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Maura Higgins' stunning bounce back after Danny Jones kiss scandal

Maura Higgins' stunning bounce back after Danny Jones kiss scandal

Daily Mirror6 days ago
Maura Higgins has not only recovered from 'that' boozy kiss at a BAFTAs afterparty earlier this year - she's riding higher than ever as a {R expert claims she's 'played a blinder'
Maura Higgins had a rocky start to 2025, splitting from Pete Wicks then facing a backlash over 'that' kiss with married McFly star Danny Jones at the Brits afterparty. But not only has she weathered the storm, she's set to celebrate her biggest year yet, as OK! reports.

According to PR expert Dermot McNamara, Maura's played a blinder by refusing to get caught up in the drama and, thanks to her hosting gig on Love Island USA: Aftersun, her career is just getting stronger. 'This had all the makings of a PR disaster, but Maura turned it into a non-event,' he said. 'The scandal could have derailed her, but she's back on screen, bigger than ever.'

READ MORE: 'Unique and luminous' pink climbing clematis has a 25% saving in this summer sale

The reality star, 34, oozed confidence as she returned to the spin-off series last week. And while she may have hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons recently, a source told new the negative publicity has failed to dent her reputation.
'She needed a clean slate and working in America has done that,' they said. 'In the UK, Maura was – unfairly – branded a homewrecker. It's not a good look and she didn't want it to impact her career.' Maura met Danny while appearing on I'm A Celebrity last December, while she was dating Pete.
Danny, meanwhile, has been married to model Georgia Horsley – who he shares seven-year-old son Cooper with – since 2014. Maura and Danny stunned onlookers when they were caught kissing at the Brits afterparty, prompting Danny to issue a grovelling apology.

But as Danny battled to save his marriage, Maura maintained a dignified silence. 'It's the golden rule of reputation management: don't add fuel to the fire,' said Dermot. 'She didn't dignify the rumours with a response, and by doing so she denied them oxygen.'
The source agreed that Maura was canny in how she dealt with the furore. 'She still hasn't spoken about the kiss – she acts as if it didn't happen,' they said. 'McFly aren't as well-known in the US, so it's a weight off her shoulders when she's there.' Maura began hosting Love Island USA: Aftersun last year, but took time away to film for the US version of The Traitors.

Then, last week, she made an epic return for the finale. 'Maura is hot property in America,' the source said. And she has no plans to slow down, with the source claiming that Maura is working hard to ensure the scandal with Danny becomes a distant memory. Dermot said it's incredible how the former ring girl has been juggling two huge TV shows.
'These are high-profile roles that prove networks and brands still want her front and centre. Maura is a magnetic TV host with a rising-star quality.'
Alongside the likes of Molly-Mae Hague and Olivia Attwood, Maura is one of Love Island's biggest success stories. It's because she knows how to play the fame game, the source said, adding, 'She's come out of this debacle unscathed, while Danny still seems to be picking up the pieces.'
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Love Island fans praise Megan as she calls out Harry for his actions in brutal speech
Love Island fans praise Megan as she calls out Harry for his actions in brutal speech

Scottish Sun

time28 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

Love Island fans praise Megan as she calls out Harry for his actions in brutal speech

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOVE Island fans have praised Megan Forte-Clarke as she called out Harry Cooksley for his actions in an absolutely brutal speech. In the villa, Harry was in a couple with Helena Ford for two weeks before his head was turned by Shakira Khan. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 8 Megan Forte-Clarke lambasted Harry for his treatment of both Helena and Shakira Credit: ITV2 8 Fans fumed when he was left smirking at the Grafties Credit: ITV2 8 A clip was shown where he flirted with Shakira, despite being exclusive with Helena Credit: ITV2 But after an additional few weeks, the footballer decided to pursue his partnership with Helena instead. In the last week, the duo became 'exclusive' as Harry was supposedly closed off and happy in their couple. This was whilst Shakira got to know Conor Phillips, but she later made a huge confession to Toni Laites. She admitted that she had 'suppressed emotions' when it came to her true feelings toward Harry, and she then ended things with Conor. The footballer then flirted with Shakira behind Helena's back, suggesting that it "would be a good idea" for the pair to hang out when they both leave the villa. Shakira also said that he was her "best sleeping buddy" for snuggles, which he described as being "so good, like perfect," despite his exclusivity. At the Grafties, Harry & Shakira were nominated for the surprise Critics Choice Award. A clip of Harry's recent flirtations with Shakira was shown to the group, which left the rest of the contestants either cringing or open mouthed with shock When it came to deciding who should get the award, Megan went up on the podium and completely lambasted Harry for his treatment of both Helena and Shakira. She announced: "Basically, we picked these two people because I think everyone's faces spoke volumes when that clip was shown. Love Island star Shakira tells co-stars 'shut the f--- up' and makes honest confession about feelings for Harry "Especially how recent it was, and I think these two girls have suffered enough at the hands of this boy, from day one." She added: "I think we can all realise now that he is the problem, the common denominator in all this and I think these two girls deserve better." Droves of Love Island fans have since taken to social media to praise the star for her poise at that moment. Writing on X - formerly known as Twitter - one fan wrote: "Megan that speech was just what Harry needed to hear." A second enthusiastically stated: "Megan stood on business by calling Harry out." As someone else commented: "Finally, someone telling Harry how it is. He thinks he can get away with everything." And a fourth added: "Go on Meg." 8 Megan said that Harry was 'the common denominator' as both girls deserved better Credit: ITV2 8 Helena could barely look at her partner during the dramatic award ceremony Credit: ITV2 8 She was left absolutely devastated by his actions behind her back Credit: ITV2 8 Most of the contestants cringed as they watched the clip Credit: ITV2 8 Angel was left open-mouthed as Harry's behaviour came to light Credit: ITV2 Love Island continues on ITV2 and is available to stream on ITVX.

Love Island fans praise Megan as she calls out Harry for his actions in brutal speech
Love Island fans praise Megan as she calls out Harry for his actions in brutal speech

The Sun

time28 minutes ago

  • The Sun

Love Island fans praise Megan as she calls out Harry for his actions in brutal speech

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She added: "I think we can all realise now that he is the problem, the common denominator in all this and I think these two girls deserve better." Droves of Love Island fans have since taken to social media to praise the star for her poise at that moment. Writing on X - formerly known as Twitter - one fan wrote: "Megan that speech was just what Harry needed to hear." Love Island 2025 full lineup Harry Cooksley: A 30-year-old footballer with charm to spare. Shakira Khan: A 22-year-old Manchester-based model, ready to turn heads. Megan Moore: A payroll specialist from Southampton, looking for someone tall and stylish. Alima Gagigo: International business graduate with brains and ambition. Tommy Bradley: A gym enthusiast with a big heart. Helena Ford: A Londoner with celebrity connections, aiming to find someone funny or Northern. Ben Holbrough: A model ready to make waves. Dejon Noel-Williams: A personal trainer and semi-pro footballer, following in his footballer father's footsteps. Aaron Buckett: A towering 6'5' personal trainer. Conor Phillips: A 25-year-old Irish rugby pro. Antonia Laites: Love Island's first bombshell revealed as sexy Las Vegas pool party waitress. Yasmin Pettet: The 24-year-old bombshell hails from London and works as a commercial banking executive. Emily Moran: Bombshell Welsh brunette from the same town as Love Island 2024 alumni Nicole Samuel. Harrison Solomon: Pro footballer and model entering Love Island 2025 as a bombshell. Giorgio Russo: The 30-year-old will be spending his summer in the sun, potentially his sister Alessia's successful tournament at the Euros in Switzerland. Yaz Broom: Professional DJ from Manchester who appeared on X Factor 2016 in girl group Four of Diamonds. Andrada Pop: Miss Bikini Ireland 2019 winner who hails from Dublin and works as a nail technician and personal trainer. Emma Munro: Harry Cooksley's ex who entered as a bombshell and works as a hydrogeologist. 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Remell Mullins: Boasts over 18million likes and 500k followers on TikTok thanks to his sizzling body transformation videos. Alima Gagigo: 23-year-old personal banker from Glasgow who fancies herself as a 'good flirt'. Ryan Bannister: 27-year-old gym hunk who entered the show as a bombshell. A second enthusiastically stated: "Megan stood on business by calling Harry out." As someone else commented: "Finally, someone telling Harry how it is. He thinks he can get away with everything." And a fourth added: "Go on Meg." 8 8 8 8

‘I miss daughter Martine McCutcheon so much after son's death - we don't speak'
‘I miss daughter Martine McCutcheon so much after son's death - we don't speak'

Daily Mirror

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mirror

‘I miss daughter Martine McCutcheon so much after son's death - we don't speak'

Bestselling author Jenny Tomlin was devastated by the sudden death of her son in 2022. Consumed by grief she lost touch with her daughter, former EastEnders star Martine McCutcheon. Now, she's pleading for her forgiveness Martine McCutcheon and her mum, Jenny Tomlin, used to be joined at the hip, but a sudden death in the family led to a devastating breakdown. Now heartbroken Jenny is desperate for a reconciliation. 'There was nothing she didn't include me in,' says Jenny. 'We did all the wonderful stuff – the premiere of Love Actually, the restaurants – but the memories I cherish are of us just sitting on my bed, bringing up old memories and laughing. I miss that.' ‌ Their relationship started to fall apart after the tragic death of Martine's brother Laurence John – known affectionately as LJ – in 2022. He was just 31. Jenny says she suffered an emotional breakdown and pushed Martine away. Jenny, 69, wants to apologise to Martine, 49, for cutting her off, she reveals in an exclusive interview with OK!. ‌ ‌ 'When I lost LJ, I detached. I was so heartbroken I couldn't talk to Martine,' she says. 'There was no big row – Martine tried to contact me for months, but I didn't answer. Martine was grieving and needed me, too. 'I want the chance to say sorry. I miss her so much – it physically hurts.' Jenny and Martine did meet once, briefly, last October, but it wasn't the reunion she hoped for. 'Martine texted me out of the blue,' says Jenny. 'She'd moved into a new home and wondered if my husband Alan could do some painting. We jumped at the chance and went over, but we didn't talk in depth. It was awkward and the atmosphere felt heavy.' There was vague talk of Christmas plans, but nothing was confirmed. That, Jenny says, was when the silence truly began. Reflecting on another high-profile rift that has made headlines, Jenny says: 'I understand the pain Victoria Beckham is going through over her estrangement from Brooklyn. He was her firstborn, too. It's a heartbreaking situation for anybody who is estranged or has lost their child.' ‌ Recalling the pain of losing LJ, Jenny's voice cracks. 'It's not the natural order to lose a child.' But Jenny realises the mistake she made 'broke' Martine's heart. 'Eventually, I did pull myself out of that dark hole, but maybe it was too late,' she says. Recalling the day LJ died, Jenny says she got a phone call from his fiancée, who said he'd collapsed and they couldn't revive him. Still in her pyjamas, Jenny drove the hour and a half from her home in Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire to LJ's by the Essex coast – but it was too late. ‌ 'My precious boy was on the floor, wrapped up. I remember saying, 'It's OK to open your eyes now, son, I'm here',' she says, tearfully. 'They'd worked hard doing CPR on him, but couldn't bring him back. 'It was like a nightmare. I couldn't believe my boy was gone.' An autopsy revealed that LJ – who didn't smoke or drink – had succumbed to acute ischaemic heart disease and diabetes. Jenny rang Martine from the scene, but was so distraught her daughter had to speak to paramedics to find out what had happened. In the early hours, Jenny drove to Martine's. 'She looked at me and realised I needed looking after,' Jenny says. 'She'd prepared the spare room, stroked my hair, gave me a cuddle and, somehow, I slept.' LJ was laid to rest on 31 October 2022. After, Jenny says her life went 'down a deep, dark pit'. She says, 'I was seen by a mental health team and given anti-anxiety meds.' ‌ Martine, who played Tiffany Mitchell in EastEnders from 1994 to 1998, was 15 when LJ was born and Jenny recalls how she became a sort of surrogate mum to him. Following LJ's death, Jenny was paralysed by anxiety, and suspects this is at the heart of why she hasn't seen her daughter or grandson, 10-year-old Rafferty, in so long. 'I didn't contact Martine,' she says. 'I abandoned her. I was so wrapped up in my own grief that I was neglecting my other child. That was the start of it, and things just… snowballed. And here we are.' Jenny, an author of novels and memoir, including Behind Closed Doors about the abuse she suffered as a child, says she's reached out to Martine recently – calling, texting, sending cards – but claims she has had no response. ‌ Just weeks ago, after a moment of clarity, Jenny and Alan drove the 90 minutes to Martine's house in Surrey. 'I was banging on the door shouting her name,' she admits. 'But nobody answered. So I gave up, got in the car and drove home distraught. I turned to Alan and said, 'I don't think she'll ever speak to me again'. 'That's why I've done this interview as a plea for Martine to get in touch.' In the last couple of months, Jenny feels more like herself and has started writing a memoir about LJ. But her guilt over Martine remains. 'I let Martine down. There's not a day goes by when I don't think of her. ‌ 'Losing Rafferty has felt like another death,' she says. And her love for Rafferty has inspired Jenny to write children's books, which she hopes to dedicate to him. When Martine's 18-year relationship to musician Jack McManus broke down last year, she and Jenny weren't in contact. And it's not something Jenny is willing to discuss. 'That's between Martine and Jack,' she says. 'I don't think I'll ever stop trying when it comes to my girl. If I could speak to Martine, I'd tell her how sorry I am. I've lost one child, I don't want to lose another.' ‌ Next year, Jenny turns 70. The greatest gift anyone could give her would be to share a cuppa with her daughter, while her grandson plays in the garden. 'I've seen what silence does to families,' she says. 'I don't want that for us. I don't want to be another story of regret. I want us to love each other. To find our way back.' 'Trauma doesn't always look like tears' ‌ Grief expert Tina Chummun, Person Centred Trauma Specialist Psychotherapist of Care2Counsel, says of Jenny's situation: 'When a mother loses a child, especially in a traumatic or unexpected way, her nervous system can become overwhelmed - we often see intense grief manifest as numbness, withdrawal or cognitive collapse. 'If you are grieving the loss of one child, and in that shattered fragile state, couldn't show up for the other. From the daughter's perspective, her mum may have seemed to disappear just when she needed her most, creating a rupture that now feels insurmountable. Tina adds, "For a mother, emerging from that fog years later and finding the door closed can feel like experiencing a second bereavement - the living grief of estrangement as though she's lost both children. Rebuilding trust starts with accountability, patience and time..' 'Trauma doesn't always look like tears - sometimes, it looks like silence behind closed doors. The bridge back is built slowly, with humility and hope. Vulnerability can be the bridge that grief once burned.'

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