Latest news with #NanaAkua
Times
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Inside the party where Suella Braverman and Eamonn Holmes toasted an ex-gangster
At a high-end venue in London's trendy Shoreditch district, a former government minister, a television presenter and a decorated Olympic athlete celebrated the promise of a bright future for a one-time armed robber from Belfast and his broadcaster fiancée. About 400 people — including Suella Braverman, a former home secretary in the UK government, the broadcaster Eamonn Holmes and the javelin champion Fatima Whitbread — came along last weekend for this most unusual yet lavish engagement bash in a private club. And just about everyone was taken with what had to be the most diverse guestlist of the year. All of it was proof that when Irish-born Stephen Gillen set out to turn his life around following 15 years in jail, he meant it. Gillen had spent much of his youth working as an enforcer for a London gang, later serving time alongside the notorious inmate Charles Bronson, a man he can call 'a friend'. The party at the Blue Marlin Ibiza London club was held to celebrate his engagement to GB News host, broadcaster and journalist Nana Akua, and it was their eclectic collection of friends that made what was dubbed 'the party of the summer' go with a swing. The Sunday Times, after interviewing Gillen, had been invited along to witness the full extent of his remarkable reformation from notorious gangster to upscale businessman and thrilled husband-to-be. Speaking at the party, Gillen, 54, reflected on his difficult early days in west Belfast as the Troubles spilled onto his street and how, aged eight, he saw an IRA member being shot dead. That mayhem sparked a decision to send him to London, where his involvement in the underworld began. Gillen said: 'So I've done all I can to become a better, stronger, smarter version of myself and meeting Nana, my absolute soulmate, has just made that complete. This party means everything to me.' Akua, 53, who wore a showstopping gown accompanied by £1 million worth of diamonds under the watchful eye of a close protection team, said she was 'so happy' to be marking the next stage of their relationship. It had ignited some time after they met when she interviewed Gillen for GB News three years ago. 'He was this tough gangster guy and yet he seemed so shy,' she said, laughing. 'And then Stephen stayed in contact. 'Only after splitting from his long-term partner did Stephen start chasing me. As time went on, I liked what I was learning about who this wonderful man really was deep down. 'I think we make a great couple. We're so alike in many ways.' In February, Akua broke the surprise news of the engagement live on television, announcing that Gillen had proposed to her during a romantic trip to Venice. As guests danced last weekend, Holmes, 65, spoke of how delighted he was to be on a night out, before pointing to the walker he now needs to help him get around. 'Everything's good apart from that bloody thing,' he said, explaining that health problems had made it an essential part of his life for two years. In jovial spirits and sitting close with his girlfriend, Katie Alexander, he shrugged as he said: 'I've tried everything but I just have to accept that this is the way it is now for me.' Holmes, who works alongside Akua at GB News, said he was delighted for his colleague, but added ruefully: 'Although I won't be feeling so delighted at 3am when I have to get up for work.' For a time last Sunday night the BBC broadcaster Jeremy Vine was rubbing shoulders with the Baywatch actress Natalie Jay Banus, the comedian Jim Davidson, the Bond movie actress and broadcaster Lizzie Cundy and the Grammy-winning producer Vassal Benford, hailed for his work with Jennifer Lopez and other stars. Benford, who chairs the BB King estate, told guests of his work as executive producer on a movie about the life of the blues legend, which is due to be released next year. Gillen, who heads up Publicity Hounds, a creative media and brand management firm, said: 'I like a good mixed crowd of people — you've got to shake things up in this world.'
The Sun
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Eamonn Holmes, 63, struggles to walk as he arrives at party with girlfriend Katie Alexander, 43
EAMONN Holmes was seen struggling to walk as he arrived at glitzy bash with his new girlfriend Katie Alexander. The TV presenter looked frail but determined as he arrived at a star-studded party hand-in-hand with new flame - bravely pushing through his ongoing health battles. 5 5 GB News star Nana Akua celebrated her upcoming wedding in style as she threw a glam engagement party with fiancé Stephen at Shoreditch's swanky Blue Marlin Club. The loved-up pair were joined by a string of celeb pals, family and friends for the star-studded do - with Eamonn, 63, making a surprise appearance alongside new girlfriend Katie, 43, who stayed close by his side throughout the night. Eamonn, who has been battling ongoing mobility issues, was seen leaning on a walking aid as Katie supported him into the venue - the pair marking one of their first public outings together. After suffering from chronic back issues following spinal surgery and a fall, Eamonn appeared in good spirits despite his visible discomfort, managing a smile for waiting photographers. The pair, who recently went public with their relationship, looked loved up as they stepped out for the glitzy evening do. Katie turned heads in a figure-hugging chocolate brown bodycon dress, oozing glamour as she arrived on Eamonn's arm. She completed the look with matching sunglasses, a gold chain and a waist-cinching belt that showed off her hourglass figure - stealing the spotlight as the pair made their entrance. Meanwhile, a frail but dapper Eamonn cut a smart figure in a navy two-piece suit, crisp white shirt, and matching shoes - proving he hasn't lost his sharp sense of style. This comes after Katie opened up on the reason she swerved her red carpet debut with him at this year's TRIC Awards two weeks ago. Taking to Instagram, Katie shared a photograph of herself sat barefoot inside a wooden cabin. Eamonn Holmes hits out at 'horrible' celebrities on TV and admits 'there are so many false' stars She used stickers saying "be mindful" and "peace and quiet" to illustrate the snap. Writing alongside it, Katie admitted that she deliberately avoided the high profile event in London because of hurtful trolls. She said: "Was going to The Tric Awards, but I'd rather protect my Mental Health and Inner Peace than be subjected to more online hate from people who don't know me." This year's TRIC Awards was held at Grosvenor House in London. Ruth and Eamonn's relationship timeline Before the shock split announcement, Ruth and Eamonn seemed like one of the strongest couples on UK TV – even with their signature bickering style. Here's how their romance played out... 1997 - The couple first meet after being introduced by mutual friends, two years after Eamonn splits from his first wife, Gabrielle, with whom he has three children. 1997-2002 - To be respectful to Gabrielle, the couple kept their relationship out of the limelight. Ruth told Daily Mail: "I thought it spoke volumes about the sort of man he was, the sort of father he was and the integrity he had. It made me love him more, not less." 2002 - Ruth and Eamonn welcome their son, Jack, to the family. 2005 - Eamonn finalises his divorce with Gabrielle. 2006 - The pair begin to host Friday episodes of This Morning together. 2010 - Eamonn proposes to Ruth while at the Cheltenham Races, after asking Ruth's mother for her hand. June 2010 - Eamonn and Ruth marry at Elvetham Hall, Hampshire. 2016 - Eamonn undergoes a double hip replacement in the first of many health battles. June 2019 - On This Morning, Ruth and Eamonn say the secret to their happy marriage. Eamonn credits "compromise, consideration and lots of conjugal," while Ruth said it was "laughter and an equal marriage". November 2020 - Ruth and Eamonn are replaced on their regular Friday slot by Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary in a 'show shake-up'. December 202 1 - After a year of being moved to the bank holiday presenting slot, both Eamonn and Ruth left This Morning. January 2022 - Eamonn debuted on GB News, while Ruth stayed with ITV in her long-standing role on Loose Women. September 2022 - Eamonn undergoes spinal surgery after years of back issues including a trapped sciatic nerve. November 2022 - Eamonn falls down the stairs of his Surrey home with Ruth and breaks his shoulder, requiring a new operation. September 2023 - Eamonn has a spine and neck stretching procedure as part of his year-long recovery. May 2024 - Ruth and Eamonn announce they have split after 14 years of marriage and a 27-year relationship. September 2024 - Eamonn was spotted on a luxury holiday in Barcelona with his new girlfriend Katie Alexander. Ruth calls in a 'fierce' divorce lawyer. It would have been Eamonn and Katie's first red carpet event together. Eamonn joined his GB News Breakfast Show co-stars on stage in his wheelchair as they collected the award for Best News Programme. Katie has since shared a photo of the team to congratulate them, writing: "Winner winner chicken dinner!" Katie is a relationship counsellor and family support worker from Yorkshire. The pair reportedly grew close earlier this year, with sources saying she has been a 'pillar of strength' during Eamonn's ongoing health battles and split from wife Ruth Langsford. Eamonn and Ruth called it quits after 14 years of marriage. The former couple, who share son Jack, are now in the midst of divorce and a battle over their £3.6million home. Following his split, Eamonn and Katie began dating in mid-2024. 5 5 5
Daily Mail
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Nana Akua celebrates her engagement to partner Stephen Gillen at a lavish party with famous pals including Eamonn Holmes and his partner Katie Alexander on star-studded guest list
Nana Akua celebrated her engagement to businessman Stephen Gillen with a star-studded party in London on Sunday. The GB News presenter, 53, was spotted arriving for her lavish celebration in a jaw-dropping gold gown, with stars including Lizzie Cundy and Eamonn Holmes among the big names in attendance. Nana revealed her engagement live on air back in March, gushing that Stephen had finally proposed, two years after meeting when she interviewed him on her show. Stephen Gillen was previously handed a 17-year prison sentence for possession of a firearm, conspiracy to rob, firearms with intent to endanger life and firearms to commit an indictable offence, but has since turned his life around. He is now CEO and co-founder of Raw Media Creative, a digital media brand. Nana put on a showstopping display in her stunning sequinned gown as she arrived for the party with her husband-to-be. Eamonn was supported by his girlfriend Katie Alexander as he enlisted the help of a walking frame to make his way into the event. Lizzie also cut a glamorous figure in a plunging grey gown adorned with floral embroidery as she arrived for the bash. Nana announced her engagement while presenting her show on GB News in March, telling her viewers: 'It doesn't look like there will be any more dating for me,' before holding up her left hand to show off her sparkling engagement ring. Stephen himself then shared the news on Instagram, writing: 'So proud and love this woman so much. Nana Akua – my wife to be. 'Few big things and great surprises coming in the media soon guys. Wish you a blessed day.' Sharing the moment she met Stephen while interviewing him, Nana previously said: 'I remember looking, thinking, 'Why is this man so shy? What's wrong with him? Speak properly! 'Then a little while ago, he split up with his partner and we ended up going out.' Nana went onto share details of her engagement to Stephen during a joint interview on GB News. Stephen explained: 'I got the stone first, which is always the wisest thing. Luckily, I have some friends in Hatton Garden who helped me with this. Some real good people who guided me, and I was very grateful. 'On the last day, I sorted out all this stuff, the surprise, it was quite stressful. And then the ring was too small. 'I had to rush all the way back to Hatton Garden, and I had two hours because we was flying out in the morning. 'So I don't know anyone who has changed to a ring size in two hours, but I managed to get it done. 'It was a big panic in the end, but you know, I'm really thankful to my friends down there for helping me.' Nana added that she and Stephen were hoping to tie the knot 'next summer.'
