This year certainly hasn’t lacked drama when it comes to shocks and scandals that have emerged during 2024. From Strictly investigations and huge celeb break-ups, to tragic deaths and unforgettable gossip, fans of showbiz and TV have often been left on the edge of their seats at times. Here, we take a look at some of the biggest celeb moments…
Royals face cancer battles
The world was shocked by the two royal cancer announcements at the start of the year. Just weeks after the King revealed doctors had discovered cancer following a routine prostate procedure, the Princess of Wales confirmed she too had cancer. Kate, 42, went through months of gruelling chemotherapy and Charles publicly praised the mum-of-three, saying he was “so proud of Catherine for her courage”. The King, who also received treatment, was applauded for shining a light on cancer. A source close to the palace said his and Kate’s shared experience – they were admitted to the same London hospital within days of each other – had cemented their bond and made the King and his daughter-in-law “closer than ever”.
Strictly’s ‘bullying’ investigation
Strictly Come Dancing was embroiled in scandal after former celebrity contestant Amanda Abbington accused her dance partner Giovanni Pernice of “abusive and threatening behaviour” during their time on the show in 2023. BBC bosses spent almost a year gathering evidence before concluding that the Italian dancer was not abusive, threatening or intimidating. They confirmed there was no aggressive or physical conduct. The BBC apologised to Amanda, saying it had assessed and upheld “some, but not all, of the complaints made”. Despite being under scrutiny, the show returned for its 20th year in September. However, after Graziano Di Prima was sacked for kicking his celebrity partner Zara McDermott during training last year, bosses have made several changes to the rehearsals, such as celebrity chaperones and putting a cap on training hours.
Fans devastated by Liam’s death
One Direction fans were in mourning in October after the sudden and untimely death of Liam Payne, who died after falling 45ft from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. He’d been to see his former bandmate Niall Horan in concert in the city just days earlier. Prior to his death, there had been reports of a hotel guest behaving “aggressively”, while prescription drugs, white powder, alcohol and tin foil were reportedly found in his room. His bandmates paid a heartfelt tribute to the singer, calling him their “brother”.
Charlotte’s sext shock
Charlotte Dawson was “devastated” after discovering fiancé Matt Sarsfield had sent “dirty texts” to another woman while she was pregnant with their third child. The 32-year-old said she was “hurt, upset and disappointed.” According to a source, friends begged the reality star to ditch rugby player Matt, who she’d been engaged to since September 2020. They have two sons, Jude and Noah, together. Charlotte later said, “I think being a girl dad will make him a better man, but we’ll see.” Noticeably absent before, Matt returned to her Instagram in October when they enjoyed a weekend spa retreat to celebrate her birthday.
The Traitors’ Harry fleeces Mollie out of £95k
It was deemed the betrayal of the year when scheming Harry Clark denied sweet Mollie Pearce a slice of the £95k fortune on The Traitors. Viewers were left shocked as Harry persuaded Mollie he wasn’t a traitor and to ditch another rival from the final, while he walked away with the huge prize pot. She revealed he later apologised to her for his deception at the final round table and said they are now “fine”.
Helen’s secret boyfriend
Celebs Go Dating fans weren’t impressed when they discovered actress Helen Flanagan had a secret boyfriend. Even the show’s experts, Paul Brunson, Anna Williams and Dr Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, were shocked to learn Helen was seeing former footballer Robbie Talbot, 45. Although Paul accused Helen of wasting their time, they did let her to stay to seek advice on her new relationship – and she and Robbie are still going strong.
Louis spills the tea on CBB
Celebrity Big Brother made a return to our screens and what a series it was. Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne were the big name signings, and the Irish music mogul didn’t disappoint viewers with his celebrity stories. He called Jedward “vile” and said Ronan Keating was a “p***k”. The pair also laid into Simon Cowell, with Sharon revealing how he often “cuts” them off. After leaving the compound, Louis backtracked and said, “I wasn’t being malicious. No one was perfect and I have said things I kind of regret, but I wasn’t being malicious.”
Lauryn vs Kyle: Round two
In a court showdown to rival Wagatha, England footballer Kyle Walker came face-to-face with his mistress Lauryn Goodman in a row over maintenance for their two children Kairo and Kinara. Following initial proceedings in 2020, Lauryn pursued a second claim for financial support from married Kyle, but the judge didn’t take kindly to her request for astro turf, £70,000 for a new Mercedes GLE every three years and £33,000 for an air conditioning unit. He branded her “unreasonable” and found in Kyle’s favour.
P Diddy awaits trial
Disgraced rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs has been in federal custody since September, awaiting trial for criminal offences including sex trafficking and drugging and coercing women into sexual activities, including with a firearm. He also faces a number of civil lawsuits accusing him of rape and sexual assault. He has denied all charges and will go on trial in Manhattan in May next year.
Oasis ticket price outrage
Hundreds of Oasis fans made official complaints after the rush to secure tickets for Liam and Noel Gallagher’s surprise comeback tour sent prices through the roof. Standard standing tickets soared to over £350, rather than the expected £150, thanks to a “dynamic pricing” scheme on ticket-selling platforms, making them unaffordable for many disappointed fans and leaving others fuming at being “overcharged”. Even Prime Minister Keir Starmer stepped in and promised to look into the “surge pricing”, which fans branded “unfair” and “greedy”.
Katie shows off 17th boob job and new face
It’s been another busy year for Katie Price’s surgeon. The model underwent her 17th boob job and is reported to have spent £10,000 on a facelift in Turkey. The mum-of-five showed off the results of her body transformation during a holiday in Cyprus with boyfriend JJ Slater in October. But while she is said to be happy with the surgery results (for now!), it hasn’t come without issues. “Even the passport machine doesn’t recognise me,” she said on the I’m ADHD! No You’re Not podcast. “I don’t even look like myself any more.”
Schofe’s desert island disaster
Former This Morning host Phillip Schofield made his TV comeback in one-man show Cast Away. He filmed himself surviving in Madagascar while reflecting on the last few years of his career. He revealed he’d “had everything in place” for a suicide attempt and claimed he was “thrown under the bus” by “three s***s” at ITV. The documentary was intended to improve the public’s perception of Phillip, but many fans said he came across as “narcissistic” and “unremorseful”.
Break-ups
Maya Jama and Stormzy
Love Island host Maya and her rapper boyfriend, real name Mike, ended their relationship over the summer, saying, “We tried and it didn’t work, and that’s okay.” They started dating in 2014, but broke up five years later. Fans were delighted when they reunited, but sadly it was second time unlucky. They told fans, “We are still grateful for the time we’ve had together and we are still friends.”
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck
The Hollywood stars announced they were divorcing two years after tying the knot in Las Vegas. It was their second chance at love – they first got engaged in 2003 but split up the following year. It was Jen’s fourth marriage, while Ben was previously married to actress Jennifer Garner.
Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury
Love Island fans were blindsided when Molly-Mae announced she’d called off her engagement to Tommy Fury. She said she was “very sad” but would always “value, respect and have a lot of love” for Tommy as the father of their daughter Bambi. But the pair couldn’t escape rumours that Tommy had allegedly cheated on a lads’ holiday, which he denied.
Ore Oduba and wife Portia
In October, former Strictly winner Ore announced he had split from his wife Portia after nine years of marriage. He said, “We’re so grateful for all the love you’ve shared with us both over the years.” They have two children, son Roman, six, and three-year-old daughter Genie.
Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan
Just two months after making history as the first black couple to win Love Island, Mimii and Josh broke up. Mimii broke the split news to fans in September, saying, “I know it’s a big disappointment for a lot of you, as it is for me too. Your support for us hasn’t gone unnoticed and I will forever be grateful.”
Ekin-Su Cülcüloglu and Davide Sanclimenti
They hooked up on Love Island in 2022, split in June 2023, quickly rekindled, but finally called time on their romance in January. Ekin-Su said, “The last 18 months have been a rollercoaster of ups and downs. Unfortunately, I have recently made the decision to end our relationship.”
Deaths
Shannen Doherty
After living with cancer for a decade, the actress, 53, passed away in July. She shot to fame in Beverly Hills 90210 and later appeared in Charmed.
Robin Windsor
Strictly star Robin died in February aged 44. He appeared on the show between 2010 until 2013, with celeb partners including Patsy Kensit and Lisa Riley.
Maggie Smith
Dame Maggie died in September aged 89. With a career spanning eight decades, she was in more than 60 films and TV series, including Downton Abbey and Sister Act.
