Latest news with #MarkWright
Geek Vibes Nation
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
'Doctor Who: Pursuit' Review - A Mind-Bending Trip Through Multiversal Horrors
Big Finish Productions sends listeners back into the depths of the Time War with Doctor Who: Time War – Uncharted 2: Pursuit . When we last saw the Doctor, Alex, and Cass in last year's Reflections , Alex had just stolen the Doctor's TARDIS and taken Cass alongside him on adventures unknown, determined to prove that he could do a better job saving the universe than the Doctor does. But unknown to Alex, untold horrors await the pair of them as they journey further into the uncharted. Continuing from where the previous Uncharted box set left off, Doctor Who: Pursuit offers an even more mind-bending exploration of the horrors of a Time War through a collection of thrilling and horrific stories that manage to perfectly straddle the line between epic war adventures and intimate character drama. Put simply, it's Doctor Who at its very best. 'Spoil of War' by Mark Wright When Alex (Sonny McGann) and Cass (Emma Campbell-Jones) arrive at a strange manor crewed by a staff that seems to have expected their arrival, they uncover an unusual auction where little is as it seems. Meanwhile, as the Doctor (Paul McGann) and Hieronyma Friend (Niky Wardley) chase after them, they discover they've all fallen into some kind of an alternate universe ruled by Gallifreyan Sontarans. But what exactly is being auctioned at this mysterious manor and can the Doctor and Hieronyma find Alex and Cass before it's too late? Mark Wright's 'Spoil of War' acts as both a continuation of the Eighth Doctor's previous Time War box set, Reflections , and as a pilot for a new kind of Doctor Who adventure. The story itself is a bit lowkey, with Alex and Cass mostly trying to find their footing in their new dynamic. Who are they without the Doctor? Is Alex really so different from his great-grandfather? And how does their relationship change as Alex desperately tries to run away from his great-grandfather while Cass finds herself caught in the middle of this spat? These are the questions at the heart of the story, and Wright delves into them in a wonderfully thorny and vulnerable way. 'Spoils of War' is Alex and Cass's story, even as the Doctor and Hieronyma lurk on the outskirts of the story, trying to break in. It's the kind of story that acts more as a prelude for what's to come rather than a fully formed story in its own right, but it proves quite enticing nonetheless. (8/10) 'The Tale of Alex' by Katharine Armitage Hot on the heels of Alex and Cass, the Doctor and Hieronyma arrive on the planet of Igg—only to find the citizens blame the Doctor for their plight as Tarsin the Bard (Sam Stafford) sings stories of the Doctor's last visit and how he left the population to starve after saving them from a deadly blight. Meanwhile, Alex and Cass arrived a week earlier, hoping to undo that damage. Time, however, always finds a way to reassert itself, and the planet Igg finds itself caught between two warring potential timelines leaving Alex to decide the planet's future. What makes Katharine Armitage's 'The Tale of Alex' so compelling is that it's simultaneously a critique of the Doctor's habit of leaving a world directly after saving it and an exploration of what might happen if someone like the Doctor did stay to help the citizens rebuild. 'The Tale of Alex' is a story of two warring viewpoints—the Doctor's and Alex's. Alex feels the Doctor's approach to the universe is fundamentally flawed and tries to do things differently, to save people regardless of the wider context of the situation surrounding him. And the drama rests in that tug of war between those viewpoints. Sonny McGann shines here in delving into the notion that the harder Alex tries to rebel against the Doctor and his actions, the more Doctor-like he becomes. Armitage does something quite compelling with her script too, playing with the idea of how stories can shift and change, altering your view of who the 'hero' is and who the 'villain' is. 'The Tale of Alex' asks the audience to decide whether Alex is the hero and the Doctor is the villain—or vice versa—and it thrives in those twisty, shifty, murky waters. It's a clever, well-paced little character study that dives deep into both Alex and the Doctor in the most compelling of ways. (9/10) 'See-Saw' by James Moran When Alex and Cass arrive in 1924 London, answering a distress signal of some kind, they find the city freshly abandoned; a place they shouldn't be able to get to as the Earth has been time-locked to protect it from the Time War. And yet, here they are, hot on the trail of a strange little girl singing a haunting nursery rhyme they feel compelled to complete. Meanwhile, the Doctor and Hieronyma Friend (Lizzie Hopley) arrive in 1924 London, answering a distress signal of some kind, and find the city freshly abandoned. They're in the same time and place as Alex and Cass, and yet they can't see them. And Alex and Cass, in turn, can't see the Doctor and Hieronyma. But what could have possibly happened to London? And what role does the strange little girl and her unsettling nursery rhyme play? After the previous, more character-focused, stories, James Moran's 'See-Saw' offers a dose of psychological horror. Building on some of the themes in 'The Tale of Alex', 'See-Saw' furthers the exploration of how Alex's methods differ from those of the Doctor—except this time, it focuses on how well the Doctor and Alex work together nonetheless. It's a very timey-wimey story, perfect for the Time War series, complete with the kind of psychological threat that makes your brain hurt the more you think about it. But Moran's script works exceedingly well, even if it feels very small and contained. Though the box set's overarching story kind of takes a back seat here, it all feels like it's leading somewhere, with 'See-Saw' the opening salvo of a grander battle to come. As it is, 'See-Saw' offers a self-contained dose of psychological horror in a tightly-paced, immensely creepy package. (8.5/10) 'The First Forest' by Tim Foley When the Doctor, Hieronyma (Niky Wardley), Alex, and Cass crash in the most unusual of forests, they find a world besieged by shifting timelines. But with Cass missing, can the Doctor and Alex set aside their differences and come together to find their missing friend? Or will the ever-changing winds of time bring an end to the TARDIS team? All roads lead here, and this uncharted universe is finally beginning to unfold. With 'The First Forest', Tim Foley takes various story threads led across both Uncharted box sets and begins to weave them into some kind of a tapestry. Expect answers to long ruminating questions alongside a bushel of new questions. Naturally, the less you know about 'The First Forest', the better. But Foley delivers the auditory equivalent of a season finale in the best of ways—it's an ending of sorts that also throws open the doors for the next Uncharted box set. At its heart, though, underneath all of the mindbending shifting timelines, 'The First Forest' is a story of forgiveness. It's the culmination of the Doctor and Alex's journey across both Reflections and Pursuit and even if it's perhaps a bit too easy of a culmination, it's no less emotionally satisfying. Put simply, 'The First Forest' does everything a good finale needs to do; it brings Pursuit 's ongoing storylines to some kind of conclusion while leaving you desperate to hear what happens next. (9.5/10) Final Thoughts Doctor Who: Pursuit proves exactly why Big Finish's ongoing Time War series is some of its most experimental and intriguing work. Sure, it's still very Doctor Who-shaped , hardly straying away from the general structure of a Doctor Who story. But it pushes the Doctor Who format down such unusual avenues, often eschewing the kinds of plots Doctor Who often tackles in favor of telling these very introspective stories set against an almost incomprehensible, unknowable conflict. And that dichotomy is exactly what makes these stories so compelling. They're not bogged down by the immense lore that comes with the Time War, instead the freedom of the Time War's strangeness gives them this palpable energy that permeates every single story. It's Doctor Who at its very best and a must-listen for all Whovians. Doctor Who: Time War – Uncharted 2: Pursuit is available now from Big Finish Productions.
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Michelle Keegan rakes in a huge SIX figure sum while on maternity leave as she makes £8k a week from string of TV jobs
NEW mum Michelle Keegan's bumper bank balance has given her another reason to celebrate. The actress, 38, raked in a staggering £441,082 while pregnant with daughter Palma, bringing her net worth to more than £4million. New accounts for her artistic creation performing arts firm Rosia Promotions show Michelle's income was thriving while she was off on maternity leave. Accounts filed at Companies House today show that she made the equivalent of £8,482 per week for the year up to September 30, 2024. The fresh profit increases the net worth of Keegan's company to £4,032,277 after bills are accounted for. The firm boasts £3,473,623 in cash and £610,370 in property - a flat in Altrincham bought in 2022 - as well as £120,219 in monies due in. Michelle, who has been a hit in Netflix's Fool Me Once, Sky's Brassic and the BBC's Ten Pound Poms, set her company up in 2013 and signed off the latest accounts on June 13. Earlier accounts reveal Michelle made £280,000 in her firm's first year of trading and made her first corporate million by 2016. She exceeded £2 million in 2021 before topping £3 million in 2023 – with £3.6 million in accumulated profits held as at September 30 2023. In addition to her acting firm, Michelle co-directs clothing business Mysa Active with husband Mark Wright. Not such a money spinner as yet, it held £37,838 as at 31 May 2024. Hubby Mark also runs fitness firm Train Wright, property business Chigwell Properties and media firm – The Wright Look Models. Brassic's sexiest moments from portaloo romps to orgasm scene that shocked fans as Michelle Keegan's hit show comes to an end His firms add £3 million to the family riches. And the money is set to keep rolling in as we exclusively revealed this week that Michelle has signed a six-figure advertising deal to become the new face of Sky. She is set to film a series of promo clips — which will be shown around the globe — with fellow British actor, Luther star Idris Elba. She landed the deal after becoming a major player for Sky, with her comedy-drama Brassic one of the most popular series to air on the platform. 4 4
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Changing faces of the TOWIE stars: Lauren Goodger admits she's 'ruined her looks' with plastic surgery...and she's not the only Essex girl who looks VERY different after finding fame on the show
When The Only Way Is Essex first hit screens back in 2010 a series of complete unknowns had no idea the level of spotlight and fame they were about to be thrust into. Most in their early 20s and fresh-faced they burst into our living rooms in a sea of fake tan and hair extensions - spending their scenes partying in the Sugar Hut or getting their nails done on Brentwood High Street. Fast forward 15 years and while the series is still running on ITV, many of the household names that came out of the show look very different now. From Lauren Goodger, Amy Childs and Chloe Sims to Lauren Pope and Sam Faiers, many have gone under the knife or had tweakments to enhance their looks. And this week Lauren, 38, admitted she thinks she has 'ruined her looks' with plastic surgery, revealing she now 'hates' her fake boobs and bum. So what did the TOWIE cast look like then compared to now? Lauren Goodger Lauren Goodger rejoined the TOWIE cast last year, after finding fame on the show as one of the original cast members part of the 2010 line up. Over the years the star, 38, has been in and out of the series after she left the show in 2012 following her break up from long-term partner Mark Wright, who is now married and expecting his first child with Michelle Keegan. Lauren returned for a brief appearance in 2016, however last year she said she would be rejoining the show after deciding it was the right time for her to return to the spotlight. The original cast member has always been candid about the many enhancements she has undergone, after previously admitting to a rhinoplasty in 2011 to fix her broken nose following an accident. She also underwent a breast augmentation surgery, transforming her 34D chest size to 34E in 2013. In 2023, Lauren also admitted she had had a Brazilian bum lift back in 2017, but wanted to get rid of it. The TV personality explained how she jetted off to Turkey for a BBL and described it as 'the worst experience' of her life. Lauren said she was desperate to have a 'natural bum' again but isn't sure how to go about getting it as 'there isn't a procedure that can reverse the BBL'. She added: 'I'm not sure how I'm going to do that yet. I'm not sure if there is a procedure that can reverse the BBL. I'm looking into potentially getting the fat sucked out, but I don't know if that's an option. I'm going to speak to lots of different surgeons and figure out my options.' Meanwhile the star is also no stranger to lip filler. In February 2023 she underwent the same 'butterfly effect' filler technique as Katie Price as she showed off her new pout. She explained at the time: 'I've just had the butterfly effect lip fillers by Lift Aesthetics, I've got the tape on at the minute so I'm talking really weird. 'I'm very swollen but literally a new technique, it's so amazing and I can't wait to see the results.' Last year she also revealed she is finally planning her breast reduction after previously being too scared and anxious go ahead with the surgery. Looking sensational in a plunging ivy green and white cross body swimsuit she confided in her followers on Instagram, confessing her anxiety has prevented her from undergoing surgeries and minor treatments. She wrote: 'I have suffered tremendous anxiety due to things I've been through which led me to being caffeine and alcohol free but also stopped me being able go abroad on holiday or have surgery or so minor treatments I've been so bad with anxiety... 'But today I've spoke to the amazing @simonsmithsurgeon as I want to take the step to get my implants removed in my boobs... 'I do not want them I just need to get this done and I'm terrified but I know it's also much healthier for me and I don't need them anymore. I can't wait for my natural boobs back xxxx'. This week she said: 'I've ruined my looks with surgery - I hate my fake boobs and bum now. 'I feel like my body looks abnormal - I don't need these massive boobs and massive bum. She added: 'When I look at myself naked in the mirror, all I see is lumps and bumps everywhere.' In May, Lauren revealed she is having her 'heavy' breast implants removed and can't wait to go back to a 'natural look '. Sam and Billie Faiers The Faiers sisters have always been defiant about their changing looks despite their incredible transformations from their TOWIE days (Sam seen left in 2010) The Faiers sisters have always been defiant about their changing looks despite their incredible transformations from their TOWIE days. Speaking candidly on The Mummy Diaries in 2019 they both insisted that they have never had Botox despite their 'faces changing' since starring on the show. When discussing Botox, Billie revealed that her make-up artist had claimed some models have the treatment to lift their eyebrows. She insisted however that she didn't want it done, instead choosing facials, with Sam adding: 'We've never had Botox, we've always looked after our skin.' While later on, she continued: 'I feel like when you're a celebrity, people assume you have work done.' Sam went on to reveal that people speculate she's had her 'eyes done' and 'filler', but she insisted: 'I honestly have never ever had Botox.' Referencing her TOWIE days, she added: 'I first went on TV ten years ago... your face changes from being 18 to 28. No one looks the same!' After leaving TOWIE in 2014, the pair went on to star in their own reality TV show The Mummy Diaries which followed the pair through their respective marriages and motherhood. Sam left the show in 2021 after she explained she always intended to leave the show when her children started school. Continuing to film Billie and Greg: The Family Diaries, the star decided in November that it was time for the show to come to an end after a decade on the screens. Billie wrote: 'After almost 10 years of filming for The Mummy Diaries and @familydiariesofficial, we can officially announce our journey has come to an end. 'And what a journey it has been!! From giving birth, raising our children, the highs and lows of parenthood, tears and tantrums, celebrations, fun times, tough times, hen and stags dos, a house build and of course getting married. 'We are so grateful to have been able to capture all of these memories and share them with you all!' Amy Childs Amy Childs proudly boasted of her enhanced cleavage when she entered the show after undergoing plastic surgery at the tender age of 18 - but this year has worried her fans with her extreme weight loss. The reality star, 33, has had two boob jobs, botox, lip fillers, liposuction and veneers, completely transforming her look over the years. However, Amy, who now has four children Polly, six, Ritchie, four, and twins Billy and Amelia, two, has now ditched cosmetic surgery after admitting she looked 'like a freak'. She told The Sun in 2022: 'I have not had cosmetic surgery for a long time now, and, for me, being a mum you totally change the way you look at things. 'Back in the day on TOWIE you ended up getting obsessed with your looks, but now I am 32 this year and in a completely different mindset. 'I am really happy in me now. I haven't got the size 8 body that I used to have, however, I have two lovely children, and that's all I care about, so I am very happy in myself.' In her teens, Amy boosted her bust by three sizes, going from an A-cup to a D-cup, before jumping to a 30EE for a second boob job at the age of 23. In May 2019, the mother-of-two underwent an eight-hour operation after experiencing pain in her chest following a rupture in her left implant, and a month later, doctors discovered a lump had formed in her breast tissue from leakage. The star - who spent a week in hospital during the ordeal - has since downsized her breast implants from an EE cup to a C cup. Last week Amy revealed the real reason behind her extreme weight loss after calling off her wedding to her fiancé Billy Delbosq. Addressing the weight loss and cruel trolling she's received as a result of the weight loss in an emotional interview with OK! Magazine she said: 'I'm going through so much at the minute that the weight has fallen off me. 'I worry about my mum constantly. She's very emotional – she thinks she's going to have another heart attack.' 'People think I'm not eating, but I do eat. To be honest, I do feel better when I'm a bit heavier than I am at the moment. There's so much going on at the minute – it's the result of pure stress. We're also having renovations done in the midst of parenting four kids.' Amy added: 'But I'm strong, I've been in this industry for 15 years. I've had lots of people concerned about me, which I completely understand, but yes, people can be so quick to judge.' Amy also explained how she once tried using weight-loss injections 18 months ago, but it made her 'so ill she threw up three or four times'. Amy also recently called off her wedding to her fiancé Billy after a stressful period dealing with her mother's ill health and her own extreme weight loss. Ferne McCann Ferne became a regular on TOWIE in 2013 (seen left) before quitting three years later and the reality star has been very open about her surgeries since leaving the show Ferne became a regular on TOWIE in 2013 before quitting three years later and the reality star has been very open about her surgeries since leaving the show. In 2016, Ferne revealed she had a nose job, which she unveiled the results of during an appearance on This Morning after the operation. She broke down as she told hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford about the journey she has been on throughout her life, and why she decided to make the change. In a very open and honest account, Ferne revealed how a lifelong insecurity and bouts of online trolling lead to her final decision. She said: 'I just wanted something subtle. I didn't want a big change. I was teased in school about my nose and I thought it was taking over my face. 'From the front, it looks similar to how it did before so there hasn't been much to get used to, but it is different from the side profile.' Beginning to get emotional Ferne admitted: 'I seem so confident and loud, well I am loud, but on the inside, it really fazed me.' The reality star also revealed she has felt insecure since the age of 12, way before she stepped into the spotlight. 'The names started when I went to secondary school,' she said. Boys started calling me goose and it planted a seed. Later, Twitter trolls rubbed salt in the wound.' However Ferne took a 360 on her lip filler last year after she had her injectables dissolved and expressed her regrets over the cosmetic procedure. Sharing a video showcasing the finished results after having them dissolved she began: 'Ok guys, now this is a big moment for me because I want to be open and honest with you and share a little about my lip transformation. Sharing a before and after of the procedure Ferne wrote: 'I knew deep down they looked ridiculous. I had little lumps where the filler had migrated and the shape was all wrong!' 'I made that mistake where years ago I just wanted the big voluptuous lips but I just went to the wrong people I didn't do my research and I used to get so trolled about my lips.' She continued: 'And even though I have thick skin, being in the public eye for however long, it did get me down and I looked at them with different eyes. 'Especially having daughters, and wanting to be a role model for them and how I would feel if the had lips like that, I just had a whole different perspective.' She added: 'I knew deep down they looked ridiculous. I had little lumps where the filler had migrated and the shape was all wrong!' Harry Derbidge Harry, 30, was first introduced to the series via his cousin Amy Childs, becoming TOWIE's first openly gay cast member. And while the reality star has faced accusation of cosmetic procedures, in 2020 Harry hit back at trolls commenting on his weight gain as he explained he had overcome a 'terrible eating disorder'. Harry returned to TOWIE for the 10th anniversary celebrations in 2020, and the star was forced to take to Twitter as he confirmed he had not undergone Botox, only some lip filler. He penned: 'Honestly... I won't say this again, I haven't had any filler or Botox in my face, the only thing I have had done is a tiny bit of lip filler... so can we all stop comparing 16 year old harry to 26 year old harry. It actually makes me laugh... 'And to the saying 'I've piled on the pounds' the answer is... yes I have, I went through a terrible eating disorder and I have worked so hard on myself to over come it over the years, and honestly... I think I look better then ever'. In 2017, Harry shared an emotional post about the transformation his body has gone through, revealing he weighed just seven stone at one point. In a lengthy message, Harry explained: 'My journey with an eating disorder was a struggle and I know I'm not a muscle pump up pete now but where I am right now I have never felt and looked better in myself. 'The image on the left aged 16 I was 7 stone and very unhealthy and could go a day without eating, I also had a fear of food which can be diagnosed as a 'food phobia'. Chloe Sims Chloe was an instant fan favourite when she joined the cast in 2010 - filming scenes in her beauty salon she opened on the high street. The 43-year-old has previously had breast implants and a Brazilian bum lift and last year spoke about getting fillers removed from her face. Chloe recently said she hasn't told her daughter Madison, 16, about her past procedures, saying 'it's not something she needs to be aware of'. She explained: 'In the past, whenever I've had any bruises or anything like that, I'd just make something up, say I fell over or something.' The reality TV star said Madison did ask if she could have veneers on one occasion, but the teenager now has a brace instead. Chloe said she tells her daughter that she is 'beautiful' every single day and that women are all different sizes, as she admitted she is worried about Madison being exposed to things on social media. She said there aren't many role models who are 'bigger than a size 14' online, adding that she has only just allowed Madison to have social media, but that her daughter is only allowed to use the apps on her phone. Last year, Chloe spoke about having her fillers in her face drained in a bid to achieve a more natural look after years of cosmetic work. She gave a make-up tutorial on Instagram before revealing she had made the alterations to her face. Sharing progress snaps, she penned: 'So I decided to remove my fillers... the first photo is before, the second is without filler and the third is my more natural look... 'I'm really happy that I've toned it all down and as you know I think it's important to be honest with things like this. It's my personal choice and that makes me feel confident. Thanks Vogue Aesthetics.' Lauren Pope Lauren, now 42, was known for her fiery rows and love life on the show and was one of the original cast. She first went under the knife at 23 years old, boosting her bust from it's initial A Cup before finding fame as a glamour model. But in 2017 she revealed she'd removed her breast implants as she was sick of looking 'trashy' and was ready to begin the next phase of her life. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline at the time, the businesswoman explained that she had her E Cup implants - the result of a second boob job - removed and had been recovering in secret. 'I'm back to small boobies!' she admitted. 'I've thought about it for a long time. It's really hard to explain but it's not a big dramatic decision. 'It's just I feel like I am taken seriously now in the world of business.' The blonde bombshell first burst onto the scene as a glamour model, before starring in TOWIE - which she left in 2015. She went on to flourish in her DJ career and now has two daughters, Raine Anais Keterman and Leni Star Keterman. She shares her daughters with her ex-partner, Tony Keterman. Shelby Tribble Shelby unlike the others was not an original cast member but joined the show in 2018. In 2021 the star spoke about her battle with self confidence and how social media has left her feeling like 'I hate myself'. The former TOWIE star, now 32, took to Instagram to talk about how she finds it impossible to live up to the picture perfect life online. Appearing make-up free, Shelby thanked her young son Abel for helping her through the days where she feels low and like she wants to get a 'face and body full of surgery' Shelby wrote: 'I barely spend time or post on my social media because every time I go on it, it makes me feel so s**t about myself and the way I look. 'To try and keep up with a certain standard is hard work. I already suffer with low confidence and self esteem. It honestly makes me want to get a face and body full of surgery. 'Lockdown is really getting to me now also, I feel like I don' have conversation in me at the best of times, now it's non existent. I hate myself. I wish I was super confident.' Shelby opened up about having her fillers removed in 2019 after quitting The Only Way Is Essex for motherhood. Taking to Instagram at the time, she showed off her smaller pout and natural brunette hair, writing: 'New hair, new lips - who this?'
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Michelle Keegan's parenting style is causing havoc in Essex – as jealous local mums tell us why they're fuming
MICHELLE Keegan is basking in joy since the birth of her beautiful baby girl - but cruel whispers could trouble her happiness. It is claimed that 'jealous' locals are reportedly unimpressed with her seemingly effortless postpartum journey, which she's been documenting online in the weeks since her and hubby Mark Wright 's daughter, Palma, was born. 9 9 9 Michelle, who recently bagged herself a six-figure sum to become the new face of Sky, has been excitedly sharing snaps of her living it up at the Cannes film festival, on holiday in Spain and showing off her incredible post-baby figure in tiny swimsuits from her own fashion range. But a source claims that fellow Essex mums are turning on the star because they believe Michelle, 38, is 'rubbing people up the wrong way' by not showing the 'reality' of life with a newborn. 'Local mums seem to be pretty jealous that Michelle has bounced back from having a baby so quickly and so effortlessly,' a source told Fabulous. 'Pretty jealous' 'It has rubbed them up the wrong way that she's showing off her incredible postpartum figure on lavish holidays just weeks after giving birth. 'A lot of them - like most new mums - are struggling to form a sentence, they're so tired, so to watch as Michelle goes and secures a six-figure deal with a huge company, with barely a hair out of place, well they can't get their heads around it. 'These are women who pride themselves on looking good and presenting themselves in the most glam way possible, and they can't believe Michelle is walking the walk while they struggle with sleepless nights and screaming babies.' Sources claim that Michelle's seemingly 'easy' postpartum journey has been the talk of mum and baby groups in the Ongar and Epping Forest area of Essex, where she and Mark, 38, have lived since 2019. While some women are in awe of Michelle and celebrate the fact that she appears to be smashing motherhood, others are scratching their heads as to why the former Corrie actress isn't showing the downsides of postpartum life. The source claimed: 'Everybody's journey is different, so it's weird why some people are so fixated on Michelle and how well she's doing.' 'Some mums are complaining that she should use her platform as a celeb to show how difficult these first few months can be, to make other new mums feel better, but instead she's showing off her holidays and going to award shows in expensive outfits. 'They say she's not being real, which is strange, as a lot of these women don't actually know Michelle or her experience. It's up to her what she does and doesn't share on social media.' Indeed, Michelle has always been very careful not to share anything negative with her 7.5 million Instagram followers, preferring to focus on successful professional achievements and fun family adventures. Recent posts, shared since Palma's birth on March 6th, have included shots of her showing off her figure in her Orfila Bee swimwear range, walking the red carpet at Cannes as an ambassador for L'Oreal, images of her modelling her Very clothing collection, stills from her hit Sky show Brassic and snaps of her in a bikini on holiday in Spain with her daughter. 'Winding them up' But envious local mums believe Michelle is out of touch, an insider claims. 'The complaint is mainly that she's showing off a life which is so unattainable to most people, especially struggling new mums, that it's winding them up,' the source continued. 'Where's the tired eyes, the wobbly belly? I think the bitterness comes from the fact that a lot of them expected her to be a regular at the baby groups in town, but she's actually very busy and selective right now. 9 9 9 9 'Perhaps that annoys people who thought they might get to befriend her.' According to our insider, Michelle is well-liked around Ongar but is relatively private due to her busy schedule. Many mums thought that having Palma would automatically make Michelle a stay-at-home mum who would fully integrate herself into the community. The source added: 'Everyone in Essex would love to be friends with Mark and Michelle. 'But the reality is, she's flying in her career right now and doesn't appear to be slowing down, so I doubt she'll be filling her days at the local playgroup. 'I think a lot of women are disappointed they won't actually be spending much time with her.' Michelle's mum, Jackie, has reportedly been staying with her and Mark to help with Palma, which is no doubt another reason why Michelle has been able to juggle motherhood, work and getting back into shape. And it hasn't gone unnoticed by fans, many who have been quick to heap praise on Michelle. 'How does anyone look that amazing after just having a baby?' asked one gobsmacked follower in response to Michelle showing off her range with which included plunging bodycon dresses. Another joked, 'You look absolutely stunning…I am still trying to get my post-baby figure back, and my baby is 17 this year!' Mark and Michelle have been careful to keep Palma out of the limelight, opting to secure her face in any public social media posts. However, they have shown the back of the little one in various pics with her family, including Mark's sister Jessica and mum Carol. The clan have been sunning themselves in Spain while Michelle celebrates the incredible Sky deal, which will see her share a screen with actor Idris Elba in new promo ads, to be broadcast across the world. A source previously told The Sun: 'Landing this ad is huge for Michelle, as she's fast becoming a brand in her own right. Everything she touches seems to turn to gold.' 9 Mark Wright's career timeline Since rising to fame over a decade ago as a reality TV star, popular personality Mark Wright has gone on to enjoy a successful career. The Only Way is Essex (2010-2011, regular): Mark was an original Towie cast member from its October 2010 launch and spanning series 1-3. He left the programme in 2011 but has returned for a handful of cameos. I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here (2011): After leaving Towie, Mark signed up for the famed ITV jungle. He finished in second place behind McFly star Dougie Poynter. Heart (2012-2017; 2019 - present): Mark first joined radio station Heart in 2012, leaving five years later to pursue work in the United States. He made a return to the station in July 2019. Strictly Come Dancing (2014): The star took to the Strictly ballroom in 2014, finishing fourth behind Caroline Flack, Simon Webbe and Frankie Bridge. The Dengineers (2015-2017): Mark was a co-presenter of the children's programme for its first two series. After his departure, later hosts have included Joe Swash and Meryl Fernandes. Extra (2017-2020): Mark was an entertainment reporter for this US outlet for three years. The Bachelor UK (2019): A revived UK iteration of the popular American dating show. Mark's version of the programme aired on Channel 5. The Challenge UK (2023): Another UK rendition of an American format, this aired on Channel 5 in February 2023. Clean It, Fix It (2024 - present): Mark has joined the popular BBC daytime show from its fourth series onwards.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Michelle Keegan shows off her post-baby body in cut out swimsuit just three months after giving birth
MICHELLE Keegan showed off her post-baby body in a cut-out swimsuit – just three months after giving birth. Actress Michelle, 38, posed in the brown one-piece for an Instagram post today, flaunting her figure after welcoming baby Palma with husband Mark Wright. 7 7 She teamed the swimwear, from her latest Orfila Bee collection, with a cream sarong tied in a knot at the front. Michelle finished the beachy look with a straw cowboy hat, a woven beach bag and a pair of sunglasses. The former Corrie star launched Orfila Bee in the summer of 2022, revealing that Orfila was her grandmother's maiden name. The Sun revealed only last week that Michelle has signed a six-figure advertising deal to become the new face of Sky. She is set to film a series of promo clips — which will be shown around the globe — with fellow British actor, Luther star Idris Elba. The deal is Michelle's first major job since she gave birth in March. She landed the deal after becoming a major player for Sky, with her comedy-drama Brassic one of the most popular series to air on the platform. A source said: 'Michelle has really been enjoying maternity leave with Palma, but she'll be back to work soon to film these new adverts for Sky. 'She has signed a six-figure deal for the job and is thrilled to have been chosen to appear alongside Idris, who has been their 'face'. ' Brassic is ending after the seventh series and Michelle is keen to still be a part of the Sky brand. 'Landing this ad is huge for Michelle, as she's fast becoming a brand in her own right. "Everything she touches seems to turn to gold.' The actress found fame as Tina McIntyre on Coronation Street after joining the ITV soap in 2007. But it was after she left in 2014 her career really took off, with hits such as BBC military drama Our Girl from 2016 to 2020, playing Georgie Lane. Last year, she had the starring role as Maya Stern in Netflix' s Harlan Coben thriller Fool Me Once — which racked up more than 100 million views globally. The show became the streaming service's most watched series of 2024, beating Bridgerton and Baby Reindeer. Michelle also stars in the BBC's Australian drama Ten Pound Poms. 7 7 7 7 7
