Latest news with #Belfast-born
Daily Mirror
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Eamonn Holmes' dig at Ruth Langsford with brutal soulmate comment at celeb party
Former This Morning stars, Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford, sent shockwaves through the showbiz world when they announced they were heading for divorce last year Eamonn Holmes has made a jaw-dropping dig at his ex-wife, Ruth Langsford, after reportedly claiming that his girlfriend, Katie Alexander, 43, is his "soulmate". Ruth and Eamonn, both 65, sent shockwaves through the showbiz world when they announced they were heading for divorce last year. The former This Morning stars were thought to have one of the strongest marriages in the industry. However, after calling it quits, Eamonn moved on with relationship councillor, Katie - who he subsequently took to the party island of Ibiza - while Ruth stayed silent. Eamonn and Katie look very loved-up in recent snaps, having attended GB News star Nana Akua's engagement party earlier this month. According to Bella magazine, dad-of-four, Eamonn, gushed that Katie was his "soulmate" at the glamorous bash in London while also reportedly quipping: "In sickness you find out who is there for you." Commenting on the apparent dig, a source said: "It was an insensitive comment from Eamonn, but he's smitten with Katie and does feel like she has been there for him through the hard times. That said, it is a kick in the teeth for Ruth because she has been there for him since the beginning." Now, often seen in a wheelchair due to his chronic health problems after having a double hip replacement and spinal surgery, Eamonn is said to be leaning on Katie, quite literally. And there seems to be 'no turning back' for the star's ex, who was spotted without her wedding ring for the first time in more than a year after the split. The Loose Women veteran announced her shock break-up with her husband of 14 years last May, and a source told OK! that ditching the ring after so long was a significant move on Ruth's part. The source close to Ruth said: 'Removing that ring might have been a shock to fans, after she's worn it for so long. But it was the final bit of closure. It was a message to Eamonn and symbolic that Ruth's marriage and that chapter of her life is over. She's closing the door on her past for good. Taking it off is Ruth saying, 'I've moved on, it's all behind me.' She's just desperate to get this divorce out of the way, now. There's no turning back.' Keen cook Ruth, who shares son Jack, 23, with her Belfast-born ex posted an Instagram video recently which showed her happily prepping one of her 'favourite summer dishes' – a 'colourful, no-cook salad'. It's not the first time the seasoned star – who is now locked in a divorce battle with GB News presenter, Eamonn – has shared her culinary exploits on social media, but it's the first time she's done so having quietly removed the wedding ring on her left hand.
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ruth Langsford's icy divorce message to Eamonn Holmes amid €4m mansion battle
There is 'no turning back' for Ruth Langsford, after being spotted without her wedding ring for the first time in more than a year after splitting from Eamonn Holmes. The Loose Women veteran announced her shock break-up with her husband of 14 years last May, and a source tells OK! that ditching the ring after so long was a significant move on Ruth's part. The source close to the star says, 'Removing that ring might have been a shock to fans, after she's worn it for so long. But it was the final bit of closure. It was a message to Eamonn and symbolic that Ruth's marriage and that chapter of her life is over. She's closing the door on her past for good. Taking it off is Ruth saying, 'I've moved on, it's all behind me.' She's just desperate to get this divorce out of the way, now. There's no turning back.' Keen cook Ruth, who has son Jack, 23, with her Belfast-born ex, also 65, posted an Instagram video recently which showed her happily prepping one of her 'favourite summer dishes' – a 'colourful, no-cook salad'. It's not the first time Ruth – now locked in a divorce battle with GB News presenter Eamonn – has shared her culinary exploits on social media, but it's the first time she's done so having quietly removed the wedding ring on her left hand, Mirror UK reports. It came after a frail-looking Eamonn, who continues to battle serious health issues, was seen using a walking frame at a glitzy night out in London with girlfriend Katie Alexander, 43, on his arm. The pair were attending fellow GB News star Nana Akua's glamorous party as Nana celebrated her engagement to fiancé Stephen Gillen at London's swanky Blue Marlin Club. As for Ruth, she has, for the most part, maintained a dignified silence on her split from Eamonn. However, ditching her wedding ring could be the biggest sign yet that she's over her estranged husband, along with the wild nights out she has enjoyed with showbiz pals such as Rylan Clark and Lizzie Cundy, as documented on social media. Ruth, who has had quite a glow-up in recent months, did address the break-up on Instagram last September when a fan posed a question in response to a video she had posted, which showed her sharing how to make a healthy drink. Ruth Langsford 'Why has she still got her wedding rings on?' the fan asked, to which Ruth fired back, 'Because I'm still married.' She then added two crying with laughter emojis to make sure the fan knew she was keeping her sense of humour about the pointed question. Meanwhile, the former couple's divorce battle rumbles on. Ruth had previously hired a top divorce lawyer, and it's believed she has been fighting to ensure she can keep their £3.6 million (€4.15m) six-bedroom home in Surrey. Back in May, counsellor Katie had her own 'ring-gate' moment, when she took to social media to shut down rumours that she and Eamonn were engaged, after followers spotted what they thought was an engagement ring on her finger in a snap with former This Morning host Eamonn. Katie preempted any speculation, stating, 'Before anyone jumps to the #ringgate bandwagon, the camera is reversed so... RightHandRingFinger!' Meanwhile, whether Eamonn takes the next step with Katie or not, our source claims that Ruth is focused on the future. 'As all her friends are saying, Ruth has never looked or felt better. She's rested, she's looking great, she's enjoying her Pilates sessions and life is good.' Eamonn Holmes (Image: lan Chapman/) Indeed, the svelte-looking star – who also has her own successful clothing line on shopping channel QVC – is not only eating healthily but enjoying regular workouts, as she gave fans a sneak peek of her exercise routine last week, showcasing a workout which she claimed was already making her stronger. 'Weekend Pilates with @siobhanklloyd,' Ruth posted on Instagram. 'This move is called Baby Swan apparently – it was hard so I'm not looking forward to progressing to grown-up swan!! Really loving mixing up mat sessions and Reformer... my core is already feeling stronger.' The source adds, 'Ruth is literally living her best life. She knows Eamonn is happy with Katie and she's really not bothered about what his future plans are. 'She's putting everything into looking after herself and her career right now, which she loves. The only thing holding her back is the divorce – it's going on way too long and she just wants it to be over so she can get on with her life.' Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ruth Langsford's 'shock message' to Eamonn Holmes amid 'fight to keep £3.6m mansion'
Ruth Langsford has never looked better and, as she moves on following her split from Eamonn Holmes, friends close to the star claim her ditching her wedding ring was a significant sign There is 'no turning back' for Ruth Langsford, after being spotted without her wedding ring for the first time in more than a year after splitting from Eamonn Holmes. The Loose Women veteran announced her shock break-up with her husband of 14 years last May, and a source tells OK! that ditching the ring after so long was a significant move on Ruth's part. The source close to the star says, 'Removing that ring might have been a shock to fans, after she's worn it for so long. But it was the final bit of closure. It was a message to Eamonn and symbolic that Ruth's marriage and that chapter of her life is over. She's closing the door on her past for good. 'Taking it off is Ruth saying, 'I've moved on, it's all behind me.' She's just desperate to get this divorce out of the way, now. There's no turning back.' READ MORE: Amanda Holden is a vision in on-sale Karen Millen dress that plays into Wimbledon whites trend Keen cook Ruth, who has son Jack, 23, with her Belfast-born ex, also 65, posted an Instagram video recently which showed her happily prepping one of her 'favourite summer dishes' – a 'colourful, no-cook salad'. It's not the first time Ruth – now locked in a divorce battle with GB News presenter Eamonn – has shared her culinary exploits on social media, but it's the first time she's done so having quietly removed the wedding ring on her left hand. It came after a frail-looking Eamonn, who continues to battle serious health issues, was seen using a walking frame at a glitzy night out in London with girlfriend Katie Alexander, 43, on his arm. The pair were attending fellow GB News star Nana Akua's glamorous party as Nana celebrated her engagement to fiancé Stephen Gillen at London's swanky Blue Marlin Club. As for Ruth, she has, for the most part, maintained a dignified silence on her split from Eamonn. However, ditching her wedding ring could be the biggest sign yet that she's over her estranged husband, along with the wild nights out she has enjoyed with showbiz pals such as Rylan Clark and Lizzie Cundy, as documented on social media. Ruth, who has had quite a glow-up in recent months, did address the break-up on Instagram last September when a fan posed a question in response to a video she had posted, which showed her sharing how to make a healthy drink. 'Why has she still got her wedding rings on?' the fan asked, to which Ruth fired back, 'Because I'm still married.' She then added two crying with laughter emojis to make sure the fan knew she was keeping her sense of humour about the pointed question. Meanwhile, the former couple's divorce battle rumbles on. Ruth had previously hired a top divorce lawyer, and it's believed she has been fighting to ensure she can keep their £3.6 million six-bedroom home in Surrey. Back in May, counsellor Katie had her own 'ring-gate' moment, when she took to social media to shut down rumours that she and Eamonn were engaged, after followers spotted what they thought was an engagement ring on her finger in a snap with former This Morning host Eamonn. Katie preempted any speculation, stating, 'Before anyone jumps to the #ringgate bandwagon, the camera is reversed so... RightHandRingFinger!' Meanwhile, whether Eamonn takes the next step with Katie or not, our source claims that Ruth is focused on the future. 'As all her friends are saying, Ruth has never looked or felt better. She's rested, she's looking great, she's enjoying her Pilates sessions and life is good.' Indeed, the svelte-looking star – who also has her own successful clothing line on shopping channel QVC – is not only eating healthily but enjoying regular workouts, as she gave fans a sneak peek of her exercise routine last week, showcasing a workout which she claimed was already making her stronger. 'Weekend Pilates with @siobhanklloyd,' Ruth posted on Instagram. 'This move is called Baby Swan apparently – it was hard so I'm not looking forward to progressing to grown-up swan!! Really loving mixing up mat sessions and Reformer... my core is already feeling stronger.' The source adds, 'Ruth is literally living her best life. She knows Eamonn is happy with Katie and she's really not bothered about what his future plans are. 'She's putting everything into looking after herself and her career right now, which she loves. The only thing holding her back is the divorce – it's going on way too long and she just wants it to be over so she can get on with her life.'
Belfast Telegraph
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
I owe my career as a music mogul to Gary Moore, reveals Sharon Osbourne
Belfast guitar legend was first act she managed when he 'put trust in her' after leaving Thin Lizzy Music mogul Sharon Osbourne has revealed her management career took off thanks to late Belfast-born guitar hero Gary Moore. She spoke out as she masterminded the monster farewell performance from heavy metal legends Black Sabbath at Birmingham's Villa Park yesterday. It enabled her husband Ozzy to treat fans one last time with the original line-up.
Sunday World
04-07-2025
- Sunday World
‘Scapaticci Clause' being used to shut down questions about ‘Winkie' Irvine
Irvine's conviction continues to create ongoing tensions within the UVF, the loyalist terror group to which he belonged. A procedure once condemned by PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher is being used to shut down questions about Winston 'Winkie' Irvine, the Sunday World can reveal. And the 'Scapaticci Clause' — as the process is known informally to members of the legal profession in Northern Ireland — is also being used by the Court Service. One of its functions at present, it appears, is to deny the release of information relating to the recently convicted gunrunner Winston 'Winkie' Irvine. All this is taking place while the fallout from Irvine's conviction continues to create ongoing tensions within the UVF, the loyalist terror group to which he belonged. At a recent hush-hush meeting of the UVF's 'B Coy' in a Shankill Road social club, Irvine was shown the red card by the very men he once commanded. UVF leaders sat stoney-faced while foot soldiers listed a litany of complaints against the former 'B Coy' boss. Several respected loyalists demanded to know how Irvine went from street rioter who sparked a bloody internecine feud with the UDA in 2000 to the very top of the UVF. Shankill man 'Harmless' Harry Stockman — who is believed to hold the rank of No2 in the loyalist terror group hierarchy and is seen as a supporter of Irvine — failed to attend the meeting. Instead, Stockman left it to veteran UVF boss John 'Bunter' Graham to deal with rank-and-file unrest. The fury felt among the organisation's First Battalion — which exerts influence throughout the greater Shankill — cannot be over-stated, sources say. John 'Bunter' Graham It is believed Graham — now in his early 80s — had been planning an exit strategy as he headed towards retirement, but any move to stand down at the moment would be viewed with suspicion inside the secretive world of the UVF. Before taking over the reins of the PSNI, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher headed the Kenova Inquiry, which investigated allegations of state collusion inside the Provisional IRA's Internal Security Unit, also known as 'The Nutting Squad'. And he often criticised official state policy of 'neither confirming or denying', more commonly known as NCND orders. But many legal eagles now believe the police service he commands has arguably adopted a similar information policy once heavily criticised by the PSNI supremo. And they have given it the unofficial title of the 'Scappaticci Clause' — after Belfast-born Freddie Scappaticci who, after he was recruited by the British Secret Service, successfully operated at the very top of the IRA for decades. This is because the public first became aware of the state's practice of repeatedly 'neither confirming or denying' inquiries relating to the agent codenamed 'Stakeknife'. Jon Boutcher is on record as stating he disagreed with the policy, as it created a climate of suspicion and conspiracy. Freddie Scappaticci While giving evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee last year, Mr Boutcher said: 'By this Iron-Curtain approach it leads to a lack of trust and confidence towards the security forces. It is unnecessary and the world has moved on from that.' But despite Boutcher's assertion that the 'world has moved on' from the use of the so-called Scappaticci Clause, last week the PSNI used a similar strategy to block Sunday World inquiries into secret information the PSNI held on Irvine, also known until 2007 as Winston Gibney. Two weeks ago, the Sunday World revealed the UVF man had changed his name by deed poll from the ancient Irish one of Gibney to Irvine because he believed his original name was 'too Catholic'. The Sunday World had written to the PSNI with a number of queries relating to the man now known as Winston Irvine. Initially the PSNI press office ignored our communication. When pressed, a curt reply was issued in bold print stating: 'We have no further comment to make in relation to this matter.' Deed poll notice Winston 'Winkie' Irvine The Sunday World made a similar request, linked to the legal entities known as Winston Irvine and Winston Gibney, to the Court Service of Northern Ireland. sensitive In a written reply, the Court Service Communications department used three separate legal clauses to invoke its right to use the term 'neither confirm nor deny'. And the Court Service also stated that to 'confirm or deny... would in itself disclose sensitive or potentially damaging information'. But local lawyers we canvassed over the responses from the PSNI and Court Service said the strategy would do nothing to instil public confidence. One said: 'It looks like the Scappaticci Clause is here to stay.' Since our exclusive that Winkie Irvine's true identity had been hidden from even his closest associates in loyalism, many activists on the Shankill Road are demanding answers. The want to know about Irvine's identity and background, as well as why he was able to survive for as long as he did. Many UVF 'A Coy' men claim suspicions around Irvine alone were enough to have him stripped of any protection he had from the loyalist organisation. 'Good men have been labelled touts for less,' a veteran UVF man told us. But the strongest vitriol was used in connection with members of the UVF leadership, who went out of their way to afford Irvine protection.
