Latest news with #BBCMorningLive
Wales Online
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Morning Live's Michelle Ackerley shares exciting family news about 'miracle' baby
BBC Morning Live's Michelle Ackerley shares exciting family news about 'miracle' baby BBC Morning Live presenter Michelle Ackerley has shared the gender of her first child with husband Ben Ryan, and described the baby as a 'miracle' after fertility struggles Michelle Ackerley has shared the gender of her first child with husband Ben Ryan Morning Live presenter Michelle Ackerley has joyfully revealed the gender of her "miracle" baby. Last month, while on air, she delighted viewers with the news that she was expecting her first child. Now at 40, Michelle has shared that she and her husband Ben Ryan are looking forward to welcoming a baby girl this coming October. The couple has affectionately referred to their unborn daughter as a "miracle". Michelle has previously been candid about her challenges with fertility and her diagnosis of endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside it, leading to inflammation, pain, and potential fertility issues, reports the Mirror. In an interview with Hello!, Michelle expressed her excitement: "I'm expecting a little girl in October and it feels very special. When I found out I was pregnant, I told my husband, and he said this is a baby miracle." Michelle works on Morning Live (Image: BBC ) Addressing her endometriosis and fertility journey, Michelle took to Instagram to share her personal story: "I can't believe it's nearly been a year since getting married and I honestly didn't think 12months on that I'd be writing a post sharing that I'm pregnant.... Article continues below "I know this kind of news can be difficult to read for some so I understand if you would rather scroll past on this. I wanted to share though as my journey with endometriosis and infertility is something I finally felt confident to start speaking about more openly last year - realising how many other women were going through similar experiences. "Feeling part of a community - especially when it comes to women's health can really make a difference. Even at the very start of this year I was gearing up for yet another endo procedure and trying to come to terms with the mental and physical impact they can have. "It has been quite the emotional rollercoaster. The news of falling pregnant really came as a massive surprise to both of us. We still can't quite believe it. BBC Morning Live's Michelle Ackerley with husband Ben (Image: BBC ) "And so in October, the start of a new chapter begins for @benryan7s and I, albeit with nervous and cautious excitement." Despite their 13-year age difference, Ben and Michelle had been together for several years before becoming engaged in 2023. Article continues below The couple exchanged vows in 2024, with Michelle looking radiant in a silky halter-neck gown. Ben is renowned as a former rugby player and coach of the Fiji National rugby team, leading them to gold at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Michelle has steadily gained recognition through her successful television career. Her most recent roles include presenting Morning Live, along with previous stints on The One Show, World's Strongest Man and Watchdog. You can catch up on Morning Live on BBC iPlayer
Wales Online
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Morning Live star bursts with pride after husband lands new Cardiff City job
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info TV and radio star Sarah-Jane Crawford has said she is "so proud" after her husband Brian Barry-Murphy was appointed the new head coach of Cardiff City. After weeks of speculation and a protracted recruitment process, the Irishman was finally unveiled as the man tasked with leading Cardiff's League One campaign next season, leaving his role as first-team coach at Leicester City in the process. Of course, such a move can be a real upheaval for a family, particularly one which is settled in Altrincham, three-and-a-half hours away from the Welsh capital. It would not have been an easy decision for Barry-Murphy and his family, however BBC Morning Live presenter Crawford's two-word response to the news on social media points to her excitement over her husband's new opportunity. On Instagram, Chloe Bamba, wife of the late, great, Sol, of course, tagged Crawford in a post about Barry-Murphy, stating: "SJ [Sarah-Jane] is a Bluebird!" To which Crawford replied: "So proud !!!" It is arguable that Crawford is more famous than her former Manchester City and Leicester coach husband, with whom she shares two daughters. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community Her media career began in October 2008 on BBC Radio 1Xtra, where she initially covered various shows. By April 2009 she hosted her own weekend breakfast slot, later progressing to weekend and weekday afternoons, launching the station's first book club and guest-hosting Radio 1's Surgery alongside Aled Jones. In October 2015, she bid farewell to 1Xtra to pursue opportunities in Los Angeles. In June 2018, Sarah‑Jane returned to UK radio by joining Hits Radio. She initially hosted weekday evenings before taking over the high-profile afternoon slot and the UK Chart Show. She remains a host on the station to this day. Parallel to her radio career, she built an impressive career in television. She began as a roving reporter for E4's T4 and MTV, covering major events such as the EMAs, The Xtra Factor on ITV2, and hosting the MOBO Awards and World's Strongest Man on Channel 5. She has also presented on E! Network, BBC, Channel 4, Disney Channel and ITV, including red‑carpet coverage of the Royal Wedding and BAFTAs. The 41-year-old is currently a regular face presenting VTs and hosting items for BBC One's Morning Live and Sunday Morning Live. Crawford transitioned to a vegan lifestyle in 2015, inspired initially by Beyoncé's 21-day challenge and educated further by influencer JME. This shift inspired her to launch Viappi in 2017, a vegan restaurant-finding and recipe app aimed at encouraging plant-based eating. She also frequently records voiceovers for brands like Nintendo and Max Factor She has also founded her own company, Clean Curls, which produces hair products. An advocate for body positivity and clean living, she collaborates with charities such as Teens Unite, the Environmental Justice Foundation, and campaigns focused on climate refugees. Barry-Murphy's wife isn't the only famous face in his family – far from it, in fact. Indeed, in Ireland, his father is sporting royalty. A dual-code icon for Cork, Jimmy Barry-Murphy helped deliver six All-Ireland titles as a player across both Gaelic football and hurling. A remarkable seven-time All-Star—five in hurling and two in football—his influence on the game extended well beyond his playing days. In 1995, he managed Cork's hurlers to Liam MacCarthy Cup success, returning for a second spell in charge from 2011 to 2015. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community. His legacy was brought back into the spotlight in 2022 when Roy Keane, appearing on Monday Night Football, named Barry-Murphy Snr. as his greatest sporting hero—leaving the Sky Sports panel momentarily lost for words. "Growing up in Ireland, the GAA was a big part of my life," said Keane. "Hurling—watching Jimmy Barry-Murphy playing for Cork—you know, brilliant sportsman." Speaking to the Irish Examiner after Keane's comments, Barry-Murphy, 70, admitted he was taken aback by the praise from one of Ireland's most formidable footballers. "It was very, very special. I was delighted actually," he said. "I was shocked—for somebody like Roy, who I have great admiration for, and he's probably our greatest ever sportsman to come out of Cork. "Himself and Denis Irwin were extraordinary. Denis is a Barrs man, of course, so I have to give him a mention. But Roy—it was a lovely thing to say and I really appreciate it, I must say."
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Gethin Jones announces new job and Wales call-up in move away from BBC Morning Live
Gethin Jones announces new job and Wales call-up in move away from BBC Morning Live The BBC Morning Live presenter will be part of the Wales team at next year's Commonwealth Games Gethin Jones has a new sporting role (Image: Getty Images ) Gethin Jones has announced that he has been called up to be part of Team Wales at next year's Commonwealth Games. The BBC Morning Live presenter said he was "honoured" and "beyond proud" to be asked to join the team. Announcing his surprising new role on Instagram, Gethin said he has been appointed as the 'chef de mission' for the Wales team. The term means 'head of mission' and in a sporting context means the popular presenter will be responsible for leading, supporting and representing the national team at the games. Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, the proud Welshman opened up about his sporting dream to represent Wales as a youngster, adding that this role is the next best thing. "I think for me, your dream as a young person is to maybe represent your nation in sport if that's what you're into," he said. "Being unable to do that based on ability I thought 'what's the next best thing' so being involved in this way is what it is for me." Gethin also joked that he liked the idea that this was his way of getting his very own Wales cap. Article continues below As a young man, Gethin was a talented scrum-half who played for Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd and "nearly turned professional", having trials with the Sale Sharks in Manchester. However, he quit the sport to take up the Blue Peter job. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter While Gethin's new role as chef de mission is a bit different to his day job on Morning Live, it's not completely out of the blue as he previously travelled to the Gold Coast Games as Team Wales attaché in 2018. He said it was "one of the best experiences" of his career and made him realise he wanted to be a position where he could do more things like this. So alongside presenting Morning Live, Gethin went back to university to do a master's in Sport and Directorship. Content cannot be displayed without consent Speaking about his new job, he told Radio Wales: "I can't wait to be part of it, to represent and support the team in the best way I can. I'm a very proud Welshman." Alongside Morning Life and the Commonwealth Games goal, it was recently announced that Gethin would be returning home to perform in Cardiff's New Theatre's Christmas pantomime Cinderella. He appeared in last year's production of Sleeping Beauty alongside BBC Radio 2 host Owain Wyn Evans, who will also be returning for Cinderella. Article continues below
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Top NHS GP reveals why spending too long on the toilet 'doom scrolling' can be disastrous for your health
Smartphone-loving Britons are so attached to the devices that 60 per cent of us admit to using them while sitting on the toilet. But scrolling on the loo for minutes on end could trigger a host of health problems, one top NHS GP has warned. According to Dr Punam Krishan, who appears on BBC Morning Live, these include haemorrhoids, also known as piles, a weakened pelvic floor—triggering continence issues—and, in extreme cases, lead to a painful condition called rectal prolapse. Haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the back passage that can cause itching, discomfort, bleeding, and a persistent feeling of needing to pass stool. Though often dismissed as minor or embarrassing, haemorrhoids are extremely common—affecting an estimated one in three adults in the UK at some point. And the increase in prolonged toilet sitting, often coupled with mobile phone use, is quietly contributing to a rise in cases, Dr Krishnan said. In an Instagram video posted to her 100,000 plus followers the resident doctor on BBC Morning Live said sitting on the loo for too long 'puts constant pressure on veins' and tissues of the lower rectum. Over time, this can lead to the swelling and inflammation that characterise haemorrhoids. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr Punam Krishan (@drpunamkrishan) In some cases, the pressure may also contribute to the weakening of muscles that support the rectum and anus, setting the stage for more serious complications. One of these is rectal prolapse, a condition in which the rectum becomes stretched and begins to protrude from the anus, she said. While less common, rectal prolapse is far more serious and often requires surgical intervention. She added: 'Long sitting spells actually slows down the flood flow to the leg. Over time that can increase your risk of developing varicose vein.' It is also 'really bad' for your pelvic floor as 'straining on the toilet put pressure on your deep muscles that support your bladder and your bowel,' she said. 'In loads of countries people still squat to poo and there is a really good reason for doing that. 'Squatting naturally lines everything up. It changes the angle between your bowel and your bum so it is easier to go without having to strain. 'And actually in places where squatting is still the norm, people tend to have fewer problems with piles and constipation.' She added: 'When you go to the toilet, do your business, wash your hands and get out. Aim to keep it under ten minutes.' Although there is no universally agreed 'safe' length of time to spend on the toilet, most gastroenterologists agree that if a bowel movement doesn't happen within five to ten minutes, it's best to get up, move around and try again later. Going for a short walk or gently moving the body can help stimulate bowel motility more naturally, without the need to strain. Dietary habits also play a role. Low-fibre diets, dehydration and a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to constipation and harder stools, which increase the likelihood of straining. Doctors recommend eating more fibre-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables, beans and whole grains, as well as drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Physical activity, even just light daily movement, can also improve digestion and reduce the chances of constipation.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Two groups of people 'have to apply' for DWP winter fuel payment
The winter fuel payment, which is back for 2025, will be paid automatically to the majority of people - but not all - with some individual required to apply for the support A BBC expert has provided clarity regarding the need for certain individuals to apply for the reintroduced £300 winter fuel payment. On BBC Morning Live, Colletta Smith underlined the expanded eligibility for this year's payment. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that an additional 9 million state pensioners, who previously missed out, will now qualify. Disbursement of the payments, which are either £200 or £300, is scheduled for November and December. While most pensioners will get the payment automatically, Smith pointed out that some might need to confirm their eligibility with the Department for Work and Pensions. The cut-off for eligible pensioners is an annual income of no more than £35,000, which takes into account certain private and workplace pensions as well. Colletta said: "Those eligible are people who earn now £35,000 or less, so it's a much higher threshold as a pensioner. So if you are getting some form of private pension, workplace pension, as long as you're below that threshold of £35,000, you'll still get the winter fuel payments. "And crucially, it will come automatically. So like it used to. Previously you don't have to apply for it." She also assured viewers: "It just pops into your bank accounts come the beginning of November onwards, so you don't have to worry about any complicated forms to fill in. "There will be a small number of people who might need to update their details. So if you have deferred your state pension, if you've lived abroad recently and have moved back, it's probably worth contacting the government to make sure that you do get that payment. "For everybody else, you won't have to apply for it." In light of these developments, the DWP has updated its advice, outlining for the first time those due for the additional funds. The DWP: "The winter fuel payment for 2025 to 2026 will be made to everyone in England and Wales born before 22 September 1959, unless you choose not to get it. You could get either £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter." Officials sought to reassure recipients with a clear message: "You do not need to do anything - payments will be made automatically." Warnings were also issued to higher earners regarding possible tax implications, as they might have to return the payment through HMRC, though detailed instructions are yet to be published. They added a note on this matter: "If your income is over £35,000, your winter fuel payment will be recovered later through HMRC. Details of the 2025 to 2026 payment will be available by the end of June 2025." Ms Smith also mentioned that those with higher incomes could consider foregoing the payment since it would have to be repaid in any case, reports the Express. She clarified: "If you earn £35,000 or above, there is a way of ticking a box to say that you don't want to receive the payment in the first place, but otherwise, the payment will come through automatically, and then it will be clawed back through the tax system. So you will be taxed a bit more on your pensions to get that £200 taken back off you effectively. "The crucial week we all need to remember is between the 15th and the 25th of September. So if you have had your birthday by the 21st of September and you've become a state pensioner, then at that point you qualify for the winter fuel payment this coming winter. "So it's that week that's the what they call the qualifying week. 15th to 21st, September."
