British TV personality James May, best known for his role on Top Gear and The Grand Tour, has been candid about his views on the feature decor of his own pub, The Royal Oak. May, who co-owns the establishment located in Wiltshire, expressed his disdain for the addition of a faux fireplace, which he deemed as "b***y awful nonsense." This comment was made during a recent tour of the pub with fellow presenter Richard Hammond, who has been alongside May through many of his television adventures. While May takes significant pride in many renovations, he admits this one feature does not sit well with him.
May and Hammond, who have been friends for years, walked through the pub where May shared his experiences and challenges of running the establishment. Taking ownership of The Royal Oak in 2020, May quickly discovered the ups and downs of the hospitality industry. "I’ve never taken any money out of this pub. All I’ve done is spend money here," he lamented. He even humorously noted, "there’s no freebies. I pay" whenever he visits.
During their tour, May also humorously recounted his interactions with the pub staff, including the frequent arguments he finds himself having with manager Chris. He admitted he often tries to help out, but his enthusiastic attempts to get involved with the kitchen operations don't always go over well. "I’m not normally allowed in the kitchen," he joked, explaining he is often encouraged to leave due to his overzealous involvement.
More seriously, May conveyed his respect and empathy for those working day-to-day at the pub. "If you’re actually going to run it (a pub) yourself, it’s hard work," he explained, pointing out the toll it can take on one's physical and mental health. He mentioned the long hours coupled with the irregular work schedule, noting, "it’s not particularly well paid, it’s not particularly healthy, it’s antisocial."
On another front, former JLS* member Oritse Williams is celebrating his family news, as he and his wife Kazz Kumar recently welcomed their second child, baby Shiva. This joyful moment came after the couple endured heart-wrenching experiences with miscarriages. Williams shared the news on Instagram, expressing his overwhelming sense of love and support for his wife. "Overwhelmed with emotion, love, and awe, words can’t express how I feel about my Queen, my soulmate, my hero," he wrote, paying tribute to Kazz's strength.
The couple decided to keep their pregnancy under wraps until just weeks before Shiva's birth, striving to protect their privacy after facing anxiety and loss. Leading up to their new addition, the couple faced two devastating miscarriages, with Kazz opening up about her experiences, stating, "I was crippled with anxiety." Williams echoed her sentiments, highlighting how heart-wrenching it was to witness his wife go through such turmoil.
Williams has been vocal about mental health awareness concerning baby loss, realizing the importance of male partners addressing their emotions during such difficult times. "It affects us (partners), too," he emphasized, underlining the significance of support systems for both parents during and after grief.
Now, with little Shiva healthy and thriving, the couple is reveling in their new roles as parents. Kazz humorously shared her predictions for parenting styles, stating, "I definitely think I’ll be the strict one and Oritse the playful one." This sibling relationship will also bring joy to their first child, 10-year-old Omre, from Williams's previous relationship, making Shiva the second child for the proud father.
The heartfelt announcements from these two celebrity figures shine light on the challenges of personal life away from their public personas. With May's candid admissions about pub ownership and Williams's emotional reveal about parenthood, they continue to connect with their audiences, making the joys and struggles of their lives all the more relatable.
