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    Famous TV chef died alone and penniless after being sacked by BBC after major downfall

    Fanny Cradock was the original celebrity chef who taught a generation of Brits to cook. But when she died alone and penniless, the industry she once ruled turned its back13:54, 17 Aug 2025Updated 13:56, 17 Aug 2025She died in 1994, aged 85, after suffering a stroke, living in a ‘filthy, tiny flat”(Image: Getty)Fanny Cradock was once Britain’s undisputed culinary monarch – theatrical, intimidating, and utterly commanding.Yet decades after she dominated BBC screens draped in evening gowns and pearls, the pioneering celebrity chef passed away destitute, isolated in a squalid bedsit, and abandoned by the very industry she had once ruled.Armed with her signature hectoring tone and an arsenal of flowing chiffon, Fanny became television’s first genuine kitchen sensation.She whipped up flambéed calf brains and emerald-tinted spuds, all whilst bellowing commands at her monocled spouse Johnnie, who remained loyally positioned beside her, glass of wine perpetually in grasp.This comes after other well known faces also passed away allegedly penniless such as former BBC News host George Alagiah and Coronation Street actor Peter Adamson.Fanny was often joined by her husband Johnnie(Image: BBC)Article continues belowDuring her heyday, Fanny seemed invincible, reports the Express.She owned a Rolls-Royce, kept a yacht moored in Cannes, and threw lavish soirées at her South London residence – which she allegedly urged society writers to brand as “Hollywood style.”Yet beneath the powder compact and drawn-on brows, her personal existence was considerably more chaotic.She wasn’t actually wed to Johnnie throughout most of their partnership – her second spouse, Arthur Chapman, steadfastly refused to grant her a divorce.Fanny had deserted their child and escaped to London, eventually remarrying covertly before that union was also dissolved.Only in 1977, following Arthur’s death, could she finally legitimately marry Johnnie.By this point, they had already forged their television partnership – with her firmly at the helm and him relegated to her obedient assistant.Her behaviour away from the cameras generated headlines – though rarely flattering ones.One assistant remembered her shrieking at Johnnie between takes: “Don’t you ever speak to me like that again.”You’ll be back where you came from so fast you won’t know what’s hit you I am Fanny Cradock and don’t you forget that.”Fanny Cradock was once the queen of British cookery(Image: BBC)She labelled the Duchess of York a “trollop”, dismissed Margaret Thatcher as “cheap”, and slated Les Dawson as “an awful lump of lard who pulls funny faces. He’s greasy, horrible and disgusting. I hate him.”Fanny’s hubris ultimately caused her spectacular downfall.In 1976, she publicly shamed a Devon housewife on BBC’s The Big Time, ridiculing her menu and feigning retching for the cameras. The audience was outraged. Fanny was axed within weeks.By the time Johnnie succumbed to cancer in 1987, Fanny’s career had already collapsed. She declined to attend his funeral and found herself completely isolated – having severed ties with both her sons and much of the entertainment world.When longtime pal Phil Bradford called on Fanny at her squalid, cramped bedsit in Chichester, West Sussex, in 1991, he worried the lonely widow might take her own life.She passed away in 1994, aged 85, following a stroke, residing in a “filthy, tiny flat” in Chichester. Her funeral attracted few mourners.Despite the turmoil, her influence lives on. Now, over four decades since her dramatic and very public disgrace, the BBC has made her programmes available online to acquaint a fresh generation with her vibrant culinary creations.Article continues belowHave you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz hereWant all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter More

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    Oasis fans in huge row over ‘cringiest’ chant as they slam Irish crowd’s reaction

    Oasis returned to Ireland for the first time in 17 years to perform in front of a sold-out crowd at Dublin’s Croke Park on Saturday (August 16), but the crowd chant has been slammed13:16, 17 Aug 2025Updated 13:18, 17 Aug 2025Those in attendance at Croke Park sang every word as Oasis played their set(Image: Philip Fitzpatrick)Oasis made their return to Ireland to perform for the first time in 17 years in front of an ecstatic atmosphere before more than 80,000 fans at Croke Park on Saturday (16 August).This marked the first of two sold-out shows for brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, who dedicated their Be Here Now classic, Stand By Me, to their mother Peggy, from Charlestown County Mayo, who was confirmed to be in attendance for her reconciled sons’ comeback.Oasis had already won over crowds across Wales, England and Scotland before reaching Ireland, but Dublin’s atmosphere may have been the best yet.At one point, during Noel’s solo segment of the concert, where he performed Little by Little, Half the World Away and Talk Tonight, the elder of the band’s siblings paused to take in the crowd as they chanted ‘Olé Olé Olé’ in perfect harmony.The brother started their reunion tour earlier this year(Image: William Lailey / SWNS)Multiple clips of the crowd’s chants were shared on social media, with many quick to commend the Irish fans for their enthusiasm in the first of two sold-out reunion concerts, reports the Irish Mirror.Article continues below”Now that’s Ireland,” one user on X, formerly known as Twitter, commented on a 32-second clip featuring the Olé chants, with Noel visible on the stage’s massive screens stepping back to appreciate the moment.Not everyone was quite so impressed with the 80,000 crowd’s behaviour, however, with one viewer describing the Olé chant as “the cringiest part of every concert in Ireland,” though another responded: “Why do people suddenly pretend to hate this. It’s f****** class when you’re there.”Oasis at Croke Park(Image: Philip Fitzpatrick)The beloved chant is frequently heard at sporting fixtures, gigs and homecoming celebrations, with its roots commonly traced back to the Italia ’90 World Cup, where Ireland progressed to the quarter-finals before being knocked out by the host nation.Composer and lecturer at Dublin City University, Dr Seán Doherty has previously shed light on the tune’s fascinating backstory.The chant’s melody originates from the 1985 Belgian track Anderlecht Champion, which originally included the French ‘allez, allez, allez’ lyrics rather than the Spanish ‘Olé’, which emerged the following year for the Mexican World Cup.Article continues belowThroughout Italia ’90, Put ‘Em Under Pressure served as Ireland’s tournament anthem, during which “it got inserted into every Irish person’s brain,” according to Dr Doherty.Have you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz hereWant all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter More

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    Princess Andre shares sweet update with Katie Price after Peter Andre hits out

    Princess Andre and her mum Katie Price have been reunited after the pair were said to be feuding due to business decisions allegedly made by her eldest daughter’s management team12:21, 17 Aug 2025Updated 13:02, 17 Aug 2025Princess is Katie’s eldest daughter(Image: Instagram/ @katieprice)Princess Andre has been spotted enjoying her mum Katie Price’s company for the first time since their alleged “falling out” was made public.The mother-daughter duo cosied up for a selfie, shared by Princess on Snapchat, as they spent a cosy night in watching the boxing with Katie’s boyfriend, JJ Slater. Princess captioned the photo with a simple “Mumzy,” seemingly putting any rumours of a spat with her mum to rest.It was reported that the pair had fallen out after Katie was prohibited from appearing on Princess’ reality TV show, The Princess Diaries. Katie alleged that her daughter’s management team, who she shares with dad Peter Andre, had advised her not to be seen with her mother in public.Katie was also reportedly barred from attending Princess’ 18th birthday bash as it was being filmed for the show. This sparked further tension as Katie and ex-husband Peter have since traded barbs online over the past few days.Princess Andre and Katie PriceIn a previous post, the pair seemed to be making light of their rift when Princess revealed to her fans that the only song Katie had liked on Spotify was I Hate U by SZA. She captioned the screenshot, writing, “Mum cracks me up.”, reports the Mirror.Article continues belowPrincess has been dropping hints on social media that the family feud might be over, sharing video clips of what seem to be Katie’s hairless cats. One clip featured a newborn kitten, aligning with Katie’s recent podcast revelation that her cat was expecting, followed by her own snaps of the kittens on Snapchat.Earlier this week, Princess’ dad Peter Andre broke his silence with a shocking statement addressing Katie and her recent remarks. He penned: “For sixteen years I have stayed silent in the face of repeated lies from my ex-wife and her family, out of respect for my children and loved ones, but staying silence has been incredibly frustrating.”He went on to say: “That ends today. The latest comments about my children’s welfare and living arrangements compel me to set the record straight. For well-documented reasons, and for their safety, Junior and Princess came into my care in 2018 and remained with me until they reached adulthood.The family feud has been hitting the press(Image: Instagram/ @katieprice)”In 2019, the family courts issued a legally binding order to enforce this arrangement. I have never made this public before out of respect for my children. In 2011 and 2015, publicly documented court cases found my ex wife had made false claims. She was ordered to pay substantial damages and legal costs, and to apologise, to me and my management.”He concluded: “The same falsehoods are being repeated today. Unfortunately, there are many more lies and baseless accusations that I have yet to address. Those will be dealt with in the coming months.”Yet in her most recent podcast, Katie insisted that Princess resides with her, revealing: “I’ve missed out so much with Princess. I haven’t watched the show, but, people have told me how proud I should be of the kids and how they Princess does talk highly of me all the way through it so although I’m not in the show she speaks about me all the time which is really sweet.”She added: “But why wouldn’t she, because she lives with me. And this is another thing I need to clear up, the kids have never lived just with Pete, we’ve shared the kids.”Have you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz hereArticle continues belowWant all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter More

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    Jeremy Clarkson shares Kaleb Cooper’s furious response after police run-in

    Jeremy Clarkson has shared how his Clarkson’s Farm co-star Kaleb Cooper responded after he was stopped by police as the US Vice President JD Vance made his way around the local areaDanny Gutmann10:42, 17 Aug 2025Jeremy Clarkson has revealed Kaleb Cooper’s foul mothed remark towards police recently(Image: John Keeble, Getty Images)Former Top Gear star Jeremy Clarkson has shared an incident where his co-star from Clarkson’s Farm, Kaleb Cooper, swore at the police following a recent incident. The arrival of US vice president JD Vance in the quiet town of Chipping Norton was met with disapproval by some locals.While many voiced their political objections to his visit, Kaleb’s frustration was rooted elsewhere. In a recent column for The Sunday Times, Jeremy recalled how the politician was given a police escort as he toured the local area. Jeremy explained how it was the police’s job to “shoo” people out of the way as they drove through the town.One of those affected was Kaleb, Jeremy’s sidekick on Clarkson’s Farm. Recalling the incident, Jeremy said: “One of the people they ordered to pull over was Kaleb Cooper, my tractor driver, but it was starting to rain and he urgently needed to get his load of wheat into the shed, so he invited his tormentor to eff off. And carried on regardless.”In the days following the incident, Kaleb expressed his feelings in response to one of Jeremy’s Instagram posts, explaining his perspective on the situation.He wrote: “My wheat got wet in the trailer last night as the convo(y) stopped me in the rain in chippy. I could have easily went on my way and got it in the shed without getting in the way.”Kaleb was reportedly pulled over by the police (Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)Article continues belowOn a brighter note for the 27-year-old farmer, he celebrated the arrival of his third child with fiancée Taya on Thursday (August 14). Nearly three years after popping the question, the couple have welcomed Ashton as their newest addition.Taking to Instagram to share the joyful news, Kaleb posted: “Baby number 3. everyone meet Ashton weighing 6.13lb born 14th august at 6:28pm at chipping norton maternity.”Ps don’t worry I bought the amazing midwife’s a Chinese as well.”Whilst Kaleb voiced his own concerns about being affected by the political entourage, the Clarkson’s Farm favourite wasn’t alone among locals expressing their frustration over the visit.In nearby Charlbury, where the politician was staying, demonstrators organised what they dubbed the “Vance Not Welcome Party” through local groups “Everybody Hates Elon” and the “Stop Trump Coalition”.Not all of those in the town were pleased to see the US politician(Image: Leon Neal, Getty Images)Article continues belowHowever, not everyone was opposed to his visit and newly announced Strictly contestant and former Apprentice star Tom Skinner received an invitation to the vice-president’s holiday residence after previously chatting on social media.Following their meeting at Vance’s retreat earlier this week, Tom expressed his appreciation on X: “Unreal night with JD and his friends and family.”He continued: “He was a proper gent. Lots of laughs and some fantastic food. A brilliant night, one to tell the grand kids about.” More

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    Gemma Collins reveals real reason she halted wedding plans to fiancé Rami Hawash

    TOWIE legend Gemma Collins has been very open about her delayed wedding plans to Rami Hawash, but she candidly admitted she hasn’t actually done anything about it yet10:23, 17 Aug 2025TOWIE star Gemma Collins has revealed her wedding plans have been delayed(Image: Joe Pepler/PinPep)Gemma Collins has revealed the real reason her wedding plans have been halted – and it’s not why fans would think.The star reckons she can easily outshine Amazon mogul Jeff Bezos’ extravagant nuptials, which have been hailed as the celebrity wedding of the decade, and she’s got a rather distinctive theme in mind for her special day.But the TOWIE legend has candidly confessed she’s made absolutely zero progress with the planning, despite being engaged for four years. “After Jeff Bezos’ wedding, I’ve sure as hell got to try and top that one, haven’t I?” she exclusively revealed to us.The reality TV favourite, 44, is supposedly deep in wedding preparations, though she’s admitted things aren’t exactly going according to plan.In fact, Gemma has revealed she’s even contemplating leaving everything until the eleventh hour because she simply can’t pin down what she actually wants, reports the Mirror.An astrologer says 2026 is her year(Image: gemmacollins/Instagram)Article continues belowThis comes after Vogue Williams decided to go teetotal following a boozy blackout at a glitzy showbiz wedding.Her enthusiasm for walking down the aisle remains undimmed, though, as she celebrates four years since her second engagement to fiancé Rami Hawash, whom she first met back in 2011.Discussing her arrangements so far, Gemma revealed: “It’s going really well, but if I’m honest, I haven’t actually done anything about it yet because I’ve had just the craziest of times recently. It’s been nonstop. But I’m sure Jedward are gonna get up and sing.”I’ve not decided where it’s gonna be. I am very last-minute, so I’ll probably decide two weeks before.”Whilst she’s yet to set a date, Gemma insists next year will be when she finally utters her ‘I dos’.”Absolutely it will be 2026. I spoke to my astrologer and that is the year to get married,” she declared. Spilling the beans on her dream wedding, reality TV sensation Gemma Collins revealed: “I’d like it very mythical, actually. I’d like fairies. I’m obsessed with Maleficent, you know the movie? So I’d like a woodland setting. Very boho but magical.”Gemma Collins and Rami Hawash(Image: Getty Images for Pimm’s)However, she confessed that she’s yet to make any concrete plans, saying: “I haven’t pulled my finger out and done one bloody single thing. So I’m literally at the very, very beginning. All I know is I want it mythical with mythical creatures.”While the guest list remains a mystery, Gemma confirmed that her best mates, Jedward, will be there to celebrate with her, even hinting at a special role for them.”They will be singing,” she disclosed. “They’ll definitely have a major role in the big day. They could be mythical creatures. I love them to death, the boys.”Recently, Gemma had her Instagram followers in stitches as she teased the idea of recreating her infamous Dancing On Ice tumble by tying the knot on an ice rink. “I’ve always been an oversharer. I love to spill the coffee. Everyone loved it,” she quipped.But it seems the joke was on her fans, as Gemma was merely having a laugh while taking part in a challenge to overshare for Sky. She clarified: “It’s gonna be so much fun when people finally realise that I’m not getting married on ice.”Article continues belowHave you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz hereWant all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter More

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    Come Dine With Me beauty’s teeny top branded ‘unsuitable for TV’ by show bosses

    EXCLUSIVE: One former Come Dine With Me contestant sparked panic among the filming crew with her bold outfit choice, which left them scrambling to call Channel 4 bosses for permission10:00, 17 Aug 2025The Come Dine With Me crew had to “check if her outfit was allowed”(Image: Channel 4)One Come Dine With Me contestant’s outfit choice left the camera crew panicking.37-year-old sales advisor Jade Barbie lives in Bristol and filmed her series back in 2021 during Covid-19 restrictions. Due to the rules, Jade and her fellow contestants were forced to film in a mansion rather then their own homes and the episodes were then released two years later.She spoke exclusively to Daily Star on behalf of OLBG and said: “When they saw one of the outfits I was going to wear, the producers said they would have to call Channel 4 to check if I was allowed – they said they didn’t think it was suitable for TV!””They told me I had to put a safety pin in it. It was the sort of the stuff I wore during the interview, so I just said I was wearing it.”Jade wore a sequin top for her festival-themed dinner party evening(Image: Handout)READ MORE: More

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    Karen Matthews’ liaison officer says monster mum’s eyes were unforgettable in first meeting

    A former family liaison officer for West Yorkshire Police has shared her insights into Karen Matthews and what she was really like for a new documentary that airs today (August 17)09:59, 17 Aug 2025Updated 10:39, 17 Aug 2025The former liaison officer will never forget her interactions with Karen Matthews (Image: Christopher Furlong, Getty Images)A woman who served as family liaison officer to Karen Matthews following her nine-year-old daughter Shannon’s disappearance has disclosed what the infamous mum was really like away from the public eye.Shannon vanished from the Moorside Estate in Dewsbury on February 19, 2008, prompting the local community to unite in efforts to find the youngster. Christine Freeman, a former family liaison officer with West Yorkshire Police, remained alongside Karen throughout the investigation.Reflecting on her first impressions on Amazon Prime, she explained: “The first thing as a family liaison officer when you go out to a house to meet a member of the family is really to try and put them at ease.”When I walked into Karen and Craig’s house (her former boyfriend), Karen came across as a grieving mum. Her eyes were blackened underneath as if she had not slept.”She did have my sympathy. Her support network consisted of Shannon’s stepdad Craig and a few friends locally. We didn’t see anything of Karen’s close family members but the community themselves came together magnificently.”Shannon Matthews was eventually given a new identity (Image: PA)Article continues belowChristine’s unique perspective will feature in the fresh two-part Prime Video documentary The Hunt for Shannon Matthews, which premieres in the UK and Ireland on Sunday (August 17).The programme examines Shannon’s 24-day disappearance, which was actually a kidnapping scheme devised by Karen and her boyfriend’s uncle, Michael Donovan. They concocted the despicable plot hoping to claim £50,000 in reward money.The documentary saw Christine recount the peculiar statements Karen made to officers in the days following her daughter’s disappearance.During one questioning session, she told detectives: “She is out there somewhere in a nice warm environment but the person who’s got her is not coming forward, which is what we’d like really.”Reflecting on the guidance she offered Karen at the time, Christine revealed: “I constantly said to her, ‘Karen, we need to prepare for the worst.’ I don’t think Karen had any grasp at all of the possible dangers for her child. She just doesn’t seem aware of it. She didn’t seem willing to accept the possibility.Christine offered a unique insight in the documentary “It was hard to control your own emotions that you were feeling. But there will come a time where I will have to bring Karen really down to earth by telling her something terrible has happened to her daughter.”Yet during a Mother’s Day press briefing on March 2, 2008, Karen disclosed to journalists that she felt she could no longer have faith in those surrounding her.Recalling that shocking revelation, Christine explained: “It was during that press conference that she came out with some things that were quite disturbing really.”Among her remarks was her belief that someone familiar to both her and Shannon had abducted her.Christine disclosed: “That is the first time anything like that had been suggested. After that press conference, I have said, ‘What do you mean somebody who knows you?'”She said, ‘Oh, just anybody.’ She kind of poo pooed it, brushed it off – ‘I don’t mean anybody in particular, I just mean somebody who might know us.'”She knew where her daughter was all along (Image: PA)On 14 March 2008, Shannon, who had been drugged with sedatives, was discovered hidden in the base of a bed at Donovan’s house, leading to his immediate arrest.Donovan, who succumbed to cancer last year, faced charges of kidnapping and false imprisonment before Karen eventually confessed to fabricating the entire ordeal.Article continues belowBoth were sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of kidnapping, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice.Shannon was given a new identity after being placed under emergency social services care.The Hunt for Shannon Matthews will be available on Prime Video in The UK & Ireland on Sunday August 17 More