Celebrities

EXCLUSIVE: The Stig, the iconic masked figure from BBC’s Top Gear, has spoken to Daily Star about what it was like to work with former co-star Jeremy Clarkson10:00, 10 Aug 2025This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreThe original Stig has shared his opinion on the three Top Gear presenters(Image: BBC)The Stig has opened up on his experience working with Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson. Perry McCarthy, who played the mysterious masked Stig for the show’s first two seasons, spoke to Daily Star on behalf of OLBG and said: “I’m in constant awe of Jeremy’s talent. He can juxtapose a moment to make it poignant and comedic, he’s an incredibly talented writer and broadcaster.”He almost relishes controversy and there’s bravery to that. Jeremy has a lot of attributes that I admire [although] I don’t agree with everything he says. Jeremy also doesn’t just laugh at his own jokes, he will give you credit!”The original Stig admitted that Clarkson has a “strong” character but the pair never came to a disagreement. “He’s a strong personality so if you had an idea to put across, you needed to come with the full information and do a bloody good job to convince him. We never butted heads though, never. I had no cause to.”Perry set the standard for all the Stigs that came after him(Image: Evening Gazette)Perry starred as the original Stig during Top Gear’s first two seasons, although his identity was famously kept a secret – a gag which became a huge part of the show as it gained popularity. He appeared on the motor show in an all-black ensemble with his face covered by a helmet visor, an outfit which was later changed to a white driving suit and head covering.McCarthy reminisced on his time working on Top Gear and admitted he “knew Richard and Jeremy better” than James May, but “all three were really good fun”.McCarthy wore a black suit – the Stig’s white suit was introduced later on”I’m still in touch with Richard. James was the biggest surprise to me, I knew him briefly from my motor racing days as he was a car journalist. I remember we announced a big new team in the south of France and James was in attendance, he was super quiet but he seemed so bright.””James came in for series two and quickly fit in with Richard and Jeremy, becoming an integral part of the trio. He had an immense wealth of knowledge and all three knew how to write and talk about cars, as well as have fun!”Perry praised the presenters’ dynamic as a “great combination” which helped “make the show” what it was: “They’re the reason it got shown in over 200 countries worldwide and why: ‘Who is The Stig?’ became a top ten question on Google.”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

Donald Trump was not a happy bunny when those cheeky South Park lads took the mickey out of his manhood. But it’s not the first time they’ve scorched a star to within an inch of their life…09:00, 10 Aug 2025Donald Trump cosies up to Satan in series 27 of South ParkDonald Trump had plenty to pout about in the wake of his blistering South Park takedown. The US president was shown cavorting naked in the desert with his “teeny-tiny” trouser snake out on display.And creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone aren’t finished with the Orange Manbaby yet. A new episode of their controversial cartoon, first aired in 1997, will feature the latest in his red-hot romance with Satan himself.Now we take a look at the show’s most shocking celebrity roasts…Russell Crowe (2002)The Kiwi actor and director appears as the host of children’s show Fightin’ Round The World, which features him randomly beating people up. It was inspired by a string of public scraps Russell had in 1999 and 2002.The Gladiator star is portrayed as a musclebound sailor with a strong Aussie accent, who travels on a talking tugboat called Tugger. The vessel is driven to try and kill itself when Russell serenades it with an acoustic guitar.Russell Crowe and talking boat TuggerJennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck (2003)The first time Bennifer got together, this truly bizarre episode was born. Racist character Eric Cartman creates a ‘Jennifer Lopez’ hand puppet, based on a stereotype of a Latino woman, which is then hired by her record company to replace her.When she heads to South Park to confront Cartman, her then-fiancé Ben falls in love with the same hand puppet. To make matters worse, the episode is called Fat B*** and Pancake Head.Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck get the South Park treatmentMel G More

EXCLUSIVE: Former EastEnders actress Danniella Westbrook has taken a cheeky swipe at fellow Sam Mitchell star Kim Medcalf and proposed an interesting future for the character09:00, 10 Aug 2025Danniella was the original Sam Mitchell(Image: Unknown)Danniella Westbrook, the actress who originally brought Sam Mitchell to life in EastEnders, has never been one to shy away from speaking her mind. In an exclusive interview with Daily Star in collaboration with casino.org, the soap star, 51, had some strong opinions about her iconic role and a subtle dig at the actress who later replaced her, Kim Medcalf, 51.When asked who she thought played Sam Mitchell best, Danniella didn’t hesitate. “I didn’t really watch the other girl play Sam Mitchell,” she said with a laugh. “So, I’d have to say I’m the best.”Her cheeky response is bound to stir debate among EastEnders fans, many of whom have long been divided over which actress embodies the feisty Mitchell sister more convincingly.Kim has also played the role multiple times(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)The star also revealed that she wouldn’t rule out a return to Albert Square but only under the right conditions. For Danniella, reprising Sam would require a major shake-up at the Queen Vic.She explained: “I’d only go back if they gave Sam Mitchell the Queen Vic. If they put Sam behind the bar and made her the next Peggy, I’d go back. But if they didn’t, I’m not interested. The show needs some great matriarchs again, and they don’t have loads now, do they?”Imagining her version of Sam at the helm of Walford’s most famous pub, she said: “If Sam was running the Vic, she’d be a lot like Peggy, I think. But I think she’d have poker nights and all sorts going on.”The star would be up for a BBC soap return(Image: PA)The actress also reflected on the stark differences between her portrayal and Medcalf’s. “I think if she came back, she’d have to come back a bit differently, because the other girl who plays her does it so differently.”She added: “The way I play Sam and the way she plays Sam, it’s like two completely different characters.”According to the former BBC actress, the differences extend to the scripts also. Danniella claimed: “Even the writing changes. What they write for her and what they write for me are like two different personalities. Kim plays her a lot posher, not as East End, not as flirty, she’s more middle-class in her version.”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

ITV viewers may be stunned by the reality star’s admissionKimberly Nhundu08:20, 10 Aug 2025Sam Thompson has shared his most unpopular TV opinion (Image: James Gourley/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Since its 2002 debut, I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! has captivated ITV audiences, led by beloved hosts Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly.In the show’s format, celebrities live together in the Australian jungle, coping with little amenities. The 2023 instalment featured Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson, pop sensation Marvin Humes, and social media influencer Nella Rose.Sam ultimately won the season and has maintained a strong media presence, often co-hosting the Staying Relevant Podcast with Strictly Come Dancing’s Pete Wicks.Now, the 33-year-old reality TV star has shared a potentially divisive opinion about Ant and Dec’s roles as I’m A Celeb hosts, reports Chronicle Live.Ant and Dec have presented the show since it first started in 2002(Image: ITV)In an interview with Daily Star’s Screen Time team, Sam spilled his most ‘unpopular’ TV opinion. He firmly stated: “When Ant and Dec leave I’m A Celeb, the show should stop.”Sam added: “Because they are that show, I just don’t know how it would work without them.”When questioned whether he could imagine other presenters taking on Ant and Dec’s positions, Sam clarified that he “wouldn’t want to.”He insisted that, even if the chance to take over hosting duties was presented to him and his friend Pete, he would probably turn it down because it would be a huge task to fill the void left by Ant and Dec.Sam described the I’m A Celeb experience as ‘beautiful’ (Image: James Gourley/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Reflecting on his jungle stint, Sam also highlighted the ‘beauty’ of the experience. He shared: “You sit around that campsite for four weeks…you don’t speak to producers or anything like that, it’s literally just you and the people that you’re with,” adding: “That’s why it’s so beautiful.”However, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, as the radio host had a rather unpleasant encounter with a leech early into the show.Article continues below”I had a leech in my bum,” he recalled. Luckily, the troublesome parasite detached itself after having its fill.”It extracted itself because it had fed so much it unattached. So it was just laying comatose next to me when I woke up.”Given his leech encounter, Sam’s crucial advice for any future contestants is simple: “If you don’t like leeches then you are scr***d.” More

Big Brother has seen many housemates fall in love in the house, only for things to fall apart on the outside – but for one doting couple, things could not be any happier for them07:55, 10 Aug 2025Updated 08:21, 10 Aug 2025Two Big Brother stars have become the show’s only surviving relationship in 25 years.A new series of the reality titan is set to take place later this year, as the much-loved social experiment celebrates its 25th birthday. After first being released on the BBC, its history has seen it move to Channel 4, Channel 5 and – most recently – ITV.Viewers also watched with intrigue as housemates were put up against each other, leading to arguments galore. However, some contestants actually fell the other way and romance eventually blossomed in the show, leading to huge revelations and raunchy antics.Often when housemates leave the show, any romance eventually fizzles out and the pair continue their singlehood as they did when they entered the show. But for one pair of contestants, they fell so in love, they are still together to this day – including having been married and welcoming children into the world.Mikey Dalton and Grace-Adams Short have been lovingly wed for the past 16 years(Image: grace_adams_short/Instagram)Mikey Dalton, 42, and Grace Adams-Short, 39, first met on Big Brother in 2006, at the height of the show’s popularity. They met in an iconic series, featuring the likes of fellow housemates Nikki Grahame and Pete Bennett, where love also blossomed for some time.But while contestants were being pushed to their limit, love began to take a hold of the two and after both were kicked from the show by the public, the pair decided to make it official on the outside. Three years later, the pair tied the knot and are now proud parents to four doting children.According to the Mirror, the pair admitted they hoped they could show the programme to their kids when they get older so they can see how the two fell in love. Recounting the experience to This Morning back in 2023, Grace recalled: “I didn’t have any idea that I was going to meet my life partner, my husband, absolutely not.The pair fell in love on the show back in 2006″We just thought it was going to be a fun summer,” she added. “I was 20 years old, it was kind of like a gap year!”Mikey admitted that he was not head over heels for Grace the second he saw her, but he did fancy her. “I was lusting after her, I still remember the outfit you wore going in and the boots and everything; I was lovestruck when I seen her!” he revealed.While couples on the show come and go, Mikey and Grace have officially become both the longest-lasting relationship on the show, as well as the only surviving relationship to come from the programme. It comes after 2023 stars Jordan Sangha and Henry Southern called time on their relationship, leaving dedicated fans gutted.Mikey and Grace now are proud parents of four doting kids(Image: Grace Adams-Short/Instagram)Confirming the split on Instagram, Henry posted a lengthy statement, reading: “After a lot of thought, Jordan and I have decided to go our separate ways. It’s incredibly sad, and we’re both hurting, but we know it’s the right step.”We’re so grateful for the love and support you’ve shown us – thank you,” Henry added. Jordan, for his part, said: “I want to than everyone who has supported us. We will always remain close friends, cheers,” followed by a kiss.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters. More

An ex-BBC employee has alleged that he was offered cocaine by a Strictly Come Dancing star and that he saw a number of its celebrity contestants ‘partying’ after filming was over02:28, 10 Aug 2025Updated 02:46, 10 Aug 2025A Strictly Come Dancing crew member has alleged that he was offered drugs by a star on the showA former BBC staffer has made shocking claims about the alleged party culture among Strictly Come Dancing stars. The anonymous individual, who spent a decade working behind the scenes on the popular dance competition, alleged that they witnessed several celebrity contestants engaging in wild behaviour after filming wrapped.This reportedly included seeing stars drinking and taking drugs.The former employee also claimed to have seen suspicious bags of white powder, believed to be cocaine, in the smoking area and men’s toilets on two separate occasions. Furthermore, they alleged that one of the show’s stars offered them cocaine at a party after filming the Blackpool stage of the contest.A BBC spokesperson responded to the allegations, stating: “We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.”This comes after reports emerged last week that the BBC had launched an investigation into claims that two of its stars had taken cocaine. The broadcaster has enlisted law firm Pinsent Masons to investigate the allegations, reports the Mirror.A source revealed: “The BBC is taking the allegations really seriously. Bosses are aware of the two stars in question and have a duty of care to make sure they’re OK.”The insider continued: “As per BBC policy, the option of specialised professional support is on the table and will be offered. While drug testing won’t happen on the main show, bosses are considering bringing in random checks for the tour next year.”The source suggested that the BBC needs to ensure no illegal activities are taking place and are awaiting the results of the investigation.This is the latest controversy to hit the long-standing series, following allegations of drug use submitted to the BBC in March by Russells Solicitors on behalf of a celebrity contestant.It’s understood that other individuals have also made allegations of drug use on Strictly Come Dancing to the BBC. Earlier this week, it was reported that one such claim involved a Strictly star who allegedly commented on another person’s dilated pupils, hinting at drug intoxication by saying: “Have you seen their pupils… they’re off their face”.The Sun also reported that a celebrity claimed it is common knowledge within the show’s circle that two stars were using cocaine, a topic reportedly widespread among the cast.In a statement given over the weekend, a spokesperson for the BBC said: “We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.”Article continues belowThe new setback arrives amid rumours about which celebrities might be hitting the dance floor when the show makes its return in just a few weeks. More

BBC star – famous for playing Superintendent Ted Hastings – has described the band as ‘amazing’ and admitted he’s going to see them with his daughterStian Alexander22:16, 09 Aug 2025Adrian Dunbar is going to see the controversial band Kneecap(Image: Getty Images)Actor Adrian Dunbar – who plays Superintendent Ted Hastings in Line of Duty – says the band Kneecap are ‘amazing’ and that he can’t wait to see them in concert.The 67-year-old TV star, famed catchphrases like ‘Now we’re sucking diesel’ and ‘Mother of God’, said he was going to see the band with his daughter Madeleine. The TV star – who was born in Northern Ireland – said Belfast-based Kneecap were an ‘amazing act’.Speaking this week, he said: “I’ve taken a lot of pleasure in watching Kneecap rinsing the system. They’re an amazing act and they’ve caught the zeitgeist. But they’re good people and conscientious people.Kneecap rapper Mo Chara is due in court later this month on a terror charge(Image: Tabatha Fireman/Dave Benett/Gett)”I’m going to go and see them with my daughter, just to see what the craic is.”Kneecap hit the headlines after rapper Mo Chara allegedly waved a Hezbollah flag at a gig, and shouted ‘The only good Tory is a dead Tory’, and ‘Up Hezbollah, up Hamas’.Kneecap rapper Mo Chara – real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh – recently said the band were ‘characters’ and that the important thing was Palestinians being ‘murdered’, not what he said or didn’t say on stage.Kneecap claim they have had their advertisements banned from London Underground(Image: Getty Images)He said: “It was a joke – we’re playing characters, it’s satirical, it’s a f*cking joke.“If you believe that what a satirical band who play characters on stage do is more outrageous than the murdering of innocent Palestinians, then you need to give your head a f*cking wobble.”Chara is up in court on August 20 facing a terror charge of displaying a flag of a proscribed organisation at a gig in London in 2024.Article continues belowThe band have also claimed they are “banned” from advertising one of their posters on the London Underground.In a recent social media post, they stated: “We’ve been banned from advertising on the London Tube. How petty can political policing and interference get. We’ve used the tube to advertise loads of times for gigs, records and our film, all without any problems.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. More

BBC One Show star Roman Kemp revealed on a podcast with Tom Grennan that his dad thinks of his wife, son and daughter as his best friendsRoss Kaniuk 22:14, 09 Aug 2025Roman spilled his dad’s secrets on a recent podcast(Image: Getty Images)Roman Kemp says his former Spandau Ballet star dad Martin is ‘Billy No Mates’.One Show presenter and former I’m A Celeb star Roman was discussing friendships when he revealed he was shocked to hear his dad, 63 – married to Pepsi and Shirlie singer Shirlie Holliman – only really saw his close family as friends.Chatting to music star Tom Grennan, Roman, who has a sister Harley, 35, said: “Take my dad for instance. My dad doesn’t have any friends. I’ve asked my dad this question, I said ‘Who’s your best mate?’ Do you know what his answer is? ‘You’. “I said ‘Who’s your other best mate?’Roman has appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox with his dad and the pair had a podcast together(Image: Channel 4)“(He said) ‘Mum, ‘Who’s your other best mate?’ (He replied) ‘Harley’.”Grennan told Roman, 32, on their ‘You About?’ podcast his dad was similar.He replied: “That’s what I think when you get to an age. I speak to my dad and he says exactly the same thing and having a family and all that kind of stuff – your family become your unit, your team, and the people that you go ‘these people here are the people that love me for me, not my money, not for the world that we live in, but just for the pure heart of who I am and what I am’.”Martin sees his wife and kids as his best friends(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)Roman and his dad have undertaken a number of projects together including Celebrity Gogglebox and father-and-son podcast FFS, My Dad Is Martin Kemp.On an episode earlier this year, Martin revealed he would prefer Roman to make the call on withdrawing end-of-life care over his older sister Harley Moon.Martin dropped the bombshell, saying he’d want it that way “because you’re a man” and that Roman, 32, can “block things out more easily” than Harley Moon, 35.Article continues belowResponding to the challenge that his decision seemed quite sexist, Martin clarified: “It’s not whether you’re a man or a woman. It’s who you are as a personality.”Martin conceded that although it sounds difficult in theory, “when it comes to pulling the plug on someone… giving the doctor the wink and saying’ that’s enough’, you’ll know”.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. More