From Sweet Success to the Den: Jamie Laing Joins Dragons’ Den as Guest Investor
The famously tough boardroom of BBC’s Dragons’ Den, a place where ambitious entrepreneurs often face a grilling that can bring tears to their eyes, is set to welcome a new, perhaps more affable, face. Jamie Laing, the well-known former star of Made in Chelsea and heir to the McVitie’s biscuit empire, is reportedly stepping into the Den as a guest investor for the show’s 23rd series.
Laing, who is married to his Made in Chelsea co-star Sophie Habboo, brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience to the table. His most notable venture is Candy Kittens, a vegan confectionery brand he co-founded in 2012. The company, which specialises in sweets inspired by classic British puddings like Eton Mess, has achieved significant financial success. In 2024, Candy Kittens reported a substantial turnover of £15 million. This growth was further bolstered by a significant acquisition in December, when the brand purchased the healthy snack company Graze for an impressive £36 million.
Beyond his confectionery empire, Laing is a familiar voice on BBC Radio 1, co-hosting the drivetime slot. He also heads up his own media company, JamPot Productions, and hosts the popular podcast “Newly Parents” with his wife, where they candidly discuss their experiences raising their son, Ziggy, who was born in December.
Laing’s business acumen appears to be deeply ingrained. His great-great-grandfather, Sir Alexander Grant, was the founder of the iconic biscuit company McVitie’s, a legacy that clearly runs in the family.
When Laing makes his appearance on the upcoming series, he will be joining a distinguished roster of celebrities who have previously ventured into the Den to invest their personal fortunes in promising business ideas. Notable guest investors have included television personality Trinny Woodall, fitness guru Joe Wicks, and former footballer Gary Neville. It remains to be seen whether the typically cheerful reality star will adopt a more formidable persona, akin to the steely gaze of veteran Dragon Deborah Meaden, when faced with pitches from hopeful entrepreneurs.
£330 Million Soho Heiress Weds in Vegas
Congratulations are in order for India Rose James, the 34-year-old Soho heiress whose estimated fortune stands at a staggering £330 million. She recently tied the knot with her American fiancé, Daniel Vildosola, in a whirlwind ceremony in Las Vegas.
Before exchanging vows, India, the granddaughter of the late strip club magnate Paul Raymond, and her composer partner Daniel embraced the quintessential Vegas spirit. They were spotted trying their luck at the roulette tables, with India sporting a bridal veil and Daniel donning a cowboy hat.
Rosamund Pike: “Grow Up!” to Hollywood Sexism
Hollywood actress Rosamund Pike has spoken out about the outdated and frankly offensive attitudes she’s encountered in the film industry. The 47-year-old star revealed that she was once passed over for an acting role after being described as “unapproachable” and “not a flirty piece of ass.”
Pike, who is currently starring alongside Sacha Baron Cohen in the new Netflix film Ladies First, offered some pointed advice to male directors who harbour such views. “Grow up is the first one,” she stated unequivocally. “Closely followed by get a life. Closely followed by brush your teeth.” Her candid remarks highlight the persistent challenges women face in Hollywood and the need for a significant cultural shift.
A Royal Fashion Swap in Ibiza?
Young Harper Beckham, at just 14 years old, has apparently inherited her mother Victoria’s penchant for high fashion, even if it means borrowing directly from her wardrobe. Reports suggest Harper caused a stir by “pinching” one of her mother’s dresses while on holiday in Ibiza.
This sartorial manoeuvre seems to have prompted a shopping trip for the former Posh Spice herself. Spies spotted Victoria and Harper browsing at Annie’s Ibiza, a boutique renowned for its exclusive and eye-catching designs, attracting clientele like Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Margot Robbie. The store’s signature pieces are often ultra-expensive, diminutive dresses adorned with jewels and gold. Victoria was seen trying on a stunning 1920s lame gown, priced at a cool £4,950 – a price tag that is undoubtedly a mere trifle for the billionaire fashion icon.
From Fiction to the Field: Disney+ Launches a Real Polo Team
The fictional drama of the Rutshire Polo Cup, a central theme in the new series of Rivals, is now making its way into the real world. Disney Plus has taken inspiration from its hit show by assembling an actual polo team, aptly named “Disney’s Rivals.”
This newly formed team is set to make its debut at Chestertons Polo in the Park next Sunday. Captaining the side is Jason Warren, a seasoned player who has even competed against Prince William. Warren commented on the enduring appeal of polo, stating, “Polo is aspirational. Even people who will never play it are fascinated by the lifestyle, the horses and the atmosphere around it.”
Buckingham Palace Garden Party Mishaps
The recent Buckingham Palace garden party was apparently a scene of unexpected social awkwardness, according to eyewitness accounts. Former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq reportedly left both staff and guests bemused by her choice of headwear – a baseball cap – which deviated from the traditional formal attire.
Adding to the peculiar incidents, actor Damian Lewis found himself in an embarrassing situation when the King seemingly ignored his outstretched hand for a handshake. A source described the moment as “awful,” noting, “I’ve never seen a hand retreat into a pocket so quickly. And it was in front of everyone. Poor Damian.”
