Giovanni Pernice packed on the PDA with his swimsuit-clad girlfriend Bianca Guaccero in Portofino on Monday – after revealing his Strictly axe left him suicidal.

The dancer, 35, and Bianca, 45, are enjoying a trip to Italy together ahead of the release of Giovanni’s explosive new memoir Gio: Taking the Lead which details his feelings around his exit from the show.

Giovanni was axed from the series after actress Amanda Abbington accused him of subjecting her to ‘vile abuse’ during rehearsals, prompting an enquiry from the broadcaster.

Following an investigation by the BBC, Giovanni was cleared of the most serious accusations made against him and the broadcaster issued a formal apology to Amanda. 

Now his new memoir reveals all in his own words, including how he felt suicidal in the aftermath. You can read his account HERE. 

As the couple relaxed by the pool, Giovanni showed off his shirtless physique in a pair of Gucci swimming shorts, while Italian actress, singer and television presenter Bianca wowed in an orange swimsuit.

The dancer, 35, and Bianca, 44, are enjoying a trip to Italy together ahead of the release of Giovanni’s explosive new memoir Gio: Taking the Lead which details his feelings around his exit from the show

The pair met in late 2024 when they were paired as dance partners on Ballando con le Stelle, the Italian version of Strictly. Their professional partnership led to a romantic relationship and they won the competition together. 

Earlier this month it was revealed that Amanda has received a ‘substantial’ payout from the BBC after she made a legal complaint about her ill-fated stint on the show. 

The actress, 52, made a shock exit from the show just weeks into the competition in 2023 and later accused Giovanni of subjecting her to ‘vile abuse’.

She has now reportedly been given a five-figure out-of-court settlement and a contribution to her legal fees from BBC Studios. 

The settlement has reportedly been made in a bid to prevent a lengthy court battle and allowing Amanda – who was subsequently diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – to put her ordeal behind her.

A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: ‘Amanda’s friends and family are all relieved for her that this ordeal is finally over. It’s been a long, hard journey, but now she can close this chapter and move on with her life.

‘The fact the BBC have compensated Amanda as well as previously publicly apologising really proves that they are taking responsibility for the bullying she suffered on set.

‘She hopes that this case will give others strength and encourage people to speak up.’

The Daily Mail contacted representatives for Amanda for comment. BBC representatives declined to comment when approached. 

Following an investigation by the BBC, Giovanni was cleared of the most serious accusations made against him and the broadcaster issued a formal apology to Amanda.

Giovanni was axed from the show after actress Amanda Abbington accused him of subjecting her to ‘vile abuse’ during rehearsals, prompting an enquiry from the broadcaster

Advertisement

Following an investigation by the BBC, Giovanni was cleared of the most serious accusations made against him and the broadcaster issued a formal apology to Amanda

As the couple relaxed by the pool, Giovanni showed off his shirtless physique in a pair of Gucci swimming shorts

They cosied up in the pool as they both topped up their tans 

Meanwhile Italian actress, singer and television presenter Bianca wowed in an orange swimsuit by the pool

Advertisement

The pair met in late 2024 when they were paired as dance partners on Ballando con le Stelle, the Italian version of Strictly

Their professional partnership led to a romantic relationship and they won the competition together

Earlier this month it was revealed that Amanda has received a ‘substantial’ payout from the BBC after she made a legal complaint about her ill-fated stint on the show

Giovanni has moved on from the Strictly drama and is now in a relationship with Bianca

Advertisement

Giovanni looked happy and relaxed during the holiday

They relaxed on the sun loungers and topped up their tans 

The couple were seen flaunting their sensational figures by swimming and sunbathing by the pool

Giovanni is gearing up for his upcoming 2027 UK tour titled Unstoppable

Advertisement

They were spotted enjoying a holiday in Portofino ahead of the upcoming Italian version of Dancing With The Stars in October

The pair were spending some quality time together on the holiday

The loved-up pair couldn’t keep their hands off each other

Bianca showed off her incredible figure in a burnt orange swimsuit 

Advertisement

Bianca put her arm around her partner on the sun loungers 

They relaxed and enjoyed a coffee on the sun loungers 

They were seen enjoying their romantic trip away together 

They packed on the PDA in the pool

Advertisement

Bianca was showing off her incredible figure 

The pair chatted away on their loungers 

The pair were enjoying a loved-up holiday together 

The report found that some of the language used by Giovanni towards Amanda could be ‘belittling’ and agreed with the Mr Selfridge actress that his feedback was, at times, ‘overly negative’ and that he had used profanity during rehearsals.

The report noted after reviewing several hours of rehearsal footage as part of an official investigation that there were two moments of ‘inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace’, which were found to simply have been ‘made and received as jokes’ between the pair.

The Sherlock actress previously admitted she was ‘relieved’ when a cancer scare led to her quitting the competition.

She told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: ‘By my final week, on the Thursday morning, I was in the shower and I found two lumps. I’d got the all-clear after a mammogram a couple of months before.

‘I went in for rehearsals to do the cha-cha-cha and just couldn’t concentrate. Giovanni said, ‘There’s no point teaching you this because it’s not going in. You can’t get it. We’ll be lucky if we get through because you’re useless’.

‘He refused to even look at me so I went to the toilet, came back and said, ‘I’m going to go to the hospital now because I found two lumps in my breast this morning’.

‘Then he was great. He said, ‘Well, let me know how it goes. It was the catalyst I’d been sort of waiting for, which is terrible. But that’s what I was thinking, that it was a healthier option than being in that room.

‘I’ve championed breast cancer charities but there was a part of me that was like, ‘OK, I have to deal with this now instead. Phew.”

Are you a Gavin & Stacey superfan desperately looking for another fix of the hit show since the series came to an end in 2024? Look no further. 

The exact house in Barry, Wales, previously the home to Uncle Bryn (played by Rob Brydon) is now available to book on Airbnb.

Decked out exactly as it appeared in Bryn’s ‘bachelor paradise’ during episode three of series three, guests can stay in one of the most iconic homes on British television.

Fans can relish countless Gavin & Stacey features throughout the property, including the words ‘Tell me tomorrow, I’ll wait by the window for you’, across the living room wall, in reference to the show’s theme tune. 

There are framed photos of iconic characters like Stacey and Gavin Shipman, and a foot spa just like Uncle Bryn’s.

In the kitchen, guests will spot Smithy’s (played by James Corden) famous Indian takeaway order on the wall.

Inside, fans will notice nods to the popular show throughout, including in the kitchen where Smithy’s Indian takeaway order is framed on the wall

A Subbuteo table, pictured, adds a nostalgic touch in reference to the stag do episode

A scene from Gavin & Stacey inside Uncle Bryn’s house

For breakfast, Gwen West’s omelette recipe is ready to go – the character, played by Melanie Walters, was known for making the dish frequently on the show. 

Photographs of famous scenes filmed in the kitchen are also hung on the walls. 

Guests can even try out Uncle Bryn’s home gym, decorated just how it appeared in the popular series. 

A Subbuteo table adds another nostalgic touch in reference to the stag do episode.

The exterior is in the same shade of red with white accents.

Beyond the Gavin & Stacey immersive experience inside the house, guests can explore Barry’s seafront, beaches and filming locations. 

The accommodation sleeps up to six guests across two bedrooms. Two nights in September for three guests are priced at around £455.

Airbnb host Jaxx Nelson and her partner Tom snapped up the property as soon as they saw it listed for sale.

Ms Nelson said: ‘We spotted online that the house was up for sale and honestly weren’t sure we’d even get a viewing – it’s such a well-known property. But we did, and I think we were among the first through the door. 

‘Talking afterwards, we thought how much we’d love to stay ourselves for an ‘Uncle Bryn experience’ of sorts – and then figured, if we’d love it, there must be other fans who would too. 

‘So we put an offer in that same day and were slightly stunned when it got accepted. Beyond excited, obviously!’

In the living room, photographs of characters are framed and there’s a foot spa that’s just like Uncle Bryn’s 

Guests can even try out Uncle Bryn’s home gym, pictured

Advertisement

The house boasts two bedrooms and sleeps up to six people 

The pair transformed it into how fans would remember it from the series.

She added: ‘We’re recreating Uncle Bryn’s house as fans will remember it from ‘Bryn’s Bachelor Paradise’ – Series 3, Episode 3, when the boys stay over. 

‘Gym and all, plus loads of little touches you’ll recognise from the show. We’ve even hidden a few Easter eggs that only the true superfans will spot. We can’t wait to welcome guests through the door!’ 

Lisa Marçais, general manager UKI, Northern Europe & MEA at Airbnb, said: ‘Airbnb is home to truly unique stays that let guests step into places with a story, and it doesn’t get much more iconic than Uncle Bryn’s house. 

‘We’re delighted that Gavin & Stacey fans can now experience a little piece of TV history for themselves, while exploring Barry and the nearby locations that provided the backdrop to the much-loved series.’ 

Prices correct as of August 24, 2026. 

A woman shared her experience of being asked to swap seats on a business class flight so a couple’s son could sit near them, and she couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw him

A woman was left utterly bewildered when a couple asked her to swap seats on a flight so their son could sit beside them. Most people would feel slightly guilty if they refused, especially as passengers under a certain age aren’t allowed to travel alone, but when she saw him, she was left wondering why they’d even made the request in the first place.

Upon boarding the aircraft, she observed a couple in a heated discussion with cabin crew regarding their seating arrangements, clearly dissatisfied with where they’d been placed. The uncomfortable situation escalated when the male passenger approached the woman, insisting he’d been separated from his son on the flight.

As they were supposedly travelling as a pair, he enquired whether she’d be prepared to exchange seats to help them out.

She recounted: “The man from the couple immediately cornered me, standing over me, and I felt my heart drop. He said that he and his son are sitting separately, and if I would be willing to switch seats.

“I asked him if it was just him and his son, and he said yes. He lied. His wife was clearly with them – I overheard their conversation as I walked by. He then casually mentioned that the son is in the very back of the cabin.”

Refusing to bow to the pressure, the passenger stood her ground. She recalled: “I looked him right in the eye and told him I would rather not, and turned around to settle in.”

Ultimately, the woman who declined the seat exchange was left stunned when she clocked the son, who wound up seated directly in front of her. She reckoned he was approximately 20 years old, not a toddler as she may have initially assumed.

She raged: “The entitlement! They just wanted to sit together and pawn off the s*** seat to someone else.”

The woman also pointed out that they were on a business class flight, so there was actually no such thing as “sitting together,” just near each other.

Do you have to swap plane seats to accommodate families?

Airlines try to seat children with an accompanying adult, especially for younger children, but policies vary by airline and by aircraft/load factors.

If a family is split up, cabin crew may ask other passengers to move so a child can sit with a parent/guardian. You can say no to this, but it may feel awkward.

It’s also worth noting that you may be required to change seats for safety or operational reasons, such as weight-and-balance considerations or exit-row rules.

That’s not the same as “you must move because a family wants to sit together,” but it can look similar in the moment.

If you are feeling pressured to move on a flight against your will, speak to the cabin crew for advice. Crew will often seek volunteers and may offer solutions, such as moving the family to other available seats.

“Got an old pair of Crocs lying around? Why not trade them in for something back.”

A planning application has been lodged for the refitting of an existing retail unit to house footwear brand Crocs in The Boulevard.

The management team at the shopping complex have embarked on a quirky advertising campaign to promote the arrival of Crocs to the site.

They posted to potential future customers on their Facebook page last Thursday, saying: “Got an old pair of Crocs lying around? Why not trade them in for something back.

“Until August 31, bring your old Crocs to The Boulevard and we’ll use them to help decorate our Crocs archway. In return, you’ll receive an exclusive discount on your next pair when the brand-new Crocs store opens right here at The Boulevard. It’s time to give your old Crocs a new purpose.”

The plans include the installation of a new dividing wall, electrical systems, flooring and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system. The planning application was lodged on July 31 by Silvaman Group Ltd, Tipton.

The planning application is at the consultation stage, and DfI Roads Craigavon Office have been asked to have their say on the plans. They have not responded yet.

The footwear giant is being described as follows on their website: “Crocs, Inc. is a world leader in innovative casual footwear for women, men, and children, combining comfort and style.

“The company’s brands include Crocs and HEYDUDE, and its products are sold in more than 85 countries.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Trying To Cut The Line

Stopping Or Turning Abruptly In The Middle Of A Walkway

Running, Pushing And Shoving

Letting Your Camera Ruin The Fun

Forgetting To Pack Your Patience

Not Preparing Your Children For The Visit

Ignoring Meet-Up Times

O2O Creative via Getty Images

Getting Forceful About People’s Ride Preferences

Being Disrespectful With Park Characters

Blocking People’s Views

Ignoring Staff Members

Hayeden Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, became emotional as she spoke about her daughter’s passing, aged 36

Hayden Panettiere’s mother has said she saw her daughter “going downhill” after she became a star on the TV series Heroes, as she spoke following her tragic, sudden death.

The actress, who also starred in Nashville and the Scream franchise, died aged 36 at her home in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16.

Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, became emotional as she spoke about her daughter’s passing on Good Morning America, saying she is “still not grasping this is real”. She then got up from her chair and said she “needed a minute” before continuing with the interview.

Vogel said her relationship with Panettiere, who would have celebrated her 37th birthday last Friday (August 21), changed after she found fame on Heroes.

She said: “I would say Hayden had a very happy life up until she got Heroes at 16. Here she was, the star of a major TV series, but I would say, at about 17, I started seeing her going downhill.

“As she got older, it wasn’t my voice anymore. I wasn’t in charge of her choices. I tried to give her the best advice I could. But again, any young person, teen, they want to be liberated and I get that.”

In her memoir This Is Me: A Reckoning, Panettiere claimed that, at 19, she told Vogel that she no longer wanted her to manage her career and Vogel replied: “You owe me.” But Vogel, a former actress who had Panettiere with her ex-husband Alan Lee ‘Skip’ Panettiere, denied this, saying: “I know I didn’t say what she said I said.”

Panettiere was the mother of an 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, with former boxer Wladimir Klitschko, who received full custody of her. Vogel said: “The situation with Hayden and Vlad and their daughter, that was a very difficult period for her. Vlad had taken over custody for safety, in my opinion. She just couldn’t keep those demons away.”

Vogel also responded to criticism from people, including CBS Mornings host Gayle King, who felt she was focusing too much on her daughter’s struggles in the wake of her death. She said: “I would say to the haters out there, you don’t have a right to tell me how I mourn the loss of my second child. That’s my domain.”

Police in Greenville said Panettiere was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest, with “no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances”.

Vogel and Skip were also parents to a son, Jansen, who died aged 28 in 2023 from aortic valve complications arising from an enlarged heart.

Asked about losing both of her children, Vogel said: “I think you just have to find that inner strength. I have been knocked down throughout my life and I’m not complaining because I have the strength to get back up. It’s not if we fall, it’s how we get back up, that defines who we are.”

By VIVEK CHAUDHARY, SENIOR REPORTER

Published: 15:02 BST, 24 August 2026 | Updated: 15:18 BST, 24 August 2026

Harry and Meghan have struck up a close friendship with Geri and Christian Horner, the Daily Mail can reveal.

The former Spice Girl and her husband invited the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to their home in the Cotswolds for lunch last month.

Geri and Christian live in a £9.2 million Grade II listed 18th century former vicarage in the Cotswolds.

It’s understood that the Sussexes joined them there while visiting the UK in July – a trip during which they made their final decision to return.

Advertisement

The two couples are understood to have discussed what life in the UK looks like.

The ex-pop star has since been in regular contact with Meghan sharing her thoughts on a proposed move to the Cotswolds with Prince Archie, seven and Princess Lilibet, five.

Prince Harry meanwhile has been in regular telephone contact with Geri’s F1 guru husband Christian Horner, who also acted in an advisory role on the question of life in the Cotswolds.

The couple-to-couple bond has been growing in significance for the exiled royal couple as they plan a return to Britain – and the foursome met for lunch when the Sussexes visited the UK in July.

Advertisement

Christian and Geri Horner have formed an unlikely friendship with Prince Harry and Meghan, with the couple advising poviding the royals ahead of their move back to the UK 

Harry and Meghan enjoyed a lunch at the Horners’ £9.2million Garde II listed Cotswolds home during their stay last month where they discussed the move, sources say

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been sounding out the Horners for tips on what their life could look like when they move back to Britain – six years after leaving for a new life in the US

Advertisement

A source close to the Horners said: ‘Meghan and Geri in particular have become increasingly friendly and have been in ever more regular contact in recent weeks.

‘Christian has also had a number of conversations with Harry. They are friends.’

They added: ‘Geri is absolutely buzzing about the relationship – and she’s loving being involved from the inside in their return to UK.

‘Christian is a bit more circumspect – less overawed.

Advertisement

‘But both of them are aware that the Sussexes will be relaunching themselves socially in a matter of days and they see themselves as potentially a key part of this new friendship group.’

Harry and Meghan are believed to have stayed in the Cotswolds during their recent visit to the UK – which may signal their interest in choosing the moneyed rural enclave for their next home.

The couple are understood to have spent a few days staying in a private house belonging to a wealthy associate in early July when they last came to Britain, as the Daily Mail revealed last week.

Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, are expected to arrive in the UK to begin their new life within days, ahead of school terms beginning next week.

Advertisement

Geri is pictured in her kitchen at her home in Oxfordshire where she hosted the royal couple

The precise location of their elective new home is being kept a closely guarded secret for security reasons.

They already have strong links with the Cotswolds, having lived in a rented £2.5million farmhouse in the area in 2018 – only moving away after the location of their house was revealed.

Earlier this year, the couple stayed in the area from where Harry took his family to see his father King Charles at Highgrove, on the southern side of the Cotswolds, and they also visited the grave of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, at her ancestral home at Althorp, in the East Midlands.

Advertisement

Work is scheduled to begin on the project next year with an opening date expected in the autumn of 2028

Work on the restoration of one of Wales’ most important Jewish heritage sites is due to start next year. The restoration of Merthyr Tydfil Synagogue is a step closer to becoming a reality, thanks to grants from the National Heritage Lottery Fund and Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

Due to open in 2028, the £6m project will see the Merthyr Tydfil Synagogue transformed into a Welsh Jewish Cultural Centre, celebrating the history of Jewish communities in Wales and giving people the opportunity to learn about the impact of the community through an activity and events programme.

The council said the centre will also enhance Merthyr Tydfil’s visitor offer and provide much-needed cultural facilities. Stay in the know by making sure you’re receiving our daily newsletter

On Friday, August 13, Vikki Howells MS, representatives from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the council and the building owners met with families who have strong connections to the synagogue.

Councillor Anna Williams-Price, Merthyr Tydfil Council’s heritage champion, said: “We are delighted to see this project progress and learn about the exciting plans for the building.

“Much of Welsh Jewish heritage is at risk of being lost, so this project is very important in educating us about the community’s valuable contribution to cultural, political, academic, economic and social development.

“It was wonderful to meet with the families today to learn about their recollections of this impressive building and what it means to them to see if brought back to its former glory.”

Plans for the transformation are well underway, and physical works to the Grade II listed building are set to start in 2027 with an opening date expected in the autumn of 2028.

Kazakhstan’s pro-government Adilet Party won a landslide victory in a parliamentary election, officials announced Monday, a result expected to further strengthen President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s grip on power in Central Asia’s largest nation.

Adilet, which is led by the former head of Tokayev’s presidential administration, won 71% of Sunday’s vote, Kazakhstan’s central electoral commission said, according to preliminary results.

The second-place Auyl Party won 6.26% of the vote, with three other parties – the Nationwide Social Democratic Party, Respublica and Aq Jol – reaching the 5% threshold needed to win a place in parliament.

Election monitors for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said the vote was marred by a lack of distinct political opposition, with “all contesting parties supporting the incumbent president’s policies.”

Some 74% of the country’s 12.6 million eligible voters took part in the election, the central electoral commission said, which was the first vote to Kazakhstan’s new single-chamber parliament.

Known as the Kurultai, the new body is the culmination of a constitutional overhaul initiated by Tokayev in March, when 87% of voters supported a referendum to merge the two chambers of parliament.

The vote also gave the president authority to appoint key officials, subject to lawmakers’ approval.

Last month, Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Court ruled that the amendments effectively reset the clock on Tokayev’s previous terms in office, clearing the way for him to seek another seven-year term when his mandate expires in 2029.

The decision echoes those seen in several former Soviet republics, including Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, where leaders have used new or amended constitutions to revise statutory term limits.

The 73-year-old Tokayev, a former Soviet official and Kazakh diplomat who previously worked at the United Nations, has been in office since 2019.

He has sought to maintain a balance between Moscow and the West since sanctions were imposed on Russia over the war in Ukraine. Tokayev has justified the constitutional changes by citing the need for rapid decision-making in a fast-changing world.

The election comes at a difficult economic moment for Kazakhstan, where inflation hit 10.2% in February and tax increases have fueled public discontent.