You will want to hug or shake some sense into the mistress in this tale of doomed age gap romance
What's so hot about older men? Many of the buzziest fiction releases in recent memory have chronicled all-consuming affairs between twentysomething women and men twice their age, from the novels of Sally Rooney to Coco Mellors' Cleopatra and Frankenstein to last year's Green Dot by Madeleine Gray.
This summer brings another entrant to this subgenre: Bitter Sweet, the debut from Hattie Williams, a former publisher. What sets the story apart from other tales of doomed age-gap romances is that this older man is a household name. As the protagonist observes in the opening pages: 'It must be a small club to be a part of, to have loved and then lost someone whom the whole world has a piece of.'
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The Irish Sun
08-08-2025
- The Irish Sun
Inside the toxic feuds ripping BBC Breakfast apart – including Naga's meltdown at intern over way her Marmite was spread
Insiders are bemused that the BBC Breakfast presenters are still on air, as the rising tensions have caused desperate bosses to entirely change long-established ways of working IS BREAKFAST TOAST? Inside the toxic feuds ripping BBC Breakfast apart – including Naga's meltdown at intern over way her Marmite was spread IT'S been another bad week for the BBC – with its flagship breakfast show reeling from yet more damning allegations. Host Naga Munchetty — who is already 'under review' amid 'rudeness' and 'bullying' claims — is said to have kicked off at a terrified intern over how they spread MARMITE on her toast. 5 More allegations have emerged over 'under review' BBC Breakfast host Naga Munchetty Credit: BBC 5 It is alleged Naga kicked off at a terrified intern over how the marmite was spread on her toast Credit: Alamy In another diva strop, the presenter even moaned that her porridge was 'too hot' and the blueberry topping wasn't to her liking, according to a whistleblower. Bosses are currently assessing whether Naga — who earns around £355k for her work on Breakfast and Radio 5Live — and her co-star Charlie Stayt should face formal investigation. An insider told me: 'The phrase headless chickens comes to mind. 'Every day, there's a new revelation thanks to intense in-fighting across daytime. 'And with each new story, fingers are pointed, tension is off the scale and people are scared to even breathe lest it ends up triggering a complaint or, worse, a new headline.' I told this week how both Naga and Charlie were 'under review' as bosses considered whether to escalate a string of complaints against them. HR has been alerted to the alleged pattern of bad behaviour as part of a 'listening' review, which was put in place following an external probe into Breakfast editor Richard Frediani. The rising tensions have caused desperate bosses to entirely change long-established ways of working at the Beeb's Manchester HQ following The Sun's explosive reporting on the toxicity crisis. Frediani has now returned to work, but relations between him and star talent Naga, 50, and Charlie, 63, have turned so sour, he has been told to no longer directly manage them. A source said: 'Fredi now doesn't brief Naga and Charlie or any of that sort of thing and someone else is on the talkback to them from the gallery. 'Car crash' interview with Geri Horner as Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty probe her with 'awkward' questions 'The crew are entirely bemused and exhausted by it — in what world is it normal for a boss to be banned from talking to his staff?' Forced to apologise Talkback is the function which connects the production gallery to the set and allows an editor to speak to hosts via an earpiece. Instead, one of Frediani's editorial team handles the link. The source added: 'Bosses are desperate to get Breakfast back on an even keel and know the tension between Fredi, Charlie and Naga is at the heart of the rising crisis. The crew are entirely bemused and exhausted by it — in what world is it normal for a boss to be banned from talking to his staff? Source 'The changes were implemented on Thursday after The Sun's story revealed Charlie was also under review. 'It was considered a way to manage the situation in the hope it will all blow over.' Despite the changes, tensions are spiralling. But both presenters have doggedly turned up for work, plastering on a smile for their shifts on the red sofa yesterday and on Thursday. The duo's detractors, some of whom are behind the complaints against them, are bemused that neither has been pulled off air. Media City studios in Salford were thrown under the spotlight in June when a probe was launched into Bafta award-winning director Richard Frediani. The microscope swiftly swung across to Naga, who was positioned as the main adversary to Fredi, as he is known. The Sun previously reported that she faced complaints on 5Live, including a bullying claim and the alleged use of crude, sexual language. Bosses were also forced to apologise on her behalf after a tense interview with Spice Girl Geri Horner in 2023. It meant that until now, Naga had shouldered much of the criticism, and last week we told how she had been placed 'under review.' But this week a source revealed that bosses have also heard from colleagues with complaints over Charlie's conduct. They point to 'rudeness' and 'bullying' as well as behaviour that 'undermines staff'. 5 An external probe is now ongoing into Breakfast editor Richard Frediani Credit: Getty 'Throw weight around' The source said: 'A number of people have come forward to share their experiences with Charlie, so the BBC has officially moved to place the complaints under review. 'The review is to ascertain whether a full-on investigation is required and that could come in weeks. 'Charlie and Naga will be assessed separately.' However, it would appear it is not just BBC Breakfast that is broken. Across the corridor, there are rumblings of discontent on at least one other well-known programme. Many believe it is only a matter of time before names are shamed. Another worker said: 'There's been talk that the tough London journalists and execs come up to the Manchester studios and bring their tougher ways with them and it's the northern snowflakes that can't hack it. 'But we see it differently — maybe it's more that those London egos can't hack being shipped out the capital so feel the need to throw their weight around.' The ongoing saga leaves just one key question — can the BBC's daytime unit survive the rising blight? On Naga's marmite meltdown, the BBC declined to comment and a representative did not respond. Regarding the shake-up in ways of working, the Beeb also declined to comment. However, a BBC spokesperson said of Charlie and Naga: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values. 'We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.' 5 ITV bounced back from the This Morning crisis surrounding Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby Credit: Pixel8000 5 The channel replaced them with Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley and have reinvigorated the programme Credit: Swinging cuts It is an impressive string of responses from what is meant to be the respected, genteel arm of the BBC. Daytime is the heart of any channel, the friendly and trusted faces for people home alone. So how can viewers trust in the nation's broadcaster when there is mould festering within? They would do well to look over the parapet to ITV, whose flagship This Morning is still struggling to bob above the waves following 2023's scandal surrounding Phillip Schofield. Installing glossy Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard as the show's main new hosts provided a boost. But with swinging cuts now looming over the entire suite of daytime shows, it's hard to see how even the buoyancy of their star power has helped. Which is something Naga and Charlie might do well to remember next time they're moaning about their toast.
The Irish Sun
07-08-2025
- The Irish Sun
Forgotten Big Brother star makes surprise comeback to screens after 12 years in unexpected show – did you recognise her?
A FORGOTTEN Big Brother star made a shock comeback to screens after 12 years. The show alum made history during her Big Brother stint over a decade ago. Advertisement 4 Viewers saw Jackie Travers on Big Brother back in 2013 Credit: Endemol 4 She appeared on the show alongside daughter Charlie Credit: Getty 4 Jackie is appearing in Channel 5's Rich Holiday Poor Holiday Credit: Channel 5 Jackie Travers entered the house in 2013 - when the show was still airing on Channel 5. Over a decade on, she has returned to screens in Channel 5's Rich Holiday Poor Holiday. The hit show's premise sees two polar opposite families jet off on trips abroad. But the twist is millionaires are forced to slum it on a budget break, while families on a low income enjoy a luxurious vacation. Advertisement As for Jackie, she and daughter Charlie were the first mother-daughter duo to compete in Big Brother. Having made her entrance on Day 2, Jackie was ultimately evicted on Day 37. In a memorable moment, she broke her wrist while doing star jumps and had to leave temporarily to go to A&E. While in hospital Jackie said she felt compelled to stick to the show's strict rules about having no contact with the outside world. Advertisement She recounted: 'I wasn't allowed to speak to anybody and I didn't. "I knew if I tried to I probably wouldn't be allowed back on the show. Will Best reveals huge Big Brother shake-up ahead of 25th anniversary as he opens up new series twists 'I didn't want to jeopardise anything so I didn't even dare to look at anybody or anything. 'I don't think I opened my mouth except for when the care team asked how my wrist was. It was like I had blinkers on.' Advertisement Charlie, however, remained until Day 68, where she placed fifth overall. Since her Big Brother stint, dance teacher Jackie has rubbed shoulders with Hollywood stars. Big Brother's Return Big Brother has returned to our screens. AJ Odudu and Will Best are hosting the much-loved show. The return of Big Brother marks a revival of one of the most iconic reality TV shows. The show will bring back its classic challenges and format, promising to entertain a new generation of viewers. AJ Odudu is set to bring her dynamic presenting style to the show, alongside co-host Will Best, ensuring a fresh and engaging viewing experience. AJ and Will are set to breathe new life into Big Brother, combining nostalgia with contemporary twists to captivate audiences once again. While working in the costume department for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, Jackie told us she mingled with celebrities including Alan Titchmarsh, Omid Djalili and Tom Cruise. She revealed to us in 2023: "When Tom arrived I was bowled over. It was the pinnacle of my career so far. Advertisement "Everyone was asking him for a selfie and I thought, 'I'm not going to miss out on this'. "I went to put my arm around him, but his bodyguard intervened and went 'No, no, no!' Despite that he was fantastic.
The Irish Sun
04-08-2025
- The Irish Sun
Nepo-baby looks exactly like her soap star mum – but can you guess who she is?
A NEPO BABY showed her strong resemblance to her soap star mum in her latest Instagram post. The 20-year-old, who has followed in her parent's actress footsteps, dolled up for a night out at a Grease-themed event. 6 A nepo-baby has stunned soap fans as she looks exactly like her TV star mum Credit: Instagram 6 The 20-year-old styled her hair into waves that resembled her mum's Credit: Instagram 6 Kiki Truman is the sole daughter of EastEnders star Charlie Brooks Credit: charlie_brooks_xx / Instagram Previously, EastEnders legend Charlie Brooks, 44, has gushed over her "beautiful" look-a-like daughter, Kiki. And the 20-year-old looked the spitting image of the Janine Butcher actress as she styled her hair into corkscrew curls similar to that of the BBC One soap character, complete with a pop of red lippie. She added a thick flick of black eyeliner and pulled on a leather jacket to complete her Sandy-inspired Grease movie look. Kiki, who describes her self as an actress working across London and Ibiza, has often delighted fans with her close resemblance to her mum. Actress Charlie shares her daughter with ex fiance Tony Truman and Kiki has previously starred in shows including The Dumping Ground and The Kennedys. She recently showed off her glam look while sporting a leopard-print headscarf. Meanwhile, Charlie first joined BBC soap EastEnders to play Janine in 1999, which she stayed as until she left the soap in May 2004. The actress has since rejoined and left the soap various times, including a long stint from April 2021. One of her most notable storylines included when Janine married Barry Evans, played by Shaun Williamson, for his money before pushing him off a cliff. STRONG BOND Earlier this year, Kiki was seen supporting her screen star mum in the Dancing On Ice audience. She was spotted sobbing following a particularly emotional routine - which had a very personal meaning. The skate itself was a celebration of the close bond between Charlie and her only child. Charlie and ITV show partner Eric Radford performed a dazzling routine to Adele's hit Someone Like You in shimmering black outfits. Previously, Charlie has described her daughter as her "biggest teacher" but admits she'd love "more cuddles". The iconic EastEnders villain wrote three years ago in an emotional social media post: "Happy 17th birthday little miss kiki. YOUR SEVENTEEN! Jesus Christ [sic]. "We are doing life aren't we?! Up and down and in and out. I wouldn't change it for the world. 'Well… I might wish for some more cuddles and the occasional cup of tea. "You have been my biggest teacher, and I love you more than you will ever know. On we go my little not so little girl xx." FAMILY FIRST Charlie and her now-ex fiancé Tony - an Ibiza nightclub owner - welcomed Kiki into the world in 2004. The couple split two years after their daughter's birth but have always remained really close. Last year, Charlie revealed that Tony even lived in a flat above her house and that they had spent Christmas Day together as a happy family - along with Charlie's then-boyfriend Ben Hollington. Speaking on Yahoo UK's White Wine Question Time podcast, she said: "My ex partner Ben, who I was with for five or six years, who's an amazing human being, you know, we woke up on Christmas Day together, all of us. "Tony would come down, we'd all get into bed and open the presents together with Kiki, cos she adores Ben." She added: "Then I was with Ben before that for five or six years, who was just really accepting. Tony absolutely adored him, we all went on holiday together. "Tony cried when me and Ben broke up. He actually cried." 6 She is best known for playing Janine Butcher on the BBC soap Credit: BBC 6 Charlie shares her daughter with ex Tony Truman Credit: Instagram
