Gogglebox star Amy Tapper has expressed her delight after losing five stone, saying that she “couldn’t be happier”.
The 24-year-old was a star on the Channel 4 show between 2013 and 2018 along with her parents, Jonathan and Nikki, and brother Josh.
Tapper was only 13 when she first appeared on Gogglebox and has previously called the online abuse she received because of her weight “upsetting”.
Since 2022, Tapper has been on a health kick, thanks to her personal trainer Natasha Ram, and has been sharing her progress on Instagram.
Her health journey was an immediate success, losing 33cm from her waist in the first five weeks.
In a new post shared on Thursday (13 February), Tapper wrote: “Officially 5 stone down and I couldn’t be happier. Never thought I’d be able to reach this milestone so I think I can say I’m proud of myself. Thank you for being by my side throughout it all @tashelite.fitness.”
The TV personality also shared a video of the moment she stepped on the scales to find out how much weight she had lost.
In 2022, Tapper told the Daily Mail about the cruel comments that she would receive whenever an episode of Gogglebox aired. “My dad and I would both get nasty comments about our weight and I’d also get people criticising my voice for being too loud,” she explained.
“It was quite upsetting. There were people on Twitter calling us ‘the fat family from Gogglebox’ but my mum and my brother have never had any problems with their weight.”
Tapper’s post has been flooded with support, with one fan telling her: “You look amazing.”
Another person said: “Amy you were beautiful before and still beautiful now but you are doing amazing. Well done.”
A third said: “Great work you are looking great keeping going.”
The Tapper family on ‘Gogglebox’ (Channel 4)
It’s been an eventful 12 months for the Tapper family, with Amy’s older brother Josh running as a candidate in the UK general election.
The 27-year-old was a Labour candidate in the constituency of Hertsmere where he ran against then deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden.
The Conservative MP would win the election, earning 21,451 votes whereas Tapper managed to achieve an impressive 13,459 votes.
Prince Harry clarifies stance on Prince Archie, Princess Lilibet’s return to the UK
Prince Harry talks Archie, Lilibet’s public appearance for major event
Prince Harry got candid about a decision that he has taken for his two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet for their future appearance.
The Duke of Sussex got candid in a conversation about the future of Invictus Games iterations and the plans he has for the involvement of his children.
Harry, who is continuing the Games in Canada after Meghan Markle returned to California, shared that Archie and Lilibet would eventually be getting a firsthand experience of the event.
In an interview, Harry was asked by Town & Country magazine about bring the young royals to the sporting event.
“Absolutely,” he told the outlet. “I’d love for them to experience the Invictus spirit firsthand one day.”
He continued, “Right now, they’re still young, but we already talk about the importance of resilience, community, and service — everything Invictus represents.”
The next iteration of the Games are to come to a “full-circle” as they will be returning to UK, to take place in Birmingham. Meanwhile, Harry is pursuing his police protection case in against the UK Home Office, before he can bring his family to his home country.
In 2027, Archie is expected to be eight and Lilibet will be six. It is possible that Harry plans on bringing his children to not only experience Invictus, but also to reconcile with the royal family, especially King Charles.
The monarch is reportedly eager to meet his grandchildren. It remains to be seen if 2027 will be the year the family finally reunites.
Meryl Streep and Martin short were longtime friends before sparking romance rumours last year
‘The Only Murders in the Building’ costars were spotted at the SNL 50 Homecoming Concert
Meryl Streep and Martin Short rang in Valentine’s Day with music and laughter.
The Only Murders in the Building co-stars attended the SNL 50 Homecoming Concert, which aired on February 14, where they were seen clapping, cheering, and even dancing during the show, per US Weekly.
The longtime friends have been close for nearly a decade, first making headlines in 2015 when Streep attended a Broadway production of It’s Only a Play to support Short. Since then, their friendship has only grown, with countless awards show appearances, dinner outings, and theatre visits together.
Their bond became even stronger when Streep joined Only Murders in the Building for its third season, playing Short’s love interest, Loretta Durkin. Despite his decades-long career, Short admitted he was initially nervous to act alongside the Hollywood legend.
Their undeniable chemistry — both on and off-screen — has fuelled romance rumors, especially after their affectionate interactions at the 2024 Golden Globes and AFI Awards.
But Short was quick to shut down speculation, making it clear that their connection is strictly platonic.
Radio presenter said McCall ‘highlighted the problem’ leading to his diagnosis
Jamie Theakston would have missed the opportunity to catch his cancer early if it wasn’t for Davina McCall.
In September 2024, the Heart Radio presenter was diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer after going for a check up, which had been prompted by listeners noticing his voice sounded different on air. He emotionally revealed he was cancer-free last month.
The 54-year-old father of two was off work for months as he underwent operations and treatment for the condition. He reports being told he had a 95 per cent survival rate in the cancer’s first stage, which rapidly dwindles as it progresses. But the presenter almost shrugged off his symptoms at first.
“You do the show for 20 years, and you get a sore throat and it comes and goes,” he told The Times.
“But there were a couple of listeners who said, ‘You really need to get it checked.’ And I guess in many ways that sort of saved my life. Without being too dramatic about it.”
Fan concerns were not the only reason he decided to investigate his symptoms, as Theakston stressed the importance of early detection. While co-presenter Amanda Holden was on holiday, Masked Singer panelist McCall took Holden’s slot and inadvertently prompted concern.
“She’s a very huggy person, Davina,” he said. “She gave me a big hug around my neck and I remember thinking it felt quite uncomfortable. I think she thought, oh God, I’ve done something terrible. But in fact, she just highlighted the problem.”
McCall has battled her own health concerns recently as she had a benign brain tumour removed and made a plea to younger people.
After Theakston’s wife Sophie Siegle also mentioned he had croakiness, he decided to see his GP.
Once the news was confirmed, Theakston struggled to tell Siegle and their family.
“She was devastated. I think it’s odd, when it comes to cancer, there’s a lot of statistics,” he said.
“So when people talk about stage 1 cancer, it’s a 95 per cent survival rate. I felt quite reassured by that – and obviously that can go down to 50 per cent when you get to stage 3 and 4.
“But I think when you say, ‘I’ve got cancer,’ everyone sort of goes into meltdown. She had a lot of questions. And then we told the kids, obviously, and explained to them how it all works and what was going to happen and they were remarkably brave about the whole thing.”
Hollywood’s golden girl: How Jennifer Aniston’s legacy still steals the spotlight than ever
From ‘Friends’ to forever: Jennifer Aniston’s influence on Hollywood
Jennifer Aniston, legendary actress who has won millions of hearts with her glamorous appearance on screen, has recently celebrated her 56th birthday in an intimate get-together.
The actress hasn’t shared any post about her recent birthday bash yet, but her friends and fans definitely celebrated her legacy by sharing her pictures and reels from her most hit series, where she nailed a role of most gorgeous woman Rachel Green.
Jennifer took to her Instagram account and addressed all the love and appreciation she’s received from everyone.
The birthday celebrations came right after Aniston’s concerns over Friends co-star David Schwimmer’s new relationship.
However, from small beginnings to massive stardom, the Dumplin’ star’s journey proves that hard work and staying true to yourself can take you far in career.
When Friends first aired back in 1994 and captured millions of smiles with its genre, a few could have predicted that the global sensation would become the Jennifer Aniston.
Jennifer, alongside her co-stars Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry, Courteney Cox, and Matt LeBlanc, rose to immense fame after that show with their iconic roles.
Jennifer Aniston continues to be actively involved in various projects, as she’s now focusing on her personal growth as well as her mental growth.
Lady Gaga opens up about considering quitting music for good
Lady Gaga shares thoughts on quitting music: Find out
Lady Gaga is sharing her thoughts on quitting music after being ‘tested’ on multiple occasions.
The Born This Way hitmaker , who started out young in the industry, unapologetically admitted to wanting to ‘walk away’ from the spotlight despite all her achievements.
During her regal appearance on Hot Ones, Gaga addressed rumors of her exit from the music industry.
She said, “That is an incredibly deep question to ask me in this panic mode.
“I missed the community that I had in New York and that was really hard. So there were definitely times where I felt like maybe I should walk away.
“I know for sure that I never would. I would definitely say that I was tested, and I always didn’t give up. And I’m still doing it, so it must mean I want to do it.”
The American singer, who is currently gearing up for her seventh studio album, also recalled the time when she booked gigs for herself as her manager.
Recounting an instance from the past, she explained, “I would knock on door after door and say, ‘Can I please play here?’ Or I would call and pretend I was my manager.
“I would tell people ‘She’s so hot right now.’ Sometimes I would do an accent. I would do anything to get booked.”
On professional front, Gaga’s studio album, Mayhem, is set to release on March 7, marking her return to her pop roots.
Award-winning actress, writer, director and media mogul Issa Rae is canceling her sold-out appearance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts over President Donald Trump’s “infringement” on the institution’s values.
Rae, who is widely known for the critically acclaimed HBO series Insecure and her role in the blockbuster Barbie, announced Thursday that she was pulling out of her sold-out show in Washington because of what she believed to be “an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums.”
Why It Matters
The announcement comes a day after the Kennedy Center board voted to appoint President Donald Trump as its chairman. Trump had purged the board of Biden appointees just days earlier, replacing them with Trump loyalists.
Left: Issa Rae attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024, in Hollywood, California. Right: President Donald Trump speaks with reporters in the Oval Office of the White House on February 4, 2025, in Washington.
What To Know
Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center has sent ripples through the arts community. At least three leaders have resigned in the wake of Trump’s chairmanship.
Showrunner Shonda Rhimes, who was appointed to the board by President Barack Obama, resigned from her treasurer position Wednesday. Soprano Renée Fleming and songwriter Ben Folds also announced they were leaving their posts as artistic adviser at large and artistic adviser, respectively, of the National Symphony Orchestra, which is overseen by the Kennedy Center.
It’s not only Rae who canceled an upcoming appearance. Rock band Low Cut Connie did the same on Thursday.
Rae had been expected to appear for “An Evening with Issa Rae,” which was scheduled for March 16. The event has been removed from the venue’s website.
New members of the board include faces from the new administration, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, second lady Usha Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino and Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office Sergio Gor.
It also includes the spouses of some of Trump’s loyalist allies, such as Allison Lutnick, wife of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Andrea Wynn, wife of GOP megadonor Steve Wynn. Country singer Lee Greenwood, whose song “God Bless the U.S.A.” was a staple at Trump rallies, and Fox News’ Laura Ingraham are other new additions to the board.
Richard Grenell, Trump’s special U.S. envoy, has been appointed the center’s interim executive director.
What People Are Saying
Actress, writer and director Issa Rae, on Instagram on Thursday: “Thank you so much for selling out the Kennedy Center for ‘An Evening With {Me}”. Unfortunately, due to what I believe to be an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums, I’ve decided to cancel my appearance at this venue. All tickets will be refunded. Thank you so much for understanding and I hope to see you soon.”
Deborah Rutter, former president of the Kennedy Center, in a Wednesday statement: “The goal of the Kennedy Center has been to live up to our namesake, serving as a beacon for the world and ensuring our work reflects America. I depart my position proud of all we accomplished to meet that ambition. From the art on our stages to the students we have impacted in classrooms across America, everything we have done at the Kennedy Center has been about uplifting the human spirit in service of strengthening the culture of our great nation.”
Adam Weiner, of the rock band Low Cut Connie, in a Thursday Instagram post: “I was very excited to perform as part of this wonderful institution’s Social Impact series, which emphasizes community, joy, justice and equity through the arts. Upon learning that this institution that has run nonpartisan for 54 years is now chaired by President Trump himself and his regime, I decided I will not perform there.”
Ben Folds, singer-songwriter, in a Wednesday Instagram post: “Given developments at the Kennedy Center, effective today I am resigning as artistic advisor to the NSO. Not for me. It’s been a wonderful 8 years working with Kennedy Center President Deb Rutter, fellow artistic advisor Renee Fleming, and the entire NSO staff, encouraging thousands of fresh new audiences to appreciate symphonic music.”
President Donald Trump, on Truth Social Wednesday: “It is a Great Honor to be Chairman of The Kennedy Center, especially with this amazing Board of Trustees. We will make The Kennedy Center a very special and exciting place!”
What Happens Next
Rae said that all tickets to her show will be refunded.
Jimmy Fallon called Elon Musk out for bringing his son X Æ A-Xii to an Oval Office press conference with Donald Trump. The billionaire father-of-12 paraded his son as the US president signed an executive order to bolster the Department of Government Efficiency’s powers in government. On Wednesday’s episode of The Tonight Show, Fallon poked fun at the spectacle, joking: “Trump was looking at him like, ‘Don’t you dare touch my dinosaur chicken nuggets!’” X was seen mimicking Musk’s gestures and picking his nose before wiping it on the Resolute desk, gifted to President Rutherford Hayes by Queen Victoria in 1880 and used by nearly every president since.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk met during Modi’s visit to the U.S., where he spoke with Trump about trade and tariff concerns
India US Modi Musk (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk during his visit to the U.S. to meet President Donald Trump. The exact nature of the meeting is unclear, although Modi said on X that the two men “discussed various issues, including those he is passionate about such as space, mobility, technology and innovation.”
Musk was recently chosen by Trump to head a new U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.
Modi and Musk also met each other in New York in 2023. At that time Musk said he was “confident that Tesla will be in India … as soon as humanly possible.”
Trump unsure about why Modi and Musk met
Modi and Musk met each other on Thursday during the Indian prime minister’s visit to the U.S. While Musk was accompanied by his three young children, Modi was notably flanked by his top advisers — including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
Later, at a joint press conference with Modi at the White House, Trump said he wasn’t sure why Musk met the Indian prime minister but he assumed Musk “wants to do business in India.”
“I would imagine he met, possibly, because you know he’s running a company,” Trump told reporters.
India’s foreign ministry in a statement said Modi and Musk “discussed strengthening collaboration between Indian and U.S. entities in innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence and sustainable development” and on “entrepreneurship and good governance.”
Musk has Starlink ambitions in India
Musk, who previously called himself a “fan of Modi,” has long wanted his Starlink satellite internet service to make an entry into the Indian market. Its launch, however, has been delayed due to regulatory challenges, security concerns and opposition from domestic telecom giants like Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio.
Last November, India’s telecoms minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, said Starlink was yet to comply with security norms, and a license for satellite communications services will be issued only after the company meets all the requirements.
Musk had earlier criticized India’s policy of granting spectrum for satellite services through auctioning. The Indian government later changed the policy and said it will assign satellite spectrum and not auction it.
India has vast, untapped potential in satellite broadband
India’s satellite broadband service market is highly competitive. At least six companies control the market, led by Ambani’s Reliance Jio.
Apart from regulatory roadblocks, Musk’s Starlink has also faced resistance by Reliance Jio, which last year said granting spectrum for satellite services through auctioning is necessary to ensure fair competition.
Musk’s Starlink has at least 6,900 active satellites orbiting Earth that provide low-latency broadband to some 4.6 million people. But if Musk wants to enter the Indian market, Starlink’s high pricing could be a concern.
Mobile data in India is among the cheapest globally, and Ambani’s Jio once gave data for free on its mobile plans. And yet, at least 40% of the country’s more than 1.4 billion people still don’t have access to the internet. Cheap satellite broadband is needed to bridge this gap, particularly in India’s vast remote and mountainous areas.
Musk’s Tesla cars are yet to enter Indian market
Musk’s Tesla has also been waiting to get into India, which is one of the world’s largest automobile markets, but has faced hurdles due to high import duties on vehicles brought into the country.
Also, India’s electric vehicle market is still nascent and made up a little more than 2% of total car sales last year. But the government wants to change that and increase the electric vehicle share to 30% by 2030.
India also recently unveiled a new policy that extends concessional tariffs on fully imported electric vehicles made by foreign carmakers who commit to starting local manufacturing.
‘You can’t fool audiences,’ the 72-year-old actor said
Liam Neeson has shared an update on the future of his acting career, acknowledging that “it has to stop at some stage.”
The Irish actor, who made his screen debut in the 1978 biblical film Pilgrim’s Progress, has since appeared in more than a hundred films and TV shows over the course of his lengthy career.
Known for a variety of movies, including the divisive 2003 romcom Love Actually and the Oscar-winning drama Schindler’s List, Neeson has, in later years, become an action film hero, starring in movies such as Taken (2008) and The Marksman (2021).
“I’m 72,” Neeson told People in a new interview. “It has to stop at some stage.”
The Dark Knight Rises star has always performed his own fight scenes. However, he relies on his longtime collaborator Mark Vanselow to complete some of his more daring stunts.
Recognizing that “you can’t fool audiences,” he said: “I don’t want Mark to be fighting my fight scenes for me.”
While he hasn’t officially announced his retirement from acting, he revealed that he is considering putting an end to making action films in 2025.
Liam Neeson says he’s looking to retire from making action films in 2025 (Getty Images)
“Maybe the end of next year,” he said. “I think that’s it.”
Until then, Neeson fans have nothing to worry about as the Star Wars actor currently has nearly a dozen more projects in the pipeline.
For his next movie, Absolution, he has once again teamed up with Hans Peter Molan, who directed him in 2019’s Cold Pursuit. Scheduled to release in theaters on November 1, the new crime-thriller follows an aging gangster (Neeson) as he attempts to reconnect with his estranged children and make amends for his past mistakes.
“When he’s immersed in the character he is, you see the hurt, you see the pain,” Moland told People of Neeson. “He becomes that man.”
Neeson will additionally lead the forthcoming movies The Naked Gun, a reboot of the classic crime-spoof franchise, and Cold Storage, both of which are due out next year.
Meanwhile, he is set to reprise his 2021 Ice Road role in the upcoming sequel, Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky. He will also lead Guy Moshe’s Hotel Tehran, Jaume Collet-Serra’s Run All Night 2, Neil Jordan’s The Riker’s Ghost, Mark Vanselow’s The Mangoose and Tarik Saleh’s Charlie Johnson in the Flames.
