Alan Titchmarsh returned to our screens on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, to host the latest edition of his beloved ITV series, Love Your Weekend. This week, he welcomed actress Anne Reid and actor Julian Rhind-Tutt, engaging them in lively discussions about their careers and life in the spotlight.
As the show began, Titchmarsh, 75, wasted no time diving into the guests' impressive resumes. The conversation quickly turned to Reid's notable recognition by The Oldie magazine, which awarded her the title of Pin-Up Of The Year in 2014. In a light-hearted moment, Titchmarsh referred to both Reid and Rhind-Tutt as sex symbols, prompting Reid to respond with delight, saying, "Oh good, oh at last."
However, the banter took a humorous turn when Titchmarsh noted the time that had passed since Reid's accolade, quipping, "Well in 2014, so it was a while ago now. Well you were, weren't you?" Reid, ever quick-witted, joked back, "I thought you meant last week, oh dear." This playful exchange set the tone for a fun and engaging segment.
In a moment of confusion, Titchmarsh mistakenly referred to Reid's title as "Sex Pot Of The Year." Reid promptly corrected him with charm, saying, "No, I know what you're thinking of. I was Pin-Up Of The Year. The Oldie magazine, darling." Titchmarsh then quipped, "Well, isn't that the same thing?" Reid elaborated on her experience at the award ceremony, recalling, "I went to a lunch. Terry Wogan wrote to me and said 'you've been voted Pin-Up Of The Year' and they had a lunch, terribly famous people were there."
She continued with a fond memory, stating, "John Major had his wife come and kiss me, Jilly Cooper wrote to me, and I sat next to Baroness Trumpington. I had to make a speech, and it was an amazing lunch, but it's not the same as being a sex symbol." Reid's career spans nearly six decades, showcasing her versatility as an actress who has done everything from serving school dinners to marrying Ken Barlow and even dating Daniel Craig.
Reid's contributions to the arts have not gone unnoticed. She was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2010 Queen's Birthday Honours List and was later honored with the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2025 King's New Year's Honours List for her services to drama.
Meanwhile, the episode aired on ITV1 and ITVX at 9:30 AM, drawing in viewers with its blend of humor, nostalgia, and engaging conversation. Love Your Weekend has become a staple for viewers who appreciate Titchmarsh's charming hosting style and the delightful guests he brings on.
Outside of the gardening show, the entertainment world was buzzing with other news on this Easter Sunday. A notable story involved Worcester’s John Williams, a figure in the gardening community, who continues to make waves with his unique approach to horticulture. His contributions have been recognized widely, proving that he is a force to be reckoned with in the gardening world.
In the realm of film, a new scheme aimed at boosting the British film industry has led to Universal Pictures reaping significant profits from their blockbuster, Jurassic World: Rebirth. This initiative reflects a growing trend in the industry to revitalize and support local filmmaking, showcasing the potential for economic growth.
On a more serious note, a federal judge recently declined to block deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, stating he lacked the authority to issue a nationwide order following a Supreme Court decision that had previously thrown out his order. This legal development has raised concerns among advocacy groups, particularly the ACLU, which had sought to halt imminent deportations.
In a lighter vein, the entertainment industry continues to captivate audiences, with reports revealing that Simon Cowell, a prominent figure in television, is not the wealthiest person in the industry, as many would assume. This revelation has sparked conversations about wealth distribution among TV personalities.
Freddie Flintoff, another beloved figure in British entertainment, is set to return to screens soon. However, he candidly admitted that his marriage to Rachael Woods has faced challenges, hinting at the complexities of life in the public eye.
Meanwhile, the royal family marked Easter Sunday with their traditional service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor. This year, however, the Prince and Princess of Wales were notably absent from the service, prompting speculation and curiosity among royal watchers. Former royal chef Darren McGrady shared insights into the royal Easter menu, revealing that their meal is as lavish as one would expect from the monarchy.
Amidst these various stories, the episode of Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh stood out for its light-heartedness and the engaging personality of Anne Reid. As she moves through the later stages of her illustrious career, her humor and charm continue to resonate with fans old and new.
In conclusion, the blend of humor, celebrity anecdotes, and significant news stories made for a captivating Easter Sunday, showcasing the diverse interests of the public and the enduring appeal of beloved figures in entertainment.