Latest news with #TheOnlyWayIsEssex
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Megan McKenna reveals shocking call from Simon Cowell and what he told her
Megan McKenna says becoming a mum has brought her confidence and joy as she builds a new life with husband Oliver Burke and their baby son Megan McKenna says motherhood has given her a new sense of freedom and confidence as she enjoys life with husband Oliver Burke and their nine-month-old son Landon. The 32-year-old, who rose to fame through reality TV shows like The Only Way Is Essex and Ex on the Beach, is now better known for her powerful vocals and popular recipe videos, Mirror reports. Having tied the knot with footballer Oliver, 28, in June, the Essex-born star now divides her time between the UK and Berlin, where her husband plays for German Bundesliga club Union Berlin. 'Motherhood has definitely made me more free,' Megan said during an exclusive interview with OK! at The Shard in London. 'I don't worry about the little things any more. As a mum, you have the most amazing gift already, so everything else is fine.' The visit to London marked her first performance since becoming a mother, as she joined Grammy-winning songwriter Toby Gad, best known for Fergie's Big Girls Don't Cry, for a live show that also featured Paloma Faith. Megan performed alongside Toby, singing the iconic ballad, while her proud parents watched from the front row. 'I took a break from music for obvious reasons and I moved to Berlin, so I've had a lot on my plate,' she said. 'But to be honest, I took a break because I don't like doing things half-heartedly. I'm very passionate about what I do, so I want to do it properly.' Megan has been building a music career since winning The X Factor: Celebrity in 2019. Her original song This went straight to number one on iTunes and entered the UK Official Charts. The heartfelt ballad is now widely used in social media videos for engagement and pregnancy announcements, including Megan's own announcement in April last year, which followed fertility struggles. 'I hear my song all the time and get tagged in so many videos using it. It's really lovely,' she said. 'I would say definitely The X Factor helped with people realising that I've grown up a lot. "People realised that I can actually write music. I'm not just a singer who sings karaoke. I actually write from the heart and I think that's why I won The X Factor because all my songs are inspired by my own stories.' Her music journey has not been without challenges. Megan revealed that after her win, Simon Cowell's label, which was supposed to support her next steps, closed down. 'The label shut down after I won, so it was pretty hard. It was tough because I'd worked so, so hard,' she said. 'But Simon and I had a nice relationship. "He actually rang me, which was crazy, because it's not every day Simon Cowell rings you, to say that the label was closing down. He was really nice about it and said, 'I'm sorry, but you need to find a new home.' But it's not an easy thing to do.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Still, Megan is optimistic about returning to the music scene, now that her son is a little older. 'Thankfully, times are changing and you don't need a record label to release music, so hopefully it will be easier.' Beyond music, Megan has also carved out a niche as a cook, with millions of fans watching her prepare recipes online. Her cookbook, which became a Sunday Times bestseller, has cemented her status as a culinary talent. 'I love cooking. It's so natural to me. I just prop my phone up and film while I'm doing it,' she said. 'Most of the time, I look horrendous! "I always think afterwards, 'Gosh, maybe I should try and put on some lipstick,' but then it gets to the end of the day and I'm like, 'Nah, that's impossible!'' She laughed, adding: 'I love cooking, I love singing, I love Landon and I love Ollie. That's all I need, really.'
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gemma Collins' 'risky move after 2 stone weight loss with something to prove'
Former The Only Way Is Essex star Gemma Collins is said to be close to signing a big money deal which could see her return to the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! jungle She's the diva who's never far from a headline – and Gemma Collins is set to grab some more as she prepares to head back into the jungle, nearly a decade after her famous early exit. This time, however, it's a whole different ballgame and there's serious money (and pride) on the line. The 43-year-old reality star is said to be close to signing a deal to take part in I'm A Celebrity: All Stars, the spin-off series filming this autumn and due to hit our screens next year. Insiders say the offer is 'too good to turn down'. A source claims to new, ' ITV bosses love Gemma because they know they'll get plenty of drama and some fabulous diva moments. She might not last long – in fact, she probably won't – but that will make it funny and unmissable viewing. They want her in there, they know the GC is a box office winner. Love her or loathe her, whether she cries, stamps her feet or has people in stitches, she'll win viewers and that's what they want. 'Gemma has been keeping a relatively low profile – by GC standards – so she knows this could be a real boost. There's an awful lot riding on it. Following years of weight battles she has lost two stone recently, she's in a good place. She's feeling more confident than ever and has said she can't wait to show off her body in a bikini on the show.' But while the big payday may sound like a dream come true – her potential fee is rumoured to be £150, 000, a far cry from the £40,000 she was reportedly given for her first jungle stint in 2014 – there's no denying it comes with a lot of pressure. The jungle whispers come after a difficult time for the former TOWIE star, who revealed last month that she'd been forced to beef up security at her Essex home after being targeted by a stalker – an ordeal she described as one of the most 'frightening' experiences of her life. A big jungle return could be just the boost she needs. But can she go the distance this time? Fans will remember her short-lived appearance in 2014, where she made her mark but faced criticism when she dramatically left after just three days. Who could forget her helicopter meltdown, her flat-out refusal to eat jungle food and those teary confessions in the Bush Telegraph? It was peak GC and that's why appearing on the All Stars edition, to be filmed in South Africa, could be a golden opportunity. Previously sharing the real reason she quit back in 2014, she explained, 'My time was short in the jungle and not many people know that I was robbed and physically attacked 24 hours before leaving for Australia. I didn't want to let anyone down, so I still went in. However, I was in a terrible state and shock, as you can imagine, and couldn't see it through. 'I took lots of stick over it, but if you was robbed and attacked and then sent into the jungle, I'm sure you would have struggled, too. I would never let anyone destroy my dreams again.' According to PR expert Lynn Carratt, Gemma will use a jungle appearance to reignite her TV career. 'She hasn't actually been on our screens since 2022, when she was in a segment on BBC 's Springwatch. She also had a guest section on The Big Breakfast as an agony aunt. 'I don't think she'll be doing this for the money. She's got over 2 million followers on Instagram and is doing lucrative brand deals every week. She's just done one with Netflix for the series Too Much and she has an active sculpt collection at Debenhams. 'Reality TV, however, is Gemma's bread and butter, from TOWIE to Dancing On Ice to her own reality show. That's how she started and how she made her name. With the jungle, she has a lot to prove. She lasted three days last time. People are going to want to see her go through it. She's dramatic, entertaining and unpredictable. 'Everything's been a bit up and down for Gemma, but she's looking great, she's lost two stone and she'll probably lose more before any filming begins. She might feel fitter and be able to handle jungle life better. It's not for the faint-hearted. It's a risk, but if she can prove herself, it could propel her back into the spotlight in a big way.' Well, if the GC back in the jungle is on next year's bingo card, we're here for it!
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Towie cast feud revealed as star lets slip bitter show divide that will rock new series
A STAR of The Only Way Is Essex has opened up about the new series and a huge rift - and it's set to be a scorcher. Former 5 Celeb Big Brother star Ella has confirmed things are heating up and set to explode Credit: YouTube 5 Ella and pal Freddie opened up about the new series and it's all going to kick off Credit: YouTube Speaking on podcast Not My Bagg alongside pal Baggs asked: "What was it like amongst the cast, because obviously you're seen as more of a stand out then? "Did anyone have a problem, because all the cast get jealous of things...?" Freddie answered: "You'll see a lot of it unfold." Read more Ella confirmed: "You'll see." Freddie admitted: "Normally we wouldn't be allowed to mention Ella, 25, agreed: "It was so weird. I was going, 'When I was in my experience' and they were like, 'Ella, you can say when you was in the Big Brother house." Speaking about the dramas set to erupt, she said: "I'm really excited. Normally, I'm not really that excited." Most read in Reality And it's not just fans who avidly watch the show. Ella said: "We put it on in the morning, don't we, so we can see what's going to unfold so we know what to expect from the viewers. Watch moment Towie's Ella Rae Wise takes savage swipe at ex Dan Edgar as he moves on with new girl "We watch it on the ITV hub and tune it at night." She gushed: "I'm actually buzzing." The blonde bombshell has recently spoken out against her ex-boyfriend Now, , especially in the aftermath of their break-up and promised fans would get to see why they ended things on the upcoming season of Towie. The reality TV star was also quizzed about whispers that but she refused to partake in gossip. Last month, Dan, 35, caused a stir on a Jet2 flight from London Stansted to Faro in Portugal after making a bold move on a woman mid-journey as Ella watched on. CBB ex was accused of shooting 'death stares' to Dan during the entire conversation as Love Island: All Stars couple and watched on. Portugal to kick off filming for the long-running ITV reality series' 15th anniversary. The ITV2 show has splashed out on a cast getaway to celebrate the milestone occasion. The cast flew out to film scenes in June and stayed at a five-star resort in the Algarve for a 5 The infamous reality TV show is on its way back for its 15th anniversary Credit: ITV 5 Ella starred on Celebrity Big Brother and feathers have been ruffled Credit: Rex 5 The star is set to come up against some Essex ag in the new series of Towie Credit: Rex
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Towie cast feud revealed as star lets slip bitter show divide that will rock new series
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A STAR of The Only Way Is Essex has opened up about the new series and a huge rift - and it's set to be a scorcher. Former Celebrity Big Brother housemate Ella Rae Wise revealed that there's plenty of beef incoming ahead of the latest instalment of the ITV2 show. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Celeb Big Brother star Ella has confirmed things are heating up and set to explode Credit: YouTube 5 Ella and pal Freddie opened up about the new series and it's all going to kick off Credit: YouTube Speaking on podcast Not My Bagg alongside pal Freddie Bentley, they told host Joe Baggs that tensions were high following Ella's appearance on Celebrity Big Brother. Baggs asked: "What was it like amongst the cast, because obviously you're seen as more of a stand out then? "Did anyone have a problem, because all the cast get jealous of things...?" Freddie answered: "You'll see a lot of it unfold." Ella confirmed: "You'll see." Freddie admitted: "Normally we wouldn't be allowed to mention Big Brother and other shows but they let us do it." Ella, 25, agreed: "It was so weird. I was going, 'When I was in my experience' and they were like, 'Ella, you can say when you was in the Big Brother house." Speaking about the dramas set to erupt, she said: "I'm really excited. Normally, I'm not really that excited." And it's not just fans who avidly watch the show. Ella said: "We put it on in the morning, don't we, so we can see what's going to unfold so we know what to expect from the viewers. Watch moment Towie's Ella Rae Wise takes savage swipe at ex Dan Edgar as he moves on with new girl "We watch it on the ITV hub and tune it at night." She gushed: "I'm actually buzzing." The blonde bombshell has recently spoken out against her ex-boyfriend Dan Edgar, accusing him of not "treating her with much respect." The former Towie couple called it quits 18 months after getting together, just days before her stint on Celebrity Big Brother in April. Now, Ella has spoken out about her experience with Dan, especially in the aftermath of their break-up and promised fans would get to see why they ended things on the upcoming season of Towie. The reality TV star was also quizzed about whispers that Dan already has a new girlfriend, but she refused to partake in gossip. Last month, Dan, 35, caused a stir on a Jet2 flight from London Stansted to Faro in Portugal after making a bold move on a woman mid-journey as Ella watched on. CBB ex Ella was accused of shooting 'death stares' to Dan during the entire conversation as Love Island: All Stars couple Sammy Root and Elma Pazar watched on. Dan's potential new romance comes as the Towie cast jetted off to Portugal to kick off filming for the long-running ITV reality series' 15th anniversary. The ITV2 show has splashed out on a cast getaway to celebrate the milestone occasion. The cast flew out to film scenes in June and stayed at a five-star resort in the Algarve for a two-week trip. 5 The infamous reality TV show is on its way back for its 15th anniversary Credit: ITV 5 Ella starred on Celebrity Big Brother and feathers have been ruffled Credit: Rex
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Towie cast feud revealed as star lets slip bitter show divide that will rock new series
A STAR of The Only Way Is Essex has opened up about the new series and a huge rift - and it's set to be a scorcher. Former Celebrity Big Brother housemate Ella Rae Wise revealed that there's plenty of beef incoming ahead of the latest instalment of the ITV2 show. 5 5 Speaking on podcast Not My Bagg alongside pal Freddie Bentley, they told host Joe Baggs that tensions were high following Ella's appearance on Celebrity Big Brother. Baggs asked: "What was it like amongst the cast, because obviously you're seen as more of a stand out then? "Did anyone have a problem, because all the cast get jealous of things...?" Freddie answered: "You'll see a lot of it unfold." Ella confirmed: "You'll see." Freddie admitted: "Normally we wouldn't be allowed to mention Big Brother and other shows but they let us do it." Ella, 25, agreed: "It was so weird. I was going, 'When I was in my experience' and they were like, 'Ella, you can say when you was in the Big Brother house." Speaking about the dramas set to erupt, she said: "I'm really excited. Normally, I'm not really that excited." And it's not just fans who avidly watch the show. Ella said: "We put it on in the morning, don't we, so we can see what's going to unfold so we know what to expect from the viewers. Watch moment Towie's Ella Rae Wise takes savage swipe at ex Dan Edgar as he moves on with new girl "We watch it on the ITV hub and tune it at night." She gushed: "I'm actually buzzing." The blonde bombshell has recently spoken out against her ex-boyfriend Dan Edgar, accusing him of not "treating her with much respect." The former Towie couple called it quits 18 months after getting together, just days before her stint on Celebrity Big Brother in April. Now, Ella has spoken out about her experience with Dan, especially in the aftermath of their break-up and promised fans would get to see why they ended things on the upcoming season of Towie. The reality TV star was also quizzed about whispers that Dan already has a new girlfriend, but she refused to partake in gossip. Last month, Dan, 35, caused a stir on a Jet2 flight from London Stansted to Faro in Portugal after making a bold move on a woman mid-journey as Ella watched on. CBB ex Ella was accused of shooting 'death stares' to Dan during the entire conversation as Love Island: All Stars couple Sammy Root and watched on. Dan's potential new romance comes as the Towie cast jetted off to Portugal to kick off filming for the long-running ITV reality series' 15th anniversary. The ITV2 show has splashed out on a cast getaway to celebrate the milestone occasion. The cast flew out to film scenes in June and stayed at a five-star resort in the Algarve for a two-week trip. 5 5 5
