iconic

SHE was the blonde beauty that was catapulted into the spotlight after a starring role in this iconic 1989 movie.

The beloved Disney film was a box office success that would go on to span another two spin-offs, with fans lapping up the characters’ pint-sized adventures.

Now all grown up, aged 54, the star recently took to Instagram and wowed with with some fun swimsuit photos while celebrating the film decades later.

Amy O’Neill was just 19 when she played the role of Amy Szalinski in the hit film Honey, I Shrunk The Kids – but her new pics show she seemingly hasn’t aged at all.

Amy stepped out for the Disney+ ‘Dive in Theatre’ screening of the original movie in a blue and pink racer swimsuit, ready to soak up the attractions on offer.

The former child star looked incredibly youthful and svelte in her swimwear, which she complemented with a wide wicker hat and a patterned blue beach skirt.

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In her Instagram caption, shared alongside the pictures, Amy enthused that the experience “transported us back to a different time and size”.

In one photo Amy is seen posing with a giant spoon and some giant ‘cheerios’ in a swimming pool, in what was a cheeky nod to her shrunken sized character.

The star later lounged poolside with her fellow movie-goers to rewatch the beloved movie and was snapped standing next to an old-school film screening sign bearing “Honey I Shrunk the Kids 1989 Now Showing”.

Talking to ABC’s On the Red carpet, Amy said: “This whole thing, when I saw the concept and got the invite I thought it was super cool.

“It’s been 36 years since Honey, I Shrunk the Kids came out.

“It’s only in the last couple of years that I’ve done fan events and I’ve gotten the chance to reconnect with fans and see how vibrant the movie still is in their lives and how meaningful it is to so many people.

Amy was also joined by co-star Thomas Wilson Brown, 51, who played Little Russ in the film, the neighbour’s offspring.

On her Instagram post, fans flocked to the comments, with one asking, “How was it reuniting with Thomas?”

Replying to her follower, Amy explained, “Wonderful as always. He brought his grandson to the screening- so adorable!”

While another said, “Just amazing! A shame the other child actors are absent!”

Amy replied, “I wish they’d been there also- but I wish all of you had been there too!”

A third fan penned, “Wow, that Thomas guy grew up to be a hottie!!”

Another added, “Another of my favourite classic comedy of 80s, everything looks great.”

“Nice pictures Amy O’Neill and Thomas Wilson Brown and you’re looking well by being grown up,” said a fifth in the comments.

Someone concluded, “Very cool. Still one of the best movies of the 80s.”

The award-winning classic movie, starring Rick Moranis and Marcia Strassman, celebrated its 36th anniversary this year.

Amy played Moranis’ daughter in the movie, which produced two sequels, Honey, I Blew Up The Kid in 1992 and Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves in 1997.

The original followed the chaos that ensued when scientist Wayne Szalinksi (Moranis) accidentally minimised his children and the neighbour’s kids.

Ghostbusters star Moranis went on to star in Parenthood, The Flintstones and the two sequels to Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.

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As for O’Neill, she had TV roles in Murder, She Wrote and The Young and Restless before Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.

She also appeared in the 1989 Christian Slater film Desperate for Love.

BBC Breakfast host Naga Munchetty shared a rare family memory on Saturday morning as she warned weatherman Simon King about a popular Christmas gift.

Viewers watching BBC Breakfast on Saturday morning (November 22) got an unusual peek into Naga Munchetty’s childhood as she revealed a cautionary tale live on air.

Charlie Stayt was alongside Naga for presenting duties today, with the conversation quickly shifting to must-have Christmas presents from their younger days.

Charlie revealed that the BBC breakfast crew had been discussing “iconic” festive gifts, including items the team had desperately wanted but never received during their childhood.

“There are lots of people who will never forgive their parents for not giving them something that they really wanted,” he began, as Naga pushed him for his response.

“No, not me actually,” he clarified, before adding: “Though I did want an action man and it wasn’t allowed – but that was a very long time ago,” as giggles could be heard from the production team, reports the Express.

The presenting pair then turned to weatherman Simon King who revealed he had always longed for a slushie maker during his youth. However, Naga was swift to jump in with a cautionary message.

“My cousins had one,” she began. “And I was really envious of it.”

Carrying on with her story, she explained: “I’ll make you feel better. That product then, a long time ago, when you used to scrunch it because it was a slush-making machine, bits of plastic used to come out as well.

“So it was never very good, so you didn’t miss out,” she added, comforting her colleague.

A relieved-looking Simon responded: “Good, I’m glad for that thank you,” before returning his focus to the weather forecast.

BBC Breakfast is broadcast every day on BBC One and iPlayer starting at 6am.

On the drive up to the Rose Bowl’s front door, underneath the legendary glowing sign, toward the picturesque purple mountains, there stands the most impactful symbol of the school that plays there.

It is a statue of Jackie Robinson in a UCLA football uniform.

He is cradling the ball in his left hand and warding off impending tacklers with his right, a striking bronze symbol of a university’s resilience and strength. The most formidable figure in American sports history is standing where he grew up, where his team lives and where he forever will embody the epitome of the gutty Bruin.

Nobody represents the mission of UCLA more than Jackie Robinson.

UCLA fans cheer during the game against Penn State at the Rose Bowl on Oct. 4.

(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

Nothing is more disgusting than the thought of UCLA leaving him in the dust.

The Bruins are trying to flee the Rose Bowl, did you hear? They’re trying to break a long-term lease and leave Pasadena on the next thing smokin’. Oh yeah, they’re all but gone, it’s all there in lawsuits and court filings and mounds of legal stuff that mask the real message.

UCLA values a quick buck over enduring integrity, fast cash over deep tradition and dollars over die-hards.

The Bruins want to leave the most storied stadium in America, a place where they have played for 43 years, a living monument to Bruins icons, a tailgating paradise with a postcard backdrop … for the shiny toy that is SoFi Stadium, an amazing professional football palace that has no business being the permanent home of a college football team.

This is no knock on SoFi. It’s Super Bowl cool. But it’s an NFL stadium with NFL vibes. It doesn’t work for a struggling university program that would be a third tenant viewed as a last resort.

The Bruins don’t want to move there for tradition. When it comes to college football, SoFi has none. UCLA played there once in a bowl game that drew what appeared to be a handful of fans, the quaint gathering dwarfed by the space-age surroundings.

They don’t want to go there for the increased convenience. There is none. You can’t sell me that 14 fewer miles going south on the 405 on a Saturday afternoon would be noticeably quicker than a longer trek going east on the 134. Especially if there also are events happening at the SoFi-adjacent Forum and Intuit Dome.

They don’t want to go for the game-day experience. There is none. They would be sacrificing lush Brookside tailgating for scarce parking lot tailgating, robbing UCLA fans of their one guaranteed victory every game.

Yes, SoFi has much better seats and bathrooms and amenities but, no, the Bruins want to go for one reason only, and we’ve known what that is from the moment they admitted their athletic department was in financial ruin.

UCLA offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel walks back to the sidelines after a timeout during a game against Nebraska at the Rose Bowl on Nov. 8.

(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

This is all about the money. UCLA long ago agreed to a lousy deal with the Rose Bowl from the outset — the school apparently sign leases like it hires football coaches — and thus the Bruins don’t receive any cut of suite or sponsorship deals, and get just a fraction of merchandise and parking. Some estimate they can make a few multiples of their current revenue by moving to SoFi, and that’s certainly a legitimate motivation, but it’s also the easy way out.

You know how else they could make more money? Win more football games! Did anybody think of that?

Since Terry Donahue retired in 1995, the UCLA football program frequently has dumped a steaming pile of garbage on Pasadena’s prettiest doorstep, and the poor decisions by the athletic department finally are catching up to it.

They’ve had losing records in seven of the last 10 years. They’ve gone through five coaches and endured countless disappointments. Not surprisingly, increasingly fewer fans want to devote their Saturdays to cheering for a team that too often finds itself plopping into a Brookside bunker.

The Bruins’ five worst attendance figures have come in the last five seasons not interrupted by COVID-19. They’ve ranked around the bottom of Big Ten attendance, and the hole just keeps getting deeper.

They’re averaging 37,099 this season entering the Saturday night’s home finale against Washington, a pace which would set the record for the lowest UCLA season attendance at the Rose Bowl.

And all this is the Rose Bowl’s fault? Not since Roy “Wrong Way” Riegels has someone in the Arroyo Seco been so misguided.

The City of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Operating Co. have lived up to their part of the lease, which still has 19 years remaining on it. Pasadena officials say taxpayers have invested more than $150 million in stadium renovations and they’re ready to write a check on an additional $130 million for improvements.

It shows. The Terry Donahue Pavilion is magnificent. The grounds are pristine. There are plans for a cool field club beyond the south end zone.

The Rose Bowl folks have done everything they agreed to do. That UCLA still is trying to walk out the front door smacks of an entitled, oafish spouse who demands their significant other improve themselves, then leaves anyway.

I’ve been covering UCLA games at the Rose Bowl for nearly 40 years, and I can confirm there’s no better place to watch college football in this country. It’s the Augusta National of football stadiums, a place where they should hold the national championship every year, with its breathtaking skyline and deep green surroundings and that crisp fall breeze that sneaks through the Arroyo Seco like an old friend reminding you of home.

UCLA tailback Derrick Williams celebrates with a cheerleader’s megaphone after defeating the USC 13-9 at the Rose Bowl on Dec. 2, 2006.

(Stephen Dunn / Getty Images)

No, it’s not on UCLA’s campus, but there’s no more room, that ship has sailed. And, no, UCLA doesn’t make an appropriate amount of money in the deal, but the school signed the lease, and those lost dollars can appear in other ways.

By playing at the Rose Bowl, the Bruins are paid in majestic beauty, timeless tradition and a sense of family that their alumni and fans can’t get anywhere else.

I was on the sidelines in the final seconds on that first Saturday in December 2006 for quite possibly UCLA’s greatest Rose Bowl moment. You remember. How could you forget?

The John David Booty drive, the Eric McNeal interception, the stunning 13-9 UCLA victory that denied USC a spot in the national championship game while giving the Bruins their only win over the Trojans in a 13-year span.

What stays with me from that afternoon is the deafening noise that seemed to fill every corner of Pasadena before morphing into arguably the loudest Eight Clap in Bruins history.

“U-C-L-A! Fight! Fight! Fight!”

The Rose Bowl was magical that day. Shame on UCLA for not believing it still can be.

The historic coastline is home to the country’s last remaining venue constructed entirely for a circus

A chilling laugh echoes through Britain’s oldest static circus building, instantly setting the tone for a thrilling performance. The audience at the majestic Hippodrome in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, reacts with hisses and boos as Mr Mullins, the wicked fairground owner, reveals his dastardly plans to ensnare local heroes Jack Jay and Johnny Mac.

The Hippodrome stands as the nation’s last venue built solely for circus performances, its historic walls animated by the exuberance of its performers.

Ella Pickover paid a visit to the seaside town with her family and said the resort, with miles of beaches, is worth seeing out of season.

She said: “My five-year-old daughter cowers in fear watching death-defying stunts by acrobats suspended mid-air. Moments later, my nine-year-old falls back into her seat in fits of giggles over jokes meant to entertain the adults in the audience.

“We watch in awe as a contortionist squeezes herself into a small box, clap with delight at a seemingly impossible aerial stunt, and cheer loudly when doltish Johnny saves the day and stops the villainous Mullins, played by an enthusiastic James Franklin.

“After the superb show, we stroll through the belly of the building to its museum, which is home to props and posters of bygone years. The artefacts, some more than 120 years old, conjure up images of the hundreds of shows enjoyed before ours.”

In 1903, when the Hippodrome was built, Great Yarmouth was a popular summer seaside destination – and still is. But on a short break with her family, Ella was eager to discover its winter charms, reports the Express.

She said: “Our home away from home is Rose Cottage, a cosy gem tucked away in the village of Winterton-on-Sea, a 20-minute drive north along the coast from Great Yarmouth. A log burner at the heart of the snug living room is perfect for cooler evenings.

“Up to four guests can stay across the two comfortable bedrooms and four-legged friends are also welcome at the self-catering cottage, which lies just a stone’s throw from Winterton’s sandy beaches.

“At the beach, the sun kindly shines down on miles and miles of golden sand, stretching as far as the eye can see. Families play with dogs, horse riders trot along the shoreline, while crowds gather with binoculars trying to spot grey seals.”

As you wander around this stunning corner of East Anglia, you’ll stumble upon numerous significant sites. After a scrumptious Sunday roast at Branford’s restaurant in Caister-on-Sea, they noticed a small sign directing us to Caister Roman Fort.

Intrigued, they pulled over and walk into what appears to be a small park but is actually the ruins of a fort. In other parts of the world, you’d pay a pretty penny to see such an extensive display of Roman history – believed to be part of a chain of coastal forts known as the ‘Saxon Shore’ by the Romans – but here, they have the entire site to themselvess to explore at no cost.

Inspired by the area’s numerous wildlife enthusiasts, they made their way to Horsey Gap for some grey seal spotting. Throughout late autumn and winter, these shores become home to a massive colony of seals during pupping season.

They stood mesmerised as hundreds of seals lazed along the shoreline. A few played in the surf as a helpful warden shares more details about the seals at Horsey.

“There’s 250 on this groyne, around 200 on the next and I’m not sure about further on,” she said. “But it’s still early in the season.”

They only caught sight of two snow-white seal pups during our visit, but were informed that within a few weeks there would be hundreds.

A short distance away, Great Yarmouth provides all the entertainment one would anticipate at a British seaside resort. Their first port of call is the Time and Tide Museum, presenting an interactive journey through the coastal town’s history.

The museum, housed in a former fish-curing facility, chronicles the story of Great Yarmouth and its herring trade and still carries the lingering scent of a smokehouse.

Ella added: “A short distance away, Great Yarmouth offers all the frivolity that one would expect at a British seaside town. Our first stop is the Time and Tide Museum, offering an interactive look through the history of the coastal town. The museum, set in an old fish curing site, tells the story of Great Yarmouth and its herring industry and still has the lingering aroma of a smokehouse.

“Next we take a leisurely stroll though The Venetian Waterways, home to canals snaking through ornamental gardens, with interlinking walkways and islands to explore.

“Feeling adventurous, we decide to take a pedalo out on the boating lake, letting the children take it in turns to steer until a near-miss at the lake’s bubbling fountain.

“After a spot of exercise we get some lunch at the nearby four-star Imperial Hotel, taking in views from the Terrace Restaurant. We watch boats slowly chug past as we order haddock and chips with a delicious malt vinegar jam.

“After lunch we really get stuck into seaside antics, taking a stroll through the charming Merrivale Model Village before heading to the dizzy heights of the Pleasure Beach. I particularly enjoy a stomach-flipping ride on the traditional wooden rollercoaster, which opened almost a century ago.

“The children, meanwhile, are enthralled by some of the traditional fairground rides and games, and when offered the chance for “one last ride” they choose the YoYo – a merry-go-round-style ride with swings suspended in the air.”

LEGENDARY The Simpsons writer Dan McGrath has died at the age of 61, his family announced.

The award-winning comedy writer, who also worked on Saturday Night Live, died following a stroke, his sister said.

Gail Garabadian wrote on Facebook: “We lost my incredible brother Danny yesterday. He was a special man, one of a kind.

“An incredible son, brother, uncle and friend. Our hearts are broken.”

She told Hollywood Reporter that he passed away at NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn.

Dan kicked off his career at SNL, when he often collaborated with Adam Sandler.

He then had two stints as a writer for The Simpsons, followed by eight years on King of the Hill.

He went on to win an Emmy for writing the iconic 1997 Simpsons episode Homer’s Phobia.

The episode sees Homer befriending an antiques dealer, and later discovering he is gay.

It was also honoured by GLAAD – which promotes fairness in media – for its anti-homophobia message.

Dan is survived by his wife Caroline, his mother, Eleanor and siblings as well as nieces and nephews.

The writer cut his teeth on Harvard University’s student comedy publication, The Harvard Lampoon.

He landed a job for Saturday Night Live in 1991, and stayed there for two seasons.

During that time, he shared an Emmy nomination.

He began working on The Simpsons in 1992, and wrote 50 episodes across two years.

Dan later received producing credits on 24 episodes from 1996-98.

His most memorable episodes include The Devil and Homer Simpson, Time and Punishment, Bart of Darkness, instalments of the Treehouse of Horror series, Boy-Scoutz ’n the Hood and Homer’s Phobia.

Dan said that both his runs with the show ended with him being fired.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow…

TODAY is Armistice Day, which marks the signing of the agreement to end the fighting of World War One. It came into force at 11am on November 11, 1918. 

Along with Remembrance Sunday, the day honours those who have died in conflicts, with the nation falling silent at 11am. 

This weekend the King led commemorations at the Cenotaph in tribute to the servicemen and women who defended our shores. 

But there are plenty of other ways to learn more about our wartime history on the home front. Lisa Minot highlights some amazing places to visit. 

REMEMBRANCE & COMMAND 

ALL eyes were on the capital on Remembrance Sunday as the Cenotaph parade saw more than 10,000 veterans march past. 

But you can pay tribute to the fallen year-round at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.  

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Set in 150 acres of woodland, there are more than 400 memorials honouring those killed on duty or by terrorism since World War Two. Entry is free. See thenma.org.uk.

A visit to the Imperial War Museum’s Churchill War Rooms is a chilling yet powerful experience. 

Hidden beneath Westminster, the underground bunker was where the Prime Minister and his government directed the war effort. The Map Room is exactly as it was in 1945.  

Tickets are best booked in advance and cost from £33 per adult and £16.50 for children five to 15. See iwm.org.uk.

Also not to be missed is HMS Belfast, now moored on the Thames near London Bridge.  

Explore the nine decks of the ship that fired some of the first shots on D-Day, supporting the landings at Gold and Juno beaches in Normandy.

Tickets cost from £29 for adults and £14.50 for children, including a donation. See iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast. 

THE SECRET WAR 

AWAY from the traditional battlefield, explore the impact World War Two had on the homefront and the secret work of those who changed the conflict’s course. 

Bletchley Park near Milton Keynes, Bucks, was where Alan Turing, inset, and his team of codebreakers cracked the Enigma and Lorenz ciphers.  

Tour the historic country house and the rambling huts and discover the achievements of these brilliant minds through immersive films, interactive displays and faithfully recreated rooms.

Tickets cost from £28 for adults and £19.50 for children age 12 to 17. Under-12s go free. See bletchleypark.org.uk.  

The Blitz brought the war to the lives of civilians living in our biggest cities.

Tour the eerie ruins of Coventry Cathedral, destroyed by Nazi bombs.

This year marks the 85th anniversary of the devastating night that left the city in rubble.  

Visit the modern cathedral built in its place.

Entry is free but there is a £5 fee to climb the gothic tower. See coventrycathedral.org.uk. 

DEFENDING OUR ISLANDS 

THE south coast of Britain was the UK’s front line in World War Two and the staging ground in 1944 for the liberation of Europe. 

Medieval Dover Castle sits above a network of secret wartime tunnels where the 1940 evacuation of Dunkirk was masterminded and later served as a command centre and hospital.

You can join a guided tour of the tunnels before exploring the castle’s rooms and grounds. 

Book castle tickets online in advance and save 15 per cent – from £27.20 for adults and £17.20 for children. 

There’s also a Dover Bunker escape room that can be booked separately with prices from £30. See english-heritage.org.uk. 

The D-Day Story in Portsmouth is the only museum in the UK dedicated to the Normandy landings.

The city was the main embarkation point and the attraction tells the story through personal accounts of those who were there.

It also features the incredible 83-metre Overlord Embroidery and a restored Landing Craft Tank. 

Book online for savings, with tickets from £15.95 per adult and £8 per child. See theddaystory.com. 

BATTLE BY SEA AND AIR 

LEARN the critical role played by the Royal Air Force at IWM Duxford, Cambs – the former RAF base is now Britain’s largest aviation museum. 

Its hangars and airfield played a key role in the Battle of Britain, and the base now houses a vast collection of aircraft, from Spitfires to Lancaster bombers, and tells the story of those who flew them.  

Tickets cost from £26.80 for adults and £13.40 for children aged five to 15. See iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford. 

In Lincoln, the International Bomber Command Centre is a striking memorial to those who lost their lives in the skies.  

Its 102ft spire – the height of a Lancaster bomber’s wingspan – is inscribed with the names of the 55,573 men of Bomber Command who lost their lives. 

For a World War One focus, Scapa Flow on Orkney is the vast natural harbour that was the Royal Navy’s main base and is most famous for the scuttling of the interned German High Seas fleet in 1919.  

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In the World War Two it was the site of the sinking of HMS Royal Oak.

The wrecks are now popular dive sites. See scapaflowwrecks.com. 

AN airport in Europe is one of the few to have its own ice rink – and it is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Opening this week, the 600sqm ice rink is right by Munich Airport.

Along with ice skating, families can even book curling as well as classes such as bauble painting (new this year), wreath making and face painting.

Of course, Father Christmas will also be on hand to meet kids, but only on November 27, December 6 and December 19.

Time it right as Wednesdays have ice discos from 6pm.

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The Munich Airport Center transforms into a huge Christmas market with 40 market stalls to choose from.

Live music performances and Christmas light tours will also take place.

The festive experience launches this week on November 24 and runs until December 28.

You have more than enough time to visit as well, as it is open from 11am and 9pm.

While the market is free, some are ticketed and it is advised to do it ahead of time.

The ice rink costs €5 (£4.40) per person, with skates to rent for another €5 (£4.40).

If you want to try curling, this costs €25 (£22) per hour.

Previous guests have raved about the experience.

One said: “The Christmas market is fantastic. Great selection, cozy places, normal prices! Very cozy!”

If you fancy visiting, Munich is known for both its Oktoberfest and Christmas Markets.

It has one of the oldest traditional markets in Europe, and this year Münchner Christkindlmarkt will run from November 25 to December 24.

You can also fly there from the UK for £15 with easyJet.

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Here’s how to find the highest ice rink in the UK – which is opening on top of a car park.

And a new ice rink is opening in Leicester Square for the first time.

Big Brother star Richard Storry has been on the ITV show since its return in September

ITV2’s Big Brother is approaching its finale this month as viewers are having their say on who they reckon should triumph, with one clear frontrunner emerging victorious.

Since the revamped series made its comeback to ITV2 screens in September, there’s been plenty of explosive moments, from bitter rows erupting to personalities clashing spectacularly.

Just last week, three contestants were sent home, including Sam during a shock back-door eviction, and Caroline and Nancy after facing the public vote.

Caroline had been stirring up trouble during her stint in the legendary house, particularly with her “feud” with Richard. Caroline faced backlash from viewers for alleged “bullying” behaviour towards Richard, reports OK!.

However, as she’s now been evicted, Richard stays in the house, with massive backing from the public – so much so that, according to betting odds last week, the star was tipped to win, with odds at 5-4.

Coral’s John Hill said: “We have seen a strong wave of support for Richard in our Big Brother betting after he escaped Friday night’s double eviction.

“There is no doubt punters are siding with Richard in his feud with Caroline.”

Richard is also the champion for some viewers, as one person wrote on X: “RICHARD TO WIN!”. Another added, “Looks like Richard is the winner of Big Brother 2025.”

Who is Richard Storry?

Richard entered the Big Brother house later than the others, arriving alongside Cameron B, Feyisola, and George.

At 60 years old, he was among the eldest within the house. On the programme, Richard disclosed he is a writer and composer with expertise in classical music.

Based on his Instagram profile, Richard’s books belong to the supernatural and fantasy categories. His debut novel was published in 2015, whilst his most recent work emerged in 2021.

According to Amazon, his bestselling title is The Cryptic Lines, which takes place in a “sprawling gothic mansion”.

Richard and Caroline feud explained

Caroline and Richard’s dynamic has dominated social media discussion since their apparent clash started the instant they encountered each other.

Despite viewers condemning Caroline as a bully, Richard has characterised their dynamic as “pantomime-like”. Former housemate Farida also revealed details about their connection, telling Heatworld that it was simply “banter.”

Nevertheless, during her departure interview, Caroline stuck to her position that she considered Richard “boring”, leaving presenters Will and AJ baffled about whether she was being honest or not. Comparing him to Mr Bean, she declared, “Richard is not funny.”

Richard’s adoption story

Throughout his stint on the programme, Richard confessed he was unmarried and has, indeed, remained single throughout his life; nevertheless, he has an adopted son. Viewers will recall Richard’s touching tale about how he adopted his son, who was then a 33-year-old refugee.

While in Malaysia, he encountered a young man, who is now his son, and shared: “He was a refugee from Myanmar, which is the next country up if you know your geography, and he told me quite early on that he had lost his father when he was a kid.”

As their bond grew stronger, Richard frequently visited the country, and eventually, they decided to formalise their father-son-like relationship.

One viewer posted on X: “Richard’s adoption story is already one of the most intriguing and beautiful stories I have ever heard on Big Brother. I am sobbing.”

Another commented, “Can’t cope with Richard adopting a 33-year-old refugee. Stop the show and crown him already.”

Big Brother airs Sunday to Friday on ITV2 and ITVX at 9pm.

As the nights start to draw in even earlier leading up to Christmas, TV viewers will be looking for sumptuous dramas to get lost in

ITVX is presently broadcasting a popular period drama featuring a British ruler that’s ideal for a comfortable binge-watch throughout the lengthy winter nights.

With darkness falling increasingly early in the run-up to Christmas, television enthusiasts will be seeking lavish dramas to lose themselves in.

Viewers need look no further than ITV’s digital streaming platform, which boasts an extensive range of celebrated programmes to select from.

Among the finest choices available this winter is the successful series Victoria, which launched in 2016 and featured Doctor Who’s Jenna Coleman as the youthful sovereign, charting her journey from defiant adolescent years through to responsible adulthood over three captivating seasons.

Whilst critics have targeted the programme’s shortage of historical precision, it’s undeniable that the series crafted by Daisy Goodwin provides tremendous entertainment that’s ready for exploration, or potentially a second viewing, reports the Express.

The Guardian’s favourable critique captured the essence: “As ever, it all hinges on Jenna Coleman’s performance as Victoria and her ability to conjure up a portrait of this queen as understanding, sympathetic, kind and decent, even under unimaginable and possibly imaginary pressures.

“It might not be elegant and it might not survive the strain of putting its plot points to the search engine test, but as diverting drama it gets the job done.”

An enthusiastic review from an IMDb viewer declared: “Rather captivating, I loved it. Every inch a Queen.

“I love [Coleman’s] portrayal of Victoria, she has some presence and a definite strength of character. Rufus Sewell I thought was exceptional as Lord Melbourne too, the complex relationship the pair had in real life was explained very well.

“The settings, costumes, and general production values were first rate, the show felt incredibly plush and lavish, I shudder to think of the budget for this series. Totally engaging, this was first rate viewing 9/10.”

Sadly, the series left many fans feeling let down when it was cancelled after just three seasons, leaving Queen Victoria’s story incomplete.

However, ITV gave a glimmer of hope in 2021, stating “there are no plans presently to film Victoria, but that’s not to say we won’t revisit the series with the production team at a later date”, hinting that a fourth season featuring an older Victoria might eventually be on the cards.

One hopeful fan penned: “This has been the most amazing series since Downton Abbey I have watched. I laughed, I cried, I got angry. I felt every emotion humanly possible through watching it.

“My mother and I binge watched it together and couldn’t believe how much it draws you in from beginning to end. I am so heartbroken that it has not yet come out with a 4th season. My mother and I both are. We pray they decide to release another season.

“I plead to ITV or whoever, to please give the green light for the 4th season and then some. This is an amazing love story that NEEDS to be completed.”

There’s a glimmer of hope for the series to carry on if enough viewers rewatch the series on ITVX, so it’s time to start binge-watching.

Victoria is available to stream on ITVX.

Damon Albarn has opened up about his emotional journey while recording Gorillaz’ upcoming album.

The singer and his bandmate Jamie Hewlett poured the grief of losing their dads into their ninth record, The Mountain, and Damon revealed he scattered his father’s ashes in India while making the collection.

“Both Jamie and I lost our fathers,” Damon said.

“We did two quite amazing, magical trips to India.

“India is a very interesting place to carry grief, because they have a very positive outlook on death.

“England is just really bad at dealing with death.

“In a way, I think this record is in that tradition of celebrating their lives.

“I did things I’d never done before. I swam in the Ganges in Varanasi.

“I watched the bodies being burnt on the banks of the Ganges.

“In England when we cremate a body we don’t even look at the bodies, it’s covered up immediately and then it’s put in the fire, the little curtains close and that’s it.

“On the banks of the Ganges, every family is there with the body wrapped in a shroud and they’re burnt, and it’s going on everywhere. It goes on 24 hours a day and it’s been going on for thousands of years.

“I took my dad’s ashes there and I cast them in the river. It was very beautiful.”

Indian culture helped shape the record — which will be released in March — with the album’s cover art featuring the title in Devanagari, a script used to write the Indian Sanskrit language.

And this time around the pair will not make their famous, animated music videos and instead are creating a one-off production.

Damon added: “We’re making a full eight-minute thing.

“This is why there are no videos at the moment, because it’s serious stuff. It’s really great that Jamie is concentrating on doing one animated thing.

“It’s a big amount of work, any animation. It’s kind of our Achilles’ heel because no other band has to spend that kind of time just to produce one small thing.

“So let’s make it a piece of art in itself and not really rely on it for the promotional aspect of things and let it breathe in its own way.

“I think fans are going to love every aspect of this record.”

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Personally, I cannot wait.

Jen’s perfect pairing

Jennifer Lawrence put on her poshest frock to party in the Big Apple after promoting her new film, Die My Love.

The Hunger Games star appears alongside Robert Pattinson in the black comedy, out this Friday.

And the pair coordinated their outfits for the New York premiere at the AMC Lincoln Square Theater.

J-Law then changed into a blue gown before heading out for a night on the town with her pals.

The actress has a busy few months coming up. She is starring in and producing upcoming murder-mystery movie The Wives, before kicking off a new project with legendary director Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Jen and Leo are set to play the leads in a terrifying film adaptation of Peter Cameron’s ghost story, What Happens at Night.

She did the chart double last month but Olivia Dean is keeping her feet firmly on the ground.

The singer scored No1s with her album The Art of Loving and single Man I Need, becoming the first British solo female artist to top both charts simultaneously since Adele in 2021.

Asked whether she’s let her success go to her head, she said: “I don’t think so. I feel like I try really hard and think all the time about not becoming a p***k. That would just be horrible.

“I’ve met some and it’s just like, ‘Oh no, it got to you’.”

On how success depends on the people around you, Olivia continued: “A lot of people work really, really hard. It’s really important to recognise that yes, you’ve worked on your skill or your craft, but all the people around you had to believe in it and be there to make it happen as well.

“It takes a village of people to make an album or do a campaign. There’s a lot that people don’t see.”

It sounds like Olivia has a lot of goals in the future, though – including headlining Glastonbury and releasing an album of standards.

On the And The Writer Is… with Ross Golan podcast, Olivia was also asked if she had written a musical yet.

She said: “No, but I would like to in the future. It’s definitely on the bucket list for me.”

Time to say ’ello to Eli

Hot prospect Eli released debut album Stage Girl at the weekend, jam-packed with infectious melodies.

It looks like her label, RCA Records – also home to Britney Spears, P!nk and Shakira – has unearthed another gem.

But her collection of tunes also features references to a battle with her identity, which the American singer has now overcome.

In an exclusive interview, Eli, who is a trans woman, said of her album: “It was made in a flow state.

“But that was after a year or two of complete wits’ end, last straw, end of the rope, repressing everything under the sun as a human being for 20 years of my life.

“I was just like, ‘I need this joy and I need this super-extravagant pop’.”

Part of her journey of discovery is related to listeners in album highlights Girl of Your Dreams and Falsetto, and Eli now hopes that her music will help people to accept those in the queer community.

She explained: “I like the idea that this is going to play in Walmart in Kansas, for the lady who thinks I’m the spawn of Satan.

“And she’s going to be like, ‘Wow, this song is so good’.

“I feel like there is a sort of trickle-down effect of awareness of my humanity and trans humanity in general.”

Eli is already feeling the love following her album release – Mark Ronson, Demi Lovato and Zara Larsson have all voiced their support and her fan base is growing and growing.

Eli added: “I feel so excited by the community I’m existing in in LA right now.

“I feel like everyone is so supportive of each other.

“And it’s so refreshing and so cool.”

Dazzled by Doja

Doja Cat looked a true member of the glitterati as she joined A-listers for a night out.

The rapper sported a sparkly orange dress at the LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles and completed the ensemble with a curly blonde wig in a nod to Marilyn Monroe.

This is not the first time she has gained inspiration from the Hollywood legend. At the 2022 Grammys, she wore a custom-made crystal Versace gown – which took 475 hours to make.

Doja attended the fundraising bash alongside a host of stars, including actresses Demi Moore, Salma Hayek and Cynthia Erivo all of whom dazzled in their ’fits.

Keep sparkling, ladies.

Robyn’s return so sexi

Singer Robyn is planning to drop a new single in the next few weeks, then her ninth album in 2026.

It is seven years since the Swedish-born star put out her last collection, Honey, and an industry insider tells me the new one, with alluring title Sexistential, promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

They said: “Robyn has spent years working on this music and has been really inspired by loads of up-and-coming artists.

“She has worked with some very cool people and all the stops are being pulled out for this to be her biggest record in decades.”

Robyn has joined Gracie Abrams and Charli XCX on stage for surprise performances over the past year.

But by the sounds of it, next year she will likely be performing plenty of big gigs of her own.

Cat Burns opens up about losing her grandad and breaking up with a long-time girlfriend on her new album How to Be Human.

The singer and Celebrity Traitors star told The Sunday Times’ Style mag: “While grieving, a quote that stood out to me was: ‘Grief is just love with no place to go’. That helped guide the message of the album.”

A Brum deal for Benson

Benson Boone is due back on stage tonight at London’s O2 Arena after he was forced to cancel his Birmingham show on Saturday.

The Beautiful Things singer, who is on his American Heart World Tour, told fans he wouldn’t have been able to put on the show at the Utilita Arena due to problems with his voice.

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In a statement, he told fans: “Birmingham I am so so sorry but I will not be able to perform. I have tried everything I can to revive my voice, but I cannot give you the show I’d like to be able to give you with the condition of my throat right now.

“I’m working with my team to find a date to reschedule as soon as possible. I promise I will do everything in my power to make it up to you. I love you guys so much.”

We’re sending you our best, Benson, and we hope you can make the show tonight.

THE wild moment when Geri Halliwell and Kylie Minogue locked lips during a TV appearance has resurfaced.

The Aussie pop star and former Spice Girl — whose last name is now Horner — appeared on the iconic TFI Friday show in 1999.

Hosted by Chris Evans, TFI Friday was a huge TV hit in the late 90s thanks to its mixture of music, stars and entertainment.

It was never short of unexpected moments, including the famous snog between Kylie and Ginger Spice.

A clip showing their kiss was shared to Instagram and showed how the pair were sitting opposite each other at a table before embarking on an intense arm wrestle.

As the pair battled it out, they began leaning in closer to each other and ultimately locked lips.

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They then laughed and sat back before coming in together for a quick embrace.

“Back in ’99, pop royalty collided on TFI Friday when Geri Halliwell and Kylie Minogue shared a surprise kiss on live TV,” wrote the 90s TV Legacy Instagram account on the post.

Many people reacted to the video, including TV producer Nathan Eastwood, who was working on TFI Friday at the time.

“I had the job of asking Kylie to do the arm wrestle. She was so lovely, just said of course. The kiss wasn’t planned,” he wrote in the comments.

Other people who remembered the moment happening as they watched live also shared their thoughts.

“Watched it live, classic TV,” commented one person.

Another added: “I remember thinking ‘this is the best day of my life’ watching that as a kid.”

And a third wrote: “Late 90s early 00s was peak humanity and I will not be told any different.”

Kylie herself opened up about the kiss in 2012 when chatting to media outlet, Pride Source.

“That’s true, I hadn’t thought about that… We never discussed it – the kissing or anything. It just all happened,” she said.