Princess Andre addresses parents' bitter feud after dad Peter's bombshell claims
It's officially crunch time for the noughties' most iconic couple over 20 years since former glamour model Katie, 47, and Mysterious Girl hitmaker Peter, 52, fell in love on I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here in 2004.
After marrying in 2005, welcoming two children – Junior, 20, and Princess, 18 – and then divorcing four years later, relations turned sour for the former lovebirds.
Tensions have officially boiled over, as Pete took to social media last night with some rare stern words for his ex-wife.
Now Princess has addressed the sudden escalation on Snapchat during a Q&A after she was asked: 'Does it affect you even now when your mum and dad don't get on?'
The teen responded: 'To be honest it doesn't affect me. At the end of the day, they broke up when I was two years old so I don't even have any memory of them being together'
Over the top of the clip, Princess added: 'I love my mum and dad and that's all that matters.'
In his shock Instagram statement last night, Peter wrote: 'The latest comments about my children's welfare and living arrangements compel me to set the record straight.
'For well-documented reasons, and for their safety, Junior and Princess came into my care in 2018 and remained with me until they reached adulthood.
'In 2019, the family courts issued a legally binding order to enforce this arrangement. I have never made this public before, out of respect for my children.
'In 2011 and 2015, publicly documented court cases, found my ex-wife had made false claims. She was ordered to pay substantial damages and legal costs, and to apologise to me and my management. The same falsehoods are being repeated today.
'Unfortunately, there are many more lies and baseless accusations I have yet to address. Those will now be dealt with in the coming months.'
In a statement to Metro, Katie's representative said in response: 'Kate is in a much better and clear headspace and is at peace with the situation, this was in the past and she doesn't feel the need to bring up tit for tat comments, but more importantly she's dealing with this the right way and it's now in her lawyers hands.
'Kate will no longer be gaslighted and bullied as she once was…'
This comes after Katie slammed those producing Princess's debut reality ITV series, The Princess Diaries.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Chatting to her sister Sophie Price on her podcast, The Katie Price Show, the mum-of-five claimed to have been deliberately cut out of Princess' show because she wasn't good for the teen's brand. More Trending
'I want the best for Junior and Princess, and I would never get in the way of it,' she began.
Katie explained: 'But what hurts my feelings, and it does upset me, is when your kids grow up, you go to their assemblies, you go to their Christmas things, you go to their awards, you go to their football matches or gymnastics, you're involved in everything they do.
'And knowing that, what my career has been, Princess is taking that same path, trying to do the same as what I've done, which I absolutely love and adore [about] Princess.'
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
View More »
MORE: Katie Price's ex-husband Kieran Hayler apologises to Princess Andre
MORE: Princess Andre 'thought she'd be killed' with mum Katie during terrifying carjacking
MORE: Peter Andre left 'feeling sick' as daughter Princess, 18, reveals shocking messages from men
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
21 minutes ago
- Metro
Double exit story confirmed in Emmerdale as the walls close in on killer John
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) and his husband John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) make plans to leave Emmerdale in upcoming episodes, as each of them is struggling with a secret guilt. John carries a lot of guilt, obviously, what with him being responsible for the death of Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter), and for the death of a man called Owen he left to die and then framed for Nate's murder by writing a fake suicide note from him. Not to mention all the times he's drugged people or bashed them over the head and then 'rescued' them, just because he likes rescuing people and getting the glory for it. It's all quite a lot to deal with, and in episodes airing soon things start to spiral out of control. Liam (Jonny McPherson) is told by the police that they've found an inconsistency in the suicide note that was found with Owen's body and they're reopening the case, not satisfied any more that Owen really did kill Nate. John feels even more guilty when he sees what this news does to Nate's widow Tracy (Amy Walsh), someone he is actually fond of and who he wanted to protect by framing Owen. Meanwhile, Aaron is also feeling guilty, but for a wholly different reason. In a moment of passion, he and Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) sleep together. This happens as Robert hits a very low ebb, mainly caused by John's scheming to make him look bad in the eyes of his sister Victoria (Isabel Hodgins) and with Aaron. Aaron visits him and offers him sympathy, and then admits he's been keeping away from him because he still has feelings for him. One thing leads to another and they sleep together. More Trending Afterwards Aaron insists this was just a one-off and will never happen again, but Robert insists it's fate and they're meant to be together. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! In the wake of this, Aaron feels that the only way forward is for him and John to leave the village and make a fresh start. This idea suits John perfectly, as it gets him away from the Nate Robinson investigation being reopened. The two make plans to take an extended holiday, but before they leave John has one more move to make and we hear him making a chilling phone call. Could Robert be in danger? View More » MORE: The Emmerdale moment Robert and Aaron finally reunite in new spoiler video: 'I've missed you!' MORE: Terrified Mack begs for life in brutal Emmerdale trailer as killer John strikes again MORE: John makes a shocking accusation against Robert in early Emmerdale ITVX release
Metro
21 minutes ago
- Metro
Who is on Strictly Come Dancing 2025? Full list of contestants revealed
All 15 celebrities for the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 line-up have officially been confirmed. The BBC reality competition series hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman is back for another year of jaw-dropping dance routines and emotional journeys for our cohort of famed contestants. Strictly has had a difficult couple of years after pros Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima were removed from the show (and replaced) after behavioural accusations from former partners came out against them. Earlier this month, the long-running series came under scrutiny once more with reports that two stars had used cocaine, and one veteran worker had been offered drugs at a party. Meanwhile, beloved pro Gorka Marquez confirmed he would not be competing this year, much to everyone's devastation, but would make a cameo in some of the group performances. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Amid all changes, however, it remains one of the BBC's flagship shows with a fresh set of faces ready to take to the dance floor. So who is in the official 2025 line-up? Kristian Nairn is the 15th and final celebrity joining the dance competition. Kristian is best known for playing Hodor in Game of Thrones, but is also a DJ and recently played Wee John Feeney in two series of the HBO comedy Our Flag Means Death. The news was announced with the 14th contestant on Vernon Kay's BBC Radio 2 show on August 15, which was guest-hosted by Gary Davies. On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Kristian Nairn says: 'This will be a huge challenge for me physically, but I'm ready to rise to it! 'It's a surreal and wonderful opportunity to shed one of my left feet!' Karen Carney is the 14th celebrity to be announced for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The news was revealed on Vernon Kay's BBC Radio 2 show this morning, which was guest-hosted by Gary Davies. The star is a former footballer who is now the lead female pundit for both men's and women's football, across TNT and ITV. On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Karen said in a press release: 'It really is a dream come true to be a part of this year's Strictly Come Dancing line up. 'I'm such a huge fan of the show and I can't believe I'm finally getting the chance to take part. I'm so excited to meet everyone and get dancing!' Lorraine's very own US showbiz reporter Ross King was confirmed as the 13th contestant on the TV show. The star revealed the news on Friday morning on Lorraine, revealing he flew into the UK this morning to announce the news. 'My dear old mum used to always say, you know, 'you'll never know till you give it a go'. That was her expression. Just do your best. That's all you can do,' he told Ranvir Singh on the show. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video He added: 'Obviously, I'm never going to win, but if I'm like, the most improved, that's, if I can improve. I've been lucky. I've done musicals, but I don't dance. And, you know, I've been lucky that they put me in a routine and then they all dance around me and make me look good!' He added that he'd only really covered Scottish dancing before so couldn't say if he was looking forward to latin or ballroom more. On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Ross said in a press release: 'From the bright lights of Hollywood to the glittering ballroom – it's a dream come true to be part of such an iconic show. 'I can't wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes! Let's give this the best that I can! As my mum always said: 'You'll never know till you give it a go!'' Stefan Dennis, who's best known for playing Paul Robinson on the popular soap Neighbours, will be swapping the Australian beach for the ballroom. The actor, 66, was the twelfth celebrity to join the new series and the news was announced when he met his fellow dancer Vicky Pattison on the This Morning sofa. Sorry, the video was not found Stefan says he's signed up for the series because he's been looking for an opportunity to step out of his comfort zone in the world of television, adding he's 'looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.' While Stefan's best known for spending 40 years on Ramsay Street – appearing in 6,000 episodes of Neighbours – he's also appeared on a number of UK TV shows including The Bill, Dream Team, River City and Casualty as well as starring in the West End musical Blood Brothers. Vicky Pattison is the eleventh celebrity contestant announced to appear on the show, as announced on This Morning on August 14. The star is best known for appearing on Geordie Shore, but has made a name for herself since appearing on the show as a TV personality and presenter. The star admitted on the morning TV show that she's a 'drinker not a dancer', comparing herself to moves to a 'drunk aunty'. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Vicky commented: 'I'm absolutely buzzing to be part of this year's Strictly Come Dancing lineup… but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't terrified. 'I am not a natural dancer! However, it's such an amazing opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and to challenge myself in a completely new way, and I just really hope I don't make too much of a fool of myself!' This won't be the first competition series Vicky has appeared on after becoming Queen of the Jungle on I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2015, plus appearing on Celebrity MasterChef and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. Thomas Skinner is the tenth celebrity contestant confirmed to be part of the show, as confirmed on Hits Radio with Sam Thompson. The TV personality, social media star and businessman is best known for his appearances on The Apprentice. The star said he was delighted to be joining the show: 'I'm beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. I've tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff! 'I've never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I'm ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Skinner is a somewhat controversial pick after spending time with JD Vance, and his casting has been criticised by others in the media. The star shared snaps with the vice president at a beer-fuelled BBQ on Monday, captioning one post: 'Here is a pic of Me and Vice President @JDVance towards the end of the night after a few beers. 'I'm overdressed in my suit, but when the VP invites you to a BBQ, you don't risk turning up in shorts an flip-flops. Cracking night in the beautiful English countryside with JD, his friends and family. Once in a lifetime. Bosh'. Trailblazing model Ellie Goldstein has been announced as the ninth contestant on Strictly Come Dancing this year. She made history in 2023 as the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue. The news was announced on BBC Breakfast with Ellie saying: 'I'm absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros of Strictly Come Dancing this year. 'It's a show I've loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'I know it's going to be challenging, but I'm ready to do it with the glitter and glamour and make some magic on that dancefloor. Let the Strictly journey begin!' Some fans may also recognise her from CBBC's Mallory Towers where she plays a guest lead role. After showing off her dancing skills in the studio the disabliity campaigner told the hosts she was 'honoured and excited'. She has already declared her dream partner would be Nikita Kuzmin, saying she 'loves him so much' and even quipped her plan is to 'marry him'. The star is coming with some experience under her belt, explaining that she has regular dance lessons. Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw will join the Strictly Come Dancing cohort as the eighth celebrity. The sporting icon became captain at 23 years old, earning 66 caps for England and captaining the national team 43 times. In 2016 he led the team to a Six Nations Grand Slam victory. 'This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I'm hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can't wait to drag me along to her Zumba class. 'Let's see if a rugby sidestep works in the Cha Cha Cha,' he said. He confirmed her appearance on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2. It's not the first reality show he has competed on. He last appeared on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins but was forced to withdraw after an injury. Singer and 2024 RuPaul's Drag Race UK finalist La Voix is the seventh contestant sliding onto the dance floor. On joining Strictly Come Dancing, La Voix said: 'I've performed for royalty, RuPaul and Simon Cowell, but nothing fills me with more excitement (and quite a bit of terror) than the thought of dancing in front of millions on live Saturday night TV. 'Strictly is a national institution and I can't wait to get started. All that's left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here's hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.' She confirmed her appearance on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2. In fact, the entertainer is a force to be reckoned with on the reality TV stage, previously appearing on Queens for the Night and Queen of the Universe. Not only is she a Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist but she even has her own live show, La Voix meets, in which she interviews names like Dawn French and Joanna Lumley. The sixth and latest contestant twirling onto the ballroom will be George Clarke. George is known as George Clarkey online, where he is a YouTuber and social media star known to millions for his comedy content. He also co-hosts The Useless Hotline podcast. On joining Strictly, he said: 'Never thought I'd say this, but I'm doing Strictly! Honestly, I've got no idea what I'm doing but I'm excited to get stuck in and potentially fall over a fair bit.' George confirmed the news in an appearance on BBC Radio 1's Going Home Drivetime Show on Tuesday (August 12). When he was revealed as the sixth star, George joked: 'I feel like a lot of people will still be saying, who?' So how did he keep this a secret when he has a podcast? 'I was meant to be doing a marathon at the end of the month. Can't really do that, because I'm dancing. So I've had to be like, 'Oh God, I'm still training. I promise.'' Balvinder Sopal was confirmed as the latest celebrity to join Strictly Come Dancing on Tuesday morning during Good Morning Britain. Richard Arnold was in Walford to confirm that an EastEnders legend was joining the ranks. 'I can't stop butterflies. Every time I think about it, they just go, so, yeah,' the actress who plays Suki in the soap said. 'I dabbled a little bit. I did ballroom and Latin as a kind of hobby, and I really love it. And I think when you've got a passion for something, you're naturally kind of inclined to enjoy it. So I'll definitely enjoy it.' 'I don't know if I'll be any good!,' she added, saying she loved the drama of Latin dancing. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'It is about telling the story with your feet, with your body, and not speaking. So, you know, won't have to learn any lines, which would be great, but it'll be like learning a new language, I think!' she said. She confirmed she'd still be appearing on EastEnders during her stint, and wasn't sure how she'd hack it – but was excited to find out. She added that she thought her mother would be proud of her: 'This is her dream. Actually, I think she would have been extremely proud. So, yeah, hold mom's legacy.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The latest additions to the Strictly line-up were confirmed on Monday's instalment of The One Show, with the secret even kept from hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp. The BBC show confirmed three new names who will battle it out for the glitterball trophy, with Dani Dyer the first to walk out into the studio. How hard was it keeping this a secret? 'So hard,' Dani said on the show. 'Especially when there was speculation and stuff, people kept coming up to me, and I'm such a bad liar. I'm going to have to send so many apologies.' The 28-year-old reality star, and daughter of national treasure Danny Dyer, was rumoured to have signed a pre-show contract earlier this year. When asked what her parents made of the news, Dyer said they're 'so excited'. 'It's just such a fun, magical show,' she said, 'and to be asked to do it was just such an honour. So, yeah, they're just so excited for me.' She did admit she's nervous though. 'I think it's picking up the routines and being on live telly, it petrifies me. It's just the whole thing of being able to perform.' The training starts now! Next up on The One Show was Alex Kingston, who tuned in from a holiday in Italy to confirm she had signed up for the Strictly ballroom. The 62-year-old actor, who played River Song on Doctor Who (aka The Doctor's wife) opposite three Doctors on screen, was one of the names rumoured to be involved ahead of the line-up announcements this week. 'I was super excited, and now I actually am terrified,' she told the programme. Speaking about why she decided to take the plunge, Alex said it was 2024 contestant and fellow actor Sarah Hadland who convinced her. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'In 2019 I did a play with Sarah Hadland and we both admitted that we desperately wanted to be in Strictly,' she told hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp. 'When I then saw Sarah performing last year, I just thought, she's done it, and not only has she done it, she went all the way. 'I reached out and just asked her what her experience of having been part of the show was, and she was really honest with me about how hard it is, how overwhelming it can be, but also how it absolutely changed her life, and she would do it again in a heartbeat. 'It just gave me the chance to make the decision for myself as to whether I wanted to go for it. And I just thought, I'm in my 60s, just go for it.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was the third contestant to appear on The One Show, confirming he will be swapping the pitch for the ballroom. Alex Jones in the BBC One studio was clearly in shock when he appeared, saying she didn't think he would ever agree to it. The ex pro footballer said his four daughters were part of the reason he decided to sign on up to the show. The 53-year-old said from the red studio sofa: 'A few years ago, I would say the same, but I'm a father of all girls, and Strictly is part of our home life. I've got into it. I like the show, and let's have a go. 'Honestly, I have no idea what to expect. I have a little bit of rhythm.' Jimmy played for clubs including Leeds United, Atlético Madrid and Chelsea, carving out a prolific goal-scoring career in the Premier League and across Europe. Since retiring, Jimmy has become a familiar face in football punditry as well as a football club manager of clubs including Burton Albion and Northampton Town. He also served as an assistant coach for the England national team. Olympian and star of BBC's Gladiators, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, was the first famous face confirmed to be gracing the Strictly ballroom this autumn. The TV personality already took part in last year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special with pro-partner Nancy Xu and now he is back for round two. 'After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! I'm so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I'm ready to give it all I've got. 'I'll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let's hope I'm as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track,' he said in a statement. The multi-gold-medal-winning Team GB sprinter was announced as Nitro in the high-stakes BBC gameshow in 2023. He will no doubt be bringing all his skills to the dance floor. More Trending If there is one thing Harry is used to, it's being the best of the best, not only competing at the 2016 Rio Olympics but also securing the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award in 2005 aged 17. Not to mention being a three-time European champion and two-time Commonwealth champion. So he'll be a force to be reckoned with on the dancefloor. Strictly Come Dancing returns on September 20, 2025, a week later than its usual start date. A version of this article was originally published on August 11. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: What is Gary Lineker doing now? TV future after Match of the Day 'confirmed' MORE: This bestselling Nobody's Child dress has sold over 32,000 times – and we want one in every colour MORE: BBC show that 'cost £30,000,000 axed after just one season'
Metro
21 minutes ago
- Metro
Stand-up comedians are being eclipsed by a genre that's about to explode
I've just spent a week as a critic at the Edinburgh Fringe, and there's excitement in the air that's got nothing to do with stand-up comedy. Story-telling stand-up is about to be toppled off its live comedy throne after decades of domination by a genre that's about to explode: character comedy. For the purposes of this article, by stand-up comedy I mean when a person tells anecdotes and makes jokes on stage as themselves, if not a slightly heightened version of them; think the likes of Katherine Ryan, Michael McIntyre, Peter Kay, and pretty much all the biggest household names in British comedy. Character comedy, on the other hand, is when a comedian plays a character that is more than just an amplified version of themselves. Instead, they are embodying an alter-ego or someone completely different. On TV, character comedians have already boomed, of course, with Steve Coogan's Alan Partridge, Diane Morgan's Philomena Cunk and all the sitcom characters in between, like Lolly Adefope's many faces, not to mention Mr Bean. But in the live comedy world, this alternative scene is fizzing with unexploded talent. Last year, character comedian Joe Kent-Walters sold out his Edinburgh Fringe run with his disturbing but hilarious alter-ego Frankie Monroe and with buckets of five-star reviews won best newcomer at the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Awards. This year, character comedian Lorna Rose Treen's 24 Hour Diner People is one of this year's most-hyped Fringe shows. Just a week in and Lorna's hour was fully sold out, and she's even bagged herself a run at Soho Theatre in September: a spot that's every Edinburgh Fringe comedian's dream. 24 Hour Diner people is a delightfully daft romp into Lorna's bonkers imagination, with a satisfying structure and plenty of laughs. It introduces characters in an American diner – a long-armed trucker, a horny teenager, and a heist plotter – with chaotic momentum and clever transitions. While Lorna's characters are brilliantly ticklish, some lack specificity and depth that would transition this show from appreciative laughs into belly-cackle territory. Nevertheless, I can't wait to see what Lorna does next. She's an absolute hoot, and 24 Hour Diner People is an exciting example of what can happen when comedians aren't afraid to experiment and run with their wildest dreams. 'I've only been going for three and a half years… I think part of my early success was because I was doing something so different,' Lorna says in a pre-Fringe chat with Metro. She too is convinced character comedy is having a moment. 'I'm really excited to see so much character comedy coming back and bubbling up,' Lorna says, pointing to the new Soho Theatre Character Comedy Development Lab, which has been set up to hone acts on the circuit. 'It's been really cool to have that place for people to start off. Because when I was starting, I didn't really have anywhere to go,' she says. Lorna reckons outside the clowning and drag world – of which there are many weird and wonderful characters to behold – there are just around 30 character comedians of her generation on the UK circuit right now. 'It's harder to fill a lineup with character comics,' Archie Henderson-Cleland, who you may know as his alter-ego Jazz Emu, agrees in a chat with us, while pondering why character comedians have lagged behind stand-ups in live spaces. But the industry is gagging for character comedy, even if audiences haven't quite caught up with it. 'Characters are still the alternative at the Fringe, but quite often they've been the ones that have gone on to make a really successful sitcom,' Archie says. Lorna agrees: 'In the last three years, the TV industry has now said they only want laugh-out-loud comedy [as opposed to comedy dramas]. So that's great, because that's really turned in my favour.' Rory Marshall is a relative newbie on the scene, having started posting skits in character online during lockdown. He didn't know anyone in the comedy industry, but when producers got in touch, Rory thought he'd give live shows a whirl at The Moth Club in Hackney. Rory Marshall is making his Edinburgh Fringe debut with the brilliant Pathetic Little Characters. The expert hour sees Rory embody a number of everyday men – all of which had the crowd roaring in recognition. With the stage presence of a seasoned pro, Rory delivers male characters we've all met, but have never deeply thought about until now. Through an hour of surprising comedy – I laughed so loud it was almost embarrassing – he dissects these Pathetic Little Characters and stitches them back together with genius precision. Although he perhaps didn't mean them to be, Rory's characters are also a vital and satisfying study into the male psyche and its flaws – some sympathetic, some not so much – which he invites everyone to laugh at with Partridge-esque gusto. We should all be keeping a very close eye on Rory Marshall – because he's about to blow up. Rory was 'really nervous' about doing his characters on stage for the first time, but found The Moth Club a welcoming space with a comedy-tuned audience. But when he tried a regular stand-up comedy gig, things didn't work out quite so well. 'I did this bit in character and there was not one laugh. It was 10 minutes to go, and I was thinking, 'What on earth am I going to do here?'' Rory remembers. Archie agrees. He did a lot of stand-up comedy gigs as Jazz Emu in character and it was 'much harder' than at alternative nights – which I'm told 'come and go' (they tend to blaze bright and die soon after of financial stress). Now he only performs at the more left-field nights. 'I love silliness, and I love escapism. I love all this stuff. And I actually think it's really nice for people to have some distraction when everything is very heavy,' says Archie, while acknowledging this is a privileged position to be in. While character comedy can be pure daftness, it's also another way in to talk about and highlight important issues, albeit less obviously so than a comedian telling jokes about their trauma on stage. 'I think it's such a miserable time in the world,' says Lorna. 'It's hard to be a woman in comedy. It's hard to be a woman doing anything really, especially right now. 'That's where I feel like my power is, to be a woman making absurd stuff feels quite political.' For Rory, whose characters nail little quirks I didn't identify in men before I saw him perform them, he is not actively trying to be political. But exploring masculinity in any form in 2025 kind of… is. 'When you see a man who is uncomfortable in a situation, I find it fascinating to look at how he feels, or how he's perceived, and then how that makes him act,' he explains. What makes character comedians so exciting in 2025 isn't any political or social trend they are peddling, though. It's simply that these performers are endlessly creative and bold enough to commit to 'the bit' – however left-field. 'Character comedians are so creative in the way they're like, 'I'm going to try this, which I wrote yesterday. I have very little faith in it. It's quite daring, quite sort of risky,'' observes Rory. In terms of looking for their – deep breath, 'big break' – character comedians are navigating a wilder, less-trodden path than stand-up comedians. And that's sort of freeing. With the Edinburgh Fringe comes huge pressures for stand-up comedians, who are known to have been made and broken on its cobbled streets. This long history mounts pressure onto each joke, moment and show. There's less room for risk-taking for young comics. More Trending 'I think there's more trust in the process and the craziness of it with character comedy,' Rory says. 'It's at the back of everyone's mind that there could be a casting person in the audience or something. But I think the thing I've noticed is that there's just a love for the creativity of it.' While Archie was nervous to become eccentric, annoying Jazz on stage, he had to do it. 'There are still people that find it annoying and cartoony,' laughs Jazz. 'But this is what I would want to watch, so I thought I'll just do that.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Beloved Scottish comedian Gary Little dies aged 61 MORE: Comedian Milton Jones shares prostate cancer update after 'dark moments' post-surgery MORE: Comedian Milton Jones gives major prostate cancer update after cancelling tour
