Latest news with #EastEnders'
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside Kara Tointon's very different new life overseas after quitting the UK and double mastectomy
KARA Tointon has a wonderful life with her two kids in Norway after quitting the UK. The former EastEnders actress 6 Former EastEnders' star Kara Tointon has revealed that she underwent a double mastectomy Credit: Instagram 6 The actress now lives in Norway Credit: Instagram 6 She is mum to two young kids and loves 'the Scandinavian life' Credit: Instagram 6 Kara decided to have the mastectomy after losing her mum to cancer Credit: Instagram That gene raises the risk of breast cancer and Kara told fans how she made the decision to have the operation after her mum died of ovarian cancer in 2018. Kara posted an emotional video to Instagram where she described how she had both her breasts and her Fallopian tubes removed to lower her chances of getting breast cancer. The mother-of-two, said her family was at the forefront of her mind when making the decision. "I wasn't an easy decision, but one I am very glad that I made," she said. eastenders Kara added later in the video: "I wanted to talk about it because hearing other people's experience, helped so much and knowledge is power, communication is key, getting to know our bodies, our cycles is only a good thing, but I'll be talking about this a lot more." She is mum to Frey, six, and Helly, four, who she shares with ex-fiance Marius Jensen. Kara and Marius got engaged in 2018 with plans of getting married in his Norwegian homeland, but split four years later. While the exact date of her move to Norway is not known, Marius recently opened his own chiropractic clinic there after a few years in London. Most read in Showbiz "It happened really naturally as we were spending more and more time over here," she told the EastEnders and Strictly star Kara Tointon reveals she's undergone double mastectomy "It's so easy to get back to London and it just seems to work." She added: "It's such a beautiful country and a great place to bring up children and I'm definitely adapting to the Scandinavian lifestyle." In 2024 she told the Mirror: "Now I have children so my priority is to be at home as much as possible. "I live in Norway now - we've upped sticks and we're there. At the moment, we're settling into Norwegian lifestyle and loving it, so I'm lucky." Despite their split, Kara and Marius stay in touch to co-parent their children. Much of Kara's Instagram shows her life in Norway, including plenty of time fishing and enjoying the waterside with her kids. The actress rose to fame on the BBC soap playing Dawn, a bright teen from an impoverished home. Kara played Dawn for more than 300 episodes until 2009 after joining four years earlier. She has plenty of film and TV credits under her belt, including the lead role in prestige series, The Teacher and Too Good To Be True. In 2010, she won Strictly Come Dancing alongside professional dancer, Artem Chigvintsev. Before joining EastEnders, Kara had dated Busted band member, James Bourne and even appeared in the band's reality series, America or Busted. 6 Kara rose to fame playing Dawn on EastEnders Credit: Handout 6 She won Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 Credit: PA:Press Association
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders star ready to quit acting for very different job before landing role
EastEnders' Laura Doddington has revealed she planned to retrain in a very different career after giving up hopes of securing an acting role before taking on Nicola Mitchell Laura Doddington has quickly become a soap favourite after her bombshell entrance as Nicola Mitchell in EastEnders. Since then her character has been embroiled in a murder and this week an historic affair was uncovered which blew up some major drama. With the makings of a true soap matriarch - it's no surprise Laura, 44, has found herself nominated for Best Newcomer at this weekend's Soap Awards. But before bagging her dream role, the actress of 22 years admitted she mused the idea of changing careers after thinking her big break wouldn't come. 'The industry is hard at the moment,' admitted mum-of-one Laura. 'Before this audition came through, I'd been looking at retraining to do something else, I've got a young kid. And that makes you think about their future and stability for them.' Having previously starred in Doctors, Holby City and Casualty as well as on the stage - the lead role Laura had hoped for just wasn't coming. 'I cut my son's hair and I'm sort of reasonably good at it, so I thought that might be an option,' she mused. 'I was in Prime Suspect when I was in my 20s and The Midwich Cuckoos, but they weren't massive parts. I was beginning to think it might not be possible to have that lead role.' But she got the breakthrough she wanted so much, landing the part of the latest fiesty Mitchell woman, Nicola, nine months ago. And Cambridge-born Laura made an immediate impression. 'I've been a jobbing actor for 22 years and over that time you deal with really amazing highs, but also lows,' explained Laura. 'Missing out on jobs, not even getting seen for jobs. So when I got the part, especially as I'd been in it before for a fleeting moment, I was ecstatic. 'I'm really lucky that Chris Clenshaw took a punt on a jobbing actor and gave me the chance. This came at the right time. It feels incredible.' She says her audition process was an emotional rollercoaster - fearing she'd missed out on the chance of a lifetime. 'I didn't hear anything for four weeks,' recalled Laura. 'I thought it had gone to someone else. Unfortunately in this industry when you get to over the age of about 35 and you haven't made a name for yourself, the interesting roles sort of start drying up. It's just the way that it is and the way the world is a little bit. That's why I love soaps and continuing dramas as they champion individuals of all ages and put characters at the heart of storytelling.' Writing the opportunity off initially, eventually the call came through and Laura had got the part. 'When I found out there were a lot of tears and a lot of expletives!' she laughs. Stepping out on the Albert Square set for her first scenes as Nicola, Laura said she was full of nerves. But said soap stalwart Adam Woodyatt, who was her mentor was on hand to steady them. 'He was amazing,' smiles Laura. 'He came in, he was on set on my first day in case I had any questions. It was his day off, bless him. Everyone on the are so welcoming and kind. It was also daunting doing scenes with soap legends as colleagues. 'Seeing Steve (McFadden), Letitia (Dean) - it was just like, 'Oh my god'. But they are amazing. And the boys, Roland, Elijah and Lewis, they were awesome. We gelled so quickly.' The new Mitchells - Teddy (Roland Manookian), and his sons Harry (played by Elijah Holloway) and Barney (played by Lewis Bridgeman) - arrived in Walford in June causing shockwaves when it was revealed they were Stevie's secret family. Mum Nicola joined later, having spent time behind bars for injecting unlicensed filler. Earlier this month she confessed she'd murdered Harry's girlfriend Shireen to her son. She did it to conceal how Teddy is not Barney's real father – Zack Hudson ( James Farrar) is. The paternity bombshell was exposed this week leading to Harry kidnapping Zack to stop him telling Barney and the pair crashing into a lake. Tonight's episode sees Zack still missing and feared dead. Laura says it can be intense filming dramatic scenes and often likes to lighten the mood in between takes. 'The boys and I often burst into song between takes,' she revealed. 'It's hilarious when you belt out a tune and no one else joins in and you're like, 'That song was too random'. 'I'm high energy, a bit like a cocker spaniel most of the time. Then I realise that I have to portray the character and I'll take a minute to focus and get into Nicola's head. Although very different to her villainous character, Laura says they do share one quality. 'I relate to her protectiveness of her children." Letting her young son watch her EastEnders entrance last year - it was the first and last episode he's seen. Laura recalled: 'He turned to me and he said, 'Mummy, you're not very nice in this, are you?' 'I went, 'No I'm not, lovely' And he asked, 'Do you mind if I don't watch it?' in my head I was going, 'Thank God - I mean you were never gonna watch it!'.' One thing she will let him watch is mummy's appearance at the Soap Awards. Laura is up against Jacob Roberts as Coronation Street 's Kit Green, Shebz Miah and Emmerdale 's Kammy Hadiq and Isabelle Smith and Hollyoaks 's Frankie Osborne. 'When you've been doing something for a really long time and then suddenly someone acknowledges it… it's special,' she beams. 'I was really overwhelmed by it because I wasn't expecting it. I spent a lot of that first day bursting into tears - and I'm not a crier.' Gracing her first event red carpet, she says she's both excited and nervous. 'I'm a little bit of a clown,' admits Laura. 'I'm slightly worried that I might, in my head, think it's funny on the red carpet to pull a stupid face and then it's there for forever, isn't it? 'I'm really worried about tripping. It's probably gonna be me that falls flat on her face on the red carpet in front of everyone. But I can't wait to celebrate EastEnders and all the other amazing people and shows.' With a murder, an affair and huge family secret now exposed, is there a future for Nicola on EastEnders? 'There's always redemption,' Laura jokes. 'The knock-on effect of the secret of 16 years coming out would bring drama to anyone's life. In Nicola and the boys' case I think there's a journey to be had in that. It'll be interesting to see what she would do in a situation, how she repairs it with Barney.' Hoping to become an EastEnders favourite for years to come, Laura vowed: 'I don't want to go! But in the end that's not up to me. Everything is finite. I will just enjoy every moment that I'm here.' ITV at 8pm on June 5. 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Edinburgh Live
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Edinburgh Live
DVLA issues urgent driving licence warning to anyone who passed test before 2016
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The DVLA is reminding UK motorists to check their driving licence expiration dates, signposting that renewal can be swiftly managed online. On social media platform X, the DVLA posted: "Due to renew your driving licence? Do it online. It's easy, quick and secure to renew on Remember, photocard driving licences must be renewed every 10 years, so if your full licence was issued in 2015 or earlier, it's time to see if an update is due. READ MORE - EastEnders' Molly Rainford has a very famous dad and fans are only just realising READ MORE - Gary Lineker's true nature perfectly summed up by refugee who stayed at his home Reminder letters are typically sent by the DVLA prior to a licence's expiry date. You can renew your documentation at for those residing in England, Scotland, and Wales, a service that incurs a fee of approximately £14, payable via MasterCard, Visa, Electron, or Delta debit and credit cards. Meanwhile, drivers in Northern Ireland should use the NI direct website for their renewals, as reported by Lancs Live. Beware, roaming the roads with an outdated licence could lead to fines of up to £1,000, penalty points, or even invalidate your insurance, reports the Mirror. (Image: GETTY) (Image: GETTY) (Image: GETTY) It's important to note that the validity of your new licence starts from when your application is approved, not from the expiry date of your current licence. If your licence has lapsed, best practise would be to refrain from driving until your renewal application is finalised. According to MSE, if your licence expires while your renewal is being processed you should be able to continue driving if you meet certain requirements, like not being disqualified from driving. Online applicants typically receive their new licences within a week. You will need to send your current photocard back to the DVLA, with specific address details provided when you complete your application. Alternatively, some might opt for renewing in person at the Post Office, which will set you back £21.50. For this method, you will have to bring along your reminder letter and current licence, or if you are missing a reminder letter, the photocard alone will suffice for servicing at the Post Office. You can also apply by post. To do this, you will need a 'D1 pack' of forms which you can obtain from any Post Office that deals with DVLA photocard renewals or vehicle tax. When completing the forms, you must include a recent printed passport-style photo, your current photocard licence if you have one, and a cheque or postal order for £17, made payable to the DVLA. You will need to send your completed application to:. DVLA. Swansea. SA99 1DH. If you apply at the Post Office or by post, you should receive your driving licence within three weeks. However, this may take longer if your medical or personal details need to be verified. You can continue driving while you wait for your new licence to arrive.
Edinburgh Live
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Gary Lineker's true nature perfectly summed up by refugee who stayed at his home
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Gary Lineker is set to bid farewell to the BBC after his final Match of the Day stint this Sunday, and among the memorable moments from his career that fans recall, is when he opened his home to a refugee in 2020. The ex-England and Barcelona forward has signalled his departure from Match of the Day come November 2024; however, he promises to continue gracing the BBC as he leads their FA Cup and 2026 World Cup coverage. Yet, following a contentious social media update and allegations of anti-Semitism, this upcoming Sunday's Match of the Day will mark the 64 year old Lineker's swansong on the BBC. READ MORE - Queen's favourite sandwich she had 'for every afternoon tea' since she was a girl READ MORE - EastEnders' Molly Rainford has a very famous dad and fans are only just realising In a revealing testimony from 2023, Pakistani refugee Rasheed Baluch reflected on Lineker's "sympathetic and human-loving" nature, expressing boundless appreciation for the hospitality shown by inviting him into his home back in 2020. "He is friendly and open-minded," stated Baluch, who escaped the Pakistani region of Balochistan due to threats against his life as a result of his work in human rights advocacy, reports Wales Online. "He loved to listen to me when I shared my story about the situation in my country and the plight of my people. Gary was comfortable with my company and conversation. That's why he listened to me attentively. "Although Gary is a star, he leads a simple life. He is never proud of his status. He is a very sympathetic, caring and human-loving man. He gave me an Oyster card which contained a £100 top-up for my transport to university." Baluch praised the departing Match of the Day star as a "fantastic cook who served mindblowing meals" during his stay at Lineker's £4million Surrey residence. Lineker once shared a heartfelt letter from Baluch, where the law student wrote: "I can never forget your hospitality, love and company that you and your lovely, respectful children gave to me." (Image: PA) (Image: Rasheed Baluch) The 64 year old broadcaster himself reflected on the experience, which was facilitated by UK charity Refugees at Home, calling it "hugely positive" and crediting it with providing him "such a different perspective on life." In 2023, Lineker faced a temporary suspension from the BBC following an impartiality controversy sparked by his social media comments criticising the then-government's asylum policy. Upon his return to television, Baluch defended Lineker's right to speak out: "He has been given the right of freedom, thought and expression." Baluch also criticised the negative institutional response to Lineker's statements, saying: "So if the institutions react so negatively against the statement of Gary, it is undemocratic and unfair. Gary has come forward to defend humanity. It should be a point of pride for the British public." Now, as Lineker prepares to present his final Match of the Day show of this Premier League season on Sunday, it comes after the announcement earlier this month that he will cut all ties with the BBC, following his involvement in an anti-Semitism row. The row erupted after the English pundit shared a controversial post on Zionism from group Palestine Lobby, which used a rat emoji - a symbol historically offensive towards Jews. Following the ensuing outcry, Lineker is now set for a change of scene. He remarked: "Hi everyone, some personal news. Last week, I shared a post here on Instagram that contained an emoji that has awful connotations. Unfortunately, I did not see the emoji. "If I had, I would never, ever have shared it. The minute I was made aware, I quickly deleted the post and went on to make an apology. I would like once again to say I'm sorry unreservedly for the hurt and the upset caused. It was a genuine mistake and oversight, but I should have been more diligent. I know that." He continued: "So I think it's best for all concerned that I step down from BBC presenting duties altogether and not do next season's FA Cup or World Cup. The final day of the Premier League season on Sunday will be my last show."
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders star AXED after eight years – and it's the end of an era
AN EastEnders favourite has been axed after eight years on the soap - bringing an end to one of the show's most high-profile families. Actress Advertisement 3 Clair Norris has been axed from EastEnders Credit: Getty 3 Clair has played Bernie for the last eight years Credit: BBC 3 She will be the last remaining member of the controversial Taylor family Credit: BBC The star has played Bernie, the daughter of controversial Karen Taylor, since the family made their debut in 2017. A source said: 'Every time a soap gets a new boss they want to make their own changes - it's nothing personal. 'The writing has been on the wall for Bernie for some time so it wasn't really a surprise to Clair. 'She was the last Taylor standing and it's time to close the chapter on them and let Clair go on to do other things.' Advertisement Read more on EastEnders Another insider said: 'Everyone at EastEnders loves Clair but often characters have to leave for new stories to begin, that's the nature of soap. 'Clair will be missed but she will always be part of the EastEnders family.' An EastEnders spokeswoman confirmed the news saying: 'We can confirm that Clair will be leaving EastEnders later this year and we wish her all the best for the future .' With Clair gone, and Advertisement Most read in Soaps Karen Taylor left last year alongside Mitch and their grandchildren Mia and Mackenzie. Son Keanu was killed off in 2023 in The Six plot, daughter Chantelle was murdered by husband Gray Atkins in 2020, and son Keegan moved to Germany in 2022. EastEnders' Keanu Taylor's body found by his horrified sister Bernie The family of benefits-claiming layabouts were controversial when they arrived in Walford in 2017, with fans being fiercely divided. However, The Sun revealed last week that while the Taylors will soon be gone, the Branning family is getting a boost. Advertisement EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far? Tracy-Ann Oberman - Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago. Paul Bradley - Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago. Micheal French - French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago. Patsy Palmer - Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019. Ricky Groves - Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009. Cliff Parisi - Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010. Ross Kemp - Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp's storyline as "explosive". Kemp said it was an "absolute honour" to return to the show. Other aspects of the Actor The BBC also accidentally leaked a major spoiler earlier this week that has shown the Queen Vic being put up to auction just weeks after it was rebuilt and reopened after the February explosion.
