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“Lanterns” co-creator Damon Lindelof is setting the record straight: “Green is f— awesome.”

The prolific TV writer, who is an executive producer on the upcoming HBO Max superhero drama, addressed the backlash against comments he previously made about the Green Lantern show’s title in a lengthy apology posted to Instagram on Monday.

“I made a dumb joke on a comedy podcast,” the “Lost” showrunner wrote in the caption accompanying a photo of him wearing a very green T-shirt with the Green Lantern symbol at his first Comic-Con appearance. “I’m not going to bob and weave about context, the joke was dumb, the fandom is not. I owe them an explanation and a genuine reflection of my actual feelings.”

The joke in question was made during his appearance on a 2024 episode of “Pod Save America” co-host Jon Lovett’s “Lovett or Leave It” podcast. “It’s called ‘Lanterns’ because we all agreed that the ‘Green’ was stupid,” Lindelof said when the host brought up the upcoming TV show.

These remarks were resurfaced recently after the first “Lanterns” teaser was released earlier this month and some fans noticed a lack of green. The uproar gained enough steam that even comic book great Grant Morrison noticed. Morrison, the writer of a Green Lantern comics series from 2018 to 2021, then addressed the situation in a Sunday Substack post calling Lindelof out directly and questioning why he even took the “Lanterns” job.

“Why does a writer attach himself to this kind of narrative if he thinks it’s fundamentally ‘stupid’?” wrote Morrison. “What is this jockish dismissal of superhero conventions intended to prove anyway? Does Lindelof imagine it makes him seem less nerdy? … The only people who give a [f—] about the ‘Lanterns’ TV series are Green Lantern fans. Why alienate them at the start? That feels more like ‘stupid.’”

Lindelof acknowledged Morrison’s criticism and owned up to his faux pas before sharing just how much Hal Jordan — one of the Green Lanterns who will be featured in the series — meant to him growing up.

“For a quiet, uncoordinated kid, there was nothing cooler than a hero whose superpower was his imagination,” Lindelof wrote in his social media apology. “And green is not stupid, it is my lifelong favorite color and I have a questionnaire that I filled out in third grade to prove it.”

“More importantly, it would be a betrayal to everyone I worked for and alongside to say anything other than I was absolutely honored to be a part of the team that manifested the incredible construct that is Lanterns … because it was,” he added. “I was sloppy and careless with my words, ironic considering I care so much about Hal, John and the entire Corps. I can and will do better to be worthy of the oath. … [U]ntil then, I’ll let the show speak for itself and I can’t wait for you all to hear what it has to say.”

Among those sending Lindelof some love in the comments of his Instagram post were “Superman” actor Nathan Fillion, whose Green Lantern Corps member Guy Gardner is set to appear in “Lanterns,” as well as DC Studios boss James Gunn.

“The joke was funny. No harm, no foul! Keep up the great work, we appreciate you!” wrote Fillion, who included a green glove emoji in his message. Gunn was more succinct, showing his support with just a green heart emoji.

“Lanterns,” about superpowered intergalactic cops, will follow new recruit John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) and veteran Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) as they investigate a murder. Co-created by Lindelof, Tom King and showrunner Chris Mundy, the series will premiere in August.

Kiki Shepard, the actor and entertainer best known for co-hosting the syndicated variety show “Showtime at the Apollo,” has died. She was 74.

LaShirl Smith, a representative for Shepard, confirmed her client’s death, writing in an Instagram post Tuesday that the loss “hurts an awful lot.” Shepard died Monday in Los Angeles after a heart attack, Smith confirmed to TMZ. On Tuesday, Smith honored Shepard with a video collage of their shared moments over the years, lamenting she will no longer be able to speak with her friend “three/four times a day everyday at least for an hour or two.”

“Rest easy cousin, heaven got a good one,” Smith said in her post.

The Texas native, born in July 1951, co-hosted “Showtime at the Apollo” from 1987 to 2002. During her tenure, she shared the stage with a variety of co-hosts including Steve Harvey, Sinbad and Mo’Nique, introducing a range of musical acts at the historic theater in Harlem. The Apollo honored Shepard on its marquee Tuesday, remembering her as a “true Apollo legend.”

“Together, [the hosts] carried the electrifying spirit of our legendary stage into living rooms across the nation, introducing rising stars, celebrating icons, and making millions feel Harlem from wherever they were,” the theater said on Instagram, “reminding the world that we have always been a place where Black excellence takes center stage.”

More than a host, Shepard had an entertainment career that included TV appearances — among them “Baywatch,” “A Different World,” “NYPD Blue” and “Grey’s Anatomy” — and a handful of stints as a choreographer. An alumna of what was then called North Texas State University and Howard University, Shepard also had a minor role in “The Wiz.”

Her television credits include “Thunder in Paradise,” “Baywatch Nights,” “Family Law,” “Everybody Hates Chris” and the 2025 series “Highly Favored.” Shepard also pursued a career on stage, appearing in Broadway productions of “Bubbling Brown Sugar,” “Reggae” and “Porgy and Bess.”

Beyond entertainment, Shepard devoted herself to raising awareness for sickle cell anemia after a friend died of the affliction. In 2006, she founded the Kis Foundation, an organization that seeks to support sickle cell disease patients and their families, following years of other advocacy efforts.

“KiKi believed that compassion, community, and education could change lives. Her voice uplifted countless individuals who often felt unseen, and her work created lasting pathways for hope, resources, and understanding for those living with this disease,” Shepard’s family said in a statement to ABC7.

To daytime talk show host Sherri Shepherd, the beloved “Showtime at the Apollo” personality “was the life of every party” who had a welcoming and warm presence.

“Kiki I am devastated that you are gone, but I am rejoicing because you LIVED and you lived boldly and joyfully,” the “Sherri” host wrote in an Instagram tribute.

“Your love of God was evident and I know you are having a ball up there,” she added.

Mo’Nique and Jackée Harry also honored Shepard’s life and legacy on Instagram. “Rest easy, my dear sweet friend,” comedian Harry said, “I’ll carry you with me always.”

MICHELLE Keegan melted hearts when she shared an adorable photo of her and daughter Palma wearing matching pyjamas.

The mum-of-one, 38, shares one-year-old Palma with her husband Mark Wright, 39, after welcoming the tot last year.

Former Coronation Street actress Michelle looked every inch the proud mum, as she beamed in the photo.

The Fool Me Once star posted the sweet snap on her Instagram Stories last night.

In the heartwarming photo, which is to celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, Michelle is seen posing in matching nightwear with her mum Jacqueline and daughter Palma.

The trio looked adorable all wearing the same PJs that were cream with flowers on them.

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Michelle smiled in the photo, as Palma was seen with her back to the camera and trying to climb up on her mum.

The star wrote on the sweet snap: “Two mummies and a baby.

“How cuuuuute are these PJs from my @veryuk collection??? Perfect for Mother’s Day to match all the generations.”

The latest photo comes just days after Michelle and husband Mark threw a very extravagant first birthday party for Palma last weekend.

To celebrate their only child turning one, they hosted a pink-themed bash for the young tot at their £3.5 million mansion.

No expense was spared, and there was yummy food and drinks for party-goers to enjoy.

There was a themed cocktail bar serving “Palma Tinis”, with vodka, raspberry liqueurs and pineapple juice, and pink gin refreshers called “Bubbly First Birthday”.

Outside in the couple’s huge garden, there was a large marquee which had an inflatable balloon dome, a bouncy slide, and seating areas. 

The couple have kept their firstborn largely out of the spotlight, hiding her face from social media snaps to maintain her privacy.

Michelle and Mark shared the arrival of Palma last year: “Together we have a new love to share… Our little girl.

“Palma Elizabeth Wright 06.03.25.”

There are two very sweet reasons behind both monikers, with the couple having strong links to Mallorca, which is where they announced their pregnancy news to fans.

Palma is the capital of the Mediterranean island.

The couple consider it their “second home”, making no secret it is their “favourite place” to holiday.

Meanwhile, the couple chose Elizabeth for their daughter’s middle name as a tribute to Michelle’s great-great grandmother.

Jennifer Runyon, a film and television actor known best for her roles on “Ghostbusters,” “A Very Brady Christmas” and “Charles in Charge,” has died. She was 65.

Runyon died Friday, according to a Sunday statement reportedly posted to her social media account, which has since gone private.

“This past Friday, our beloved Jennifer passed away. It was a long and arduous journey that ended with her surrounded by her family,” the statement read, according to ABC7. “She will always be remembered for her love of life and her devotion to her family and friends. Rest in peace our Jenn.”

“Bewitched” actor Erin Murphy shared in a Sunday post on Facebook and Instagram that Runyon died “after a brief battle with cancer.”

“Some people you just know you’ll be friends with before you even meet,” Murphy wrote in her tribute. “She was a special lady.”

On the 1980s sitcom “Charles in Charge,” Runyon portrayed Gwendolyn Pierce, a fellow college student of the show’s titular live-in housekeeper (portrayed by Scott Baio) and the target of his affections.

In his Facebook tribute, fellow “Charles in Charge” actor Willie Aames described Runyon as a “dear dear friend, muse, and encourager.”

“From the moment we met on set all those decades ago- I knew you ‘got me,’” wrote Aames. “Watching you slip away these last few months was one of the hardest times of my life… I can still hear your voice so clearly. No one will ever be able to fill the massive hole that’s been left in our hearts… ever.”

A Chicago native, Runyon made her television debut as Sally Frame in the long-running soap opera “Another World.” She also appeared in episodes of “Magnum, P.I.,” “Quantum Leap” and “Murder, She Wrote.” Runyon also portrayed the grown-up Cindy Brady in “A Very Brady Christmas.”

Her film credits include the 1984 classic “Ghostbusters,” where she appeared as one of the students participating in the ESP study conducted by Bill Murray’s Peter Venkman.

On Instagram, Runyon’s daughter Bayley Corman, an actor who has appeared on TV shows such as “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” “Bel-Air” and “Running Point,” described her mother as “the kindest most compassionate person i’ve ever known.”

“All of the best parts of me came from you,” Corman wrote in her tribute. “i would give anything for one more day together.”

TIKTOK may be a breeding ground for influencers, Love Island stars and budding celebs, but it’s not just glitz and glamour that can bring in the cash on the streaming app.

In fact, some of the top-earning creators have very unlikely niches.

Creators are known for bagging big money brand deals – from the likes of Superdrug beauty collabs to M&S food promotions.

Here, we take a look at some of the biggest money-makers making bank from seemingly mundane activities.

Chip Shop Diva

Destiny Harold has turned working in a fish and chip shop into a lucrative social media career.

The star, better known online as Chip Chop Diva, catapulted to fame for filming videos in at work in Merchants fish and chip shop in Bewdley, Worcestershire.

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Destiny works two days per week at the fish and chip shop while studying, and unexpectedly blew up online for posting videos from behind the counter.

And now, she has worked with numerous brands on high-profile collaborations.

Last summer, she partnered with car brand Dacia to serve chips on the beach in Deal.

While she was also named one of the “icons of the year” by confectionary brand Quality Street in December.

Destiny now has over 20,000 followers on Instagram and almost 2 million likes on TikTok.

Bus Aunty Bemi

Bemi Orojuogun is known to her over 400,000 TikTok followers as “Bus Aunty”.

She became famous for filming selfie videos in front of London’s red buses.

Bemi simply goes around the capital and films herself in front of different buses, with her videos racking up millions of views.

Working as a mental health nurse by day, Bemi’s catapult to fame was completely unexpected – with the online sensation shocked by her own prominence.

The videos have even led to political impact, with Bemi meeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer in December.

Meeting the Prime Minister on a bus in Norfolk, Bemi urged him to look at making public transport across the UK more accessible as she pointed out that not everywhere has such constant travel options like London’s TFL.

After he laid out the government’s plan to improve transport nationwide, Bemi was lauded as a “real role model” by fans.

Weeks later, she was invited to 10 Downing Street for the Pride in Place reception, an event which celebrated millions of pounds of investment into our local communities.

Samuel Wolfenden

Samuel Wolfenden is a Farrier & Equestrian Influencer, becoming famous in 2023 for filming content at work.

The hunky star shares content from his workdays with horses and tips for fans.

He boasts a whopping 1.3M followers on Instagram.

Since rising to fame, Sam has appeared on This Morning – with Josie Gibson often commenting on his social snaps now – and taken part in fashion shows.

Amongst his famous list of followers are Maura Higgins and Katie Price.

Charzreviews

An account named Charzreviews, run by Charlotte Blockley, is one of the UK’s most prominent ‘review and restock’ creators.

While you may think testing household products such as pillows and storage bins is mundane, this creator has built up quite the career from it.

Charlotte known in the creator community for being a “TikTok Shop millionaire”.

The title comes as she has generated over £1,000,000 in sales (total revenue) by simply showing how she uses everyday gadgets in her UK home.

She boasts over 200,000 followers.

Jane Hastings

Liverpool hailing Jane has highlighted the power of TikTok shop by using it to boost orders for her small toy shop.

The creator live streams on the app daily to demo toys the shop sells and pack customer’s orders.

While it may not seem like much, Jane is thought to have sold over hundreds of thousands of items through the platform.

Jane describes herself as a “nan of 10” and posts under her toy shop’s page, @toystoystoys.uk.

She told Liverpool Echo of her success: “Within the the first 12 months I’d sold 100,000 items.”

Her page has almost 50K followers.

The saga of “A Court of Thorns and Roses” will continue.

Author Sarah J. Maas announced on Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” podcast Wednesday that two new books will be released in the hugely popular romantasy series, ending a five-year drought since the fifth installment, “A Court of Silver Flames.” The sixth book will be published on Oct. 27, 2026, and the seventh on Jan. 12, 2027.

“It took me a while to find the right story and to be in the right headspace. And then, like what poured out of me was this and it poured out very quickly,” the author told Cooper. “The story that was finally ready to come out of me was big. Really, really big.”

Maas first teased the sixth book on Instagram in July, with the caption “First drafts DONE” on a video that drew nearly a million likes.

Maas did not share details about the book titles, cover art or whose point of view the stories will follow, but did mention that the character’s perspective was “one of the surprising things” for her while writing.

On Instagram, Maas thanked her fans for their patience, passion and “never letting the world fade.”

“I know how long you’ve waited. I know how much these characters mean to you. And I also know these stories deserve more than speed and deadlines. They deserve my best self. They deserve the right moment,” Maas wrote. “I’m so honored by the way you guys have always embraced Prythian as your own. I truly hope it feels like coming home for you like it did for me.”

The first installment of the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series was released in 2015, but the franchise gained popularity on BookTok — a TikTok subcommunity dedicated to literature — during the COVID-19 pandemic. The books follow Feyre Archeron in the faerie lands of Prythian and her love story with the High Lord of the Night Court, Rhysand.

Maas has sold more than 70 million English copies between her interconnected “Throne of Glass,” “A Court of Thorns and Roses” and “Crescent City” series, according to her website. Maas is a major player in the romantasy — a portmanteau of romance and fantasy — genre, which has soared in popularity on TikTok.

“This is going to sound silly, and you probably won’t believe me, but just talking about things like legacy is beyond for me,” Maas told Cooper. “I’m still very much that girl in middle school or high school sneaking off to watch anime or drool over Legolas and getting to go play in these worlds in my head and do the thing that makes me come alive every day, that’s incredible.”

TRAVEL influencer NonStop Dan is being slammed online after claiming he’s unable to get home from Singapore due to the Iran war, when economy seats were still available on flights.

The popular YouTuber boasts over 1million subscribers and is known for frequently flying around the world.

However, the star received no sympathy after his latest video went live as viewers called him out for actually being able to get home if he were willing to book a cheaper flight.

The video begins with Dan saying him and his friend Alex are “stranded in Asia” like millions of other travellers are going to be.

He was en route to Bali from Singapore, but he claimed he was unable to keep travelling or get home due to the war in Iran.

However, towards the end of the video Dan noted how there were still “a few flights left in economy”.

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He very clearly said: “There are a few flights left in economy but even those are selling fast.”

Fans took to the video’s comments section to call out the discrepancy, unable to believe he considered himself as stranded just because he wasn’t willing to fly outside of first class.

One viewer said: “Absolutely hilarious that Dan would rather wait two weeks in Singapore without seeing his family rather than dealing with the horror of travelling economy.”

Another said: “You’re saying I would rather stay in a luxury hotel than fly economy.”

A third added: “Swallow your pride and take economy this one time.”

A forth user joked: “My thoughts are with the premium passengers and those in danger of flying economy.”

NonStop Dan, otherwise known as Daniel Goz, first started travelling at the age of 12, and decided to turn his passion for it into a career.

He predominantly reviews different airlines around the world, having flown with over 160 different ones to date.

Though he mostly flies first and business class based on his history of reviews.

Alongside these reviews, Dan provides his fanbase with travel tips as well as tricks on how to make the most out of your points and air miles.

He holds a bachelors degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences combined with General Studies and Humanities from Minerva University.

Minerva is an unconventional place of study which sees its students travel to multiple different countries during their course.

It achieves this through partnering with lots of other institutions worldwide and offering multiple study abroad-style programmes.

AMY Childs has made a plea to fans about her secret family tragedy.

The Towie icon, 35, is asking her followers to share or donate to her cousin’s fundraising page after her five-month-old daughter Lila was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumour.

Amy’s cousin has shared how they are now “out of options” following Lila undergoing 9-hour brain surgery and the tumour since returning.

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Amy shared a screengrab of the JustGiving page and wrote about her family’s ongoing tragedy.

“Please, if you can, help support my cousin’s beautiful daughter Lila,” Amy touchingly penned.

She continued: “She’s fighting so hard and every donation makes a difference.

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“Even sharing this means a lot. Thank you all so much.”

On the JustGiving page, Amy’s cousin Hannah opened up about the ordeal in depth.

“Our beautiful little Lila is only 5 months old and been through more in her little life than any adult we know. Our brave girl, our little lion cub,” she began.

“Lila was diagnosed at 3 weeks old with ATRT – a rare and aggressive brain tumour.

“She underwent 9 hour brain surgery at just 3 weeks old, and started chemotherapy at just 5 weeks old. And that is really just the surface.

“What one tiny baby has endured in her 5 months of life has taught us some serious life lessons.”

ATRT is also known as atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor.

It is a rare, fast-growing, and highly aggressive cancerous tumour that develops in the brain and spinal cord of children aged 3 and younger.

Brain Tumour Research states: “ATRTs are classified as embryonal tumours, meaning that they develop from stem cells that helped the embryo to form in the womb, but have unfortunately remained active in the brain after birth.

“When these stem cells fail to stop dividing and developing after the child is born, they can form a cancerous tumour.”

On Amy’s cousin’s fundraising page, Lila’s mum Hannah went on to add: “Lila is the strongest baby girl, already defied all the odds, she has done everything that has been asked of her.. but unfortunately after 6 rounds of chemotherapy, an MRI showed the tumour has returned.

“We were told that treatment would not continue and we were out of options.”

Hannah then revealed that she and her partner “lived in hospital for four months” and were separated from their three other children during this time.

She explained how they have now been living in a children’s hospice for two weeks.

“Our lives have been turned upside down and we are devastated,” she added.

She then explained how they have reached out to an oncologist in Toronto, who is leading on research in ATRT, for a second opinion on Lila.

“We have no idea if there are any options for us, what they could be and how much it might cost us.

“The target is therefore completely random – but if by some miracle, they come through with something for us to try and it comes down to finances, we need to be prepared. Time is not on our side,” she went on.

Concluding her moving plea, Hannah went on to add: “Be assured your donations will not go to waste.

“If our efforts don’t pay off, your donations will be given generously to the lovely charities who have supported us during this time.”

At the time of publication, Amy’s cousin had raised £24,350 of her £25,000 goal.

HOLLYWOOD star Nicole Kidman hits  the spot in a leopard-print coat — as she  prepares to hunt baddies in a crime drama. 

The Aussie-American actress, 58, was in New York to promote her upcoming Amazon Prime Video series Scarpetta, in which she plays a forensic pathologist. 

It is based on a book series by Patricia Cornwell and launches next Wednesday. 

Meanwhile, Nicole and Keith Urban face the tough task of dividing their staggering £210million property portfolio as part of their divorce settlement. 

The former couple’s marriage is now officially over after the superstar pair finalised their split, and they’ve come to an agreement on how their collection of multi-million pound homes will be divvied up. 

According to documents, both Nicole and Keith will retain ownership of the properties already in their possession and the rest will be split to their mutual satisfaction. 

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It is believed the majority of the exes’ properties were all jointly purchased following their wedding in 2006. 

The most recent purchase came in 2023 in the form of a £5.7m three-bed apartment in Sydney‘s exclusive Landmark Latitude complex – their sixth property in the same high rise. 

They have another £13.3m wrapped up in the complex. 

Nicole and Keith first bought into the apartment block in 2009, picking up a sizeable 420-square-metre pad overlooking Sydney’s famous harbour for a cool £4.45m. 

A further £5.2m was splashed on a larger neighbouring apartment when that became available in 2012. 

The couple bought into the 19th floor in 2011, paying £2m on a smaller space that Nicole used as a home office. 

Less than a month ago, Destiny Littleton posted on Instagram about a whimsical visit to a McDonald’s in Jerusalem, where the former USC shooting guard is playing professional basketball.

Her posts the last four days have been decidedly different. Sirens blare in the background as she anxiously tries to locate a bomb shelter. Then bombs can be heard, although Littleton can’t bring herself to say the word, instead spelling it out: “I definitely hear three or four B-O-M-B noises,” she says in video. “You didn’t hear that?”

Littleton is one of many United States citizens attempting to leave the Middle East per guidance from the U.S. State Department. The department posted on social media site X, instructing U.S. citizens to leave more than a dozen countries because of safety risks and to shelter in place until they are able to do so.

The war that began when U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday, killing its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has grown into a regional conflict. Iran and its allies have retaliated against Israel and neighboring Gulf states.

Littleton played at USC in 2022-2023 as a graduate student, transferring after winning a national championship at South Carolina a year earlier. As a San Diego Bishop high school senior in 2016-2017, she led the nation in scoring and became the first high school player in state history to score more than 4,000 points in a career.

Littleton moved to Israel in November to play for Hapoel Jerusalem, one of the top pro teams in the country. Like anyone in Israel, her life has been upended the last several days.

She has chronicled the ordeal with a handful of Instagram posts. In one, she filmed bright flashes in the sky while saying, “There’s no siren going on right now and yet there are these things in the sky blowing up. Pretty sure they’re either missiles or drones.”

On Monday she relocated to the home of a teammate because she said the bomb shelter she had been using was tiny.

“I’m going to go pack my stuff up and go to my teammate’s house until all this is over,” she said while walking hurriedly outside. “They have a shelter there. It’s way more comfortable than that B-O-M-B shelter I was just in. It could fit five people and that was it. I was, ‘no, no, no, I don’t want to be in here.’”

Bombs could still be heard in the distance on her videos Monday and Tuesday. Littleton, like many foreigners, is trying to leave Israel as soon as possible.

“To those asking why haven’t I left, the air space is closed so nobody can go in or out,” she said. “Until that gets lifted, I will be here and remain safe with my teammates.”

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley wrote on X that three of her former players — Littleton, Mikiah Herbert-Harrigan and Tiffany Mitchell — are “in a war zone” in Israel but she said Sunday that “there’s nothing you can do” because of the canceled flights.

Littleton thanked her followers in one of her latest dispatches:

“It is 11:47 p.m. on night three and I first just want to say thank you to all the strangers, all of my friends and my family who have sent countless prayers and love my way,” she said. “I’m so grateful and thankful. It means the world to me and it has got me through these three days….

“Back to the update. We have had a really quiet day today…. For a moment it felt like we are not in a war. I’ve just got to thank God and give prayers for the peace we’ve had today. My mind is at ease, just a little bit. I’m thankful for the small wins and pray as we look for a way out, try to get to a safe space, back home to America is the goal.

“I know that with everyone helping and everyone by my side, I will get there, we will get there, my teammates and everyone in the league will get there. Again, thank you. I love you guys.”

SHE was the biggest pop star of the 80s yet looks younger now than when she shot to fame.

Fans are baffled by how youthful Taylor Dayne looks at 63 years of age.

Taking to her Instagram page this week, the stunning singer who shot to fame with her beloved single Tell It To My Heart, looked half her age as she posed in a raunchy outfit.

“I had such a fabulous time on stage in Seattle last night! What a great start to my weekend of performances,” she penned in the caption of the post.

In the slew of snaps she shared, Taylor looked so youthful with clear, smooth skin and a tiny waist.

One person commented, “Forever beauty.”

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Another swooned, “THE MOST GORGEOUS HUMAN.”

“Goddess,” added a third, while a fourth gushed, “Icon.”

“Wow. She looks amazing! Good for her,” penned a fifth.

And a sixth said, “Not aged a bit.”

Meanwhile, others were left baffled by just how ageless she looks.

“I’m confused. You look so different here,” said one.

“Too many filters. You don’t need them….” added a second.

While a third penned, “This is not Taylor Dayne. Looks nothing like her.”

And a fourth said, “Why does she look like Beyonce?”

Taylor is a singer, songwriter, and actress who became a pop icon in the late 1980s.

She is known for her powerful and strong vocals, and rose to fame with her debut single Tell It to My Heart.

Across her glowing career she has sold 75 million albums and singles worldwide.

She has a slew of shows throughout the year, with her set to take to the stage next in April.

The singing sensation grew up in New York and has never been married.

She has two children who were born via surrogate in 2003.

A FITNESS influencer has confessed to lying about getting caught in an explosion.

Influencer Malibu Fit Maxx has admitted that he lied about the ordeal while serving in the army.

The fitness influencer, whose real name is Lee Markham, shared a video this week where he revealed that he lied about sustaining an injury from an improvised explosive device while on active duty.

Speaking in his candid video, the influencer said: “I wanted to talk to you directly about the claim that I made, taking an IED blast to the face.”

He then said how he was “deeply proud” to have served in the military between 2005 and 2010.

The internet star explained how he received negative comments online about his appearance, which in turn let to him making a false claim about his time serving in the army.

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“I’ve always got comments about my face and appearance.

“Some of them were harsh. And to be honest, I didn’t handle it well,” he began.

“I was new to being in the public eye and I didn’t know how to handle the criticism.”

He went on: “Instead of facing that right away, I made a bad decision and put ‘IED Survivor’ in my bio. That was not true and it was wrong.

“But truly I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart,” he said.

He added: “I have always tried to promote positivity and support for others, especially veterans.

“But I understand that my actions here contradict that. I take full responsibility for it,” he said later in the video.

Keen to regain the trust of his followers and fans, he added: “I know words alone will not fix this.

“Trust is earned. It’s not owed.

“All I can do is be honest with you guys going forward and let my actions speak over time.”

The Influencer Insider – Get all the gossip on all your favourite online stars

Want to know more about the influencer who faked cancer? Read all about Brittany Miller and her sham career here.

We have all the inside gossip about Ladbaby mum’s incredible weight loss here.

And talking of weight loss, we know all about what is going on with B&M queen Becki Jones, which you can read up on here.

If health influencers are your thing, then read this on the man behind Tonic Health and his dubious claims here.

His followers were divided in the comments section.

One person penned: “hanks for keeping it real bro. You’re one of the only accounts on here that brings true happiness to so many people.

“Don’t ever forget that and don’t ever stop going, bro.”

While another said: “This is a great example of taking accountability. You turned that from a disaster into a humble moment that other men can learn from. Respect!”

“Apologised like a man and didnt make excuses or keep lying – still a legend in my eyes,” added a third.

Meanwhile, someone else penned: “Bro only making this video because he got called out publicly. This is not accountability, this is damage control.”

And another slammed: “You ain’t sorry you’re only sorry because you got caught.”

EVIL Dead actor Bruce Campbell has revealed he has cancer in an emotional Instagram statement.

The 67-year-old screen star told fans in the message “sorry if it’s a shock – it was to me too”.

Yet the Michigan-born horror actor was then quick to reassure them “fear not, I am a tough old son of a b***h”.

Bruce has revealed he has a “treatable but not curable” form of the disease and will need to take time away from work to recover.

The Hysteria! star wrote in a text post uploaded to his Instagram grid: “Hi folks these days when someone is having a health issue its referred to as an ‘opportunity’ so let’s go with that – I’m having one of those.

“It’s also called a type of cancer that’s ‘treatable not curable’.

“I apologize if that’s a shock, it was to me too.”

Bruce who was in cult flicks Crimewave and Maniac Cop added: “The good news is, I’m not going to go into any more detail.

“I’m posting this, because professionally, a few things will have to change – appearances and cons and work in general need to take [a] back seat to treatment.

“There are several cons this year summer [sic] that I have to cancel. Big regrets on my part.

“Treatment needs and professional obligations don’t always go hand-in-hand.

“That’s about it. I’m not trying to enlist sympathy – or advice – I just want to get ahead of this information in case false information gets out (which it will).

“Fear not, I am a tough old son-of-a-b***h and I have great support, so I expect to be around a while.

“As always, you’re the greatest fans in the world and I hope to see you soon!”

Fans were also quick to offer words of support for the science fiction TV star.

One insisted: “Cancer doesn’t stand a chance. Hail to the king, baby. We love you Bruce.”

A second put: “Sending you all the best, Bruce!”

A third posted: “You are loved and must feel the terrific support flooding your direction! You definitely have this!”

One then added: “Hail to the King, baby.”

Bruce is best-known for his role in the Evil Dead franchise, playing Ash Williams.

He is the only character to appear in each instalment of the series and battles a series of possessed creatures called Deadites, who have been taken over by the Kandarian Demon.

His stints in the Evil Dead movies saw him voted as the greatest horror movie character ever back in 2013.

His personal profile has rocketed thanks to his movie status, with many hailing Bruce a cultural icon.

In 2007, he featured in a parody of his movie career in My Name Is Bruce.

He previously told dvdtalk.com of filming the gory Evil Dead instalment and said: “In retrospect, it’s funny as hell.

“The last three days of shooting Evil Dead we never fell asleep. At the time we were just zombies.

“Various people would fall asleep in the middle of the woods and we’d find each other randomly.”

He added: “We didn’t even think we’d finish the movie, so there was none of this, ‘Wow, I hope we make a hit!’

“We were just hoping we’d get the hell out of Tennessee in one piece. We were wrecking rental cars, rental trucks, cameras, wrecking actresses and ourselves. Everything.

“We were getting poked, bitten, scrapped, and my brother fell off a cliff.

“It was a comedy of terror. That was the most terrifying part: making the movie.”

CHARLOTTE Crosby has revealed that her one-year-old baby daughter has taken her first steps in a very sweet update.

The Geordie Shore legend, 35, took to Instagram to share the adorable news with her fans.

Charlotte posted some cute clips and captioned them: “Had some little milestones while out here. Alba officially ditched her night nappies. 5 nights and counting no nappy no accidents.

“And Pixi took her first steps! I really truly think next week we are gonna have an official little walker!

“She’s so tiny it looks so strange her taking steps. She’s definitely earlier than Alba my clever little munchkin.

“Feeling all the emotions watching them take these next steps.

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“My girls, my two little best friends.”

In a later snaps, a giggling Pixi looked adorable as Charlotte captioned them: “We caught this one step on camera last night but she did about 4 at once yesterday.”

A gorgeous snap of Alba followed with her dancing adoringly for the camera, as her proud mum captioned the clip: “I just can’t with her,” alongside a string of loving emojis.

The TV personality laid bare her life last year in the Paramount+ show, Geordie Stories: Charlotte Mam of Two.

However, Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Charlotte said: “You heard it here first. I won’t be continuing doing that one, not that exact show.

“Whether or not I have another show about my life or following my wedding, that will happen at some point when I do decide to get married, but right now that show with Paramount is parked up.”

The series showed Charlotte’s busier than ever lifestyle with a months-old baby and a toddler.

It also followed Charlotte’s romance with Jake Anker, and the ups and downs of their relationship.

The pair previously opened up to The Sun that the couple struggled financially after having their second child. 

A young Charlotte. first appeared on our screens back in 2011 as a wild 21-year-old living it up in the Geordie Shore house.

The show was a British spin-off of the American series Jersey Shore, and was set in Newcastle.

Bubbly Charlotte also made appearances on Celebrity Big Brother, Celebs Go Dating and Tattoo Disasters UK.

However, she is desperate to pull on a murderous cloak for BBC‘s The Traitors and is a massive fan of the show.

But when her agent tried to get her on series two he was told reality stars are ‘banned’.

In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Charlotte said: “I would love to do that but you do know they’ve got a no reality rule. That is a genuine fact.”

Charlotte shares her two daughters with fiancé Jake, who she got engaged to in November 2023.

Jake runs the Streamline Executive chauffeur company, with clients including David Beckham. 

The couple are very proud parents to Alba, born in 2022, and Pixi, born in 2025.

LOVE Island beauty Ella Barnes has revealed she was evacuated from Dubai airport amid Iran missile strikes.

The influencer, 25, who starred on the ITV show in 2023, took to Instagram to explain her flight had been cancelled.

Ella posted an image of the empty airport to her social media account and captioned it: “Got evacuated out of Dubai airport and my flight home cancelled.

“Guess, I’ll be staying here a little longer.”

A scared Ella, later posted snaps of missiles in the air and wrote: “Missiles in the sky.

“No this is so scary. Listen to how loud the explosion is at the end. WTF.”

thaw-blimey

Love Island’s Ella Barnes strips off to lace lingerie in the snow

glam girl

Love Island’s Ella Barnes leaves nothing to the imagination in see-through dress

However, earlier today, Ella posted a snap of her driving along a deserted highway and wrote: “We are out of here. Thanks for all the messages. Had so many”

Ella found fame in Love Island 2023, and stole Sheffield lad Mitch Taylor, 28, from his partner Abi Moores, 25, after entering the matchmaking series as a bombshell.

Ella and Love Island alum Mitch announced their split at the end of August 2023, with two separate statements on social media.

Since then, Ella has seen her screen career go from strength to strength.

She bagged a role on TOWIE as the love interest of Roman Hackett prior to their split.

She then became loved-up with her wealthy entrepreneur man Neil Farrugia after the pair made their relationship official  in 2024.

But, she split from the hunk last year as the pair struggled to find time to see each other after a year of dating.

Ella is based in Kent in the UK, while fitness fanatic Neil who previously dated fellow Love Islander Gemma Owen, lives in Malta.

On Saturday, black smoke was seen billowing across the skyline in Dubai after debris from Iran’s missile blitz across the city.

Iran launched a barrage of rockets at nations across the Middle East after vowing revenge for Trump and Israel’s huge blitz on the rogue nation today.

The United Arab Emirate’s top holiday hot spot Dubai is usually a sought after travel destination for celebrities and influencers.

In more recent-times, celebrities from the United Kingdom have been emigrating there, with many Brit celebs choosing Dubai as the place they want to bring up their families.

Sam Gowland from Geordie Shore shared how a “rocket” flew over his home.

“Right above us on the Palm in Dubai today, bloody scary, I tell you that. Never heard a noise like it before,” he penned.

He then later shared a photo of a rocket near his home, writing: “Rocket above my house wtf this is crazy.”

Love Island star Arabella Chi, who relocated from the UK to Dubai with her partner, Billy Henty, and their daughter, Gigi, in 2025, has also shared posts about the scary time she is enduring.

“Dubai friends. Scary times. Stay safe,” she penned on her Instagram stories.

Just hours before the missile strikes, Arabella and her partner were playing with their daughter in the sand.

LOTTIE Moss has revealed she’s in hospital for the second time this week, leaving fans worried.

The model, 28, who is the half-sister to Kate Moss, first revealed earlier this week that she was in hospital and shared a picture of her food in a medical boot.

However, she didn’t reveal what had happened to it.

Now, Lottie has taken to her Instagram Stories to reveal she’s back in A&E just days later.

Recording herself in the waiting area with boyfriend Themy Kalaitzis, Lottie had her hair bundled into a messy ponytail and a grey jumper on.

“Saturday dates,” art advisor Themy said to the camera, as Lottie laughed.

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She captioned the post: “Guess who’s back in A&E second time in 1 week”.

Lottie again didn’t divulge what is wrong or the reason behind her hospital visit.

However, she did seem to have a dishcloth wrapped around her hand, with Themy holding it securely on.

Just four days prior, Lottie snapped a picture of her foot in a medical boot and wrote “FML”.

The star revealed her new romance with Themy last month, with the pair posting loved-up Instagram Stories and TikTok videos since.

She was previously in a relationship with musician Evan Campbell, but they split in June 2024.

Lottie has followed in her half-sister’s footsteps with a modelling career, and was also a star of adult-only subscription site OnlyFans.

But in 2024, the star revealed she had quit the adult content website after falling out with her family over it.

She said: “I lost a lot of friends from the modelling industry.

“My mum didn’t speak to me for weeks and my family was a little bit in turmoil over it.”

BELOVED actor Robert Carradine’s death has been ruled a suicide, as tear-jerking tributes pour in for the late star.

The Lizzie McGuire lead tragically died on Tuesday following a decades-long battle with bipolar disorder.

Citing the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, Page-Six reported the cause of Carradine’s death was sequelae of an anoxic brain injury resulting from hanging.

Sequelae are conditions resulting from a prior disease, injury, or attack.

Robert’s body has been released to his family.

“It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,” the family said in statement announcing the heartbreaking news.

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“In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him.

“We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby’s valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder.

“We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness.”

Older brother and fellow actor Keith Carradine added that the family wished to shed light on Robert’s condition and bring awareness to mental health.

Robert was first diagnosed with the illness after his brother David died by asphyxiation in 2009.

“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” Keith said.

“It is an illness that got the best of him, and I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his beautiful soul.

“He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day.

“We will take solace in how funny he could be, how wise and utterly accepting and tolerant he was. That’s who my baby brother was.”

Robert got his big break with a role in Revenge of The Nerds in 1984, starring as head nerd, Lewis Skolnick.

He went on to find a new generation of fans starring in Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire, as Sam McGuire, dad of the title character.

His co-star Hilary Duff released a heartbreaking tribute to the actor, writing that she “always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents”.

She wrote in a tearjerking Instagram post: “This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend.

“There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents.

“I’ll be forever grateful for that. I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering.

“My heart aches for him, his family, and everyone who loved him.”

Robert’s daughter, Ever Carradine, shared an emotional statement on Instagram, writing that the late actor “was all heart”.

She wrote: “My sweet, funny dad, who’s only 20 years older than I am, who never missed an opportunity to drive me to the airport or tell me how much he loved my homemade salad dressing, is gone.

“Whenever anyone asks me how I turned out so normal, I always tell them it’s because of my dad.

“I knew my dad loved me, I knew it deep in my bones, and I always knew he had my back.”

Ever added: “My dad was a lover, not a fighter. He was all heart, and in a world so full of conflict and division, I think we can all take a page out of his book today, open our hearts and feel and share the love.”

Robert was born in Los Angeles to actress and artist Sonia Sorel and actor John Carradine.

He began acting as a child star, appearing in The Cowboys with John Wayne in 1972.

The late actor is survived by three children and his brother Keith, who is known for playing Tom Frank in the 1975 film Nashville.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.

IT was supposed to be the glittering triumph of Lacey M’ ‘s very short, but highly lucrative career. 

A lavish, red-carpet bash at Boxpark Liverpool, complete with DJ sets, special guests, and endless designer makeup, all to celebrate the young beauty influencer’s 12th birthday. 

But less than a month later, the glitter has well and truly settled, and the reality of internet fame has come crashing down. 

Lacey M – the self-described “Queen of Chaos” who gained 1.7 million followers since launching in 2024 – has been unceremoniously banned from TikTok.

Now, a bitter war of words has erupted online. The internet finds itself divided between loyal super-fans who believe a talented young girl’s dreams are being crushed, and deeply concerned critics who fear this is a textbook case of child exploitation in the digital age.

And if you thought a permanent ban would be the end of the drama, think again. 

Within days of her original account vanishing from the platform, lo and behold a brand-new profile – @Laceym.xandmum – popped up. 

Billed as a “joint account” and stamped “PARENT MANAGED,” Lacey is back on our screens, this time flanked by her mother, Laura, and her auntie, Natalie.

But behind the scenes, tech bosses are seething. For TikTok insiders have pulled no punches regarding the controversial comeback, warning that the family is walking on very thin ice.

One source told me: “TikTok bosses are really not happy with the way the Lacey M drama played out.”

“They take a very dim view of people trying to break their rules, particularly when the company is being scrutinised amid concerns about child safety.

“They are keeping a really close eye on this new account with Lacey and her mum Laura, and also her aunty Natalie. They are pushing their luck and TikTok are ready to step in and shut them down if they keep abusing the system. Enough is enough.”

The stark warning highlights a massive headache for social media giants as they wrestle with the dilemma of how to police the murky world of child influencers. 

TikTok’s terms of service are clear. They strictly dictate that users must be at least 13 years old to hold an account. 

Also amid politicians calling for the age to be lifted to 16, TikTok confirmed that they are launching new technology “to help us better detect people who may not be old enough to use our app.” 

‘Boiling point’

Yet, loopholes involving “parent-run” accounts have long been exploited by ambitious families eager to cash in on their children’s viral appeal.

And cash in, they have. Lacey M is not just a kid making lip-sync videos in her bedroom. She is a bonafide brand ambassador. 

She is closely tied to the wildly successful UK cosmetics giant P. Louise, run by businesswoman Paige Williams – who herself boasts 4.3 million TikTok followers on her personal and business account. 

She signed up Lacey to be an “official P.Louise Bestie”, and now the youngster even boasts her own custom makeup bundles including a Lacey In A Sticky Situation with my Bestie Box. 

The pack sells for £55 and features customisable drink cups alongside high-end cosmetics. 

For a child to be the face of a brand that also sells items with risqué names like “Bad B*tch Energy” lip kits, certainly raises some ethical questions. 

The backlash reached a boiling point following Lacey’s recent birthday extravaganza – tickets for the party cost £38, and organisers reportedly raked in £54,000 after thousands attended.

For a child to be the face of a brand that also sells items with risqué names like “Bad B*tch Energy” lip kits, certainly raises some ethical questions

Critics accused P. Louise of inappropriately sponsoring a child’s party – something she denies – and turning a young girl’s birthday into a corporate branding exercise.

Taking to Instagram, the beauty mogul was forced to address the scandal and defended her relationship with the young influencer and slammed the “assumptions” made by online trolls.

She wrote: “This is exactly what’s wrong with the internet, assumptions being made instead of truth being checked.

‘Cash cow’

“So let me be clear: I never took a penny from Lacey’s party, and I did not sponsor the event. What I did do was gift goody bags to a little girl who has shown nothing but loyalty, love, and passion for my brand over the years. She’s someone who dreams big.

“Someone who supports every launch, never misses a moment, always pays in full, and proudly shares my brand because she genuinely believes in it.”

The makeup boss went on to argue that ambition should not be gatekept by age. Then baffled fans by saying it was an issue of female empowerment rather than child safety.

She said: “That kind of dedication deserves to be celebrated, not questioned.”

“Dreams don’t come with an age limit. There is no expiration date on hope, ambition, or becoming the person you’ve always imagined. Whether you’re young or grown, you deserve encouragement, support, and people who believe in you.” 

“Supporting dreams will always matter to me. And once again, it’s disappointing to see women in business judged by a different standard, measured with a different ruler simply for showing kindness, generosity, and heart. We rise by lifting others. Always.”

She’s 12 years of age and she’s making money for her parents, for her auntie and her mom. And P. Louise is using her as a cash cow

User

While many applauded P Louise for her fiery stance, many accused her of ignoring the core issue for child safety and exploitation. 

One wrote: “I think it’s absolutely amazing that Lacey’s got banned because she shouldn’t be on here.”

“She’s 12 years of age and she’s making money for her parents, for her auntie and her mom. And P. Louise is using her as a cash cow.”

Another chimed in: “She’s twelve. Twelve year olds cannot sign contracts, fully understand brand exploitation, consent to any legal or long term digital footprint.”

“So why are we acting like she’s a 25 year old influencer who has lost her livelihood?

“She’s a child. And if she’s devastated. I do feel for her because that emotion will be real. But the responsibility, that sits squarely with the adults, parents, guardians, managers.”

And the hurt of the ban was not just felt by Lacey, but also her very large, young fanbase. One teenager named Riley, who attended Lacey’s birthday party, started a petition to get her reinstated. 

He said: “Let’s get her account back, cause honestly, she actually worked so hard for them. She’s got 1.7 million followers at the age she is. She built such, like, a community and such, like, a massive following, and we can’t let her account stay banned.” 

Others rallied to “show their support” by inundating P Louise website with orders for Lacey’s make-up bundles. 

The controversy surrounding Lacey M taps into a growing, global anxiety about ‘sharenting’ and the monetisation of children. 

I think it’s absolutely amazing that Lacey’s got banned because she shouldn’t be on here

User

Experts point out there are no limits on how many hours a child can spend filming content, no psychological support for dealing with online trolls, and crucially, no legal framework in the UK to ensure that children actually see a penny of the revenue their faces generate.

Critics point out that while Mum Laura and Auntie Natalie are officially “managing” the new @Laceym.xandmum account, it is ultimately Lacey’s face, Lacey’s personality, and Lacey’s childhood that is being sold to the masses. 

For now, Lacey and her mum are continuing to post on their new joint account, which has amassed 50,000 followers in a week, while trying to stay one step ahead of the moderators. 

But with insiders saying TikTok are “ready to step in and shut them down,” the clock is ticking.

ACTRESS Anya Taylor-Joy looks simply the vest as she styles things out on a night out.

The Queen’s Gambit star, 29, wore the white strappy top with a green satin skirt.

She and rocker hubby Malcolm McRae, 31, dined at the San Vicente Bungalows hotel in Los Angeles.

They were reported to have been joined at the luxury venue by The Godfather star Al Pacino, 85, as well as Deliverance actor Jon Voight, 87.

We revealed earlier this month how the crowbar-wielding robber who tried to smash into Anya Taylor-Joy’s bedroom as she barricaded herself inside has been jailed.

Kirk Holdrick, 43, was one of two masked men who smashed their way into the luxury property in London.

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RAID HELL

Thug tried to smash into Anya Taylor-Joy’s bedroom as she locked herself inside

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Taylor-Joy’s husband Malcolm McRae confronted the intruders before barricading himself and his wife inside one of the bedrooms.

The robbers then tried to prise open the door with a crowbar during the terrifying raid in February 2023.

McRae was armed only with a lamp to defend himself but managed to scare the thieves off by shouting out: “I have a gun, I have a gun.”

They fled empty-handed but nine days later, Holdrick, who dated Towie star Hannah Voyan, tied up a mum and her daughter at gunpoint in another raid in Sandbanks, Dorset.

Holdrick was jailed for life in 2005 for armed robberies on a security van transporting cash and a jewellers.

He was recalled to prison to continue serving his life sentence after his latest offences and, last November, he was jailed for 12 years for the Sandbanks robbery.

Holdrick has now been handed a further three-year prison sentence for the burglary involving Taylor-Joy and her husband.

ALL Saints star Melanie Blatt says taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special stripped away her confidence.

The 1990s girl group singer, 50, said she did not feel comfortable in the flowing yellow dress she wore, which she said made her “look like custard”.

Speaking to Good Housekeeping UK she said: “I felt extremely vulnerable.

“It’s taken me 50 years to feel as good as I have ever felt about myself and Strictly stripped it away from me. Nothing dodgy went on — I think they’re on their best behaviour — but I just didn’t feel comfortable in a dress.”

Mum Mel and her professional dance partner Kai Widdrington finished fifth out of six couples after performing an American smooth in the telly extravaganza.

It was won by TV host Scarlett Moffatt and Vito Coppola, who got a perfect 40 score for their cha-cha-cha.

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Despite finishing second from bottom, Mel and Kai scored 36 out of 40 and she was hailed “fabulous” by judges Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.

Mel had been tipped to take part in the full series this autumn but her comments suggest there is no way back.

Yet following her Christmas Day dance on the BBC One show, watched by 7.75million at home, Mel told host Tess Daly: “I really enjoyed it.

In a telling remark, she added: “It’s been amazing yet challenging, getting out of my comfort zone, having to wear a dress, having to look like custard . . . all of these things.”

A source insisted that Mel had taken her own dress which was “styled and adjusted” by the Strictly costume team to her specifications.

They added: “Strictly would never make anyone wear something they felt uncomfortable in.”

Mel, who had five No1 singles with All Saints, revealed last year that she was serving burgers at a North London boozer.

She is no longer in the pub but wants to start a new career in the food industry.

Mel, who performed in All Saints with Shaznay Lewis and sisters Nicole and Natalie Appleton said: “The main thing I want from life is peace and happiness.

“My dream is to do a cookery book or have my own cookery programme, something like ‘Cheeses of the World’. I will make it happen.”

• Mel’s full interview can be read now in April’s Good Housekeeping.

THE Pretty Woman star who infamously scolded Julia Roberts in the iconic scene looks very different these days.

Dey Young has made a rare appearance 35 years after starring as a rather snobby saleswomen on Rodeo Drive in the 1990 romantic comedy.

She has appeared in over 100 movies and television programs throughout her career, but is perhaps best known for her Pretty Woman stint, alongside Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

The actress, who is now 70-years-old, was seen on a leisurely Sunday morning stroll with her pooch by her side.

She and her dog were strolling along the sidewalk in Los Angeles.

Dey looked chic but kept things simple in a red zip-up, black trousers, and a burgundy colored cap. 

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As she walked her dog, which was on a leash, the actress also donned some sunglasses and wore her phone on a lanyard across her body.

In Pretty Woman, Dey’s character works at a swanky shop on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

Julia Robert’s character of Vivian Ward works as a prostitute and goes shopping with her client’s credit card.

When she walks into Dey’s character’s shop, the saleswoman tells Vivian they don’t have clothes for her.

Vivian later goes shopping elsewhere before returning to the snobby shop to tell them “big mistake” after splashing hundreds of dollars.

Despite having long been in the business, Dey isn’t slowing down.

She currently has two projects in the works.

Dey previously spoke about her Pretty Woman role.

Speaking to Today in 2021, she said, “I never knew that this movie would be as big as it was, or that this scene would be so iconic.

“I really think the reason is that it’s a moment a lot of people can relate to it.”

Before her Pretty Woman stint, Dey had taken on roles in the likes of Rock ‘n’ Roll High School and Strange Behavior.

She wasn’t planning to audition for Pretty Woman until a chance encounter.

“Alan Thicke and I were friends and he invited me to a tennis party,” she said.

“I got paired with up Garry Marshall.

“We ended up winning our match, and that was a really fun thing. At the end of it, Alan told him I was an actress and (Marshall) was like, ‘Oh, really? Well, you know, I think I might have something for you.’”

She then went on to audition for the film, which was in fact originally called 3,000.

The reason the movie was originally titled 3,000, was because that was the amount negotiated for Julia Robert’s character’s rate.

FANS of Benny Blanco have been left feeling queasy after noticing a “disgusting” detail from his new podcast.

On Tuesday, the musician – who is married to Selena Gomez -launched his new multimedia podcast, Friends Keep Secrets; but fans were more taken by the host’s hygiene than the show itself.

Just minutes into the first episode, which features Benny and his co-hosts Lil Dicky and Kristin Batalucco, the record producer kicked back on a couch with no socks on.

And fans quickly noticed that he the soles of his feet appeared dirty, quickly taking to social media.

“EW! benny, get off the couch and go take ,a shower. you’re not a toddler,” wrote one fan to X.

Another horrified user said: “The fact that his feet are ACTUALLY that filthy makes me sick to my stomach like selena girl what’s going on”.

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“Yikes! That’s definitely a “don’t look down” moment.

Sounds like Benny Blanco didn’t expect his feet to make a cameo on the podcast. The joys of live recordings sometimes the unexpected gets all the attention!,” said a third.

“Benny blanco go wash your damn feet,” simply echoed another.

With Benny’s feet garnering more attention that the podcast itself, others shared messages directly for his wife Selena.

“How is Selena dealing with this?” one social media user said.

One even went as far to say: “Selena needs to divorce him and find someone better”.

Benny and his co-hosts are set to welcome a string of A-listers on the new podcast series, with the producer teasing that Selena will also come onto the show.

The couple have been together since June 2023 and married back in September.

At the time, we reported how they hosted their guests at the luxury El Encanto Hotel in Santa Barbara, and held their ceremony at a residence nearby.

Before things turned romantic, the couple actually knew one another for over a decade – meeting back in 2008 when Selena was beginning her career.

The pop star previously had a very public romance with Justin Bieber, before dating The WKEND for around a year.