Celebrities

Melissa Johns, who has appeared in Coronation Street and Grantchester, says she has spent years hating her body but is finally at peace as she prepares to become a mum09:56, 27 Jul 2025The star spoke about her painful pastA pregnant Coronation Street star has been left heartbroken over cruel jibes about her disability.Melissa Johns, who starred as Kate Connor’s girlfriend Imogen Pascoe in the ITV soap, has revealed that pregnancy has helped her to finally love her body after years of self-loathing.The announcement on social media that she and her husband Dan Hampton were expecting a baby led to an outpouring of congratulatory messages and made her reassess her relationship with her body.Born without a right forearm or hand, 35-year-old Melissa, who has also featured in Coronation Street and Adolescence, recalls: “I was eight when I really started to feel I was different. We were playing tag in the playground and someone said, ‘If you touch Melissa, you’ve got Melissa disease.’ It was like a punch to my stomach.”At the age of six, she appeared in the local newspaper under the headline ‘Girl with one arm rides bike’. “Some of the other children would scream and run away when they saw me,” she adds.Actress Melissa Johns in Corrie(Image: ITV)Article continues belowWhat shocked her even more was the ignorance displayed by adults. Despite being blissfully happy with Dan, a senior transport planner, she shares: “On our honeymoon we had people saying to Dan right in front of me ‘Do you not mind?’ (referring to her disability) and one man called me ‘a cripple’.”However, now that she’s pregnant, she says people’s attention is focused on her bump. “People have commented on my body all my life. Either it’s something horrible or something about me being inspirational,” reports the Mirror.”But now people are talking about my body in a lovely way,” she says. “For once in my life it’s not about my disability, it’s about my bump.”The disability activist announced her pregnancy to her online followers last month, sharing a beach photo with 36-year-old Dan – her husband whom she wed in her native Herefordshire last year – tenderly holding her baby bump.”I have a strong history of loathing my body,” she confesses. “It came from society telling me that my body was wrong. But there is so much positivity around pregnant bodies, and now I really do very much like what I see when I look in the mirror. It feels lovely.”Like many first-time mums, Melissa experiences both anticipation and apprehension, but when asked how she will manage, she responds, “That just adds an extra layer of anxiety to the pressure that all first-time mums feel.Miss Scott also has a role in Grantchester(Image: ITV)”We’re all worrying, how does this work? And on top of that I’m thinking, ‘What about when my husband is at work – will I be able to find a one-handed pram that I can collapse with one arm? How will I get the pram in and out of the car on my own? How will I drink a cup of coffee with my friends while holding the baby?'”.”I feel like saying, ‘I don’t know yet, I haven’t worked it out, but I will find a way.'”.Her steely resolve has certainly been a driving force in her life. A pivotal moment occurred in her twenties when she watched old camcorder footage of herself as a young girl at a family gathering.”I saw this happy little girl dancing and spinning, without a care in the world and thought, ‘I’m so sorry for the life I’m giving you,'” Melissa remembers.On dates, she would conceal her arm, revealing, “It would get to the third date and I’d have to tell them that I’d got one arm. I’d see that as winning, that I’d hidden it so well. I needed to control how people saw me. I thought that part of my body was ugly and they shouldn’t have to look at it.Article continues below”Now I know that winning is having a wonderful husband, where my disability doesn’t even come into play.”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

Steve Coogan has admitted the lines between him and his alter-ego Alan Partridge have become “blurred” after playing the madcap character for 34 years on screen, stage and now in a podcastDavid O’Dornan19:31, 26 Jul 2025When he plays his alter-ego, he gets to “channel those unfiltered, petty prejudices,” he said(Image: Trevor Leighton)Steve Coogan has admitted the lines between him and his alter-ego Alan Partridge have become “blurred”.The actor has been playing the madcap character for 34 years on screen, stage and now in a podcast.Steve, 59, confessed: “The line blurs sometimes. I like doing Alan – doing Alan is like putting my slippers and pyjamas on.”I get to channel those unfiltered, unexpurgated, petty prejudices.”During the last TV series, I went into the trailer to put Alan’s clothes on and I was wearing a shirt that was identical to the one they had hanging up for Alan.The actor has been playing the madcap character for 34 years on screen, stage and now in a podcast.(Image: PA)”I don’t mean similar, I mean same pattern, same label. It was the same shirt.”I still had to take my shirt off and put his on, just for my own sanity.”The I’m Alan Partridge star said he had to physically swap the clothes around to convince himself he hadn’t morphed into the spoof broadcaster.He added: “Then, at the end of the day, I took it off and put it back on the hanger.”I needed to do that to reassure myself there hadn’t been this moment of singularity where the Venn diagram becomes just one circle. I like to think it’s still a figure eight, at least.”Steve also revealed he has a split personality when it comes to making From the Oasthouse: The Alan Partridge Podcast. More

Former EastEnders star Danny Dyer has had a string of hit films but he still relies on taking jobs turned down by bigger stars, like Harry Potter legend Gary Oldman19:27, 26 Jul 2025Danny Dyer has revealed the secret to landing work(Image: Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images)Danny Dyer admits he gets roles because he’s cheaper than rival actors.The former EastEnders star has had a string of hit films, but he still can’t command mega bucks. Producers on new film Three Quick Breaths wanted Oscar winner Gary Oldman to star in the flick, but he was too expensive.Due to budgets, they hired Cockney geezer Danny instead. But the 47-year-old insists he doesn’t mind at all.He said: “I believe they went to Gary Oldman first. They told me he wanted £2 million just to read it.“But I was next in line, which I’m chuffed with. If you go Gary Oldman and I’m next, it’s because I’m obviously cheaper.Danny Duer has his trick is to take jobs other actors are asking too much money for(Image: Getty Images)“I’m happy to be a cheaper version of Gary Oldman.”Danny had to work around the clock to film Three Quick Breaths. Execs gave him reams of lines to learn for his role.He said: “Fifteen pages of dialogue a day. Crazy. We shot it in Dublin. I just sat in the hotel room with the script. Went crazy by the end.”Danny offers a cut price compared to his rivals(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)You can read the full interview in this week’s Radio Times.Speaking ahead of the return of Sky’s Mr Bigstuff last week, Danny also outlined his love for Dr Who – and how he’d jump at the chance to play the time lord.”It’s such an iconic thing to do,” he said. “It’s almost – not on the same level – like James Bond. It’s a character that’s loved by so many. Again, it gives you an opportunity with Doctor Who, because of the nature of the work, to bring something left-field, something a bit mental, a bit stylised, which I love. I love the idea of it.”Danny also loves the idea of playing Dr Who(Image: Getty Images)Outlining his vision for the iconic role, Danny added: “Well, he would be an incredibly working-class Dr WhoArticle continues below“Yeah, maybe a bit alpha. What I do, really. You’ve hired me for a reason – I don’t think you’d want me to come in and play Doctor Who, you know, really posh.”For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters. More

EXCLUSIVE: Daily Star’s Carly Hacon explored Ibiza’s legendary Pacha nightclub, diving into 48 action-packed hours on the White Isle to see what all the hype’s about…17:14, 26 Jul 2025(Image: Carly Hacon)Attention party people, if you fancy witnessing world-class DJs at Ibiza’s most legendary superclub, then book a trip to the White Isle ASAP.After visiting the Island’s oldest nightclub, Pacha, I discovered that it still very much holds the appeal and attraction of punters it had when it first opened its doors back in 1973.The iconic cherry-emblazoned venue is still pulsing at the heart of Ibiza’s nightlife and puts on stellar residencies seven nights a week during summer.I had the pleasure of spending a wild 48 hours in the international party capital and chose to hit up Pacha back to back for both nights. This involved soaking up Solomun’s deep beats on Sunday (July 20) and two stepping along to Sonny Fodera’s tunes on Monday (July 21).(Image: Carly Hacon)Sunday nights at Pacha belong to Solomun and he proved once again why he remains the most popular residency – almost always selling out each week during the long, hot, Ibizan summer months.Coined as one of the island’s most magnetic residents, he served up his signature mix of melodic techno and deep house to a packed dancefloor of sophisticated late-night revellers.On Monday, it was time to switch gears with Sonny Fodera, who brought high-energy house bangers and good vibes all night long. This was certainly the highlight of my trip and where I most definitely lost my voice from singing along to the catchy vocal anthems.Sonny’s set was the highlight of my trip(Image: Sonny Fodera/Instagram)Here, the crowd left their cool behind and danced from start to finish, with plenty of hands-in-the-air moments and scenes of pals arm in arm as they swayed to emotive house tracks.Regardless of whether you were up in VIP or on the main floor there was nothing but a sea sequins and smiling faces to be seen as my favourite house music DJ went all out on the decks.I found myself getting lost not only in the music but in the venue’s maze-esque set up which entails winding corridors and hidden corners that keep the party going non-stop.Pacha was full of interesting visuals(Image: Carly Hacon)As a disclaimer, it’s certainly easy to lose track of time (and the way out!) at Pacha, with all the infectious music and seemingly endless hallways leading you to new portals of fun.Once you certain you’ve explored all of the club, think again, as you could spend hours discovering new spots within in the labyrinth – I may as well be Alice in Wonderland after all my antics.With so many spaces to explore, you could easily keep grooving and never want to leave. But when you do – there’s no better place to rest your head than at Pacha Hotel which is handily located just a stone’s throw away from the action.I stayed at Pacha Hotel during my trip(Image: Carly Hacon)You can literally get from door to door in under a minute after stumbling out of the club – and as a bonus, we felt very smug not having to deal with the chaos of cabs.The hotel is the perfect base for a party-filled escape and the ideal spot for music lovers to recuperate before another night on the tiles. Whilst you’re here, I highly recommend ordering room service for when you are too hungover to get out of bed – steak tagliata to my door? Yes, please!The room service quality was fit for a queen(Image: Carly Hacon)As a perk, Pacha Hotel guests can also enjoy free entry to the night club which means you can technically see your favourite DJs for free – savvy, right? In addition, with a reservation at Pacha Restaurant, diners can also access the club after their meal for no extra cost, so visitors can tuck into sushi in style and listen to their own private DJ before painting the town once again.(Image: Carly Hacon)Pacha’s signature branding is so prevalent throughout the entire brand’s experience that you will never fail to find the next Insta-worthy opportunity. Wherever you turn there is a a cherry in sight, from the decked-out red walls in the swanky loo to the giant fruit statue upon entering the mayhem.The club’s owners have even left remnants of the building’s past with its whitewashed walls, arched doorways, and rustic charm that echo its rural roots and merge old and new Ibiza together, whilst paying homage it’s former farm house heritage.There were Instagram-worthy photo opps everywhere!(Image: Carly Hacon)I couldn’t have had more fun dipping my toe into dance music history and experiencing the Ibizan clubbing experience first hand. Now, I’m already planning my return as the Ibiza blues have well and truly set in. Until next time, Pacha!If you fancy taking a trip to Pacha yourself – then check out their website for more details here.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

EXCLUSIVE: Tom told the Daily Star Sunday: “Back in the day I was scaffolding on building sites. So then when you’re on a big ­movie, there’s a feeling of imposter syndrome.”17:13, 26 Jul 2025Tom Davis went from a building site straight to movie sets(Image: GC Images)Tom Davis secretly battled ­imposter syndrome when he became a movie star.The comic hit the big time when he landed roles in blockbusters Paddington 2 and Wonka.That meant working alongside A-list superstars Hugh Grant, Olivia Colman and Timothée Chalamet. It was the stuff of dreams, but ­behind the scenes he’d often feel like he didn’t belong.Tom told the Daily Star Sunday: “Back in the day I was scaffolding on building sites.“I moved from that into TV and stand-up comedy. It was a slow climb.Tom in his role as a convict in Paddington 2(Image: Grab)“So then when you’re on a big ­movie, there’s a feeling of imposter syndrome.“It was uncomfortable. And when you don’t know what you’re dealing with, it’s hard.”Tom has also struggled when it comes to his stand-up career. The London-born star suffered from anxiety when it came to doing gigs. In the past it’s been so bad, he’s had to take an extended break.Tom said: “I took six years out of stand-up because of my anxiety.“My head wasn’t in the right place to do it. I wasn’t enjoying it. I wasn’t in a good place.”Tom has been able to take control over his problems by taking his mental health issues seriously.Tom has opened up on his struggles(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for INTO Film)Facing them head on has changed his life.He said: “With imposter syndrome, anxiety, ADHD or any of the things that I have suffered from, the most ­important thing to do is know what you’re dealing with.“Once you address that, you can put things into place to make it easier.”Tom has also benefited from giving up booze.He said: “Years ago if a gig went badly, I’d have a couple of drinks. I’d have a few pints here and a few pints there.“It got to the point where I wanted to turn over a new leaf and be a better version of myself.“I didn’t enjoy being drunk, I didn’t enjoy the hangovers and I was about to become a father. So I gave it up.”Tom Davis in Wonka(Image: Grab)Tom is now on top of the world and busier than ever.He said: “I did a stand-up tour last year that sold out and I’m ­doing another one next year.“I’ve got some other things coming up, too. “I feel very lucky to be in this job.”Tom is helping raise cash for a mental health charity. MATE — Men And Their Emotions — helps lads who are struggling. It’s an online community where they can get advice and help.The charity also funds counselling sessions and rehab stays. Tom said: “As men, it’s important to have a conversation about mental health. It’s something we should all be doing.“This charity is forcing that conversation to happen and getting more people to open up about how they’re feeling.”Article continues belowFor details visit menandtheiremotions.org.uk More

Only Fools and Horses style décor is the latest lovely jubbly look for living rooms, with jungle print wallpaper, leather sofas and chairs, garish bold carpets and cushions and animal print rugs making a comeback at home for 202517:08, 26 Jul 2025Jungle print wallpaper and animal print rugs have made a comeback at home for 2025.(Image: BBC)Only Fools and Horses is back in people’s living rooms – in the style of décor which is proving a lovely jubbly look for living rooms.Jungle print wallpaper, leather sofas and chairs, garish bold carpets and cushions and animal print rugs have made a comeback at home for 2025.The look is similar to that sported in Del Boy’s Peckham council flat in the much-loved sitcom that hit screens in 1981.Interior design expert Zoe Warren at PriceYourJob – Estimated Costs & Prices for Hundreds of Jobs said: “There are several reasons why we’re seeing a comeback in many ‘80s home styles. “Firstly, the 80s evoke a sense of nostalgia for many homeowners. The themes in 80s décor may bring back fond memories from childhood or youth.To get the look, mix up geometric patterns with chintzy florals and animal print accents(Image: BBC)“The 80s were also a time for big hair, loud music and unapologetic self-expression. The aesthetic reflects this with vibrant colours, an eclectic mix of styles and playful use of patterns.“The 80s theme allows homeowners to express their individuality and stand out from the crowd.“The 80s aesthetic can also bring a sense of playfulness and light-heartedness to a home, reminding people not to take life too seriously.”She said to get the look mix up geometric patterns with chintzy florals and animal print accents.Zoe added: “Don’t be afraid to use bold patterns in your textiles and fabrics.”The 80s evoke a sense of nostalgia for many homeowners”, says interior design expert Zoe Warren(Image: BBC)“Think geometric prints, animal prints, and even abstract designs.Article continues below“These can be incorporated through throw pillows, blankets, rugs, and curtains.“Velvet and leather were very popular materials in the 80s. Consider incorporating these materials through furniture upholstery or decorative accents, adding a touch of luxury and boldness.”For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters. More

Casualty star Barney Walsh has had the seal of approval from NHS workers, and regularly gets told his performance as nurse Cam Mickelthwaite is true to life17:00, 26 Jul 2025″With Casualty, we are telling stories about the NHS and bringing awareness to it,” said Barney Walsh (Image: ©ITV)Casualty star Barney Walsh has had the seal of approval from NHS workers.The actor regularly gets told his performance as nurse Cam Mickelthwaite is true to life.He said: “With Casualty, we are telling stories about the NHS and bringing awareness to it. To be able to do that is really incredible.“People who work at the NHS talk to me about the storylines and they tell me how it has impacted them and affected them. That’s always great to hear.“It’s amazing that Casualty has such a big impact.”Barney has been playing Cam on the medical drama for two years and he’s enjoying it more than ever. That means he’s keen to stay for years to come.The show has been running for 39 years, having first aired in 1986He said: “I love Casualty. I work really hard, but I have so much fun. The cast is like a family.“TV has always been my life and to be a part of a show like Casualty is an honour.”Barney is currently filming new episodes and he reckons it’s going to be TV gold. He added: “We have got a lot of exciting storylines coming up.”The show has been running for 39 years, having first aired in 1986. The characters at the fictional hospital are fighting to save patients while their personal lives are brimming with drama and intrigue. Everything’s at stake on the emergency ward. “The cast is like a family,” said Walsh(Image: WireImage)Fans were left in tears over the Christmas episode last year that featured real life stories and a heartbreaking tale of a little girl.But off set, the actors aren’t always so health conscious.One cast member crashed into a nurse’s Skoda while high on drugs in March this year. Amanda Mealing pleaded guilty to drug driving after she careered into Mark Le Sage’s car at 10.14am – leaving him seriously injured.Article continues belowMealing is known for her role as cardio thoracic consultant Connie Beauchamp in the popular series.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters. More

Rod Stewart has hit out at US President and former friend Donald Trump during his live performance in Canada, taking aim at his threats to make the nation the “51st state”16:30, 26 Jul 2025Updated 16:46, 26 Jul 2025This wasn’t the first time Rod had made a cheeky dig…(Image: Getty Images)Rock legend Rod Stewart took another swing at US President Donald Trump during a live gig in Canada. While belting out tunes at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage on his One Last Stop tour, Rod didn’t mince his words.He belted out a cheeky rendition of Gloria Gaynor’s 1978 anthem “I Will Survive,” tweaking the lyrics to celebrate Canada’s resilience against Trump’s jibes about turning it into “America’s 51st state”.The revamped lyrics included zingers like “We spent so many nights thinking how you did us wrong, we’ve banded all together, your tariff made us strong,” and “You know you’re not so great, there’s not a snowball’s chance in hell we’ll be your 51st state,” plus “We have all we really need, we will live without your greed, we will survive.”Rod capped off his performance with a defiant “51st state my f****** ass!” followed by a rallying cry of “Go on Canada!”.Rod Stewart hit out at Donald Trump live on stage(Image: Getty)The crowd lapped it up, with one fan writing: “Yup the entire world supports us, no matter what lies the crybaby conboy makes up.”, reports the Express.Another quipped: “The only 51st the US is going to see is their world literacy ranking.”Rod’s stage antics came hot on the heels of Trump’s bluster towards Canada, which was itself a retort to Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s bold statement: “If the US escalates, I will not hesitate to shut off electricity completely.”Taking to social media, President Trump announced: “Based on Ontario, Canada, placing a 25% Tariff on ‘Electricity’ coming into the United States, I have instructed my Secretary of Commerce to add an ADDITIONAL 25% Tariff.”Donald Trump sparked uproar with his comments about Canada(Image: Getty)Trump labelled the Canadian tariff an “abusive threat” to the US and suggested that “the only thing that makes sense is for Canada to become our cherished Fifty First State. This would make all Tariffs, and everything else, totally disappear.”Once amicable, the relationship between Rod and Trump has deteriorated since Trump’s presidency, with the singer expressing a change of heart: “I don’t consider him a friend anymore.”Speaking to Radio Times, he shared: “I’m not a great fan of Trump. I knew him very, very well. I used to go to his house.”I live literally half a mile away… We’re both on the beach. I used to go to his Christmas parties. He’s always been a bit of a man’s man. I liked him for that.”But he didn’t, as far as I’m concerned, treat women very well. But since he became President, he became another guy. Somebody I didn’t know.”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