
This Morning's Jake Quickenden shares heartfelt message as he's rushed to hospital
This Morning prsenter Jake Quickenden was left devastated after being whisked off to hospital due to a 'nightmare' accident.
The ITV morning programme's team has seen much activity, with psychologist Emma Kenny jubilantly sharing news of her latest addition at 52 years old.
Meanwhile, main hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley are gearing up for their well-deserved summer hiatus from the weekday show.
In their absence, Friday anchors Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary continue as regular fixtures while an array of fan favourites get set to fill in the gaps left by Ben and Cat.
Joining the roster for the sunny season are Olivia Atwood, Emma Willis, Rylan Clark, Josie Gibson, Rochelle Humes, Joel Dommett, Craig Doyle, Sian Welby, and Andi Peters, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Among the valued contributors to This Morning, Jake – who first captured hearts on The X Factor – has won over audiences with his engaging segments around Britain.
Jake has embraced this niche with gusto, but recent developments took a dramatic turn as he disclosed on Instagram last Saturday (July 12) a troubling setback sustained during the gruelling Yukon 1000 boat race. Teaming with fitness ace Matty Green, they had to bow out of the competition when Jake sustained a wrist injury.
He expressed his mixed feelings about the ordeal: "It was fun while it lasted, I can say was the most amazing, scary and utterly bonkers 36 hours I've had in my life. Already so p***ed off ready to try again next year.
"Sometimes the universe tells you something isn't right and this time I listened and we had to get out, I wanted to get home to my kids and wife, I lost my dad young and it affects me everyday I didn't want that for my lads," Jake explained.
He went on to describe how after an energetic start, their challenge was compromised when a wave struck and they found themselves in the drink.
"I couldn't get my spray deck off and was under water what seemed like 3 minutes when I came up I was pretty panicked and we had to swim the boat back to the side luckily we wasn't in the middle or it could have been bad, got the water out, the boat got dry and managed to set off again after losing about an hour, just when we got moving the pedal of the boat snapped and we couldn't turn left."
Jake pondered whether their mission was doomed from the outset. "This is when I was like is this meant to be, I believe in all that stuff and felt like we were being told to get out, we didn't listen we fixed the boat but by this time the storm had hit and we needed to camp to shelter from the wind and rain and the lake which if we hadn't have gone in we would have been off was now too dangerous to paddle on and I'm so glad we don't risk trying.
"We camped bear spray in hand and woke up around 3.30am after now losing 8 hours of time. We packed up got in the boat and wanted to push on we finished the 17k of the lake and we was on the river and ready to push on and try and make the cut off time, as we was celebrating making the river, we hit a boiling eddy that pulled us under and spat us out like nothing," he recalled.
Jake went on: "We came up and was about to go down the river for I don't know how long (which could have been bad) when out of nowhere again like it was meant to happen. Kyle and Mel, two American travellers who just happened to have finished fishing, jumped in the canoe and pulled us to the side.
"They were honestly angels and I personally think they stopped something really bad from happening. We got dry and realised I had a pretty beat up wrist and a broken boat and after 4 bits of bad luck we should call it.
"So we called it and for me and Matty that's a hard thing to do, we knew we probably wouldn't make the cut off time in Dawson, not with the boat and my wrist, and like I said something felt off like it's was trying to get us off that river every time something went good something terrible brought us back down to earth."
Admitting that 'sometimes you fail that's life', Jake expressed his gratitude to his fans for their 'love and support', stating that he 'learnt more over 48 hours than ever before'.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
19 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Jay Blades 'just weeks away from starring in new reality TV show' before arrest
Former BBC Repair Shop host Jay Blades is said to have signed up to a brand new ITV reality show but was dropped when news of his arrest emerged weeks before filming started Axed BBC star Jay Blades was reportedly set to appear on a brand new reality TV show before his arrest came to light. The former Repair Shop host pleaded not guilty following being charged with engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife last year. Blades, who rose to fame on the hit BBC show, was arrested on May 3. It was the same day his wife Lisa Zbozen publicly announced her split from the presenter after 18 months of marriage. He was said to have signed up to new ITV show Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters before his arrest. However, the show was reportedly thrown into chaos after allegations emerged with bosses taking swift action to remove Blades. 'Attracting a popular BBC star to be in the new ITV series was a big win for bosses," a source told the Sun. 'But as soon as Jay Blades was arrested in March 2024, they knew they had to make a quick decision about the future of the show. 'He was given the boot. Producers got lucky as they hadn't started filming or doing any promotion yet so were able to replace him with someone else." They added travel plans had been put in place for those taking part, so his exit caused "upset and disruption" behind the scenes. Blades became a household name when he began hosting The Repair Shop in 2017 when the show first aired on BBC Two. In October 2022 the dad-of-three was the lead presenter for a special edition of the BBC series featuring the newly crowned King Charles. He then worked on a 15-part restoration series with Only Fools and Horses star Sir David Jason. David and Jay's Touring Toolshed aired at the start of last year and was a hit with viewers. However, recent episodes were pulled from the BBC schedule and catch-up programmes. Blades was due to head to the Bahamas alongside the likes of Sir Lenny Henry and Call the Midwife 's Helen George to overcome their fear of sharks in the ground-breaking new show premiering this week. Ross Noble, Countdown's Rachel Riley, McFly's Dougie Poynter, Amandaland's Lucy Punch and TV presenter Ade Adepitan also took part in the series that marks 50 years since the release of iconic film Jaws. They were taught to dive by an instructor with missing limbs and challenged to confront their greatest fear and flown to the island on Bimini in the Bahamas, home to around 10 different species of shark. Weeks after the series was announced, Blades was arrested and charged. He appeared at Worcester Crown Court in October where he spoke to confirm his identity and entered his not guilty plea. The trial begins on August 26 and is expected to last two weeks. The Mirror has contacted ITV for comment.


Scottish Sun
25 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
I'm a money-saving mum who cleared £225k worth of debt – here's my summer savers guide from free meals to cheap days out
Gemma's 'No Spend Days' went viral and helped families save a fortune. Now, she's on a mission for YOU to save even more cash with her destination dupes, Google accommodation trick and party cupboard tip HOLI-YAY! I'm a money-saving mum who cleared £225k worth of debt – here's my summer savers guide from free meals to cheap days out Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AT the age of 42, Gemma Bird became mortgage-free after successfully paying off £225k, and now she's on a mission to help YOU save money this summer. The mum-of-two managed to climb out of debt using clever money-saving strategies, despite never earning more than £25k per year. 7 Gemma Bird has shared all her tips for families to save this summer Credit: NEWSUK 7 Gemma launched her Instagram page in 2019 Credit: Gemma Bird - Instagram Thanks to her savvy scrimping, she's now able to enjoy holidays to destinations like Mexico, Lapland, and Dubai. In 2019, Gemma launched her Instagram page, @Moneymumofficial, to share her tips on saving and making money, which quickly gained traction. Now 43, Gemma has amassed an impressive following of 474k on Instagram, where her followers regularly tune in for her expert advice. Reflecting on her journey, she says: 'I was just a working-class girl who loved a bargain. I'm able to afford everything I have today because of the way I saved and my obsession with deals. It doesn't matter how much money you have, everyone loves a bargain.' I was just a working-class girl who loved a bargain In 2020, Gemma introduced her popular 'Gemma's No Spend Days' on social media, which became a huge hit. Building on this success, she landed a book deal, and her Sunday Times bestseller, Money Mum Official: Save Yourself Happy, was published in January 2022. Now living near Billericay, Essex with her husband Adam and their two children, Brody and Bronte, Gemma shares her top tips for having a fun summer - without having to break the bank. No spend days Rev up your savings with no-spend days. Pausing your spending just one day a week can truly make a significant impact on your finances. I've made no-spend days a habit for years - during my toughest saving periods, I'd go three or four days a week without spending a penny. Not only does it save money, but it also highlights how much we often waste on non-essentials. Summer holidays with the kids don't have to break the bank either. Instead of splurging on pricey outings, why not host playdates at home? You can keep the little ones entertained with fun DIY activities like setting up a game of bowls in the garden or creating simple homemade crafts. There are plenty of free attractions that make for a fantastic day out It's all about making small swaps: meeting friends at the park instead of a café, painting your own nails, or whipping up a creative meal with what you've got in the freezer. These little changes can go a long way – and trust me, it's worth it. There are also plenty of free attractions that make for a fantastic day out, like the Science Museum or the Natural History Museum in London. Pack your own food to avoid unnecessary expenses, and plan your visits around free parking times to save even more. With a little planning, you can enjoy quality family time without spending a fortune. Checking in for your dream holiday Dreaming of a getaway without the hefty price tag? There are plenty of creative ways to enjoy a break while keeping your spending in check. 7 Gemma recommends searching 'holiday dupes' for bargain getaways Credit: Instagram Why not skip the trending hotspots like Dubai or Santorini and opt for hidden gems that offer similar vibes at a fraction of the cost? Simply search for 'holiday dupes' online to find destinations that deliver the experience you want without the premium price tag. Always book hotels with free cancellation as well. Monitor price drops and rebook if the price decreases - this simple trick can save you hundreds. I often book months in advance and keep checking for deals right up to the day before check-in. Most people don't bother, but trust me, it's worth it. Make the most of air miles and credit card points as well. Pay for expenses using a credit card that earns air miles, but be sure to pay it off in full each month. Companion flights and air miles have saved us a fortune – we've flown to America for under £1,000 return for a family of four. Using points, we even managed to fly first class one way and economy back for just £1,800 – a deal that would normally cost £24,000. Look out for last-minute deals and make use of vouchers like Tesco Clubcard or The Sun Superdays. These can help you bag bargain breaks without cutting corners. Top Hacks for Holidaying with Kids IF you've got plans to go on holiday with your little ones this summer, here's some advice to take on board. Plan Ahead: Book accommodations with family-friendly amenities. Research kid-friendly attractions and activities. Make travel arrangements that accommodate your children's schedules. Pack Smart: Create a packing checklist to ensure you don't forget essentials. Pack a mix of familiar and new toys to keep kids entertained. Bring snacks, extra clothes, and emergency supplies in your carry-on. Travel Comfort: Use neck pillows and blankets for a more comfortable journey. Download movies, games, and music on tablets or phones. Schedule travel during nap times or overnight to maximise sleep. Stay Organized: Use packing cubes to keep clothes and items sorted. Keep important documents, like passports and tickets, in a dedicated folder. Utilise apps for itinerary management and navigation. Engage and Entertain: Plan interactive activities like scavenger hunts or travel journals. Explore local parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly museums. Involve kids in trip planning to get them excited and engaged. Maintain Routine: Stick to regular meal and sleep times as much as possible. Bring along comfort items, like favorite blankets or stuffed animals. Allow for downtime to avoid overstimulation. Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust plans based on your children's needs and moods. Embrace the unexpected and make the most of impromptu moments. Keep a positive attitude to set the tone for a fun and memorable trip. These hacks can help make your holiday with kids smoother, more enjoyable, and will ensure that you return home with wonderful memories! And don't be afraid or ashamed to email a hotel for a cheeky upgrade. A polite email ahead of your stay mentioning special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries could land you free perks or room upgrades. You might be surprised by how accommodating hotels can be. Get savvy with price comparisons When booking hotels or Airbnbs, I always screenshot the property and use Google Photos to search for it on other websites. More often than not, I find the same property listed for less – this simple trick has saved me hundreds of pounds. When it comes to flights, tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner are invaluable for comparing prices. Don't be afraid to experiment with dates, times, and even nearby airports to uncover the best deals. Small adjustments can make a big difference. Heading away for next to nothing Looking for ways to save big on your holidays? Staying with friends or doing house swaps can be a brilliant option. 7 Gemma recommends renting out a spare room for a few weeks to help pay the bills Credit: The Sun On one trip, we stayed with friends in Scotland – we split the food bill, enjoyed home-cooked meals, and had an amazing time for next to nothing. If you're comfortable with it, renting out your home on Airbnb while you're away could be a game-changer, covering the cost of your holiday entirely. If it works for you, letting your home can bring in serious money. I know people who let their homes while they're on holiday, effectively paying for their trips, and even someone who lets her flat one week a month while staying with her mum. Whether you live in a tourist hotspot or a quieter area, there's often demand for short-term stays – from business travellers to those visiting family. If you're thinking about it, take some time to prepare. Great photos make all the difference, so show off clean kitchens, freshly made beds, cosy living spaces, and any views you might have. A little effort before uploading pictures can really boost bookings. Alternatively if you have a spare room in your house, you could rent it out to a trainee teacher. We rented out a room to a trainees teacher from France on work experience at the local secondary school, and enjoyed having them stay. You could also open your home to touring performers or language students visiting your area for short periods – they're often out and about most of the time anyway. To get started, contact local theatres, schools, or language schools to see how to join their accommodation lists. Alternatively, you can use a trusted platform like to guide you through the process safely and securely. This could really bring in the extra cash. Camping out For nature lovers, free camping is another brilliant budget-friendly idea. A quick search for free campsites near you can uncover hidden gems where you can enjoy the great outdoors without spending a penny. 7 Opt for independent camping and caravan sites to save on your next staycation Credit: Getty If you're looking for affordable caravan holidays? Independent caravan sites can often provide great value compared to big-name chains. While they may not have all the extras, they're perfect for a budget-friendly break. I remember visiting one in Canby when I was younger, and while it wasn't anything fancy, it was clean, tidy, and served its purpose. We had a brilliant time despite the simplicity! Sometimes the smaller, independent sites offer a more personal and cosy experience, so they're definitely worth checking out. If you're considering a caravan holiday, don't overlook these lesser-known spots – they might just be the perfect option for a fun and affordable getaway. Eating out for free Eating out during the school holidays doesn't have to cost a fortune – there are plenty of ways to save if you plan ahead. I always avoid overpriced food at attractions by either packing snacks from home or grabbing a supermarket meal deal on the way. Even if I forget, I'll stop at a shop before heading into a venue – it's so much cheaper than paying their inflated prices. I took my daughter to the theatre recently, and she wanted some sweets. The price for a small bag of fruit pastilles was £5! Whether I can afford it or not, I just couldn't justify it – it felt like daylight robbery. I told her she'd have to wait until we left, and honestly, it's these little choices that help keep costs down. There are also great perks to take advantage of. For example, Octopus Energy customers can use the OctiPlus app to claim a free coffee each week from Caffè Nero or Greggs. If you've never downloaded the Greggs app before, you'll get a free drink just for signing up – I've definitely made the most of that. When it comes to dining out, lots of places offer deals where kids eat free. Some great options include Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, Comptoir Libanais, Bill's, Yo! Sushi, Morrisons, Tesco, Bella Italia, ASDA, and Ikea. It's always worth checking what's available before heading out. Swimming on a budget Keeping the kids entertained during term time doesn't have to cost a fortune – with a bit of planning and creativity, there are plenty of affordable activities to enjoy. 7 Why not see if a local homeowner with a pool is renting it out for a day? Credit: Getty Local swimming pools are often very affordable, so start by checking out smaller pools near you. For something a little different, some private homes rent out their pools by the hour. We've got one near us, and it's around £30–£40 for an hour, which you can split with other families. It works out really cheap and gives you the pool all to yourselves. We did this last year, and it was brilliant – the kids loved it, and it's perfect if you're not a fan of crowded pools. Splash parks are another fantastic option – often free or inexpensive, they're great for outdoor water fun without the cost of entry fees. Cinema and bowling deals Take advantage of early morning cinema screenings like Mini Mornings, offered by Cineworld, Vue, and other cinema chains. These sessions are heavily discounted and perfect for a family outing without spending loads. They may be called different things depending on the cinema, but they're all great value. Bowling can be another fun and affordable activity if you plan ahead. Always check online for vouchers or discounts before booking – many venues offer deals that can make a big difference to the cost of a family trip. But before heading out anywhere, always do a quick search online for vouchers or discounts. Kids pass and discounts When it comes to keeping costs down on days out and activities, I'm always on the lookout for ways to save. Kids Pass is a fantastic option – it's great for discounts on theme parks, cinemas, and other activities. Kellogg's also regularly runs promotions for free or discounted days out, and I've used their vouchers loads of times in the past. Tesco Clubcard points are another lifesaver – they can get you brilliant deals for places like Legoland, Alton Towers, and other big attractions. I never go to theme parks without a deal; whether it's two-for-one offers or discounts where kids go free, there are always vouchers if you keep an eye out. I've found that Tesco Clubcard points, in particular, are brilliant for these kinds of trips. That said, memberships can be a good idea too, but only if you'll use them enough to make them worthwhile. For instance, if it costs £50 per visit and you know you'll go three times a year, then a membership might save you money. But if you're not going to use it regularly, it's just not worth it. You've got to weigh up how far you live, how often you'll go, and whether perks like discounts on food and drink will actually benefit you. I personally always bring my own food and drink, so those extras don't save me much. Check with your energy provider Another great tip is to check if your energy provider offers perks. For example, Octopus Energy has deals on activities, and even free passes for things like cinema tickets. There are also deals like Meerkat Movies, which can save you a lot. For quieter days at home, free trial subscriptions can be a lifesaver. Services like Prime Movies often offer free trials, and you can use them during the holidays for movie nights with the kids. Just make sure you set a reminder to cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged. Having a party cupboard When it comes to buying toys for my kids or gifts for others, I've always been smart about finding bargains. I've never been shy about buying second-hand toys – charity shops, boot sales, and school fairs are absolute goldmines. My daughter Bronte genuinely thinks the toy shop is the charity shop or Poundland, and she couldn't care less. Kids don't mind about fancy packaging or where things come from – they just love the excitement of having something 'new' to play with. I also do toy rotation at home. 7 Have your kids' toys on a rotation, it will stop them getting bored playing with the same ones Credit: Getty I'll keep some toys hidden away and swap them out every few days. It keeps things fresh, and they feel like they're getting something new without spending a penny. Whenever I see toys on offer – whether it's in shops like B&M or online on Amazon - I'll grab them and put them away for later, especially for birthdays or Christmas. Amazon is brilliant for deals on kids' toys, and I'm always checking for price drops. Just the other day, I found a toy reduced from £40 to £7.99. I shared it with friends, and loads of people started buying it to put away for Christmas. It's such a good feeling to be prepared and save money at the same time. I also stick to a budget of around £10 per present. If I can grab a deal like two toys for £10 that would normally cost £17 each, then the child is still getting a really nice gift, but I'm not overspending. For older kids, I'll often just put money in a card – it's practical and lets them save for something they really want. Being savvy with toys and gifts has saved me so much over the years, and it's a great way to always have something ready without breaking the bank. Saving and making money There are so many clever ways to save money when it comes to driving and parking. For starters, to maximise your car's mileage, try only half-filling your fuel tank each time. A full tank adds extra weight, which causes your car to burn more fuel. Renting out your parking space could earn you around £50 a month You can also save by removing roof racks when they're not in use and clearing out your boot to avoid driving around with unnecessary weight. These small changes can make a big difference to your fuel efficiency over time. If you've got a parking space or driveway you're not using, you could easily turn it into a little extra cash. In areas where parking is expensive and hard to find, commuters or train travellers are often on the lookout for more affordable options. Renting out your space could earn you around £50 a month, and apps like JustPark make it really simple to get started. Plus, having an extra car parked on your drive can even act as a burglar deterrent. On the flip side, if you regularly drive to work or a specific destination, it's worth exploring whether you can rent a parking space instead of paying extortionate daily fees.


Daily Mirror
31 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Christine McGuinness' wild fling with soap star - everything we know so far
Paddy McGuinness' ex-wife, Christine McGuinness, reportedly had a 'fun fling' with a soap actress after the pair hit it off at a star-studded awards ceremony in 2023 Christine McGuinness has kept coy about her private life since spitting up with her ex, Paddy McGuinness. Fresh from the breakup in 2022, the former Miss Liverpool, 37, conceded she wasn't ready to date after calling it quits with the dad of her three kids, 51, following 11 years of marriage. However, last year, Christine revealed she was dating again and now she's been linked to a famous soap star after the pair reportedly hit it off at a glamorous awards ceremony in 2023. The actress' identity remains under wraps, however, Christine was said to have enjoyed spending time with the famous face after flirting up a storm at the awards bash. READ MORE: Christine McGuinness 'had fling with soap star after instant chemistry at awards event' Sources have claimed that Christine and the TV star "had a fling" as well as fun after catching each other's eye at the glitzy ceremony. The pair are reported to have enjoyed partying with one another after "sharing messages", before things between them ultimately fizzled out - despite their "strong chemistry". "Christine was single at the time and they really enjoyed the evening of the awards bash," a source said. They went on to tell The Sun: "There was a strong chemistry between them and they shared some messages, but it never went any further after that." The fling was said to have happened in 2023, less than a year after Christine's split from Paddy. The mum-of-three, who split from the former Top Gear host after 11 years of marriage, said she wasn't ready to date after the breakup, admitting the though of it 'terrified' her. However, at the end of 2023, Christine was linked to former footballer, Chelcee Grimes, after they were pictured passionately kissing. Yet, despite their fondness for each other after meeting on ITV's The Games, the reality stars are reportedly no longer friends following an 'explosive row' over the 'nature' of their relationship. Chelcee, who has also previously romanced former Love Island star Megan Barton Hanson, grew close to Christine following the TV star's split from husband Paddy. The pair met on The Games in 2022 and grew close the following year, culminating with a kiss while on holiday in Ibiza. Sources close to the pair said Chelcee was there for Christine following her divorce from Paddy, which the Scouser described as one of the worst times in her life. However, their close friendship reportedly ended, with the pair unfollowing each other on Instagram. Christine then went onto appear on the upcoming series of Celebs Go Dating, which she filmed for two weeks before quitting, saying she wasn't ready to date publicly. The star, who was diagnosed with autism two years ago, spoke out about her sexuality for the first time last month, revealing she has dated both sexes since she was a teen. Speaking on the How To Fail podcast, Christine opened up about how she was dating women, including one two-year 'situationship', before she met Paddy, and admits she wants a connection for herself and not a step-parent for her children. She said: 'I'm at the point where I think I've got a nice balance of going, 'Yeah I date women and so what? What's the big deal?' 'But also knowing I don't have to go into big, massive detail about it either. 'A lot of people ask me, 'Are you a lesbian? Are you bisexual? Is this a phase?'. 'I've always been quite a free spirit. I think that's the only word I would put on it. 'When I was a teenager, I'd dated boys and girls. I never felt it was anything different or a big deal.'