Table of contents for Issue 1374 in Heat

Meghan Markle has never shied away from standing her ground. From pushing back on Palace protocols to taking ownership of her post-royal identity, she has always been determined to do things on her own terms. And the 44-year-old former actress has raised eyebrows again after she had staff formally announce her as ‘the Duchess of Sussex’ before she entered the room to speak with a journalist for her recent Harper's Bazaar cover interview. But while critics were quick to accuse her of attention-seeking behaviour, insiders tell heat that Meghan believes she has every right to expect the same treatment as her sister-in-law, the Princess of Wales. ‘The fact that she insisted on being announced as the Duchess of Sussex says everything,’ says a source. ‘People might be put off, but…

Fans were shocked to learn last week that Jeff Brazier and his wife Kate Dwyer had secretly split over the summer. And while this isn't the first time the couple have broken up, insiders tell us that there's no going back this time – and that Kate ended the marriage after feeling unsupported by her husband of seven years. We're told there had been many problems in the rocky marriage, and it wasn't always easy for Kate to be stepmum to Jeff's sons, Bobby, 22, and Freddy, 21, after their mum Jade Goody died. But, sources say things came to a head after the loss of Kate's beloved dog Mabel. ‘Kate was absolutely heartbroken by how Jeff reacted when her dog died last year,’ says heat's insider. ‘Mabel was more…

SCOTT MILLS It has been quite the year for BBC Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills, who has welcomed some of the world's biggest stars into the studio since he took over the breakfast decks in January. While Scott, 51, is normally the one interviewing, he's equally as charismatic in the hot seat, telling heat that life has never been better as he embraces a slightly slower pace outside of London and, in his words, ticks off ‘all the grown-up stuff’. From marital bliss with husband Sam Vaughan (and their pooch Teddy), to his third year doing panto, Scott has plenty to catch us up on… How has the first year of married life been? Better than I ever thought it could be. I'm definitely the happiest I've ever been. Sam…

It is 9.30 on a miserable Thursday morning, but the sun is shining as soon as we start our chat with Chris and Rosie Ramsey. Smiling back at us over the video call, Rosie, 39, looks at her husband of 11 years and bursts out laughing. ‘We've dressed the same today!’ she giggles, pointing out their matching grey loungewear. We suppose that's what you get when you work with your spouse. Comedian Chris, also 39, started the hugely successful podcast Sh**ged. Married. Annoyed. with his wife back in February 2019 – and the couple have gone on to sell out arenas on their tour, host their own chat show, and (individually) steal the spotlight on shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Taskmaster. And, after welcoming sons Robin, 10, and Rafe,…

DISNEY+, FRIDAY 12 DECEMBER Not content with taking over the music charts all over again with her recent album The Life Of A Showgirl, Taylor Swift is still celebrating her previous one, The Tortured Poets Department, and the by-now legendary Eras Tour, by making documentaries and films about them. This, for example is a six-episode docuseries chronicling the development and creation of the Eras Tour, while at the same time providing an intimate look at Taylor's life (with that Travis Kelce popping up), as well as other chums including Gracie Abrams, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran, and Florence Welch, along with her band, dancers, crew, and family members. Two episodes will debut each week beginning 12 December and arriving the same day is a new concert film, The Final Show, filmed…

DISNEY+, WEDNESDAY 10 DECEMBER While the two movies based on the Percy Jackson novels, set in a summer camp for young Greek gods, weren't a success, this TV version is much better. Now, here's the second season. Based on The Sea Of Monsters, the second book in the series, it sees our hero Percy (Walker Scobell) embark on a journey into said sea after Camp Half-Blood's border was breached at the end of S1. He's searching for his best friend Grover (Aryan Simhadri) and the one item that may save the camp — the Golden Fleece. Help is provided by Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries), Clarisse (Dior Goodjohn) and his cyclops half-brother Tyson (Daniel Diemer). All they have to do is stop Luke (Charlie Bushnell) and the Titan Kronos in their…

CERT 15, 104 minutes, in cinemas 5 December STARRING: Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio DIRECTOR: Emma Tammi THE PLOT: This sequel to the 2023 hit film once again sees Mike (Hutcherson) caring for his younger sister Abby (Rubio) – who lands in jeopardy when she answers a summons to abandoned theme restaurant Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria. Can Mike and cop Vanessa (Lail) save her from its malevolent animatronic mascots? WHAT'S RIGHT/WRONG WITH IT? ‘Evil has left the building’, promises the trailer, and that's a fun prospect: Freddy, Bonnie, Chica and Foxy breaking out to rampage among the community. VERDICT: The original Five Nights At Freddy's proved a weak adaptation of the popular videogame, but a huge box office hit, grossing $292million globally. Let's hope the sequel better rewards its audience.…

HAROLD PINTER THEATRE, LONDON, FROM 17 DECEMBER The 1952 movie High Noon is one of the greatest Westerns of all time, and now, in one of the more unlikely theatrical adaptations we can think of, it's coming to the stage in this prestigious, star-studded version – written by Oscar-winning screen writer Eric Roth (Forrest Gump) and directed by Thea Sharrock (Equus). The cast is led by Billy Crudup, fresh from his key role in The Morning Show, and Denise Gough, who most recently starred in the TV thriller The Stolen Girl. Set in the American West of the 1800s, High Noon unfolds in real time as Marshal Will Kane (Crudup) wrestles with the nightmare decision of whether to face a gang of killers on their way to see him, or…

SONG SUNG BLUE Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson star in this intriguing musical as real-life husband-and-wife duo Mike and Claire Sardina, who formed a Neil Diamond tribute band called Lightning & Thunder. The movie is based on a 2008 documentary and features loads of classic tunes like the title track and Sweet Caroline. In cinemas, 1 January. HAMNET Heavily tipped for Oscars glory, this adaptation of the novel by Maggie O'Farrell tells the story of Agnes and William Shakespeare, played by Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, and how the tragic death of their 11-yearold son influenced the creation of Hamlet. Buckley is odds-on favourite to win all the Best Actress awards. In cinemas, 9 January. THE NIGHT MANAGER It's been eight years since the dramatic finale of the brilliant John…

So far, Angry Ginge – real name Morgan Burtwistle - has been the one to watch on I'm A Celeb. The streamer-turned-celebrity campmate has charmed viewers and co-stars alike, gaining a whole new circle of jungle mates. Now, his sister Tasha speaks exclusively to heat about what she really thinks about his blossoming friendships. ‘He's doing amazing, honestly. He's getting along with everyone, and of course, he's having a good laugh with Ruby Wax, which is hilarious to watch,’ she says. The 24-year-old has struck up an unlikely friendship with the American-born comedian and while age might set them apart, the duo seem closer than ever after recent episodes showed Ruby, 72, gifting the YouTuber a pair of red pants ahead of a Bushtucker trial. Viewers are also loving the…

It's fast approaching the most wonderful time of the year – but Pete Wicks doesn't see it that way. The podcaster, 37, is a self-described Scrooge, detesting everything that comes with Christmas. But there is one notable exception: his passion project, pooch-rescue show For Dogs’ Sake, which is back with an emotional festive instalment. Chatting exclusively to heat at Underbelly, Soho, to celebrate the episode, Pete broke the sad news that he recently lost one of his French bulldogs, Peggy. However, when he's ready, he says he will be looking to adopt another dog as a pal for his older Frenchie, Eric. And while Pete might not be Mr Christmas, there is still plenty to celebrate. This year, he and best friend Sam Thompson headlined the O2 Arena with their…

Split! Gladiator Giant The 40-year-old Gladiators star – whose real name is Jamie Christian-Johal – has split from wife Katie, 41, after an 11-year relationship. The couple, who share two children, have unfollowed each other on social media and removed all photos. Moving in? Romeo Beckham & Kim Turnbull After rekindling their romance following a brief split, things look to be getting serious between Romeo, 23, and Kim, 24 – they're reportedly looking at properties together in London's boujee Notting Hill. Reunited! Chelsee Healey The Hollyoaks actress, 36, has appeared to confirm her boyfriend Eddie Rainford has been released from prison after he was jailed in June for his role in a drug dealing operation. The couple - who share daughter Cookie, while Chelsee is also mum to Coco –…

When heat caught up with Made In Chelsea’s Tristan Phipps and Jules Pollard in April, things were going really well between them. So well in fact, that Tristan told us he'd never felt so secure and connected to someone, while Jules described him as being in his ‘lover-boy era’. Fast-forward seven months, the pair have been together for over a year-and-a-half – and they now have a very exciting milestone on the horizon. ‘The relationship has come on leaps and bounds,’ Tristan, 30, smiles. ‘We are moving in together very soon. We basically live together now, but I'm ready for it to be an official move. We're away for quite a lot of December, so come January, we're looking for our own spot together. It's going to be really exciting.’…

SNUG, MUCH? Ah, the shearling coat. This black-and-cream beauty is definitely one of Amanda's stand-out outfits in The Holiday. Recreate this chic look for a stylish outfit that's perfect for keeping cosy. KNITTED OUT When it comes to at-home outfits, Amanda hit the nail on the snuggly warm head with her ensemble. This look is almost too good to only wear indoors – but that's just our opinion. MAKE IT MONOCHROME This black-and-white combo shows that Amanda looks just as stunning in formal wear as she does in knitwear. In a chic cream skirt, plunging blouse, and a bold, oversized belt, she oozes elegance. AND BECAUSE WE CAN'T FORGET IRIS… Of course, Iris turned up to the awards in the perfect LBD – a timeless classic. Pair it with sparkling…

heat WINNER! The Big Mix £12, MARKS & SPENCER While everyone else is opting for smaller tubs, M&S is doing Santa's work. At a hefty 1.2kg, this is a genuine giant of a tin. A choc-stuffed marvel that could feed an entire family – £1 per 100g is unheard of these days. A rare win in a world of shrink-wrapped disappointment. Celebrations Tub £6, TESCO Once the office-party hero, now a sad rattle of shrunken minis. The Mars-to-Bounty ratio remains deeply suspicious, and 550g doesn't stretch far when half the tub's taken up by coconut rejects. A price of £6 for 65 chocolates isn't bad, but nostalgia's the real flavour here - and it's wearing thin. Quality Street Tin £13, MORRISONS We're petitioning to rename this Inequality Street because this…

How did your casting come about? I worked with Russell T Davies on Doctor Who and Years And Years, and he wrote to me to say there's something coming my way and he'd love for me to do it and take a read. I was incredibly excited. It was an amazing thing to step back into The Whoniverse and work with Russell again. How was it working with your co-lead, Gugu Mbatha-Raw who plays Salt? I'm obsessed with her, I think she's phenomenal. Her poise, her stillness, her emotion, the way she contains so much with a look, I'm a big fan. I was so excited that we were going to be working together on this. I think she's incredibly classy. How would you characterise the relationship between Barclay and…

NETFLIX, THURSDAY 11 DECEMBER From Black Adder and Mr Bean to Johnny English and, most recently the series Man vs Bee for Netflix, Rowan Atkinson has been a master of physical and verbal comedy. Now, here's a new four-part sequel to Man vs Bee, featuring the same main character Trevor Bingley, who this time has become a school caretaker. But when he's asked to look after a luxury London penthouse over Christmas, he takes the job. Then, on the last day of term, no one comes to collect the Baby Jesus from the nativity, and Trevor is lumbered with the baby and takes it to the penthouse. Chaos ensues.…

As premises for TV shows go, this one - based on the debut novel The Othello Club by J.D. Pennington – sounds right up our street. Six random strangers attend a divorce support group and have little in common apart from their marital status, until one day they come up with a misguided idea: taking revenge on the people that broke their hearts? Sounds like a perfectly reasonable idea to us… BROKEN HEARTS This darkly comic thriller requires strong characters, involving backstories, and a credible cast to pull it off – and it seems to have all three. Aimée-Ffion Edwards is PR executive Emily who lost her confidence when her husband betrayed her and finds an ally in charming roofer Calum (Martin Compston), who is devoted to his daughter and…

5, THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER, 9PM This film is bound to resonate with any teachers currently juggling the daily challenges of modern education with busy and equally demanding personal lives. Amy Harrison (Jessica Plummer) loves being a teacher at Manor Lane School, but as the day of the dreaded Ofsted inspection looms, the pressure is on. Not only does Amy have to deal with unexpected staff announcements, angry parents and a trainee teacher needing guidance, but her Year 10 student Callum McNeill (Austin Haynes) is clearly struggling, as well. And, if all that wasn't enough, there's a personal matter that needs Amy's attention. It's a lot.…

EASTENDERS SHE'S BACK! There's always trouble when Sam Mitchell's in town, and this week is no exception. Her first stop is Phil's house, where she cruelly exploits Nigel's confusion to make off with the contents of her brother's safe. But there's another reason for Sam's unexpected visit to the Square, and when she finally confides the truth in Jack, it could change everything. Over in the courtroom, Harry's struggling under the weight of his guilt and when the jury delivers a shock verdict in Teddy's trial, he seeks oblivion in drugs and accidentally overdoses. CORRIE OLD SINS It's ‘special episode’ time again! This time, it's Mrs Doyle – sorry, Maggie Driscoll – in the spotlight as she celebrates her birthday, prompting a trip down memory lane. We already know she's…

NOTHING BEATS A JET2 HOLIDAY… Have Jet2 threatened to pull their sponsorship of Love Island or something? Because ITV's new show The Great Escapers is basically just one giant advert for the holiday company that they've pretended to turn into a competition. DOUBLE DILFING And now we know where Chris Hemsworth gets his charm, good looks and bright blue eyes from – his dad Craig, aka the real star of A Road Trip To Remember (Disney+). EMOTIONAL VIEWING It's terrifying to think that Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe had no idea why she was initially questioned at the airport, nor why she was eventually arrested and imprisoned in Iran. Even more horrific is the fact that the Iranian regime had no grounds to do so. Brace yourself when watching Prisoner 951 (BBC1) –…

CERT 12A, 104 minutes, in cinemas 5 December STARRING: Vahid Mobasseri, Ebrahim Azizi, Mariam Afshari DIRECTOR: Jafar Panahi THE PLOT: Mechanic Va hid (Mobasseri) has a lightbulb moment when he meets his latest customer, Eghbal (Azizi). He's convinced he's ‘Pegleg’, the interrogator who tortured him in prison – and he teams up with fellow former inmates to abduct him and exact retribution. WHAT'S RIGHT WITH IT? This sparky Iranian drama, inspired by stories learned when filmmaker Jafar Panahi was imprisoned, keeps us guessing – layering in conflict as the captive's fate is decided. WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT? Talky subtitled dramas won't be everyone's choice at the cinema. VERDICT: This Cannes Palme d'Or winner is just one of the many strong films this year vying for the best international feature Oscar.…

Since she found fame on The X Factor back in 2009, Stacey Solomon's career has gone from strength to strength. But last week, the TV personality, 36, was hit by a series of scandalous claims in a tabloid article, which labelled her a ‘diva brat’ and ‘ruthless’. Now, sources tell heat that the presenter is fed-up with being on the receiving end of so much negativity. ‘Stacey feels like the amount of negativity she receives is getting stupid. If she didn't laugh about it, she'd probably never stop crying,’ an insider shares. ‘It's so tough being scrutinised for everything she does. Stacey's worked hard to get where she is today and she doesn't really think it's about her – the haters are just projecting. They're angry at the world and…

Once upon a time, when people talked about the so-called ‘Strictly curse’, they were referring to the fact that the show wasn't just serving up sequins and salsa, but also affairs between celebs and their dance partners. But now, it seems the series is being plagued by a new curse, as injuries are ruthlessly bumping stars from the competition. ‘The producers are in meltdown,’ an insider reveals. ‘Three serious injuries in one year? That's unheard of.’ This year's show saw Dani Dyer, Stefan Dennis and La Voix all forced to quit on doctors’ orders due to injuries sustained in rehearsals. And it means that popular pro dancers – like Dianne Buswell, who was partnered with Stefan – have also disappeared from our Saturday nights. ‘It's just blow after blow,’ our…

STYLE TEAM LOVES If you're searching for the perfect party look, Rochelle's latest drop with Next is the festive fix you've been waiting for. Think a sparkly sequin co-ord that shouts ‘Look at me’, a plush velvet blazer that makes everything instantly glam, and luxe coats perfect for those mulled-wine strolls. Made to be worn, loved, and repeated – and with selected items available in petite sizes – everyone gets a slice of this sparkle.…

1. Acqua Di Parma's Bosco candle has notes of crisp fir tree and fresh pine needle to hisk you away to a snowy alpine forest. Acqua Di Parma Holiday 2025 Bosco Candle, £76 2. All the gingerbread cookie feels without the crumbs – this candle mixes ginger, nutmeg and citrus for maximum holiday magic. Oliver Bonas Gingerbread Candle, £19.50 3. Molton Brown's iconic woody fragrance has had a glow-up in a limited-edition metallic jar. It's the ultimate warming aroma for winter evenings. Molton Brown Limited- Edition Recharge Black Pepper Signature Scented Candle, £48 4. Tis’ the season for a traditional blend of sweet citrus and rich, aromatic clove. It's guaranteed to spread tidings of comfort and joy. H&M Orange Clove Candle, £12.99 5. Light up The White Company's Winter candle and…

Aurora you ready? If seeing the Northern Lights is still on your bucket list, make this the year you finally do it. Tromsø, known as the Gateway to the Arctic, is one of the best places in the world to catch the aurora – and it's easier to reach than you think. The Aurora Zone's four-night city break combines a stay in this colourful Norwegian harbour town with guided Northern Lights hunts led by experts who know all the secret viewing spots. By day, you can explore cosy cafés, take a fjord cruise or ride the cable car for sweeping snow-covered views - then bundle up by a campfire as ribbons of light swirl above you. • Prices start at £1,275pp for four nights, including flights, accommodation, transfers, meals, and…

While some brave stars do physically demanding challenges for charity (big up Sara Cox's recent epic Children In Need run), others get out of their comfort zones and risk damaging their reputations and ego purely for our entertainment. Excellent sports and comedian best friends Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan are such people and are back for the eighth series of their supremely entertaining show where they undertake new endeavours that will test their skills, patience and possibly their friendship. PAST HIGHLIGHTS Like children, it's hard to pick our favourite Rob & Rom Vs challenge, however, if we had to choose our most memorable moments they would include them donning their tights for a performance of Swan Lake, followed by an eardrum-shattering ice bath; having tennis lessons with Andy Murray (who…

ITV1, MONDAY 8 TO FRIDAY 12 DECEMBER, 9PM Just like cunning ITV quiz show The Chase, which spawned a fabulous prime time spin-off called Beat The Chasers, the similarly successful quiz show The 1% Club now gets a new special week-long rollover event, running all week on ITV1. The format shares the same game mechanics as the regular show, but this time anything in the prize pot that's not won on one show, rolls over to the next day. If all the pots roll over, up to £500,000 could be won, and anyone who gets as far as the 1% question automatically comes back to compete again. So one person could win multiple times.…

Calum is a deeply complex character. What drew you to him? He's going through a divorce, so he's going through a rough patch. Basically, his whole life revolves around his daughter who's slowly slipping away from him. He's really, like a lot of the characters in the show, a bit broken. He finds these people in a similar situation and they find comfort in each other, they're all a bit desperate and it leads them to do a lot of silly – and hopefully funny – things. I think he's a good guy. How did you and Aimée-Ffion build chemistry? I think it would be harder not to have chemistry with Aimée-Ffion – she's just that good. She's genuinely one of the most talented people I've ever worked with. Her…

MGM+, SATURDAY 6 DECEMBER After dramas about Billy The Kid and Robin Hood, MGM's streaming service unveils its new take on another iconic figure, the titular Roman slave turned gladiator. Although this is more of a spin-off from the Spartacus series, which aired on the Starzplay channel from 2010 to 2013, and rather than Spartacus himself, it focuses on the other title character Ashur, played by Nick E. Tarabay, who reprises the role from the OG Spartacus series. Got it? All you really need to know is this new show has a similar raunchy, knowingly over-the-top tone as those previous series.…

THE WAR BETWEEN THE LAND AND THE SEA (BBC1, Sunday 7 Dec, 8.30pm) You really don't have to be a Doctor Who fan to enjoy this gripping spin-off series starring Russell Tovey as a regular dude saving the world. THE ABANDONS (Netflix, from Thu 4 December) Rough, tough Western series with Gillian Anderson as a viciously ruthless landowner coming up against Lena Headey as a matriarch with a family of orphans. PLAY FOR TODAY: A KNOCK AT THE DOOR (5, Thursday 4 Dec, 9pm) Alan Davies stars in this tense one-off drama as a famous comedian who has to deal with a stranger at his door.…

CERT 15, 114 minutes, in cinemas 5 December STARRING: Miles Teller, Elizabeth Olsen, Callum Turner DIRECTOR: David Freyne THE PLOT: When elderly couple Larry and Joan die within a week of each other, they find themselves in an afterlife check-in zone called the Junction, waking up in their own body from the happiest period of their life – so respectively as Miles Teller and Elizabeth Olsen. There they must choose a themed eternity for the rest of time (beach, perhaps, or Paris), but there's a twist: Joan's first husband Luke (Turner), who died in the Korean War, has opted to stay in the Junction to wait for his love, and now she must choose which man to be with, forever. WHAT'S RIGHT WITH IT? This high-concept romantic comedy offers a…

JAY KELLY NETFLIX, FROM 5 DECEMBER George Clooney plays a spoilt but well-meaning Hollywood movie star on a journey with his manager (Adam Sandler) and publicist (Laura Dern) to receive a special tribute award in Tuscany. Along the way he tries to bond with his daughter Daisy (Grace Edwards) before she heads to college. A deliciously entertaining showcase for the formidable skills and charisma of Clooney and Sandler. CAUGHT STEALING DVD/BLU-RAY, OUT 8 DECEMBER New York City's Lower East Side, 1998: barman Hank (Austin Butler) agrees to look after a cat belonging to drug dealer Russ (Matt Smith), who is headed to the airport. Soon he's the target of rival criminal factions, putting not just himself but also his girlfriend (Zoë Kravitz) in danger. Director Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan) keeps…