THE real reason Wayne Rooney is ‘worried’ about Coleen’s I’m A Celeb appearance has been revealed.

Wayne’s wife Coleen has signed up for this year’s show — securing the biggest deal in the show’s history.

5

Advertisement

5

5

The 38-year-old Wag’s fee is understood to be way beyond Nigel Farage’s £1.5million last year.

ITV bosses hope Coleen will spill the beans on life with hubby Wayne and her epic fallout with Rebekah Vardy.

But Wayne is reportedly ‘worried’ about Coleen’s ‘open and honest’ nature.

As a source told OK!: “Wayne is a little worried about what she will say about their marriage, and whether all his past misbehaviour gets brought up.

“Coleen is very open and honest – if she bonds with someone in there, she will talk about everything she’s been through, including stuff with Wayne and Becky.”

Coleen is to get the ultimate revenge on her Wagatha Christie rival Rebekah Vardy — by heading Down Under for I’m A Celebrity.

The wife of ex-England striker Wayne has landed a record deal to enter the ­jungle, where Rebekah was booted out early in 2017.

Sources say ITV bosses hope she will reveal juicy details round the campfire of her life with Wayne, as well as gossip from her public fall-out with Rebekah.

Coleen and her four boys are huge fans of the show.

She will fly out next month to compete in the Bushtucker Trials.

A telly source told The Sun on Sunday: “I’m A Celeb bosses have pulled off a huge coup ­getting Coleen for the jungle this year and the team are thrilled to have her on board.

“She’s always been a massive fan of the show and loves watching it with her boys. ITV are over the moon that the stars have aligned this year and she can fit it in. The series is set to be one of the best yet.

“Coleen has a huge fanbase and she won massive plaudits for her classy handling of the Wagatha Christie case. She’s excited to show fans a different side to her and prove she can survive without her creature comforts.”

Rebekah, 42, was the third campmate to be eliminated in 2017.

Less than two years later, she was at the centre of a huge storm when Coleen accused the Wag of leaking stories about her.

Coleen has also had her share of ups and down with ex-Man United star Wayne, 38, who is now back in the UK after spells playing and coaching in the US.

The source went on: “The campfire chats are set to be bombshells as there is so much she could lift the lid on, from all the drama of the Wagatha trial to her turbulent marriage to Wayne and his football career.

“She is expected to be very popular with viewers and she could triumph over Becky again if she goes further in the competition than her.”

Coleen will be cheered on by proud sons Kai, 14, Klay, 11, Kit, eight, and Cass, six.

5

5

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails

Viewers have been left furious at the BBC’s decision to scrap one of its flagship current affair programmes, HARDtalk.

The politics show, known for its challenging interviews with world leaders, is presented by veteran broadcaster Stephen Sackur and has spent nearly three decades on air.

On Tuesday (15 October) the BBC announced the decision to end the programme in March 2025, along with the loss of 100 news roles at the corporation.

The company has been facing increasing financial pressure and has projected its total deficit will increase to £492 million for the 2024/25 financial year.

Sackur, 60, hit out at the decision to axe HARDtalk, calling it “depressing news for the BBC and all those who believe in the importance of independent, rigorous deeply researched journalism.”

He continued, “At a time when disinformation and media manipulation are poisoning public discourse, HARDtalk is unique – a long-form interview show with only one mission, to hold to account those who all too often avoid accountability in their own countries.”

During his career, the presenter has interviewed Robert Mugabe, Hugo Chavez, Sergei Lavrov, Meles Zenawi, Lula, Nancy Pelosi, Recep Tayep Erdogan, Emmanuel Macron, Imran Khan, Olusegan Abasanjo, and many others.

Fellow broadcaster, Piers Morgan, commented on the decision saying: “What a shame. Always enjoyed HARDtalk and your masterful interrogations, even when it [was] once me on the receiving end! Very surprised the BBC is ending it.”

open image in gallery

Viewers were left unimpressed.

“Closing HARDtalk is a grave mistake,” wrote one person. “It’s the BBC’s top show holding global leaders accountable with tough, necessary questions. In an era of misinformation, we need more HARDtalk, not less. The BBC must reconsider.”

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Advertisement

Try for free

Another hit out at the long list of era-defining shows which have been cancelled in recent times.

“Victoria Derbyshire Show: gone. Newsnight is now ‘Newsnight’ in name only. Dateline London: gone. HARDtalk, a globally respected and highly influential show: gone,” listed one person.

“You could be forgiven for thinking that the BBC appears to be withdrawing from journalism.”

“This is utterly ridiculous.” wrote another on X/Twitter. “HARDtalk was the type of journalism that only the BBC was equipped to produce. Always fascinating, no matter the guest. Terrible decision. Sorry Stephen.”

Another added, “Sad news that HARDtalk is coming to an end as a result of BBC cuts. One of the most varied and insightful interview programmes around. Stephen was always a particularly reassuring presence on hotel rooms TV screens.”

“Stephen Sackur created the gold standard in how to conduct an accountability interview – speaking truth to power,” said one person praising the host’s interviewing skills. “Thanks to you and the HARDtalk team for the incredible public service over so many years.”

According to PA, BBC Deborah Turness sent an email to staff, part of which read: “I’m sorry to say that post closures are unavoidable. We propose to close 185 roles and open 55 new ones – a net reduction of 130 posts. As a result of the changes in news, media operations is also proposing to close the equivalent of 25 posts.”

BIG Brother fans have been left scratching their heads after Sarah Griffiths made a huge faux pas during the latest task.

In a bid for the contestants to win luxury shopping items, the BB house has been transformed into Downing Street.

5

Advertisement

5

The housemates have been divided up into Government roles, with Khaled being named Prime Minister, Emma made Minister of Transport, Daze as Minister for Energy and Nathan given the job Minister for Agriculture. 

A mock set of Number 10 Downing Street has even been installed in the BB house, which leads to the Government’s ‘offices’ away from the remaining contestants.

But as the task got underway, Sarah made a huge gaffe as she repeatedly banged on the door of Number 10.

Highlighting to the nation that she doesn’t know who the UK’s Prime Minister is, the farmer shouted: “Rishi…Rishi…Rishi….Rishi!

“Stop making the pensioners pay more, they’re going to freeze to death!”

Rishi Sunak has not been Prime Minister for more than three months, following the 2024 General Election. Keir Starmer is now PM.

Sarah was joined by fellow housemate Izaaz at the door and he failed to correct her mistake.

Big Brother fans couldn’t believe their ears and rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their astonishment.

One exclaimed: “Do they still think Rishi is Prime Minister?!”

Another added: “Rishi?? He hasn’t been prime minister for months now loool.”

A third penned “Does Sarah know that Rishi’s not the PM anymore??”

And someone else added: “Can someone tell Sarah Rishi Sunak isn’t the Prime Minister anymore!”

Meanwhile, a huge row erupted during the Big Brother Government task – over a bagel.

Dean threw one of the Minsters’ leftover lunchtime bagels in the kitchen bin to avoid anyone eating it and losing the task.

Emma briefly questioned his decision – before Izaaz began telling housemates she was “upset” over it.

An almighty argument blew up, with a furious Dean branding Izaaz a “sh** stirrer”.

• Big Brother continues, 9pm, ITV2, Thursday October 17

5

5

5

Advertisement

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails

Mrs Brown’s Boys star Brendan O’Carroll “implied” the N-word during rehearsals for the show’s Christmas special, according to reports.

Filming for the show’s Christmas special was halted as the BBC carried out a probe into the incident, but no details of the highly offensive slur were given at the time.

It has now emerged that the comic told a joke alluding to the N-word in front of shocked colleagues.

During a reading of the script while in character as Agnes Brown, the Daily Mail reported that O’Carroll said: “I don’t call a sp*** a sp***, I call a sp*** a…”

He then reportedly began to utter the N-word before he was stopped by his on-screen daughter, who was also in character.

open image in gallery

Witnesses of the incident were reportedly shocked by the slur and “flagged [it] with the BBC afterwards”.

A representative for O’Carroll told the paper: “We would also like to clarify that the “n” word was absolutely not spoken, it was implied. Agnes (Mrs Brown) began the word but was stopped from finishing it by her daughter Cathy, as she (Mrs Brown) knew she would be.”

In addition to the obvious offence of the implied ‘N’ word, the use of the term “sp***”, a derogatory slur used against black people, is also deeply insulting.

The revelation has raised questions about the BBC’s handling of the incident. In initial statements, the broadcaster did not acknowledge how severe the slur implied was.

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

Advertisement

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

The BBC investigated the incident and temporarily stopped rehearsals, which have since resumed at the corporation’s Pacific Quay studios in Glasgow. It is understood that the specials are still scheduled to air on BBC One this festive season in their usual Christmas Day and New Year’s Day slots.

open image in gallery

Mrs Brown’s Boys, with its distinctive humour, has been a divisive presence on the Christmas schedules for many years, with O’Carroll playing matriarch Agnes Brown, and various members of his family making up the ensemble cast. A fifth full series of has been commissioned and is set to start filming next spring.

The Irish actor and writer, 69, apologised on Tuesday, before the nature of the slur used came to light.

“At a read-through of the Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas specials, there was a clumsy attempt at a joke, in the character of Agnes, where a racial term was implied,” he said. “It backfired and caused offence which I deeply regret and for which I have apologised.”

A BBC spokesperson said on Tuesday: “While we don’t comment on individuals, the BBC is against all forms of racism, and we have robust processes in place should issues ever arise.”

The Independent has contacted representatives for Mr O’Carroll for comment.

AMANDA Holden was the queen of green yesterday as she stole the show at the launch auditions for Britain’s Got Talent.

The 53-year-old TV judge wore an olive satin mini skirt and off-the-shoulder top as she walked the red carpet in front of fans at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

4

Advertisement

4

She was joined by fellow judges on the ITV show Alesha Dixon, and Simon Cowell as well as hosts Ant and Dec.

YouTuber and boxer KSI made his debut on the panel — temporarily filling in for ex-Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli, who is filming in the US.

The new series of BGT kicks off early next year.

Last week, Amanda successfully completed her whopping 250 mile charity bike ride, and shouted “my bum is killing me” as she passed the finish line and had an emotional reunion with her husband Chris.

The star has been cycling from her mum’s house in Bude, Cornwall, to Heart HQ in London‘s Leicester Square to raise funds for Make Some Noise, which raises money for small charities across the UK.

And she looked both delighted and exhausted as she cycled up to her colleagues, fans and family members in Leicester Square this morning, as confetti flew through the air and cheers were heard from the crowds.

The challenge kicked off on Monday and has continued throughout the week as she travelled through Somerset, Berkshire, Wiltshire, and Surrey, with her destination set for today – just in time for Global’s Make Some Noise Day.

4

4

Sign up to Roisin O’Connor’s free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music

Get our Now Hear This email for free

Get our Now Hear This email for free

Riley Keough has revealed how her mother, the singer and actor Lisa Marie Presley, inspired her performance in the hit mini-series, Daisy Jones and the Six.

Keough starred in the musical drama as the title character Daisy Jones, an aspiring musician who joins a rock band in Los Angeles during the Seventies.

Appearing at a book event in London to promote Lisa Marie’s posthumous memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown – which recounts her upbringing as the only child of Elvis and Priscilla Presley – Keough shared that her mum didn’t manage to watch the show before her death.

“Daisy Jones actually reminded me of my mum a lot – when I read [the script] for the first time, there were so many things [they] had in common,” Keough said.

“Her personality was similar to my mum’s, her life, her writing, not being taken seriously as a writer… So I really think she was a [big] inspiration for that character, and then she sadly never got to see it.”

Keough, 35, said she told her mum that she would enjoy the show while she was filming it, but she sadly died shortly before its release: “I said it was gonna remind her of herself. But she passed away two months before it came out.”

open image in gallery

Advertisement

She said it was “very hard” to deal with the aftermath of Lisa Marie’s death while also needing to promote the show, but had found comfort in being around her friends and co-stars: “Doing the press with the band and Daisy Jones was actually very fun and uplifting.”

Released on Amazon Prime Video, the series received positive reviews from critics, who singled out Keough along with her co-star, Sam Claflin, who played the band’s lead singer Billy Dunne.

It was also a hit among viewers and topped Amazon Prime Video’s most-watched list in the US within hours of its release. Fleetwood Mac star Stevie Nicks, whose tumultuous relationship with bandmate Lindsey Buckingham was said to have inspired the original novel, also praised the series.

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Advertisement

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up

“In the beginning, it wasn’t really my story, but Riley seamlessly, soon became my story,” she wrote in a social media post. “It brought back memories that made me feel like a ghost watching my own story… It was very emotional.”

open image in gallery

Keough ended up completing her mum’s memoir after her death by listening to recorded interviews and adding her own recollections of their family life.

In one chapter, she recalled her mum’s last conversation with her second husband, pop star Michael Jackson.

She said that Lisa Marie realised she needed to end her relationship with the King of Pop after a near-disaster where the family’s private plane almost went down “in the middle of nowhere” as they were travelling to visit Jackson, who was on tour in South Africa.

“[It] felt like a bad omen to my mum,” Keough wrote.

Years later, Jackson called Lisa Marie: “He didn’t sound sober.”

“You were right,” Jackson is said to have told Keough’s mother. “Everybody around me wants to kill me.”

open image in gallery

Advertisement

That was their last conversation, Keough wrote. “My mom was in London, writing a record, when Michael died. My mom later told Oprah that Michael often said he was afraid of ending up like her father.

“He was forever asking my mom about when Elvis died, how it happened, where, why. Michael said: ‘I feel like I’m going to end up the same way.’”

Meanwhile, Lisa Marie claimed that Jackson, whom she married in 1994 and divorced just over a year later, could be “very controlling and calculating”.

“He had wanted me to have his children so badly and I didn’t want to,” she wrote. “I knew that he ultimately wanted to be the only caretaker of the children. Michael wanted to control things. He didn’t want a mother influence, or any other influence, in fact.

“I figured that Michael would have me have the children and then dump me, get me out of the picture. I could read him like a clock. I understood everything about him because all we did was bare our souls to one another. I knew his nature.”

From Here to the Great Unknown is out now.