A Tragic Afternoon at the Playground: A Child’s Heartbreaking Words Uncover a Hidden Struggle
It was a crisp autumn afternoon when Officer Mark Davis received a call that would change his life. A young girl, no older than six, had been found sitting alone at the community playground in a quiet suburban neighborhood. Normally filled with children’s laughter, the park was eerily silent that day. The girl sat on a swing, gently swaying, clutching the chains with tiny hands.
When a concerned passerby approached and asked why she was alone, the girl’s response was simple but unsettling: “Mommy said she’d come back soon.”
A Troubling Scene
By the time Officer Davis arrived, the sun was dipping below the horizon, and the chilly air had settled in. The little girl, wearing a pink jacket too thin for the weather, remained on the swing with a worn-out teddy bear tucked under her arm. Despite the cold and the growing darkness, she appeared calm, as if waiting for a promise to be fulfilled.
The 19-year-old daughter of Michael Strahan, Isabelle Strahan, has been going through a terrible health fight. Not long ago, her family told me about another unexpected turn her cancer battle took.
Read on to find out what happened…
Isabelle Strahan is getting her first round of treatment for brain cancer right now. Her father is co-anchor of Good Morning America and her mother is 19 years old. Making vlogs about her fight against cancer has been very helpful. She began her cancer fight series in October of last year, after a large medulloblastoma in her cerebellum was taken out.
She talked about being in the hospital for three days in a video. “I’ve just been getting a lot of fevers,” she explained in the video. “If you get a fever over 100.4, you have to go in.”
It was really hard for her to be in the hospital for three days. She got a blood transfer, an MRI, and had her chemo port cleaned while she was there. It was “really painful,” she said, and she was glad to be out of the hospital. In the video, she wrote, “Get me outta here!”
But she was back in the hospital in a little less than 12 hours.
“I catfished everyone,” she joked in the video. “I had a 102-degree fever and had to go back inside.” We’re trying to figure out what’s wrong, but no one can.
“This fever is the worst I think I’ve ever had,” she said. “I feel better now than I did the first time.” I didn’t think much of it because I just had a terrible headache, but now we’re in the emergency room.”
I don’t feel great. I don’t feel horrible,” Isabella said. “I’ve felt worse but I don’t feel good. I feel like I can barely walk now.” Her father’s girlfriend Kayla Quick can be heard saying in the background how she had been walking in the hospital just two days ago, to which Isabella commented, “It’s really declined.”
Isabella vlogged a bad surprise that night, which was a shame. She told everyone that she had to have surgery without warning to drain blood from the back of her head.
“I have surgery last minute now to drain fluid from the back of my head,” she said in the video. “So they’re just going to stick a needle in my head and drain it.”
“I’ll be under anesthesia,” she told the camera, “but still very not what I planned to do because I didn’t plan on coming back to the hospital.”
“The last three days have been a little rough because she had a fever that kind of comes and goes,” the 52-year-old Straha told his co-anchors about his daughter. “I had to take her to the hospital and thought she’d come home a few hours later. …It’s been three days, but hopefully, she’ll be home today.”
The former NFL player said that the side effects of chemotherapy were “expected,” but they have still been hard.
“It is tough to see her go through it, but I know she’s a tough young lady and she’s going to make it through it,” he added.
Michael also talked about how grateful he and his daughter were for all the help they had gotten from fans, friends, and family.
“I think, for her, so many people have reached out and said, ‘I’m glad you’re doing this,’ ‘Thank you for doing this,’ ‘This has really helped us,’ and all that support that she is getting from people she doesn’t know, on top of people that she does know, has kept her in a very positive space,” he said to his co-anchors. “So thank you to everybody.”
We hope Isabelle Strahan gets better quickly and send our thoughts and prayers to her and her family during this hard time.
At the time the child was conceived, Chantelle was 15 and Alfie was just 12.
The story, originally published by the British tabloid The Sun, quickly gained worldwide attention. A major reason for the story’s massive spread was Alfie Patten’s youthful appearance, with his boyish looks and unbroken voice, which contrasted sharply with the serious responsibility of fatherhood.
Alfie first met Chantelle in 2008 when he was 12, while playing in the streets of Lower Dicker, a village in East Sussex where they both lived. His mother, believing their friendship was harmless, didn’t worry about them being alone together, especially since Alfie hadn’t yet gone through puberty.
The case also sparked protests about Britain’s ”under-educated” and ”over-sexualised” society, according to The Independent. The teenage pregnancy rate in England is still relatively high compared to other developed countries; the only Western nations with higher rates are the United States and New Zealand.
High-ranking politicians expressed their concern, with Nigel Waterson, Member of Parliament for Eastbourne, stating, ”This is a very sad story… which raises huge questions about sex education rather than relationship education in schools, and also about the sexualisation of our society.”
In a memorable YouTube interview, Alfie was asked if he could support his family financially. His response: “What’s financially?”
Surprising details
Looking back at how this story was reported a few years ago, there are some pretty surprising details that come to light. For instance, the couple didn’t even realize Chantelle was pregnant until she went to the doctor at 12 weeks. She claimed to have missed just one pill. They kept the pregnancy a secret for another six weeks, until Chantelle’s mother noticed her daughter’s swollen belly.
Alfie said, ”I thought it would be good to have a baby,” but admitted he had been too scared to tell his parents. According to Alfie’s father, his son was determined to be a devoted and responsible dad, and was eager to be the first to hold his daughter. ”He could’ve just shrugged it off and stayed home playing on his PlayStation. But he’s been at the hospital every day,” he said.
The daughter, Maisie Roxanne, was born in February 2009, weighing 7 pounds 3 ounces, and Alfie was suddenly thrust into the role of father.
The pictures of the 13-year-old and his baby looked almost comical – it seemed more like he had a new little sibling than a child of his own.
”It was a crazy time. Holding Maisie for the first time was amazing. I was too young to understand the consequences of being a dad but I liked holding her and immediately loved her,” Alfie said, according to Daily Mail.
Too unbelievable to be true?
The story seemed almost too unbelievable to be true, and soon enough, the truth would come crashing down. Just six weeks after ”his” daughter was born, Alfie received a bombshell revelation that would turn everything upside down.
A DNA test revealed that Alfie Patten was not the father of the baby. Instead, the true father was another boy and Alfie’s friend, 14-year-old Tyler Barker.
It was Alfie’s mother, Nicola, who started to suspect something was amiss, as she couldn’t believe her son was sexually active. And just like that, Alfie was no longer the youngest father in the UK.
A general view of what was thought to be the home of Alfie Patten in Hailsham, East Sussex. (Getty Images)
Alfie shared that he cried for days upon learning the truth, and his heartbreak was deepened when Chantelle and her family moved away, leaving him unable to see the baby anymore.
After all the heartbreak and chaos in 2009, Alfie and his family hoped they could return to some sense of normality. Yet the headlines still followed him, and he was even mentioned in U.K. parliament; his name became a symbol of the unruly youth of the day.
The controversy
By now, we all know how huge the Alfie Patten case was, with the media coverage being relentless. But did you know that the UK’s Press Complaints Commission (PCC), the country’s press watchdog, also looked into the case?
The PCC, a voluntary regulatory body for British print newspapers and magazines, wanted to investigate whether the papers had paid Alfie Patten’s parents to share their story.
A spokesperson for The Sun commented on the matter: “We will be happy to fully cooperate with PCC’s inquiry into this story, which we absolutely believe to be in the public interest.”
What really went on behind the scenes may never fully be known. The PCC had to drop its investigation after legal restrictions prevented further inquiry into the case, and they were prohibited from contacting the Patten family. However, the PCC did issue a warning to the newspapers.
The press argued that their articles highlighted an important issue: the prevalence and impact of teenage pregnancy in British society. The newspapers claimed they were sparking a much-needed public debate by dramatizing and personalizing the issue.
The Sun also announced plans to set up a trust fund to help raise the baby, Maisie.
Back to normality
Speaking to The Mirror two years after Alfie was accused of fathering a child at 13, his mom Nicola said even after it was proven that Alfie wasn’t the father it still took time to get back to normality.
“Suddenly Alfie’s name was being thrown about in Parliament and on the 10 o’clock news. We were portrayed as a bad family from the wrong side of town,” she told The Mirror.
“Alfie’s a good boy and I was too scared to go out.”
In 2019, Alfie was convicted of criminal damage after smashing cars and property while drunk, The Mirror newspaper reported. According to the article, Alfie, who appeared at a court in the U.K. “narrowly avoided jail.”
The prosecution said officers intervened after Alfie kicked a van, damaged a Skoda (car) and broke a fence while intoxicated.
She said: “He was drunk, swearing and being aggressive.”
The court heard that Patten, still lives at home with his mom, doesn’t have a job and drinks alcohol most days, The Mirror reported.
Alfie’s defense said: “He wants to improve to become normal and seek peace rather than continue the destructive, chaotic behavior that is deeply dangerous to his health.”
Alfie Patten today
In 2021, Alfie and his mother, Nicola, made headlines once again.
British newspapers reported that they had been evicted from their terraced home in Hailsham, East Sussex, after it was revealed that the property was being used as a hub for a drug dealing operation.
District Judge Teresa Szagun commented, ”The premises were being used for drug dealing, and there was anti-social behavior spilling out onto the street, affecting the neighborhood.”
He believed he had made his girlfriend Chantelle Steadman, then 15, pregnant when he was just 12.
At the time, Alfie was unemployed and struggling with alcoholism. However, it was also reported that the now 28-year-old was actively seeking help for his problems.
It’s been several years since Alfie Patten made headlines, and we can only hope that he has found peace and stability in his life. A quick glance at his social media suggests that he is still living in Hailsham, East Sussex, leading a quieter, more private life away from the spotlight.
What do you think about the way his story was handled by the media, and how it affected him and his family? Share your thoughts with us — this is a conversation that’s far from over.
It’s truly horrifying how cruel some people can be towards animals. Recently, one poor dog was found with his entire head wrapped in duct tape.
Though it was a heartbreaking sight, the story does have a happy ending:
On April 15, Nebraska Humane Society shared the shocking story. Animal Control responded to a call from someone who heard an animal inside a dumpster: she initially thought it was a raccoon but was shocked to discover it was a dog.
The dog was in an unbelievable condition: his head was entirely wrapped in duct tape, as was his tail, and his legs were taped together. He also reportedly had “food and other debris caked in his fur.”
“I have never seen anything like it,” responding staff member Kevin Wiederin told KETV. “The entire muzzle was taped, and then there was tape covering up the eyes and it was just sitting there and its front and back paws were taped together also.”
Facebook/Nebraska Humane Society
“I was absolutely sickened. It was it was the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen,” he added. “I can’t imagine doing that to another living being, let alone a helpless little dog and then just throwing it away like trash.”
It was a miracle he was discovered in time: NHS reports that, a half hour after Animal Control responded to the call, a truck came and emptied the dumpster.
The puppy was taken to the Nebraska Humane Society. He was sedated and the staff got to work removing the tape. They had to shave his fur to remove all the debris.
They wrote on Facebook that while the pup had mild skin irritation, he was “otherwise healthy and seemed to be in good spirits despite his condition” and “perked up and was wagging his tail.”
With the tape removed, the staff was thankfully able to find a microchip. It turned out the dog was named Leo, and he had gone missing a few days prior.
Leo’s owner Erin Dillon-Pasillas says the dog slipped out of the house while she was taking her son to school. She had spent days panicking and contacting shelters about her lost pet.
“Every day got more stressful… it was just crickets,” she told KETV. “I was shaking, calling them. You know, thinking, please be my dog, please be my dog.”
Erin was relieved to have her dog back, but was emotional over what happened to poor Leo. “He’s the sweetest dog! I don’t know why anyone would do this,” she told NHS.
Leo is now recovering from the ordeal and Erin said she would give him a nice bath and a vet check-up.
It’s not clear who did this to Leo. NHS says that there are no cameras near the dumpster where Leo was found. They encourage anyone with information to contact Animal Services at 402-444-7800, and are offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.
What a heartbreaking sight — it’s unimaginable that anyone would duct tape a sweet dog like that, but we’re glad Leo is safe and back home. We hope the culprit is found and faces justice.
Ron Howard has been a household name almost as long as the 70 years he’s lived.The Hollywood heavyweight has been going nonstop in film and television, a career he started as a toddler.
In addition to his impressive career, the multiple award winner – who also demonstrates longevity in his personal life – has been married to his wife Cheryl for almost half a century.
Keep reading to learn more about Howard, his decades-long career and marriage!
On March 1, 1954 in Duncan, Oklahoma, Ronald Howard, a future Hollywood legend was born.
Howard was only 18 months old when he appeared in his first film, Frontier Woman, and when he was two, he made his stage debut in The Seven Year Itch.
Soon after the freckle-faced redhead started his celebrity journey with his role on The Andy Griffith Show (1960 to 1968).
In this time, when the little boy played Opie, the son Griffith’s character, Howard had the full support of his parents, who were both in the entertainment industry.
“Remember how we always said, ‘You can do it if you want, but you don’t have to?’ Well if you start this, you can’t quit’,” said Howard, recalling a conversation he had with his parents decades before. “You don’t have to do other parts on other shows, if you don’t want, but you’d have to keep doing this one.”
Explaining that he understood the message his parents were delivering, Howard adds, “I think it was pretty clear at that point that I was enjoying it, and I was good at it.”
Actually, he was great at it, and he was about to reach a level of stratospheric stardom.
Howard’s ‘Happy Days’
While starring in The Andy Griffith Show, Howard also appeared on the big screen in 1962’s The Music Man, a musical film that was a huge commercial success.
A natural talent, he then starred in 1973’s American Graffiti, which also starred Harrison Ford, Richard Dreyfuss and Cindy Williams, whom he would work alongside in the future.
It was in 1974 when he was cast as Richie Cunningham in a new series created by Garry Marshall called Happy Days, which appeared on TV screens in homes across the world from 1974 to 1984.
The TV show spawned a few popular spin-offs like Laverne & Shirley, starring Williams and Marshall’s sister Penny, and Mork & Mindy with Robin Williams as Mork, the favorite Orkan.
High school sweetheart
It was in 1970 – before he won a Golden Globe for his performance as the innocent teenager on Happy Days – that Howard met the high school sweetheart, Cheryl Alley, whom he would marry in 1975.
“I met her, and there was never anybody else,” Speaking with People, the director of the Da Vinci Code continued, “She’s unbelievably supportive and always has been. Our compatibility has endured through all kinds of experiences.”
After 50 years of shared experiences, Howard, who earned an Oscar for directing A Beautiful Mind, commemorated the 50th anniversary of his first date with Cheryl on Instagram.
“Nov 1 1970 Cheryl & I went on our 1st date,” he wrote alongside a photo of himself wearing socks with images of Cheryl’s face. “We went to see a re-release of Stanley Kramer’s It’s a Mad Mad Mad World and then got some pizza at now defunct Barnone’s in Toluca Lake. Quite a start, right?”
He also shared their plans that day, “We’ll be driving in the same ‘70 VW Bug I picked Cheryl up in 5 decades ago. It runs great. So do we.”
His ‘good luck charm’
Cheryl made several cameos in Howard’s projects and even played herself on the TV comedy series Arrested Development, produced and narrated by Howard.
Speaking with the Television Academy, Ron called Cheryl his “good luck charm,” and explained that is why she appears in every film he makes.
“At a certain point, I became very superstitious about making sure that she appears, that she’s at least identifiable in one frame,” he said. “They don’t have to be big cameos, but she’s gotta be in there.”
In addition to bringing her husband some luck, Cheryl is also a published author who holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in screenwriting.
The power couple are grandparents to six children and the parents of four, daughter Bryce, twins Paige and Jocelyn and son Reed.
Bryce – a recognizable actor – is known for roles in movies like Jurassic World and The Help, while Paige made her feature film debut in the 2009 movie Adventureland. Since she’s appeared in films The Employer and Collection.
Reed is a professional golfer and Paige’s twin sister Jocelyn is very private.
The secret to longevity
Nearing their 49th anniversary on June 7, the Emmy Award-winning producer shares that “communication” is the secret to their enduring love.
“People say, ‘How’d you do it?’ There’s no technique,” Howard tells People. “There’s no tactic, other than communication is really important. You have to learn to communicate and have difficult conversations in constructive ways. Beyond that, there’s an element of luck because people either grow together or they don’t and I don’t think you can force that.”
What is your favorite film or TV series that’s connected with this incredibly talented man?
Let us know your thoughts and then share this story so we can hear what others have to say!
A note on the back of an SUV became popular online after someone posted a picture of it on Reddit. People praised the driver for the message.
The user shared a picture of the car and wrote, “Spotted this patriot while I was driving.”
“This is America…we don’t redistribute wealth…we earn it!
”Many readers agreed with the driver’s message about the redistribution of wealth.
“Yeah for the guy that has the guts to display this saying on his rear window ! More people should do/say the same exact thing, and just maybe it might get through to ALL – well some of the many freeloaders that think the world owes them a living!!!”
A reader left a comment on the Facebook page of the site
“We are redistributing wealth by giving so much money to too many young people that can work but don’t want to. They in turn have too much free time on their hands and some get into trouble. Need to see cu.ts and would certainly help with our dr.ug problems. They need to be worried about keeping a job to put food on the table not their next dr.ug d.eal!” another wrote.“True words for true Americans. This should be on every patriotic American vehicle,”
Another person included. Some believed that the message should be naturally understood by most individuals.
“I don’t know why it’s so difficult for liberals to understand. This nation was supposed to be unique in that the government stays out of our way so that we may be productive. Every entitlement program is simply a means to redistribute wealth. Stephan Molyneux is exactly right when he says government entitlement programs are a gross violation of our property rights,”
A Reddit user commented, and a few people found the message too direct.
“so let me get this straight, we’re trying to fi.ght the 1% Globalists, but are cool with these same Globalists hoarding all of our resources? Si.ck logic, guys…There is nothing wrong with bringing nuance to an argument instead of going ‘hurr durr, f*.*k these cucks wanting handouts’ without fully grasping the situation. Being able to sustain yourself is what everyone should strive for, I don’t want any handouts, but seeing things in black and white doesn’t do either side any good,”
In a surprising twist that has stirred breakfast enthusiasts nationwide, Quaker Oats has announced the return of the iconic Aunt Jemima brand. Nearly three years after rebranding to “Pearl Milling Company” to modernize its image, public demand has brought Aunt Jemima back, accompanied by the confident slogan: “Aunt Jemima is back.”
The reversal comes after an outpouring of consumer nostalgia, including social media campaigns, pancake-themed protests, and heartfelt pleas. Fans argued that breakfast “just wasn’t the same” without Aunt Jemima. While the initial rebrand aimed to address concerns over racial stereotypes, declining sales and overwhelming sentiment convinced Quaker Oats to restore the beloved mascot.
“Aunt Jemima represents cherished memories and family traditions,” said Jenna Wheaton, a Quaker Oats spokesperson. “Listening to our customers, we realized her legacy runs deeper than branding.”
The announcement sparked celebration online, with hashtags like #AuntJemimaIsBack trending instantly. TikTok users posted pancake tributes, and one viral video of syrup being poured over a stack of pancakes garnered millions of views. Fans shared old Aunt Jemima products they had saved, with some dubbing themselves “pancake patriots.”
Critics, however, questioned the decision. Some viewed the move as pandering to nostalgia, while others celebrated it as a victory for tradition. A viral tweet summed it up: “Sometimes, all we want is pancakes and syrup—no need to overthink it.”
The revamped Aunt Jemima branding promises a blend of her familiar warmth with a modern twist, ensuring she feels both timeless and relatable. “We’re giving customers what they’ve asked for,” said a marketing analyst.
As Aunt Jemima returns to store shelves, her comeback highlights the powerful connection between brands and tradition. Quaker Oats reflected on the journey: “Our customers reminded us that honoring the past can be just as important as embracing the future.”
Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern pulled out all the stops for Movie Week on Dancing On Ice on Sunday night, as they transformed in Glinda and Elphaba from Wicked.
Holly, 43, looked sensational in a sparkly pink ballgown with a plunging neckline that showcased a glimpse of her cleavage and huge skirt made of layers of tulle
The presenter added a dazzling diamond tiara on top of her blonde tresses and carried a star-shaped wand, looking just like Ariana Grande’s Glinda.
While Stephen had judge Ashley Banjo collapsing in laughter after he came out painted entirely in green face paint to become a less than convincing Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo in the smash hit film.
For his outfit he wore a dapper black velvet tuxedo with a black shirt underneath a matching sparkly tie, teamed with the signature pointed witch hat, broomstick and cape.
As the duo introduced the show they revealed there would be no skate-off again this week, while poking fun at the backlash the rule change received from fans.
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Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern pulled out all the stops for Movie Week on Dancing On Ice on Sunday night, as they transformed in Glinda and Elphaba from Wicked
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Holly, 43, looked sensational in a sparkly pink ballgown with a plunging neckline that showcased a glimpse of her cleavage and huge skirt made of layers of tulle
The presenter added a dazzling diamond tiara on top of her blonde tresses and carried a star-shaped wand, looking just like Ariana Grande ‘s Glinda
In series past, following a public vote, the two couples with the least number of votes would go head-to-head in the skate-off, with the judges choosing which pair would be sent home.
However, hosts Holly and Stephen confirmed that there would be no skate-off, with the pair with the least votes immediately sent home.
It was a move branded ‘unfair’ with some viewers stating that some couples deserve the chance to prove themselves with another performance.
Posts on X included: ‘I do think the other skating couple should be given an extra week to skate , not really fair on them being voted out so quickly when it was their first week skating;’
‘How can there not be a skate off? What if more people voted last week or this week? Surely that would me potentially someone would unfairly have less votes?’
‘I still don’t get why there’s no Skate off till Week 5.’
And referencing the criticism as they announced the change would be taking place this week too, Stephen said: ‘There will be no skate-off like last week, which went done very well on social media!’
Holly then hit back at the backlash, saying: ‘All I have to say is that’s why you’ve got to vote!’
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While Stephen had judge Ashley Banjo collapsing in laughter after he came out painted entirely in green face paint to become Cynthia Erivo ‘s Elphaba
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For his outfit he wore a dapper black velvet tuxedo with a black shirt underneath a matching sparkly tie, teamed with the signature pointed witch hat and cape
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The pair nailed their looks as they transformed into Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba and Ariana Grande’s Glinda from the megahit film adaptation of Wicked (pictured)
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It comes after Josh Jones and his professional partner Tippy Packard were forced to pull out of the show, just hours before the live show was due to hit screens (pictured last week)
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The news was first shared by Dancing On Ice’s social media accounts, in a statement which read: ‘Josh Jones sustained an injury during rehearsals and has had to withdraw from Dancing On Ice
It comes after Josh Jones and his professional partner Tippy Packard were forced to pull out of the show, just hours before the live show was due to hit screens.
The comedian sustained an injury during rehearsals after twisting his ankle and revealed his devastation to be out of the contest as he spoke to Holly and Stephen.
The news was first shared by Dancing On Ice’s social media accounts, in a statement which read: ‘Josh Jones sustained an injury during rehearsals and has had to withdraw from Dancing On Ice.
‘Josh and Tippy’s partnership will be greatly missed. We will be helping to support Josh and wish him well in his recovery.’
Josh’s exit came after he narrowly survived the first elimination during last week’s live show, with Hollyoaks’ Chelsee Healey becoming the first star to be sent home.
Josh was first revealed to be taking part in Dancing On Ice in October, and admitted on Gaydio that he had ‘no skating experience’ at all.
He said: ‘I did it once for a date years ago and I wasn’t very good. I was holding onto the railings the entire time and we aren’t together now.
‘My dancing isn’t great either, for a gay man I have no rhythm, I struggle to clap along to a beat so this will be fun.’
Dame Sarah Storey also shared her own sweet message for Josh, after she was also forced to withdraw from Dancing On Ice at the training stage due to injury.
She wrote: ‘So so sorry to read this, sending you lots of love @joshyjones92.’
King Charles maintains a close relationship with his grandchildren Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, but his connection with his U.S.-based grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, is reportedly non-existent due to the distance and ongoing tensions with his son, Prince Harry.
Harry has expressed serious concerns about security for his family during visits to the UK, stating that he will not bring Meghan Markle and their children without adequate protection, and while he has asked King Charles for help, the king appears unable to meet these demands. This security issue has become a focal point in the ongoing feud between Harry and Charles, especially after the court denied Harry’s legal requests for state-funded security. The emotional toll on King Charles is significant, as he feels heartbroken about not seeing Archie and Lilibet, leading him to long for a meaningful relationship with them, similar to what he shares with Prince William’s children. Despite the challenges, Charles remains hopeful for reconciliation, motivated by his desire to connect with his grandchildren and the encouragement of Queen Camilla to mend family ties.
It was announced earlier on Sunday, 26 January, that contestant Josh Jones had withdrawn from the ITV skating competition due to sustaining an injury during rehearsals.
Dancing On Ice announced in a statement: “Josh Jones sustained an injury during rehearsals and has had to withdraw from Dancing On Ice. Josh and Tippy’s partnership will be greatly missed. We will be helping to support Josh and wish him well with his recovery.”
Many viewers had hoped that this would mean no celebrity would leave on Sunday night due to Josh’s, 32, exit from the competition. One person said: “They are now two celebrities down-I wonder if they will have a week without a skate-off?”, a different account wrote: “Please don’t send anyone home tonight give everyone a pass to next Sunday please” while another added: “I hope no one goes out tonight!”
Later in the show, following the vote, Ferne McCann was eliminated
However, Dancing On Ice still proceeded with the elimination as they revealed the skate-off had been ditched. Host, Holly Willoughby, said: “Tonight, there are no second chances, the lowest placed couple will go straight out the competition with no skate-off to save them!”
Later in the show, following the vote, Ferne McCann was eliminated as the tearful TOWIE star admitted she was ‘gutted’. Taking to Twitter, now X, viewers expressed their dissatisfaction over the ‘unfair’ exit especially as Ferne and professional partner Brendyn Hatfield scored 28 points and were middle of the leaderboard.
One person said: “It’s a stupid and unfair idea not to have a skate off. I don’t know who thought of it #DOI #DancingOnIce”, a different account wrote: “Hate theres no skate off. Makes it just a popularity contest and not much about skill. Shame. #dancingonice” while another added: “Why is there no skate off ? #doi #dancingonice.”
Elsewhere, another wrote: “Gutted for Ferne, she didn’t deserve to leave #DancingOnIce”, a different account put: “Ferne didn’t deserve to go, she looked amazing and did well her routine was good! #dancingonice”, another said: “Don’t understand dropping the skate off – it’s madness, Ferne didn’t deserve to go at all!” while a different viewer added: “I feel sorry for Ferne she skated well too, she couldn’t believe it and is gutted #Dancingonice.”
The tearful TOWIE star admitted she was ‘gutted’ ( Image: ITV) It comes as Josh found himself in the bottom two on last week’s show with Chelsee Healey. The Hollyoaks actress, 36, and her professional skating partner Andy Buchanan ended up at the bottom of the leaderboard on week one with a score of 22 after the first batch of contestants had performed.
After the remaining celebrities competed last week, Chelsee and Josh, who picked up a score of 20.5 earlier in the night for his routine, found themselves in the bottom two.
The judges and viewers’ votes for each dance were combined, leaving Chelsee with the lowest score and as a result, she became the first to leave the competition.
Viewers have since suggested that Chelsee should be brought back to the show now Josh has left. Taking to Twitter, now X, one person said: “Bring Chelsee back!”, a different account put: “Bring back Chelsea then”, another wrote: “That mean Chelsea can come back?” while a different fan added: “@dancingonice should bring @chelseehealey back now then instead as it seems unfair #DancingOnIce #DOI.”
