Hoda Kotb is a much-loved member of the Today family and is a familiar face to many around the United States every weekday morning.MORE: Hoda Kotb left frustrated over missed opportunity with co-star live on airHowever, on Monday's show the mother-of-two was absent, and instead Savannah Guthrie hosted alongside another familiar face - Tom Llamas, alongside Today's Craig Melvin.At the start of the show, Savannah addressed Hoda's absence, telling viewers that she was "off", although no further explanation was given.VIDEO: Today's Hoda Kotb's family life Later on during the fourth hour, Hoda was replaced by Justin Sylvester, who hosted alongside Jenna Bush Hager.MORE: Inside Hoda Kotb's stylish NY home where she will co-parent her daughtersMORE: Hoda Kotb comes to the rescue of her co-star during family trip to the beachJustin - who regularly appears on the NBC show and has filled in for the hosts before - also shared a behind-the-scenes photo of himself and Jenna on Instagram while in the studio, and another of him in the makeup room ahead of going live on air.Hoda was no doubt enjoying some family time with her daughters, Haley and Hope, who she shares with ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman. Tom Llamas and Craig Melvin joined Savannah Guthrie in Hoda Kotb's place on Monday's TodayDespite their split at the beginning of the year, the pair have remained on good terms and are determined to co-parent their daughters in a happy and loving environment.MORE: Hoda Kotb breaks devastating news live on Today concerning much-loved member of showMORE: Hoda Kotb left baffled by her co-star live on airThis was proved to the public last weekend when Hoda paid a touching tribute to Joel on Father's Day.
Seven things you need to know about Royal Ascot
14.06.2022 - 16:07 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The roar of the crowds, the thunder of hooves, the rejoicing and the commiserations - there's nothing quite like the races.
And that excitement is back, bigger and better than ever, with Royal Ascot kicking off on June 14 for five days of quality racing, fine dining and pageantry.
From the arrival of the Royal Procession as the clock strikes two to the communal singing around Ascot’s Bandstand, each of the five days is an event which must be seen to be believed.
But how much do you really know about Royal Ascot? Read on to discover Racing Star's seven things you may not have known before...
Ascot Racecourse was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 and has since received the patronage of a further 11 monarchs. The Ascot summer race meeting officially became a Royal week in 1911.
The names of the week's races have a Royal theme, such as 'King George V Stakes', 'Diamond Jubilee Stakes' and 'Windsor Castle Stakes'.
The origins of the Royal Enclosure can be traced back to 1807 when an area was reserved exclusively for family, guests and the Household of King George III to view the first running of the Gold Cup.
The Royal Enclosure as we know it today was established in the mid-nineteenth century when the Emperor of Russia, Nicholas I, visited Ascot for the first time as a guest of Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert.
The concern raised from an impromptu descent into the Winners’ Enclosure by the Emperor, the King of Saxony and Prince Albert to examine the winner of the Queen’s Vase, prompted authorities to enclose the area in front of the Royal Stand in 1845. Excluding the Royal Stand, this area immediately became the most exclusive part of the racecourse.
The races kick off on Tuesday, June 14, and last until Saturday,
Ruth Langsford says meeting Dame Deborah James at Royal Ascot was 'absolute honour'
Ruth Langsford has revealed it was an “absolute honour” to meet Dame Deborah James at Royal Ascot last week. The Loose Women panellist appeared on Lorraine and opened up about meeting the You, Me and the Big C podcaster at the racing event. “Obviously, I know you know her better than I do, it was amazing to see her there,” Ruth, 62, began.
Prince William and Kate Middleton Attend Royal Ascot Races — With a Sweet Nod to Princess Diana
Off to the races! Prince William and Duchess Kate stepped out in style at the 2022 Royal Ascot.
Kate Middleton bears striking resemblance to Princess Diana at Royal Ascot
Prince William and Kate Middleton led the arrivals at Royal Ascot this afternoon, with the duchess looking the spitting image of Princess Diana.
Kate Middleton Stuns In Polka Dot Dress, Makes Surprise Appearance At Royal Ascot With Prince William
Prince William and Kate Middleton had a surprise for royal fans on Friday.
Michael Owen makes surprise appearance at Royal Ascot in dapper three-piece suit
Michael Owen made a surprise appearance as he stepped out to enjoy day one of Royal Ascot on Tuesday.MORE: Michael Owen breaks silence as daughter Gemma causes a stir on Love IslandThe 42-year-old looked especially dapper in his dark grey three-piece suit which he teamed with a polka dot baby blue tie and a crisp white shirt. He finished off his formal attire with a pristine black top hat.WATCH: Charles and Camilla lead royal procession on day two of AscotTaking to his Instagram account, the dad-of-four shared an upbeat picture at the Berkshire racecourse, along with the caption: "Best week of the year.
Eamonn Holmes delights fans with glamorous rare photo of daughter Rebecca at Royal Ascot
Eamonn Holmes gave fans personal insight into his week at Royal Ascot by sharing a sweet selfie with his rarely-seen daughter Rebecca.MORE: Eamonn Holmes shares rare photo with daughter Rebecca to mark 'wonderful' family newsTaking to Instagram on Thursday, the former This Morning host revealed he treated his only daughter to a day at the glamourous week-long event in honour of her 31st birthday.WATCH: Eamonn Holmes announces he is going to be a grandfatherHe uploaded the gorgeous snap alongside the caption: "Birthday day out at #royalascot for my one and only daughter Becca [heart emoji]. Laughter is the best present I tell her x."MORE: Eamonn Holmes shares rare family photo with all four childrenREAD: Eamonn Holmes gets candid about the pressure he faces in TV industryFans were delighted to see the heartwarming post, and rushed to comment underneath.
Flamboyant racegoers show off creative hats as sun shines on Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot, where flamboyant racegoers were out in force. Hats of all shapes and sizes were worn by female punters as the occasion gave them the excuse to show off. The Princess Royal and her family took part in the traditional carriage procession ahead of the first race but the Queen is not expected to join them in the royal box.
Nick Knowles makes rare appearance with girlfriend Katie Dadzie at Royal Ascot
Nick Knowles looked especially dapper as he stepped out to enjoy the third day of Royal Ascot alongside his girlfriend Katie Dadzie.MORE: Nick Knowles's romance with new girlfriend, 31, revealedTaking to his Instagram account, the 59-year-old updated his Stories with a sweet selfie of the duo dressed up to the nines. Opting for a dark tailcoat, the DIY SOS presenter was all smiles in his formal top hat.
James Martin and girlfriend Louise Davies make stunning rare appearance at Royal Ascot
James Martin tends to keep his relationship with long-term partner Louise Davies on the down-low, so it was a welcome surprise to see the couple attend Royal Ascot on Thursday.READ: James Martin shares regret about not getting married and having kidsDressed to the nines for Ladies' Day, the celebrity chef and his TV producer girlfriend looked fabulous in their attire - with Louise wearing a midnight blue silky number and James in a three-piece suit complete with a top hat.WATCH: Royals arrive for day one of Royal AscotLouise, who has been in a relationship with James since 2011, added a statement white hat and a vibrant red handbag to her look. She appeared to be in great spirits, strolling along the course arm-in-arm with James.MORE: James Martin supported by girlfriend Louise Davies during rare glamorous night outSEE: James Martin surprises fans with rare photo of his mumThe celebrity chef and TV presenter rarely comments on his romance with Louise, however, in 2019, he revealed he has no plans to propose or start a family.When asked about plans to walk down the aisle, James told the Sunday People: "No, it doesn't interest me in the slightest, mainly because I've catered for so many weddings, really.
Eamonn Holmes puts his health woes behind him as he steps out to enjoy Royal Ascot
Eamonn Holmes donned his dapper attire as he stepped out to enjoy a day at the races at Royal Ascot on Wednesday.READ: Eamonn Holmes suffers major health setback: statementTaking to his Instagram account, the broadcast journalist posted an upbeat picture at the Berkshire racecourse. He opted for a dark grey suit, a shimmery champagne tie and a light grey top hat.WATCH: Eamonn Holmes opens up about health 'nightmare' nobody warned him aboutHe finished off his suave get-up with a pair of gold-rimmed aviator sunglasses.
Dame Deborah James smiles alongside Eamonn and Ruth at Royal Ascot
Dame Deborah James was spotted chatting and smiling with married presenter duo Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford during a day out at Royal Ascot on Wednesday 15 June. The 40 year old podcast host, who is receiving end-of-life care for bowel cancer, wore an elegant look for the annual horse racing event, which featured a polka dot dress, gladiator sandals and a large straw hat as she posed for snaps with the pair trackside. The trio seemed to be enjoying catching up in between races as Ruth knelt down by Deborah's side and place her hand over the mum-of-two's.
ITV This Morning's Holly Willoughby breaks golden fashion rule in figure-hugging Royal Ascot dress
Earlier today ITV This Morning star Holly Willoughby stunned crowds as she arrived at Ascot in a glamorous pink dress. The figure-hugging dress features a bow across the cleavage and a midi cut.