It was a sad week for Fair City fans with the death of Tom Jordan, Maura from Longford is still making heads spin on Love Island, and Countdown's Rachel Riley foxtroted down the aisle with Strictly's Pasha Kovalev - here are the stories that got everyone's tongues wagging or eyes rolling over the past week
Love Islanders kept on their toes by Maura Higgins
Maura Higgins from Longford continued to lay down the law in the house of lurve. So far, she has revealed that she has a shock crush on newly-single Curtis Pritchard, even though she was coupled up with new boy Marvin.
Surprise! #LoveIsland pic.twitter.com/5a28A14cvX
— Love Island (@LoveIsland) July 4, 2019
Rachel Riley secretly marries Strictly's Pasha Kovalev
Countdown's maths whizz Rachel Riley married her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Pasha Kovalev in a secret Vegas wedding. Riley shared their happy news by posting a picture on Instagram with the caption: "Introducing the new Mr and Mrs Kovalev."
Keith Duffy gets close and personal with Tommy Tiernan on his TV show
Boyzone's Keith Duffy has said his faith saved him following the death of friend and bandmate Stephen Gately.
Duffy made his comments in a powerful interview on The Tommy Tiernan Show on RTÉ One on Saturday night, where he reflected on the passing of Gately in October 2009 from pulmonary oedema - fluid accumulation in the lungs - resulting from an undiagnosed heart condition.
The conversation on faith and grief began when host Tiernan drew attention to Duffy's religious tattoos.
"I've got great faith and I've a great relationship with Our Lady"@OfficialKeith talks to @Tommedian about how his faith has helped him through difficult times.#TommyTiernan pic.twitter.com/fE4bLlnI58
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) June 29, 2019
Fair City pays tribute after actor Tom Jordan passes away
Irish actor Tom Jordan, who played Charlie Kelly in Fair City, died last weekend. Jordan, who was in his 80s, had been in the drama since it began in 1989.
He became a household name through his work on Fair City, starting out a long career as Charlie Kelly at the show's inception three decades ago.
"Tom Jordan was the heart of Fair City... A consummate actor, and a strong advocate for his colleagues across the industry, he will remain a legend for the viewers and for everyone who had the privilege of working with him."
— RTÉ Fair City (@RTEFairCity) July 1, 2019
We will miss you, Tom. Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/JNZq8Y0ueV
Brendan Grace receiving treatment for cancer
Comedy fans were concerned this week when Brendan Grace revealed that he is unwell and receiving treatment for cancer this week, after he was forced to cancel his July and August shows.
A showbusiness veteran for 50 years, 68-year-old Dubliner Grace lives in the US but regularly returns home to tour. He has battled a number of health issues in recent years including a stroke and complications from diabetes. Along with his stand-up show, he is best known for his unforgettable cameo as Father Fintan Stack in Father Ted.
Courtney Cox on nurse patrol
Former Friends star Courteney Cox is taking care of boyfriend, Snow Patrol guitarist Johnny McDaid, after he underwent neck surgery over the weekend. He needed to have ''immediate surgery'' on his neck this weekend, forcing the band to pull out of their slot at Glastonbury Festival. Following a successful operation, Cox now says she is making sure he makes a full recovery.
Liam Gallagher in another family row
Liam Gallagher apologised to his mother and niece for "getting caught up in all of this childish behaviour" in his ongoing war of words with brother Noel.
My sincere apologies to my beautiful mum Peggy and my lovely niece Anais for getting caught up in all of this childish behaviour I love you both dearly LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) July 3, 2019
The latest episode in the sorry saga saw Liam allegedly take issue with sister-in-law Sara McDonald's online criticism of him ahead of his Glastonbury performance at the weekend.
Liam is alleged to have sent a text message to niece Anaïs Gallagher which read: "Tell your step mam to be very careful."
Older brother Noel subsequently responded to the alleged text and shared it on social media, writing: "So you're sending threatening messages via my teenage daughter now are you?" But guess what? There is a tour to sell out and an album that needs publicity."
After sun spread on thick by Dublin's Yewande Biala
Love Island has a sister programme, Aftersun, where the Love Islanders who are booted out of the house of lurve get to explain themselves. This week Yewande confronted Arabella about kissing Danny only an hour after she left and the pair got to see Danny flirting with a new girl.
Had the best time yesterday at Aftersun @itv2 talking about my @LoveIsland 🏝experience. The support has been amazing since coming out of the villa. Love you all so much X pic.twitter.com/KqbbwpeZXl
— Yewande (@yewande_biala) July 1, 2019
Introducing Mr and Mrs Jonas
Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner shared a picture from her wedding to Joe Jonas at Château du Martinet in the South of France in a sunset ceremony. The 23-year-old actress posted a black and white picture of herself walking now the aisle with her new pop star husband with the caption, "Mr and Mrs Jonas".
Westlife return to a sold-out Croke Park
Former teeny boppers turned fully fledged millennials cried tears of joy as man band Westlife re-grouped to belt out the tunes from yester year. Crowds gathered in excitement from early in the day to relive their tween years.
