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Spectator
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Spectator
Tom Skinner and the triumph of Essex Man
As a teenager, my first husband was an Essex Man. It ended badly – all my fault – but I still retain a fondness for the breed, who I associate with self-made can-do stoicism and optimism; the opposite of, say, Islington Man. An Essex Man is being spoken of as the one to give the ghastly 'Sir' Sadiq Khan a run for his money In recent decades, the county has become known as a glitzy, new-money Cheshire-on-Colne, due to the popular television show The Only Way Is Essex, a 'scripted reality' show in which a mutating cast of likely lads and luscious-lipped ladies make out and break up at bars and barbecues. The girls boast of a taste for Bad Boys with whom they have Steamy Romps, followed by Love Splits and Lonely Hells before Bouncing Back to Show Him What He's Missing while Flaunting Her Curves on a Sunshine Break To Dubai. They never saw a drink that wouldn't look better in a frenemy's face, or a swimming pool that couldn't be improved by pushing a love rat into; they backbite and backstab the way others say 'please' and 'thank you'. Of course I love it! Towie has recently, and rather dismayingly, made a show of talking about Mental Elf issues, much to the detriment of the drama. But these kids aren't really snowflakes. They're the descendants of the actual Cockneys who were resettled in Essex after the destruction of the East End by the Luftwaffe. They inhabit the first hardcore working-class Conservative stronghold of post-war England; in the 2019 election, all 18 seats in the county were held by the Tories with absolute majorities. In the EU referendum, every one of Essex's 14 district councils voted Leave. During the previous century, Essex Man was shorthand for a disillusioned, working-class, traditionally Labour voter who switched to Mrs Thatcher's Conservatives. They did so because they felt that Labour had moved to the Loony Left and cared more about Gaza than Grays. Of course Reform were always going to go big there. Nigel Farage himself has his constituency in Clacton-on-Sea. During his visits, he is mobbed by teenagers for selfies. A year after winning his seat, he remains wildly popular with constituents. You can't say that about many MPs. Reform's success in Essex isn't just about Farage: last month in council by-elections, the party took a seat in Harlow and a couple more in Thurrock. But the hold of the Tories on Essex should not be underestimated; no less than Kemi Badenoch has her throne in North West Essex. It would make the heart of this blue-collar county swell to have an MP of their own become PM. To make matters more interesting, an Essex Man is being spoken of as the one who might give the ghastly 'Sir' Sadiq Khan a run for his money, a phrase which conjures up for me the rampant fare-dodging which is one of the hallmarks of the ruined London Khan has presided over. Tom Skinner was one of the hopefuls in series 15 of The Apprentice; I don't recall him, but that's probably because I'm always too busy drooling unattractively over my pin-up, Lord Sugar. Recently Skinner has taken to X bemoaning the state of the capital: 'Colder…more hostile. It's tense…London don't feel like London no more. The police ain't on the beat. The people are scared. I'm not giving up on it…I still believe in this gaff…but we need change…we need safety.' Anyone can go on social media and moan that fings ain't what they used to be. But what makes this different is that Dominic Cummings reposted the above. He urged the 34-year-old Skinner to run against Khan in 2028 and offered the muscle of the old Vote Leave brigade as back-up. This week, Kennedy went down a storm at a conference in Westminster when he spoke of his love for his country. Asked about whether he would run for London mayor, he told the Now & England conference: 'Anyone could do a better job that Sadiq Khan…we'll see what happens'. The rapturous applause – and the fact that hatred of orthodox politicians in Britain is stronger than it's ever been – means he should certainly consider it. He's definitely got a little something going on that might well appeal to the thoroughly cheesed-off man in the London street. As Niall Gooch wrote in UnHerd: 'Skinner represents a clear contrast to the collapsing post-1997 consensus. He is not a graduate; he has not been formed in or by progressive institutions; he has no interest in the shibboleths of managed decline or conventional Blob thought. His is a commonsensical, man-of-the-people approach — in some respects he resembles Nigel Farage'. Skinner might do well if he ran for mayor, for the simple reason that what public life lacks is Straightforward Men. Everywhere you look you can see male creatures slithering and sliding, obfuscating and liberty-taking, lying and why-o-why-ing; the resurgence of Alastair Campbell sums it up best, but you're spoilt for choice. In 2022, I wrote in this very magazine an essay called In Praise Of Straightforward Men in which I eulogised the I'm A Celebrity… contestant Mike Tindall: 'Tindall's air of calmness is so attractive that it seems neither here nor there that he looks quite like a potato.' It's this quality of good-humoured resilience that we associate with Essex Man. But Tindall, who hails from Yorkshire, proves that you don't have to be born east of the capital to qualify; while the ghastly Jamie Oliver, with his ceaseless posturing and preening, proves that you can be born there and not necessarily be an Essex Man. Tom Skinner recently made a video for X with Robert Jenrick, standing outside a pub talking about 'tool theft'. Apparently this is not as much fun as it sounds, but something which afflicts Ordinary Working People a great deal. The opportunistic air of the pairing would have once irritated me. But because the ghastly Keir Starmer and Sadiq Khan are in charge at the moment, I felt warmly towards Skinner. Could he do worse than those two bozos? It's unlikely. Even if he doesn't, at least ordinary folk can recognise something of themselves in a man like Skinner. Skinner even reminds me of my first husband a little, when he was in his robust and roseate youth. So yes, I'm all for Essex Man bringing his admirable qualities to our lawless and loveless capital. Vote Skinner!
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside Lauren Goodger's romantic getaway with Charles Drury at luxury £250 per night spa after confirming reunion
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LAUREN Goodger treated boyfriend Charles Drury to a luxury £250-a-night spa break after rekindling their romance. The Towie star, 38, made sure it was a weekend to remember for Charles, 27, taking him to the four-star Greenwoods spa in Essex. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Lauren Goodger and Charles Drury are back together Credit: Instagram 6 The couple enjoyed a spa weekend for Charles' birthday Credit: Greenwoods Hotel A source told us: 'Lauren has whisked Charles away as a treat for his birthday. "It's a stunning manor house in Stock, Chelmsford and it's a very romantic place. There's a pool, a fine dining restaurant, a gym and they even host weddings there. "Lauren really wanted to spoil Charles and while there are people who aren't sure about her getting back together with him, she isn't focusing on what others think and she's just following her heart.' A rep for Lauren declined to comment. The couple recently relaunched their relationship after nearly three years apart by sharing pictures from a date night at Indian restaurant Cinnamon in Epping. They were joined by pals Joe Blackman and Junaid Ahmed, who playfully wrote on social media that they were double dating. It followed a TikTok live alongside Junaid and Joe that set tongues wagging that the pair were an item once again. Last year, Lauren opened up about the struggles she had previously faced co-parenting daughter Larose, three, with Charles. "It has not been easy, but we're at a place at the minute where it is running smoothly. Charles sees Larose very regularly," she told MailOnline. "It's a lot of travelling for me because he lives 3.5 hours away, and I meet him in the middle. It's not ideal but it is what it is." Towie's Lauren Goodger sizzles in leopard print hotpants on night out with Amy Childs Lauren and Charles tragically lost their second child Lorena during a traumatic labour in 2022. Reality favourite Lauren fell pregnant just three months after giving birth to Larose in 2021. Lorena, who Lauren described as the "most beautiful healthy baby she'd ever seen", died after her umbilical cord became wrapped around her neck. 6 The manor house has immaculate landscaped gardens Credit: Greenwoods Hotel 6 The four-star hotel has very decadent bedrooms Credit: Greenwoods Hotel 6 The couple share daughter Larose, three Credit: Instagram
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Inside Lauren Goodger's romantic getaway with Charles Drury at luxury £250 per night spa after confirming reunion
LAUREN Goodger treated boyfriend Charles Drury to a luxury £250-a-night spa break after rekindling their romance. The Towie star, 38, made sure it was a weekend to remember for Charles, 27, taking him to the four-star Greenwoods spa in Essex. 6 6 A source told us: ' Lauren has whisked Charles away as a treat for his birthday. "It's a stunning manor house in Stock, Chelmsford and it's a very romantic place. There's a pool, a fine dining restaurant, a gym and they even host weddings there. "Lauren really wanted to spoil Charles and while there are people who aren't sure about her getting back together with him, she isn't focusing on what others think and she's just following her heart.' A rep for Lauren declined to comment. The couple recently relaunched their relationship after nearly three years apart by sharing pictures from a date night at Indian restaurant Cinnamon in Epping. They were joined by pals Joe Blackman and Junaid Ahmed, who playfully wrote on social media that they were double dating. It followed a TikTok live alongside Junaid and Joe that set tongues wagging that the pair were an item once again. Last year, Lauren opened up about the struggles she had previously faced co-parenting daughter Larose, three, with Charles. "It has not been easy, but we're at a place at the minute where it is running smoothly. Charles sees Larose very regularly," she told MailOnline. "It's a lot of travelling for me because he lives 3.5 hours away, and I meet him in the middle. It's not ideal but it is what it is." Towie's Lauren Goodger sizzles in leopard print hotpants on night out with Amy Childs Lauren and Charles tragically lost their second child Lorena during a traumatic labour in 2022. Reality favourite Lauren fell pregnant just three months after giving birth to Larose in 2021. Lorena, who Lauren described as the "most beautiful healthy baby she'd ever seen", died after her umbilical cord became wrapped around her neck. 6 6 6
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale's ‘doomed relationship' as friends label them a ‘holiday romance that won't last'
POSING in swimwear in sun-soaked social media snaps, they look like the ultimate loved-up celebrity couple. But friends fear the final whistle could soon be blown on Andy Carroll and 9 Pals fear Andy Carroll's Insta-perfect relationship with Lou Teasdale is going to be 'seriously tested' Credit: Instagram 9 The pair revealed their romance weeks after Andy's split from wife Billi Mucklow Credit: Instagram 9 Andy affectionately calls make-up artist Lou 'T-Total' for her sober lifestyle Credit: Instagram 9 Friends are worried they won't last once they 'return to reality' of living back in the UK Credit: instagram/andytcarroll The former While he's been playing football in France, and frolicking with make-up artist to the stars Lou, 41, off the pitch, Andy's ex, former Towie star A source said: 'There are genuine fears that Andy and Lou won't last when they return to the UK. "Their relationship has effectively been a big holiday romance, and they are going to be seriously tested when returning to reality. "Andy has clearly made it his priority to be closer to his children. "While that is admirable, things might not be the same for him and fun-loving Lou back in the UK." During Andy's time in France, he and Lou - who Andy affectionately calls his "T Total" because she doesn't drink - have shared photos galore of It very much looks like a holiday romance from the outside and everyone knows what happens to those when the sun stops shining A Sun source In April, they Then, following the end of Bordeaux's season, Andy - once the most expensive footballer in British history, after joining Liverpool for £35 million in 2011 - An insider added: "It very much looks like a holiday romance from the outside and everyone knows what happens to those when the sun stops shining. Andy Carroll quizzed by cops twice after bust-ups with girlfriend at packed restaurant and hotel during Greek holiday 'Lou loves travel and working as an influencer means she's always here, there and everywhere. "It's very much up in the air about how things will actually work for them once they are home." COUPLE CLASH In fact, cracks have already started appearing between Andy and Lou after he was Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale's 'holiday romance' AS pals of the pair suspect they will struggle with their love back on home turf, here are some of the pair's sun-soaked getaways In October 2024, the pair were In January 2025, they In April 2025, The pair In April 2025, they put on a The Sun's exclusive pictures in May 2025 saw In June 2025, they jetted on holiday to Greece - yet the trip was marred when After the first clash, a worker at restaurant Nikolus Tavern said: 'He seemed very drunk and furious with his partner. 'He was using very bad words. It was improper behaviour. The woman looked very upset.' Following a chat with cops, during which Andy was 'very calm', the striker returned to Lou. However, hours later officers escorted him to a local police station for questioning after reports of damage to the couple's room at a £500-a-night boutique hotel. It's very much up in the air about how things will actually work for them once they are home A Sun source A hotel worker confirmed the incident, telling The Sun on Sunday: 'Yes, they were staying here. He broke the door.' Carroll wasn't arrested, and it's understood no further action was taken, but Lou stayed elsewhere that night, checking into celebrity hotspot Soho Roc House private members' club. One British holidaymaker spotted the pair engaged in a bust-up and claimed he heard the former Liverpool striker shout at her: 'I'm done with us!' LOU'S LOVE Before Andy, Lou's last romance was The former soldier, 41, and the make-up artist were first spotted looking loved-up at Coachella Music Festival in April 2022, but by January 2023 they had gone their separate ways and Lou wiped all trace of Jay from her social media. She wrote on Instagram at the time: 'No 2022 dump from me because it was the most horrible year of my life. Be kind and look after people.' Lou's social media has often been a happy hunting ground for her. The star previously told how she has found guys on Instagram, and said it was an 'easy' way to meet men. When speaking about social media hook-ups in a 2022 episode of podcast Sex, Lies & DM Slides, she said: 'It's just men, isn't it? I do think there is a bit of a thing going on with the blue ticks. "Like, they just go in with it and it's a bit of a, 'Are you DTF [down to f**k]?' But without saying that. 'It's not as literal as that, but you genuinely can, if you want to, have sex, probably go and meet someone off Towie quite quickly.' Nomadic lifestyle Asked if she's been messaging anyone from Towie, she said: 'Loads of them. Not this year, but I have in the past. I'm not saying. "There is a little world going on, and it's quite easy to go and meet someone from Instagram. "I generally find just talking on Instagram is better for dating. I meet more blokes that way." Lou is also She added: 'So it's really easy to start chatting.' Lou - who first shot to fame as One Direction's make-up artist, and remains close pals with Harry Styles - has a daughter, Lux Atkin, 13, with musician Tom Atkin, 40. Lux - @Baby Lux on her 23,000-follower Instagram account - was previously dubbed 'One Direction's youngest fan', after she was often pictured with the Story Of My Life hitmakers. Lou led a nomadic lifestyle while on tour with the boyband, and that has continued throughout her life. MARRIAGE MATERIAL? In May, Andy's friends were convinced A friend told The Sun on Sunday at the time: 'Lou is already telling her mates they have discussed marriage, and Andy thinks he's met his soulmate. "Their connection is so strong. He has never felt like this before. 'He definitely wants to put a ring on it. It's been a whirlwind romance for both of them. "But they're playing for keeps." Meanwhile, Andy and Billi are still thrashing out their divorce, after separating in September 2024 - with he and Lou revealing their romance weeks later. Billi recently showed Andy just what he is missing when she shared She added the caption: 'Back To My Happy Place." But will a return to England be a happy place for Andy and Lou? I fell out of love with everything. I was very depressed. I wouldn't go out of the house, I had to wear a hat if I did. I hated everything and everybody Andy Carroll The footballer recently admitted Speaking to Andy also told how he has enjoyed a much 'easier' and 'simpler life' in France. Speaking about fame having its "dark sides", he said: "In France I live a much easier, simpler life. 'People recognise me in the street but respect me. "That's key to my happiness." Whether Lou can help deliver Andy's happiness goal remains to be seen… but their romance could be heading into injury time. 9 Andy and Lou are relocating back to Britain after the footballer finished playing for French side Bordeaux Credit: AFP 9 The pair enjoyed a loved-up break in Ibiza in May Credit: instagram/andytcarroll 9 Yet on their recent Greek trip, they had bust-ups in a restaurant and hotel with Andy quizzed by cops Credit: Gary Stone 9 The footie ace wants to be closer to his five children Credit: Instagram 9 His divorce from Towie star Billi Mucklow is still being finalised Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale's ‘doomed relationship' as friends label them a ‘holiday romance that won't last'
The pair's picture-perfect relationship is said to be VERY different away from Instagram TROUBLE IN PARADISE? Inside Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale's 'doomed relationship' as friends label them a 'holiday romance that won't last' POSING in swimwear in sun-soaked social media snaps, they look like the ultimate loved-up celebrity couple. But friends fear the final whistle could soon be blown on Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale's romance. Advertisement 9 Pals fear Andy Carroll's Insta-perfect relationship with Lou Teasdale is going to be 'seriously tested' Credit: Instagram 9 The pair revealed their romance weeks after Andy's split from wife Billi Mucklow Credit: Instagram 9 Andy affectionately calls make-up artist Lou 'T-Total' for her sober lifestyle Credit: Instagram 9 Friends are worried they won't last once they 'return to reality' of living back in the UK Credit: instagram/andytcarroll The former England footballer, 36, is swapping escargots for England and moving back home to be closer to his five children - and insiders close to the pair say they may not survive the transition. Advertisement While he's been playing football in France, and frolicking with make-up artist to the stars Lou, 41, off the pitch, Andy's ex, former Towie star Billi Mucklow, 37, has been looking after their three young kids, plus his two teenage children from a previous relationship, back in the UK. A source said: 'There are genuine fears that Andy and Lou won't last when they return to the UK. "Their relationship has effectively been a big holiday romance, and they are going to be seriously tested when returning to reality. "Andy has clearly made it his priority to be closer to his children. "While that is admirable, things might not be the same for him and fun-loving Lou back in the UK." Advertisement During Andy's time in France, he and Lou - who Andy affectionately calls his "T Total" because she doesn't drink - have shared photos galore of their sun-kissed life. It very much looks like a holiday romance from the outside and everyone knows what happens to those when the sun stops shining A Sun source In April, they headed to Magaluf for a one-day "loliday", as Lou described it. Then, following the end of Bordeaux's season, Andy - once the most expensive footballer in British history, after joining Liverpool for £35 million in 2011 - whisked Lou off to Ibiza in May. An insider added: "It very much looks like a holiday romance from the outside and everyone knows what happens to those when the sun stops shining. Andy Carroll quizzed by cops twice after bust-ups with girlfriend at packed restaurant and hotel during Greek holiday 'Lou loves travel and working as an influencer means she's always here, there and everywhere. Advertisement "It's very much up in the air about how things will actually work for them once they are home." COUPLE CLASH In fact, cracks have already started appearing between Andy and Lou after he was quizzed by the police twice over bust-ups with her during a break on the Greek party island of Mykonos earlier this month. After the first clash, a worker at restaurant Nikolus Tavern said: 'He seemed very drunk and furious with his partner. 'He was using very bad words. It was improper behaviour. The woman looked very upset.' Following a chat with cops, during which Andy was 'very calm', the striker returned to Lou. Advertisement However, hours later officers escorted him to a local police station for questioning after reports of damage to the couple's room at a £500-a-night boutique hotel. It's very much up in the air about how things will actually work for them once they are home A Sun source A hotel worker confirmed the incident, telling The Sun on Sunday: 'Yes, they were staying here. He broke the door.' Carroll wasn't arrested, and it's understood no further action was taken, but Lou stayed elsewhere that night, checking into celebrity hotspot Soho Roc House private members' club. One British holidaymaker spotted the pair engaged in a bust-up and claimed he heard the former Liverpool striker shout at her: 'I'm done with us!' LOU'S LOVE Before Andy, Lou's last romance was with SAS: Who Dares Wins star Jay Morton. Advertisement The former soldier, 41, and the make-up artist were first spotted looking loved-up at Coachella Music Festival in April 2022, but by January 2023 they had gone their separate ways and Lou wiped all trace of Jay from her social media. She wrote on Instagram at the time: 'No 2022 dump from me because it was the most horrible year of my life. Be kind and look after people.' Lou's social media has often been a happy hunting ground for her. The star previously told how she has found guys on Instagram, and said it was an 'easy' way to meet men. When speaking about social media hook-ups in a 2022 episode of podcast Sex, Lies & DM Slides, she said: 'It's just men, isn't it? I do think there is a bit of a thing going on with the blue ticks. Advertisement "Like, they just go in with it and it's a bit of a, 'Are you DTF [down to f**k]?' But without saying that. 'It's not as literal as that, but you genuinely can, if you want to, have sex, probably go and meet someone off Towie quite quickly.' Nomadic lifestyle Asked if she's been messaging anyone from Towie, she said: 'Loads of them. Not this year, but I have in the past. I'm not saying. "There is a little world going on, and it's quite easy to go and meet someone from Instagram. "I generally find just talking on Instagram is better for dating. I meet more blokes that way." Advertisement Lou is also no stranger to membership-based dating app Raya, and previously admitted she would 'always connect' with people she 'already knows a little bit'. She added: 'So it's really easy to start chatting.' Lou - who first shot to fame as One Direction's make-up artist, and remains close pals with Harry Styles - has a daughter, Lux Atkin, 13, with musician Tom Atkin, 40. Lux - @Baby Lux on her 23,000-follower Instagram account - was previously dubbed 'One Direction's youngest fan', after she was often pictured with the Story Of My Life hitmakers. Lou led a nomadic lifestyle while on tour with the boyband, and that has continued throughout her life. Advertisement MARRIAGE MATERIAL? In May, Andy's friends were convinced he was planning to pop the question to Lou - as soon as his divorce from Billi was finalised. A friend told The Sun on Sunday at the time: 'Lou is already telling her mates they have discussed marriage, and Andy thinks he's met his soulmate. "Their connection is so strong. He has never felt like this before. 'He definitely wants to put a ring on it. It's been a whirlwind romance for both of them. "But they're playing for keeps." Advertisement Meanwhile, Andy and Billi are still thrashing out their divorce, after separating in September 2024 - with he and Lou revealing their romance weeks later. Billi recently showed Andy just what he is missing when she shared several stunning bikini pictures of her own on Instagram, during a break in Mallorca. She added the caption: 'Back To My Happy Place." But will a return to England be a happy place for Andy and Lou? I fell out of love with everything. I was very depressed. I wouldn't go out of the house, I had to wear a hat if I did. I hated everything and everybody Andy Carroll The footballer recently admitted his final years in England were a "nightmare", before he was offered an escape route from French side Amiens in 2023, and then signed for fourth-tier club Bordeaux in 2024. Advertisement Speaking to The Independent in November, he said: "I fell out of love with everything. I was very depressed. I wouldn't go out of the house, I had to wear a hat if I did. I hated everything and everybody." Andy also told how he has enjoyed a much 'easier' and 'simpler life' in France. Speaking about fame having its "dark sides", he said: "In France I live a much easier, simpler life. 'People recognise me in the street but respect me. "That's key to my happiness." Advertisement Whether Lou can help deliver Andy's happiness goal remains to be seen… but their romance could be heading into injury time. 9 Andy and Lou are relocating back to Britain after the footballer finished playing for French side Bordeaux Credit: AFP 9 The pair enjoyed a loved-up break in Ibiza in May Credit: instagram/andytcarroll 9 Yet on their recent Greek trip, they had bust-ups in a restaurant and hotel with Andy quizzed by cops Credit: Gary Stone 9 The footie ace wants to be closer to his five children Credit: Instagram Advertisement
