Here’s what the stars have been up to in the last seven days
‘DEMORALISED’ EAMONN OPENS UP ON HIS HEALTH
He’s been plagued with health woes for the last few years and now Eamonn Holmes has spoken out about how it’s left him feeling dependent. The 63-year-old admitted, ‘you’re inhibited playing with the dog, you’re inhibited playing with your grandchild, you’re inhibited just socialising.’ The GB News presenter went on to explain, ‘The most awful thing is just being dependent on other people and what that does to you… There are so many things where it’s demoralising having to ask.’ Previously, Eamonn – who has undergone a double hip replacement and back surgery before most recently falling and breaking his shoulder – confessed, ‘Relying [on others] is soul-destroying.’
Radio 2’s big fallout
Ken Bruce’s departure from Radio 2 marks the station’s latest shake-up after a long list of exits. The 72-year-old – who has been a regular on the radio station for 31 years – follows in the footsteps of long-standing stars Paul O’Grady, Vanessa Feltz, Craig Charles and Simon Mayo, who have all left or announced their departures in recent months.
And while newbies, including Ken’s replacement Vernon Kay, have been brought in to rejuvenate Radio 2, veteran hosts such as Zoe Ball are said to be worried. Speaking to Vernon, 48, Zoe, 52, said, ‘I always think I will be lucky if I last the next two years’. A source added, ‘In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in direction, with a drive to attract a younger audience.’ They explained, ‘The music has become edgier and more modern, and the DJs seemingly ever-younger.’ Despite deciding it was his time to go, Ken recently told how he was ‘a little surprised and disappointed’ that bosses at the BBC wanted him to leave earlier than expected: ‘I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier.’
While Vernon – who proved a hit with listeners after filling in for Zoe and Scott Mills – revealed, ‘I’m thrilled, I am absolutely over the moon, I really am,’ the TV star knows the transition won’t be easy. He shared, ‘To be asked to step into those big shoes… it was a big deep breath, I’ll be honest with you.’ Fans of Ken may not be happy, but if Rylan Clark’s Radio 2 success is anything to go by, we’re sure Vernon will be just fine.
BOB’S JUST THE JOB!
