge thanks to the NHS for saving my life and taking good care of me when I felt so scared and most vulnerable. I can’t express enough how lucky I am to have such amazing family and friends that have helped me through this incredibly tough journey.”
Abby – who has twin daughters, Harriette and Isabelle, 15, with Ben – didn’t specify which type of cancer she had, and has urged others to keep an eye out for changes to their body.
She wrote: “Never ignore your body when it’s trying to warn you, I didn’t and it’s given me a chance to live my new life. In time and with the right treatment, I’m hoping this WILL all be a distant memory for me.
‘You never know how strong you are until it’s your only choice’.
#f***cancer (sic)”
Following her split from Ben, Abby found love with new partner Dave and went public in 2020 when she posted a picture with him on Instagram.
Afterwards, she told MailOnline: “I use Instagram as an advertising tool for my business.
“When I downloaded the picture, I was struck by the lens flare – when the light hits the back of the lens. I hardly recognised myself, I looked so happy. I haven’t looked like that for a long time.
“I put it on Instagram without really thinking. When I woke up the next day, loads of people had started to follow me. Then a publicist I use for my work called to say, ‘You’ve got a new boyfriend’.
“I thought, ‘Everyone still labels me Ben’s ex’ but I’m not that Abby any more. I’m me. I’ve got my two girls. My life. I’ve finally met a really nice man. I want to be known as ‘Abby the good photographer’ or “Abby the great mum’. I’m very different. I’m stronger.”
Ben and Kristina – who welcomed daughter Mila into the world in 2016 – got engaged last year.

Source: VacationHunter.Online