Traditionally, the glitz and glamour of celebrity endorsements have predominantly supported the Labour Party. However, recent developments suggest a shift in political allegiance among notable figures. Actress Dame Maureen Lipman and television presenter Kirstie Allsopp have publicly expressed their admiration for the Conservative Party, citing the inspiring leadership of Kemi Badenoch. Dame Maureen, once a staunch Labour supporter, is now contemplating her first-ever vote for the Tories, thanks to Kemi’s impressive performance. Similarly, Kirstie Allsopp, who has previously distanced herself from the Conservatives, now praises the “brilliant” leader of the opposition. This pivotal moment sparks the question: is there a new wave of celebrity support for the Conservative Party on the horizon?
In a political twist, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, a well-known figure in the Conservative Party, is plotting a comeback after narrowly losing his North East Somerset seat to Labour in 2024, by just over 5,000 votes. Determined to re-enter the political arena, Rees-Mogg has officially applied to return to the party’s candidates’ list. With characteristic humor, he quips, “We’ll see if I get purged later,” hinting at the uncertainties in climbing back into the party ranks.
Parting shot?
With a bittersweet departure on the horizon, BBC Breakfast veteran Naga Munchetty is set for her farewell after 17 years of delivering morning news. Known for her sharp wit, Naga’s exit follows an internal probe over bullying allegations—no formal charges were made—and a notorious run-in with BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani. A colleague confides, “Naga doesn’t do cosy goodbyes,” anticipating some pointed remarks during her final broadcast.
Bottoms up
Amidst preparations to unveil her new memoir, Anneka Rice humorously reminisces about the day her wax figure disappeared from Madame Tussauds. The presenter quips, “My body was melted down to become Kim Kardashian’s bottom,” turning a disheartening moment into laughter and levity.
Popular TV and Radio 2 personality Angela Scanlon has revealed she altered her age for career prospects when starting out in London. Officially marking her birth date as December 29, 1983, she recently confessed to shaving off a year from her true birth year of 1982. “Exclusive…Wikipedia has me as 1983,” she admits, citing her desire to appear younger at the critical age of 29. Now, fully embracing her real age, the vivacious Irish star celebrates turning 43, unfazed by the digits.
Nigel’s boozy confession
Abstaining from alcohol since going on a health kick five months ago, Nigel Havers complains: “I feel no different.” Drinks are on Nigel!
Jam talk jars with Darren
With Prince William having recently caused a stir after claiming the late Queen preferred the “cream first, jam second” Devon method for her scones, rather than the rival Cornish tradition (jam first), the monarch’s personal chef Darren McGrady indignantly insists to the contrary.
“Let’s clear this up,” he fumes. “When the Queen was hosting afternoon tea, scones were always served halved with jam first and clotted cream on top.” Darren also clarifies: “On her own she would never have clotted cream, because she fed the scones to her corgis.”