Latest news with #Hertfordshire-born
Daily Mirror
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Loose Women star addresses 'catfights' and 'massive fallout' with Denise Welch
Coronation Street legend and Loose Women star Sue Cleaver addresses the 'depressing' talk of co-star feuds, as well as her Corrie exit and search for new horizons Sue Cleaver is looking forward to a summer of countryside strolls and new experiences after walking out of Weatherfield for the final time. The Hertfordshire-born actress's final scenes as Coronation Street 's Eileen Grimshaw aired on 6 June and, as she's quick to tell Love Sunday during our exclusive chat, she is very much about 'embracing change and living fearlessly'. Now 61, and after 25 years on Corrie, the Loose Women regular is on a mission to learn – or to be more specific, learn about herself. 'I've made massive decisions to reinvent myself and embrace change. This is the time of life when society wants you to just go away quietly,' says Sue. She continues, 'But this is the period, for a lot of women who have put themselves second – because they've brought up families, had mortgages, etcetera – when we hit an age and think, 'What now? Who am I?' 'Everything I've done in the last year has been about reinvention and discovery. I'd like to say I'm one of life's learners, and I never stop learning. I'm just getting really interested in me, and challenging all the beliefs I had about myself.' Her next professional reinvention will be from screen to stage, as she takes on a new role in Theatr Clwyd and Bolton Octagon's co-production of Snake In The Grass later this summer. It's especially exciting, she explains, because it's a 'full circle' moment. 'The Octagon Theatre in Bolton is where I got my first equity card. I must've been in eight or nine plays there. So to be going back there at this stage in my life feels sort of full circle, it's quite lovely.' Of course, we also see the star as an occasional panellist on Loose Women, which is set for some big changes – including losing the studio audience – come January, amid a raft of ITV cuts. 'I love that show. It's brilliant. I've known all the girls for years, so, yeah,' she says, when we ask if she's hoping for more appearances now that her work calendar is less full. And what of the speculation about women at war and in-fighting? 'They always like to say 'catfights', but they only say that about women, don't they? They wouldn't dream of saying that when it's blokes presenting something. Actually we're very tight. But it happens a lot when Denise [Welch] and I are on together. 'We've known each other for 25 years – we're close friends and have a sort of shorthand in the way we communicate. The press will say 'massive fallout', but I've never fallen out with Denise in my life! It's quite awful, we've still got so far to go that it's depressing.' Off-screen, Sue's been fighting her own quiet health battle. She has lived with Type 2 diabetes for 29 years, and describes its effect on her as running 'a mental marathon, every single day'. In the last three years, she's relieved some of the mental load by wearing a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor, which provides automatic glucose readings without the need for a finger prick. 'I can't explain the mental fatigue you get, it's like an app running in the background of your brain, a constant noise of 'What's my sugar? Did I take my meds? What can I eat to avoid a spike?' 'It's like constant brain drain from making decisions, and the stress affects people because, unlike a diet, diabetes management is lifelong and that decision fatigue manifests in skipped medications and poor food choices. It's not about being lazy, people get totally overwhelmed and I really relate to that.' Sue says access to accurate readings taken every few minutes means she doesn't have to constantly debate her eating habits and activity levels. She also praises recent Race Across The World competitor, teenager Fin Gough, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes aged 11 and navigated his way from northeastern China to southern India with girlfriend Sioned Cray. 'One of the biggest things for me was when I was about to do a live performance, go on a chat show or on stage, the inner stress and cortisol running through my body would have an impact on my sugars. So, I'd be thinking, 'God, are my sugar levels enough to get me through this without having a hypo [hypoglycemic event]?' 'I'd have to get out my blood test kit and check I was going to be able to get through the first half without having to top up. That noise is dialled down now. I can get on with what I'm supposed to be doing.' Another unwelcome side effect of her diabetes – and also of being on television – has been the spotlight on her appearance, more specifically, her weight. Sue has become the subject of many 'body transformation' headlines, especially in recent years, as she lost significant weight. What does she make of all the talk? 'I tend to refuse to get involved in those conversations because I don't like anybody to look to me for advice. The reality is I was very ill a few years ago, it's had huge ramifications on my body and I've made huge changes in my life. 'I gave up drinking for two years, I try to go to the gym every day during the week, I've changed how I view the world. I always thought I hated the gym – then I realised that was just a thought. I don't hate the gym, I just thought I did.' Sue has a theory; that fear is the biggest barrier to change, which is why she's 'very much about living fearlessly'. One of her greatest demonstrations of this was agreeing to take part in the 22nd series of I'm A Celebrity in 2022, with Boy George, Matt Hancock, Mike Tindall and eventual winner, Jill Scott. 'I'd been asked several times and always said no,' she laughs. 'Then I thought, 'Why am I saying no?' And my reason was fear. I was terrified. I decided that wasn't a good enough excuse. 'And when I got there, I couldn't believe I might've missed it because I was frightened of taking a chance. I had the best experience and I'm thrilled I did it. There were great people in the group, we bonded really well and we all behaved like grown-ups.' Now, one could argue that leaving Coronation Street after a quarter of a century was a huge decision – but it's one she's equally pleased about. Unusually, although maybe not surprising given her status as a Weatherfield legend, Sue was invited to be involved in the conversations about Eileen's exit, which essentially started with a question of life or death. 'They said, 'What kind of exit would you like? Dramatic? Do you want a final death?' And I said I didn't. I said I really wanted Eileen's son, Jason, to come back, and for it to mirror what I'm doing in my own life. For Eileen to get out there, live fearlessly, live bravely.' She filmed her final scenes with her on-screen son Ryan Thomas at the end of May and after a post-work celebratory meal with cast and crew, bid her final farewell to the Manchester set the following day. An early train to London, she explains, meant she didn't have time to sit and mope, and with her husband Brian Owen still working behind-the-scenes on the show, it's certainly not a permanent goodbye. 'That show's always been about the people, the sense of family and community, and I don't feel I've lost that. I had absolutely no doubt I was doing the right thing, and I'm not somebody who dwells on the past. Past thoughts are dead thoughts, I try to live in the present and enjoy every single moment.' * Sue wears the Dexcom ONE+ – a continuous glucose monitor that helps her track her glucose levels to manage her Type 2 diabetes. Explore more at
Daily Mirror
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Love Island's Tommy's real age as Megan and Conor share steamy kiss
It looked as though Tommy Bradley and Megan Forte Clarke were this season's power couple in Love Island, but as ever things can change rapidly in the Mallorcan villa Love Island star Tommy Bradley was left in tears as the cracks appeared in his link-up with Megan Forte Clarke. The Hertfordshire-born contestant and his Irish counterpart had appeared to be this year's power couple with their romance blossoming. However, as ever in the Love Island villa, things can drastically change in no time. And as Megan appears to be shifting her focus towards fellow Irishman Conor Phillips, it left fans wondering what next for Tommy. Despite being one of the youngest contestants in series 12, Tommy's actions to date have left fans praising the star. Aged just 22, Tommy seemed head over heels with his match. He has been coupled up with Megan, 24, from the very first episode, after telling producers he was looking for: "A girl who is very ambitious, with a big personality, caring, but also someone that doesn't take themselves too seriously." He said at the time: "I don't know if that's asking for too much, but I want a bit of everything. I haven't got a specific type in terms of looks, though." And the 22-year-old has often mentioned his need for respect while others try to woo Megan from him. However, it appears that rugby play Conor could be about to take her from him after the pair shared a number of kisses on the terrace. And the actions have seemingly left fans accusing her of playing games. Megan was seen discussing a potential romance with Conor in an episode earlier in the week before sharing the sneaky smooch on Tuesday's edition. She told him in one scene: "I think one thing that always like attracted me to you from the start was like you were very vocal about what you wanted." The pair went on to lock lips after Megan and Tommy's fallout. While Tommy dealt with the situation by getting upset talking to Harry and Ben, saying he wanted to "sit in a quiet corner", it appeared the anger felt by Megan pushed her into Conor's arms. She told Conor she was ready to recouple with him as she was "raging with Tommy" before the pair leant in for a kiss. In tonight's episode, Megan spills on the kiss as she chats with Meg and Alima. After the chinwag, where she said she didn't regret her actions, she feels it's necessary to pull Tommy for a chat too. In the Den, Tommy tells her: "The thing that annoyed me, was in bed we were talking about Harry and I said 'look Megan I do believe you'...I felt really down about what happened." Megan responds: 'I don't think you realise how much you upset me … for you to be like 'I don't know, because Harry told you something… you can't take my word for it.' She then opens up on the kiss, with Tommy just replying: "Okay, cool." Megan then tells him: "It's nothing against you, but I'm here to explore connections... I didn't have to come and tell you this but I do like you, so I am telling you." Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX
BBC News
22-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Wales international Wynne suffers fresh ACL injury
Wales international Megan Wynne has promised to "get through, just like I did before" as she faces up to the second knee surgery of her 32-year-old forward has confirmed she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in Perth Glory's final game of the season on joined the A-League side on a two-year contract in August 2024 after being released by Southampton, starting in 19 of the Australian side's 23 games this season."It's hard to find the words right now, but I do know this wasn't how the last game of the season was supposed to go," Wynne posted on her social media account."Nothing can take away from what an amazing experience this season has been. "I feel very proud & lucky to have played my first season in the A-League, with this group of people/players, in a place that has now become my home away from home." Wynne, who has not added to her 24 Wales caps since a 2-0 friendly defeat against the USA in July 2023, suffered a similar injury in August tore her ACL just weeks after joining Bristol City from Tottenham Hotspur, finally making her first appearance for the west country club in May Hertfordshire-born player now looks set for further surgery and another long spell on the sidelines as Rhian Wilkinson's Wales continue their preparations for this summer's Euros in Switzerland."It's a long, tough road ahead, but one I know I will get through, just like I did before," she added.
Daily Mirror
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
This Morning star angry as she reveals 'mad perimenopausal moment'
This Morning star Lisa Snowdon has recalled a 'mad perimenopausal moment' where she got rid of some couture fashion items due to them not fitting at the time, something she now regrets. After almost 35 years as a model in the fashion industry, Lisa Snowdon's wardrobe is a treasure trove of goodies – and a very desirable source of outfits for her young nieces. Now 53, Hertfordshire-born Lisa has graced the catwalks of many a top designer label as well as the front covers of high-end glossy magazines, and has become a fashion icon for a generation of women. But her style has evolved and changed, she tells us, as has her attitude to shopping and her self-confessed habit of hoarding. 'My style has definitely evolved over the years and I'm all about the fabrics nowadays – and the pockets and shoulder pads,' she says grinning, looking every inch a style guru in black-rimmed glasses. 'I love the little details that can totally change a look and also the attitude of the person wearing it. All of us ladies are always now saying, 'Oh, it's got pockets!' and I think it's really become a bit more of a thing for us and we carry ourselves differently. That wasn't the case for me 20 years ago – I'm all about the finishes and fabrics now.' Lisa, who lives in north London with her fiancé George Smart, has been modelling since she was 19 and was once the face of Gucci and a Vogue cover star. Over the past few decades, she's become a source of fashion inspiration for a somewhat more demanding market – women of a certain age who want their clothes to work hard for them, as well as look good – and she regularly shares her advice on shows such as This Morning. But, while her favourite pieces lean towards the comfortable end of the spectrum, she still has a few special items she's saving for some very special people – her nieces. Among her most prized possessions (although they are stored in one of the many bags in her loft ready for her nieces, aged 12 and eight, to rummage through) is a rather sexy Dolce & Gabbana corset and skirt she bought at the start of her career. 'When it was my 21st birthday, I was in Milan modelling and went into Dolce & Gabbana for the first time – and probably the last actually because it's not a place I shop in, even though they have some fabulous clothes – and I bought a crazy corset with a skirt. I wore it to my birthday party and I still have it. I just love it. It's all black satin with lace. "It's very sexy, very Dolce & Gabbana. I've also got a couple of Vivienne Westwood pieces that I love and have kept because she's so iconic. But I did get rid of a couple of pieces because they didn't fit me and I wish I hadn't. I think I was in one of my mad, angry perimenopausal moments where I just threw stuff out or gave them away.' Lisa, who has become a brand ambassador for high street fashion retailer, Bonmarché, says angry perimenopausal moments aside, she tries her best to be mindful about what she buys and wears. She has a 'one in/one or two out' policy when it comes to clothing, but keeps the special items for her young nieces and nephews. And – a heads-up for those who live in north London – she also makes regular trips to her local charity shops to donate items that she doesn't wear any more. 'I always have lots of different piles going on – things to put in space-saver bags in the loft, things to go to local charity and stuff for friends and family. And like most of us ladies, my weight fluctuates, so there's also the pile of stuff that doesn't fit me any more but I might desperately want them to fit! So I just do lots of piles but have to keep on top of them so I can see what I've got.' Lisa's latest role as an ambassador with Bonmarché signals a new phase in her fashion career and, she says, she wanted her edit to be all about mixing and matching – and taking the headache out of sometimes confusing and overwhelming wardrobes. And, ironically, after years spent working in an industry where sizing is everything – and some would argue it's a case of the smaller the better – Lisa's fashion tip is to size up. 'I'm much more conscious of not having too much skin on show at all times nowadays,' she says. 'If I've got my arms out, my legs are covered and vice versa. I feel more comfortable that way now. One of my top tips is to size up, especially in tops. I think it makes an outfit look a little bit more luxe when something is more relaxed – I don't like that feeling of things being too snug.' One of Lisa's own style icons is entrepreneur George, who she has been engaged to for eight years and who turns 46 this summer. She describes his style as 'very cool, almost Scandi/Japanese style' with an especially good taste in footwear. 'I think we've all been guilty back in the day of meeting a nice guy and telling our friends, 'But I didn't like his shoes,' which is actually terrible really,' says Lisa. 'But luckily George has really great style and if he didn't, I'd probably just shop for him.' Following a break in the Caribbean for Lisa's 53rd birthday in January, the couple are gearing up for a busy summer with lots of travel. While they've yet to pin down the destination for George's birthday in June (Puglia is high on the list), there's a July trip planned for a special birthday celebration in Los Angeles for Lisa's friend of more than 20 years, Michele Merkin, who she met when she was in the US. The celebrations mark Michele's 50th and Lisa is already planning her 'series of outfits'. 'She's like my sister from another mister,' she says, laughing. 'She's the salt and I'm the pepper. She's tall and blonde, half-Swedish and absolutely stunning with the biggest, kindest heart and is so much fun. She's having a big, big, big birthday bash, so the preparation for that is quite intense because I need to find a whole series of outfits and George has already got his sorted.' Lisa's influence on fashion and beauty trends by no means ended when she stepped away from the catwalk and she's become a sort of influencer for the middle aged. But that's not to say she's immune from the pressure of seeking eternal youth and she has a 'never say never' approach to interventional help. 'I just think people are entitled to do what the hell they want in order to make themselves feel good and confident,' she says. 'There are some great treatments now that are more subtle and kind of get your body working for itself. I've tried various radio frequency treatments and microneedling – I'm into all those things. I've always had a really good at-home beauty regime and I am slightly beauty obsessed. It just comes with the territory of what I've been doing for a living for the last 35 years and I like to share with my community as well.' So would she consider going under the knife for something more invasive? 'Well, I'm not very good at even watching things like 24 Hours In A&E because I'm squeamish with blood and things like that, so I haven't gone under the knife. But, I mean, who knows? Maybe one day I would.'
