Latest news with #ex-EastEnders
Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders star shows off weight loss transformation after diet swap
The former BBC soap star looked almost unrecognisable in the social media post An ex-EastEnders star has said that making one significant life change has helped her feel like herself again. This lifestyle adjustment may help others lose weight and reduce their risk of serious health problems like heart and liver disease. Lorraine Stanley, known best for her role on EastEnders as Karen Taylor between 2017 and 2024, posted a picture on her Instagram feed from an event last night (June 2). In it, she can be seen wearing a kaftan she bought in Barcelona airport for "less than £30". She added: "[This is the] first time I've worn it, I love it! Thanks for all the beautiful comments." The 48-year-old received a wave of positive comments on how well she looked, including her former EastEnders co-star Diane Parish, known for playing Denise Fox, who commented: "You look incredible!" And James Bye, who played Martin Fowler until recently in the soap, posted: "Look at you skinny minny!" According to reports, Lorraine managed to achieve her five-stone weight loss since leaving the soap with help from a gastric sleeve operation. But another lifestyle change has also contributed to the mum-of-one's new lease of life. She's banished alcohol from her diet and has swapped booze for non-alcoholic options. Taking to her Instagram story to upload the same image posted onto her main feed, she added: "I'm five months sober and still had a good night dancing! #Sobriety." Lorraine publicly shared her journey toward sobriety. She has said that being sober has not stopped her from having fun and enjoying social events. What can avoiding alcohol do for your health and weight? According to Drinkaware, cutting out alcohol completely has many health benefits. These include reducing blood pressure and improving sleep in the short term, as well as many other important, longer-term health benefits. Cutting alcohol from your life reduces the risk of developing serious alcohol-related diseases. Giving up drinking could help your liver and should reduce the chances of developing liver disease, as long hasn'thasn't already been irreversibly damaged. Drinkaware also claims that stopping your alcohol intake could lower the risk of: Heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure Liver disease Sexual dysfunction Gut problems If you're overweight and regularly drink alcohol, you will likely find that you lose weight if you stop drinking. And, not drinking at all will make it easier to maintain a healthy weight. Alcoholic drinks contain lots of 'empty' calories, Drinkaware says, meaning your body doesn't get any nutritional value from alcohol. Drinkaware gave the example that "a typical pint of lager or a large glass of wine contains the same number of calories as more than half a cheeseburger". If you're worried about your drinking, Drinkaware has a list of support networks and resources to help. There are dedicated phone lines or online chat rooms that can provide people with the help they need.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Outlander star returns to screens in major series announcement
A second season of ITV detective drama Karen Pirie is on the way, with Lauren Lyle in the leading role and ex-EastEnders actress Emer Kenny co-writing and starring Writer and actress Emer Kenny has hinted at the return of ITV's detective drama Karen Pirie, featuring Outlander's Lauren Lyle. The show, which debuted in 2022, adapts Val McDermid's Inspector Karen Pirie novels and stars Lauren as the lead character. With production credits from the teams behind Line of Duty and Bodyguard, the series portrays Lauren as a "young and fearless Scottish investigator with a quick mouth and a tenacious desire for the truth". In its inaugural season, viewers followed her character as she reopened the 25-year-old case of Rosie Duff, a barmaid who was attacked, stabbed, and left to die. A true crime podcast brings the cold case back into the limelight, with DS Karen Pirie spearheading the reinvestigation. As she delves into the past of three men who were once suspects but never prosecuted, she unravels a tangle of lies and secrets, navigating through complex motives to pinpoint the real killer. The show earned an impressive 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences praising it as "a classic British crime drama with a nice modern touch to it". Emer, formerly of EastEnders fame, who also contributes as a writer and actor on Karen Pirie, has provided an exciting update regarding the forthcoming series. "My show, Karen Pirie, season 2 of that is coming out this summer," she disclosed in a chat with RadioTimes, adding: "Which is really exciting, because it's been a while since we've finished shooting it. "So I'm just really pumped for it to be out in the world on ITV on Sunday nights." She tantalised fans with a hint: "This time it's about a kidnap of a billionaire heiress, so it's a little bit more epic, a little bit bigger, and I'm just really excited for people to see." Following a "really nice" response to the debut series, Emer shared her aspiration to deliver to her fans "something that is just as good". The forthcoming second season is set to draw on A Darker Domain, the second novel of McDermid's collection. It will consist of three episodes, each two hours long. Lauren opened up about the upcoming series, remarking: "I'm thrilled that we will continue the life of our fearless young detective Karen Pirie, and of course, her bumbag. I've known for a while how well the show has gone down behind the scenes, so it's been a joy to see audiences want more. "It's a creative honour to work alongside Emer Kenny with the backbone of Val McDermid's story. Season 1 was incredibly exciting, building an original character we hadn't seen before. I look forward to getting the gang back together and finally being able to answer the question: 'Please say there will be a season 2?' with an 'Oh yes.'" ITV has whetted the appetite for the next instalment, revealing: "In this second season, Karen reopens the investigation into the unsolved kidnap of a wealthy young heiress and her baby son back in 1985." Karen Pirie is available to watch on ITVX.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Four clues Michelle Ryan was returning to EastEnders – as Zoe Slater is back after 20 years offscreen
Did you catch these four clues? shock return Four clues Michelle Ryan was returning to EastEnders – as Zoe Slater is back after 20 years offscreen Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS star Michelle Ryan is returning to the soap - but did you spot these four clues hinting at her comeback. The Sun revealed Michelle, 41, will be reprising her role as Zoe Slater this year - after two decades away. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 8 EastEnders star Michelle Ryan is returning as Zoe Slater Credit: Getty 8 The Slater family arrived in Walford back in 2000 Credit: BBC 8 The character Zoe left Albert Square in 2005 Credit: BBC A source said: 'Bosses have repeatedly reached out to Michelle over the years, but the timing has never been quite right. 'People are still talking about her character, so it's a real coup to bring her back. 'She feels like now is the perfect moment — and there was an exciting script on the table.' Michelle starred in the BBC soap from 2000 until eventually bowing out in 2005. Listed below are some clues pointing to the star's Albert Square return. On-screen 'cameo' 8 Zoe made a brief "cameo" on-screen last year Credit: BBC Zoe may have left Walford two decades ago, but many of her family members still live in the area. Earlier this year, fans began speculating a possible comeback after the soap featured a shot focusing on a photo frame shot of the Slater sisters on Kat's mantlepiece. Speaking on Reddit, one viewer wrote: "Tonight was a dead giveaway -- the way the camera focused directly on Michelle Ryan in that framed Slater photo, that's no accident. "She's totally coming back this week. That was a deliberate teaser." They added: "I suppose a red herring is possible, but for the love of God EE, please don't let us down on this one as well and not do it after all this." EastEnders legend Michelle Ryan reveals devastating family tragedy - after 'having a feeling' it would happen day before "It's way overdue. We haven't had Little Mo back, we haven't had Carol back, we've got to have Zoe." Co-star reunions 8 Michelle reunited with former co-star Kacey Ainsworth Credit: instagram/@michelleryan008 Michelle has previously caught up with ex-EastEnders castmates - although they no longer work together on the BBC soap. One example was her reunion with Kacey Ainsworth, who played Zoe's aunt Little Mo. Sharing a snap of the two, Michelle penned, in part: "Just got back from a lovely dog walk with my friend Kacey. "We worked together many moons ago (no pun intended) on Eastenders as sisters. Part of the Slater family. "Our boss John Yorke took a real risk putting a family of women in the show and it paid off as on one week when Zoe found out that Kat was her mother viewers tuned into the BBC for 19, 18, 20 and 21 million per episode plus the omnibus." One fan commented: "I'd love to see Zoe back on The Square, even if it was just a short time. I wonder if she'd actually get on with Stacey now." Another remarked: "Would you not just come back? It would be epic!" While a third wrote: "Enjoyed seeing Zoe again in Classic Eastenders episodes recently, be nice to see you back in show someday." Meanwhile, Michelle also caught up with actress Kim Medcalf, who has played Sam Mitchell across two stints. 8 She also caught up with former Sam Mitchell star Kim Medcalf Credit: Instagram/MichelleRyan Michelle posted their comeback selfie onto her Instagram grid page as she sent soap fans into a frenzy. She captioned the snap: "Kim and I on a pre Christmas catch up. We hadn't seen each other in five years. As easy company as ever." 40th Anniversary celebration 8 Michelle marked the soap's 40th anniversary earlier this year Credit: Getty Although Zoe didn't return on-screen for the soap's 40th anniversary, Michelle paid homage to her time in EastEnders. She made a rare post on Instagram celebrating her time on Eastenders, reposting shots from her official photoshoot when joining the series. "I was just sent these two photos from the square that were taken when I was 17/18, that's early 2000's!" she wrote. "They were actually never used for cards to be signed (although I'm being told that some people have them, I didn't realise)." "Wishing everyone on the square a very Happy 40th Birthday! What an achievement for a show to run for that long!," she said. "Many great memories. Congratulations to everyone (Don't read into the song chosen, it's playing in the cafe)." Co-stars discuss return on podcast 8 Lacey Turner and Jessie Wallace discussed a possible Zoe comeback Credit: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes Fans aren't the only ones who wanted Zoe to return - some of Michelle's former co-stars voiced their interest in this happening. Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater, welcomed Jessie Wallace, aka Kat Slater, to her podcast We Started Here. Speaking in the episode, Lacey said: "The Kat and Zoe [storyline]… I'd love it if she came back. Would you?" To which Jessie replied: "I think it'd be great. I think it would be lovely. "Can we make that happen? Wouldn't it be great?" Fans made reference to these comments under Michelle's post, as she wrote: "It came up on a feed, very proud of Lacey having her own podcast. Lovely of Jessie to say."
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Four clues Michelle Ryan was returning to EastEnders – as Zoe Slater is back after 20 years offscreen
EASTENDERS star Michelle Ryan is returning to the soap - but did you spot these four clues hinting at her comeback. The Sun revealed Michelle, 41 8 EastEnders star Michelle Ryan is returning as Zoe Slater Credit: Getty 8 The Slater family arrived in Walford back in 2000 Credit: BBC 8 The character Zoe left Albert Square in 2005 Credit: BBC A source said: 'Bosses have repeatedly reached out to Michelle over the years, but the timing has never been quite right. 'People are still talking about her character, so it's a real coup to bring her back. 'She feels like now is the perfect moment — and there was an exciting script on the table.' Michelle starred in the BBC soap from 2000 until Read more on EastEnders Listed below are some clues pointing to the star's Albert Square return. On-screen 'cameo' 8 Zoe made a brief "cameo" on-screen last year Credit: BBC Zoe may have left Walford two decades ago, but many of her family members still live in the area. Earlier this year, fans began Speaking on Most read in Soaps "She's totally coming back this week. That was a deliberate teaser ." They added: "I suppose a red herring is possible, but for the love of God EE , please don't let us down on this one as well and not do it after all this." EastEnders legend Michelle Ryan reveals devastating family tragedy - after 'having a feeling' it would happen day before "It's way overdue. We haven't had Little Mo back, we haven't had Carol back, we've got to have Zoe." Co-star reunions 8 Michelle reunited with former co-star Kacey Ainsworth Credit: instagram/@michelleryan008 Michelle has previously caught up with ex-EastEnders castmates - although they no longer work together on the BBC soap. One example was her reunion with Sharing a snap of the two, Michelle penned, in part: "Just got back from a lovely dog walk with my friend Kacey. "We worked together many moons ago (no pun intended) on Eastenders as sisters. Part of the Slater family. "Our boss John Yorke took a real risk putting a family of women in the show and it paid off as on one week when Zoe found out that Kat was her mother viewers tuned into the BBC for 19, 18, 20 and 21 million per episode plus the omnibus." One fan commented: "I'd love to see Zoe back on The Square, even if it was just a short time. I wonder if she'd actually get on with Stacey now." Another remarked: "Would you not just come back? It would be epic!" While a third wrote: "Enjoyed seeing Zoe again in Classic Eastenders episodes recently, be nice to see you back in show someday." Meanwhile, Michelle also caught up with actress Kim Medcalf, 8 She also caught up with former Sam Mitchell star Kim Medcalf Credit: Instagram/MichelleRyan Michelle posted their comeback selfie onto her Instagram grid page as she sent soap fans into a frenzy. She captioned the snap: "Kim and I on a pre Christmas catch up. We hadn't seen each other in five years. As easy company as ever." 40th Anniversary celebration 8 Michelle marked the soap's 40th anniversary earlier this year Credit: Getty Although Zoe didn't return on-screen for the soap's 40th anniversary, Michelle paid homage to her time in EastEnders . She made a rare post on Instagram "I was just sent these two photos from the square that were taken when I was 17/18, that's early 2000's!" she wrote. "They were actually never used for cards to be signed (although I'm being told that some people have them, I didn't realise)." "Wishing everyone on the square a very Happy 40th Birthday! What an achievement for a show to run for that long!," she said. "Many great memories. Congratulations to everyone (Don't read into the song chosen, it's playing in the cafe)." Co-stars discuss return on podcast 8 Lacey Turner and Jessie Wallace discussed a possible Zoe comeback Credit: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes Fans aren't the only ones who wanted Zoe to return - some of Michelle's former co-stars voiced their interest in this happening. Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater, welcomed Speaking in the episode, Lacey said: "The Kat and Zoe [storyline]… I'd love it if she came back. Would you?" To which Jessie replied: "I think it'd be great. I think it would be lovely. "Can we make that happen? Wouldn't it be great?" Fans made reference to these comments under Michelle's post, as she wrote: "It came up on a feed, very proud of Lacey having her own podcast. Lovely of Jessie to say." Kat Moon's EastEnders Timeline Kat Slater burst onto the Square in 2000 as feisty Kat Slater, played by Jessie Wallace. She is the eldest sister of the Slater family. She soon makes a big name for herself. She is a loud and brash character who is renowned for her leopard print skimpy outfits and loads of red lipstick. She has played the 'tart with a heart' character but has also had an epic love story with Alfie. Here is a rundown of her greatest soap storylines. Kat arrives in Walford as part of the Slater clan, She soon begins a fling with Steve Owen (Martin Kemp) behind the back of his girlfriend Mel Healey. Kat's sister Zoe (played by Michelle Ryan) was revealed to be her sister after shocked viewers learned she was raped by her uncle Harry Slater as a child and Kat being only 13, was known as her sister. Kat and Zoe's relationship was turbulent. They both vied for the attentions of Anthony Trueman. Kat and Anthony were together but broke up and Zoe then seduced him. Kat later learns she was pregnant but then has to have an abortion. She is comforted by her boss Alfie Moon but then he realises he is in love with her. Kat, becomes briefly engaged to Andy Hunter a local crime boss (Michael Briggs) but she jilts him on her wedding day for the true love her life Alfie. Kat sparks a romance with Alfie Moon and it is the love story of the square. She finally marries Alfie Moon on Christmas day in the Vic. Alfie takes a loan from Andy which he is unable to repay and then threatens to kill him unless Kat sleeps with him. Their relationship becomes cold and distant. One of Kat's biggest storylines was helping her daughter cover up the murder of Dirty Den Watts. She left the soap in 2005 sailing into the sunset with Alfie for a new life in America. Kat returned to the soap in 2010 on the run from a man who she and Alfie conned for money. While Alfie was serving time, she had an affair with Michael Moon who happened to be Alfies cousin and she is now pregnant with his child. Another Kat storyline focused on the breakdown of her and Alfie's marriage and her separation from Tommy and their twin sons Bert and Ernie. Kat's union with Phil Mitchell began after months of feuding. She then sleeps with him marries him beginning a war with his ex Sharon Mitchell over the Mitchell empire. The latest storyline has focused on her son Tommy who idolised Phil and is trying to get back at Kat for breaking up the marriage. Kat meanwhile is back with the love of her life Alfie who is suffering from cancer.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Reality TV legend lands £500k deal to become face of Paddy Power during Royal Ascot as she films top-secret ad
Former TOWIE star Gemma caused a stir when she was spotted at Cheltenham earlier this year SECRET DEAL Reality TV legend lands £500k deal to become face of Paddy Power during Royal Ascot as she films top-secret ad GEMMA Collins has landed £500,000 to become the face of Paddy Power ahead of Royal Ascot. The former Towie star, 44 — 'The GC' to fans — filmed a top-secret advert for the betting firm in London last week. Advertisement 1 Gemma Collins has been signed up for a lucrative Paddy Power advert to promote Royal Ascot Credit: Paul Edwards She is seen poking fun at the fashion side of the annual racing event, which takes place this month. It comes after she was a popular guest in Paddy Power's box at the Cheltenham Festival in March. An insider said: 'Gemma's show-stopping appearance at Cheltenham caused a stir and Paddy Power bosses realised the value of her appeal. 'She was great fun and spoke to everyone so they were quick to ink an extremely lucrative deal that included an ad ahead of Royal Ascot, poking fun at fashion. Advertisement "Ladies' Day is a huge event during the five-day festivities and plenty of women get involved with the betting side of things too. "The ad is in keeping with Paddy Power's tongue-in-cheek theme.' The Irish bookmaker has previously signed up several celebs for their ads, including former England striker Peter Crouch and his wife Abbey Clancy, ex-EastEnders star Shaun Williamson and Rhodri Giggs, brother of Manchester United love rat Ryan. Gemma said of her stint at Cheltenham: 'I've never been before and Paddy Power invited me so I couldn't turn him down. Advertisement "Obviously I love the Irish and the Irish love me. "I've lost an absolute fortune. None of the horses I bet on won but it's been amazing.' Gemma Collins shows off her two stone weight loss in pink cycling shorts Opening up about her intuitive betting technique, she added: 'If I hear a name or see a name and get a vibe about it, then I'll take a punt and put a bet on. "I think gambling at the races can be so much fun. Safe gambling, obviously — gambling awareness.'
