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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rebecca Loos' remote life and fears over TV comeback after 'pleasuring a pig'
As Rebecca Loos makes her TV comeback on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, the Mirror takes a look at what the media personality's life looks like now, more than 20 years after 'Pig-gate' Back in 2004, Rebecca Loos made headlines after making allegations that threatened to rock the marriage of the '00s golden couple, David and Victoria Beckham. Rebecca, now 48, briefly worked as football icon David's personal assistant in 2003 following his high-profile transfer to Real Madrid. In an interview given to the now-defunct News of the World, the Madrid-born former glamour model claimed she and David had embarked on a steamy night of passion behind Victoria's back. The Beckhams dismissed these claims as "ludicrous", while Rebecca used her newfound platform to launch a reality TV career. Perhaps most notably, the media personality made an appearance on Channel 5's controversial 2004 offering The Farm. Slammed as "morbid and sordid" by the RSPCA, the divisive show followed celebs as they competed for the title of "Top Farmer", with challenges centred around agriculture and livestock rearing. Rebecca, who came in third place behind Jeff Brazier and Vanilla Ice, provided what was arguably the most memorable moment of the first series. Wearing rubber gloves, Rebecca was seen pleasuring a boar to extract semen, in scenes that sparked a flurry of Ofcom complaints. While some viewers argued that the act was "akin to bestiality", as per the Manchester Evening News, Ofcom ultimately ruled that the incident had not been "degrading or harmful to the boar", clearing Channel Five of breaching taste and decency. Although the memory of 'pig-gate' still lingers in public consciousness, Rebecca's life has changed in many ways since her days as a darling of the reality TV circuit. Indeed, Rebecca bowed out of the spotlight not long after her whirlwind ascent to fame and now lives a much quieter life in the picturesque hamlet of Hemsedal in the mountains of Norway. It's here where former Playboy model Rebecca has found happiness with her husband, Sven Christjar Skaiaa, a Norwegian doctor she met while shooting the 2008 reality TV series 71 Degrees North. While Rebecca appeared in front of the camera, Sven was working behind the scenes as a medic. Despite appearing to come from very different worlds, sparks soon flew, and it wasn't long until Rebecca realised she'd found the one. The following February, Rebecca announced that she and Sven were expecting a baby, telling Spanish gossip programme 'Esta Pasando':"I wasn't planning on having a child. It was an accident. But the child will be very welcome and very loved." She continued: "He is not well-known. He's Norwegian. We met after the summer in Norway, and he's a doctor. We're both delighted with the pregnancy. He wasn't a fling, he's my boyfriend, and I hope to spend the rest of my life with him." Noting that change was on the horizon, Rebecca then vowed: "Becoming a mother will change everything. My years as a crazy, single woman are over." Rebecca and Sven, who tied the knot in a small ceremony in 2012, set off for a new life in Hemsedal, in southern Norway's Buskerud county, where they raise their two sons in the remote "Scandinavian Alps". A far cry from the media buzz of London, Rebecca's idyllic-looking home is a three-hour drive from the nearest airport and a two-hour drive to the closest hospital. However, she doesn't seem to miss the conveniences of city life one bit. and, in a previous interview with the MailOnline, she claimed to have "no regrets". Mum of two Rebecca revealed: "I am so happy. I have no regrets. "People said I was mad, who was this guy? I hardly knew him, what on earth was I doing? But look at everything I have now. I am so happy with my life now. Many people are so afraid of change. "Change is good, change is how you learn, people should just f***ing go for it. I like the way my life has taken me. If I hadn't been famous, I would not have been invited on the TV show where I met my husband, Sven, and had my lovely boys. I would not have had the life I have now. I took a lot of wrong decisions and got talked into a lot of things." Nowadays, Rebecca works as a yoga teacher and massage therapist, and only ever makes a handful of media appearances. Information on Rebecca's official website offers a little insight into her huge career change. According to this website: "In 2009, life led Rebecca to the picturesque landscapes of Hemsedal, Norway. This move marked a significant shift in her journey, as she embraced a new way of living that prioritised connection to nature, family, and personal growth. "While adjusting to a new language and community, she completed a rigorous three-year education to become a certified Medical Assistant in 2011. This background not only solidified her medical knowledge but also deepened her appreciation for holistic health. "Following the birth of her second child in 2012, Rebecca's yoga practice evolved beyond its initial physical focus. She embarked on a deeper exploration of Ashtanga yoga, experiencing firsthand how the practice revealed hidden layers of resilience, presence, and joy. Each session became an opportunity for self-discovery and reflection, enhancing her commitment to share this journey with others." Now Rebecca has emerged from her idyll to participate in Celebrity SAS, where she's faced a grilling over her accusations about the Beckhams. When quizzed by Jason Fox and Chris Oliver in the show's Mirror Room, Rebecca discussed the motivation behind her TV comeback, admitting: 'I just wanted to show people who I am and just be myself, which has always been my thing. And I just went in it with a very open mind and take it as it comes. 'I was quite nervous as to how the others would perceive me. I was nervous and apprehensive as to how the show would be edited, because that's always something you have no control of. However, I must say the production team on this show have been absolutely amazing from day one, they have been truthful, they have stuck to their word." Touching upon how differently she and Beckhams are perceived by the public, she reflected: 'It felt unjust that my life was pretty hell and his (Becks) life kept going and kept blossoming. I've been accused of being a liar. I've had a lifetime of opinions around me, I've definitely developed thick skin. "I think the public opinion now has softened, at least from what I'm gathering since the documentary came out with the Beckhams a couple of years ago. I think it is now because thanks to social media, there is a whole different following out there, which it's a double-edged sword.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Carlos Sainz Jr's 'ask Christian Horner' response as he clears up Max Verstappen rift rumours
Carlos Sainz Jr joined Williams for the 2025 campaign, but many believed the former Ferrari ace was going to make a return to Red Bull, 10 years after his one and only full campaign Carlos Sainz Jr believes only Christian Horner knows why Red Bull did not try to sign him as Max Verstappen's partner. Lewis Hamilton's switch to Ferrari brought down the curtain on Sainz's time with Scuderia. As Sergio Perez struggled in the second Red Bull car last year, Sainz had a more successful final season with Ferrari. He finished fifth in the overall standings, 67 points ahead of his successor Hamilton and 138 ahead of Perez. After the Mexican's exit from Red Bull was confirmed, it seemed logical for Horner – who was recently sacked by the Milton Keynes based F1 team – to consider Sainz. However, nearly a year after Helmut Marko claimed Sainz and Verstappen had a toxic relationship in their campaign together in 2015, Liam Lawson was instead promoted to the second seat. He was swiftly replaced by fellow Racing Bulls graduate Yuki Tsunoda after just two Grands Prix. Sainz, who went on to join Williams, admitted he was confused as to why Red Bull did not try and sign him, stating he has a good relationship with Verstappen. On The High Performance podcast, when asked if he thinks Verstappen didn't want him at Red Bull, Sainz replied: "This is what people have concluded or how people are trying to explain or understand it. "The only thing I can say is that you will need to go and ask Christian or whoever seems competent to answer this question. The only thing I could say is that I genuinely get on well with Max. "That is what people do not see from the outside. We had a rivalry in our first year in F1, but it was a relatively healthy rivalry in terms of him and me, the way we used to go about racing. "Now we get on really well. So if that's the reason, I don't understand why they would not want me next to Max, because I think we would actually be a very strong pairing in F1." Horner was recently dismissed as team principal, with Verstappen currently behind leader Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the Driver's Championship table. Sainz has also struggled at Williams and remains without a podium finish. Whilst there was a touch of frustration in Sainz's comments, the Madrid-born racer has also looked at the broader perspective. He added: "I think everyone is having a really tough time being Max's team-mate. I can only say that when I was Max's team-mate, I did not have this really tough time. I was obviously, incredibly, surprised with how quick he was. "He is an insane driver. He is going to go out as one of the best drivers in history, if he's not already one of the best ever in history, but that first year together, since then, has given me the confidence to know that I can be up against anyone. "I have been team-mates with Charles (LeClerc), Lando (Norris) and Nico (Hulkenberg), I have been team-mates with very quick guys, probably the best in the sport, and now Alexander (Albon) who is incredibly fast. "It just makes me want to be up against the best still, it hasn't made me go, 'No, I don't want this.' I know I can take it and I know I have been successful in the past."
Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Golfer axed by LIV Golf after raking in £11million finally gets PGA Tour place
LIV Golf has become the most lucrative competition in golf, but one star who has already amassed over £11million in prize money is now set for his PGA Tour debut Former LIV Golf star Eugenio Chacarra will compete on the PGA Tour for the first time at this week's Genesis Scottish Open. Chacarra, 25, will become the first-ever LIV Golf champion to compete in a PGA event. In 2022, the Madrid-born star chose to depart Oklahoma State and go straight into LIV, where he went on to win LIV Bangkok in only his fifth pro start on the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund-backed rebel tour. However, the next two years proved to be a struggle and he was relegated after the 2024 campaign. He has since gone on to criticise LIV, while also pledging to force his way onto the PGA Tour. He has succeeded in the latter as he will compete at the Renaissance Club. Chacarra qualified for the event by winning the DP World Tour's Hero Indian Open, an event he was able to compete in after being given an exemption. His victory gained him full status on the European circuit. Because the Scottish Open is co-sanctioned with the DP World Tour, Chacarra will be free to compete against some of the very best of the PGA. According to Golf Digest, Chacarra won around $16m (£11.8m) in prize money alone over the course of his three years at LIV. If he emerges from Scotland victorious, he will earn a handsome first prize of $1.6m (£1.19m). If his previous comments are anything to go by, he will have an immense amount of belief going into the action at the Renaissance. After he won the Indian Open, Chacarra said: "You guys probably changed my life. It was a tough day, we knew it was going to be a long day with a lot of pressure and obviously not having the start I wanted to. "I think I did a great job all week of staying patient and I know God was helping me today. I got a couple of good bounces [including] that chip on 14. "I got some luck that you need to win but very proud. I know when I play my best I'm one of the best players in the world, I've already proved that a million times. It's just awesome. It's going to need to sink in but really proud and just happy." There is no question that the Spaniard profited handsomely from his time at LIV. However, in a previous interview with Flushing it Golf earlier this year, Chacarra tore into the Saudi-backed tour, accusing it of only caring about the money. He said: "I see what it's like to win on the PGA Tour and how your life changes. How you get major access and ranking points. On LIV, nothing changes; there is only money. "It doesn't matter if you finish 30th or first, only money. I'm not a guy who wants more money. What will change my life is playing in Hawaii and qualifying for the majors, qualifying for the Masters, the Ryder Cup.' If Chacarra shocks the golf world by winning in Scotland, he will earn a two-year PGA Tour exemption. If that is not possible, finishing in the top 10 of the DP World Tour's season-long race to Dubai standings would also see him become the first ex-LIV player to qualify for PGA Tour status.
The South African
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates: Huge, fundamental changes coming!
Jose Riveiro will be a tough act to follow. Who will Orlando Pirates hire to succeed a wildly successful Spaniard? Rulani Mokwena's name is also on the shortlist, along with that of Pitso Mosimane. Riveiro's countryman Pablo Franco Martin is in the frame. Former Sundowns manager Rulani Mokwena has vacated his post as head coach of Wydad AC. The 38-year-old has been strongly linked with a return to Orlando Pirates, and Rulani isn't doing much to quell those rumours. He served as Josef Zinnbauer's assistant in the 2019-2020 campaign. 44-year-old Pablo Franco Martin is a serious candidate for the top coaching job at Pirates. The Madrid-born tactician has held several interesting roles. Those include Opposition Analyst for Real Madrid and Head Coaching posts for Tanzanian side Simba SC, AmaZulu, Kuwaiti outfit Qadsia SC and now Al-Faisaly in Saudi Arabia's second tier. Click for more on Martin Rulani Mokwena at the Athlone Stadium during Cape Town Spurs vs Mamelodi Sundowns. Image: IOL Nkosinathi Sibisi seems to be the leading candidate to take over the Pirates captaincy. The 29-year-old recently skippered Bafana Bafana in a friendly and is highly thought of within the camp. Whether or not he's a regular in the side when Thabiso Sesane returns is another matter. Sesane has sat out several months after undergoing surgery on a damaged tendon. When the 25-year-old is back to full fitness, he'll undoubtedly go back into the side. Click for the full list of candidates It's unlikely that wholesale changes will be made to a settled, predominantly young playing squad. However, there are a couple of key areas needing improvement. 24-year-old Marumo Gallants midfield general Masindi Nemtajela is seen as a natural successor to the impressive but ageing Makhehlene Makhaula. The all-action schemer claimed a goal, two assists and four yellow cards in 17 league outings last term. Who's your top pick to become the new Pirates boss? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
02-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
'Do not touch Orlando Pirates king Hotto'
Orlando Pirates have released Innocent Maela and Miguel Timm. Some fans are worried about other club veterans. Club captain Innocent Maela and veteran midfielder Miguel Timm are both leaving Pirates. There are also whispers that top earner Deon Hotto could be following them out of the exit door. One X user said: 'Do not touch King Hotto,' presumably suggesting that the club would be foolish to release the versatile 34-year-old Deon Hotto. The Namibian is still a dependable player and popular among fans and teammates, and managers, comfortable in several positions and tactical systems. Since joining from Wits in 2020, club stalwart Hotto has notched up over 200 appearances, collecting six trophies. To say he's an underrated performer is a massive understatement. Broos explains why he likes Selepe for Bafana Riveiro throws unintentional shade at Orlando Pirates? The ever-reliable Deon Hotto. Image via @power987sport / X Thabiso Sesane started the campaign in domineering form, becoming a pillar in the heart of their defence. It was, therefore, a massive blow to the club and player when he was cruelly struck down with a serious tendon injury in February. The rupture was deemed bad enough for the 25-year-old to undergo surgery. Full recovery could take anywhere between four and six months. If Sesane's rehabilitation goes well, he could be back in time for the start of the 2025-2026 season. 44-year-old Pablo Franco Martin is a serious candidate for the top coaching job at Pirates. The Madrid-born tactician has held several interesting roles. Those include Opposition Analyst for Real Madrid and Head Coaching posts for Tanzanian side Simba SC, AmaZulu, Kuwaiti outfit Qadsia SC and now Al-Faisaly in Saudi Arabia's second tier. Click for the story Did Makgopa and Mabasa offend Hugo Broos? Should Hotto get a new deal with Pirates? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
