Month: May 2023

King Charles III’s coronation: What to expect on the big day EU

King Charles III’s coronation: What to expect on the big day

By

With just a few days to go before King Charles III’s coronation on Saturday May 6, everyone is wondering what exactly will be happening on the big day. Our international affairs editor and royal watcher Philip Turle tells us what to expect, including who is slated to appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the coronation ceremony. We also find out what events are planned for the rest of the bank holiday weekend in the UK.

European astronauts touch base after first weeks of ‘basic’ training EU

European astronauts touch base after first weeks of ‘basic’ training

By

The five astronauts from the 2022 intake of the European Space Agency (ESA) have always dreamed of going to space. They have now completed their first weeks of “basic” training. Extra courses in geology mean they are likely to plan missions to the Moon and perhaps even Mars. But the ESA’s most basic yet ambitious goal is to keep a foot in space and remain a key player. The aim is to ensure that Europe does not depend on other powers for telecommunications, defence and the monitoring of the Earth to manage various hazards, including climate change. FRANCE 24’s Science reporter Shirli Sitbon tells us more.

Carol McGiffin backed by ‘gutted’ Loose Women stars as she explains ‘unjust’ exit over ITV dispute News Briefing

Carol McGiffin backed by ‘gutted’ Loose Women stars as she explains ‘unjust’ exit over ITV dispute

By

Carol McGiffin has cleared up her Loose Women absence (Picture: ITV)

The Loose Women stars have come out in support of Carol McGiffin after she clarified her absence from the show.

It’s been months since the presenter was last seen on the Loose Women panel and the 63-year-old has now confirmed why.

The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant revealed she’s taken a break from Loose Women due to her ‘unjust’ contract.

‘The problem was, ITV were insisting, for the first time since I went back in 2018, that if I wanted to carry on doing the show, I would have to sign a contract that was totally unjust and unworkable for me, so I had to say ‘no thanks,’” she wrote in Best magazine.

She added that she’s been ‘quite upset about it’, and said it was a decision she was ‘forced to make’.

‘No one in their right mind would have signed that contract,’ she continued. ‘And I can’t see a way back from it.’

The Loose Women star has been missing from the panel for months (Picture: ITV)

Her co-stars have backed her all the way though, sharing their support on Instagram.

Brenda Edwards commented: ‘Carol, I always enjoy when you are on as we have such a laugh, but you of course must always do what is best for you! I really hope I get to see you again love you lots lovely lady. Keep Smiling.’

Denise Welch also shared she was ‘gutted’, while Carol’s regular sparring partner Nadia Sawahla said: ‘Miss you smelly poo! Even though we disagreed on most things you’ve always made me laugh my head off!

‘As I’ve always said thank god we weren’t at school together it would have been #carnage !! Big hugs x.’

‘I really miss you, and am so gutted xx,’ added Charlene White.

An ITV spokesperson said in a statement sent to Metro.co.uk: ‘ITV will not comment on or disclose details of individual contracts but all ITV contracts comply with the required employment and HMRC legislation.’

Carol has always been one of the most outspoken Loose Women stars since her very first appearance in 2000.

She took a break from Loose Women in 2013, returning in 2018.

Loose Women airs weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.