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Last Man Standing has ended, but the show’s stars including Tim Allen, Nancy Travis and Kaitlyn Dever have remained on our screens.
The sitcom started out on ABC and starred Allen as an executive at a sporting goods store chain in Denver, Colorado. Mike Baxter was a married father of three daughters and a grandfather to his eldest daughter’s son. Last Man Standing aired on the network from 2011 to 2017 before moving to Fox for three more seasons.
Last Man Standing marked Allen’s return to the sitcom world after playing Tim “The Toolman” Taylor on Home Improvement from 1991 to 1999.
“The word that keeps me alive is ‘grateful.’ I love what I do. I get far more enjoyment out of entertaining people than anything monetary,” Allen exclusively told Us Weekly in 2020. “I love the live audience we have. I tell them every night, ‘This is old-school stuff, what television and broadcast started with.’ I don’t know the future, but this [show] is rare.”
Allen praised Last Man Standing for not trying to reinvent the wheel.
“We did the same thing as we did with Home Improvement. It’s all about the relationships — we don’t get into topical stuff. But [now], I’ve just got girls, so you see how a man differs in his perspective when he has so many strong women around him,” he continued. “We never make fun [of each other]. It’s an affectionate family. I like the fact that we honor and make fun — at the same time — marriage, institution, kids, babies, people. But in the same way, we honor it. We’re not being snarky about it.”
Keep scrolling to see where the cast of Last Man Standing is now:
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The fourth season of Bridgerton will include many fan-favorites — but not everyone is returning for more episodes of the show.
Bridgerton, which is based on the book series written by Julia Quinn, centers around members of the wealthy Bridgerton family as they search for love in 19th century London. Season 1 followed Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset’s (Regé-Jean Page) romance, who were the central couple in the first book, The Duke and I.
Season 2, meanwhile, took inspiration from The Viscount Who Loved Me, which followed Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) finding love with Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley). Despite Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) being the subject of the third novel — An Offer From a Gentleman — his love story with newcomer Sophie (Yerin Ha) was pushed to season 4.
Instead, the third season focused on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) as seen in Quinn’s book Romancing Mister Bridgerton. The shakeup has kept readers on their toes — as has former cast members stepping away from the show.
'Bridgerton' Cast: See the Hit Netflix Show's Stars Then and Now
Page became the most memorable exit when he chose to wrap up one season in.
“They’re free to do as they like,” Page told Variety in July 2022 after being asked about a recasting for Simon. “Shonda and I had a wonderful conversation at the end of season 1. We were quite happy with how we stuck the landing on that one. We did so well on that redemptive arc that people forget that Simon was kind of horrific. He was the best example of a Regency f—kboy that any of us had come across.”
Page continued: “And so, because we came around full circle so well, because we stuck that landing, you’re left with this great feeling. You really do have to be brave about ending stories like that.”
While Bridgerton didn’t recast Simon, Page has stood by his decision not to return. Dynevor later confirmed her own exit from the series, which didn’t appear to be her choice.
Keep scrolling to see which Bridgerton characters are returning — and which aren’t — in season 4:
Thompson and Ha will be front and center during season 4. “It’s a fairy tale love story but it’s also got the Bridgerton element of trying to sort of tether it to some sort of reality as well and see how that pans out,” Thompson told Tudum in September 2024 before Ha added, “[Fans will see] this kind of emotional tug-of-war, or like this kind of push and pull between I guess what their heart desires, and I guess what society kind of desires for them.”
'Bridgerton' Burning Questions Answered After Surprising Story Line Changes
Bailey confirmed he will return as Anthony in season 4, sharing during a November 2024 appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers, “Gonna reunite with the family next week. I’ll always pop back and say hello.”
“I know that I am returning, but that’s all I can say,” Ashley said in an interview with Glamour U.K. in October 2024. “I absolutely adore the show, and the more I can be a part of it, the better,” she added. “They’ve been really kind to work around my schedule.”
When season 3 came to an end, Eloise (Claudia Jessie) joined Francesca (Hannah Dodd) on her trip. Eloise is a frontrunner to be the next lead with To Sir Phillip, With Love, which is the fifth book in the franchise, reintroducing Phillip (Chris Fulton) as he built a connection with Eloise.
In April 2024, Newton said he planned to remain on the show. “It’s changed my life so I know that I’ll be sticking around,” he told High Life Magazine at the time.
Coughlan received an invitation to return, telling The Wrap in May 2024, “They’ve told us we’re back for Season 4, which is super lovely … It’ll be exciting. [We’ll] pop back and have some fun for sure.”
“I can’t say if it’s in season 4 or not, but yes, there will be a time jump. I mean, we also really want to honor John and Francesca’s relationship, which although we are telling a queer story with Francesca, I don’t think that that negates her genuine connection with John. I know a lot of people have really fallen for that relationship, and we in the room really cared deeply about that relationship and about their connection,” showrunner Jess Brownell told The Hollywood Reporter in June 2024. “I think hopefully, it’s a lovely statement on the fact that relationships based in companionship, respect, friendship, trust and shared interests are just as valid as relationships that are super passionate. Both have value, and neither negates the other.”
She concluded: “So we’re absolutely not denying the connection that Fran and John have, and when we tell the Francesca and Michaela story, we would definitely want there to be a time jump to give Francesca some time to earnestly mourn what she had with John.”
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Victor Alli was introduced as Francesca’s love interest — and future husband — in season 3. While the fictional couple ended up together, book fans know that John ultimately dies and Francesca finds love with his cousin Michael, who has been gender-swapped on the show. Alli and Masali Baduza, who plays Michaela, are both set to reprise their roles in season 4.
“I’m confident now that when Francesca has her Bridgerton season, it will be the most emotional and heart-wrenching story of the show, just like When He Was Wicked has always been the true tear-jerker of the Bridgerton book series,” Quinn wrote in a June 2024 statement. “Honestly, it may pack even more of a punch, since John is getting a lot more time on the screen than he ever did on the page, and I think it’s fair to say we’ve all fallen a little bit in love with him.”
The seventh book in the Bridgerton series follows Hyacinth’s love story. Florence Hunt, who has played the character since season 1, has been announced as a cast member for future installments.
With Gregory being the last Bridgerton lead, Will Tilston will continue to make guest appearances until season 8.
“One of the things that was very exciting when they actually first bought the series was that it was really clear to me that they put a lot of thought into it already,” Quinn told People in July 2024. “We had to go through everything and very specifically say, ‘These characters are included, these characters are not.’ In that process, it was really clear to me that they had a long plan and were really thinking about all the books.”
During an interview with The Direct in January 2025, Dyenvor said she’s “still waiting on that call” to return to the show, adding, “They’ve not called me yet and I think they’re shooting season 4 right now.”
Netflix announced in April 2021 that Page would not be reprising his role as the Duke of Hastings despite plans for Daphne to appear in future seasons.
“It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end — give us a year,” he told Variety at the time. “[I thought] ‘That’s interesting,’ because then it felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit, and then the Bridgerton family rolls on.”
Page has stood by his decision even though fans have publicly voiced their disappointment about not getting to see where Simon’s story goes from here.
Despite the real Queen Charlotte’s death in 1818, showrunner Jess Brownell confirmed the show would get creative to keep Golda Rosheuvel on the show.
“I worship Golda Rosheuvel and I think she’s so fantastic in her role. Shonda [Rhimes] and I, internally, have just decided that we’re in an alternate dimension,” Brownell told TVLine in June 2024 about why viewers don’t have to worry about Charlotte being killed off. “There’s potential that in this timeline, Queen Charlotte could live forever.”
Bridgerton's Biggest Scandals: Controversial Sex Scene, Character Departures
When Penelope’s identity as Whistledown was a secret, iconic film actress Julie Andrews did the voiceover for the character. Season 3 shook things up by having Penelope take that over after revealing she was behind the Whistledown columns.
“Thematically and creatively, that would be the right thing to do. Penelope is owning her voice, so it really should be Nicola’s voice. But it’s Julie Andrews and I don’t know how you say no thank you anymore to Julie Andrews,” Brownell shared with EW in June 2024. “I couldn’t possibly, so to me that’s just the voice that Penelope uses in her head when she writes the thing. But it doesn’t take away from the fact that she’s owning her true self now.”
Brownell used the opportunity to hint at whether Whistledown will continue to play a role, adding, “It means that she’s now a public scandal writer, which is going to be a tricky balance. … She has everyone knowing who she is. After her arc this season, she’s going to be wrestling with accountability and with righteousness and trying to figure out what the right path is to use her pen responsibly.”
Lorn Macdonald, who has played Finch since season 2, took to Instagram in June 2024 to celebrate his time on the hit Netflix series. Fans, however, quickly questioned if the message doubled as a goodbye to the series.
“Albion Finch. What started off with cheese and a sneeze became a character I deeply care about. Huge thanks to everyone who made this a job I’ll never forget and to all the fans showing your love for this weird little dude,” Macdonald wrote at the time. “It means a lot. And to my Philippa. @harriet.cains . My partner in crime. It’s been real.”
Photos from a season 4 table read released via Instagram in December 2024 confirmed the return of characters including Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell), Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh), Portia Featherington (Polly Walker), Will Mondrich (Martins Imhangbe) and more.
One of my favorite wardrobe secrets is my butt-lifting leggings. They sound absolutely ridiculous . . . until you try them for yourself.
Unlike regular leggings that tend to fall down even after even the slightest movement, butt-lifting leggings feature smart details like a v-shaped waist band or butt-scrunch technology (yes, it’s a thing). These thoughtful features achieve the same results as doing hundreds of squats, except the only thing you have to do is slip them on.
To help your wardrobe essentials work smarter not harder, I rounded up 10 butt-lifting legging options perfect for any activity. From lifting weights to practicing yoga or lounging around the house, here are my favorite picks — all under $40 at Amazon!
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1. Our favorite: I own multiple pairs of these Sunzel butt-lifting leggings, so it’s only right I share my recommendation. The invisible butt-scrunch technology (emphasis on invisible) gently lifts the bum for an instant confidence boost — $30 at Amazon!
2. Wonderful for Workouts: Need a new pair of leggings for exercising? Go for this high-waisted pair that doesn’t budge whether you’re running, lifting weights, practicing yoga or walking — $36 at Amazon!
3. A Pair with Pockets: We’ll never not be excited to discover clothing with pockets! These durable leggings are from one of our favorite activewear brands (aka The Gym People) and remind us time and time again that high quality pants can be affordable — $29 at Amazon!
4. For under $20: We did a double take when we discovered these butt-lifting leggings for under $20! The best part? They feature a thick yet comfortable nylon and spandex material, making them totally squat-proof — $15 at Amazon!
5. Fabulous Flare: These high-waisted flare leggings are about to be the most comfortable pants you own. Choose from multiple inseam lengths and several flattering colors — $29 at Amazon!
6. Cute and Colorful: Black leggings are oh so flattering, but they’re also kind of boring. Mix it up with this royal blue pair that’s perfect for this upcoming spring and summer — $31 at Amazon!
7. Waist-Snatching: Butt-lifting leggings do so much more than, well, lift your booty. They also tend to be high waisted, offering plenty of tummy control. This under $30 pair checks all of our boxes — $27 at Amazon!
8. Crossover Cutie: Some of the most comfortable leggings I own feature a v-cross waistband. It smooths the waist like magic — $26 at Amazon!
9. Seamless Stretch: Don’t forget to look for butt-lifting leggings with plenty of stretch! This pair is just the pick thanks to its high stretch waistband and materials — $19 at Amazon!
10. Great Value: Boasting nearly 5,000 Amazon fans, this four-pack of leggings is an incredible value. Especially if you wear them almost every day like me! — $27 at Amazon!
I Own Multiple Pairs of These Bestselling, Butt-Lifting Leggings — And They’re Under $30
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Rap star DJ Unk has died. He was 43.
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we announce the passing of a true ATL legend, Anthony Platt better known as DJ Unk,” his former record label wrote in a Friday, January 24, Instagram statement. “On behalf of Big Oomp Records and the BOR Family, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the countless fans who were touched by his artistry and spirit.”
The statement continued, “DJ Unk was not just a legendary DJ, rapper and producer, but a true cornerstone of our label and the imprint that he left globally will be cherished forever. Hit songs such as ‘Walk It Out’ and ‘2 Step’ have left an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire artists, DJs, and fans alike for years to come. His energy, creativity, and commitment to the craft will never be forgotten.”
Big Oomp Records further asked followers to “keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
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“We also want to thank everyone who has supported DJ Unk and the Oomp Camp over the years,” the social media note concluded. “Rest in peace, Unk. You will forever be missed. .”
A cause of death has not been publicly revealed. DJ Ink is survived by his wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, and their children.
“Please respect me and my family,” Long-Platt wrote via Facebook on Friday. “I just lost my husband and my kids just lost their father. Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER.”
DJ Unk rose to fame in 2000 when he signed with Big Oomp Records, later releasing his debut album Beat’n Down Yo Block! six years later. “Walk It Out” soon became a runaway hit, prompting a remix with André 3000 and Jim Jones.
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One year after releasing his sophomore album, DJ Unk suffered a heart attack in 2009. He blamed the health scare on frequent touring, poor eating habits and drinking alcohol.
“It comes from not exercising, from not eating right. Basically man, I work hard every day,” he told XXL Magazine in 2010. Everything I do every day I try to make something happen in my household. I constantly be on the go, I constantly be on airplanes, in different weather and you know it just took a toll on me. It was stress.”
DJ Unk further told the outlet that he “calmed down” on both drinking and smoking after the cardiac incident.
“I just don’t go ham like I did before; everything was so fast,” he added at the time. “Instead of praying once like before, I go twice a day.”
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