DAVID Bowie and Kate Bush have been named among the top cultural icons who most accurately predicted how we live today, according to research.
A poll of 2,000 adults found George Orwell, Roald Dahl, and even Ross from Friends – who in 1999 predicted AI would be smarter than us by 2030 – made the top 10 list.
Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter
Thank you!
The Simpsons is known for eerily predicting future eventsCredit: AlamyDavid Bowie performing at Boston Garden, Massachusetts, in 1978Credit: Alamy
Other cultural icons included Captain Kirk – who used to talk to computers, foldable communicators, and tablets as far back as the 1960s – and Ridley Scott.
The director’s seminal 1982 film Blade Runner is still hailed today as a masterclass in technological foresight.
Meanwhile the sitcom, The Simpsons has a history of uncanny predictions, including Donald Trump‘s presidency, the Pandemic, a FIFA scandal, and the development of smartwatches.
The research was commissioned by Samsung for its ‘Visionary Hall of Fame’ and rounding off the top 10 are musicians Prince and Bjork – with the former predicting online dating and virtual relationships in his album 1999, released over 40 years ago.
While Bjork foresaw the rise of social media in the 1990s and 2000s, predicting that technology wouldn’t just be functional, it would become deeply personal.
Fearne Cotton has teamed up with the brand, as part of their Can Your Phone Do This campaign which highlights the capabilities of Galaxy AI, to go back to her chart show roots, in a brand-new countdown video which reveals the visionaries who feature on the list.
The broadcaster and author said: “These ten icons didn’t just dream about the future; they made it a reality. It’s incredible to see that the future they envisioned is already here, right at our fingertips.
The research also found self-driving cars (39 per cent) topped the list of real-world innovations people remember seeing in pop culture before they became a reality.
This was followed by artificial intelligence (39 per cent) and video calling (33 per cent), along with voice assistants (28 per cent) and smart watches (22 per cent).
Those polled were also quizzed on their use of AI apps or assistants, with 24 per cent using these on their phones daily.
Many use them to ask factual questions (43 per cent), compose messages or emails (22 per cent), and edit photos and videos (22 per cent).
For 23 per cent, they are even translating speech or text among the most used AI functions.
In fact, almost seven in ten (68 per cent) also agreed that today’s AI-powered smartphones feel as though you are carrying the future in your pocket.
Annika Bizon, from Samsung, added: “68 per cent of Brits are amazed that these once-futuristic predictions are now part of everyday life, with over half crediting AI for boosting general knowledge and creativity.
“With Galaxy AI, we’re not just keeping pace with the predictions of modern-day visionaries, we’re actively shaping what comes next.
“We’re turning tomorrow’s possibilities into today’s realities, because when you hold the future in your hand, you’re not just ahead of the curve—you’re defining it.”
Fearne Cotton unveils the Visionary Hall of FameCredit: Michael Leckie/PinPep
Top ten cultural icons who saw the future
1. George Orwell 2. The Simpsons 3. David Bowie 4. Captain Kirk from Star Trek 5. Ridley Scott 6. Kate Bush 7. Roald Dahl 8. Ross from Friends 9. Prince 10. Bjork
The five-episode drama is being adapted from Liz Jensen’s best-selling novel and is said to be “a high-stakes thriller which crackles with danger”.
According to the synopsis, the series – which is being produced by Mammoth Screen, part of ITV studios – follows a forensic psychologist named Gabs Fox (Madeley) who meets teen Bethany Krall (India) at a psychiatric hospital.
Bethany, who is the daughter of the leader of a religious movement (played by Sam Hazeldine), was convicted of killing her mum but she insists she didn’t do it.
Adding another twist is the fact that the 17-year-old claims to be able to predict the future. But can she convince Gabs she is telling the truth?
“I’m over the moon to be getting started on this production and cannot wait to bring Bethany onto tellies,” India, 24, said as her casting was announced.
“It will be a massive challenge for me professionally, which I’m very much welcoming and feel incredibly safe to do so in the hands of Mammoth and Ruth!”
Madeley added that it was “a total joy to lead such a powerful and vibrant series”, which she said was “an incredibly special project” to her.
The series, which is shooting in Wales, will also star Stephen Campbell Moore, Lisa Palfrey, Siena Kelly, Naby Dakhli, Richard Elis, Dean Rehman and Robert Rhodes.
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, added: “This thriller brings Liz Jensen’s compelling novel to life with a truly talented cast led by the brilliant Ruth Madeley and India Amarteifio.
“The Rapture features two complicated and captivating characters, blended with a story of climate change, to create a gripping narrative and I can’t wait for BBC viewers to see it.”
The Rapture is set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Dolly Parton’s younger sister is calling on fans “to be prayer warriors and pray with me” as the beloved pop culture icon takes a break from the spotlight for her health.
Freida Parton penned her public plea for support on Facebook, writing on Tuesday that she had been “up all night praying for my sister, Dolly.” Freida is one of the “Jolene” singer’s 11 siblings.
“Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately,” she added, asking that the “world that loves her” lend its support. “She’s strong, she’s loved and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine.”
She concluded her post: “Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!”
Freida publicly expressed concern for her sister a week after she called off numerous upcoming concerts in Las Vegas to address her health. The “9 to 5” star announced on social media she would delay six concerts at Caesars Palace scheduled for December.
“As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures,” Parton, 79, said in a statement posted to her Instagram and X accounts. “As I joked with them, it must be for my 100,000-mile check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!”
Parton did not share additional information about her condition at the time. A representative for the entertainer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Last month, Parton also missed the announcement of a new Dollywood attraction as she was recovering from a kidney stone. In a video about her absence, she explained the “little problem,” noting the kidney stone had led to an infection and that it was doctor’s orders to stay put. She reassured fans she was at the reveal event in spirit.
Parton has also put writing new music on the back burner following the death of her husband in March. Carl Dean, who was married to the “I Will Always Love You” hitmaker for almost 60 years, died at age 82. She opened up about grieving the loss in a July episode of Khloé Kardashian’s “Khloé in Wonder Land” podcast.
“Several things I’ve wanted to start, but I can’t do it. I will later, but I’m just coming up with such wonderful, beautiful ideas,” Parton said. “But I think I won’t finish it. I can’t do it right now, because I got so many other things and I can’t afford the luxury of getting that emotional right now.”
Punk rock is not the first thing one might associate with a children’s puppet show. But on Sunday morning at the Ford Theater, L.A. punk pioneers Juanita y Juan and puppeteers from the Bob Baker Marionette Theater put local kids to the test.
After a morning spent crafting their own paper marionettes in the foyer, children marched towards the stage to revel in the weirdness of Juanita y Juan’s electro-cumbia guitar jams — a musical fusion they call “loud lounge.”
The duo was accompanied by vintage marionettes and their handlers, who played backup dancers in the shapes of jellyfish, cats and aliens. Families bounced and gently moshed along to the drum machine beats as “Juan,” also known as Kid Congo Powers, regaled them with a story about his hair catching on fire while playing a candlelit punk show with the Cramps.
And when a couple of rowdy kids started to climb onstage, bouncers swiftly intervened. “Oh, that’s very punk!” said “Juanita,” better known as Alice Bag.
(Evelina Gabrielle Perez / For De Los)
It was a familiar scenario for Bag and Powers. When the two first crossed paths in the 1970s — one being the front woman of the Bags, the other a guitarist in such bands as the Gun Club, the Cramps and later Pink Monkey Birds — they could hardly surmise how influential their scrappy community would become in its nascent years.
“We were all trying to create some kind of new subculture or protest against the bland music of the day,” said Kid in a Zoom call before the show. “We bonded under the flag of punk rock,” added Bag.
In the storied history of the Los Angeles punk scene, Chicanos were, and remain, permanent fixtures. But after predominantly white bands like Germs, X and the Go-Go’s were commemorated in countless books and documentaries as architects of the genre, Bag and Powers decided to start sharing their own perspectives as Mexican Americans who broke the mold.
But it was after collaborating on a song for the 2022 Peacock mystery series “The Resort” that their duo, Juanita y Juan, was born. They spoke to De Los about their salad days, their new album, “Jungle Cruise” and how young Latinos can navigate this time of upheaval in the U.S.
The following interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
(Evelina Gabrielle Perez / For De Los)
Tell me about your supergroup, Juanita y Juan. What sparked this idea for you?
Kid Congo Powers: Juanita and Juan are the alter egos of Alice and I. Our reference was Marty & Elayne, who were a cabaret covers act at the Dresden Room [in Los Feliz]. They got a huge following; they were in the movie “Swingers.” And the songs are fun.
We first reconnected as friends after Alice [released] her book, “Violence Girl.” Then we got asked to write a song for a [2022] TV show on Peacock called “The Resort.” Me and Alice are on the same label, In the Red Records, out of L.A. They asked for a song by “a beach lounge act,” and they wanted it to be in Spanish. We are both Mexican Americans, Chicanos, but I thought, “Alice is much more fluent in Spanish.” She was like, “Why don’t we try to do it as a duet?” And they liked that idea.
Alice Bag: With “The Resort,” we had a springboard of this “loud lounge” idea. But it morphed into several different things that were very much our personality, and very much not something we would normally do — exploring different rhythms, like Latin rhythms and tropical rhythms. I spent a month in Tucson, and we actually wrote and recorded songs [that became the album] “Jungle Cruise.”
So how did this puppet show come into play?
K.C.G.: The [Bob Baker] Marionette Theater heard our music and thought it would be appropriate for a kids’ punk thing.
A.B.: I have actually worked with Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater before. We did a video together for a song on my “Sister Dynamite” album, which was released in 2020. Also, I’m a former teacher. I used to take my classes to the old theater, so I have a very warm association with childhood and how enchanted kids are when they see a puppet show.
(Evelina Gabrielle Perez/For De Los)
You both are really inspiring to me as Latinos who helped shape punk in its very early days. Learning about you and other Latin punks like Jeffrey Lee Pierce (The Gun Club) was affirming to me as a young Latina and punk. How did you two connect over your Mexican American experience?
A.B.: There were a lot of Latinos in the early punk scene. Not just Kid and I, but like, Trudie Arguelles, who was the face of L.A. punk.
K.C.P.: Yeah, she was the it girl.
A.B.: And Margot Olavarria, who was the original bassist for the Go-Go’s, was a big shot in the scene. Tito Larriva, who formed the Plugs. Robert Lopez, Hector Penalosa, all the Zeros! There were a lot of Latinos around. But I think one of the things that happened is — I’m Alice Bag, although Bag is not my last name. Our last names got lost, and people just thought of the band names as our family names, like the Ramones! We banded under the flag of punk rock.
Our ethnicity was present, but it wasn’t always the first thing that you noticed about us because of how we dressed. People did not know what punk was. They would make comments like, “Is the circus in town? Are these people in a gang? Are they they gonna beat us up?” So we bonded, and we had to hang out together as self-defense. We were the weirdos.
Alice, in your memoir (“Violence Girl”) you spoke about the tension between the Mexican cultural mores that you grew up with and what you were creating anew with punk.
A.B.: I think people got the wrong idea about me very early on because they knew I was from East L.A. I grew up around gang culture and learned to stick up for myself, so people thought I was scary. Even Kid Congo Powers said I was scary.
Did you think she was scary?
K.C.P.: I thought she was intense. Anything could happen when Alice Bag got on stage. And that was what drew me to her and the band. There was a menace to them, something volatile. This could be a riot, or it could be an orgy.
And Kid knows chaos very well. You held your own in bands like the Cramps. Could you think of a Latin entertainer who helped influence your own performance?
K.C.P.: Iris Chacón.
Wow, I didn’t know you got down like that!
K.C.P.: My mom watched her on TV. That was exciting.
A.B.: That’s where he got his maraca work from.
K.C.P.: And my outfits. But there was Ritchie Valens, of course. I like old rock ‘n’ roll. And then when I met Jeffrey Lee Pierce of the Gun Club in 1978 or ‘79, we bonded on being Chicano. We both grew up in San Gabriel Valley — me in La Puente, Jeffrey in El Monte. We’d reference riffs coming out of a garage in La Puente, some Chicano garage band playing Santana or War. We shared the outsider-ness of being born in America, but we were in Chicano world. And throw in the fact that I knew I was queer from a young age … I didn’t know if I was in or out.
A.B.: My influences were from Spanish-language music. Raphael was a Spanish singer who’s very intense and very dramatic. And I also am a big fan of José Alfredo Jiménez, who wrote all these ranchera songs that were very emotional. I think there’s a connection between ranchera music and punk — it’s for everybody. It’s better when everybody joins in and sings along. Punk and ranchera are the people’s music.
That calls to mind the resurgence of corridos among young people. Some of the songs generate controversy, but it’s interesting to see a similarly rebellious spirit as punk. What do you think?
K.C.P.: People are always saying to me, “Don’t you feel sorry for young people today? They don’t have what you had, this and that.” But I would never in my life underestimate younger people. There’s something going on, and I don’t know about it. You don’t know about it, because it’s not for us to know about.
You both have shown many Latinos how to live authentically to your identity, to your values. What’s a quick bite of encouragement or advice for young, weird Latino kids? Especially now, when it’s hard not to feel demoralized about what’s happening across the country?
K.C.P.: Well, to live authentically is a path that can be lonely. But it’s also very empowering. And I get to be in my 60s and say I’ve done music exactly as I’ve pleased. That is possible. I had no idea how to play guitar until Jeffrey Lee Pierce said, “Here’s a guitar. I think you can do this. And you’re gonna do it.” I thought, “If this one person believes in me, then I’m gonna try it.” You just have to say yes to yourself.
A.B.: I would also say you’re not alone. Every day, there’s a bombardment of things in the world and in the U.S. that you want to resist. It’s very easy to become despondent and overwhelmed. But you don’t have to feel like you’re lifting this whole weight by yourself. It’s important to know that you do have a community that stands with you. We’re all working in different ways. We’re all a band. We’re going to make it through this together.
Forget MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace and John Torode, Jessica Boulton’s ruthless rundown of the showbiz week reveals the EIGHT stories you should be talking about instead….. including the only cancelled BBC star who actually deserves our tears
Jessica Boulton works on the Mirror’s features desk, specialising in celebrity features and interviews. She also writes a weekly observational comedy column Jess Saying, which runs each Saturday. In addition, she oversees the entertainment pages, helps co-ordinate the Pride of Britain coverage and newsletter and guest edits The Diary. Jessica joined The Mirror’s sister paper The People in 2006, and has since worked on the Sunday Mirror and Now magazine. Most likely to be found raving about The Oscars, BAFTAs, Netflix, Friends or Star Wars.
Naked yoga, novel book launches, British Emmy nominations and one very heated situation in the Masterchef kitchen….Jess Boulton takes a no-holds-barred dive into this week’s most bizarre showbiz shenanigans
Daily Mirror Columnist Jessica Boulton brings you Jess Saying, her wry, witty and slightly whimsical take on the heroes and villains, winners and losers and the outright outrageous showbiz shenanigans keeping us amused this week. So….where better to start than….
JUSTICE FOR BBC ICON MONDAY
I’ve always considered myself to be woke. I’m left-wing, open-minded and look good in red (in the UK, definitely not in the US). I’d fully support trigger warnings on Bambi and The Lion King. And I’d argue there should be one on Titanic (for “scenes of disturbing door hoggery”). But this week I’m afraid to say, even I think the woke world has gone too far. For a true BBC icon has outrageously and undeservedly been cancelled. It’s a sad, sad state of affairs after 30 years of excellence. But it’s a sign of the times: one day everyone loves you and the next…you’re persona non grata, written off as a bad fit for the Gen Zs of today (who don’t watch TV anyway, so why are we pandering?). So which iconic BBC veteran has been tragically stripped of work this week? Clue: they first appeared in 1995 – and won millions of fans overnight. Yes, you’ve guessed it. There’s only one BBC star I’m weeping for: Mr Darcy. Well, his Wet White Shirt, to be precise.
Colin Firth’s Wet White Shirt makes its TV debut in BBC’s 1995 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. It went on to become a TV icon in its own right (Image: BBC)
For three decades, the sterling performance of Colin Firth’s infamous Pride and Prejudice shirt has never been equalled. But its outstanding contribution to entertainment has now been called into question – over fears it’s been objectifying men. Yup. It’s true. Some buttoned-up bores at Netflix are currently debating what’ll make the cut and what won’t in their upcoming P&P remake.
But then I realised I’d got the wrong end of the stick…I’m only teasing of course. But I do have two little points I’d like to flag to people’s attention:
POINT 1. What else would Netflix need to change to fit a more ‘2025-friendly’ adaptation? Jane’s famous first line definitely loses a certain something after my woke rewrite:
“It is a truth universally acknowledged – but not necessarily accepted as we each have our ‘own truth’ – that a single man, sorry, dependent-free gender-neutral individual, in possession of a ‘good fortune’ (aka,a disproportionate amount of wealth thanks to genetic privilege and the unjust dominance of patriarchy), must be – although is under no obligation to be and will face no judgment if they are not – in want of a wife…..or a loving relationship that equally fulfils the needs of both you and your consenting partner/partners, but does not necessarily adhere to any societal expectations.”
Jonathan Bailey said this scene in Netflix’s Bridgerton was a homage to Colin Firth’s white shirt in 1995’s Pride & Prejudice (Image: LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX)
NAKED AMBITION TUESDAY
The Primetime Emmy nominations are finally in! Adolescence was the UK’s biggest contender this year – with nods including Best Actor for Stephen Graham and Best Supporting for 15-year-old Owen Cooper (I’d argue it should be reversed).
Meanwhile, leading the way with a mindblowing 27 noms was Apple’s truly genius Severance – a drama in which people clock off at 5pm and all memory of work from that day is completely wiped. (You can decide for yourselves if that’s a good thing or not.)
The most delightful Emmy news of all? Nobody Wants This, with my all-time celeb faves Adam Brody and Kristen Bell, landed nods for best comedy series, actor and actress. It was an achievement Kristen’s hubby Dax Shepard immediately celebrated with this pic – of Kristen’s naked yoga workout.
Dax posted this picture of Kristen doing naked yoga to celebrate her Emmy nod
Dax Shepard and the newly-Emmy-nominated Kristen Bell (Image: WireImage)
I’m not married, so maybe I’m wrong… But should Dax really have gone so very public with his congratulations? A great big bear bare hug may have been the better choice.
The poor BBC now has an entire as-yet-unreleased pre-recorded series of MasterChef with not one but TWO disgraced hosts. That’s got to be tough to swallow. It also explains the reasoning behind one of its latest new hires. For even wholesome Blue Peter has had its share of scandalous stars…
So when faced with finding its latest prestigious presenter, the Beeb hired someone who’s been nothing but a safe pair of hands their whole career. Some might even go as far to say he’s the perfect corporate puppet.….(see below).
CBBC stalwart Hacker T. Dog has landed a top job on Blue Peter, no strings attached. He’ll join Shini Muthukrishnan, Abby Cook, Joel Mawhinney, and Henry the Labrador as the first non-human presenter(Image: PA)
FISHING FOR INSULTS? THURSDAY
Gregg and John might be in for a grilling over their alleged behaviour, but another under-fire celeb, Sacha Baron Cohen, was probably feeling a little, um, roasted this week. Yes, his actress ex-wife Isla Fisher has not had the most amicable of splits with Da Ali G and Borat actor. So some social media users took her quip on Instagram to be a tiny dig at his expense (literally). The Confessions Of A Shopaholic star wrote: “For all the men who say ‘Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?’, here’s an update for you. “Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why?
In happier times: Isla Fisher gets her hands on a cardboard cut-out of her then-husband Borat, aka Sacha Baron Cohen(Image: COPYRIGHT UNKNOWN)
“Because women realise it’s not worth buying an entire pig… just to get a little sausage.” No porkies there! I’d rather bring home the bacon alone than be stuck with a man who’s the literal wurst. So, bravo, Isla! That took proper chops.
FACING FACTS FRIDAY
You can’t make this one up. And to be fair, whatever you say about Katie Price, at least she can take the mickey out of herself. Which is why she’s made a startling admission this week. Apparently Katie was travelling and got pulled over by security at passport control – because she’s had so many trips under the knife, the scanners couldn’t recognise her passport photo. Yes, Katie might have been accused of being two-faced in the past, but, as she’ll admit herself, she’s been through at least 10 of them now. On the upside, it’s something to add to her CV next time she’s bankrupt. After all, everyone wants their staff to multi-faceted nowadays.
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
She’s always been a woman with Klass. So it’s good to see Myleene hasn’t let her newly-award MBE go to her head. Ahem.
Myleene Klass MBE is keeping things real as she takes a quick soak(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Yes, Myleene was presented the honour this week after her tireless charity work, including raising the awareness of the emotional toll of miscarriage. But it looks like the Hear’Say singer might be taking the honour a little too literally.
For the morning after receiving the medal – alongside fellow honouree Leona Lewis OBE – Myleene posted this bathtime snap.
Umm….It looks like you’ve got a little something in your hair, Myleene. To be fair, it could have been worse. She could have posted a snap of her in her tiara….sitting on the throne.
JESS A QUICKIE:
Myleene’s not the only one having some bathroom fun. Charlotte Crosby decided to promote her new fiction tome by sitting in a bath of books. It makes sense: she’s always swimming with novel ideas.* *Sorry I couldn’t help myself
I mean, it’s probably better than a bath of baked beans, but it’s not what they mean when they say relax in the tub with a good book, Charlotte!
What do you think? Let me know in the comments or via IG/X @JessicaBoulton
Watch Stranger Things on Netflix for free with Sky
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
The trio of women let the cameras follow them again as they try to find (or keep) love, look after their kids and build businesses
18:00, 03 Jul 2025Updated 18:23, 03 Jul 2025
Binky, Lucy and Rosie are back for more action on E4 later this year(Image: PA)
Made in Chelsea breakout stars Binky Felstead, Lucy Watson and Rosie Fortescue are returning to E4 for a second series of Beyond Chelsea.
And this time around viewers will follow the three women, now in their mid-thirties, as they balance motherhood, family life and relationships, while running businesses and navigating life in the public eye.
The two-part fly on the wall spin-off, to air on E4 later this year, will give viewers more information about Binky’s mum’s challenges with MS (multiple sclerosis). The audience will also find out whether Rosie has had any success with finding a partner, after last time around she decided she was ready to welcome romance back into her life, with Binky acting as wing woman.
Binky, Lucy, Rosie will return to our television screens with the return of one of Made in Chelsea’s 11 spin-offs(Image: Channel 4 / Rob Parfitt)
The cameras also follow as Lucy moves into her new home mid-development while Binky takes on yet another new business venture, with all three trying to balance motherhood, family life and relationships.
Production boss Helen Kruger Bratt told the Mirror that other Made in Chelsea favourites would also pop up. “The love for Made in Chelsea, and the franchise as a whole, just keeps growing,” she told the Mirror. “Every series brings in new fans, while longtime viewers stay closely connected to the lives of our brilliant cast.
“With Beyond Chelsea, we’ve loved reconnecting with some of MIC’s most iconic OGs in a way we’ve never done before. Featuring these three amazing women, and guest appearances from other ex-MIC favourites, this second series promises to be even more revealing, emotional, and hilarious.”
Binky, seen here with Ollie, was seen in tears last year after finding out Alex had cheated(Image: Monkey Kingdom)
Channel 4 Senior Commissioning Editor Clemency Green added: “Binky, Lucy and Rosie’s lives are chaotic and yet they still find time to allow the cameras back in. The Made in Chelsea fans are going to love seeing what they have been up to this past year, catching up on the gang as they share the ups and downs of their lives.”
Main series Made in Chelsea will also be back on E4 for a 29th run. The BAFTA award-winning show, which first launched in 201, has since notched up a staggering 332 episodes. This time some of the cast head off to a luxury resort in Thailand – where they are joined by a new faces who are “set to cause a stir”.
In January, Binky hinted the show would be back with more appearances from some of the original cast from when the show started 14 years ago. “We only had time to do two episodes last year and to test people’s interest… which was off the charts and overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “Since then we’ve had 3/4 of the OG’s reach out who want to be part of the next phase – all very exciting.”
Never let someone else’s narrative define who you are.
People will try their hardest to discourage you from being yourself, but you must prevail – no matter what. Never, ever listen to haters; they are always wrong. It gets easier, and you’ll care less and less as time goes on.
You are incredibly strong – even if you don’t always feel that way, it’s true. Being trans is one of the hardest journeys anyone can face, and yet you are becoming the beautiful woman you’ve always wanted to be, with such grace.
Every day, you will grow more into the person you truly are and want to be. One day, you’ll feel fully like yourself – I promise. You’re going to achieve everything you dream of, and so much more. Just stay focused on you. Enjoy the process.
There will be challenges along the way, but don’t let them change who you are. Never forget where you come from or who you are. Let that knowledge empower and motivate you.
You are so special. Never forget that.
Love,
Bel x
Vanity Milan
To my younger self,
I know you’re scared. I know you’re confused. I know you’re constantly checking to see if the world has figured out your secret. You try to blend in, not stand out, and silence parts of yourself that are begging to shine.
But here’s the truth: you were never meant to shrink. There will come a day when you stop apologising for who you are. When you realise that Pride isn’t just a month or a parade. It’s a daily act of showing up for yourself, exactly as you are. You’ll learn that softness is strength. And your queerness? It’s not a burden. It’s your superpower. You’ll meet your people. You’ll fall in love. You’ll laugh, really laugh, without worrying about how you look or who’s watching. And the things you once tried to hide will become the things you’re most proud of.
It took time, but now, when I remove my makeup, I’m not erasing anything. I’m revealing everything. The confidence. The joy. The journey. The Pride. Every wipe is a reminder that I no longer need to hide because being me is worth celebrating.
Removing my makeup doesn’t strip anything away. It brings me closer to myself. Closer to truth. Closer to Pride.
With love, Your older, prouder, unapologetic you
Charley Marlowe
To my younger self,
If I were to tell you one thing, it would be that there’s a reason you’ll feel the way you do.
There’s a reason you feel different. You’re gay and in hindsight you should have realised that a lot sooner.
I wish you’d been surrounded with more education and acceptance. But you always had a laugh regardless. And that’s made you who you are today. You’re still learning. And you’ll use your platform to advocate for the other members in your community. You are so loved, and I wish I could tell you that there’s nothing to be afraid of. It’ll all be okay.
Love,
Charley
Way of Yaw
To my younger self,
It’s okay not to totally understand yourself right now. It is a beautiful journey of self discovery.
Some people in your life won’t accept you, but you will find amazing people that totally embrace every part of you.
You will try to fit into the stereotypes of masculinity and femininity, but realise you are the best of both. You will see that your outward appearance does not define you.
Don’t allow people’s opinions of you to define you. Instead, let your confidence and authenticity guide you to your true self.
Love,
Yaw
Mitchell Halliday
To my younger self,
Instead of wondering why people aren’t accepting you, start thinking about why you aren’t accepting yourself.
The world might not see it right now, but as soon as you feel it, that will become infectious. Stand in your power, your power is yourself.
Love,
Mitchell
Jason Kwan
To my younger self,
You’re going to realise that not fitting in is your greatest strength. They’re going to say you’re too loud, too expressive, and too much. But all these things will make you the unique creative that you are.
People will soon embrace your expression and celebrate your creativity. So, give yourself time and patience to explore who you are. Have fun with it! You’re going to find an incredible chosen family who will uplift you and support you.
Don’t let those who doubt you define who you are. Keep breaking free and stomping forward. Trust me, it’s so worth the ride.
Coronation Street is lining up big moments next week including a double exit for two fan favourites, a new love interest for Jason Grimshaw who is a familiar face and there’s a big return
00:01, 27 May 2025Updated 00:02, 27 May 2025
There’s huge scenes ahead next week on Coronation Street including a double exit(Image: ITV)
There’s huge scenes ahead next week on Coronation Street including a double exit, that could lead to a further departure, as well as some discoveries.
We will also see a comeback for one resident, a forbidden kiss and some big decisions to be made. First up next week it’s the big exit for Eileen Grimshaw, as actress Sue Cleaver bows out after 25 years.
Her final episodes on the ITV soap air next week as she decides to leave Weatherfield. She’s offered a great opportunity by her returning son Jason Grimshaw, played by Ryan Thomas, with him also set to leave again.
But will Eileen’s partner George Shuttleworth leave with them, or will they split for good? Amid Eileen still facing accusations over her sister Julie Carp’s recent death, an insurance scam mentioned in an article leaves her and George concerned.
Someone’s behind the article and they’re keen to find out who it was. Later on Jason suggests to his mother that she moves away with him to Thailand to be his business partner but what will she say?
We will also see a comeback for one resident, a forbidden kiss and some big decisions(Image: ITV)
She’s tempted but tells Jason George would never move to Thailand, while George soon informs her he’s prepared to move to Thailand and he’s booked them a holiday to test it out. A comment from Theo Silverton soon leaves Eileen making a decision, as George fears for his relationship.
An update from the police reveals the case into Julie’s death is closed, and with that she decides she’s going to take Jason up on his offer, invest in his bar and move to Thailand. With that Eileen says her goodbyes and leaves Weatherfield, but will George be joining her?
Before Jason goes, he manages to squeeze in a bit of romance and it’s with a familiar face. He chats up Danielle unaware she’s the wife of Theo, who Jason’s brother Todd is now seeing. When Danielle realises who Jason is she’s shocked, but will she spill the beans and what will she do next?
There’s trouble with Carl Webster next week too, and soon Tracy Barlow is flirting with him. Carl is continuing his dodgy dealings with Fiona, while their meeting leaves Abi Franklin clearly jealous despite her being married to Carl’s brother Kevin Webster.
Coronation Street is lining up big moments next week(Image: ITV)
Carl is soon flirting with Tracy once more and is trying to rile up Abi, who decides to issue Tracy a warning. Carl confronts her and accuses her of fancying him. Abi denies it and threatens to tell Kevin if he doesn’t back off, but she’s shocked when he leans in for a kiss – so how will she respond?
There’s also a return next week as Dylan Wilson is released from the STC. With that he’s making threats to former inmate Brody Michaelis, telling him he needs to watch out before following him to the ginnel.
When Brody starts on Betsy Swain, Dylan races to her rescue and it’s not long before things get heated. Elsewhere, Tim Metcalfe secretly plots a fostering meeting and as a social worker arrives, his wife Sally Metcalfe is stunned to realise what is going on.
Soon Sally is venting to Glenda Shuttleworth, revealing her worries that she and Tim are too old to foster. Finally next week Debbie Webster snaps when she gets into trouble at the shop amid her split from Ronnie Bailey. But when she sees him with Leanne Battersby later on she’s clearly hurt.
