Latest news with #MichaelWhitehall
Wales Online
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Couples say ‘what' more often than ‘I love you', new research reveals
Couples say 'what' more often than 'I love you', new research reveals Almost half (46%) of people in a relationship admit they've argued with their partner because they couldn't hear each other properly Michael Whitehall receiving a hearing test from Specsavers 'What?' is now a more common phrase than 'I love you' among couples 55+, according to new research. Almost half (46%) of people in a relationship admit they've argued with their partner because they couldn't hear each other properly, reveals a survey. This results in people feeling 'frustrated' (42%), 'ignored' (33%) and even 'unloved' (11%). Undiagnosed hearing loss could therefore be the culprit of these relationship bickers. To raise awareness of the issue, the Whitehalls have partnered with Specsavers to cheekily cause drama by appearing to argue in a series of public stunts that show how Michael's hearing difficulties affect their daily lives. After wide-spread comment and speculation, the couple have since revealed in a hilarious new Public Service Announcement video that Michael's undetected hearing loss was the source of many of these bickers. Couples say 'what' more than 'I love you' Michael has now been fitted with new hearing devices and the pair are encouraging other couples in similar situations to take action to stay connected. Article continues below Michael Whitehall commented: 'I've always blamed our usual bickers on Hilary's mumbling. After a little persuasion, I had a hearing check at Specsavers and it turns out I have a little bit of hearing loss. Who knew? 'The most romantic thing you can do … is booking a hearing check. Safe to say, missing half the conversation isn't ideal in a marriage. Now I've been fitted with hearing devices I've realised how much I was missing before – and the issues my hearing was causing.' Hilary Whitehall commented: 'For a long time I thought Michael was just ignoring me or not getting my jokes. Unsurprisingly, or at least not to me, Michael's hearing check identified a little hearing loss. But now we know that's what's going on and he's got a hearing device, we're bickering less and laughing more.' The Whitehalls aren't alone in their hearing struggles. A third (36%) admit they argue every week due to not quite hearing one another. Misunderstandings between couples range from simply getting the wrong end of the stick in a conversation (34%) to actually offending their partner (17%). This has resulted in a fifth (21%) walking away from the conversation and one in six (14%) have even stopped talking to their other half. When asked what might help ease these issues, one in five cited a hearing check as a potential fix – and, in fact, at least one member of 14 per cent of couples has suggested the other book an appointment. Michael and Hilary Whitehall have teamed up with Specsavers to cheekily cause drama by appearing to argue in a series of public stunts that show how Michael's hearing difficulties affect their daily lives. Relationship expert, Sarah Louise Ryan, commented: 'Miscommunication in relationships is one of the most common issues I hear about in my couples practice. For some, it's that they're having trouble expressing themselves, or that they don't have the tools to resolve a difference of opinion, but in many cases, it's a result of couples not hearing each other correctly. This can cause marital tension and frustration. So, if this sounds familiar in your relationship, don't put off seeking expert help.' Specsavers hearing expert, Sonam Sehemby, commented: '18 million adults in the UK have hearing loss and many don't realise that they are missing parts of the conversation. Since it develops gradually, people often wait up to ten years before seeking help. But when hearing loss starts to affect relationships, it's time to act. A hearing check can help couples reconnect and truly hear each other again.' For some, not being quite heard by their partner becomes a daily issue. One in six (15%) say they're misunderstood by their partner at least once a day. Article continues below Dr Zoe Williams, GP, commented: 'Hearing loss doesn't just affect your ears, it affects your relationships, confidence, and overall wellbeing. It's important not to ignore ear health – if you're having challenges hearing properly, there are steps you can take to get back on the same page.' To watch The Whitehall's PSA please visit
The Sun
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Almost half of Brit couples say ‘what' more than ‘I love you'… and a 3rd argue a few times a week, survey finds
A SURVEY of 2,000 adults in relationships found the common miscommunications that can result in arguments. "What?' is a more common phrase than 'I love you' among couples over 55, according to research. 3 3 A poll of 2,000 adults in relationships found nearly half of all couples (46 per cent) have fallen out because they haven't heard each other properly. While 28 per cent get into an argument a few times a week at least, over mis-hearings. And this leaves them feeling a range of emotions when not listened to – including frustrated (42 per cent), ignored (33 per cent), disconnected (19 per cent), and even unloved (11 per cent). This phenomenon also leads to a range of misunderstandings between couples – from simply getting the wrong gist of a conversation (34 per cent) to actually offending their partner (17 per cent). And these miscommunications weren't one-offs – with a third being misunderstood by their significant other a few times a week or more. Specsavers, which commissioned the research, also partnered with beloved celebrity couple, Hilary and Michael Whitehall to cheekily cause drama by appearing to argue in a series of public stunts that show how Michael's hearing difficulties affect their daily lives. After some speculation, the couple have revealed in a Public Service Announcement video that Michael's undetected hearing loss was the source of many of these bickers. Michael said: 'I've always blamed our usual bickers on Hilary's mumbling. After a little persuasion, I had a hearing check at Specsavers and it turns out, I have a little bit of hearing loss... Who knew? 'The most romantic thing you can do … is booking a hearing check. Safe to say, missing half the conversation isn't ideal in a marriage. 'Now I've been fitted with hearing devices I've realised how much I was missing before – and the issues my hearing was causing.' What REALLY happened with Harry Styles' Glastonbury kiss - and which new celeb couples went public? Hilary said: 'For a long time I thought Michael was just ignoring me or not getting my jokes. 'Unsurprisingly, or at least not to me, Michael's hearing check identified a little bit of hearing loss. 'But now we know that's what's going on and he's got a hearing device, we're bickering less and laughing more.' The study also found couples ask each other to repeat themselves an average of four times a week – with a fifth doing so seven times a week or more. And just under half (48 per cent) reported having to at least sometimes shout to be heard by their significant other. Two in 10 went so far as to say they believe their partner doesn't listen to them when having a serious conversation – with most ignored topics including family issues (23 per cent), their feelings (22 per cent), and even problems in their relationship (16 per cent). As a result, 27 per cent admitted they have accused their better half of 'selective hearing'. With a third of those polled by OnePoll confronting their companions weekly, or more regularly, about not listening to them. In extreme cases, this has even resulted in 21 per cent walking away and leaving the situation – with 14 per cent saying they even stopped talking to their other half. When asked what might help ease these issues, respondents suggested being patient and understanding (35 per cent) and avoiding interrupting one another (27 per cent). Having a hearing check was also cited by 24 per cent of couples as a potential fix. In fact, at least one person in 14 per cent of couples have suggested the other book a hearing check. And nine per cent of couples have seen at least one of them diagnosed with hearing loss – allowing them to get the help they need. Relationship expert, Sarah Louise Ryan, added: 'Miscommunication in relationships is one of the most common issues I hear about in my couples practice. "For some, it's that they're having trouble expressing themselves, or that they don't have the tools to resolve a difference of opinion, but in many cases, it's a result of couples not hearing other correctly. 'This can cause marital tension, frustration, so if this sounds familiar in your relationship, don't put off seeking expert help.' Specsavers hearing expert, Sonam Sehemby, commented: '18 million adults in the UK have hearing loss and many don't realise that they are missing parts of the conversation. 'Since it develops gradually, people often wait up to ten years before seeking help. 'But when hearing loss starts to affect relationships, it's time to act – a hearing check can help couples reconnect and truly hear each other again.' 3
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Move over nepo babies... it's time for the rise of nepo parents! From Jack Whitehall's parents podcast tour to Romesh Raganathan's iconic mum
He is one of the UK's most loved comedians starring in the hit series Bad Education and regularly hosting the BRIT Awards. However Jack Whitehall is at serious risk of being outshone by his parents Michael and Hilary, who thanks to their son have become famous in their own right. While the rise of the nepo baby has been well documented with many celebrity offspring being accelerated into the spotlight, it appears there is also a market for nepo parents. Michael, 85, rose to fame after starring on his travel documentary Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father alongside the comedian. The hit series, which ran for five seasons from 2017 until 2021, propelled Michael into the limelight. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Michael and his wife went on to launch their own podcast The Wittering Whitehalls in 2022, which has since had over five million downloads. The couple have also appeared together in Celebrity Goggle Box Stand Up To Cancer, as well as Chris and Rosie Ramsey's TV Show. The trio also co-authored the book How to Survive Family Holidays. And now Michael and Hilary are stepping out without Jack as they bring their hit podcast The Wittering Whitehalls, to the stage later this year. They promise an evening of unfiltered wisdom, wit, sage advice and opinions, drawn from nearly 40 years of marriage, bringing up three children and their onward journey with grandchildren. But they aren't the only parents to launch new found career success off the back of their children's popularity. Just like Jack and Michael's popular travel show, similarly Russell Howard recruited his mum for a road trip reality series. Russell Howard & Mum: USA Road Trip saw the comedian and his mum Ninette drive around the USA in a minivan as they met people with a range of unusual hobbies and obsessions. After airing on Comedy Central back in 2016, the pair went on to film three more series' including Russell Howard & Mum: Globetrotters which saw them also visit India, Thailand and Vietnam. Meanwhile Romesh Ranganathan's mum Shanthi has become a much-loved figure in her own right thanks to various TV appearances alongside her son. Romesh's family faced a turbulent time after his father Ranga left his mother Shanthi when the comic was just 12. Originally, he and his younger brother Dinesh attended Reigate Grammar School, but were forced to move to a local comprehensive when their father was jailed for fraud and their family home was repossessed. Romesh and his mother were forced to live in a B&B for 18 months before they finally found a council house. And his close bond with his mum is evident and she has featured in a range of shows including BBC Three series Asian Provocateur, Just Another Immigrant and BBC Two show The Ranganation. Most recently she appeared on Romesh's ITV show Parents Evening alongside Alison Hammond and her son Aidan, Carol Vorderman with her son Cameron, and Iain Stirling with his mum Alison. Comedian Adam Buxton has also worked with his late father, who was a travel writer for the Daily Telegraph and wine critic. Nigel Buxton was most known for appearing as BaaadDad in the Channel 4 comedy series The Adam and Joe Show as he frequently served as the butt of their jokes. Nigel sadly died from complications arising from lung cancer at Adam's Norfolk home back in 2015. The rise of the nepo parents has surprised Michael most of all as he spoke about turning the podcast into the live thing. He said: 'The Wittering Whitehalls as a Podcast seemed a strange idea; What was a Podcast? But turning it into a Live show seems even stranger. 'But who knows? I never thought Travels with my Father would work. Come and see us and decide for yourself.' Hilary added: 'It's bad enough trying to keep Michael under control at home. What on earth am I doing carting him around the country and putting him in front of live audiences? I must be mad. 'Where's Jack Whitehall when I need him? I'll just have to rely on marital banter, squabbles and laughter. Come and join the fun!'
