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Paddy McGuinness and Vernon Kay team up for Celebrity Gogglebox as they join huge list of celebs signing up

PADDY McGuinness and Vernon Kay have teamed up for Celebrity Gogglebox.

The Radio 2 stars, both 51, join several other celebrity pairs for the upcoming series.

Paddy and Vernon on Celebrity Gogglebox.
Rachel Joseph/Channel 4
Paddy McGuinness and Vernon Kay are joining Celebrity Gogglebox[/caption]
Screenshot of a man speaking in his kitchen.
Instagram
The two appeared in a video posted on Gogglebox’s Instagram account[/caption]
James Buckley and his wife announce their participation in Celebrity Gogglebox.
Channel 4
James Buckley and wife Clair have also signed up[/caption]

Taking to social media, Paddy wrote: “I still can’t believe @vernonkay wears denim to relax?

This Friday we’ll be on the couch, watching telly on @c4gogglebox.”

The pair also confirmed the news in a short video shared on Gogglebox‘s Instagram account.

Speaking in the clip, Paddy said: “We are back with some belty TV.”

Vernon added: “Oh yeah! Celebrity Gogglebox, back on Friday at 9pm. Enjoy.”

While Paddy concluded: “Look at that, I’ve even run a cloth over the sink.”

One enthusiastic fan shared on social media: “This has made my Friday night.”

Another made a reference to the pair’s shared hometown of Bolton.

They wrote: “OMG this is going to be amazing! Can’t wait. The Boltonian A-Team.”

The Sun previously revealed that Inbetweeners legend James Buckley and his wife Clair will also be joining Celebrity Gogglebox.

In our exclusive clip, the comedy star told fans: “Hi guys, how’s it going?

“We are joining the Gogglebox family.

“We’re going to be watching some great TV and some not so great TV.

“And you’ll be able to join us on Friday on Channel 4 at 9pm.”

Paddy McGuinness' TV Timeline

2000-2001 – Phoenix Nights

2004 – Max & Paddy’s Road To Nowhere

2005 – Max & Paddy’s The Power of Two

2008-2010 – Rory and Paddy’s Great British Adventure

2010-2019 – Take Me Out

2011 – 71 Degrees North

2013 – Your Face Sounds Familiar

2015 – Benchmark

2017-2018 – The Keith & Paddy Picture Show

2019 – Celebrity Juice

2019-2022 – Top Gear

2019-2022 – Catchpoint

2021-2022 – I Can See Your Voice

2021-2023 – A Question of Sport

2024 – Paddy and Chris: Road Tripping

2024-2025 – Inside The Factory

2023-2025 – Tempting Fortune

Returning duos include Martin and Roman Kemp, Denise Van Outen and Johnny Vaughan, as well as Gok Wan and Fearne Cotton.

Also returning are are Mo Gilligan and Babatunde Aleshe, Gyles Brandreth and Lulu and Rylan Clark and his mum Linda.

Nick and Liv Grimshaw, as well as Clare Balding and Alice Arnold round out the line-up.

Celebrity Gogglebox airs on Channel 4.

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13 best coffee machines 2025 UK; tried and tested

FORGET queuing at your local café – that barista-quality coffee kick can now be yours at home with 2025’s impressive lineup of high-tech coffee machines.

The days of settling for instant coffee are long gone. Today’s smart machines let you whip up everything from velvety cappuccinos and silky lattes to rich Americanos with just a few taps or button presses.

Whether you prefer pods, beans, or ground coffee, these clever devices do all the hard work for you.

Simply add your coffee, press a button, and within seconds, you’re enjoying café-quality drinks without the café prices.

With so many options hitting the market in 2025 – from budget-friendly pod machines to premium bean-to-cup models – choosing the right one can feel more complicated than ordering at a speciality coffee shop.

That’s exactly why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide.

We’ve thoroughly tested the UK’s top coffee machines to help you find the perfect match for your morning brew, counter space, and budget.

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How we tested

Our coffee machine testing isn’t just about making a quick cuppa – we put each machine through its paces with a thorough brewing bootcamp to ensure you’re getting the real deal.

First up, we examined how faff-free each machine was to set up and use. After all, who wants to battle with complicated controls before their morning caffeine fix?

We checked whether instructions were clear, buttons were intuitive, and you could get from box to brew without breaking a sweat.

For pod machines, we investigated how easily available the pods are – looking at supermarket availability, online options, and whether you’re tied to expensive brand-specific capsules or can save with compatible alternatives.

We pushed each machine to show off its range, testing everything from simple espressos to fancy frothy lattes to see which ones delivered cafe-quality results across different drinks.

The look and feel of each machine got our full attention – because, let’s face it, something taking up precious worktop space needs to look the part!

We assessed build quality, considered different kitchen styles, and measured the actual footprint to help you figure out if it’ll squeeze into your space.

Most crucially, we taste-tested every single coffee (tough job, but someone’s got to do it!), judging temperature, strength, crema quality, and that all-important flavour.

Because even the shiniest, most feature-packed machine isn’t worth your money if it can’t deliver a properly delicious brew.


Best coffee machines at a glance:


1. Philips 5400 Series Bean to Cup

Philips 5400 Series bean-to-cup coffee machine brewing a cappuccino.
Natalie Chui

Philips 5400 Series Bean to Cup
£679.99

Pros: Barista-quality coffee at home, impressive range of coffee styles, intelligent self-cleaning system

Cons: Takes time to master your perfect settings, premium price tag

Rating: 5/5

As a frequent coffee drinker, there’s nothing I love more than freshly brewed coffee, and the Philips 5400 LatteGo promises that every single time with the touch of a few buttons.

It takes up a bit of counter space and is a bit fiddly to assemble as you need to attach a few parts separately and set up the screen, but once it’s done, that’s the hardest bit out of the way.

It has a sleek interface, and you can pick whatever coffee you want from extensive options that you normally wouldn’t be able to enjoy at home, like latte macchiato, flat white, 

Each drink has a customisable setting for you to personalise the ratio of caffeine and liquid per coffee and it also includes an extra shot function, which I personally enjoyed.

It does take a bit of trial and error to figure out what your ideal setting is. The first time I made a cappuccino, I hadn’t adjusted the setting, so it turned out way too milky for me, but after figuring it out, it was one of the best at-home coffees I had.

While it’s easy to use, I’d say the machine is better for regular coffee drinkers who know what type and intensity of coffee they enjoy.

It’s super easy to clean as there’s a self-cleaning function, and the drip tray and ground container can be easily removed, rinsed and reattached once dry.

Although it’s compatible with ground coffee, it works better with coffee beans as it has an in-built grinder and it can be hard to clean the section for ground beans. I once tried pouring water down it, and it leaked. Not to mention, it’s quite pricey.

But since I’ve used the machine, I’ve never had a coffee falter in quality, and it’s even made me buy fewer coffees from shops as they pale in comparison to what I have at home.

Size: 24.6 x 37.2 x 43.3 cm, Weight: 8kg, Coffee compatibility: Coffee beans, ground coffee (works best with beans)

2. Nespresso Vertuo Next by Krups

Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee machine with a coffee pod and mug.
Hayley Minn

Nespresso Vertuo Next by Krups
£149

Pros: Intelligent barcode-reading technology, café-quality crema on every brew, sleek eco-friendly design

Cons: Pods still primarily available online/in Nespresso boutiques, premium price for capsules

Rating: 4.5/5

The Vertuo Next Pod coffee machine proves Nespresso’s a household name for a reason.

Priced at £150, this machine’s compatible with Nespresso’s wide range of Vertuo pods that come in so many delicious flavours, both caffeinated and not.

Not only are the pods all recyclable, but the removable parts of this are dishwasher safe, which is a plus.

I can confirm that this easy-to-use machine gives you barista-level coffee in a matter of seconds, and we’re obsessed.

Some capsules are frothy, others creamy – there is something for all coffee tastes.

The only real downside is that you can’t purchase their capsules in your local supermarket.

You have to either order them online or head to a Nespresso store if you’re lucky enough to live near one.

Size: H31.4 x W14.2 x D42.9cm, Weight: 4kg, Pod compatibility: Nespresso Vertuo capsules only

3. De’Longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS

DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS coffee machine making espresso.
Darren Fletcher

De’Longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS
£35

Pros: Incredible value for money, super-compact footprint, impressive drink variety from one tiny machine

Cons: No smart connectivity features, limited to Dolce Gusto pod ecosystem

Rating: 4/5

Perfect for smaller kitchens, this dinky machine is very user-friendly and has a manual lever, so you can control the size of your drink exactly.

It’s very quick to heat up and can produce a range of Dolce Gusto hot drinks as well as Starbucks-branded ones.

For the non-coffee drinkers in your life, this machine also makes tea and hot chocolate using the appropriate Dolce Gusto pods, so it’s sure to get a lot of use.

While I reviewed the black version, there are other colours to choose from, including red and white, and you can often find discounts, making it one of the best bargain machines.

Size: H27.6 x W13.6 x D26.6cm, Weight: 2.1kg, Pod compatibility: Dolce Gusto pods only


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4. Lavazza A Modo Mio Deśea

Lavazza A Modo Mio Desea coffee machine.
Kieran Ahuja

Lavazza A Modo Mio Deśea
£249.99

Pros: Revolutionary milk-frothing technology, stunning Italian design, impressive range of milk-based specialties

Cons: Premium price point, limited to Lavazza’s capsule ecosystem

Rating: 4/5

There’s little not to like about the Lavazza Deśea.

It looks great and adds a certain level of elegance to your work surfaces.

It’s also extremely easy to use, quick to clean, and makes great-tasting coffee. 

While it’s inconvenient that the Deśea is limited to capsules from Lavazza’s own-brand range, the A Modo Mio (“my way”) capsules made are reasonably priced, have a good range of intensity levels and are compostable.

The standout feature of the Deśea (which means “wish” in Spanish) is its ability to make milk-based coffees such as cappuccinos and lattes.

This feature, which uses technology patented by Lavazza, sets it apart from other coffee machines and will be a big selling point to people who want foamy coffees without the fuss of a separate milk frother.

Size: H28 x W14.5 x D38cm, Weight: 4.5kg, Pod compatibility: A Modo Mio capsules only

5. Beem Espresso Perfect Portafilter

Black Beem espresso machine making espresso.
Hayley Minn

Beem Espresso Perfect Portafilter
£179.99

Pros: Professional-quality steam wand, multiple brewing methods, authentic espresso taste and crema

Cons: Steeper learning curve than one-button pod machines, requires more counter space than compact options

Rating: 4/5

A great option for wannabe baristas, this seems more like a traditional espresso machine.

It has a steam nozzle to froth milk and uses pods, pads or ground espresso.

I made a tasty flat white with fresh milk, which was less synthetic than pods.

It’s pricier than other pod machines. However, you can also use it with ground coffee, and it’s a worthy investment that produces high-quality coffees at ease.

One happy customer commented: ‘So far, I’m very impressed and would recommend.’

It’s currently out of stock, but you can sign up to be informed of when it’s restocked by BEEM.

Size: H29.5 x W28.5 x L20.5cm, Weight: 4.33kg, Coffee compatibility: Ground coffee, ESE pods and coffee pads

6. Wilfa Performance Coffee Machine

Wilfa Performance coffee machine.

Wilfa Performance Coffee Machine
£299.99

Pros: Precision temperature control for perfect brewing, sleek Scandinavian design, consistent café-quality results

Cons: No wake-up timer function, occasional drip-stop hiccups

Rating: 4/5

The Wilfa Performance Coffee machine looks super sleek and stylish on my kitchen counter and doesn’t take up too much space, which is a bonus.

If you like filter coffee, this machine produces consistently delicious results.

The machine heats the water to what experts say is the optimal coffee brewing temperature, and you can decide on the amount of coffee and water you use and the speed of the drip.

Once I’d figured out what quantities and speed I most preferred, I was able to recreate my perfect brew time and time again.

The hot plate keeps the coffee at a drinkable temperature, but it shuts off after 40 minutes, so you have to reactivate it if you’re taking longer to drink it than that, though it doesn’t often last that long in my house.

At around £300, you’d expect all of the functions to work perfectly. However, I find that occasionally, the drip stop function doesn’t work, and I still end up with drips of coffee sizzling on the hot plate.

I also wish the machine had a timer so that I could set it the night before and wake up to freshly brewed coffee.

Overall, I really love the coffee the Wilfa makes and, therefore, can overlook some of its flaws.

Size: H30 x W17 x D36cm, Weight: 3.5kg, Coffee compatibility: Ground coffee only

7. Tassimo by Bosch Happy

Bosch Tassimo coffee machine making a cup of coffee.
Hayley Minn

Tassimo by Bosch Happy
£40

Pros: Lightning-fast heating system, clever Intellibrew technology, amazing value for money

Cons: Limited to Tassimo ecosystem, lacks the smart features of pricier models

Rating: 4/5

It’s hard to fault this compact, light and easy-to-use machine.

The water tank is built into the side, making it easy to manoeuvre around a countertop, and it also takes up very little space.

The coffee maker feels super-sturdy, heats up quickly, and, like the other Tassimo machines, can produce a huge range of drinks.

Its Intellibrew system means it automatically calculates the right brewing time for your cuppa.

I’m not the only one who loves it; a whopping 96% of Argos shoppers say they would recommend it to a friend, with most rating its performance and ease of use as its best features.

Size: H26.5 x W17.5 x D30.5cm, Weight: 1.5kg, Pod compatibility: Tassimo T Discs only

8. De’Longhi Dolce Gusto

DeLonghi coffee machine.
Hayley Minn

De’Longhi Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine
£35

Pros: Impressive high-pressure brewing system, incredibly wallet-friendly price point, massive variety of pod flavours

Cons: Occasional pod-piercing problems, lacks the smart features of pricier models

Rating: 4/5

The De’Longhi Coffee Machine is decent value for money.

It’s chic and features a high-pressure system – meaning you can enjoy velvety and frothy coffees at your leisure.

I found the machine to be intuitive, and it’s also easy to clean as all the coffee grounds stay in the pod.

The machine has over forty different varieties in its coffee pod range, so you can find something that will fit your needs or explore new tastes.

The only downside I found using this machine was that sometimes a pod would not be pierced correctly, resulting in a small leak down the back of the cup stand.

But it didn’t happen often enough to properly concern us, and we still rate it one of the best coffee machines available.

Plus, if you’re looking for something that will produce delicious coffee on a budget, the De’Longhi Coffee Machine might be the perfect choice.

Size: H37 x W17.6 x D21.5cm, Weight: 2.6kg, Pod compatibility: Dolce Gusto pods only

9. Philips L’Or Barista Sublime

Philips L'Or Barista Sublime coffee machine making coffee.
Hayley Minn

Philips L’Or Barista Sublime
£109.99

Pros: Takes both L’Or AND Nespresso pods, delivers coffee at perfect temperature, gorgeous premium design with gold accents

Cons: Noisier than most competitors, doesn’t support newer pod formats

Rating: 3.5/5

The slimline, compact design doesn’t hog counter space, and as well as taking single and double L’Or espresso pods, it’s also compatible with Nespresso.

It’s a little bit noisy but very quick and serves drinks with a creamy head at the ideal temperature. The gold accents give it a classy feel.

Coffee lovers are delighted with the machine.

One reviewer said: ‘Best purchase I have made. Great machine for creating great coffee.

While another stated: ‘This machine is not only beautiful to behold but functions perfectly. Coffee is very hot, quietly delivered and tastes sublime. Great bit of kit!’

Size: H27.6 x W15.7 x D40.2cm, Weight: 3.35kg, Pod compatibility: L’Or classic espresso and double espresso capsules, Nespresso Original compatible capsules

10. Salter Retro Espresso Machine

Pink retro espresso machine making espresso.

Salter Retro Espresso Machine
£99.99

Pros: Eye-catching vintage design that’s Instagram-worthy, simple one-touch operation, part of a matching kitchen set for style lovers

Cons: Occasional operational hiccups that require patience, milk frother needs practice to master properly

Rating: 3.5/5

The Salter Retro Espresso Machine acts as a great addition of colour to any kitchen and fits sleekly and snuggly onto a countertop.

The set-up itself is very simple, and the machine is easy to clean, with all of the compartments slotting out and in with ease.

My only gripes with the machine are that it does take a while to heat up, and every few uses, I find it glitches and won’t let me press the button to produce a shot, so it definitely takes some learning and getting used to.

The same can be said for the milk frother, but once you find the right angle, it produces lovely, velvety milk, which can also be used in hot chocolates.

Overall, the Salter model (which is available in two colourways, grey and pink) would make a perfect gift for any retro fan, and the matching kettle and toaster available would make a perfect colourful addition to a countertop.

Size: H28 x W18 x D25cm, Weight: 3.2kg, Coffee compatibility: Ground coffee only

11. Nespresso Vertuo Pop

Nespresso Vertuo Pop coffee machine.
Hayley Minn

Nespresso Vertuo Pop
£99

Pros: Gorgeous design in six eye-catching colours, effortless one-touch brewing with Bluetooth smarts, incredibly versatile with five different cup sizes

Cons: Locked into Nespresso’s premium-priced pod ecosystem, lacks some advanced features found in pricier models

Rating: 3/5

The machine that smoothie George Clooney plugs is sexy and sleek, with a single button and Bluetooth connectivity.

But it only uses Nespresso Vertuo capsules, which are a bit pricey.

Even so, you get a lovely creamy coffee top, which tastes delicious.

You can also specify five different cup sizes: espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, mug and alto to suit your mood and need for caffeine.

This coffee machine also comes in a variety of colours, so you can select one to match with or complement your décor.

Choose from liquorice black, aqua mint, Pacific blue, spicy red, mango yellow or coconut white.

Size: H25 x W13.6 x D42.6cm, Weight: 3.5kg, Pod compatibility: Vertuo capsules only

12. Bosch Tassimo Finesse

Red Bosch Tassimo Finesse coffee machine making coffee.
Hayley Minn

Bosch Tassimo Finesse
£119.99

Pros: Eye-catching design in vibrant colours, impressive 70+ drink variety, lightning-quick heating system

Cons: No internal pod storage, plasticky build quality compared to premium models

Rating: 3/5

I love the vibrant red colour – though it does look a bit plastic.

The used pods aren’t held in the machine, so you must dispose of them each time, making it a bit annoying as it means you have to empty the bins frequently.

But it can use Tassimo discs, with more than 70 types of drinks on offer, including hot chocolate and other non-caffeinated beverages.

If you fancy the odd coffee or want to try a seasonal drink, then this would be a good machine for you.

Tassimo shoppers are also loving this compact coffee machine. One wrote: ‘Gorgeous colour and doesn’t take up much space.’

While another said: ‘Perfect for my kitchen as I don’t have loads of room, pods are lovely.’

Size: H36.6 x W15.7 x D26.5cm, Weight: 2.1kg, Pod compatibility: Tassimo Discs/pods only

13. Bosch Tassimo My Way 2

Bosch Tassimo My Way 2 coffee machine making a cup of coffee.
Hayley Minn

Bosch Tassimo My Way 2
£75

Pros: Impressive touch screen customisation options, clever memory function for multiple users, comes with £20 worth of coffee vouchers

Cons: Ongoing filter replacement costs add up over time, bulkier design takes up precious counter space

Rating: 3/5

This takes up more space than the other Tassimos and has a built-in water filter, which needs regular replacing, adding to the cost.

It has a pricier feel thanks to the touch screen and extra functions – you can choose your drink’s temperature, size and strength.

There’s also a memory function so you can save up to four different settings for your favourite drinks, including intensity and temperature.

When you purchase and register it, you can get two £10 vouchers to spend on coffee, which is a nice bonus.

One happy shopper also added: ‘The coffee all has a great flavour with a huge range to choose from. Simple controls, so anyone can use it with ease.’

Size: H31 x W40 x D26.5cm, Weight: 3.2kg, Pod compatibility: Tassimo pods only


Best coffee machines FAQs

What are the best coffee machines in the UK?

The best coffee machine will depend on your needs and how you like your coffee.

For a beginner or someone who prefers speed and ease a pod machine will be best, they are easy to operate and great value for money.

Some of the best pod machines are featured in our roundup and include the budget-friendly Tassimo by Bosch Happy, Nespresso Vertuo Next Pod Coffee Machine by Krups and the premium Lavazza A Modo Mio Deśea Coffee Machine.

If you want something a bit fancier, in the guise of a bean-to-cup machine the Philips 5400 Series Bean to Cup is a great option our tester loved.

Most shoppers can find a coffee machine to suit their needs either online or on the high street.

Major retailers like Amazon, Argos and John Lewis offer a huge range of machines, at all price points.

You can also pick up machines directly from brand websites including Lavazza, Nespresso and L’Or.

How much do coffee machines cost?

There are coffee machines to suit a variety of price points, from cheap to the eye-wateringly expensive.

Price also depends on the type of coffee machine and functionality it offers, so for example, a filter coffee machine is generally on par price-wise with a pod machine and both are going to cost less than a bean-to-cup machine.

Features will also affect the price, so a coffee maker with an integral milk frother is going to cost you more than one without.

The coffee machines we’ve featured here range in price from £34.99 up to £199.

How to choose the best coffee machine?

Choosing the best coffee machine for you is important, so we’ve rounded up some of the pros and cons of the various types below.

The pod coffee maker is probably the machine you’ll see most in kitchens around the UK.

On the one hand, capsule/pod machines are quick and easy to use and you don’t have to have trained as a barista to get a consistent cup.

However, purists won’t like that you can’t tailor your brew to your taste like you can with a traditional coffee machine.

If you’re a traditionalist, only a ground coffee machine will do.

Unlike the pod and bean-to-cup coffee makers, you’ll have to have a bit of practice to use one of these machines properly.

But once you do, you’ll be able to create coffees perfectly tailored to your tastes.

On the plus side for ground coffee machines, you can create expert-level brews with beans of your own choice (provided they’re ground to the right consistency of course).

Many of these machines will have their steam wand, so you can froth milk to your preferred consistency.

Your daily brew will be cheaper than a pod coffee machine too, as ground coffee is less expensive than pods.

On the downside, these machines are a bit more work day-to-day, they require practice to use properly and will also require a bit more elbow grease to keep them clean.

Bean-to-cup machines offer freshly ground coffee at the press of a button.

High-end models will let you choose from a variety of coffees, whether you prefer an Americano in the morning, or you like to kick start your day with a cappuccino.

These machines let you use a variety of beans depending on your preference, and will quickly prepare your preferred drink.

Many of them will include automatic milk frothing settings to offer impressive brews with little input from you.

Take note though, that bean-to-cup makers tend to be larger, more expensive and noisier.

They also require regular cleaning to ensure the mechanism doesn’t get clogged up with the dregs of coffee past.

Is it worth getting a pod coffee machine?

Pod coffee machines are the easiest to use on the market, providing a simple push of a button perfectly made drink without any effort.

They use small pods of pre-ground beans to create your drink and are usually the cheapest type of coffee machine you can buy as they have the fewest components.

The biggest draw of a coffee pod machine is the ease of use and general availability.

The smaller classic pods are available from several brands and many supermarket own-brands nowadays.

However, Nespresso and a few other coffee machine makers also have unique pods that either need to be bought directly from the manufacturer or and less compatible with a wide range of machines.

Another downside is that coffee machine pods usually won’t work between rival brands, so once you’ve got your machine you’re locked into buying one brand or type of pods indefinitely.

Which pod coffee machine is best in the UK?

Nespresso, De’Longhi and Tassimo make some of the best pod coffee machines in the UK.

Nespresso is one of the frontrunners for pod machines, covering a range of price points from the entry-level Vertuo Pop design to the mid-range Vertuo Next and premium Lattissima models.

Most Nespresso machines are manufactured by De’Longhi, Krups or Breville.

Tassimo is another popular brand for pod coffee machines in the UK, with many of their models including the Finesse Friendly Pod Coffee Machine and are available to buy under £100, making them a budget-friendly investment.

De’Longhi is also another brand well-known for its pod coffee machines, including the De’Longhi Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine in this roundup.


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Did Meghan Markle even notice the brutal put-down from Beyonce’s mum Tina Knowles? She should take note, says expert 

MEGHAN Markle received a “brutal” put-down by Beyonce’s mum Tina Knowles on her podcast episode, according to experts. 

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, spoke to the iconic singer’s mum on a bonus episode of her Confessions of a Female Founder show, which was released on June 3.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles Gala in a red dress.
Getty
Meghan Markle hosted Beyonce’s mum Tina Knowles on her podcast this week[/caption]
Beyoncé and Tina Knowles at the premiere of Disney's Mufasa: The Lion King.
AFP
Tina opened up about family disputes and working with daughter Beyonce[/caption]
Photo of Thomas Markle and a young Meghan Markle.
Meghan is estranged from her father, Thomas Markle, who did not attend the royal wedding in 2018

During the episode, Tina opened up about doing business with Beyonce and gave Meghan some advice about family disputes.

She shared: “We have disagreements about things, but it’s her business. 

“I’m helping with the business because I just want to leave this earth knowing that she, other than entertainment, is going to be okay.

“Otherwise, we get along really well. If we have a disagreement, it’s her business, so she gets to win.”

Tina added that when it comes to disagreements, she always gives in and apologises. 

Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, Royal Correspondent Sarah Hewson said that Tina was sharing some valuable advice with Meghan, who famously doesn’t speak to her dad Thomas Markle.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also have strained relations with the Prince and Princess of Wales, following them stepping down as senior working royals in 2020.

Sarah shared on this week’s show: “There was one particular line that stood out for me when Tina said, ‘of course we disagree as family, and when we’re in business together and we’re working together, there will be disagreements. 

“‘But I don’t let them kind of sit. I can’t.’

“‘I pick up the phone and I make up because I don’t want to miss that time’. 

“Oh, wow, ok, because, you’re talking to someone who is no longer speaking to her father and whose husband is no longer speaking to his father.

“And a lot of time is passing.”

‘WASTED TIME’

This week’s Royal Exclusive host Bronte Coy added: “It really stood out because she used the phrase wasted time and Meghan agreed and said, ‘yes, it’s wasted time’. 

Meghan, Harry, William, and Kate watching a Royal Air Force flypast from Buckingham Palace.
Getty
Meghan and Harry currently have strained relations with the Prince and Princess of Wales[/caption]
Woman carrying a young child, with another child holding onto her leg, in a garden.
Not known, clear with picture desk
The Sussexes currently live in Montecito, California, with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet[/caption]

“Surely she had that reflection of, well, there’s a lot of people around in our lives.”

The Sun’s former Royal Correspondent and author Charles Rae agreed and said: “I agree with Sarah. That put down of ‘you’ve got to not have arguments within the family and everything else’. 

“I bet she forgets that bit.”

The Duchess of Sussex embracing Beyoncé at the European premiere of Disney's The Lion King.
PA
The Sussexes with Beyonce at the Lion King premiere in 2019[/caption]

ROYAL RIFTS

Meghan is currently estranged from her father Thomas Markle over drama surrounding her wedding with Prince Harry in 2018.

Her shocking claims surrounding the Royal Family since quitting the UK in 2020, from her Oprah interview to Netflix documentary, have also seen her alienated from her in-laws.

Prince Harry is also not speaking to King Charles and Prince William – although insists he wants a reconciliation, despite releasing his damning Spare memoir.

Speaking to BBC in May, the Duke of Sussex said: “Of course some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book. 

“Of course they will never forgive me for lots of things.

“But I would love reconciliation with my family.”

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in a hospital room after the birth of their daughter.
Instagram
This comes as Meghan shared a video of her dancing with Harry in hospital before Lilibet’s birth[/caption]

The Duke said “life is precious” and admitted he doesn’t know “how much longer” his father, King Charles, has to live.

“He won’t speak to me because of this security stuff,” he added.

Prince Harry recently lost his publicly-funded security appeal in a humiliating blow after his round-the-clock royal protection was axed in the wake of Megxit.

Meghan Markle on how dad Thomas Markle 'betrayed' her

IN her candid interview with Oprah, the Duchess of Sussex opened up about her relationship with her dad and said she was left feeling crushed when he lied to her before the wedding.

Meghan said she tried to “protect” her parents from the “media frenzy” sparked due to an “obsession about anything in my world”.

It was the first time Meghan has publicly discussed her dad, who she has not spoken to since before her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018.

Thomas, an ex-Hollywood lighting director, has spoken about her daughter’s relationship publicly and described their decision to walk away from the royals as embarrassing.

Their relationship soured in the run-up to their 2018 Windsor Castle wedding, when he admitted agreeing to stage pictures of himself.

Meghan was asked if it felt like a “betrayal” when she found out her dad was working with the Press, and replied: “I’m trying to decide if I’m comfortable even talking about that.

“It was… if we were going to use the word betrayal.”

Meghan added: “Because when I asked him, when we were told by the comms team, this is a story that was going to be coming out, which, by the way, the tabloids had apparently known for a month or so and decided to hold until the Sunday before our wedding because they wanted to create drama, which is also a really key point in all this.

“We called my dad and I asked him and he said, no, absolutely not.”

Oprah then said: “He said no, absolutely not. He hadn’t been talking to them. So he basically lied to you.”

The full transcript of the interview can be read here.

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Chilling execution of ‘washed up’ Medieval woman revealed as experts say brutal punishment was a ‘warning to others’

THE remains of a roughly 1,200-year-old woman found on the shores of the River Thames have exposed the brutal punishment practices of early Medieval Britain.

London between 600 to 800 AD, or Lundenwic as it was then known, was a very different place than it is today.

Skeletal remains of a female in situ.
Museum of London
The woman, whose remains have been categorised as UPT90 sk 1278 in museum records, was between the ages of 28 and 40 when she died[/caption]
Blackfriars Bridge over the River Thames in London, with St. Paul's Cathedral and the city skyline in the background.
Getty
The River Thames near Blackfriars Bridge, London[/caption]

The settlement, which covered the area of modern-day Covent Garden, was made up of narrow, winding streets and buildings made of timber and straw.

It had a population of roughly 8,000 people – a far cry from the 9.26million residents that live there today.

The remains of one Londoner, believed to have lived during the early medieval period between 680 and 810 AD, act as an example of these practices.

Lawbreakers appeared to be executed in the streets, according to experts, and their bodies were left to decompose for all to see as a warning to others.

The woman, whose remains have been categorised as UPT90 sk 1278 in museum records, was between the ages of 28 and 40 when she died.

She was not buried, but rather sandwiched between two sheets of bark, lying on a mat of reeds with moss pads placed on her face, pelvis, and knees.

When the woman was first excavated in 1991, archaeologists noted that she was likely placed on the foreshore of the Thames where her remains were in public view.

“The burial treatment of UPT90 sk 1278 lets us know that her body was meant to be visible on the landscape, which could be interpreted as a warning to witnesses,” said Dr. Madeline Mant, who studied the remains once they were moved to the London Museum.

Dr. Mant and her colleagues published their findings in the journal World Archaeology.

“We can tell from the osteobiography of this individual and their burial treatment that they were executed, but the specific offense is impossible to know for certain,” she added.

“We can only infer from the law codes of the period.”

Just two weeks before her death, the woman was subject to torturous beatings and an eventual execution, researchers wrote.

Her body was laden with over 50 individual signs of injury, with fractures on her shoulders and spine resembling that of a car accident victim, according to experts.

The researchers believe the 9th-century woman may have been beaten or flogged – where a victim is repeatedly hit with a whip or a stick.

The second round of injuries on her torso and skull suggest the woman was punched or kicked repeatedly, in what experts have likened to torture beatings.

Her execution was a final blow to the left side of her head.

Dr. Mant said her death was likely a form of capital punishment, which were becoming increasingly common in the period the woman is understood to have lived.

“Early Medieval England was a time of change regarding law codes – the law code of Æthelberht (c. 589–616) did not include corporal punishment, but that of Wihtred of Kent (690–725) outlined specific punishments, for instance, beatings for those who could not pay fines,” explained Dr. Mant.

“Capital punishments were also included when willed by the king.

“As time passed, more crimes were associated with the death penalty under King Alfred (871–899).

“Crimes such as theft, treason, witchcraft, and sorcery could be met with the death penalty, which could be brought about by stoning or drowning.”

Illustration of early medieval London, c. 770–950.
Mola
An illustration of London in the early Medieval period[/caption]

The woman’s diet consisted of terrestrial foods, like grains, vegetables, fruits, meat, dairy, and eggs.

However, her remains show a period of increased stable nitrogen values sometime after she turned 5-years-old.

This could mean the woman either began eating more meat, or she suffered a period of starvation, during which her body began breaking down its own fat and protein stores.

Starvation was a significant threat in early Medieval London, particularly for those who migrated to the city.

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Jack Grealish transfer news: Everton new favourites to land Man City outcast ahead of Spurs, Napoli and Villa return

JACK GREALISH’S time at Manchester City looks to be coming to a close this summer.

The England star was left out of the final matchday squad of the season for ‘selection’ reasons by Pep Guardiola and looks set to be excluded from the Club World Cup squad too.

We told you how Napoli were monitoring the 29-year-old, who scored just one goal in 20 league appearances in the season just gone.

Given his creative influence, it’s been a far from prolific season given he managed just one assist in that time also.

Guardiola was quick to snap back at suggestions he wasn’t happy with the winger, leading to his exile from the final game.

He said: “It’s nothing personal with Jack.

“I am the person who fought for him to come here. I am the one who said ‘I want Jack Grealish’.”

The Serie A champions are still firmly in the mix according to the bookmaker odds but they’re no longer favourites.

In fact, it’s David Moyes and Everton – priced at 4/1 – who are the new frontrunners to land the £100million man.

Jack Grealish club on September 3rd, 2025

Odds from bet365

  • EVERTON 4/1
  • Napoli 5/1
  • Tottenham 5/1
  • Aston Villa 5/1
  • Stay at Man City 5/1
  • Newcastle 6/1
  • Any Saudi side 8/1
  • Milan 12/1
  • Nottm Forest 16/1
  • Arsenal 25/1

Moyes looks poised to bolster his attacking options, with links in recent days with Liverpool’s Ben Doak and ex-Newcastle and Fulham man Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Grealish – who has the same agent as Toffees’ shot-stopper Jordan Pickford – would likely have to take a significant wage cut for that move to materialise.

Napoli are then joined in the bet365 market at 5/1 by Champions League side Tottenham and a return to boyhood club Aston Villa.

He experienced a bit of a mixed reception having made the £100million move away from Villa Park in 2021, though that seems to have settled and the fans would be sure to welcome him back.

Read more betting news

OUTRIGHT

Liverpool favs to defend title ahead of City, Arsenal & Chelsea, Man Utd HUGE odds

RON THE MOVE?

Ronaldo backed to join Messi in MLS after Al-Nassr hint, Man Utd return 25/1

Villa’s recent attacking options and strength in depth has helped them compete deep in Europe and back amongst the Champions League spots again this term.

While Ange Postecoglou has struggled for consistent options out wide, particularly on the left, and would be a welcome addition.

To remain at Man City is also a 5/1 shot but it’s probably correct to say that should have a 0 in it, given he was left out the Club World Cup side.

Newcastle also have Champions League football and are 6/1 shots, with a move to Saudi 8/1 and it’s 12/1 bar.


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Chilling CCTV released in frantic search for woman, 33, who vanished from trip to Hyde Park with pals 3 months ago

POLICE have issued CCTV footage in the hopes of finding a woman who went missing three months ago.

Portia Vincent-Kirby, 33, disappeared on February 21 at around 8.45pm after seeing friends in Hyde Park, London.

Photo of Portia Vincent-Kirby, missing person.
Linkedin
Portia Vincent-Kirby, 33, was last seen in Hyde Park on February 21[/caption]
CCTV image of a missing woman wearing a tan hat in a pub.
Metropolitan Police
CCTV footage showed Portia at the Blind Beggar pub on March 13[/caption]
Photo of Portia Vincent-Kirby, a missing woman.
Democracy Club
Police have issued an appeal for any information relating to her[/caption]

Portia was reported missing on March 13, prompting police to begin trawling CCTV footage in a bid to trace her

The last confirmed sighting of her was at the Blind Beggar pub in Whitechapel on Friday March 14.

Portia, who is single and lives alone in a flat in North Finchley, is described as slim with blue eyes and shoulder-length dyed blonde hair, but often wears a baseball cap.

The sociable, outgoing young woman ran as the Green Party candidate for Hendon, North London, in 2019 – with her brother saying “she’s not the kind of person who just vanishes“.

Her family are urging her to contact them, after it was revealed by police her phone and bank cards have not been used in weeks.

Her mum, Janina said: “We are all very worried as Portia is very vulnerable.

“Portia has not been in contact with or seen by any family or friends since February.

“We appeal to the public for anyone to please come forward if they know anything about her or her whereabouts.

“We also appeal to Portia directly, please get in touch with any of your family or friends.”

PC Harjinder Kang, from the Met’s north west missing persons unit, added: “We are growing increasingly concerned for Portia’s safety, as this behaviour is out of character for her.

“We urge anyone who may have seen her to contact police.

“Officers have been carrying out a number of enquiries in an effort to trace her and we are now turning to the public for help.

“Please get in touch if you can help us locate Portia.”

Speaking previously, her brother Max, 31, said: “She’s got a master’s degree, she’s an intelligent girl, she’s not the kind of person who just vanishes.

“It’s like she’s dropped off the face of the earth.

He added: “She is very much her own person, but she has lots of friends.

“We reported her missing on March 13 after we realised none of her friends had seen her in weeks.

“The police were then able to look at her bank cards and phone, they can check when it was last used unlike using the ticks on Whatsapp to see if messages were delivered.

“They found out that they hadn’t been used for nearly three weeks, since the start of March.

“Who doesn’t need money for nearly three weeks? Even if you’d met someone you’d go out and get coffee or something, it just doesn’t make sense.”

CCTV image of Portia Vincent-Kirby at a pub.
Metropolitan Police
Her family said her behaviour is out of character[/caption]

Portia also has strong links to Medway, where she is from.

Police would urge anyone with information on her whereabouts to call police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting 01/7262039/25.

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Amanda Holden appears NAKED on radio just days after Ofcom complaints over BGT dress

AMANDA Holden has stunned radio fans after appearing to turn up to work completely naked.

The star looked totally nude on the live stream of Heart FM’s Breakfast Show – and it even left her co-host Jamie Theakston doing a double take.

Amanda Holden on Heart radio.
Instagram
Amanda Holden appeared to be naked on Heart FM[/caption]
Amanda Holden on radio, asked if she is naked.
Instagram
The star asked herself if she had forgotten to get dressed[/caption]

Amanda‘s wardrobe faux pas came just 24 hours after it was revealed both hers and Alesha Dixon‘s risqué dresses from the Britain’s Got Talent Live Final had sparked Ofcom complaints.

Sitting in her DJ hot seat on Thursday morning, Amanda looked across at a monitor for the live stream and admitted: “Good morning, Mr Theakston.

“It is 6.30am and I’ve just caught myself on the camera and don’t you think I look naked this morning? Sat behind here?”

Stuttering, Jamie replied: “Do you know what… You are wearing clothes, aren’t you?”

Laughing, Amanda told her co-host: “I just looked and went, ‘What? Have I forgotten to put my clothes on?'”

With her blonde hair loose around her shoulders, it did look as though Amanda, 54, was in the buff.

The only thing visible was a chunky string of pearls around her neck featuring a gold heart.

But Amanda was in fact wearing clothes.

The glam mum-of-two was pictured outside Global’s studios in London after the show had finished in a pale pink strapless dress made of suede.

Her figure-hugging frock fell at the knee and Amanda had teamed it with nude court shoes and a matching handbag.

She also popped on a pair of sunglasses, despite the wet weather in the capital.

The Sun revealed on Wednesday how ITV had been hit with a flurry of complaints following the BGT final.

Television watchdog Ofcom received 96 complaints in total about the live finale – with 72 relating to Amanda and Alesha’s skin-baring dresses.

Amanda chose to wear a long, white gown with dramatic cowl neck for the telly extravaganza – and had just a very skimpy bra underneath.

Alesha, meanwhile, wore a sheer floor-length dress that gave fans of the show a good look at her underwear.

At the time, one viewer had complained on X: “Love the show, but what a shame that Amanda and Alesha have to dress like they are going to some special nightclub.”

Another fumed: “Catching up on #BGT and what is Amanda wearing? Not really appropriate for a family show.”

A third compared Amanda’s dress to a “tea towel”.


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The remaining complaints were about language used by Bruno Tonioli and Simon Cowell, the winner of the competition Harry Moulding, and Joseph Charm’s act.

Amanda is no stranger to baring the flesh and deliberately chooses outfits that show off her incredible figure.

Speaking to The Sun at the BGT premiere, she cackled: “I constantly scroll through Instagram when I’m on car journeys and bombard my stylist with loads of ideas.

“It’s thigh splits and cleavage.

“I have a whole ‘t*t committee’ [in the production team] that watches everything [to prevent ‘accidents’].”

Amanda Holden leaving Global Studios.
The Mega Agency
Amanda was actually wearing a strapless pink suede dress on Thursday[/caption]
Amanda Holden leaving Global Studios.
The Mega Agency
It gave the impression she was nude behind her desk[/caption]
Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon at Britain's Got Talent.
Shutterstock Editorial
Amanda and Alesha Dixon both sparked complaints with their BGT final dresses[/caption]

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