Celebrities

Balvinder Sopal has become a household name thanks to her role as Suki Panesar in the BBC soap EastEnders and it’s been confirmed that she’s taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 202517:56, 30 Dec 2024Updated 12:00, 12 Aug 2025Balvinder Sopal is known to millions as Suki Panesar in EastEnders.The sharp-witted and mischievous character was brought to life when the actress joined the BBC soap opera in January 2020.With Suki at the forefront of recent gripping storylines – including a complicated romance with her lover Eve Unwin, strained relations with estranged husband Nish PAnesar, and her desperate efforts to shield her family from his controlling grasp – Balvinder has earned widespread acclaim for her performances.However, she’s set to win over more fans as she takes part in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.On joining Strictly, Balvinder said: “Being on Strictly is a dream that I held on to, with no proof that it would ever happen. Working on EastEnders and being a part of Strictly Come Dancing is the stuff that dreams are made of. I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom!”As she prepares to waltz her way from Walford to the dancefloor, let’s take a look inside her career life away from the spotlight.Lookalike sisterBalvinder is very close with her younger sister Manjeet(Image: Instagram)Born and raised in Gillingham, Kent, as the eldest of four children, Balvinder shares an especially close bond with her sister, Manjeet Griffiths, who also works in the entertainment industry.Manchester Evening News reports Manjeet has made appearances in various films and TV shows, including EastEnders and Holby City, and is currently a producer for a London-based production company. Throughout their careers, the sisters have had unwavering support from their parents, whom Balvinder affectionately describes as her “biggest fans”.Her parents have been known to travel far and wide to attend her performances, and Balvinder fondly remembers how her father would often lend a helping hand in setting up spaces for her work – even if it meant tolerating the occasional disruption at home.TV pastThe actress has starred in a number of soaps(Image: BBC/JACK BARNES)Balvinder Sopal was already carving out a solid career on British TV after she made guest appearances on hit soaps like Doctors and Casualty.She even graced the set of Hollyoaks in 2018 as Amrita Desai, and popped up on the cobbles of Coronation Street in 2019 playing Ranita. Not to mention her stint in Emmerdale, where she appeared as DI Taylor in both 2015 and 2017.Her regular appearances across these beloved soaps have proven her to be a chameleon of an actress, seamlessly slipping into diverse characters. But it’s her role as Suki in EastEnders that has really put her in the spotlight, showcasing her ability to delve into deep themes of dominance, fragility, and tenacity.Family tragedyThe EastEnders star experienced a huge loss this year(Image: BBC)In a more sombre chapter this year, February 2024 saw Balvinder grappling with the loss of her mother, Nirmal Sopal.Taking to social media, she penned a touching homage to her mum, praising her for her warmth, adaptability, and the nurturing home she created.Balvinder hailed her mother as their “rock, friend, confidant, guiding light,” underlining the indelible mark she left on their family.Her tribute also noted: “As we told people, the one thing constant in people’s memory was Mums huge warm smile, her ability to adapt to change and show love and respect to all.”Work away from the camerasThe actress is known for other pursuits(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)Away from the limelight, Balvinder leads a rich life filled with family, community involvement, and artistic pursuits, maintaining a tight-knit bond with her siblings.Article continues belowBalvinder is also recognised for her active participation in social causes, notably her work with the Kent Refugee Action Network.She has frequently discussed how her own experiences as a second-generation immigrant have influenced her comprehension of identity and belonging, positioning her as a strong spokesperson for marginalised communities.EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am More

One Antiques Roadshow guest was lost for words after one of the show’s experts valued their “ugly, dirty” item at a staggering price they never believed was possible11:17, 12 Aug 2025Updated 12:55, 12 Aug 2025One Antiques Roadshow expert received a kiss from a guest after giving their item a jaw-dropping valuation.During a recent episode of the BBC show, expert Richard Price took a look at one guest’s clock and asked: “Let me ask you then, why is it so dirty? Do you not look after it?”To which they replied: “No, it lives in a box in the attic because it’s so ugly.” Richard asked who had “banished” the item and the guest admitted his wife had put it up there about five years ago. Phillip Schofield clings onto male companion as he leaves bar after failed TV comeback Jeremy Clarkson needs to ‘grow a pair’ as farmer slams tearful TV scenesRichard was clearly amazed and couldn’t wait to tell him the good news: “Underneath all this filth and mess we have the most wonderful bronze bull. Even in this state I think your initial offer would be in the region of £20,000.”The clock had been kept up in the attic because his wife couldn’t stand the sight of it(Image: BBC)The couple were gobsmacked as the expert told them to have the piece “lovingly cleaned,” which could boost it’s value up to £35,000.Of course, the lucky couple opted to have their clock restored and expert John Jillings explained that the process was “rather worrying” as the instrument had “been in the attic for a long time.”However, it had “survived very, very well,” and he went on to say: “When we removed the springs from the barrels they were actually signed and dated by the manufacturer for February 1754. So this is exciting because it’s another thing we can use to date the clock quite accurately.”Jillings received a kiss for all the trouble he’d gone to(Image: BBC)Jillings then proudly showed off the clock as the guests wife said: “Oh, that’s fantastic! Oh, you’ve done such a great job,” before reaching over to give him a kiss on the cheek.She ecstatically gushed: “Oh it’s beautiful, it really is. You would never have believed that it would have looked as good as this! No, it’s absolutely marvellous. Now it’s not quite so ugly.”Article continues belowJoin the Daily Star’s WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and lots moreThe Daily Star is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join us!Through the app, we’ll send you the sassiest showbiz stories, some naught headline and a seismic smattering of aliens…along with the latest breaking news of course.To join our community, all you have to do to join isclick on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in!No one will be able to see who has sign up and no one can send messages except for the Daily Star team. We also treat our community members to competitions, special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.CLICK HERE TO JOINHave 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

Phillip Schofield appeared to need a shoulder to lean on after he was photographed leaving a bar in Central London with a male friend and vape in hand10:54, 12 Aug 2025Phillip Schofield looked like he’d had a good timePhillip Schofield appeared to have had a good time at a bar with a pal in London. Schofe, whose television comeback was panned by viewers, has kept a low profile since his exit from This Morning and then ITV in 2023. But the 63-year-old seems to be enjoying the extra free time he has on his hands, as he was pictured leaving a bar with a friend.In the snaps, the former Dancing On Ice host wore a casual polo shirt and shorts. He could be seen clutching a yellow vape as he wrapped his arm around his friend, who looked to be supporting him walk.Phillip, who admitted to an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a junior member of ITV staff, was pictured in a tight embrace with his mystery pal in another picture.Schofe appeared close to his friendSchofe hasn’t updated his Instagram page since November 2024.His social media absence follows his return to television on Channel 5 show Cast Away.In the three-episode series, Schofe was left stranded on an island for 10 days with just a self-filmed camera to keep him company.He spoke about his life and career, which had gone down the toilet by that point, and addressed his “haters”.It seems Schofe is yet to ditch his vaping habit(Image: n.c)His exit from ITV followed a number of controversies, including a reported feud with former best friend Holly Willoughby.Holly had been by his side when he came out as gay on This Morning, but in the years that followed their friendship soured.When he admitted to his affair with a young male ITV co-worker, behind his wife’s back, Holly slammed his “lies”.Schofe’s television comeback on Channel 5 was panned by viewers(Image: PA)She said: “When reports of this relationship first surfaced, I asked Phil directly if this was true and was told it was not. It’s been very hurtful to find out that was a lie.”Holly, who would also leave This Morning over an unrelated kidnap threat, spoke of Phil when she returned to the show after a two-week break which followed the scandal.She said: “You, me and everyone here put our trust in someone who was not telling the truth, who acted in a way that they themselves felt that they had to resign from ITV and step down from a career that they loved.”Holly Willoughby slammed Schofe’s ‘lies’ after his scandal(Image: Getty Images)Schofe spoke to The Sun after his scandal, saying he’d been vaping heavily in the wake of it.Article continues belowSeemingly he hasn’t quit the habit, but at the time said: “I didn’t realise until suddenly it hurt, but I’ve been sitting looking up at the sky or out of the window, just staring into space.”I just sit on the sofa and stare. I realise by doing that, I’ve blistered both.”Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter. More

TV icon Stacey Solomon has shared some pictures of her body “looking a little different” after focussing on a workout routine that has helped her “feel really pretty”09:24, 12 Aug 2025Stacey Solomon has admitted she is “feeling beautiful” after sticking to her new workout routine.She recently shared an Instagram post full of pictures from a well-deserved getaway, with one snap showing Stacey with a wide smile while posing in a bright blue pool.The TV icon wore a teeny black bikini and a gorgeous bouncy blowdry as she turned to the side to show off her toned physique, before getting her hair wet underneath a giant waterfall feature.In the caption, Stacey proudly gushed that she is “feeling beautiful” after her sister “hyped her up and made her feel really pretty”.Stacey stripped off to pose in the sun wearing just a bikini(Image: Instagram/ @staceysolomon)She publicly told her sister Jem that she “loves her” before explaining: “P.S my body looks a little different to last years summer holiday. I am actually so proud of myself because I’ve stuck to my weight training consistently since February. Kept quiet and just got my head down and kept going.””I genuinely only do it because I want to be so strong. Like boss b**** strong. I want to forever be able to pick up my babies with ease and carry double buggies on my shoulder when necessary, I feel so much stronger this year which is so empowering and yes, my body has changed but honestly I loved my body aesthetically last year as much as I do this year.”The Loose Women panellist sported a fresh blowdry for the occasion(Image: Instagram/ @staceysolomon)Stacey said that she has “always been beautiful no matter what shape or size” before adding: “So I suppose what I’m trying to say is…don’t commit to fitness just for the looks, do it so you can wrestle your 17 year old and carry all three of your toddlers in 40[degree] heat and you’ll enjoy the journey more.”Fans opened the comment section to agree with the former X Factor star’s wise words as they praised Stacey for her incredible figure. They complimented her with messages of “amazing,” “smoking hot,” “beautiful” and “fabulous as always”.Fans couldn’t believe the results as Stacey confessed she has been knuckling down on her fitness(Image: Instagram/ @staceysolomon)”You look incredible Stacey, glowing,” typed one follower while a second chimed in: “Becoming stronger through working out is priceless, you feel like you can take on the world and the bonus is you look absolutely incredible.”Someone else wrote: “You looked unreal in that red bikini last year and you look unreal in this black one. Keep doing you! You are beautiful inside and out.”Join the Daily Star’s WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and lots moreThe Daily Star is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join us!Through the app, we’ll send you the sassiest showbiz stories, some naught headline and a seismic smattering of aliens…along with the latest breaking news of course.To join our community, all you have to do to join isclick on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in!No one will be able to see who has sign up and no one can send messages except for the Daily Star team. We also treat our community members to competitions, special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.CLICK HERE TO JOINArticle 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

Love Island fans completely fell for finalists Shakira Khan and Toni Laites, and it’s clear their friendship is only going from strength to strength outside the villa08:54, 12 Aug 2025Shakira dazzled as she sat on a pool table(Image: Shakira Khan/TikTok)Love Island finalists Toni Laites and Shakira Khan’s friendship is only going stronger since leaving the villa. Toni and Cach Mercer won the 2025 series earlier this month. Shakira was runner-up alongside Harry Cooksley, and the third of the girls’ group, Yasmin Pettet, came third with Jamie Rhodes.Since leaving Majorca, Shakira and Toni have been spending a lot of time together, while Yasmin has sadly been dealing with the death of her beloved cat.In a video from the weekend, Shakira and Toni lip-synced to Kesha song Your Love Is My Drug – and it got quite racy.Toni posed with a pool cue(Image: Shakira Khan/TikTok)It started innocently, with Shakira sat on a leather couch, before it switched to Toni with a pool cue.In the next shot, Shakira could be seen perched on the pool table before Toni dropped to the floor.It ended with the girls grabbing each other’s faces and leaning back on the table for a kiss.Harry, who was in a triangle with Shakira and Helena Ford on the show but is now all for Shakira, commented: “Double smash.”Shakira responded: “Hell to the yea.”One follower said: “The love I have for these two is insane.”Shakira and Toni locked lips in the saucy clip(Image: Shakira Khan/TikTok)Another wrote: “So happy I’ve been team Shakira and Toni from day one.”Someone else said: “Insanely jealous of whoever got to witness this live.”And another follower laughed: “Imagine the camera man being Harry. Smiling with his moustache.”The girls, along with Harry, Cash and Jamie, also went out for dinner together, with Shakira writing: “Missing our Yazzy baby.”She responded: “Oh my babies.” Toni added: “We missed you.”Shakira came second on Love Island(Image: Shakira Khan/TikTok)On the series, Shakira, Toni and Yasmin were often seen butting heads with the likes of Meg Moore and Helena.Harry had been in the group which fans dubbed the “mean girls” due to his romance with Helena.However fans have since been celebrating that he appears to be sticking with Shakira, Toni and Yas.One said: “Love this for Harry he chose the right side.”Article continues belowAnother said: “Harry finally surrounded by good people.”Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter. More

Actor Yahoo Serious was evicted from a swanky home last week in which he had been illegally squatting, but he has not been seen since he left with his dog08:03, 12 Aug 2025Updated 08:15, 12 Aug 2025Actor Yahoo Serious has not been seen since he was evicted for illegally squatting(Image: Hulton Archive/Getty Images)Fears are growing for actor Yahoo Serious, who has not been seen since he was evicted for illegally squatting. The Australian star had been squatting in a multi-million-dollar home in Palm Beach, Sydney. He was evicted last week and left with his Jack Russell terrier Jingle.He left behind a number of weird items in his soft-top BMW, which was abandoned outside the home. This included a length of rope, a cooking pot, a pillow, Ugg boots and an Esky insulated carrier.There was also a box labelled “For Jingle Dog”, which reportedly contained medication, papers and “wandering Jew allergy cream” – medication for the Spiderwort plant which can cause canine dermatitis.Yahoo Serious had a brief Hollywood career(Image: Hulton Archive/Getty Images)The 72-year-old has not been seen since he was evicted by landlord Margie Charlton. Margie holds power of attorney for the owner, Charles Phillip Porter, who is in a nursing home and has dementia.Margie had initially allowed Yahoo to stay in the basement when she found him homeless years ago.However it was on the condition that he would leave when her lifelong friend Charles went into care so it could be sold. The Young Einstein actor refused to move out, instead going into the main part of the home and barricading himself inside.He eventually left on August 5 after Margie confronted him, as he had ignored a court order to leave by August 4.Margie told Daily Mail : “He called the police and said I was being violent. The police came and they said, ‘No, mate, you’re out. You gotta leave.'”Yahoo Serious had been homeless in Sydney before he was allowed to stay in the basement of the home(Image: Patrick Riviere/Getty Images for Palace Cinemas)The home was allegedly left in a “filthy state”, with “rotting food”.Margie explained that six truckloads of items were removed with the help of friends and is now relieved it’s all over.Last week, she had confronted the actor with television cameras and a Current Affair journalist, but he would not budge.Yahoo claimed he was not squatting, instead saying he was “surviving” by being shielded from the “really dangerous” weather.Sydney has been hit by a number of rainstorms since Yahoo left, so fears are now growing on where he and his dog are taking shelter as he left without his car, which does not start.Article continues belowWant all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter. More

Princess Andre has spoken out after a source claimed she was in a ‘bitter row’ with her mum Katie Price, insisting that there is ‘no rift’ between the pair07:36, 12 Aug 2025Updated 11:50, 12 Aug 2025Princess Andre has dismissed feud claims(Image: ITV)Princess Andre has attempted to clear the air regarding speculation about a feud with mum Katie Price, after reports emerged of a heated dispute between the pair. The 18-year-old daughter of Katie, 47, and Peter Andre, 53, has recently launched her own reality television programme, but since its debut, Princess has found herself embroiled in controversy over alleged tensions with her mother.To top it off, Katie shared a post about motherhood which appeared quite pointed. It opened with: “Your mom is not your enemy,” then went on to discuss motherhood. It ended with: “She may not be perfect, but she’s the only woman in this world who truly wants what’s best for you, even if it costs her everything.”Princess, who has received widespread acclaim following the launch of her ITV reality show called The Princess Diaries, has now spoken out about the gossip and firmly dismissed the claims. Ex-glamour model Mum Katie recently showed off her shocking new face after MORE drastic plastic surgery in Turkey.READ MORE: More

Katie Price, who is the mother of five children, has shared a post about being a mum on her social media as she continues to speak out about her relationship with her daughter Princess AndreJoel Leaver Showbiz Reporter and William Morgan Reporter03:37, 12 Aug 2025Katie Price has hit back after rumours of a rift with her daughter Princess Andre over her new ITV2 show(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)Katie Price has posted about motherhood this week as rumours swirl regarding her relationship with eldest daughter Princess Andre. This follows the weekend debut of Princess Diaries.Katie, 47, has alleged she was barred from featuring in the ITV programme, which chronicles Princess, 18, the younger of her two offspring with former spouse Peter Andre, 52. She’s also slammed the teen’s representatives for failing to “permit” her involvement in guiding her daughter’s career trajectory.The star has subsequently uploaded content about parenting, with one piece promoted across her social media channels earlier today. This comes as Princess Andre declares she’s ‘independent’ from her parents whilst addressing the ongoing drama.Katie posted content about maternal roles, originally shared by INEX Digital Wealth on Instagram, with her online audience this afternoon. The piece bore the headline: “Your mom is not your enemy.”Katie Price posts cryptic message saying ‘your mum is not your enemy’ after rift with PrincessThe message stated: “She may not always say things the way you want to hear them, but her heart is always in the right place. She’s the one who worries when you’re hurting, prays when you’re lost, and stands by you even when the world doesn’t.”Katie’s shared content wrapped up with: “She’s not trying to control you. She’s trying to protect you. She may not be perfect, but she’s the only woman in this world who truly wants what’s best for you, even if it costs her everything.”Princess is the third oldest among Katie’s quintet of children, reports the Mirror. Her brood also features Junior Andre, 20, who’s the elder of her two offspring with Peter, plus her firstborn Harvey Price, 23.This follows the debut of The Princess Diaries this week. Katie had previously revealed she wouldn’t be tuning in and voiced her frustration about being seemingly sidelined from her eldest daughter’s burgeoning career.As reported earlier, she revealed on an episode of the Katie Price Show podcast that she’d volunteered to participate in the reality programme ‘for free’ but was rebuffed. Katie admitted she’s “very upset” that Princess’ career is being handled by her former partner Peter’s management company, the CAN Group, who she claimed view Katie as “trash”.Katie Price and Princess Andre in 2023(Image: Getty Images)Katie explained on the podcast: “Princess is taking that same path [as I did in my career] – trying to do the same as what I’ve done – which I absolutely love and adore of Princess but I have not been allowed to go on any photoshoot, no signings or Superdrug openings or anything like that. Why? Because I’m not allowed and I’m not welcome.”Article continues belowAddressing speculation about tension between mother and daughter, Katie insisted: “Me and Princess have never, ever, ever had an argument to this day or a disagreement. We get on like best friends, mother and daughter. Princess lives with me and she stays at her dad’s. Now, she’s been staying at her dad’s the past two months because she’s been filming her show. And our personal life together is amazing.”In the debut episode of her show, Princess opened up about her relationship with her mother, describing it as akin to a “best friend”. She was captured saying: “Me and my mum now, we’re so close. We’re like best friends.”Following Katie’s critique, Princess’ management issued a response. The CAN Group told the Mirror: “As a company, our duty of care to our clients is paramount. We would never advise a client on their personal life unless asked and we have never stopped anyone seeing their families.” More