Pete Wicks documentary increases footfall at dog centre
Wicks learnt about the rehoming process in the documentary, as well as getting involved with weighing newborn puppies."The effort that the staff go through to find these dogs a new home - and Pete shining a light on that for us has been amazing - and I think it's helped people recognise what we do here," said Ms Cooper.The four-episode dog-umentary was aired on the free-to-air channel U&W, and U, from 7 January.
The trust has been in Basildon for 11 years. Last year it said it rehomed 500 dogs and now has 70 dogs in its care.Wicks previously said: "I hope the viewers get a real insight to the life and stories of these wonderful dogs, and the heroes and volunteers who care for them day in day out."The Dog's Trust ambassador visited the charity's sites at Harefield in west London, Leeds, and Ballymena in Northern Ireland.Wicks adopted his first rescue dog when he was 19.
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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Jess Wright always in 'doubt' over her success as she's compared to brother Mark
Former TOWIE star Jess Wright candidly admits to comparing her success to her famous brother Mark and her other siblings as she often doubts if she's 'doing well enough' Reality TV star Jess Wright has revealed that she constantly doubts her own success when comparing her career to that of her brother Mark Wright. Jess first shot to fame when she appeared on The Only Way Is Essex back in 2010 and has managed to secure a number of career successes since leaving the show the show. But due to the harsh nature of the TV industry, the star claims that she is constantly worrying if she is doing as well as her famous sibling, who co-hosts his Heart radio show alongside singer, Olly Murs. This comes after John Torode's wife Lisa Faulkner breaks her silence after his MasterChef sacking. In a recent interview, Jess said: "I'm quite driven by my family. Everyone is really ambitious and, obviously, Mark's really successful. Joshua is successful in what he does. Natalya's smashing it with her stuff. So you're always like: "God, am I doing enough?" I'm really hard on myself. I always think I'm not doing well enough." Opening up to The Sun in one of her most candid chats to date, she revealed that she often wakes up in the morning "thinking about my career." Having had a long stint within TV, Jess went on to say that she is aware of all the new faces that are coming through thanks to shows including Love Island. And TV bosses are always looking for the next big thing. But Jess is now set to join Jack Osbourne, Natalie Cassidy and Ekin-Su Cülcüloglu as they star in Cooking With The Stars, which is set to air later this evening. And while she is set to compete on a cooking show, it has also been reported that Mark, who recently became a father for the first time, is also rumoured to be appearing on Celebrity Bake Off. If the rumours are to be believed, Mark will join Molly-Mae Hague and JoJo Siwa. A source informed the publication: "Mark has had his hands full being a new dad but he found time to film for the new series of Celebrity Bake Off. It's a cause close to Mark's heart as it's all for the Stand Up Cancer charity and he is a big fan of the show. " They added: "It won't air until next year so fans will have to wait a good few months to find out how he fares in the tent." Despite being a father for the first time, it seems as though both he and Michelle Keegan have taken to parenthood with ease. When speaking about her brother as a dad, Jess told OK!: "Obviously now we've got Palma who is going to fit right in. She's adorable! They all absolutely love spending time with each other and Palma is an angel. She's so beautiful and sweet. The boys love her and are very gentle with her." She added: "It's lovely seeing [Mark and Michelle] as parents, I knew they would be incredible parents and they are. We're always with each other anyway and we tell each other little bits - there's always room to help each other out when you have babies. It's all such new territory."
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Jess Wright on Michelle Keegan's daughter ‘princess' Palma, her son's shock diagnosis & THAT poisonous family rivalry
Family squabbles, sibling rivalry and why she had a breast reduction – Jessica Wright opens up exclusively to Fabulous BEING part of a big (and successful) family is not always easy. Having high-achieving siblings often means you feel like you are being left behind – and no one knows that more than Jessica Wright. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Jess Wright on how becoming parents has changed her relationship with brother Mark, and why she regrets her boob job Credit: Mark Hayman 10 Jess said: 'We've done well for ourselves as a family, so why try to tear us down?' Credit: Mark Hayman The 39-year-old rose to fame as an original member of The Only Way Is Essex cast in October 2010, alongside brother Mark, 38. Then there's youngest brother Josh, 35, who is a former professional footballer turned manager, and 24-year-old sister Natalya, who has a burgeoning career as an influencer. And of course, there's Mark's wife and Jessica's sister-in-law Michelle Keegan in the mix, too. So, it's no surprise she feels more pressure than most. 'I'm quite driven by my family,' she admits. 'Everyone is really ambitious [laughs]. And, obviously, Mark's really successful. Joshua is successful in what he does. Natalya's smashing it with her stuff. So you're always like: 'God, am I doing enough?' I'm really hard on myself. I always think I'm not doing well enough. We've done well for ourselves as a family, so why try to tear us down? Jessica Wright 'I wake up in the morning thinking about my career. This industry is tough, TV is really hard to come by these days. You've got these new characters coming into the industry all the time. I have to remind myself that I've had 15 years in the public eye and I'm still working.' That's why Jessica was thrilled to be asked to appear on ITV's Cooking With The Stars, which starts tonight, alongside Jack Osbourne, Natalie Cassidy and Ekin-Su Cülcüloglu. 'It was absolutely brilliant. There was a really cool gang of people and a real mix of characters. It was a pressure cooker of celebs, chefs and the dynamics of it all – and I loved it. I learned loads.' Despite the drive from all the Wrights to succeed, anyone who knows them personally will have witnessed how tight-knit they are. It's why Jessica has been so hurt by reports of a secret hierarchy with them and other stars in Essex, as well as rumours of a poisonous rivalry within her own family. Natalya Wright: Living the Luxe Life 'That really upset us all,' she says. 'Of course we have squabbles, but what family doesn't? We all love each other. It was very bizarre. I don't really get it. 'We are so not that family. We keep to ourselves. We don't want to be those people who interfere with anyone else. We're very friendly around the village [where they live near Ongar]. People know us from living there, not because we're famous. We work really hard to be good people and just be us. 'We've really been through s**t in our past and we've come out the other side. We've done well for ourselves, so why try to tear us down?' My mum wasn't the best at being on camera. She was new to it and would just go along with things Jessica Wright With the rise of old clips of TOWIE on TikTok, they have also been criticised for their previous behaviour on the show, especially that of the family matriarch Carol Wright, in particular when she appeared to roll her eyes at Mark's ex, Lauren Goodger. 'Mum got a bashing on the TOWIE stuff,' she says. 'Obviously, people are siding with whatever. My mum is the best person. She's absolutely hilarious. She's the life and soul of every party. She cares about everyone and that's what the saddest thing was, because she really did look after everyone involved in all those situations. But she never got the credit for it. My mum wasn't the best at being on camera. She was new to it and would just go along with things. 10 Jessica is tight-knit with her family, including brothers Mark and Josh and sister Natalya 'We're talking about editing to make a drama TV show, and it was 15 years ago. This is not me passing blame on to ITV, by the way. They made a freaking great show. I wouldn't change any of it. They did brilliantly. But everything is an extension of what is reality. I get sent those TikToks by friends saying: 'Look at the comments'. 'Do people really think this was real?' she sighs. 'It was real, but it wasn't. It was drama being made out of reality. We would never have even had those conversations with the people if it wasn't for being on the TV show. That's how they're made.' It seems, though, that the criticism has made the family stronger. 'We are really thick-skinned, and in the end we're like: 'Whatever'. If that's what you think of us, that's what you think of us. We couldn't care less. As long as we're happy and we've got our family and we're working, that's all we care about. Honestly, I've got too much to worry about in life.' It had been a year since Presley was diagnosed and I was grieving a lot Jessica Wright Jessica really has had more to worry about. Her son, Presley, three – who she shares with her husband of three years, businessman William Lee-Kemp – has been diagnosed with a rare congenital heart disease, which means the toddler will need major surgery at some point. Having a bicuspid aortic valve means that the valve that controls blood flow from the heart has only two flaps instead of the normal three. It affects only 1% of the population and Jess says the diagnosis came as a 'complete shock'. Presley has to have regular checks. 'It's every four months now, whereas before it was every two months, as their heart grows at a slower rate as they get older. The checks being less frequent helps, as it's really stressful and we don't know how each check is going to go. It all depends on how his heart's growing. So it can be at any point [the surgery is needed].' The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breath and dizziness, and for Jessica, the prospect of her child suffering was unbearable. It all came to a head, she says, while filming the ITV show. 'When I was filming Cooking With The Stars, it had been a year since he was diagnosed and I was grieving a lot. I was enjoying doing the show, but behind the scenes I wasn't in a very good place. It was really difficult for me, because there were long hours on set. "As well as the emotional aspect of it, I was always worrying about being voted out and how I was being judged by the chefs. So, there was all this pressure of me wanting to do well on the show, but then just processing everything that had happened with Presley as well. 10 Jess with husband William and their son Presley 10 Jess said: 'It had been a year since Presley was diagnosed and I was grieving a lot' Credit: Mark Hayman 'I don't think anyone would've realised what was going on with me, as I tried to keep it all in. But one night I was staying at the hotel with everyone after filming and I broke down. I was in a really bad way, but I was so embarrassed because I worried: 'What must these people think of me?' 'Luckily everyone was so nice. It was a couple of chefs and a couple of celebs. They were all really supportive, especially Natalie Cassidy. She was so kind and said: 'Of course you are crying. It is horrendous what you are going through.' I'd watched her for years on EastEnders. She's the best. 'There was a big cloud over me, but after that it kind of lifted and I felt fine. It shows your frame of mind can really change how you are feeling.' I'm really proud of Arg for facing his addictions Jessica Wright Jessica, who previously opened up to Fabulous about battling postnatal depression when Presley was born, has struggled with depression her whole life. 'I probably should have a therapist,' she admits. 'Doctors recommend therapy when you get a diagnosis like this. I haven't done that yet. I did reach out to one, but I feel better now so I don't want to go and sit and cry for an hour. I don't want to go back there again. But I've had to admit to myself that my depression is quite severe. But I've been on antidepressants for 15 years and I know I have to look after myself.' Jess and her family have always been supportive of other people's struggles, too. The family has rallied around close friend James 'Arg' Argent. The 37-year-old reality star was convicted of a domestic violence charge against his now ex-girlfriend Nicoline Artursson, 32. The Sun revealed he had shoved her down steps during a heated row outside her apartment in Spain in May. He was handed a six-month suspended prison sentence and issued with a two-year restraining order against Nicoline. 10 Michelle and Jess back in 2018 Credit: Rex Features 10 Michelle sharing photos from her first Mother's Day with baby Palma Credit: Instagram/@michkeegan The whole family, including Jess, Mark and Michelle, went to Andalusia in Spain with him last month. Jessica says: 'I've known Arg for a long time and I'm really proud of him for facing his addictions and coming out the other side. But I don't know all the ins and outs of what's been going on and it's not really for me to comment on.' Michelle is amazing. She took to it straight away and we always knew she would Jessica Wright Meanwhile, she has a new family member to attend to – Mark and Michelle welcomed daughter Palma in March. Jessica's brother Josh has two sons, so the family are pleased to have a baby girl. 'The cousins absolutely adore her. The three boys are so energetic, but they're so gentle with her. She's giggling now, it's really sweet. They are a little group and she's the little princess, as she's the only girl. 'Mark's always been really good with the boys. He loves his nephews so much, and Michelle does of course. He's really in his element and loving being a dad. Michelle is amazing. She took to it straight away and we always knew she would. 'The relationship between Mark and me is still the same. We're still critical of each other [laughs] but it's really good. We do more kiddy stuff now and are always getting together on the weekends at one of our houses.' 10 On TOWIE with James Argent and Lydia Bright Credit: SUPPLIED BY That said, the family don't hold back in one particular area. 'There's judgement of meals if you host. Everyone slates it going: 'This bit is good, this bit is bad.' My presentation is not the best, but it always tastes good! We send pictures of our dinners to each other all the time. If it's not that then the family group chat is all pictures and videos of the kids.' And thankfully, they've got mum Carol on hand to help out with childcare. 'My mum has Presley sometimes, but he goes to nursery now. Last week, she had the two boys [Josh's sons] for one day, Palma for two days because Michelle and Mark were both working. And then she had Presley for an afternoon. She was back to back with the grandkids. And I was like: 'You wanted it. . .!' I feel like as you get older, the people that you're close to really goes down Jessica Wright The Wrights are famous for their knees-ups and there is one in the diary for September when Jessica hits the big 4-0. 'I've been a nightmare with plans,' she says. 'I've got an issue with committing to anything in the future. My sister has been badgering me as she wants to arrange it. 'I think we are going to go away for the weekend – all the couples and my sister somewhere in Europe – but then we'll do something in London as well. I don't want a big marquee with 150 people, I'd rather just have my family and some close friends. 'I feel like as you get older, the people that you're close to really goes down. I don't want to throw a party for loads of people that I barely see. But it is a big milestone, so I don't want to make the wrong decision and regret it.' Jessica looks even better now than when she burst on to our screens 15 years ago, but does she worry about ageing? 'There's so much you can do to to de-age you now that's non-invasive. I do all the fads. I've succumbed to the castor oil pack over my stomach. It's supposed to debloat you. Then I bought mouth tape and I want to try putting scar plasters on my wrinkles, too. Though I have all the good ideas, but don't actually do them. 'I have Botox and then I'll do non-invasive lasers. I've noticed I've been getting spots which I never used to get and I'm like: 'Is that because I'm turning 40?'' Jessica also had a breast reduction last year – her boob job, which boosted her to 32DD, was filmed for TOWIE in 2011. 10 Jess with her fellow Coking With The Stars cast Credit: Getty 10 Jess has frozen embryos and hopes to have another baby in the future Credit: Jessica Wright/Instagram What is a bicuspid aortic valve? A bicuspid aortic valve is a congenital condition where the aortic valve has only two flaps instead of the usual three. The aortic valve is a one-way valve which prevents blood coming back into the heart once it has been pumped out to the body. This is usually made of three leaflets, which open and close as the blood is pumped out. However, approximately one to two per cent of people have valves with just two leaflets, known as a bicuspid aortic valve. These valves can often function well throughout a person's life, but the valve can become narrow or leak as they get older. This can leave people at risk of infection in the heart, endocarditis. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, and palpitations - although some people may not experience any. A doctor may hear a swishing sound when using a stethoscope on a patient. The condition is usually diagnosed via an ultrasound scan (echocardiogram), and the valve will need regular monitoring to ensure it is continuing to function well. Children with a bicuspid aortic valve, which do not have narrowing or a leak, do not need to be restricted in terms of their activity or exercise. 'I've taken my implants out, so I'm all natural now [laughs], well apart from my eyelashes, fake tan and hair extensions. 'My sister wouldn't do a thing. My mum can get the hump when she has eyelash extensions or her brows laminated. That's about as far as she goes, but then she doesn't need to. Just look at her, she was born with it all – beautiful. I wasn't. My siblings are the athletically built ones. I've got to work for it. And I like wine too much.' If I could go back in time and not have my boobs done, I would Jessica Wright Does she regret having her boobs done? 'When I was in my 20s it was all about big boobs. If I could go back in time and not have them done I would. However, when I got into the public eye, I was pictured a lot in bikinis and I felt more confident with my boobs being bigger then, and felt sexier. Whereas now I feel like I hate spilling out of a bikini.' And being from such a big family, does Jessica hope to give Presley a brother or sister one day? 'We've frozen our embryos and I would love one day to have a sibling for Presley. But it scares the life out of me. I'm not afraid to admit that. It's not just the lack of sleep, but the emotional turmoil of worrying they're going to be OK. 'I'm also so ambitious and I want to do so much more in my career. I've realised, no matter how much I try, mums can't do it all. I've changed a lot in the last 15 years. Getting older, being married and having a baby humbles you. I've realised what is important. I want to focus on that.'
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
ITV star eyes up Blind Date presenter role as Disney+ reboot confirmed after six years
EXCLUSIVE: Blind Date is returning to television screens for the first time in six years and former TOWIE star Bobby Norris is set to host the rebooted matchmaking show Former The Only Way Is Essex star Bobby Norris has put himself forward to host the reboot of Blind Date. It has been confirmed that Disney+ is bringing back the iconic matchmaking show reimagined for a contemporary audience. The new series will begin in a secret location where contestants must choose between three potential suitors hidden from view behind the legendary Blind Date wall, the only thing standing between them and their potential true love just metres away. With a host of unique, innovative and head-turning format twists, daters will see if forever love can truly grow as they spend the summer living together but potential new partners are always lurking behind the wall. The 10-part series will start production later this year and reality TV regular Bobby, who appeared in TOWIE from 2012 until 2021, is up for fronting the show. Speaking in an exclusive chat during a shoot with WhichBingo, presenter Bobby said: "Bobby's Blind Date. " Paul O'Grady and Cilla Black were legends so they're big shoes to fill but I think we could do it." Blind Date originally ran with Cilla as host on Saturday nights from November 30 1985 to May 31 2003 on ITV. The show returned in 2017 on Channel 5 with Paul presenting the revived programme until it ended in 2019. Melanie Sykes became the new voice of the show, taking over the role most famously held by Graham Skidmore in the original series. The show had a format similar to the series known in Australia as Perfect Match or in the US as The Dating Game. Three singles of the same sex were introduced to the audience and were then asked a question by a single individual of the opposite sex, who could hear but not see them, to choose with whom to go on a date. The couple then picked an envelope naming their destination and the following episode showed the couple on their date, as well as interviews with them about the date and each other. Locations ranged from Bognor Regis or a date in an ice cream factory, to Anguilla or the Maldives.
