Latest news with #SClub7
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Truth behind Hannah Spearritt's 'off-grid', prepper life in Costa Rica, her VERY environmentally unfriendly car and her unlikely shopping habits
Former S Club 7 star Hannah Spearritt has recently delighted her Instagram followers with posts from her idyllic new tropical home in Costa Rica, where she and her partner Adam Thomas are determined to 'live off the land'. Hannah, 44, changed her bio to: 'Prepper, survivalist and creator now living the uninhibited jungle life.' But as these exclusive photos show, even an eco-warrior needs the occasional visit to the supermarket in their gas-guzzling 4x4. Last week, Adam, 45, loaded up the couple's 3.0 litre diesel Hi Lux pick-up with the weekly shop at the huge BM supermarket in Dominical, about half an hour down the mountain from where the couple and their two young daughters have based themselves. Hannah and Adam's hillside estate with its own waterfalls and stunning views of lush green valleys is a far cry from their life in Britain, which they waved goodbye to in January. Hannah announced to her 348k Instagram followers that the couple now plan to 'learn permaculture' so they can 'live off the land' growing fruit and vegetables. But locals and other expats in the hills above Dominical on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, told MailOnline that the challenges of self-sufficiency can be 'immense'. 'Of course it depends on several factors such as how much dough you have, how much land and above all, how much experience,' said an American member of the local ex-pat Facebook group, Domi Crew. 'It can be done, of course, but there are a lot of people who've tried and underestimated how difficult it is, then been forced to look for some other kind of paid work instead to get by.' If that should happen to Hannah and Adam, there would be plenty of opportunities in the thriving tourist and surfing resort of Dominical, should the couple decide to work. The town is less than half an hour's drive down the mountain in their huge gas-guzzling 3.0 litre diesel Toyota Hi Lux pick-up which Hannah showed off on Instagram recently. There is a wide range of luxury hotels, yoga retreats, craft breweries, high-end restaurants, natural food stores, fast food restaurants and a huge BM supermarket, where the couple have both been seen. Though some Instagram followers have assumed the couple's wooden house with glorious views of the sunrise from the terrace would be 'off grid', it almost certainly is not. More than 99 per cent of the many villas and farms dotted in the forest are on mains electriicty and most boast air conditioning and high-speed internet as well, delivered either by fibre optic cable or satellite. Judging by photos posted by Adam on Facebook in their airy kitchen with a high vaulted ceiling, the family won't lack any mod cons in the home. At the supermarket this week, MailOnline spotted Adam loading a trolley high with goods including loo paper and bread to take home. Before heading back to their apartment, he emptied the truck of some rubbish including a soft drink cup from McDonald's. One real estate agent in Dominical told MailOnline: 'There is a very healthy property market around here and it's driven by foreigners. Many of them are digital nomads running their business from here because it's beautiful, with the jungle, the beaches and the quality of life. 'But actually making a living from the land is a tough job, unless you have significant resources and know-how, or have enough property to rent it out to paying guests.' It's not known how much capital Hannah and Adam have between them, but their plans to open a holistic food store in Twickenham had to be shelved last year, reportedly because of spiralling costs. The commercial property in the heart of Twickenham village, bought in Hannah's name in November 2018 for £520,000 with a mortgage, was sold in March, having been on the market for £900,000. Adam announced the couple's move to Central America back in January with a foul-mouthed attack on Britain, declaring 'F*** the UK and f*** the f***ing lot of them. We GOOONE!!!'. His intemperate Facebook post was accompanied by a sweet photo of his two daughters, Taya, five and four-year-old Tora, in a hammock at their stunning rain forest house. But the bitter tone of his invective against politicians of all hues, and 'nosey jobsworth c***s in every government department and the NHS' raised another question. Could an ugly incident which saw the couple clash with police and social workers three years ago over an injury to their baby daughter have been a factor in their decision to quit Britain? The move to Costa Rica brought to an end a well-publicised nightmare few years for Hannah, which included the death of her ex-boyfriend and band member Paul Cattermole in 2023, her awkward departure from S Club 7, a disastrous breast implant surgery resulting in years of ill health and a spell in rehab to wean her off powerful pain killers. But less well known is one of the darkest chapters in her 2023 autobiography, Facing the Music, billed as a 'searingly candid memoir', concerning a clash between the couple and social services. In December 2022, while house-sitting for friends in Virginia Water, Surrey, press reports branded the couple 'homeless' while they were between rental flats. When then toddler Tora suffered an injury, believed to be caused by a dog jumping up and scratching her eyelid, Hannah wrote: 'We found ourselves on the radar of social services, an absolutely ridiculous situation to be in, totally unjustified.' She recalled the horrific incident when she ran toward the sound of Tora's screams: 'The scene that I came upon in the living room will stay with me forever. Tora was standing on the couch, eyelids horrifically lacerated and the worst facial injury I've ever seen.' At the hospital, she wrote: 'One of the nurses came in, and asked Adam if she could have a word with him outside. What I didn't know was that as soon as he left the room, the police were waiting for him and arrested him, taking him off in handcuffs. 'What was already a terrible situation had ramped up to something indescribable'. Hannah claimed that media reports about their temporary homelessness had somehow convinced the authorities that it was likely that one or other of them had inflicted their daughter's injuries. She said: 'It's truly frightening to think that someone with absolutely zero evidence can paint a picture like that which influences someone being arrested and locked up while their daughter lies in a hospital bed, waiting for major surgery.' She added: 'It felt like persecution, one of those police states that people talk about. 'Honestly, I don't think I can ever forgive the people responsible, although we've made every effort to forget about it, and them, as quickly as possible.' Nevertheless, while the social services conducted their investigation, she said, the family had to live in accommodation where other responsible adults were present. She added: 'This was adding insult to serious injury and bearing in mind my gradual decline in health generally, I was really beginning to despair.' It wasn't the first time Adam Thomas had been investigated for alleged violence. In 2016, he was charged with attacking Hannah in a domestic argument, and intimidating a witness. But when the case came to trial, it collapsed, and he was found not guilty of common assault and witness intimidation during a hearing at Kingston Crown Court. The court heard that three prosecution witnesses were not available and that the case could not proceed. Adam Thomas was found not guilty and discharged. Hannah and Adam are believed to have chosen Costa Rica to settle after enjoying a trip to the stunning location in 2018. The visit originally inspired them to set up the café, Fire and Earth, in Twickenham in 2022. However, it was never ready to open fully and they sold up earlier this year. A source said: 'It's the latest in a sequence of setbacks. The new plan is selling up and moving to Costa Rica to live off the land.' Meanwhile Hannah, who has suffered from an autoimmune condition since 2013, had been set to join her former band on their comeback tour in 2023 but pulled out following a feud over contracts. Following the row, the other members - Rachel Stevens, Jo O'Meara, Jon Lee, Bradley McIntosh and Tina Barrett – announced that they would continue as a five-piece. All the mod cons are available to the family with 99 per cent of the many villas and farms dotted in the forest are on mains electricity and most boast air conditioning and high-speed internet Hannah was said to have been blindsided by the S Club announcement, with her being left on bad terms with the band in which she rose to fame in the early 2000s. She then reportedly drafted in lawyers and made the bold move to release her autobiography on the same day the band would have taken to the stage. Before Paul's death, all seven members of the chart-topping band initially confirmed they were reuniting for a landmark 25th anniversary tour. Hannah initially refused to join the line-up, citing a lack of childcare and only agreed to join when music manager Simon Fuller offered to pay for nannies to come along. Two months later, band member Paul died, and Hannah then accepted a five-figure sum to tell her story, which left a bitter taste in the remaining band member's mouths. The Dancing On Ice star apologised to S Club's fans for deciding to leave but said she had to do what was best for herself and her family.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rachel Stevens' ex-husband's new wife is expecting their first child together
Rachel Stevens' ex-husband is expecting his first baby with his new wife. The new addition to Alex's family comes three years after he and the S Club 7 singer split. The couple split in 2022 just one month before they would have been celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary. She said that while they were no longer "partners in marriage," they would remain "partners in parenthood" to co-parent their two daughters, Amelie, 12, and Minnie, nine. But now, just months after marrying, Alex and his new wife, Lily, have revealed they're expecting. Taking to Instagram in a joint post, art dealer Lily showcased her blossoming baby bump as she and Alex enjoyed the sun at Columbia Road Flower Market over the weekend. Wearing a fitted grey T-shirt, her bump proudly stood out as she carried a bouquet of flowers. "A new chapter... & Spring days," the upload was captioned. The upload was soon flooded with celebratory messages. One follower said: "The best news. Thrilled for you both." A second added: "This is incredible!! So happy for you!!" Meanwhile a third went on to write: "My heart is so full for you both! What a beautiful blessing, can't wait to see all the love this little one brings into your lives." "Congratulations this is such lovely news," gushed another. Alex and Lily were married at Lime Kiln Lodges in East Sussex in February, with their nearest and dearest joining them for the special day. This is a breaking showbiz news story. Join The Mirror 's WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News, TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Rachel Stevens' ex husband Alex Bourne is expecting his first child with new art dealer wife Lily - three years after split from S Club 7 singer
Rachel Stevens ' ex husband Alex Bourne is expecting his first child with his new wife Lily - three years after his split from the S Club 7 singer. The property mogul, 47, tied the knot with art dealer Lily, 31, at Lime Kiln lodges in East Sussex in February surrounded by their family and friends. And on Sunday, Lily took to Instagram in a shared post with her new hubby to announce their pregnancy. She shared a carousel of snaps from spring, but two included her growing baby bump. 'A new chapter,' she captioned the snaps - as her baby bump could be seen as she went for a stroll with a bunch of flowers. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. S Club star Rachel, 46, announced she had separated from her childhood sweetheart, Alex, in July 2022, just one month shy of their 13-year anniversary. Alex and Lily then got engaged last summer on Hampstead Heath after meeting earlier that year. Rachel and Alex's two daughters, Amelie, 12, and Minnie, nine, were both in attendance at the wedding and were both bridesmaids. Rachel herself has also found love with Dancing On Ice skater Brendyn Hatfield, going official in November 2023 after first being paired together on the ITV show. She did not appear to be in attendance at the wedding. Lily looked stunning in a bespoke lace gown in snaps shared to both of their Instagram accounts from the big day. They penned in the caption: 'A little more from our big day. Still on cloud ☁️ 9. 'Words can't begin to describe our happiness. Thank you to all of our family and friends for being there on our special day.' 'A new chapter,' she captioned the snaps - as her baby bump could be seen as she went for a stroll with a bunch of flowers Alex and Lily then got engaged last summer on Hampstead Heath after meeting earlier that year (seen announcing their engagement) Last June Alex gushed about his girlfriend at the time Lily and confessed that he would like to get married again one day. He said: 'I'm very grateful for what I have in life. My new partner is a wonderful person and she works in art. She's a beautiful person inside and out. 'I'm a very open-hearted person and I think love is an amazing thing. I've got a wonderful partner and incredible family and a business that I'm proud of. 'Why not get remarried one day? I'm a romantic and a passionate person and I think life is about loving.' He also opened-up for the first time about his 'terrifying' split from Rachel. Alex admitted that he struggled during the early stages of their separation, especially navigating co-parenting. But the former actor insisted that he and Rachel are now on good terms, having moved on with new partners, who their two daughters 'adore'. Alex, who is Co-founder and Director of London House, explained: 'It was terrifying at the start and it's not easy – and maybe I am making it all happy families - but we've handled it really well. I guess we are a blended family and I'm totally cool with it. 'I'm happily in a relationship and have a supportive partner, who my kids absolutely adore. Both myself and my ex-wife are in happy relationships and we are very supportive of each other. 'My children are such kind, loving people, who I am very proud of, so they made it easy to introduce them. They really, genuinely want us to be happy and we are.' The prime real estate agent, who co-founded prime real estate agency London House, added that the former couple had worked to 'avoid animosity' with introducing their new partners. He said: 'We were very grown up about the whole introducing partners thing. Everything has been handled with a lot of sensitivity and respect and that avoids animosity and unhappiness. 'Our children are everything and all we want is for them to be happy.' Alex's candidness came a week after Rachel lifted the lid on their separation during an appearance on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, comparing it to 'jumping off a cliff.' She admitted: 'It's a lot of navigating, especially with the girls because they've always been at the forefront. 'I'm very lucky, their dad is a great dad and we've always been so aligned with keeping them really safe in it and being really honest. 'We've had great advice on how to age-appropriately speak to them and help them feel safe in it all, because that was my biggest fear - how they are going to be in all of this.' She continued: 'You're changing your life. It's not only a marriage it's a family around it, it's your friendship groups, your home, your children. 'Changing your whole life, for me it felt like jumping off a cliff, like wow, it's the unknown. 'But I've always believed that we have to be happy, we have to be true to ourselves and it's not something you decide overnight, it's something that takes so much thought and questioning. 'I haven't talked about it a lot publicly because I'm so mindful of everyone involved.' The former couple were childhood sweethearts and reconnected in the mid-2000s when Rachel was launching her solo career and Alex was still trying to make it as an actor in Los Angeles. They got engaged in June 2008 after 18 months of dating and tied the knot at Claridge's in London the following year. The pair walked down the aisle to S Club 7 's hit Never Had A Dream Come True and her bandmates - Bradley McIntosh, Hannah Spearritt, Jo O'Meara, Jon Lee, Paul Cattermole and Tina Barrett - were there to watch them say 'I do'. Discussing her new relationship with Brendyn, Rachel went on: 'We've just been really mindful and thoughtful of everyone involved and it was a very slow process, but when you go through growth in your life, you change and your outlook on life changes. 'You realise this is what I need, this is what I want, this is what I deserve. And everything is new and it all just kind of happens.' She added: 'It all just evolves and it's not black and white, it's just an amazing growth experience.' Last year Rachel revealed how falling for Brendyn led to her 'messy' split from Alex, with their marriage already on the rocks. Speaking to The Sun she admitted: '[The split] was messy. I knew that we were growing, that I was growing apart, but I was in turmoil, because first of all my kids'. Rachel went on to recall how she felt telling now ex-husband Alex about Brendyn admitting: 'It was really scary, because I knew as soon as I said that, that was it.' It was in July 2022 that Rachel announced on Instagram that she had split from her husband of 12 years. Insisting they would be keeping things amicable, she wrote: 'I just wanted to share with you all that after time and consideration, the difficult decision has been made for Alex and I to separate. 'While we are no longer partners in marriage, we will remain partners in parenthood to our beautiful girls and continue with love and respect for each other. 'I feel so incredibly grateful for the life we built together and will now continue to be focused on moving forward united as a family.'
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
S Club 7 star Hannah Spearritt gives a glimpse at her new life in Costa Rica living as a 'prepper and survivalist' with her two kids after quitting the UK
S Club 7 star Hannah Spearritt has given a glimpse at her new life in Costa Rica living as a 'prepper and survivalist'. The former S Club singer, 44, quit the UK with her two daughters Taya, five, and Tora, four, back in January, with the family now enjoying an exotic new home. Last year it was first reported that Hannah and partner Adam Thomas had decided to relocate to Central America where they would 'live off the land'. The pop star was said to be seeking a fresh start after quitting the band that made her famous in the wake of ex Paul Cattermole 's tragic death in 2023. Now their dreams a new live have come true, with the family enjoying morning waterfall walks and an outdoor playground as part of their daily lives. Her Instagram bio now reads: 'Prepper, survivalist and creator now living the uninhibited jungle life.' She showed off her new home on social media which features a balcony with incredible views over the forest and mountains. Sharing a snap overlooking the vista she penned in the caption: 'Looking out to new beginnings.. at our new #home! 'Next on the menu is to learn permaculture… and have a laugh at ourselves filming the planting of the fruit forest!' She also shared snaps of her kids walking through the mountains and visiting waterfalls for swimming. Hannah wrote: 'Morning walks down to the waterfall… trying to keep up with the little legs! 'I'm putting together a little reel of this magical place that has really helped me recover from a challenging year and I'll put the link in with it so you can enjoy it too if u like.' In January she revealed they had moved as she shared a snap at the dinner table of their new house with their daughters. Clearly loving her new home, she captioned the snap: 'Well.. we finally made it to paradise. Beautiful country, beautiful people' Their dreams a new live have come true, with the family enjoying morning waterfall walks and an outdoor playground as part of their daily lives Hannah and Adam were believed to have enjoyed a trip to the stunning location in 2018 and the visit which inspired them set up a cafe in Twickenham in 2022. However, the cafe was never ready to open fully and a friend told The Sun last year that they were selling up amid rising costs. The source said: 'It's the latest in a sequence of setbacks. The new plan is selling up and moving to Costa Rica to live off the land.' The couple previously looked at building a community in Central America with Hannah telling the publication: 'That's the dream, to move to Costa Rica and buy some land or a farm and live the simple life with the girls.' The singer, who has suffered from an autoimmune condition since 2013, had been set to join her former band on their comeback tour but pulled out following a feud over contracts. Following the row, the other members - Rachel Stevens, Jo O'Meara, Jon Lee, Bradley McIntosh and Tina Barrett – announced that they would continue as a five-piece. She is said to have been blindsided but the announcement, with her left on bad terms with the band in which she rose to fame in the early 2000s. The mother of two then reportedly drafted in lawyers and made the bold move to release her autobiography on the same day they will take to the stage. All seven members of the chart-topping band initially confirmed they were reuniting for a landmark 25th anniversary tour. Hannah initially refusing to join the lineup, citing a lack of childcare and only agreed to join when music manager Simon Fuller offered to pay for nannies to come along. Two months later, band member Paul Cattermole died, Hannah then accepted a five-figure sum to tell her story, which left a bitter taste in the remaining band member's mouths. Hannah apologised to S Club's fans for deciding to leave but said she had to do what was best for herself and her family. Hannah claimed she hadn't been in touch with her former bandmates since she left the band, admitting she is sad not to be but insisted she wishes them 'all the best' Paul was found dead in his ground floor flat in Wareham, Dorset in April 2023. The star, who made a living as a tarot card reader after quitting the group in 2002, was said to have been in 'good spirits' when he was seen at a park close to his home days earlier. A spokeswoman for Dorset Coroner's Office said: 'We confirm that Mr Cattermole died from natural causes and our investigations have concluded. As his death was from natural causes there will be no inquest.' Following his death, the band have rebranded as S Club and the band with his family released a joint statement announcing his sad passing. They said: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son and brother Paul Cattermole. 'Paul was found yesterday, 6th April 2023 at his home in Dorset and was pronounced dead later that afternoon. 'While the cause of death is currently unknown, Dorset Police has confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances. 'Paul's family, friends and fellow members of S Club request privacy at this time.' The band paid tribute to Cattermole on social media. Writing alongside a black and white photograph of him in the band's heyday, they said: 'We are truly devastated by the passing of our brother Paul. There are no words to describe the deep sadness and loss we all feel. We were so lucky to have had him in our lives and are thankful for the amazing memories we have. 'He will be so deeply missed by each and every one of us.' After quitting S Club 7 in 2002, Cattermole made a living as a tarot card reader after falling on hard times. He reinvented himself as a 'spiritual psychic detective', earning money by charging £39.99 for reading on a spiritual website.
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Rachel Stevens offers rare update on romance with Dancing On Ice partner Brendyn Hatfield
has shared an update on how her romance is going with boyfriend Brendyn Hatfield on Monday. The S Club 7 star, 47, who was partnered with the pro skater, 38, on Dancing On Ice in 2022, conducted an Instagram Stories Q&A with her fans. During the session where her followers were able to ask her personal questions, one fan asked the star: 'How are you and Brendyn (love heart emoji).' Sharing a sweet snap of herself and Brendyn and confirming they were still together, she responded: 'Really good thank you' alongside a smiley love heart emoji. Rachel was previously married to real estate agent and actor Alex Bourne, 48, from 2009 to 2022. She announced her separation from her childhood sweetheart in July 2022, just one month shy of their 13th anniversary. The S Club icon then announced she had found love with Dancing On Ice partner Brendyn. The couple went official with their romance in November 2023 after they were first paired together on the ITV show. Rachel previously lifted the lid on her separation from Alex during an appearance on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, comparing it to 'jumping off a cliff.' She admitted: 'It's a lot of navigating, especially with the girls because they've always been at the forefront.' 'I'm very lucky, their dad is a great dad, and we've always been so aligned with keeping them really safe in it and being really honest.' 'We've had great advice on how to age-appropriately speak to them and help them feel safe in it all because that was my biggest fear - how they are going to be in all of this.' She continued: 'You're changing your life. It's not only a marriage, it's a family around it, it's your friendship groups, your home, your children.' 'Changing your whole life, for me it felt like jumping off a cliff, like wow, it's the unknown.' 'But I've always believed that we have to be happy, we have to be true to ourselves, and it's not something you decide overnight, it's something that takes so much thought and questioning.' 'I haven't talked about it a lot publicly because I'm so mindful of everyone involved.' The former couple were childhood sweethearts and reconnected in the mid-2000s when Rachel was launching her solo career and Alex was still trying to make it as an actor in Los Angeles. They got engaged in June 2008 after 18 months of dating and tied the knot at Claridge's in London the following year. The pair walked down the aisle to S Club 7's hit Never Had A Dream Come True, and her bandmates - Bradley McIntosh, Hannah Spearritt, Jo O'Meara, Jon Lee, Paul Cattermole and Tina Barrett - were there to watch them say 'I do'. The former couple also share two daughters, Amelie, 14, and Minnie, 11. She also discussed her new relationship with Brendyn at the time, adding: 'We've just been really mindful and thoughtful of everyone involved, and it was a very slow process, but when you go through growth in your life, you change and your outlook on life changes.' 'You realise this is what I need, this is what I want, this is what I deserve. And everything is new, and it all just kind of happens.' She added: 'It all just evolves and it's not black and white, it's just an amazing growth experience.'
