show biz

OLIVIA Attwood has a lot to celebrate – she has cracked the luxury drinks market. Her booze brand Savano is now being stocked in Selfridges as part of a seven figure acquisition.

But we can reveal that behind closed doors, the 35-year-old has found herself in hot water after the truth about the brand was revealed.

The reality star has been subject to complaints to the advertising watchdog ASA for glamorising smoking and drinking in controversial ads.

This summer, Olivia launched Savano, marketing it as a premium, ready-to-drink canned cocktail brand. 

Promoted heavily across her Instagram and TikTok to her 3.2 million followers, Savano was positioned as the ultimate beverage accessory, inspired by Olivia herself. 

Fans have naturally rushed to support what they believed was Olivia’s brand-new, ground-up entrepreneurial venture.

But there was one crucial piece of information that some followers felt Olivia had withheld.

Savano is not an entirely original creation dreamt up by the reality star. Instead, it is actually a strategic relaunch of an already existing product line called Tom Savano.

And we can reveal that she has gone a step too far when it came to pushing the product – the Advertising Standards Authority received a number of complaints over two social media posts which they said made out smoking was cool and alcohol has “therapeutic qualities”.

A celebrity endorsing a product on Instagram is obviously allowed, but they have to make it clear that it is a paid-for advert and usually use the hashtag #ad.

Even after the ASA complaint involving her ‘informally resolved’, Olivia has still got posts up without the #ad hashtag.

In one post, she’s seen crouching down next to a pool with a can of Savano, captioned: “wtf my horoscope keeps telling me to go off the rails”. 

While in another, she’s sunbathing on a luxury yacht with another can in her hand. 

Plus, one shows her in a bikini with just her cleavage and bikini top showing with a Savano can in front and the caption saying: “Boating with my baby @savano”.

A spokesperson said ASA was forced to intervene for this glamorisation.

A statement said: “We received complaints about two Instagram posts on Olivia Attwood’s account promoting Savano drinks.

“The complainants challenged whether the posts were irresponsible by glamourising smoking, implying that alcohol had therapeutic qualities and encouraging styles of drinking that were unwise.

“They also challenged whether the posts were obviously identifiable as ads.”

As Olivia was compliant with ASA, the situation was “informally resolved” without any further action.

A statement added: “We approached the advertiser about the issues that had been raised and they agreed resolve these issues without being subject to a formal ruling.

“Because of this we closed the case informally, without the need for a formal investigation.”

Olivia has even roped new man Pete Wicks in to help plug the brand – she shocked her followers as she posted images of herself with her legs wrapped around him – with a Savano in hand.

An insider commented: “It was a masterclass in marketing. Olivia is being as open as ever with her life and is being very business savvy at the same time. 

“Some people might find it a bit icky that she’s using her new romance to promote her brand, but it just makes sense for her.”

This sudden, intense oversharing has fascinated her followers and relationship experts. 

Celebs Go Dating expert Dr Tara Suwinyattichaipor said: “It could be because it’s good PR but also to claim their love and the strength of their relationship with the public unapologetically. It’s not a bad sign to want to show off your partner when you’re deep in love!”

Savano is not an entirely original creation dreamt up by the reality star. Instead, it is actually a strategic relaunch of an already existing product line called Tom Savano.

Founder James Kerslake sold his brand in March of this year to UK drinks producer Babco International for an undisclosed amount.

And just four months later, Olivia announced Savano to the world.

The brand had undergone a facelift, dropping the “Tom” for a punchier, simplified name, and brought Olivia on board as a celebrity partner to front the glossy new image.

Celebrity endorsements and partnerships are par for the course in the influencer world, but  many felt the marketing made it appear as a solo passion project built from scratch. 

My business insider said: “Everyone was a bit miffed when Olivia bought out Savano, with no mention of it already being a brand.

“It’s done really well but it’s perhaps less surprising considering it was already well established and sold in Sainsburys.

“The original founder put his blood, sweat and tears into it before selling it on. He of course had no idea that Olivia would be taking over and becoming the face of it all.

“It’s all been a whirlwind for everyone involved but people are wondering why Olivia hasn’t mentioned it’s past. It all feels a bit cloak and dagger.”

James Kerslake launched Tom Savano in 2018 and was making six figures in profits while still doing his day job. 

Business owner – named Fran Gresswell who owns Riviera Iced Tea – shared a video on TikTok regarding Savano’s origins. 

Fran told us: ‘When Olivia announced Savano the name instantly reminded me of Tom Savano cocktails. A few weeks later the parent company who purchased Tom Savano announced they had launched Savano so I put it together. 

“This is often the case with celebrity brands who partner with companies who will operate the brand for them and often hold a significant or majority stake. It’s something I think people are often unaware of! I think it’s a genius marketing move by Babco International to bring Olivia onboard.”

Fans were outraged, with one commenting: “How is she sat there saying it’s been in the works for a year it’s MY cocktail brand when it’s literally an established brand with the same flavours lmaoooo. Very disingenuous.”

Another added: “The lack of transparency is disappointing tbh.”

While someone else commented: “I just don’t like the way she’s promoting it as if she invented it. They basically rebranded it and they taste exactly the same.”

But not taking this lying down, the successful businesswoman hit back and set the record straight.

“My brand, Savano, my baby. It was acquired by my partners, it existed as Tom Savano, and then with me, we relaunched it,” Olivia told her fans in an Instagram video.

“We re-marketed it, we renamed it, we repackaged it, and we developed signature flavours. For example, my Moscow Mule. Guys, do you even understand how many Moscow Mules I had to drink to get that right? And it’s perfect.

“With me as the majority stakeholder and my team working seven days a week on my baby, in a matter of months, we have made Savano a household name.” 

Cheers to that!

TOWIE’S Jordan Brook has revealed his brain will be damaged forever as he gave fans an emotional health update following his meningitis battle.

Earlier this year, the 31-year-old told how he had been diagnosed with viral meningitis and encephalitis and spent weeks in hospital after falling ill.

Jordan faced a terrifying battle to survive for his unborn child – as the virus attacked his brain, leaving him unable to speak or walk.

Now Jordan has given fans a new health update after looking over his MRI scans at a follow-up appointment.

He said: “It’s a real and bittersweet feeling when you see a picture of your brain and you see that there is damage there that will be there forever.

“I’m so proud of myself and how far I’ve come and really feel that I’m making that recovery. I’m almost at the six months mark now, which is a huge milestone in brain recovery.”

Read more on Jordan Brook

tough time

Sophie Kasaei recalls awful moment partner Jordan BEGGED to be put into coma

tough time

Emotional Jordan Brook recalls suspected brain cancer diagnosis amid meningitis

Speaking about the scan pictures, Jordan continued: “Imagine breaking your leg or your arm… you will always see that scar on your body and this is one unfortunately you can’t see it, it’s in the head.

“It’s just a reminder about how bad these infections can be on the brain and that they can affect anyone.

“I’m doing everything I can do in my power to help people and raise awareness. I’ve got a lovely charity that I’m working closely with, we’re gonna do some amazing things.”

“I’m so determined to be me, I’m feeling like Jordan again. The energy is high, just got to keep going and fighting through this,” he added.

Jordan captioned the post: “I’ve just come out of another follow-up appointment and today I got to see my MRI and the scarring that’s been left on my brain.

“I won’t lie, seeing it was hard to take. But if this journey has taught me anything, it’s how resilient we really are.

“There are good days and difficult ones, but I’m still here, still recovering and still moving forward.”

One fan wrote: “You are an amazing human been through so much staying positive always is key keep going Jordan take care of yourself.”

Another fan penned: “You have come a long way and have achieved so much. Seeing how poorly you were to where you are now is testament to you.

“Enjoy your family with Soph and Brody. Onwards and upwards Jord!”

Jordan recently fought back tears as he recalled the scary moment doctors suspected he had brain cancer.

After going through a lumbar puncture – a procedure in which spinal fluid is drained and examined in a lab – doctors told him they were considering the possibility that he might have had brain cancer.

During an episode of By the Brook podcast, which he hosts with his girlfriend Sophie Kasaei, Jordan said: “Obviously, the doctors have to give you the worst case scenario.

“That’s when the doctors said, ‘We can’t rule out brain cancer.

“Now, to hear that when you’ve got your girlfriend sat next to you who’s seven months pregnant with a baby you’ve waited for so long…”

Jordan added: “You never want to hear that about your kids. Sophie’s holding my kid.

“You never want to hear about your partner. It was the worst time of our lives ever.”

ZOE Saldana made a sheer statement as she went braless at the Saint Laurent show in Paris.

The Hollywood star, 48, played peekaboo in a see-through black lace dress for a stylish Fashion Week outing.

Zoe’s daring outfit featured a spaghetti strap see through lace dress, with her black underwear visible beneath the sheer fabric.

The actor slipped a chic oversized blazer around her arms as she posed for the cameras before removing it later in the evening.

With her hair swept back into a sleek updo, the actress finished her look with sparkling silver earrings and barely there sandals.

Zoe later treated Instagram fans to a glimpse of the runway, posting a video with the simple caption: “YSL”.

STARS EMBRACE

Demi Moore, Zoe Saldana, and Cynthia Erivo hug on red carpet at Oscars event

She added Nat King Cole’s Autumn Leaves as the soundtrack, giving a nod to the changing season.

Away from the catwalk, Zoe has been keeping busy filming the hit Paramount+ spy thriller Lioness.

She plays CIA operative Joe McNamara and also serves as an executive producer on the drama, which recently aired its third series.

However, Zoe is probably best as blue-skinned warrior Neytiri in Avatar or Gamora in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy movies.

The film star also bagged her first Oscar last year, scooping best supporting actress for her role in Emilia Pérez.

Off screen, she has been married to Italian artist and filmmaker Marco Perego since 2013.

The couple have three sons, twins Cy and Bowie, 11, and Zen, nine.

AN X Factor-winning group have revealed their next gig could be their last ever, after taking a huge gamble. 

Rak-Su star Myles Stephenson took to TikTok to reveal that they had “the biggest show of their lives” coming up. 

Speaking to the camera, Myles explained: “In less than three weeks we will be doing a show on October 18th at Watford Palace Theatre and I’m a little bit nervous.” 

Myles revealed the reason behind his nerves is that they’ll be doing the show “fully independent,” with no label or management, as well as funding the entire show themselves. 

He continued: “We have put a lot of money into this, and we don’t know if it’s going to pay off, but it’s not about the money. 

“It’s about the fact that potentially this might be our last show so whatever it costs to put on the best show ever, we’re going to do that. 

Read More on Myles Stephenson

scary dash

Myles Stephenson’s baby daughter rushed to hospital after suffering a seizure

HEARTBREAK

I’m A Celeb star Myles Stephenson gives update on son’s disability

“I’m nervous because I don’t want it to be our last show, I want it to continue forever.” 

Myles went on: “We’ve been full time musicians for nine years and that’s a very, very long time and that’s a very long time for musicians in today’s age.” 

The singing star finished by saying: “If we sell out this show on October 18th, we will tour next year so don’t let this be the last time that Rak-Su ever performs, ever again.” 

Fans flooded the comments section tagging pals and saying they were excited to watch the show. 

Myles is one member of the R’n’B group Rak-Su who won the The X Factor in 2017.

Mentored by Simon Cowell, the group comprised of Myles, Rak-Su J, Ashley Rak-Su and Pharoahcious.

And Simon was not the only judge impressed, with fellow judge Nicole Scherzinger also giving the group the seal of approval.

In 2019 it was reported that the vocal group have been dropped by record label RCA less than two years after being crowned champs.

Myles, Ashley Fongho, Jamaal Shurland and Mustafa Rahimtulla went to No2 with Dimelo, featuring Wyclef Jean and Naughty Boy, when they came off the 2017 show.

But their next four singles were poorly received and they struggled to shift copies of two EPs.

A music insider said at the time: “It’s a tough time to be in pop and the buzz for Rak-Su fizzled out fast. They haven’t delivered the huge chart singles which bosses were convinced they would, despite being so popular on the show. The feeling is that their moment has passed and it’s going to be tough to revive it.”

But Rak-Su have rebuilt momentum, with a huge following on social media and now a gig to look forward to ahead of, if ticket sales go well for October, their teased tour next year. 

HEARTBROKEN Pete Wicks has urged fans to stop questioning the whereabouts of his dog and opened up about a tough loss. 

The former Towie star, 37, is famously known for his love of dogs and close bond with his own canines companions. 

In December last year Pete – who is in a relationship with Love Island star and documentary-maker Olivia Attwood – told how he was spending Christmas alone after one of his French bulldogs, Peggy, died. 

Now he’s taken to social media to ask fans to stop speculating about another one of his Frenchies, Eric, who he rescued in 2016 – sharing the sad news that he has also passed away. 

He wrote: “In the past year I have lost both of my dogs Eric and Peggy. They were 10 and 13. 

“I haven’t wanted to talk about it… they got me through the past decade and a piece of me has gone with them. 

real deal

Olivia Attwood reveals when Pete ‘fell in love with her’ – and ex will be furious

RACY SCENES

Olivia Attwood ‘tongues’ boyfriend Pete Wicks as pair get raunchy in a car

“So to those who feel like they need an explanation of where Eric is, please stop. He was my soul dog. He was my best friend. I shouldn’t have to explain my pain.” 

Such is Pete’s love of dogs that he fronted documentary series Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake in 2025 which followed him as he worked behind the scenes at Dogs’ Trust rehoming centres. 

Speaking earlier this year ahead of series three of the UKTV show, he told RadioTimes: “Whatever love you give dogs, you get back tenfold. 

“People are quite cruel. I cannot abide by people who don’t treat animals with respect. 

“I don’t understand why more people who have a bit of a platform don’t give a voice to the voiceless.

“That’s what I try to do in any way I possibly can. It means a lot to me.”

Sept. 30, 2026 3:01 AM PT

Summer mornings in the Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh are a respite from the dissonance of honking cars and construction of the capital city of Dhaka. It was a welcome change to hear chickens and the sound of … wait, was that Julie Andrews’ voice echoing over the hills?

I was visiting my home country when I heard a group of schoolchildren playing ektaras, a traditional string instrument, and singing the “Do-Re-Mi” song for their morning assembly.

I used my phone to show them a picture of Andrews. “Do you know her?” They immediately leaped in excitement. They didn’t know the composer Richard Rodgers or lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. But they knew Andrews — even though 60 years have passed since “The Sound of Music” and these children live in a remote Bangladeshi village. The recognition is evidence of something extraordinary.

Andrews is turning 91 on Thursday, and there are calls online to bubble wrap her, just in case. She is indeed a global treasure, and she has been earning plaudits and admirers for eight decades.

Andrews trained in the Italian bel canto tradition and from a young age sang challenging coloratura arias with precision, clarity and range. The bright, happy tone, perhaps a subconscious decision rather than anatomical alone, provided her respite from the doodlebug bombs that fell during her childhood in England in World War II. British critics had dubbed her as the “youngest prima donna,” a title usually reserved for opera greats, and it wasn’t undeserved. At just 12, she routinely floated high Fs above the treble staff during live performances.

Yet before opera could claim her, Broadway stepped in. From “The Boy Friend” to “My Fair Lady” and then “Camelot,” she won the hearts of theater goers and creators alike. Lyricist Alan Lerner described her as “an amazingly quick study in music … who meets any challenge with an unabated eyelid that makes you wonder how Britain ever lost the empire.”

Her voice then was so precise that the late maestro André Previn, who led the London Symphony Orchestra, proclaimed: “No one’s diction in any field of singing can come close. … You understand every syllable from the second balcony — I don’t understand how you do that.”

It’s inaccurate to romanticize her legacy in 2026 as simply nostalgic. That would overlook the depth and progressive nature of her characters. She was essentially the first female superhero on the big screen, as Mary Poppins — who could fly and create alternate realities with the snap of her heels, but whose more stunning superpower at the height of the Cold War was to charmingly portray capitalism as dangerous.

In “Victor/Victoria,” she navigated a gender-bending performance that challenged societal norms, playing a woman who impersonates a man impersonating a woman when it was taboo to speak about any layer of that. Her most overlooked and perhaps her best dramatic role was in “Duet for One,” a 1986 film about a musician who suffers from multiple sclerosis. Tragically this became a moment of life imitating art, foreshadowing her own destiny to lose her instrument after throat surgery in 1997.

Rather than retreat, Andrews adjusted and leaned into voice acting with characters like the dominant Queen Lillian in “Shrek” films, Gru’s hilariously villainous mother in “Despicable Me” and the mysterious Lady Whistledown in “Bridgerton,” for which she won an Emmy, twice.

In real life, the flying super governess fought to adopt two babies from Vietnam just after the fall of Saigon, helping to raise awareness of the need for adoptive parents. She then co-founded the Operation USA disaster relief charity and opened the Japanese wing for the United Nations Development Fund for Women.

Whether it was to support UNICEF after the devastating Bhola cyclone hit present-day Bangladesh in 1970 or jetting to Jordan and Senegal to support women’s and children’s activities, she was a quiet champion for the underserved. In her most famous role, in “The Sound of Music,” she was a savior for children being displaced by war.

Andrews is mostly out of the public eye, but her singing is eternal and accessible. YouTube is home to a trove of Andrews performances, including “This Is My Beloved” from “Kismet,” full-voiced “When You Wish Upon a Star,” from pianissimos to fortes, high B-flats and all — her classical skill shines through. These recordings remind us that beyond just the formulaic legato phrasing that singers from the Italian tradition follow, and the clear resonance, her work it set a gold standard for musical storytelling that few have surpassed since.

Julie Andrews is no longer trilling on the Alps, nor is she reprising her role as queen of Genovia in a “Princess Diaries” film, but her voice, and what it represented for more than 80 years, endures. It lives on not just in films and recordings but also ringing in the minds of children and adults alike, from her hometown of Walton-on-Thames to the Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. In an age of doom scrolling (and alarmingly low singing standards), her vast career offers a rare resonance and a continuing masterclass.

Shams-il Arefin Islam, a Yale-Berkeley College associate fellow who works on climate mitigation and adaptation, is a classically trained tenor.

ITV This Morning star Ashley James has opened up about needing surgery for her health condition.

This Morning star Ashley James has spoken about needing surgery after suffering with incontinence.

Ashley, 39, frequently appears on the ITV programme alongside the likes of Ben Shephard, Cat Deeley and Nick Ferrari. However, instead of discussing the day’s headlines on Wednesday (September 30), Ashley spoke about issues she’s been dealing with.

Over the weekend, the former Made in Chelsea star opened up about suffering with incontinence in a post on social media. She said: “Lots of you will know that since having Alf I’ve lived with various birth complications, and one of them is incontinence.”

She went on: “Our bodies go through huge, sometimes permanent sacrifices to bring children into the world, and we deserve support, not shame.”

Ashley added: “I’m still doing my pelvic floor training, still putting off the surgery, but in the meantime I’m not letting it stop me living my life.”

She was widely supported for her post, and has now opened up on This Morning about the condition. Ashley explained how she’d been in Paris to see Celine Dion with her partner, and had left her washbag on the Euro Star which contained pads.

Without them, Ashley feared she wouldn’t be able to go out, as she said: “When you experience something like incontinence, you have to plan your days and evenings around this physical thing that nobody on the outside really sees but you know can happen. I try not to feel shame or embarrassment around it.”

Ashley explained how the incontinence began after the “traumatic” birth of her son, nearly six years ago, where she had both bladder and bowel incontinence.

“The reason we are so shamed into silence, it doesn’t help anybody, it doesn’t help women. And it is something where you feel you’re the only person going through it, or you’re embarrassed,” she went on.

Ashley explained that she had prolapse after giving birth to her son, which she didn’t realise she could have so young. After she gave birth, during check-ups, she didn’t have her stitches checked and admitted she felt like an “after thought”.

But when she returned to exercising, she received a message from a physio who had treated her from pelvic girdle pain, who diagnosed her with prolapse. It was then that Ashley was told that the faecal incontinence she was suffering from was “not normal”.

She continued: “I think because of so much secrecy and mystery around birth, I just assumed, in the ‘mother and baby doing fine’ that maybe everyone goes through this but no one talks about it because it’s really embarrassing and humiliating.”

Ashley was referred back to hospital, where she discovered she’d been not stitched up all the way, as well as the prolapse, confirming she now has to have surgery.

She added: “For anyone that experiences incontinence, it’s not something you have to put up with. And I will have to have surgery.”

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX

For more information, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-incontinence/

Octavia Hughes asked for help in the days before her death. She leaves behind an eight-year-old daughter

A beloved mum and former stylist on The Voice went to the doctor three times in the days before her death, but was told she had a migraine and to go home.

Octavia Hughes died from a bleed on the brain after being rushed to hospital with stroke symptoms caused by a torn artery in her neck. The 38-year-old, known as ‘Tav’, leaves behind her eight-year-old daughter Dolly and a community of grieving family and friends.

Hospital bosses have offered their condolences to Octavia’s family and said they will “do all we can” to give them answers. Octavia, a fashion designer and owner of a popular second-hand clothing shop in Whitstable, had started getting headaches while walking at Manchester Fashion Week in early September.

She first sought medical help on September 14, when she went to her GP and was reportedly told she was having a migraine and sent home. The mum-of-one also called 111 before attending A&E at the QEQM Hospital in Margate the next day, and was told the same thing, according to friend Paula Chappell.

When her condition did not improve, she went back to A&E on September 17, but was again reportedly sent home. Her family say that the next morning, Octavia woke up with stroke symptoms and was rushed to Kent and Canterbury Hospital, where she had emergency surgery. It is understood that her stroke was caused by a torn artery in her neck.

Octavia then suffered a bleed on the brain and was transferred to King’s College Hospital in London where – despite medics’ best efforts – her family was told there was nothing they could do. Octavia’s organs were donated while she stayed on life support, and she died on September 23.

Paula said: “I think that’s what’s so horrific is that we should have never got to the point we did on Friday. By the time we got to that point, we were just on a downward spiral. She was never a complainer. She wasn’t one of those people who moan about not being well. She’d be a trooper.

“She was walking at Manchester Fashion Week the weekend before, even when the headaches had started to come on. She would never go to the GP, never complain and was definitely not someone that would go three times for no reason.”

Her sudden death has now left friends and family to care for Dolly. “They were little mini besties,” said Paula, who runs an art gallery and met Octavia eight years ago. She would feature on her socials all the time. We all adore our children, I know we do, but their bond was something I’ve never seen.

“We’ve got Dolly to look after and that’s the focus now, to try and make sure that we can get the funds so she can still do the things that Tav would have done with her. We just need to make sure there’s a small bit of financial security in the interim, whilst everything is going on, so we don’t always have to worry about finances as well.”

Paula set up a fundraiser which has already amassed more than £26,000 in donations. “I can’t believe it,” she said. “It shows us how much she was loved by people who didn’t even know her.”

Octavia studied fashion promotion at Southampton Solent University. Her first job after uni was as a stylist’s assistant on The Voice UK, before she worked for several years as a freelance TV stylist. She also ran a pub with her brother, styled e-commerce shoots and worked as an art director for major UK brands. She moved to Whitstable 10 years ago and had her daughter.

In 2019 she set up We Sell By the Sea, followed by Prelove and Reloved. This year, she opened No.86 as a home for her second-hand business in Whitstable High Street. “She’s the friend who knew everything about me,” said Paula. “She’s the one who knows my secrets, the one I would message a hundred times a day.

“She changed my life. I’m not by any means an introvert and I’m quite outgoing, but we danced and we laughed harder and louder together than I ever have with anyone.

“She was loved by everyone. It’s left a hole in all of our hearts, and we will miss her forever.”

A spokesperson for East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust, which runs the QEQM and Kent and Canterbury Hospital, said: “We offer our sincere condolences to Octavia’s family. We will do all we can to answer their questions and will also work with the coroner to understand the circumstances of Octavia’s death.”

You can donate to the fundraiser here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-dolly-through-this-unbearable-loss?cp_src=d

The Targaryens are looking to conquer the summer box office.

“Game of Thrones: Aegon’s Conquest” will hit theaters June 1, 2029, according to Deadline. The movie, written by “House of Cards” showrunner Beau Willimon, will reportedly be directed by Owen Harris. Harris directed three episodes of the “Game of Thrones” spin-off “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.”

Additional details, including the movie’s story, have yet to be revealed. The title hints that the film will follow Aegon the Conqueror, who, along with his sister-wives Visenya and Rhaenys, invaded Westeros and conquered most of the Seven Kingdoms with the help of their dragons, Balerion, Vhagar and Meraxes.

Following his victory, King Aegon I became the first monarch to rule Westeros from the Iron Throne and the founder of the Targaryen dynasty. The conquest took place around 300 years before the events of “Game of Thrones” and is detailed in George R.R. Martin’s book “Fire & Blood.”

“Aegon’s Conquest” would mark the first time the original Aegon is depicted on screen, but the “Game of Thrones” franchise has featured multiple Aegon Targaryens over the years.

Aegon’s descendants revere the Conqueror so highly that he has numerous prominent namesakes. The Targaryen war of succession at the center of “Game of Thrones” prequel series “House of the Dragon” was sparked by the coronation of King Aegon II (portrayed by Tom Glynn-Carney), the younger half brother of the actual heir, Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy). Rhaenyra also named one of her children Aegon.

Young Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), one of the central characters in “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” is eventually revealed to be the missing prince Aegon Targaryen. Even “Game of Thrones’” beloved Jon Snow (Kit Harrington), believed to be a bastard of House Stark, turned out to actually be a Targaryen named Aegon.

The true crime documentary will return to screens sooner than you think

Channel 5’s gripping true crime series will return with new chilling episodes – and it’s coming sooner than you think.

First aired in 2023, Murder Scene: The Incident Room is a true crime series that explores real-life murder investigations across the UK, but with a twist. The investigations are told through the eyes of real detectives who worked on the cases.

The series, which has seen two seasons so far, plunges viewers into the centre of police investigations, revealing how officers gather evidence and make critical conditions. Channel 5 has teased: “Inside the nerve centre of murder inquiries, revealed through the detectives themselves.”

Featuring first hand accounts as well as heartbreaking interviews with family members of the victims, the series also shows real archive footage as well as using reconstruction sequences.

Murder Scene: The Incident Room will return to Channel 5 tonight (September 30) with yet another harrowing case. Airing at 8pm on Channel 5, the brand new episode will transport viewers back to a horrific event on Christmas Eve in 2022.

Taking viewers behind the scenes of a murder investigation, tonight’s episode will explore the heartbreaking murder of 26-year-old Elle Edwards, who was killed by a gunman armed with a submachine gun outside of a pub in Wirral, Merseyside.

After firing the weapon into a group of people on Christmas Eve, the gunman fled the scene as CCTV revealed this was not a random act, with detectives working around the clock for justice.

An official synopsis reads: “The Incident Room is the place where Britain’s toughest murder cases are cracked. Behind closed doors, detectives work against the clock, piecing together the clues, chasing down suspects, and searching for the breakthrough that will bring a killer to justice.”

About tonight’s episode, it continues: “Christmas Eve 2022: a packed pub, a burst of gunfire. Within seconds, six people are shot outside the Lighthouse Pub in Wallasey.

“Twenty-six-year-old Elle Edwards dies at the scene. A gunman armed with a military-grade machine gun has opened fire on innocent bystanders – and he’s still out there.

“CCTV reveals this was no random act. As pressure mounts, a crucial breakthrough changes the direction of the case, triggering a nationwide manhunt for a dangerous and desperate fugitive.

“This is the story of a community shattered, a family devastated, and the relentless pursuit of a killer who believed he could disappear into the night.”

New episodes will air every Wednesday on Channel 5, with the next instalment dropping on October 7 at its usual 8pm slot. Episodes can also be streamed on Channel 5 online. Previously praising the show, one person said episodes were “too good to miss” as another admitted it was a “must watch”.

Murder Scene: The Incident Room returns tonight at 8pm on Channel 5

The case against the woman who authorities allege fired multiple bullets at pop singer Rihanna’s Beverly Hills mansion can move forward, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Florida woman Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, 36, was deemed mentally competent by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Maria Cavalluzzi, meaning the criminal case can proceed after a competency evaluation delayed it for more than four months.

Case documents with Ortiz’s psychiatric evaluations were marked as confidential and sealed.

Officials allege that she put “numerous lives at risk” on March 8 when she drove a white Tesla to Rihanna’s neighborhood and fired about 20 rounds from an assault-style rifle. Rihanna, her partner A$AP Rocky and their three young children were home at the time.

Police discovered bullet holes or impacts on the exterior of the gate of Rihanna’s residence, a fence, the front windshield of an Airstream trailer, a patio area and on the exterior wall of a nursery room, according to a police document reviewed by City News Service.

At the time of the shooting, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky were inside the trailer, and their kids were inside the nursery room, according to reporting by the Associated Press.

Ortiz is facing 14 felony counts, including one count of attempted murder, 10 counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and three counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling, vehicle or other target, court records show.

Ortiz had several prior arrests in her home state, The Times has reported. She was involved in a bankruptcy case in 2013, arrested on suspicion of careless driving in 2021, and arrested in 2023 on suspicion of domestic violence and battery.

Though she had no known affiliation with Rihanna, Ortiz often posted on social media about celebrities. In February, she shared a meme alleging Rihanna had AIDS and tagged Rihanna in a post on Facebook telling her to “say something to me directly instead of sneaking around.”

Another hearing is set for Wednesday morning at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, court records show.

City News Service contributed to this report.

MEGAN Thee Stallion has stripped down to a tiny black thong and bra top while announcing she’s performing at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

The racy rapper, 31, will soon show her recent ex-boyfriend Klay Thompson, 36, what he’s missing when she performs at the very sexy fashion show.

“Hotties, my dream has finally come true,” Megan told fans Tuesday when announcing the news on social media.

She added: “I’m in thee Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

“Tune in October 18 to see me get my wings.”

Fans can tune into the live fashion show on October 18 via YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

MEG-A SEXY

Megan Thee Stallion suffers wardrobe malfunction in completely see-through dress

In the video accompanying her announcement, Megan could be seen rocking black thong panties and white bra top as she danced around.

Reacting to Megan’s news of her VS Fashion Show performance, one person said: “REAL LIFE ANGEL IS GETTING HER WINGS.”

Another added: “Sexy & sensual moment.”

While a third wrote: “GO MEG.”

And a fourth said: “ITS BEEN OVER DUE QUEEN!!!! You’ve been on a run! Cultural ICON.”

Megan previously said she was keen to become a Victoria’s Secret angel.

Back in 2011, the rapper took to X, formerly Twitter, and penned: “I swear ima b a victoria secret model when I grow up.”

Megan is keen to show ex-boyfriend Klay what he is missing, following their recent break-up, which was plagued by cheating rumours on his part.

In June, the star took to Instagram and appeared to call out her unfaithful ex.

Megan wrote: “Cheating, had me around your whole family playing house… got ‘cold feet’.

“Holding you down through all your HORRIBLE mood swings and treatment towards me during your basketball season now you don’t know if you can be ‘monogamos’ ????

“B**** I need a real break after this one.. bye yall.”

Despite his expressions giving the game away at all times, he still fancies being a traitor and says he has ‘no qualms’ when it comes to killing his friends

Rob Beckett has confessed he is facing an uphill struggle when it comes to The Celebrity Traitors – because he is unable to hide his true feelings.

The comedian, who fronts a TV series with fellow player Romesh Ranganathan, is aiming to emulate the comedy deflection tactic used to perfection last year by winner Alan Carr.

“I think I’ll be good at deflecting with humour naturally because that’s what I’ve been trained to do,” he said. “My problem is that you know what I’m thinking by looking at my face. I think I’m in trouble, because I tell everyone everything with my expressions alone.”

Speaking before the series was filmed in May, Rob said his strategy was to make decisions in real time as the game unfolds. “Do trust your gut in the moment because you can overthink and over prepare, and then what I’ve got is panicked rehearsed lines – and that’s not just in this game. In life, the best things I’ve ever said have never been planned.”

The comic, from south London, says for him and some of the other players, the show is a full-circle moment. “I think I’ll just find the whole scenario hilarious because it’s so surreal to be around that group of people.

“Romesh, obviously everyone knows we’re such good friends, but Joe Lycett and James Acaster, I did gigs with them nearly 20 years ago, in pubs in Soho in front of eight people, and now all of a sudden we’re in this situation. So, it’s quite a reflective moment to consider this journey we’ve all gone on to now be on the biggest show on TV.

“Everyone wants to be on it, and we’re very lucky to be here, and to be here with friends and people that I’ve come through the ranks with and been able to confide in over the years. It’s quite nice to see all of us here as grown-ups.”

Dad-of-two Rob, 40, reckons he’d make a good Traitor, but is happy to leave the decision to presenter Claudia Winkleman. “I’d happily be either. Claudia and the producers are the experts in this, not me, but I’m very happy to do both, and I’ve got no qualms about killing people off.”

If he does end up as a Traitor, however, he does worry about giving him away immediately. “I could be the fastest Traitor out in history. I’ll probably just get a tap of the shoulder and get up and go: ‘You’ll never guess what just happened to me!’ and off I go. You’ll never know until you get in there.”

Rob’s hoping that his many years as a stand-up will help him to survive. “Being on stage is like being at the Round Table. You’re performing to an audience. And you’re having to say things to get them to behave in a certain way.”

Fellow player Joanne McNally reckons the six comedians who’ve signed up for this year’s show would “absolutely kill each other off” if necessary.

To see more of the stories you love from The Mirror and to find them easily in Google then make us your preferred source. Free and easy-to-do, just click on the link here to find more from The Mirror at the top of your feed.

Arguing that the group will happily double-cross each other for entertainment, she insisted they hadn’t spoken beforehand. “We haven’t been in cahoots at all,” Joanne insisted. “There’s been no chatting because we know that we’re more than willing to throw each other under the bus. It’s not like we’re making fake allegiances. They are professional entertainers, and they will absolutely kill each other off for the craic.”

The other comedians taking part are James Acaster, Joe Lycett, Miranda Hart, Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan.

Asked about signing up for the series Joanne, 43, quipped that she wanted to improve her social circle, laughing: “It’s all about the celebrity WhatsApp group. And what an eclectic cast we have. Like, you couldn’t predict it. It’s like lining up all my ex-boyfriends. There’s no consistency to it at all. I love it. It’s so frantic. It kind of has a bit of everything.”

Aiming to be chosen as a Traitor, “quietly competitive” Joanne insisted she had the necessary skills. “I’m great at spotting lies. I can read body language, and I’ve dealt with a lot of snakes,” she said.

She prepared by having a makeover. “I got six packs of hair extensions put in. I have some skills but hair and makeup is not one of them.” Joanne now believes she could have what it takes to go all the way to the end. “I have this feeling I’ll either be out within seven minutes, or I’ll end up going the distance.”

Heartstopper actor Sebastian Croft, 24, is hoping to fly under the radar. “To be with a bunch of my heroes in a castle with Claudia is wonderful,” he declared. “I’m very much hoping that the fact that most of the cast don’t know me will work to my advantage.”

He has prepared by asking the universe for advice. “I went to see a lady who read my tarot, my astrology, crystals, the lot! I couldn’t possibly tell you any of it, it would ruin what’s going to happen.”

Sebastian is hoping to become a Traitor – ideally alongside actor pal Bella Ramsay. “I love Bella! Imagine us in the turret together. That would be the dream.”

YouTuber and boxer King Kenny, 29, is on a mission for justice after his pal Niko Omilana was the first to be banished in last year’s show. “I’ll be honest, after Niko went out last year, I stopped watching,” he said. “But when I heard I was going to play this year I got determined to do this for Niko and avenge him.”

The first season of The Celebrity Traitors aired on the BBC last autumn and was watched by 15million people across the series, the biggest TV audience of 2025.

– The Celebrity Traitors starts on October 1 at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.

ROB Beckett regularly turns family life into comedy, but his wife Louise Watts has been sharing her side of the story too.

She has swapped the classroom for the bookshelves, becoming a bestselling author with her frank take on parenthood.

Rob Beckett is currently on our screens as the new host of Channel 4 reality show Tempting Fortune, taking over from Paddy McGuinness for its third series.

The show returned on September 22, 2026, with 12 strangers trekking for 13 days through the Malaysian jungle, hoping to protect a £300,000 prize pot from costly temptations.

He is about to swap the jungle for a Scottish castle as one of 21 famous faces taking part in the second series of The Celebrity Traitors.

Claudia Winkleman’s BBC hit returns on October 1, 2026, with Rob joined by stars including Michael Sheen, Maya Jama, Miranda Hart and James Blunt.

TO THE RESCUE

Inside mystery of missing Sir Ranulph Fiennes as celebs unite to find truth

MAYA’S MESSAGE

Celeb Traitors’ Maya Jama says she’s been ‘blindsided’ by liars in the past

Who is Rob Beckett’s wife Louise Watts?

Louise Beckett (nee Watts), who also goes by Lou, previously worked as a secondary school history teacher.

The pair have been married for more than a decade, which Rob revealed on a 2015 episode of Mock the Week.

Lou has spoken openly about leaving a job she loved to be a stay-at-home mum while Rob’s comedy career was taking off.

In March 2026, she told Fabulous’ No Parental Guidance podcast: “He’s been able to leave the house four days on the trot and go to work.

“You get to leave the house and go and talk to grownups. And have a shower.

“You get to be the person that you’ve always been, whereas I feel like the kind of pigeon lady from Home Alone, who’s not left the house for four weeks. 

“And I haven’t had a shower and my clothes don’t fit me.”

In her blog, Louise explained that she had stopped teaching full-time because her ulcerative colitis was particularly severe around the time they became parents.

She wrote: “I didn’t realise how much being a teacher was part of who I was until I wasn’t one anymore.

“Until the only things I really had to speak about were what Rob was doing or how the baby was.

“If I’m totally and embarrassingly honest, teaching made me feel important and suddenly that wasn’t there anymore and I felt like I didn’t have anything to bring to the table.”

But Louise also said she was grateful that Rob’s success allowed her to concentrate on getting better and caring for their baby.

What is Louise Watts’ book about?

Louise released her debut book, Lessons from a Default Parent, in February 2026, which became a Sunday Times bestseller.

It grew out of her blog post A Very Long Whinge, which she posted on March 8, 2024.

The book tackles the often overlooked work of raising children, from organising school activities to tracking everyone’s needs.

It also explores how parents can share those responsibilities more fairly.

Louise told the Daily Mail’s Life of Bryony podcast that writing it helped her explain her feelings to Rob.

She said: “I found I was able to communicate much better with Rob after writing the book.”

Do Rob Beckett and Louise Watts have children?

Yes, Rob and Louise have two daughters, but they prefer to keep their names and dates of birth private.

However, in a December 2025 episode of the podcast Parenting Hell, Rob confirmed that his kids were 10 and eight at the time.

The comedian regularly shares stories about fatherhood on the podcast he presents with fellow comic Josh Widdicombe.

Louise occasionally appears for “right to reply” episodes, giving her own take on the stories listeners have heard from her husband.

Rob recently said he wants to spend more time at home as their children grow up.

In July, he told The Sun: “I’m trying to be at home more, more relaxed.

“I’ve done quite a lot, I think I need to chill out a bit – it’s getting a bit needy isn’t it?

“I’ve got a bit of time off in autumn and I’m looking forward to being at home more and being more present. 

“Because I’m getting older and the kids are too, so I’m trying to work a little bit less and be there for them.”

Perez Hilton’s website has offered an update on the celebrity gossip blogger’s progress following his apparent August suicide attempt, revealing that he has been allowed to see his children and mother.

“They were first able to spend time together through a few video calls, and since then, Hilton has also been able to see his children and his mom a few times for short, supervised visits at the facility,” according to the site. “Seeing his children in person has meant an enormous amount to Perez. There have definitely been a lot of emotions for everyone, but being able to spend that time together has been incredibly meaningful and healing.”

Hilton, born Mario Lavandeira Jr., experienced a mental health crisis on the night of Aug. 4 in his Miami home and livestreamed himself engaging in self-harm with a box cutter and knife as followers pleaded with him to stop and attempted to contact him.

Hilton spent weeks in the hospital receiving treatment for his physical injuries before being transferred to a residential treatment program, where he could “focus fully on his mental health and recovery,” according to a family statement from earlier this month.

In August, Hilton was granted supervised visits with his children.

However, Hilton’s brother-in-law said on a podcast on Aug. 24 that Hilton had not had any contact with his kids, as “they were not allowed in that section of the facility.”

Tuesday’s update also publicized a GoFundMe fundraiser created for Hilton’s mother, Teresita Lavandeira, and Hilton’s three school-age children. The fundraiser, organized by theater producer Tom D’Angora, who has described himself as a longtime friend of Hilton’s, promised that “none of the money will be used for Perez personally.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, the fundraiser had raised about $14,000 out of its $25,000 goal. D’Angora was not immediately available for comment.

“Like any grandmother who suddenly finds herself responsible for raising three growing children, she’s also taken on significant and unexpected expenses,” the fundraiser website says. “Perez’s family and friends are helping however we can. We also wanted to give the many people who have asked how they can help a way to do so.”

The site’s Tuesday update said there was still no available timeline for when Perez would exit residential treatment.

“Communication with Perez is still limited, and we’re not able to talk to him daily,” the statement read.

But it assured that he was making progress.

“He’s continuing to work with his care team on understanding what led to his mental health crisis, recognizing warning signs, learning better ways to cope, and working through everything that brought him to this point,” according to the site.

Hilton has been a controversial media figure since the mid-2000s, when he launched a celebrity gossip blog called PageSixSixSix. After the New York Post sued him, he rebranded it to Perez Hilton, a play on socialite Paris Hilton’s name.

During its heyday, Hilton’s successful website — on which he would publish mocking posts about Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan and spread conspiracy theories about celebrity deaths — generated about 8 million page views a day, The Times’ columnist Robin Abcarian wrote recently. In 2010, he declined a $20-million offer for his website, according to reporting by the now-defunct outlet Gawker.

Jeremy Clarkson has teased a new show in the future after the success of Clarkson’s Farm as he confirms the sixth series has already been filmed

Jeremy Clarkson is teasing a new TV show beyond Clarkson’s farm, that could rival Celebrity Traitors.

The former Top Gear host, 66, started the Amazon Prime Series Clarkson’s Farm in 2021, showcasing the behind the scenes of running his farm Diddly Squat.

The show has been awarded two National Television Awards [NTAs] and become one of the most-watched series on the streaming programme.

The sixth series of the show has been filmed, as confirmed by Clarkson, with the star revealing he is looking forward to what is next outside of the famous series.

At the RTS Convention in London Clarkson said he is already thinking about what comes after Clarkson’s Farm in the changing TV landscape.

He said: “We’re currently thinking about what we’re going to do after Clarkson’s Farm, and it’s going to have to be something bigger – to stand out, to protect us from the onslaught from underneath.”

He told The Sun: “It has to be unbelievably ambitious, like, where people go, ‘What the f**k are you doing? That’s an incredible show!'”

He added that The Traitors is “a very good example”, as the second celebrity version is set to air on October 1.

“They get proper celebrities on that, and it’s a great show.”

He spoke with his daughter, Emily, and Loose Women’s Jane Moore about the changing dynamic of the TV world in the digital age.

He said: “Television has to get bigger, lose scheduling and get better.

Clarkson suggested that the “only” way television can “survive” would be to merge “the whole lot”.

He named the BBC, ITV, Sky, Channel 4, and Channel 5, and proposed a united platform called “Britfix”.

He added: “People are draining away from the industry, and it’s a huge pool of talent, and I think if we had one great big thing – Britflix, let’s call it – we could all club together and make good programmes.

“But bigger, better and fewer programmes.”

Speaking on Celebrity Traitors, the presenter said he loved the show but we wouldn’t see him sat at the round table in the future.

He said in an interview last year when asked if he would take part: “I wouldn’t in a million years. I’ve got 10 jobs already. Why would I want 11?”

He went on to discuss his former co-stars, saying: “I couldn’t see James May going on it. I could see Richard Hammond going on it, though.”

The sixth series of Clarkson’s Farm is set to land on Prime next summer, following the emotional series that focused on his recovery from a heart procedure and cancer diagnosis.

A GALAXY of stars flocked to the L’Oréal show at Paris Fashion Week — and proved they were definitely “worth it”.

Models, actresses and singers with a combined net worth of well over £2billion descended on the French capital for a string of shows.

L’Oréal Paris — whose slogan is “because you’re worth it” — kicked things off on Monday with a multi-billion-pound runway.

Guests striding the catwalk included British model and actress Cara Delevingne, US reality star and entrepreneur Kendall Jenner, Desperate Housewives’ beauty Eva Longoria and German supermodel Heidi Klum.

There was also a surprise performance from Canadian singer Celine Dion, who belted out her 2002 hit I’m Alive in the show underneath the Eiffel Tower.

Dion, worth an estimated £500million, is currently in a run of sell-out shows in Paris after suffering from a devastating neurological disorder.

DANCEFLOOR DIVA

How Katya Jones keeps Strictly scandals alive despite ‘kiss-gate’ warnings

SLIP UP

Watch awkward moment Madonna is caught lip-syncing at MTV VMAs

The annual L’Oréal display was followed by an equally lavish spectacle yesterday afternoon for the Dior show.

Barbadian singer and businesswomen Rihanna — worth an estimated £1.2billion — topped the bill, wearing a slashed black dress and shawl combo as she sat in the front row.

She was joined by Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence, The Queen’s Gambit actress Anya Taylor-Joy and Australian model Miranda Kerr — worth around a combined £200million.

British fashion legend Kate Moss was also in attendance, snapped in a pale green dress and large sunglasses as she left The Ritz for the VIP event.

The star has £55million to her name thanks to deals with countless global brands over the years including TopShop and Rimmel.

Taking place at Le Bassin Octogonal in the Jardin des Tuileries, the show saw British designer Jonathan Anderson display his spring/summer womenswear collection.

In a quirky twist, guests received a pair of polished walnuts as their invitation.

The move was a nod to Chinese culture, where rotating them in the palm is meant to bring good health, calmness, and high social status.

Bosses were no doubt relieved that nine-time Grammy winner Rihanna made it on time for the bash.

She was said to have left guests waiting more than an hour on Monday night before she arrived at the Matières Fécales SS27 show.

Other stars at the Dior event included Wicked actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, South Korean rapper and singer Hyunjin, and American-Chinese Olympic skier Eileen Gu.

Fresh from Milan Fashion Week, actress and singer Jennifer Lopez, worth around £300million, was also snapped out and about shopping in the French capital.

BROOKLYN Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz have risked running in to his parents David and Victoria.

The young couple have flown into Paris for fashion week ahead of his mum’s fashion show.

Brooklyn, 27, and Nicola, 31, have been seen walking hand-in-hand around the city of love.

Looking smitten as they wandered around, the pair narrowly avoided bumping into David and Victoria.

Brooklyn’s parents are currently in Paris, with Victoria seen taking on the most fashionable week of the year earlier this week.

Despite being in the city at the same time, Brooklyn is not expected to attend his mum’s show due to them being locked in a bitter family feud.

money talks

Brooklyn’s father-in-law behind move to make him richer than his parents

BECK-SOTTED

Brooklyn Beckham plays the doting husband to wife Nicola on Venice red carpet

Nicola and Brooklyn continue to be embroiled in the ongoing row which has now rumbled on for almost a year.

The feud heated up when Brooklyn let loose on his family in a scathing social media post in January.

Brooklyn said at the start of the year that he did “not want to reconcile” with his family, and accused his parents of “controlling” the narrative.

His initial statement read: “I have been silent for years and made every effort to keep these matters private.

“Unfortunately my parents and their team have continued to go to the press, leaving me with no choice but to speak for myself and tell the truth about only some of the lies that have been printed.

“I do not want to reconcile with my family. I’m not being controlled, I’m standing up for myself for the first time in my life.”

He then went on to recall the night of his wedding and how his mother danced in an “inappropriate way”.

Brooklyn also sent his parents David and Victoria a legal notice warning they can now contact him only via lawyers.

The extraordinary “desist” letter also instructed them not to “tag” him on social media.

Things then led to Brooklyn snubbing his father’s Hollywood star unveiling in June.

Radio personality, jazz singer and former BET host Angela Stribling died on Sunday of cancer.

Stribling “passed away peacefully at home … after a courageous two-year battle with brain cancer,” her husband, Ken Washington, posted to her Instagram account. “Her sister Darlene and I were by her side.”

A native of Buffalo, N.Y., Stribling attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and took a position with American Airlines at the Baltimore/Washington International Airport after college. She spent four years as host of BET entertainment news program “Screen Scene” and helped launch BET Jazz, hosting “Jazz Central,” “Jazz Discovery” and “Jazz Scene” for the network, according to a posting about her death by WHUR 96.3 Howard University Radio.

She worked as a reporter for “Evening Magazine” and co-host of “On Time” on Baltimore television and as a news intern at WTTG-TV and at WOL-AM in Washington, D.C., before joining WHUR-FM. That’s where she became the first woman to host “The Original Quiet Storm,” a program of “soulful slow jams and romantic melodies” that recently celebrated 50 years of being on air.

“Pillow Talk,” WHUR’s long-running late-night program hosted by Stribling, centered on relationships, conversation and music.

“Angela Stribling was a remarkable talent, but what made her truly special was the person she was,” WHUR general manager Sean Plater said in the station’s tribute. “Her voice was beautiful, her presence was calming, and her spirit was genuine. She had a way of making people feel welcome and valued, and that gift extended far beyond the radio. Angela was part of the WHUR family, and her loss is deeply felt by all of us. We will remember her not only for the incredible career she built, but for the love, kindness and light she shared with so many people.”

Stribling was also a classically trained jazz vocalist, who performed at New York City venues including the Rainbow Room, the Supper Club and the Soul Cafe. She traveled the world and shared the stage with legendary artists, including Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan.

“Her sultry voice made her a staple on radio in the D.C. area and on Sirius. She did countless voiceover work, she sang and had parts in movies. I remember her calling me when she got a role in the Eddie Murphy movie ‘Distinguished Gentlemen,’ ” former BET colleague Ed Gordon wrote on Facebook. “She was a sweet soul.”

Earlier this summer, Akriila flew to Los Angeles and played two nights at the Roxy in West Hollywood. At 22, the Chilean singer-songwriter, most identifiable by her fire engine red tresses, is one of the most visionary newcomers in the latest wave of post-urbano Latin artists.

Fittingly, Akriila kick-started her career with a trap mixtape. The most-streamed tracks on her debut, 2024’s dazzling “Epistolares,” favor a progressive reggaeton vein. She also collaborated with Milo J on “Llora Llora” — a folksy lullaby off the Argentine rapper’s masterpiece “La Vida Era Más Corta.”

“Hot gays listen to Akriila” became a celebrated slogan on social media.

Turns out she was just getting started. Released Sept. 3, her latest album, “Lucy Miró al Mundo y Notó Que Está Girando” — its title a delicious riff on Beatles lore — eschews reggaeton altogether, in favor of a hallucinogenic collage of shoegaze, electronic glitch pop and South American roots sounds.

A guidepost of Chilean hyper-pop, it is also a heart-wrenching mash of tenderness and distortion. The lyrics describe the trauma of a recent transition, after she left her father’s home and ventured to live on her own — and though she’s now an established artist signed to Atlantic Records, her music is still aching and vulnerable.

“She is a reference point for all of us in contemporary music,” says producer Diego Raposo, a Dominican tastemaker who featured Akriila on his 2023 debut album. “I believe we’re witnessing something that we’ll probably never see again. Her music reminds me of Björk, Aphex Twin, even Shakira — but it’s also incredibly fresh and original.”

A few days before traveling to London for her inaugural European tour, Akriila spoke to De Los about the seduction of second verses, her obsession with ’90s dream pop and the growing pains of living alone.

This is such a dreamlike record. Was that intentional?
I wanted it to feel not necessarily ethereal, but hazy, like you’re inside a bubble. I love the way my voice is processed, sharing the space with so many layers. It’s really cool when the vocals are part of a track instead of lying there in the center of the mix.

I was your age in the ’90s, and this album has a very strange emotional effect on me: It reminds me of what it felt like to be in my 20s, listening to dream pop for the first time.
That makes perfect sense, and it connects with a favorite exercise of mine: Every week — ideally, every day — I listen to a full album from beginning to end. I started with new releases, but then set my sights on the classics.

The Sundays’ [1990 masterpiece] “Reading, Writing and Arithmetic” was the album that opened up the space mentally for what I wanted to do. I always say that I make alternative pop. I start with something that’s catchy and easily digestible, and then mix it with sounds that feel uncomfortable. As I was starting to work on this album, I listened to the Sundays, the Cardigans, and every single record that Prince ever made.

I can definitely feel the ’90s vibe in the closing track, “Lucy.” It’s gorgeous.
That’s inspired by the Sundays’ “Gone,” and the drums sound like Cocteau Twins. I love the art of collage — stealing from different artists, but doing it my way. There are samples of PJ Harvey, Patti Smith, but also Rosalía. When I make videos, I’m always thinking of something that MTV would have played back in the day.

I keep thinking of this record as a concept album, even though the actual concept is more of a feeling than anything else.
I totally get you. It’s not an album like the Who’s “Tommy” — an actual musical that takes the conceptual deal to another level. I feel we’ve forgotten the art of making albums now that we’re so focused on playlists and TikTok. I invest a lot of effort in making my albums conceptual, since I’m not into records that are random collections of tracks. “Epistolares” was all about sending letters and dedications. The deluxe version was more sentimental. This one is a concept album for sure. I could outline in detail why every moment of the record happens when it does.

The bridge on “Abrázame” is incredibly romantic.
That bit really freaked me out in a good way. It was shorter at first, but then I asked [producer] Vinco to make it longer. Those guitars on the bridge are the most beautiful thing he’s ever done. The contradiction of “Abrázame” is that everyone kept telling me that it should continue going up and explode at the end, but I had already overused that device on “Epistolares.” So I did the opposite and gave it a happy ending. That ethereal, ambient thing at the end kills me.

Talking about songwriting devices, here’s a trademark Akriila move: A song may be moving forward, and suddenly there’s a fracture — everything breaks and decomposes. Why?
I think I have ADHD and need things to be constantly changing. I’ve tried to make songs that are plain, but I just can’t do it. My favorite part of songwriting is working on the second verse. You’ve already presented the main idea and shown what the chorus is like. On the second verse you can change the beat or the lyrics, and do anything you like. [Producer] Clemente is just like me in that respect. Sometimes we take things to the limit, and then step back. It’s one of the great things about my creative team: We’re not married to the demos. We may do five versions of the same tune until it sounds right.

Your Chilean roots shine through on “Partedemipartedeti.” I listened to those folk bits and thought: Here’s someone who grew up listening to Los Jaivas and Inti-Illimani.
When I first started obsessing about music, the stuff that I liked was all in Spanish. I listened to tons of records from Chile, Argentina and Mexico. “Carta a Mi Papá” is like a traditional balada from Chile. I stole those chords from “Quizás, Porque” by [Argentine supergroup] Sui Generis. I listened to a lot of Pescado Rabioso when I was a teen. My partner has a cassette deck in her car, and she’s always playing [Charly García’s] “Piano Bar.” I don’t identify only with Chilean music. It’s more of a música latinoamericana thing. I don’t think gringos are that good in the lyric writing department. Artists like Bandalos Chinos, Alex Anwandter and Zoé are really great composers.

Do you think you’re an old soul?
People always tell me that [smiles]. We’re a team of three; I think Clemente is a really young soul. Vinco and I are the old ones.

Before making this record, you stopped living with your dad, moved to a place of your own, and experienced a time of profound loneliness. What does your father think of the finished album?
He loves it. He is a musician himself, and it must have been hard for him when we started living apart. It was also difficult for me to get home and feel so lonely because there was no one waiting for me anymore. My dad still comes to my place once a week; he doesn’t want to bother me, so he leaves food in the reception area. It’s his way of making sure that I’m doing fine.

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Graeme Hall has been forced to defend his prior dance background on It Takes Two, after it emerged that he took part in ballroom and latin competitions

Strictly Come Dancing star Graeme Hall has addressed his dance background on It Takes Two. He was the subject of online speculation after it emerged that he had entered ballroom and latin competitions in the past.

Graeme, 60, made his live Strictly debut on Saturday 26 September, when he and Lauren Oakley danced a Cha Cha Cha and surprised fans with how rhythmical he was. Soon after, fans took to the internet to share that the celebrity dog trainer did, in fact, have dance experience.

An online record was put on social media of Graeme’s dance scores from competitions, dating back to 2013 when he competed in an Over 35s Intermediate Latin contest. His most recent competition was was in 2019, when he took part in the ballroom section of the Champions of Tomorrow competition.

Graeme was asked about his dance experience on Strictly spin off show It Takes Two. Host Ellie Taylor said: “A lot of people online have been talking about the fact that you have had sort of some dance experience – do you think that’s helping you, do you think it’s something to be considered?”

To see more of the Strictly stories you love from The Mirror and to find them easily in Google then make us your preferred source. Free and easy-to-do, just click on the link here to find more from The Mirror at the top of your feed.

Graeme answered: “It does and it doesn’t. You’re right as a hobby I did a bit of ballroom and latin and I entered a few competitions. The problem with that is, I wasn’t very good then and that was quite a few years ago.”

He added that his dance partner Lauren had to “undo all the bad things that I was doing” and put it right and indicated with his hands that their training was very up and down.

Graeme and Lauren’s first dance was to Elvis Presley’s Hound Dog and they received 24 out 40 for their routine. Fans complimented the pair on their dancing, with one writing: “I already loved Graeme and we all know Lauren is a superstar but nothing could’ve prepared me for this! What a fabulous pairing and what a great first dance. Think I’ve found my winners already.”

Another added: “This is the only dance all night that had me smiling from beginning to end! Graeme has such an ease and quiet elegance when he dances and he’s so light on his feet! He also looks like he’s genuinely enjoying himself which translates to the viewer.

“I feel so relaxed and chill watching him and so uplifted! I can’t wait to see what him and Lauren do next. I think they will be fan favourites.”

Graeme has previously coughed up to the dance experience, saying: “I have danced it before, but I’ve had a real mental block over one particular step and my leg just keeps doing something in the opposite direction to the way it’s meant to go.

“I’m convinced it’s a bit of muscle memory from 10 years ago. So it’s as much a hindrance as a help.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse have welcomed their first child together.

The new parents shared their happy life update in a joint Instagram post Monday featuring the public social media debut of their new bundle of joy.

“We took Labor Day literally this year,” Palvin wrote in the caption accompanying a photo of she and Sprouse holding their baby girl between them. The snapshot captured the family of three from the back as they watch a Dodgers game on TV while wearing matching jerseys.

The model debuted her baby bump in May at the Cannes Film Festival, where the couple posed together while walking a red carpet. They also announced that they were expecting on social media. Sprouse later shared in a July episode of his “Wildmen” podcast that they would be having a baby girl and that he was “excited to be a girl dad.”

On Tuesday, the actor once again took to his podcast to share some new tidbits about his daughter and life as a new parent.

“She’s very lovely, her name is Sylvie,” Sprouse said of his daughter. “Sylvie Sprouse. And she’s a very well-behaved baby.”

The former Disney Channel star also shared some details about Sylvie’s birth including some of the different options at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

“There’s moments when I look at Sylvie and I’m like, ‘This is the coolest thing ever,’” Sprouse said of being a new dad. “She’s looking at me and her eyes are opening … she’s looking at me and she smiles or something and it’s the cutest thing. My heart like jumps out of its chest.”

The “Suite Life of Zack & Cody” star and Victoria’s Secret model first met in 2017 and have been in a relationship since 2018. They were married in 2023.