Celebrities

EXCLUSIVE: In her new memoir Behind The Scenes, Cheryl revealed she knew it was her mum’s way of contacting her in death and that her mum had always believed in the afterlife20:08, 06 Sep 2025Former Eastenders star Cheryl Fergison revealed her mum spoke to her from the grave(Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)Soap star Cheryl Fergison says her late mum sent her a message via an unplugged stereo.The actress, who was dippy Heather Trott in EastEnders, also claimed the ghostly presence paid her a visit in Albert Square. Cheryl, 60, said she felt “great sadness” her mum Avril was not at her wedding in 2000 to her first husband Jay (Jamshed Saddiqi), father of her son Alex.They fell out just before her mother passed away aged just 52 – but then she spoke to her through her home sound system to tell her “Goodbye”. Speaking about when she found out about her mum’s death, she said her half-siblings came to her house.Cheryl Fergison had fallen out with her mum shortly before her death(Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)She said: “The doorbell rang in the evening and I remember thinking, ‘Who on earth is that at this hour?’ It was my half-siblings Helen and Glen, standing there on the doorstep, their faces ghostly pale. My stomach flipped before they even spoke.“’We… we’ve got something to tell you about Mum,’ Glen stammered. I knew, instantly. I felt the blood drain from my face and time seemed to slow down. ‘She passed away this evening,’ Helen said gently. ‘We’ve come straight from the hospital.’“Their voices became a distant hum, like I was underwater. Everything around me blurred. My eyes drifted to the stereo across the room where the display was flashing the words: Goodbye. Goodbye.“It always did that when it was switched off, just part of the system rebooting, but this time, it felt different. It felt personal.“After Helen and Glen left, I walked over to the stereo, intending to turn it on. That’s when I noticed, it wasn’t even plugged in.”In her new memoir Behind The Scenes, Cheryl revealed she knew it was her mum’s way of contacting her in death.Cheryl said the stereo wrote out the word ‘Goodbye’ but it wasn’t even plugged in(Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)She said: “My eyes welled up, Mum had always believed in the afterlife and so did I.“We’d made a pact, if one of us passed first, we’d send a message, some kind of sign, and there it was, a final goodbye, right in front of me.“I was broken, wracked with guilt – she had never even met Alex. She died at just 52 from heart complications, right before her triple bypass surgery.“That evening, she’d been out with Helen who later told me that she had said, ‘I’m going to get in contact with Cheryl. I need to make things right.’“She was going to pick up the phone. She was going to reach out, but she never got the chance.“I should have got there first and that thought will haunt me for the rest of my life.”Cheryl said that wasn’t the only time her mum got in touch – seven years later she popped up on set after she made it on telly as Heather.She added: “I know she’s still with me, though, I can sense she is around.“She would have been beside herself when I got the call for EastEnders, because she loved that show.Article continues below“When I first joined the cast in 2007, I swear I could feel her on set with me.“I’d sit in Albert Square on Arthur’s bench and talk to her. ‘Mum, I’ve done it. I’m here. Pam St Clement is just like you, she even looks like you, she’s my adoptive mum now’.”For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. More

The iconic baking competition is back for a new series with Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith judging and Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond presenting20:02, 06 Sep 2025Paul Hollywood is back for another series of The Great British Bake Off(Image: Channel 4 / Love Productions)Paul Hollywood says this year’s series of Bake Off has been his toughest yet – because the contestants are so talented that he struggled when it came to sending anyone home.The Bake Off judge – who has been with the show since it started in 2010 when it was broadcast on the BBC – reckons that the standard of contestants has improved massively since the show was launched.The silver fox, who moved to Channel 4 with the popular show, said: “This is an exceptional year. I think the standard of the baking has been phenomenal. I was really shocked. It was unbelievable – proper borderline-professional from the off.Bake Off judge Paul has said the standard of contestants this series is particularly high(Image: Channel 4)“I remember seeing the first signature and thinking, ‘Wow, this is going to be a nightmare to judge’ because obviously you’re going to lose a good baker every week. And because they’re all good, you don’t want that to happen.“This year in particular was the hardest judging for people to go.”And he admitted he had to make it more difficult to help him make decisions.Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith are back to judge on this year’s Bake Off series(Image: PA)Paul said: “The challenges are a little more tricky. But they have all risen to the challenge and created things that have been really incredible.”Paul judges the popular show, presented by Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond, alongside Prue Leith.Prue replaced British baking icon, Dame Mary Berry, when the show moved to Channel 4 in 2017 but has recently opened up about some health struggles at the age of 85.Article continues belowEarlier this year Prue made a heartfelt admission to the Loose Women panellists: “Age stinks. Come on, it takes me 10 minutes to get myself out of bed in the morning. If I don’t do my exercises I can’t move.”The series continues on Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. More

Belinda Stewart-Wilson, who played Will’s mum Polly Mckenzie in The Inbetweeners, is offering video services on Cameo including advice, pep talks and business advertisement20:00, 06 Sep 2025Belinda Stewart-Wilson is charging fans £22 to film a video(Image: Jam Press)The Inbetweeners star who played Will’s “fit mum” is charging fans £22 to film a video on Cameo.Belinda Stewart-Wilson is offering personalised birthday messages, giving advice, roasting fans and giving pep talks. Sending her a message will set you back £3.70 and anyone who wants to use Belinda to promote their business will be charged £874 minimum.Belinda, 54, is best known for playing Will’s mum, Polly Mckenzie, in The Inbetweeners from 2008 to 2010. She also appeared in Four Weddings and a Funeral, Agatha Christie’s Poirot and Primeval.Her average video is two minutes and five seconds long.Belinda Stewart-Wilson played Will’s ‘fit mum’ from 2008 – 2010She joined Cameo this month and has already received a five-star review.One fan said: “Amazing video. I know they’ll just love it. Thanks so much and for turning it around so quickly.”Belinda’s bio reads: “I’m an actress, best known for playing Will’s Mum – Polly Mackenzie – in The Inbetweeners.“Also in Toast of Tinseltown, IT Crowd, Miranda, look Around You-as Patricia, inventor of the pink Petticoat 5.”Belinda Stewart-Wilson was a fan favourite and a favourite of the teenage boys in the Inbetweeners(Image: E4 grab – free)Two of the main Inbetweeners stars recently sparked reboot rumours by teasing they are “working on it”.Joe Thomas, famed for his portrayal of Simon Cooper, and James Buckley, who played Jay Cartwright, have ignited hopes for a sitcom revival as they posted a series of jovial snaps on Instagram.In their joint post, the pair are seen posing together while a photographer sets them up for a professional shot. Alongside the array of photos, she penned: ‘Working on something …’.Belinda Stewart-Wilson is one of many celebrities who offer videos through Cameo(Image: Jam Press)One fan commented: “We need an Inbetweeners reunion. Set 10/15 years later. Jay gets married and chaos ensues. American pie reunion showed that it can be done well”.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. More

Ricky Tomlinson especially loves it when pensioners repeat his ‘my a***’ insult at him – a favourite saying of layabout Jim from comedy The Royle Family19:10, 06 Sep 2025Ricky Tomlinson played layabout dad Jim in legendary comedy, the Royle Family(Image: BBC)Comedy legend Ricky Tomlinson gets the biggest kick out of the public shouting his legendary catchphrase “My a***” in the strangest places.Royle Family icon Ricky adores people shocking him by coming up with the one liner out of the blue. His favourite episode came when he was aiding a pensioner on the bus only to be served his catchphrase back in a grumpy way. The 85-year-old adored uttering “My a***” many times during his 14 year run as layabout dad Jim who rarely left his chair.Ricky admitted: “It is funny, but sometimes when I’m out and you’re in conversation and people when you least expect it, when they say it to me – that to me is far funnier when I say it to them.Ricky Tomlinson played opposite Sue Johnston in the BBC comedy(Image: BBC/JELLYLEGS)“Especially pensioners sometimes when you’re helping them on the bus or something and say ‘is everything alright? ‘ and they say ‘my a***’.’.., that means mind your own bloody business.”The Mike Bassett actor also revealed that delivering the jokes often had his co-stars and especially co-creator and co-star Craig Cash in hysterics.Fellow creator Caroline Aherne ended up hiring carpenters to build Cash a booth to stop him corpsing and being distracted from dishing up his lines.He described the atmosphere on the set of The Royle Family as ‘fabulous'(Image: BBC)“There was loads of impromptu laughing. And in fact Craig, who played Dave, used to corpse all the time.“And we’d have to stop the shoot and he’d get sent off the set. It’s just the atmosphere, the way it builds up. And then, but also me and Lurky (co-star Ralph Little) and we used to wind him up.“He added to The Chris Toal Variety Show: “We used to get him into trouble deliberately. Many a time he was sent off the sets because he couldn’t control himself.“Poor Craig although he wrote it with Caroline, he’d need like 14 takes to say one word.“And we’d make him laugh. And in the end she sent him off the set and then she had a little cell made. All the chippies could do anything in 10 minutes.“They made a single cell and we used to lock him in. The atmosphere on the set was fabulous, honestly.“Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. More

The first drag queen to appear on Strictly believes she’ll become a target for online hate – but will ignore the haters and provide fun and entertainment19:06, 06 Sep 2025La Voix is the first drag queen to appear on Strictly(Image: INSTAGRAM)Strictly hopeful La Voix is ready to take on the trolls.The drag queen predicts she’ll become a target for online hate when the dance contest starts – but she’s determined to win the haters over by making them smile.Defiant La Voix told the Daily Star Sunday: “I am braced for some trolls online. I am always braced for that whenever I go on TV. When it was announced I was going to be on Strictly, there were some negative comments. Hopefully I can change the minds of a few people who don’t want to see a drag queen on TV.La Voix is braced for online trolls who may criticise her Strictly appearance – but she’s asking people to be kind(Image: Instagram/ @lavoixtheshow)“My main aim is to entertain. That’s what I’m going to do.”La Voix is urging viewers to be kind on social media.She added: “It’s about being nice and kind. My plan is to be fun and keep to my brand, and that’s entertainment.”La Voix has been on a number of TV shows – including RuPaul’s Drag Race(Image: Getty Images)It’s the first time a drag queen has been picked to compete on the regular series of Strictly.La Voix is thrilled show bosses finally decided to do it after more than 20 years on air.She said: “I think it’s amazing that Strictly is putting a drag queen on primetime TV. I’m so proud of the show for doing it. Representation is always important. It will be great for people all over the country to see it.”There are rumours La Voix will be partnered with professional dancer, Kai Widdrington(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)La Voix, from Stockton-on-Tees, has been on plenty of big shows down the years. Her glittering CV includes Britain’s Got Talent, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and Queen of the Universe.But Strictly will be her biggest telly gig yet. She said: “This is the one… of all of the shows I’ve done, this is the big one.”Despite having years of performing under her belt, and with all her telly experience, she’s not confident when it comes to dancing.Currently La Voix is on 25-1 odds of lifting the Glitterball trophy(Image: Evening Gazette)She added: “I’m nervous. I don’t know how I’ll be. I’m not a dancer. I can do a side-step at a wedding but I don’t know if I’ll be able to do well at choreography.“It’s so different to what I normally do… it’s not singing and it’s not comedy.“But hopefully my experience of performing on stage will give me some pizazz.”Bookies have given La Voix dismal odds of 25-1 to lift the Glitterball. But she will still give it everything.Article continues belowShe said: “I’m just going to hope for the best. I’ll just stand on my partner’s feet and get walked around if I have to!”The new series starts on September 20 on BBC One.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. More

Former TOWIE star Pete Wicks has been left frustrated after he was pictured with his arms around married co-star pal Olivia Attwood during a recent trip to Ibiza16:57, 06 Sep 2025Pete has shared how much he enjoyed the Ibiza trip(Image: ITV)Pete Wicks has found himself embroiled in controversy after photographs emerged of him appearing cosy with married mate Olivia Attwood during a recent jaunt to Ibiza.Now, an insider reveals to Mirror that the ex-TOWIE personality, 36, is exasperated as he battles to dispel his lothario reputation. “Pete is sick of being unable to have close friends without it being misconstrued. He always has this problem of people thinking the worst,” reveals the source, who insists the duo are merely platonic pals.Olivia, 34, and Pete were on the Spanish party island combining business with leisure. They soaked up the sun with mates and partied at nightspots whilst filming their joint Kiss radio programme, The Sunday Roast.However, during a maritime excursion, Pete was captured with his arms wrapped around the ex-Love Islander as she reclined against him. The snap triggered gossip amongst followers about the genuine nature of their bond – and allegedly left Olivia’s spouse, Bradley Dack, seething at home.The pair were snapped having fun in Ibiza(Image: Instagram/olivia_attwood)Sources suggest Olivia’s footballer other half was “livid” when his team-mates circulated the images in Gillingham FC’s WhatsApp chat. One reportedly commented, “Bradley’s tried to laugh it off, but inside he’s fuming. He trusts Liv, but Pete having his hands over his wife while she’s wearing a bikini isn’t a great look. He’s livid with her for putting him in this position,” reports the Mirror.Olivia’s fans have been quick to pile on her across social media, with one expressing they are “worried” for her marriage.The reality star hit back sharply, responding: “Don’t be. Worry about your own.”Bradley and Olivia tied the knot two years ago and have been an item on and off since first crossing paths in 2015. She’s maintained a close friendship with Pete for several years now, ever since they met on TOWIE back in 2019.Olivia co-hosts a KISS radio show with Pete (Image: Kiss FM)Pete was linked to fellow Love Island star Maura Higgins earlier this year, though he’s believed to be flying solo at present. His romantic life frequently comes under intense scrutiny – not least his rollercoaster relationships with Megan McKenna, Chloe Sims and Ella Rae Wise.Throughout his Strictly stint last year, Pete was also dogged by speculation about a romance with professional partner Jowita Przystał, claims both firmly rejected. While supporters obsess over his love life, the Essex lad has openly admitted he simply clicks “better with women” as mates.Pete explained earlier this year: “I grew up with two really strong women, my mum and my nan, so I’ve always felt comfortable around women. A friend is a friend and the idea that men and women can’t be friends is a load of b*******.”Speaking about Olivia specifically, he revealed: “I count Vicky Pattison and Olivia Attwood as two of my really, really close friends. I adore the bones of those girls. Female friendships are important, but friendship in general is important.”Olivia is married to Brad Dack(Image: Instagram)The pair kicked off their joint radio show this year and even made an appearance together at the BRIT Awards in March. Regardless of any controversy stirred by their summer jaunt, Pete and Olivia glossed over the drama, effusively recounting the fun they had.Speaking on their podcast, Pete shared, “Obviously, we were out there working for a couple of days and then we had a couple of days off. It was… the people we were with made it such an amazing trip, but also we don’t get a lot of time off, and it was nice to go off radar a little bit.”Joining in with a laugh, Olivia added, “I’m not going to lie, it was very feral. There’s a lot that happened that we can’t even discuss on this podcast.”Article continues belowHowever, despite their attempts to downplay the situation, our insider suggests that the uproar has left Pete concerned about jeopardising his friendship with Olivia.”Pete isn’t the playboy people are making him out to be, he loves Olivia as a friend and is there for her, but there’s nothing romantic going on,” our source reveals. “He doesn’t want to lose their friendship over this because they get along so well and that means so much to him.”Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter. More

EXCLUSIVE: Armin van Buuren revealed he was left in tears during a surreal collab, as he gears up for four huge final Ushuaïa Ibiza shows after taking the club by storm this summer16:12, 06 Sep 2025Updated 17:02, 06 Sep 2025The star has an Ushuaïa Ibiza residencyWorld famous DJ Armin van Buuren may be one of the biggest names in dance music, but even the most experienced DJs can still be moved to tears.The Dutch superstar revealed that one of his most surreal career highlights came in Miami while working alongside American singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw.“Honestly one of the most surreal moments for me was being in the studio in Miami with Gavin DeGraw,” Armin exclusively said. “We were working on Looking For Your Name, and when the track was finished, I actually cried, it was just so beautiful and emotional hearing it come together. To share a room with someone whose music I’ve admired for so long and then feel that overwhelmed by the result was definitely a pinch-me kind of moment.”It’s rare to hear a DJ of his calibre speak so openly, but it’s clear that music still affects him on the deepest level. That same passion is what he’s now bringing to his Ushuaïa Ibiza 2025 residency, which he describes as a dream come true.Armin has had an impressive summer at the Ibiza club“It’s amazing to be back there! Ibiza is my home away from home, and Ushuaïa Ibiza is just an amazing place to perform at. Couldn’t be happier having been able to have another summer residency there,” Armin said.He’s also embraced the new deck-to-deck format being trialled at the venue this year: “It took some getting used to the new format, simply because it requires a different approach for both artists to be in sync. But it really adds a new dimension to collaborative performances, and I’ve had a blast every time I did it so far.”With nearly three decades at the top of the global dance scene, Armin still remains hungry for more. He’s preparing for a run of four final shows at Ushuaïa this summer, culminating in a special four-hour closing set on September 28 — one of the most anticipated events of the Ibiza calendar.The DJ love performing all over the world(Image: AFP via Getty Images)“I love playing in Ibiza! I’ve played there the most and still love it so much,” he added. “I’ve got new music coming too, including some amazing collaborations with huge artists like Adam Beyer and many more I can’t reveal just yet.”From emotional studio sessions to stadium-shaking sets, Armin proves why he’s still one of the world’s most beloved DJs and why fans will be flocking to Ibiza for his unforgettable finale this summer.For more info and tickets please visit here.Article continues belowWant all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter. More

Reality star Katie Price has been left feeling “on top of the world” after her 2017 single, I Got U, unexpectedly shot to number one in the iTunes chart last week14:34, 06 Sep 2025Katie Price has made a surprising comeback, topping the iTunes charts last week, which insiders say feels like sweet “revenge” following a tumultuous period where several ex-partners have publicly criticised her.Almost ten years since she last released music, the former glamour model’s 2017 single, ‘I Got U’, rocketed to number one after a wave of support from fans amidst ongoing disputes with exes, including Alex Reid. Insiders claim this success has left her feeling “on top of the world “.”Katie is over the moon – and it feels like real revenge against everyone after all the recent drama,” reveals our source. “She won’t back down when it comes to her detractors – she’s been deeply hurt and feels she’s always portrayed as the villain, so this has truly lifted her spirits when she needed it most.”In addition to her musical revival, Katie is embarking on a tour with her close mate Kerry Katona, where she’ll undoubtedly be revealing more about the recent turmoil. The tour, titled ‘An Evening With Katie Price and Kerry Katona’, will feature the long-time friends in a sit-down stage chat about their experiences in the entertainment industry, promising “performances and a QandA”.She first released the song in 2017A legion of fans have rallied behind Katie, showing their support by buying her single and tickets to the show – something that, according to the source, is making a high-stress situation a bit more manageable, reports the Mirror.”It’s not been easy for Katie having to defend herself over and over again when it comes to her exes. She feels like she’s a good mum and has actually held a lot of what has gone on back,” they say. “She was always going to come out fighting, but it’s nice for her to have some support and something for herself for once – she appreciates it.”Katie’s track was originally released as part of her ambitious shift from modelling into the music world, but it didn’t create much of a stir – leaving her musical dreams in tatters.She even tried to bag the UK’s Eurovision spot back in 2005, only to be beaten by Javine Hylton – who went on to finish a dismal 22nd in the competition.Katie will be touring with Kerry(Image: Instagram)But now, Katie’s rediscovered pop anthem has climbed above major stars like Olivia Dean and Benson Boone on the charts – thanks to a dedicated fanbase who’ve been streaming it relentlessly.Responding to her chart triumph, Katie gushed: “I’m number one. Thank you all so much for all your support, honestly means the world to me,” before declaring that her “dreams have come true”.The celebrity is mother to Harvey, 23, Junior, 20, Princess, 18, Jett, 12, and Bunny, 11.It appears that musical talent runs through the family bloodline – Junior dropped his first single Slide in February 2022, followed by Only One in September 2023.He’s also been busy working away in recording studios and hinted earlier this year that “exciting things” were on the horizon. Katie’s musical boost has arrived at precisely the right moment, following a brutal social media assault from her former partner Alex last month.The cage fighter shared footage of Katie seemingly tallying bundles of cash during her bankruptcy proceedings, whilst pledging to “reveal the truth” about his “fame-hungry” former flame.Katie and Alex Reid had a whirlwind romance(Image: PA)In the clip, Katie – who has faced bankruptcy twice over debts exceeding £3 million – was questioned by daughter Princess about contributing to her school fees, prompting Katie to retort, “Your dad can sit on that” whilst raising her middle finger. Positioned beside a Christmas tree, she went on, “Does he go on about it a lot? Well, it’s tough because I’m in bankruptcy to next May now.”Reports suggest Katie has consulted solicitors regarding Alex’s claims. Nevertheless, her surprising chart triumph and the surge of public backing appears to have lifted her spirits considerably.Speaking on her podcast, Katie confessed that despite everything, she’s in a “strong place” and equipped to weather the storm.”I know my life has always been drama, which I’ve never created, it’s just naturally happened. But I’ve had such good support, I’m so not used to people being nice. With the things that have been going on, back in the day, I wouldn’t have been able to handle it.”Article continues belowBehind closed doors, Katie’s partner JJ Slater has emerged as another pillar of strength, with our insider revealing he’s been her anchor during the turbulent recent months. “JJ is proud of her. He knows that music has always been her dream. But, at the same time, he’s been glued to her hip because it’s been a difficult time, and he worries for her when he’s not there.”Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter. More