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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Halina Watts

'Celebs can breathe again as my showbiz column comes to an end after five crazy years'

After countless parties and awards ceremonies and many, many margaritas, my journey down the showbiz rabbit hole is coming to an end.

Yes, the celebs worried about me revealing all the juicy details of their outrageous behaviour can finally breathe a sigh of relief as my reign as the Sunday Mirror’s gossip queen is over.

It’s the end of a wonderful era, so to celebrate I thought I’d look back at some of the highlights.

Since I started this column in January 2017, there have been many magical moments – from partying with A-listers at the Oscars to sharing a pub lunch with rocker Liam Gallagher.

But glitzy dos have always been the life and soul of Watts The Goss, so there’s always time for one last wild party – and the National Television Awards never disappoint.

The NTAs, which are this year sponsored by Berne Inspiration wines and Heineken, are due to take place on October 13 – and host Joel Dommett can’t wait to get back on stage.

“I did OK presenting last year and I didn’t get any death threats so it was a win-win situation,” he jokes. “It’s like being a party co-ordinator… I feel I’ve been preparing for this role my whole career.”

Halina is the Sunday Mirror's gossip queen (Stewart Cook)

The NTAs is always one of the best nights on the showbiz calendar, and it’s where I’ve got some of my top scoops.

It’s also partial to a bust-up or two. Last year, I witnessed Line of Duty star Martin Compston and his wife Tianna have words after he left her alone to chat to presenter Alex Scott.

Then the year before, there was an actual brawl between Love Island’s Chris Hughes and a photographer.

But after this year’s Oscars – where actor Will Smith took a swipe at comic Chris Rock – Joel is keen to avoid any drama.

Will Smith's famous slap (AFP via Getty Images)

“I’m hoping there isn’t a Will Smith Oscars moment,” he says.

“It would have to be someone on the front row and I can’t see Michael McIntyre slapping anyone – although I’d happily take a slap if Will Smith was in attendance at the NTAs.”

I’m sure Joel, being the nicest man in TV, won’t have to worry about a thing…

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