logo
EastEnders star Ricky Champ's wife rushed to hospital after complications

EastEnders star Ricky Champ's wife rushed to hospital after complications

Metro2 days ago
EastEnders star Ricky Champ's wife has been hospitalised after suffering complications to a pre-existing health issue.
The actor, 45, who played Stuart Highway in the BBC soap between 2018 and 2022, has been married to influencer Sammy Gilbert for nine years.
Together they share two children – a daughter named Beatrix and a son named River.
Taking to Instagram this weekend, Sammy told her followers that she was unable to see out of her eyes as a result of them being swollen.
'What is the absolute one thing you don't need to happen the day before you fly to Disney when you need to go shopping/pack/clean/do washing,' she questioned.
'Oh that's right, wake up with your lips so swollen you can't speak and eyes swollen shut so you're in A&E at 7am.'
'One of the side effects of my gallstones and liver is severe hives all over my body every single morning that go away by bedtime then I wake up and it starts all over again.
'Something due to the toxins etc (still not considered urgent though, still been told need to wait a year + for an op).'
Sammy then shared a number of pictures of her eyes and mouth, which were clearly swollen.
Ricky left the show alongside on-screen wife Tanya Franks, who played Rainie Cross, who staged a comeback for his final scenes.
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!
Towards the end of his time in the Square, Stuart struggled with postnatal depression following the birth of his son Roland, all the while battling breast cancer. More Trending
Stuart and Rainie reunited after a tough period in their marriage, and resolved to start afresh outside of Walford.
The duo stole a hearse from Jay and rode out of Walford in a way that only Rainie and Stuart could have, saying goodbye to their loved ones in emotional scenes.
View More »
He's since appeared in controversial ITV sitcom Piglets, and became one of many former soap stars to appear in 2:22 A Ghost Story.
MORE: EastEnders legend Sam Womack lands major new role worlds away from Ronnie Mitchell
MORE: EastEnders legends reunite for night out ahead of major character's return after 20 years
MORE: Emmerdale celebrates the Lionesses' Euros victory with last minute special scene
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Theatre school founder and ‘true visionary' Sylvia Young dies aged 86
Theatre school founder and ‘true visionary' Sylvia Young dies aged 86

Leader Live

time25 minutes ago

  • Leader Live

Theatre school founder and ‘true visionary' Sylvia Young dies aged 86

Her daughters Alison and Frances Ruffelle said it was with 'great sadness' that they confirmed the death of their mother – who 'passed away peacefully' on Wednesday, in a statement posted on the Sylvia Young Agency Instagram account. Their statement read: 'Our mum was a true visionary, she gave young people from all walks of life the chance to pursue their performing arts skills to the highest standard. A post shared by Sylvia Young Agency (@sylviayoungagency) 'Her rare ability to recognise raw talent and encourage all her students contributed to the richness of today's theatre and music world, even winning herself an Olivier Award along the way. 'She believed hard work with a bit of luck brought success, and she was an example of that herself. She leaves as her legacy a wealth of brilliant performers, a thriving school bearing her name, and a priceless place in the nation's heart.' The Sylvia Young Theatre School, which was established in 1972 offering full-time and part-time courses, produced a wide range of stars from singers such as Dua Lipa and Rita Ora, to actors such as Doctor Who's Billie Piper and Nosferatu's Nicholas Hoult. Young's daughters added: 'Above all she leaves the memory of an East End girl who worked hard to achieve her goals, took hold of life, and lived it to the full. 'Her family were everything to her, her wonderful husband, our dad, Norman and her grandchildren Eliza, Nat, Felix and Coral plus her great grandson Rex. 'We share her love with her wide and inclusive family, her friends, her students. You all meant the world to her. 'We will miss her so very much.' McFly star Tom Fletcher met his wife, podcaster and presenter Giovanna Fletcher, at the school, which they attended from the age of 13, with Young attending their wedding. In a tribute, Giovanna posted on Instagram: 'My life would not be what it is without Sylvia Young. 'I remember watching Sylvia on Live And Kicking when I was 12 years old, she was talking about her school and all the fun they had there. 'I phoned up for a brochure and applied for a scholarship without telling my mum and dad, I didn't get the scholarship, but I got a place with a 'deal' attached because Sylvia wanted me there – something I quickly learned the majority of the 140 students had.' A post shared by Giovanna Fletcher (@mrsgifletcher) She continued: 'I loved sitting in Sylvia's office and watching her work. 'She was meticulous, she knew what every child was up to and how to get the best out of everyone, she was devoted to helping her kids and I know how much she cared for each of us. Sometimes she cared when others didn't – helping some incredible talent flourish in the process. 'No-one ever wanted to upset Sylvia and that's not because she would get angry and shout, quite the opposite, Sylvia's disapproval was enough – because we all knew how lucky we were to be at that school, doing what we loved. We all wanted to impress her, and that never stopped.' In a comment on Young's daughters' social media post, actress Bonnie Langford added: 'Such sad news, Sylvia was such an inspiring, kind and generous person. 'She made a difference to so many and will be missed by so many, love to all the family and all those who she made feel were her family. Heartfelt condolences to you Frances and Alison and to Stephen and all the team.' Radio presenter Tony Blackburn, who was a friend of Young, also paid tribute in a post on X. So sorry to hear Sylvia Young has passed away. She founded the Sylvia Young Theatre School which has been responsible for starting so many careers in TV and Theatre. She was a very lovely lady who I have had the privilege of knowing for many years. She will be sadly missed. R.I.P… — Tony Blackburn OBE. (@tonyblackburn) July 30, 2025 He said: 'So sorry to hear Sylvia Young has passed away, she founded the Sylvia Young Theatre School which has been responsible for starting so many careers in TV and Theatre. 'She was a very lovely lady who I have had the privilege of knowing for many years. She will be sadly missed.' Elsewhere, The Wanted's Nathan Sykes, who attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School, said he was 'absolutely devastated' in a social media post. Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre co-chief executive Claire Walker told the PA news agency: 'Sylvia Young was a stalwart champion for drama and music training as well as creative education more widely. 'Her decades of work in our industry were rightly celebrated with a Special Recognition Olivier Award in 2022. 'Her legacy lives on in the hundreds of Sylvia Young Theatre School alumni who have graced stages across the UK. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and former students' Absolutely devastated. Rest in peace, Sylvia Young — Nathan Sykes (@NathanSykes) July 30, 2025 In her honour, theatre producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh will be dimming the lights at the Gielgud Theatre on Thursday evening. He told PA: 'Sylvia Young has been a force of nature and legend in British showbusiness for so long that it seems impossible to take in that she is no longer with us. 'Sylvia was a pioneer who became a caring but formidable children's agent who then went on to found the top drama school for young performers. She has had a profound influence on the character and discipline of generations of new young talent. 'The show that proved the greatest showcase for the young actors she discovered and nurtured is undoubtedly Oliver! which has featured hundreds of her students over the years, including several in our current London company. 'For many decades we have all been indebted to her indefatigable enthusiasm, perceptive eye and prodigious output of talent – we have always considered Sylvia to be part of the family as she has always done everything for us.' Young was the subject of an episode of This Is Your Life in 1998, and was appointed an Officer Of The Order Of The British Empire (OBE) in 2005 for her services to the arts. She married Norman Ruffelle in London in 1961, and is the grandmother of singer Eliza Doolittle.

The scene in new David Attenborough series predicted to haunt parents
The scene in new David Attenborough series predicted to haunt parents

The Independent

time25 minutes ago

  • The Independent

The scene in new David Attenborough series predicted to haunt parents

Sir David Attenborough was left "horrified" by footage of spiders hunting and devouring their mothers in his new BBC documentary, Parenthood. The veteran naturalist, 99, narrates the five-part series which explores the tumultuous relationship between parent and youngling within the animal kingdom. A scene scheduled to air on Sunday (3 August) depicts 1,000 African social spiders crawling towards and eating their mothers. Producer and director Jeff Wilson noted that Attenborough was both "delighted and horrified" by the clip, which he believes will haunt parents. Parenthood was filmed over three years across six continents and 23 countries, showcasing astonishing, never-before-seen animal behaviours.

Roman Kemp reveals A-list star he's banned from speaking to after awkward interview went VERY wrong
Roman Kemp reveals A-list star he's banned from speaking to after awkward interview went VERY wrong

Scottish Sun

time25 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

Roman Kemp reveals A-list star he's banned from speaking to after awkward interview went VERY wrong

ROMAN Kemp has revealed he's banned from speaking to one huge A-lister after an awkward interview with them went VERY wrong. Presenter Roman, 32, claimed he was escorted out by security during a 2015 press junket with Jennifer Lawrence, 34, after one stunt failed to land. 4 Roman Kemp has revealed he's banned from speaking to one huge A-lister after an awkward interview with them went VERY wrong Credit: Capital FM He had been interviewing the Oscar-winner as part of the promo tour for her film Joy, but says he hadn't seen the list of pre-approved questions from his Capital FM producers before the cameras started rolling. Their chat quickly became uncomfortable when the actress gave short, clipped answers and remarked that the experience "sucked", barely engaging with the conversation. But it was a prank gone wrong that appears to have sealed Roman's fate. As part of the bit, he pretended to be a superfan and unveiled a fake tattoo of Jennifer Lawrence's face on his chest - which reportedly led the actress to call in security and have him removed from the room. Reflecting on the incident in an Instagram post shared Tuesday, Roman wrote: 'Found this old picture of when I interviewed Jennifer Lawrence and for fun pretended to be a mega fan complete with a tattoo… She did NOT find it funny. I was escorted out by security and told I would never interview her again.' Roman - whose parents are Spandau Ballet's Martin Kemp and singer Shirlie Holliman - also joked in a follow-up post: 'Tbf still haven't had the chance to redeem myself or explain the situation to her…' During the exchange, Jennifer was visibly unimpressed by Roman's line of questioning, which included asking her what her favourite type of cheese was. At one point, he read her a poem supposedly written in her honour, prompting her dry reply: 'Wow, that was incredibly touching.' Things escalated when Roman claimed to have a tattoo dedicated to her and began unbuttoning his shirt to reveal the fake inking. Jennifer responded, deadpan: 'Oh my god. Oh man, wow right over your heart. I would expect nothing less. I'm flattered and honoured, it looks so permanent. How did they get it so glossy?' Shock moment Roman Kemp reveals bitter feud with James Bond star who 'nearly made him cry' after EXTREMELY rude meeting Roman then mentioned that his father is Martin Kemp and suggested he'd like to take her on a date to one of his dad's concerts. She replied, stone-faced: 'To meet your dad? Coolest date ever…' Despite the icy reception, Roman has clearly taken it all in good humour. Speaking about the experience on The Chris Ramsey Show in 2018, he called it his 'trickiest interview' to date. He revealed: 'She's not having the best day clearly. She hasn't said hello to me, she hasn't acknowledged me, she's just sat there on the phone like this… 'I've already sat down and said 'hi how are you?' and all this type of stuff, [she] just said nothing. 'I ask the first question and she goes, 'sorry have you started?' I was like, 'yeah I'm already in the questioning here…'' Recalling the moment he showed her the fake tattoo, he added: 'She said nothing after that and then the security guard got up and asked me to leave. 'I am now banned from interviewing Jennifer Lawrence.' 4 He claims to have been escorted out by security during a 2015 press junket with Jennifer Lawrence Credit: Capital FM 4 As part of the bit, he pretended to be a superfan and unveiled a fake tattoo of Jennifer Lawrence's face on his chest Credit: Capital FM

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store