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Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Jo Whiley's sadness at dad's illness as she makes important vow
Much loved Radio DJ and TV host Jo Whiley reveals her life has been filled with ups and downs so far this year Jo Whiley says she is choosing not to slow down after hitting 60 - and thinks birthday milestones are 'not a big deal'. After posing in a colourful magazine shoot she insisted: 'We should never say someone looks good for their age, we should just say they look good!' BBC Broadcaster Jo certainly does look good and tried out a variety of outfits before sitting down to speak to woman&home. On turning 60 this month she insisted: 'Another birthday really isn't a big deal for me because I don't see age as important. It's something that you very much don't want to be a thing, but it becomes a thing because everybody focuses on it and asks you about it constantly. It's a bizarre situation to be in because I'm only another year older than I was last year, and a year younger than I will be next year. There's an obsession with reaching certain milestones due to your age. People focus on it too much and I don't know what to say. 'You have a birthday, you wake up the next day, and you carry on. I'm doing my radio show, going to the gym and looking after the kids, so nothing has changed at all. There's probably a focus because people used to retire earlier than they do now, and now that concept is mind-boggling." On exercise and her body she added: 'Your body undoubtedly changes as you get older, and things don't look the same. Your skin changes, and that's one of my biggest revelations. I do weights, which has become increasingly important, but no matter how many weights I lift, I can't do anything about the skin that's hanging off on my arms, or the papery texture my skin has. Why did nobody tell me about that? I'm not quite sure what the answer is, apart from wearing long sleeves and covering up, but I don't want to do that. I wish I could say I'm great with self-care and that I moisturise my body all the time, but I'm rubbish at all of that. I have so many aches and pains, but I consider myself very lucky to be healthy. I have got arthritis, which is really painful, and my rotator cuff in my shoulder is hurting at the moment. I haven't had any serious health issues – I get migraines sometimes, but I think they are linked to the stress and strains of living.' The Radio DJ and TV host has also been dealing with some real highs and lows of family and work life recently, having fronted some of the BBC 's Glastonbury coverage in June and launched a new podcast called Dig It with friend Zoe Ball. But away from the cameras she and her family have had to get their head around some big news for her father Martin, a former electrician. She has been married to music executive Steve Morton, 60, since 1991, and they are parents to India, 32, Jude, 26, Cassius, 23, and Coco, 16. Jo explained: 'The things that keep my feet on the ground are probably the same as everyone else's. There's all the stuff that goes with dealing with ageing parents. Dad has just been diagnosed with Parkinson's, so I need to look after him and help my mum. It's those day-to-day realities of life that keep you grounded. 'We had been suspecting something was going on with my dad for a while, so it was good to get a diagnosis, and now we're trying to make sense of it all. It's really early days, and he's quite confused about it. Something like that puts everything in perspective and stops you from worrying about rubbish. Everyone will be dealing with those things in real life. That's the reality of being my age; that you end up having more people to look after and more responsibilities.' The news of her dad is sure to have made her feel emotional and it is a side of her which she often shows. 'I'm a sensitive person, and it's difficult for me not to show my emotions,' she explained. 'It's good to share how you're feeling. I can't imagine a life where I didn't cry. I wish I cried less and if I could take a magic pill to stop myself, I probably would. I cry when I'm tired, so I will suddenly break down for seemingly no reason. 'Someone will ask what's going on, but it's just that I'm exhausted. If I don't want anyone to know how I'm feeling, I'll cry while I'm driving or swimming, and I have to try not to swallow loads of water! Sometimes, there's just too much going on in your life and head, and the only way to deal with it is to let the tears flow.' Another reason for tears is the changing of the family unit as her kids get older. Jo is having to prepare herself for Empty nest syndrome. She said: 'The whole 'empty nest' thing is becoming more of a reality. It was the worst feeling in the world when India left home and went to uni. I was in floods of tears dropping her off. Coco has got two more years at home and then she'll be going off to university, and I'm already panicking about it. Any parent will know that impending sense of doom when you're shopping for kitchen utensils and feeling like you're doing a funeral procession around Ikea. The drive to uni and saying goodbye is awful, followed by the horrible feeling of heading home knowing they won't be there. I do know they'll come back, though.' Despite turning 60, Jo is still very much heading out and about this Summer to music festivals, but it is parties closer to home she now enjoys. She explained: 'Festivals are great, but my favourite parties are the ones we have at our house. They're a whole weekend event. We have DJ decks, lighting and candles, and it's so much fun. The day after, about 40 of us go to the Super Sausage, our local transport cafe, and have a fry-up. Then it's back to ours for films and a curry in the evening. I adore those weekends.' * The September issue of woman&home is on sale July 24. Jo Whiley is on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds each Monday to Thursday, 7-9pm.
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Inside the MasterChef crisis as Gregg Wallace, John Torode sacked
"Everyone is reeling."With his voice cracking, one MasterChef worker describes the drama of the past fortnight, which has seen both its presenters sacked in quick succession - first Gregg Wallace, and then John Torode."I'm in shock with it all. It's raw, and fresh," adds the member of production staff - who wants to remain months of near silence, recent events have moved at News has been speaking to people who have worked on the show, as well as insiders to the tense backroom discussions of recent weeks, and can reveal: Torode had nine complaints against him, including racist language, abusive language to junior production staff and sexual languageOnly one was upheld, for an incident on the set of MasterChef in 2018 when he used a severely offensive racist termInsiders reveal how a "defensive" production team tried to ride out the storm against Wallace to save his careerThe relationship between Wallace and Torode broke down and insiders say Wallace was briefing against TorodeTension between how production company Banijay and the BBC interpreted the findingsThe BBC intends to air the new series of MasterChef despite both presenters being sacked There was a long wait for the report into Wallace's conduct. The full version has not been made public, but an executive summary was published on revealed more than 40 claims against Wallace had been upheld, including one of unwelcome physical that night, Torode revealed an allegation that he had used "an extremely offensive racist term" had also been insisted he had "no recollection" of any of it, but by 5pm on Tuesday, he was at the top will claim action was taken swiftly and decisively. But behind the scenes, we can reveal there have been lengthy, pained discussions and extended tussles between the BBC and the show's production company Banijay over what to do, specifically about was hoped the report's publication would put an end to the crisis - but the events of this week have left both the BBC and Banijay facing even more questions. MasterChef team wanted to save Wallace For me, this all started a year ago, when I got a tip-off about a BBC presenter said to have been behaving badly - Gregg I mentioned his name to people in the industry, I was told it was "the biggest open secret in TV".After some digging and winning the trust of the people coming forward - mainly young female freelancers - BBC News revealed the allegations in November.I've been told by insiders that when the story broke, there was a sense that the MasterChef production team were defensive and wanted to ride out the who had worked with Wallace for years felt that responding would make it worse, hoping BBC News was just stirring up trouble and the story would go was a view that Wallace's career could be saved, and his worst behaviour was in the past. Others in the production team were in disbelief. A significant section of the report focuses on how few formal complaints were made, I have been told. This tallies with what freelancers said - they were worried about the repercussions of speaking the BBC corporate team, which has weathered many crises recently, could see what was brewing. They started to "get heavy" and demand action, and Banijay's leadership also realised they needed to get a was suspended and a law firm, Lewis Silkin, was hired to investigate. Attention then turned to the shows already in production. Could they carry on being filmed?There is a lesson here for the BBC, a source said. A long-running show with a close-knit team is both a strength and weakness."They know how to produce TV gold, year in and year out. But on the flip side, bad behaviour gets normalised and no one challenges it," they response, a Banijay spokesperson said that 94% of allegations upheld by the inquiry related to behaviour before 2018. They added that Banijay acquired Endemol Shine, which makes MasterChef, in 2020, and ways of reporting concerns "have improved exponentially in recent years". While Lewis Silkin carried out its inquiry, dozens more people approached BBC News with fresh claims about Wallace. BBC News is editorially independent from the wider corporation when it covers stories about the of those who came forward was a former MasterChef worker we are calling Alice, who says Wallace took his trousers down in front of her in a dressing contributed to the inquiry and says spending two hours with the lawyer, answering difficult questions, made things even was "no follow-up, no duty of care" from Banijay, she added. It is understood the production company disputes week, she and others who gave evidence received an email from Lewis Silkin, which BBC News has seen, telling them the inquiry was complete. The email also said it would not be providing individual feedback on specific said it was "deeply unsatisfactory" that she didn't find out whether her complaint had been upheld."I feel it's more than within our right to understand more about the investigation than what's shared in the news," she said. Torode faced complaints about behaviour on set The report into Wallace's conduct - which has taken eight months to compile - was widely expected back two Thursdays ago, but that day came and the scenes, frantic negotiations were under understand the BBC saw the findings and started asking questions, specifically on the other unnamed individuals referenced in of those was Torode. As we now know, an allegation he had used a severely offensive racist slur had been has been reported that Torode used the N-word at a season filming wrap party in 2019 while singing along to Gold Digger by Kayne is believed a debate started after he used the word among those present. However, the claim which was upheld against him relates to the previous year when he allegedly used the same word on set following the end of filming, and it was directed at a member of Torode sacked as Masterchef presenterGregg Wallace sacked as 50 more people make claimsWallace 'sorry' after 45 claims against him upheldOnly one claim was upheld against him. But BBC News understands that of the 10 additional complaints against other individuals mentioned in the report, nine were about Torode, including other allegations of racist language, abusive language towards junior production staff and sexual language which were unsubstantiated because of a lack of evidence or witnesses. We have not spoken to the people making those has said any racist language is "wholly unacceptable". And Banijay, it appears, was not initially planning to sack the BBC's director general Tim Davie has insisted it is drawing "a line in the sand".Torode had been "caught up in the new 'first strike and you're out' policy by the powers-that-be at the BBC," Max Goldbart, international TV editor at Deadline, said. "I wouldn't say Torode was collateral damage, I'd say that's offensive to the people who came forward," he said. But he added it was likely the BBC wanted to "reset" after the put these latest developments to the BBC, but it did not this week, a BBC spokesperson described the allegation as "an extremely offensive racist term," adding: "We will not tolerate racist language of any kind."Meanwhile, the role of a senior executive on MasterChef is also under the spotlight. It is thought they are the other person who had a complaint upheld against them for News has contacted that executive but has not heard back.A Banijay spokesperson said that in relation to the swearing allegation, "we are handling appropriately internally". Wallace and Torode were 'never friends' The relationship between Wallace and Torode, meanwhile, is believed to have broken notable that over the past year, Torode never backed Wallace. In an Instagram post in December, he appeared to be trying to position himself as separate from his co-host, describing the allegations against Wallace as "truly upsetting".And in his now-deleted Instagram post last week, where he leaked some findings from the report, Wallace seemed to hint at more to come for his co-host."What really concerns me about the short summary is others who have been found guilty of serious allegations have been erased from the published version of events. I, and I'm sure the public, would like to know why?"Insiders have told me that Wallace was briefing against his former they were "never friends," a former MasterChef worker told me."Clearly they had a good chemistry when the cameras were rolling. But you rarely saw them interact when the cameras were off," he says he heard Wallace make crude comments, such as a describing that a dish "tasted like his aunt's vagina"."And when Gregg was saying inappropriate things like that, John held his counsel. I never saw him step in."Another former MasterChef worker says the dynamic between the two presenters "seemed off", although she could never pinpoint also says Torode didn't ever call out his co-host when Wallace made inappropriate jokes. "John would eye roll but not say anything," she Wallace nor Torode responded to requests for comment. MasterChef is 'bigger than individuals' Away from the intrigue and allegations surrounding the presenters, many may simply be wondering whether one of their favourite shows will to BBC News this week, Tim Davie said MasterChef "absolutely" has a future, insisting the show is "bigger than individuals".It has a new base in Birmingham, and all the signs are that executives are fully committed to Monday - the day the report dropped - Shine TV (owned by Banijay) posted a job advert for an "experienced Midlands-based production secretary" to work on the next series of the show, starting this the MasterChef insider I spoke to said that despite all the drama of the past week, they are still working to "make the best MasterChef ever".Unlike many BBC shows, MasterChef is not an in-house production. In addition to the core show, it has the Professionals, Celebrities, and Christmas specials and is adapted in 65 territories viewing figures on linear TV have held up reasonably well, with 3.5 million people on average tuning in to the last series, unchanged from the year successful formats are hard to come by, particularly in the face of increasing pressure from streaming, which is why the corporation is so keen to hang onto dilemma, rather, is what to do with the series that have already been week, it was just amateurs, fronted by Wallace, that looked at risk. Now, with Torode also gone, that puts MasterChef Celebrities, filmed with Torode and Grace Dent, in jeopardy producer I spoke to said his greater concern was for the amateur chefs who have taken part in the series. BBC News has not managed to speak to any of the chefs. A copy of the contestants' guidelines, leaked to us, shows they are forbidden from speaking until the show goes a former chef on the show told me it would be "awful" if it was scrapped, for contestants who "gave up their time, had sleepless nights, dreamt only of recipes".The chefs are not given any compensation for lost time or income, just travel expenses, accommodation in a "fairly grim hotel" and a £20-a-day meal allowance, she the contestants can sue for lost income in the event of a series being filmed but not aired, is Davie indicated that Banijay is speaking to the chefs involved, and is working with them to come to a resolution. He insisted no decision has yet been some of the women who made claims about inappropriate behaviour by Wallace have asked why no-one is consulting them."They should not run the series," one said. Another said it would "make a mockery" of the people who have spoken out. Unanswered questions So, after a bruising week, there are still many unanswered still don't know who will replace Wallace and Torode. Names being floated include Grace Dent - who has already stepped in on Celebrity MasterChef - and Matt Tebbutt, from Saturday will clearly be hoping for a fresh start - a palate cleanser if you like - for the show as well as for the wider TV viewers would bond with new presenters remains to be seen. But unlike other shows, such as Top Gear, which are centred around their presenters, MasterChef was never really about Wallace and may also wonder what the men may do now, Torode's weekend programme is still in ITV's schedule, due to air on Saturday morning. But he will no longer be headlining a food festival next month, with Durham County Council saying he had "decided to take some time out".Meanwhile, Wallace has posted on Instagram offering his services as a weight loss expert for £200 per details may emerge about the swearing incident - and the unsubstantiated allegations - prompting further investigations and recriminations about who knew what, producer I spoke to says what's been reported, "doesn't feel like the show we've been working on over the years".He said it was a relief to know the show he loves will continue, adding, "I didn't want to see it go down this way."Additional reporting by Insaf Abbas.
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Giovanni Pernice shows off body transformation after Strictly Come Dancing exit
Giovanni Pernice has been getting himself back in shape after leaving Strictly Come Dancing and the pro dancer has transformed his body in just five weeks Giovanni Pernice has shown off the impressive results of his body transformation a year after leaving Strictly Come Dancing. The pro dancer is no stranger to keeping himself in shape, but looked incredible in new photos he posted on Instagram. The 34-year-old shared 'before and after' shots of his torso in the same pair of mulberry coloured trousers, which he says were taken just five weeks apart. "5 weeks in," Gio said as showcased his new six-pack and toned biceps. Celeb pals like Gemma Atkinson, who is engaged to Gio's Strictly pal Gorka Marquez, were quick to comment underneath. The actress and radio host, who is also into her fitness and regularly posts updates for her 2.1 million followers, simply posted five clapping hands emojis. While actress and TV presenter Bianca Guaccero, who Gio was partnered and won the Italian version of Strictly with, posted: "Strength and determination! Good job my love!!!" Fans also showed their support with one writing: "Looking good Gio X." Another fan joked: "Well done Gio but you would look gorgeous even with a paper bag on your head!" A third commented: "Well done you - hard work and consistency pays off, and the mindset of a champ." A fourth encouraged: "Keep up the great work." A fifth said: "Didn't think you could improve on perfection, but Wow Gio!" While another flirty fan added: "You're very cuddly either way Gio!" Italian dancer Gio quit Strictly last summer after nine years on the BBC show. It came after he faced allegations over his tough training methods from previous celebrity partners, including actress Amanda Abbington. At the time he said he was 'surprised as his fans' after finding himself at the centre of 'abuse' claims. Amanda, 51, quit last year's Strictly series citing medical reasons. But she later went on to claim she suffered post traumatic stress disorder following her time on the show and that Gio had been "unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean." In a statement last year, Gio said vowed to 'clear his name' and told fans: "Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. "No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me. I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win - for me and my dance partners. Thank you all once again for your continued love and support! Giovanni." BBC bosses launched an investigation into 17 claims made by Amanda. Of those, six were upheld relating to verbal bullying and harassment. But the most serious allegations of physical aggression were dismissed. In light of the investigation being completed, the BBC said: "We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made. We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do." Gio is now trying to move on from the scandal, but has continued to perform in his own live shows. Speaking out about his 'dark year', he exclusively told the Sunday Mirror: "Sorry for my language but 2024 can f**k off. I've been looking forward to seeing the back of it." He added: "I'm not going to lie, there were dark moments in terms of, you know, this is finished, this is the end of my career. That was one of my down moments."
