star

Paapa Essiedu is set to appear in a ‘tender yet urgent love story’ starting on BBC One next week

The Capture favourite Paapa Essiedu is set to star opposite Siobhán Cullen, known for The Dry and Obituary, in a powerful new drama.

Babies, starting on BBC One next week, is the actor’s first role since his unexpected exit from The Capture. It comes after his character, Home Secretary Isaac Turner, was killed off just minutes into season 3, despite being a main figure on the show since 2022.

Written and directed by multi-award-winning Stefan Golaszewski (Mum, Marriage, Him & Her), Babies is a gripping, warm and urgent love story about a couple struggling through the experience of pregnancy loss.

A synopsis for the new series reads: “At the heart of the series are Lisa (Cullen) and Stephen (Essiedu), a couple in their 30s whose dream of becoming parents is tested as they endure multiple miscarriages. While confronting unimaginable grief, their bond shines through with humour, warmth, and unwavering commitment.

“Charlotte Riley (The Peripheral, Press) and Jack Bannon (Pennyworth, Pulse) also star as Amanda and Dave – a new couple navigating their own challenges and testing their compatibility. Their complex relationship, set against Lisa and Stephen’s ongoing pregnancy journey, begins to expose cracks in Stephen and Dave’s long-standing friendship.”

Describing the series, and what drew him to the scripts, Paapa said: “It’s a six-part drama about two couples who are navigating all the complications and nuances of their relationships and the process of trying for children. The characters are all in their mid to late 30s and at this new stage of life. I’ve always been a huge fan of Stefan’s work. I loved Him & Her, as well as Mum and Marriage.

“He writes with such compassion, detail, specificity, humanity and humour. Scripts with that level of complexity, depth and dimension rarely arrive in your inbox. I never thought twice about it.”

Outlining the premise of the show, writer Stefan Golaszewski, said: “It’s a love story about a couple going through the process of trying to have their first baby. Although it is not autobiographical, I have some personal experience of these issues, and I thought it was a good idea to create a show that talks about a subject that feels quite taboo, but that so many people go through in a painful secrecy. “

Describing the characters at the centre of the show, Stefan said: “Stephen is a kind, gentle soul who has some complications with his notions of masculinity. He loves Lisa very much, and has had a well-oiled problem-free life up until this point. This is his first time experiencing tragedy.

“Lisa is a funny, clever, outgoing, confident person, who again, hasn’t really had to deal with much in her life. She’s had smooth sailing throughout her youth and is now experiencing the first emotional hurdle.

“Dave is a complicated soul. He’s gotten by so far in life by not letting anything deeper than banter in but depth is starting to happen around and to him. He’s finding it hard to navigate that with his old tricks.

“Amanda has suffered great loss in her life. Her fiancé died a few years ago, and she’s now with Dave. She’s starting to step out into the world again, and she’s trying to find a new future for herself.”

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: “Babies has everything we love about Stefan Golaszewski’s work – a tender, authentic, emotional and human look at couples navigating a time in their lives that is rarely covered on television.

“It’s no surprise that this very special series has attracted such an outstanding cast, and it’s been an honour to see them bring Stefan’s scripts to life.”

All episodes of Babies are on BBC iPlayer from 6am on Monday, March 30, with the series airing on BBC One from 9pm that night.

In the summer of 2025, Walt Disney Co. executives placed a big bet on a reality TV star prone to high drama: messy personal relationships and allegations of domestic violence.

Now, Disney’s ABC network could lose at least $70 million with a nearly finished season of “The Bachelorette” sitting on the shelf.

Last week, ABC yanked this season of “The Bachelorette,” which features 31-year-old Taylor Frankie Paul, just three days before the premiere episode was set to air Sunday night. Disney pulled the plug after the emergence of a three-year-old video that showed Paul — the protagonist of Hulu’s massive hit series, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” — physically attacking her ex-partner.

Paul can be seen screaming and throwing metal chairs, one of which apparently struck one of her children who witnessed the altercation. Her onetime partner, Dakota Mortensen, recorded the video of the attack on his cellphone.

Trouble has been brewing around “The Bachelorette” for weeks as Paul was doing publicity for the show.

Draper City, Utah, police have separately confirmed an investigation into a subsequent domestic violence incident in February between Mortensen and Paul. As part of that inquiry, Paul, 31, has temporarily lost custody of the couple’s son, Ever, who turned 2 last week — the day the troubling video came out.

“Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security. After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm,” said a spokesperson.

Representatives of Mortensen could not immediately be reached for comment. In a statement to People magazine, a representative for Mortensen said that “his number one priority here is protecting” his son, Ever.

Last month, Disney requested an investigation to sort out Paul’s and Mortensen’s differing accounts of the February incident, according to people close to the situation who were not authorized to speak publicly about the sensitive situation.

The scandal has become the first big test for Dana Walden, who last week was installed as Disney’s president and chief creative officer — the day before the video showing a violent Paul was leaked to TMZ.

The episode has raised uncomfortable questions about why Disney made Paul the face of one of ABC’s marquee franchises.

It also has shined a light on the decision-making of Walden’s newly anointed ABC team: Debra OConnell, the chair of Disney Entertainment Television; Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich; and Rob Mills, Disney TV’s executive vice president of unscripted and alternative entertainment.

Disney declined to comment.

The network has not said whether it plans to eventually air Paul’s season of “The Bachelorette.”

But the network made a huge investment, paying a license fee of about $5 million an episode for the season to Warner Bros., said sources familiar with the matter. The season includes nine episodes and other programming elements, including a special that ran immediately after ABC’s Oscar telecast this month, which attracted 5.5 million viewers, according to Nielsen.

Dakota Mortensen, left, and Taylor Frankie Paul are stars of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”

(Fred Hayes / Disney)

ABC also orchestrated a huge marketing blitz — billboards for the show had sprouted around the country, social media channels were crackling and Paul appeared on ABC’s stalwart “Good Morning America,” where she discussed her role on “The Bachelorette,” where she dated nearly two dozen men in search of her soulmate.

She also acknowledged simultaneously facing domestic abuse allegations, which she called a “heavy time.”

“For me, dating as a mom of three is extremely difficult,” Paul told ABC anchor Lara Spencer. “I was like, I get to go out, get away from my toxic cycle here in Utah, go date, and also have my kids come out and visit me. That to me seemed like, why not?”

Advertisers, including Cinnabon, have also pulled back in light of the controversy.

Viewers have long been fascinated by Paul, who earned notoriety on TikTok and formed a community there called MomTok. Her combative relationships added to the intrigue.

Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” has been a massive hit, developing a loyal following and an alternative to the “Real Housewives” franchise on the rival network, Bravo. A clip from the show was included in a Disney video montage of movies, TV shows and other headlining attractions shown to investors last week.

Mills and other Disney executives who oversee ABC and Hulu programming had been looking for ways to reinvigorate “The Bachelor” franchise, and they had taken notice after fans latched on to a playful video that Paul had posted on TikTok, expressing her desire to join the long-running ABC show, which is produced by Warner Horizon.

Comments posted about Paul’s video were intriguing, particularly for viewers who said that they would return to watch “The Bachelorette,” if it featured her.

“I flew out to Utah and met with her and she was serious [about joining],” Mills told The Times two weeks before the controversy. “Then I sent her roses the next day and said, “Would you be ‘The Bachelorette’ and the rest is history.”

Disney recognized that Paul’s relationship with Mortensen was messy.

Disney executives were aware of the altercation in 2023 and briefly debated internally whether to move forward with Paul in a prominent role in “Mormon Wives,” according to a source close to the situation but not authorized to comment. Paul is an executive producer on that show.

The first episode of the first season of “Mormon Wives,” which debuted in September 2024, featured Utah police bodycam footage from the February 2023 fight that was the subject of the just-released video.

The final moments of the most recent season ended with Paul and Mortensen sleeping together again, the night before she was scheduled to fly to L.A. to begin filming “The Bachelorette.” She missed her initial flight, but took a later flight.

Disney also has paused filming on “Mormon Wives” during production of its fifth season.

Over the show’s four-season run, there have been tensions among the castmates, which accelerated as Paul and the other wives pursued fame in other venues, including on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

When the recent allegations of domestic violence surfaced, castmates expressed concerns about working with her, which contributed to the decision to hire an outside law firm to investigate.

The firm was hired, at Disney’s request, by the show’s production firm, Jeff Jenkins Productions, based in Sherman Oaks.

Times Staff Writer Yvonne Villarreal contributed to this report.

KELLY Osbourne has “split” from her Slipknot star fiance – just seven months after his romantic proposal as she continues to battle her grief.

The daughter of Sharon and late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne got engaged at her dad’s father’s final ever Black Sabbath gig back in July.

Slipknot rocker Sid Wilson, 48, got down on one knee and popped the question backstage in an intimate moment watched by her famous parents.

But it has now been reported that Kelly, who shares three-year-old son Sidney with the musician, has ended her romance.

“Kelly and Sid have decided to call off their engagement,” a source told the Mail.

“Kelly has been struggling following the loss of her father.

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“The grieving process has been incredibly difficult, and she’s been doing everything she can to cope.

“In truth, she and Sid have been facing challenges in their relationship for some time, and things were not as they appeared.

“They tried to make it work, particularly for the sake of their child, but ultimately decided that separating is the best path forward.”

They added that Kelly is remained focused on herself and being the best parent she can be to her young son.

The Sun has reached out to Kelly’s reps for comment.

Just seven months ago, Kelly was left emotional as she agreed to marry Sid following a sweet proposal.

Stood in front of Sharon and Ozzy, they appeared to have an idea of what was to come as the former X Factor judge could be heard saying to everyone in the room: “You’ve got to be quiet!”

Sid then took the hand of Kelly, who was dressed down in some comfy leopard print trousers and a simple black hoodie.

He said to the TV personality: “Kelly, you know I love you more than anything in the world!”

Ozzy then appeared to give the game away as he jokingly quipped with his signature potty mouth: “F*** off, you are not marrying my daughter!”

The group laughed before Sid continued as he said: “I want to spend the rest of my life with you – and ask in front of all of our family and friends, Kelly, will you marry me?”

Kelly turned her head as she looked on open-mouthed before Sid began to stand up and place the ring onto her finger.

Sharon and Ozzy could be seen beaming as the onlookers clapped and cheered for the happy moment.

Uploading the video to her Instagram page, Kelly added the caption: “Oh and this happened yesterday!”

Sid proposed to Kelly with a bespoke custom-designed ring from Los Angeles based jewellers, Mouawad.

He designed the ring with the team through various one-on-one meetings in order to ensure it was right for Kelly.

Sid chose to curate a dazzling 18K yellow gold ring adorned with both white and yellow diamonds, as well as citrine accents.

The centerpiece is a stunning 2.5 carat round brilliant-cut diamond with the ring being nicknamed the Honeybee – Kelly’s personal nickname.

The engagement came backstage as Ozzy played his final ever show with Black Sabbath at Villa Park.

Kelly and Sid first met in 1999 at Ozzfest, a music festival founded by her parents.

They were friends for over two decades before their relationship turned romantic at the end of 2021.

Earlier this month, Kelly was forced to her to hit back at those who criticised her body during the “hardest time of her life”.

THE secret son of late Bee Gees star Maurice Gibb has refuted singer Lulu’s claims that he was conceived during the time she was married to him.

Sixties icon Lulu told Louis Theroux on his latest podcast that she only recently learned Maurice had another son and that he might have been the product of a one-night stand during their marriage.

But Nick Endacott-Gibb, 57, insists he was conceived around two years before Lulu and Maurice’s romance began.

He told the Mirror: “I was born in April 1968, conceived in August 1967. Lulu and Maurice weren’t married until 1969, after what has been described for decades as a ‘whirlwind’ romance.

“Were you together with him, Lulu? Two years does not a whirlwind make. I’m as curious as she is about whether Maurice was with her at the time I was conceived. It was the summer of love, after all!”

Hove-based Nick was adopted from a children’s home at 18 months old by secretary Peggy and her chartered quantity surveyor husband David.

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Nick’s biological mum is former music studio manager Patti Nolder, who he met for the first time in 2003 after uploading his details onto the Missing You database — a long-running message board style online community that helps reunite families.

Initially, she told him his dad was Chris Andrews, guitarist and vocalist of 60s psych-pop band The Fleur de Lys, but a DNA test confirmed this was not the case.

It was Patti’s sister who threw Maurice’s name into the mix and, after uploading his DNA to an ancestry website, he matched 100 per cent with Maurice’s other son Adam, who had uploaded his own DNA.

Further matches with cousins of the Gibb brothers followed and Nick struck up a close relationship with their older sister Lesley and her daughter Debbie, who live in New South Wales, Australia.

Nick never got the chance to meet Maurice before his death from a heart attack in 2003, but he said: “I’m sad he died before I got the chance to meet him, but his memory lives on in the songs.”

Lulu was married to Maurice for six years, with their relationship officially ending in 1975. They never had children together.

She admitted the news of Nick’s existence came as a complete surprise decades after their relationship ended.

Louis said: “You know, we’re not always our best selves and that Maurice, I think it’s openly acknowledged now, had a fling with Barbara Windsor while he was with you.”

Lulu admitted: “I think he’s got a son. It might have happened when we were married.”

She continued: “I just found out someone showed me something with a guy, and I can’t remember the year he impregnated this girl after a one-night stand, and she has a son who has had his genes taken.

“It’s proven he’s 100 per cent Maurice.”

A shocked Louis asked: “While he was with you?”

Lulu answered: “I didn’t do the math because it wasn’t that important.”

Louis replied: “Why isn’t it important?”

Lulu responded: “Today, c’est la vie.”

The Bee Gees are one of the most successful bands of all time, dominating the charts with a string of global hits.

From disco anthems like Stayin’ Alive and Night Fever to timeless ballads, the group sold over 200 million records worldwide and helped define an entire era of music.

He had two children — daughter Samantha and son Adam — with his second wife, Yvonne Spenceley.

Following her divorce, Lulu went on to date celebrity stylist John Frieda but the romance was rocked by a short-lived affair with David Bowie.

She continues to perform live, with shows lined up in the UK, including a major concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2026.

As well as music, she’s been opening up about her life in recent years, releasing her memoir, If Only You Knew, and speaking candidly about her past struggles, including her battle with alcoholism and journey to sobriety.

ANASTACIA Kingsnorth has been a queen of social media since starting her YouTube Channel aged 11 – but now a fierce backlash is threatening her empire.

The Brit content creator, 25, has ventured into podcast hosting, has written her own book and been the face of many ad campaigns.

Yet this year, the TikTok star – who has a rumoured net worth of over £1million – faced a sticky spot after her boyfriend appeared to cause “jealous” tension with her pal, Love Island alum Saffron Barker.

And now fans have reacted in fury after her latest paid partnership with Air Up featured a clip created by AI.

Earlier this week, Oh Anna podcast host Anastacia took to her socials to upload a clip promoting the German based brand’s latest flavoured water.

Scenes showed a giant version of the star wearing a lemon polka dot co-ord as she strolled through the London streets.

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Her height meant she could scoop up a pink water bottle branded with the Air Up logo before she took a sip.

The slurp appeared to transport her into both a new location – the roof of Buckingham Palace – and a new denim pinstripe outfit.

She wrapped the clip by visiting locations including St Paul’s Cathedral and Big Ben.

Yet on TikTok, her followers have alleged she has used AI to create the scenes – and claimed the technology goes against Air Up’s environmentally friendly credentials.

Criticisms came from two angles – the nature of content creation as a creative process, and also for AI using huge volumes of water, seemingly going against green principles.

The Sun has gone to Anastacia’s rep for comment.

Fans have claimed Anastacia, whose content focusses on lifestyle, leisure and beauty, has abandoned the “creative process” with her latest venture.

One TikTok user, who works in marketing, ranted: “Honestly, I am not happy about it.

“And I don’t think a lot of people are, judging by the comments on the video”.

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She added: “It really cuts down on what content creation really is.

“If you work in marketing like myself you will know that this is totally wrong.

“The whole point of content creation is creative process”.

Fans of Anastacia, who has previously collaborated with ITV bosses for a Love Island promotion, continued to take to the comments in fury.

One simply posted: “Who’s idea was this?? Omg”.

A second mused: “I do like some of their content, but Ana and her family don’t seem hugely aware or maybe even that bothered by environmental issues unfortunately. (a LOT of consumption etc!)”.

A third added: “The funny part about it is , the ad is for a refillable water bottle (to try and tackle plastic waste etc) but then it the ad is literally AI!! you couldn’t write it honestly”.

A fourth mused: “The hypocrisy of these ‘influencers’ is gross tbh”.

“I’m surprised the brand approved it to be honest…says a lot about them too! I think being aware of the environmental impact AI has is important too”.

And another user surmised: “For me its the context of the ad being for a refillable water bottle while using AI which uses tons of water. It is a little ironic”.

Campaigners have previously flagged the significant carbon, energy and water use that AI requires.

Previously, Sasha Luccioni, climate lead at AI company Hugging Face told The Guardian: “What I’m worried about is that we’re deploying AI in such a way that we don’t have a good idea of the energy use.

“We’re essentially operating on the hypothesis that it’s not a problem – or that if it is a problem it will somehow be solved – instead of getting ahead of it.”

While Anastacia has posted the video to her Instagram grid, the brand is yet to feature it on their page.

TIKTOK star Becki Jones has defended her amazing weight loss as trolls continue to accuse her of using fat loss jabs or getting surgery.

The influencer rose to fame on the video streaming platform back in 2020 and after a six month break last year, returned to TikTok sporting a much slimmer frame.

Becki told her 1.3 million followers during a TikTok Live last year that she “wasn’t ready” to share how she’d transformed her image but in her latest video, said she’d been through some of the hardest times in her life while losing weight.

In the video she posted a montage of moments from recent months that showed her swimming in a pool, going to concerts, showing off cute outfits and working out in her room.

In a voiceover she started by saying that she doesn’t understand why she has to explain every detail of her life to strangers.

“Yes, I do put myself on a public platform. Yes, I post my life. But why should I have to defend myself against people’s thoughts on my weight loss?” she began.

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“I’ve said I have not had surgery in any form or any medication to help aid weight loss.

“In 2023, I even considered gastric sleeve surgery myself but I changed my mind.”

Becki continued: “As you can imagine it is exhaust trying to prove something to people who don’t want to change their mind about you.

“I feel like I am an easy target for people to bully because that’s what broke me last year.”

The influencer said that while she did understand that some of her followers wanted to learn about her weight loss, others thought she owed them an explanation.

“I simply and politely don’t want to talk about it.

“I’ve been through some of the worst times of my life whilst losing weight and still some days are hard now and now I’m being a little closed off and only letting a few things out, but can we just stop and think about how things affect me?” Becki asked.

“Yes, I feel good in myself most days, but I have hard days just like every human does.

“I have my own fears and problems that I’m trying to overcome each day, which makes talking about weight loss Extremely difficult.”

She explained how a lot of her followers “speculated on things” happening in her life, “and one day I may talk more deeply about it all but it’s hard as a content creator to tell your story without being judged.”

Becki went on to thank her “loyal supporters” for their support and who “compliment my weight without wanting an explanation”.

She became famed on TikTok for her ‘what I eat in a day’ videos, which showed her enjoying foods such as McDonalds for breakfast, takeaways and treats.

Last year, a source told The Sun why Becki really left social media, and why she returned.

They explained: “Everyone knows Becki took six months offline because she felt the trolling had become too much.

“It was a real chance to reflect on her life and the main cause of issues – her weight. She’s also a secret smoker, so really did start to feel like her lifestyle wasn’t doing her any favours. 

“Once she started losing some weight, she felt a new wave of confidence and when she returned online and saw the reaction to the way she looked, it really spurred her on.”

They added: “It’s the same when she was larger and the more she ate, the more people watched her videos. At the end of the day, it’s all about engagement and making money. It’s addictive.”

Nicholas Brendon, best known for portraying the loyal, wisecracking Xander Harris in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” died Friday from natural causes after dealing with a congenital heart defect and other health issues in recent years. He was 54.

His family shared news of his passing in a statement posted on the actor’s social media accounts. While it’s “no secret Nicholas had struggles in the past,” they said, he was on medication to manage his diagnosis and “optimistic about the future” at the time of his death.

His siblings and parents asked for privacy as they grieve the loss of “a man who lived with intensity, imagination, and heart.”

“He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create,” the family stated. “Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was.”

Brendon was born in Los Angeles in 1971 and began his acting career in the mid-’90s. He got his big break in 1997 when he was cast as Harris in “Buffy.” Over the show’s seven-season run, Brendon became a central figure, portraying the witty, insecure but dependable “everyman” in the gang’s battles against the forces of darkness.

He starred in his first feature film, “Psycho Beach Party,” in 2000, playing the love interest Starcat in the indie flick that’s now regarded as a cult classic.

After “Buffy” ended in 2003, Brendon continued working in television, making appearances on series such as “Without a Trace,” “Private Practice,” and “Kitchen Confidential.” He also played a recurring role as FBI technical analyst Kevin Lynch on “Criminal Minds.”

In 2022, his family shared that he had been rushed to the hospital because of tachycardia, a condition that makes the heart beat abnormally fast, and had been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect that is common in twins. Brendon has an identical twin brother named Kelly Donovan, who appeared as his stand-in and double in episodes of “Buffy.”

The “Criminal Minds” star also underwent multiple spinal surgeries to manage cauda equina syndrome, a rare condition in which nerve bundles in the lumbar or sacral spine are compressed or not functioning properly. His serious spinal injury was triggered by a fall in 2021, which required emergency surgery to prevent paralysis, his manager Theresa Fortier said in a statement at the time.

In recent years, he developed a love for painting and the arts and enjoyed sharing his emerging talent with family and friends, his family said.

Former Times staff writer Nardine Saad contributed to this report.

BUFFY the Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon has died of “natural causes” aged 54.

The actor was known for playing Buffy’s much-loved companion Xander Harris on the hit 90s show and for later appearing in Criminal Minds.

His family released a heartbreaking tribute after his death on Friday.

They told The Hollywood Reporter: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon.

“He passed in his sleep of natural causes. Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years.”

They added: “While it’s no secret that Nicholas had struggles in the past, he was on medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis and he was optimistic about the future at the time of his passing.”

Nicholas played Xander for seven years and was in all but one of the show’s 144 episodes.

His character was beloved amongst Buffy fans and known for his sarcastic humour and fierce loyalty.

Following the success of Buffy the Vampire Slayer he had a recurring part as Kevin Lynch in Criminal Minds from 2007 – 2014.

He initially pursued a career in acting in order to help manage his stutter which made him fearful of meeting strangers.

Alongside acting he enjoyed painting and photography and sold his own original work.

Nicholas landed his break-out role as Xander at age 25 after he was fired from his job.

After the show finished he announced at a fan convention that he would be entering rehab for alcoholism in 2004.

He married actress Tressa DiFiglia in 2001 before they split in 2006.

Nicholas married Moonda Tee in 2014 one week after he proposed but the couple separated five months later.

The actor had multiple arrests and struggled with depression and alcoholism.

In 2015 the actor was arrested for strangling his girlfriend in Saratoga Springs, New York. Nicholas was charged with felony, third-degree robbery, criminal mischief and obstruction of breathing.

He pleaded guilty to the charges and agreed to start rehabilitation again but he was arrested again in 2017 and 2021.

MIAMI — The chants started in a purple-and-gold-clad cluster in the upper deck at Kaseya Center. As Luka Doncic’s scoring total crept up with each step-back three, free throw or fadeaway shot, the cheers grew louder, coming from every corner by fans dressed in every color.

“M-V-P! M-V-P!”

“That’s what I think every player wants to hear,” Doncic said.

Doncic’s season-high 60 points — the first 60-point game for a Lakers player since Kobe Bryant’s swan song in 2016 — led the Lakers to a 134-126 win over the Miami Heat on Thursday. It was another exceptional feat in Doncic’s late-season campaign for the NBA’s most valuable player.

The NBA’s leading scorer poured in 100 points in less than 24 hours, helping the Lakers extend their winning streak to eight games. Doncic is averaging 40.9 points per game over the streak, shooting 42.2% from three-point range. He became just the seventh Laker to record a 60-point game, joining franchise legends Bryant, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, George Mikan, Jerry West and Shaquille O’Neal.

“It was a superhero performance,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said.

Doncic’s dominance has rescued the Lakers, propelling them to a season-best winning streak. The team’s previous best winning streak was built by taking down bottom-feeding teams including New Orleans, Utah and Dallas. This streak is against some of the league’s best: Six wins are against teams with a .500 record or better and five were against .600 teams. The Lakers have climbed from sixth to third in the Western Conference in two weeks, netting critical tiebreakers against rivals Minnesota, Denver and Houston.

Lakers star Luka Doncic, left, controls the ball in front of Miami’s Bam Adebayo during the first quarter Thursday.

(Rich Storry / Getty Images)

Doncic, in his first full season with the Lakers, began the season as one of the betting favorites to win MVP. But the Lakers went through December doldrums, losing four out of five. He missed two games while traveling to Slovenia to be present for the birth of his second daughter, Olivia. When he returned, Doncic shot 24.5% from three over the next five games.

Doncic’s defense was criticized, along with his consistent complaining to referees. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who leads the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder with 31.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6.6 assists, figures to still be the favorite in the MVP race, especially with the Thunder on a conference-best 10-game winning streak.

Doncic’s production never dipped — he has maintained the league’s top scoring average for most of the season — but his play still lacked the same zip that made him a must-watch star in Dallas.

Lakers star Luka Doncic reacts after making a three-pointer in the third quarter Thursday against the Miami Heat.

(Rich Storry / Getty Images)

The Lakers embodied some of their star’s struggles. The team was sorting through injuries while trying to integrate new pieces. The chemistry “wasn’t there,” guard Marcus Smart said.

Finally, it all clicked, starting with Doncic.

“Just trusting my game,” Doncic said of how he’s reached this level at this stage of the season. “I know some games I won’t have it. … I’ve been there, so you just got to trust in yourself. I got all the support from my teammates, which helps me a lot.”

Teammates cheered, jumped and raised their fists from the Lakers bench when Doncic made his final free throw to finish off his 60-point night. On a night when LeBron James tied the NBA’s regular-season games played record, appearing in his 1,611th game and notching a 19-point, 15-rebound, 10-assist night, it was Doncic’s final points that seemed to make James smile the widest.

Doncic, who said the crowd’s chants gave him goosebumps, added it “makes my heart happy” seeing the reaction from all of his teammates.

Lakers star LeBron James reacts to a free throw by teammate Luka Doncic in the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat on Thursday.

(Rich Storry / Getty Images)

“We all know the talent that Luka is,” Smart said. “And when he gets in those modes, man, it’s definitely a sight to see, and you don’t want to miss it.”

Before the game, Redick sarcastically wouldn’t even utter the name of the award Doncic has positioned himself for, only saying he believed Doncic should be in the “M-word conversation.”

If it’s not the cheers from the crowd, Doncic doesn’t care about the chatter either.

“It’s you guys, the media,” Doncic said. “I ain’t got nothing to do with it.”

The channel 4 hit show made a return to our TV screens for a brand new episode

Gogglebox’s Pete Sandiford couldn’t hide his emotions tonight as he broke down in tears during an emotional moment on Friday night’s show.

The television personality initially joined the Channel 4 hit programme back in 2017 during its tenth series alongside sister Sophie. Since then the duo, from Blackpool, quickly became fan favourites as viewers fell in love with their sharp wit, memorable quips and hilarious reactions to the week’s top TV shows and films.

However during Friday’s (March 20) episode of the hit show, things took an emotional turn for Peter as they tuned in to watch Netflix new film, I Swear.

But it was one scene that let Peter in tears as they watched the character John Davidson (played by Robert Aramayo) get interviewed for a job by a school caretaker named Tommy Trotter (played by Peter Mullan).

Throughout the interview, John struggled with her tics and verbal outbursts and he even spat in Tommy’s tea. Despite John’s symptoms being severe, Tommy made John feel accepted and he decided to give him the job.

The moment left the Gogglebox cast feeling emotional, especially Peter who burst into tears. Sister Sophie reached out and offered her support as she rubbed his arm. Pete tearfully said: “That’s got me that.”

I Swear follows the story of real-life Tourette’s activist John Davidson who fights for awareness and understanding about the condition which causes involuntary tics, which can include whistling, clicking, and expletives.

Following his diagnosis aged 15, the inspirational film directed by Kirk Jones follows John’s difficult teenage years in the 1980s when Tourette’s was barely recognised. It continues into the present day, where he is now one of the most prominent campaigners raising awareness for the condition.

The film has been a huge hit as it landed several BAFTA nominations, including for Outstanding British Film, with Aramayo taking home the trophy for Best Actor in a Leading Role. The Guardian called it an “absorbing, compassionate film”, while Mark Kermode said he “absolutely loved it”.

Audiences have also given the film rave reviews, with one IMDb user who saw I Swear at the Toronto Film Festival highlighting the “amazing performances”.

“The performances are so natural that you often forget you are watching a dramatic depiction,” they went on. “Tells the story with a minimum of gloss.

“It had a good chunk of the audience in tears at various points, both for the painful and joyful moments.”

Gogglebox airs Friday night’s from 9pm on Channel 4 and I Swear is available to stream on Netflix

Chuck Norris, a former martial arts champion and 1980s action-film hero, has died at the age of 86, according to his family.

In a statement posted to Instagram on Friday, his family described Norris’s death as sudden.

“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” the Norris family wrote.

“While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.”

According to the publication Variety, Norris had been hospitalised in Hawaii since Thursday, though details were not disclosed.

Norris was the six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate Champion from 1968 to 1974. But he rose to wider fame in a series of action films, including 1985’s Code of Silence, 1984’s Missing in Action and 1986’s The Delta Force.

He further cemented his status as a household name when he starred from 1993 to 2001 in the popular TV series Walker, Texas Ranger, playing a principled lawman.

Norris’s tough-guy image made him an internet meme in his later years, though he received pushback for his far-right political views and embrace of conspiracy theories.

His family expressed gratitude to fans for their prayers during his hospitalisation.

“He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved,” the post read. “Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.”

‘The ultimate tough guy’

Norris starred in more than two dozen films, often portraying stoic loners, soldiers, lawmen and all-American heroes who captured criminals and rescued hostages.

He made his film debut in 1973’s The Way of the Dragon, where he famously faced martial arts icon Bruce Lee in Rome’s Colosseum.

In 1985, Time magazine dubbed him “the ultimate tough guy” and “the undisputed superstar” of the B-movie action genre.

On screen, Norris was known for his signature roundhouse kicks, shrugging off gunfire and dispatching opponents with ease. His tough-guy persona made him a box-office draw and a television staple.

Decades later, he joined fellow action stars Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis in 2012’s The Expendables 2, helping defeat a villain played by Belgian fighter Jean-Claude Van Damme.

He also became an unlikely internet phenomenon. In 2005, “Chuck Norris Facts”, a series of satirical jokes about his strength and masculinity, went viral and inspired several books.

The “Facts” included jokes like “Chuck Norris has a mug of nails instead of coffee in the morning” and “Chuck Norris doesn’t do push-ups; he pushes the Earth down.”

‘Texas has lost a legend’

Carlos Ray Norris was born on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, the oldest of three brothers. The family moved to California after his parents divorced.

He described himself as extremely quiet and introverted as a young man, which he attributed to his father’s alcoholism and the family’s poverty.

“In school I was shy and inhibited,” Norris wrote in his 2004 memoir, Against All Odds: My Story. “If the teacher asked me to recite something aloud in front ‌of the ⁠class, I would just shake my head no.”

According to Norris, he was also not a natural athlete growing up, and he credited his martial arts career to intense training.

After graduating from school, he enlisted in the US Air Force in 1958. While stationed in South Korea, he learned Tang Soo Do, a form of karate, and other martial arts.

The future film star started teaching martial arts in California after his discharge. Actor Steve McQueen, who was one of Norris’s students, eventually encouraged him to try acting.

Tributes poured in following news of his death, including from political figures who shared Norris’s far-right leanings.

“Texas ‌has lost a legend,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott wrote on X, referencing Norris’s work on Walker, Texas Ranger.

“He electrified generations of conservatives. Giving them a passion and voice to fight for the principles that make America the greatest nation on earth.”

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also paid tribute, calling Norris “a great friend of Israel and a close personal friend”.

High-profile stars and artists also mourned Norris’s passing, including several of Norris’s colleagues.

Stallone, for instance, wrote in a statement, “I had a great time working with Chuck. He was All American in every way. Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family.”

Author Stephen King, meanwhile, shared a memory of being thrilled — and scared — by Norris’s performance in the action-horror film Silent Rage.

“I thought he was great,” King said.

FEARS are mounting that Towie star Jordan Wright was running away from someone before he was found dead in a Thai ditch, cops say.

Local police are now probing whether Wright was being chased as he frantically dashed to his hotel while glancing over his shoulder.

Chilling CCTV captured the beloved TV personality running erratically past a truck before taking a sharp left turn.

The clip was timestamped to 11:25pm on March 12 – about 36 hours before he was found dead on Saturday.

Wright, 33, appeared to be somewhat disoriented and panicked as he rushed through the hotel complex.

He even grabbed onto a white pickup truck to help propel himself forward as he jolted away while turning.

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Police now fear he may have been trying to lose someone as he sprinted through the streets of Phuket.

Lieutenant Colonel Sutthirak Chuthong of Choeng Thale district station has refused to rule out foul play.

He said: “The circumstances leading up to the death are quite unclear. It is possible that other people were involved.”

Wright was weaving erratically through the Hotel COCO Phuket Bangtao grounds in the video.

Authorities have also confirmed that they will be reviewing CCTV again throughout Friday in order to get any more details from the haunting clip.

The grainy night-time footage has raised questions over what Wright was doing in the moments leading up to his death.

The CCTV shows him pacing back and forth before suddenly bolting out of the complex again and vanishing into the darkness beyond the hotel perimeter.

From there, his final movements become even more disturbing.

Wright is believed to have sprinted across rough, uneven fields surrounding the hotel before leaping down a 10ft creek.

He is then thought to have splashed through a shallow stream and scrambled towards a nearby construction site.

JORDAN Wright’s death has been shrouded in mystery as the Towie star was seen pacing erratically before he was found in a drainage canal.

The beloved TV personality, whose new iPhone was found nearby, also checked in to a luxury hotel alone before his tragic passing.

It also remains unclear how long Wright, who used to date Vicky Pattison, had been missing for – or whether he was under the influence of intoxicants.

Here are the most glaring unanswered questions surrounding his death.

How long had Jordan been missing?

Wright, 33, was found dead in a drainage ditch on the holiday island of Phuket on March 14.

He had moved to Thailand just weeks earlier – with his last Instagram post on March 6 showing a snap of him in a swimming pool captioned: “I’m home.”

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Wright was due to check out of his room on March 13, according to staff at Hotel COCO Phuket Bangtao where he was believed to have been staying.

But employees told police he never did check out – meaning he could have been missing for days.

It is currently unclear who the last person to see Wright was or how long he had vanished for.

Cops said they were led to Hotel COCO due to the key card inside Wright’s pocket at the time he was found.

He was reportedly seen pacing frantically shortly before his death, but it has not been confirmed whether anyone saw Wright at this time in person.

Why was he pacing around on CCTV?

Despite footage reportedly showing the ITV star looking restless before he was found dead at 12.30pm local time – it is not clear why he was in this alleged frantic state.

Cops said: “CCTV footage showed that he appeared restless and was moving back and forth in front of the hotel before leaving the area.”

An autopsy is currently being carried out to determine his cause of death.

But it will also conclude whether drugs or alcohol were involved.

No signs of physical assault or struggle were found on his body, authorities confirmed.

There were also no signs of forced entry or disturbances at his hotel room.

Police have launched an investigation into the case to probe the full circumstances of Wright’s death.

When did he end up in the canal?

It is also unclear when exactly Wright entered the canal drain.

He was said to have been wearing a grey shirt and black trousers but no shoes on when he was found.

Authorities said Wright had been in the canal for some time, but didn’t elaborate on how long he was in there.

They only said the Brit star was believed to have been dead for no longer than two days.

Police said: “His movements eventually led to the location where his body was later discovered.

“We are still waiting for the autopsy results from Vachira Phuket Hospital to determine whether drugs were present in his system.”

Why was his phone left on a nearby bank?

Police explained that Wright’s new iPhone 17 was found on a nearby bank.

It was not in his trouser pockets, unlike the hotel key card police discovered.

Both Wright and the location of his phone are about a 20-minute walk away from Hotel COCO.

The Towie and Ex On The Beach star had posted photos online of his life in Thailand in the weeks leading up to his tragic death.

His “new life” showed him enjoying beach trips and taking part in martial arts classes.

It is unclear why the popular TV personality, from Basildon, Essex, had left the smartphone behind.

Why did he check into the hotel alone?

Wright had also checked into a hotel room alone before he was found dead on Saturday.

It is not understood why Wright checked into the luxury hotel alone, and what day he checked in.

He was reportedly seen in security camera footage outside the hotel.

But police have said: “CCTV footage related to the incident is part of the case file and cannot be released at this stage.”

They also confirmed: “Hotel records showed that he had checked in alone and was due to check out on March 13, but staff reported that he never checked out.”

Did he have drugs or alcohol in his system?

The star’s autopsy will determine whether or not Wright had any drugs or alcohol in his system.

Wright was seen pacing frantically before his death, but it is unclear what caused him to do this.

Pictures showed police scouring the scene in the aftermath of his death.

Heartbreaking tributes have poured in for the late TV icon – with one pal calling him a “really special soul”.

Several reality TV figures have paid their respects to Jordan online, including his The Only Way is Essex co-stars.

Fellow Towie star Chloe Brockett wrote in an emotional tribute “Rest in peace Jordan” followed by a red heart emoji.

While Love Island star Chloe Crowhurst also took to the comments, penning “Rest in peace Jord” with a white heart and cloud emoji.

Before Wright was named, an FCDO spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Thailand and are in contact with the local authorities”.

March 19 (UPI) — Law enforcement officials arrested Joseph Duggar, one of the stars of TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting on sex abuse charges involving a 9-year-old girl, Florida authorities said.

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office said Duggar, 31, was arrested Wednesday by authorities in Arkansas and was awaiting extradition to Florida.

He faces charges of lewd and lascivious behavior by a person 18 years or older, and lewd and lascivious behavior involving a victim less than 12 years old.

Duggar’s arrest came after a 14-year-old girl told the Tontitown Police Department in Arkansas about sexual abuse that took place when she was 9 years old. She said there were several incidents during a family vacation to Panama City Beach, Fla., in 2020.

“The victim reported Duggar repeatedly asked her to sit on his lap,” a news release from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office said.

“As the vacation continued, he also asked her to sit next to him on a couch and covered them with a blanket.”

The release said that during this time, Duggar inappropriately touched the girl. The girl told police that Duggar later apologized and stopped the alleged actions.

The sheriff’s office did not specify how Duggar and the girl knew each other. The release said the girl told her father about the alleged incidents, and her father confronted Duggar on Tuesday.

“Duggar admitted his actions to the victim’s father and to Tontitown detectives,” the release said.

Joseph Duggar’s eldest brother, Josh Duggar, was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison in 2022 on a child pornography conviction. The family’s reality show on TLC was canceled in 2015 after a police report revealed that Josh Duggar molested younger girls.

FORMER 19 Kids and Counting star Joseph Duggar has been arrested for alleged child sex crimes against a nine-year-old girl.

The 31-year-old from Arkansas allegedly molested the child six years ago on a vacation in Florida.

On Wednesday, the former TLC star was charged with molestation of a victim under 12 years old and with lewd and lascivious behavior of a person 18 years or older, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office said.

The girl, now 14 years old, told investigators that the incident took place while she was on family vacation in Panama City in 2020.

Duggar, who was booked into the Washing County jail in Arkansas, is awaiting extradition to Bay County.

It is alleged that Duggar asked the victim to sit on his lap, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office said.

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“As the vacation continued, he also asked her to sit next to him on a couch and covered them with a blanket,” it has been claimed.

“During this time, Duggar manipulated the victim’s underwear and grazed her genitals.

“Duggar would also continue to rub his hands on her thighs.”

“The victim stated Duggar eventually apologized for his actions and the incidents stopped after the apology,” the authorities said.

The allegations and arrest come after the victim had a forensic interview due to reports of past sexual abuse.

Her father allegedly confronted Duggar about the allegations and the reality star “allegedly admitted his actions to the father and Tontitown detectives,” and the alleged abuse stopped, per officials.

Duggar is married to his wife Kendra, with whom he shares three young children.

The Duggar family has not issued a statement following the arrest.

Meanwhile, Duggar’s brother Josh, is serving a 12 and a half year sentence after being found guilty in December 2021 of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material.

It was also previously reported that Josh, now 38, confessed to molesting several children, including four of his sisters.

The family’s reality television show aired between 2008 and 2015 documenting the lives of Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar and their 19 children.

It was taken off air after the molestation claims against Josh Duggar.

NO ONE could ever have imagined that little Maura Higgins from a sleepy Irish town would go on to be one of the country’s most famous exports.

Not least her sisters – Becki and Louise –  who have sat watching her meteoric rise to fame from the peripheries. There are few relationships closer than that of siblings, but what happens when celebrity gets in the way? Here, we take a look at their now very complicated dynamic – and reveal why Maura’s decision to miss Louise’s wedding had a lasting impact and how imitation isn’t always the highest form of flattery when it comes to Becki.

When Maura, now 35, chose to apply for Love Island, she already knew her older sister Louise was getting married that summer.

Astonishingly, fitness instructor Louise, 38, gave her blessing for her to miss her big day – but whisperings at the time suggested not everyone in the family agreed with the move.

She made it very clear what her intentions were when she chose fame over Louise’s wedding.

It was certainly risky, but it paid off massively. From the very first moment Maura appeared on screen in 2019 on Love Island, her family – which also includes her brother, who has never been named publicly – realised life would never be the same again.

An insider explained: “Maura was from a very tight-knit family and grew up in a place where everyone knew everyone. When she became well known, of course, things changed. 

“At times, she’s not always been able to support her sisters as much as she would like. She made it very clear what her intentions were when she chose fame over Louise’s wedding.

“Louise has spent years just trying to get on with her life, while Becki has been hanging off her coattails, desperate for even some semblance of her success.

“Like all sisters, there is a level of competitiveness and jealousy that just doesn’t exist in other relationships. It’s fair to say it’s very complicated.”

Today, Maura is a huge star both in the UK and in America – rubbing shoulders with A-listers and really putting her home town of Longford on the map in a way no one could ever have dreamed of.

But it has meant Maura has missed out on a series of huge life events – most notably her sister’s wedding.

When Louise walked down the aisle with long term fiance Mark Kelly at a private ceremony at Abbeyshrule Church, outside Ballymahon, Maura was busy cementing herself in the Love Island hall of fame.

Even Maura’s ex-boyfriend, James Finnegan, attended the big day, having grown very close to the family.

A source told us at the time: “Louise got engaged in 2016, and the wedding was planned over a year ago. So Maura would have known that when she applied for Love Island.

“But Maura and Louise are very close, and her sister fully supports her decision to go on Love Island.

“In fact, she’s happy for Maura and is delighted she’s been given an amazing opportunity to find love and further her career.”

Louise made the decision to distance herself from the limelight as much as possible at that time.

Mimicking Maura

But Becki, Maura’s younger sister, who is now 31, grabbed the chance of fame with both hands.

She chatted about Maura whenever she got the chance and even appeared on Virgin Media One’s Ireland AM for a fashion segment. 

Maura was delighted, gushing that she was “so proud”.

She started joining Maura on nights out and built up her own social media presence.

Becki, however, has never quite managed to break into the limelight fully – despite her best efforts. She regularly posts images of herself glammed up for a night out and clearly shares Maura’s same cheeky sense of humour, judging by some of her more risky posts.

She has just 3.5k followers but has still managed to land herself a few paid ads here and there. 

‘Scared and alone’

As Maura’s fame grew, her schedule became busier and busier – she moved to London and her once close relationship with her sisters felt the strain.

Maura has said she felt “scared” and “very alone” during that period of her life.

It wasn’t long until Becki and Louise stopped posting publicly about their sister – they couldn’t keep up with her endless achievements.

Maura tried to get back to see Louise’s children as much as possible and is particularly close to her niece Isabelle. While she may not always be around, she made sure she was there for Isabelle’s first Holy Communion in 2024, calling her a “best friend for life”.

When she found out her nephew, believed to be her brother’s son, was being bullied in 2022, she showed up at his school to pick him up – no doubt scaring the bullies off for good. 

Maura was very close to her siblings while growing up, and their bond became even tighter when her parents, Sharon and Seamus, split up.

The break-up was a defining moment in all their lives.

In an interview with Married At First Sight relationship expert Paul C Brunson‘s podcast We Need To Talk, she talked about a moment her mum collapsed at the family home, following her split with her dad.

Maura candidly said: “It was a very nasty break-up and a lot went on, like, things I would never want to talk about because I wouldn’t want to be saying things about my mum or dad.”

She added: “When the break-up happened, my mum was trying to keep a roof over four kids and herself, and we were all in school, it was very, very hard and I remember seeing my mum struggle a lot.”

Maura continued: “She had a nervous breakdown, she collapsed in the kitchen in front of all of us and only my older sister, she was a lot older at the time, she knew how to like put her on her side and call the ambulance.

“I don’t know why I remember this, but I remember, mammy has a rare blood type and my older sister knew to say that to the paramedics.”

Cutting contact

After appearing on Love Island, Maura ended up cutting all contact with her dad, which is said to have left him blindsided.

She explained: “My dad spoke to me not very nice. I’m not saying it was just a bit of an argument. It was horrendous where I physically couldn’t breathe after the phone call.

“I thought to myself, ‘I wouldn’t let a partner talk to me like that. I wouldn’t let a friend talk to me like that. I’m not going to let my dad talk to me like that’.

“But also, I think if I dig deep, I don’t think I’ve ever forgiven my dad for not being there for me when my best friend passed away. And he wasn’t there for me.”

Maura and her sister’s close friend, Andrew Rowan, died aged 26 in a crash when his motorbike collided with three cars in 2017.

The sisters were bonded by the horror. Tragically, Becki suffered more heartache when another close friend passed away at the start of the year.

As she laid him to rest on January 23rd, Maura was in New York filming The Drew Barrymore Show.

It was a real sign of just how far apart their lives had become. Maura’s future is no doubt going to be bright – but what part, if any, her sisters will play isn’t as clear. 

Ellis has been a hit for Channel 5 and one star has opened up about returning for a potential third series

Channel 5’s Ellis has been a huge hit with viewers and as series two of the gripping drama comes to an end, fans have been left wondering if it will return for another series.

Season 1 first appeared on our TV screens back in 2024 and at the time it became a hit with detective drama fans, who couldn’t get enough of the drama.

It was a hit after featuring the UK’s first black solo female-led as award-winning actress Sharon D Clarke led the cast. After the success of Series 1, Channel 5 viewers were treated to another season that aired last week.

Fan once again saw DCI Ellis (Sharon D Clarke) and DS Harper (Andrew Gower) investigate the disappearance of a local boy, a murder that brought up a lot of old grudges and the death of a student who was found crushed underneath scaffolding. As the show came to an end tonight, everyone has been left wondering if Ellis and Harper make a return to our screens again.

As of now, Channel 5 are yet to confirm whether the show will continue, however, the good news as Andrew Gower, who plays DS Harper, is very keen to return to his role and the show.

When speaking to Radio Times on the idea of him filming the show again, he said: “Oh yeah, that’s a very easy ‘yes’. To work with Sharon and to keep giving life to Harper and Ellis.”

He continued: “I’ll keep reiterating this but it’s the audience, they always say it’s all about the audience, right? If we can keep entertaining audiences and they keep wanting more, then that’s what we’ll do with Ellis.

“I think the more series we have or the more episodes we have – films, whatever people call them – then that means that we’re doing something right and that means that this relationship can grow.”

The star added: “At some point maybe grow apart to come together, whatever. That’s the exciting thing about British detective shows, there’s scope where you can build from one series to however many. Long may it continue.”

Talking about the legacy of the detective drama, co-star Sharon D Clarke previously said: “The thing I love the most about Ellis is that she is on our screens! I love playing Ellis because I didn’t grow up seeing anybody like her on my television screen.

“So that is my joy, that this is a first, and I am getting to lead that brigade and hopefully pass that baton on to people coming behind me. We’ve waited a long time, but we’re here, and we’re here to stay.”

Channel 5 has since confirmed what show will be replacing Ellis next week in the 9pm slot on Tuesday night. On Tuesday, (March 24) the network will air Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, a feature-length drama starring Martin Clunes, Osian Morgan, Sian Reese Williams, and Jason Hughes.

Channel 5 said: “Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards is a major, feature-length factual drama exploring the story of how a vulnerable 17-year-old boy was groomed by one of the most powerful figures in television – Huw Edwards.

“Starring Martin Clunes (Doc Martin, Wuthering Heights, Manhunt) as Edwards, the drama explores the newsreader’s double life as it spirals out of control, leading to his total exit from public life following his conviction for making indecent images of children.”

Ellis is available to stream on Channel 5

ALFIE Boe – one of the nation’s favourite tenors – will be unleashing his inner rock god on new album Face Myself.

The record, out on April 10, is inspired by his love of the Madchester era and was produced by Myriot, who previously worked with Primal Scream.

In an exclusive chat, Alfie revealed the album’s title track pays tribute to late Stone Roses bass player Gary “Mani” Mounfield.

The classical singer said he spent his weekends travelling up to Manchester as a teenager to immerse himself in the music scene, where the Stone Roses launched hits such as I Wanna Be Adored. Alfie said: “At the time I was writing that song, Mani passed away.

“So I had to put a tribute in the song. I changed the lyrics to say, ‘For good old Mani, he played it right’.”

The high-energy track, which is released today, also name checks Liam and Noel Gallagher’s childhood home on Cranwell Drive and celebrates the Madchester spirit.

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On the track he sings: “Dreams are grown in Burnage sky, a golden past that made us cry.

“The prom is glorified with lights, for good old Mani, he played it right. Those Cranwell boys, they sang along.”

As a teen, Alfie, who has clocked up 12 Top Ten albums including four No1s, joined an indie band and later found himself exploring classical music.

“I was in an indie band called The English Roses,” Alfie said with a laugh. We were going to go on tour and I was going to be the drummer. But there was school to attend, which was fine, but then I joined lots of other little bands.”

Alfie’s new album is made up of mostly original material and he was inspired to start writing by his pal, The Who’s Pete Townshend.

And the Les Miserables stage fave says the record is all about facing his past, adding: “I thought, what is it about me I have to face?

“It was my childhood, my teenage years, and what got me to where I am today. It’s been a wonderful journey.”

Dua’s full of beans

Dua Lipa has a hefty cheque coming her way, plus a lifetime’s supply of coffee I imagine.

She’s signed up to be global ambassador for Nespresso and posed in blue co-ords to promote the new tie-in. Dua also had a snap with George Clooney, long-time face of the brand.

Greg heading to £2m…but pleads for Wills’ help again

Greg James continues his mammoth 1,000km cycle ride for Comic Relief after getting the royal seal of approval from Prince William.

He was given a boost on Tuesday, when the Prince of Wales hopped on the back of the Radio 1 DJ’s tandem.

As I caught up with Greg yesterday from the Yorkshire Moors, he said he wished William had stuck around.

Greg, resting up on a wall, below, said with a laugh: “I could’ve done with his legs today. Wills, if you’re reading this, help.”

He has remained incredibly upbeat despite the physical and mental toll the challenge is taking.

And he has been buoyed by the incredible donations from the public, which last night was creeping towards the £2million mark. Greg, who set off from Dorset last Friday and is pedalling all the way to Edinburgh, said: “The hills are very, very difficult today.

“But there was a really nice crowd of people shouting at me at the top.

“The good news is we’ve raised over £1.5million, which is an absurd amount. I’d be happy with that if it was the final total but we’ve got three days left.”

He starts his ride from Sunderland this morning with two full days to go.

Tomorrow he will begin his final push, cycling from Galashiels in the Borders to Edinburgh, where he is set to arrive in time for Comic Relief to start on BBC One at 7pm. You can do this, Greg!

Go to comicrelief.com/ride to make a donation.

Placebo are making a comeback for the 30th anniversary of their debut album, which they have reworked into a new version.

Placebo re:created will be out on June 19.

They will then kick off a European tour this September playing songs from their first two albums, with dates in Nottingham, Glasgow, Dublin, Manchester, London and Cardiff in November and December.

Big cat in Africa

Doja Cat showed her wild side in clashing animal prints while on stage in Rwanda.

The Say So rapper, who wore a blue wig with a tiger-striped bodysuit, was performing at Global Citizen’s Move Afrika concert.

She sounded great, despite her carefree lifestyle.

In a new interview with Vogue yesterday, Doja admitted she’s had to curb bad habits for the sake of her live shows.

She said: “I love trash – I’m Oscar the Grouch. I love to eat garbage, and I love to drink, and I love to party.

“Not too hard, obviously. I don’t do any drugs.”

Doja, who had a romance with actor Joseph Quinn in 2024, went on to reveal she is a serial dater, adding: “I’m 30, so I’m ovulating and horny.”

At least she tells it how it is.

Mosh-pit memories with trust

The Teenage Cancer Trust is staging a photo exhibition at the Royal Albert Hall to mark the joys of mosh pits.

Musicians including Yungblud, Wolf Alice, Fontaines DC and The Sex Pistols ft Frank Carter are featured in the show, called Good Energy.

It highlights “good energy”, which is the code used by fans to look after each other in the crowd. Frank said of his pic: “It was taken in the Royal Albert Hall.

“To play there with the Sex Pistols was a dream come true. Seeing a mosh pit inside such a venue felt like the definition of Good Punk Energy.

The exhibition runs until April 9. Buy signed copies of the prints at teenagecancer trust.org/good.

One direction’s Louis Tomlinson confessed the band’s debut No1 single, What Makes You Beautiful, was his least favourite track. He told Scott Mills’s Radio 2 show: “Performing it was always really eggy.”

Louis also took aim at the handling of 1D’s split, adding: “Hiatus, what a horrible word. It’s cringey, screams management.”

Princess is really made up

Harper Beckham has competition from another nepo baby when it comes to her upcoming beauty brand – Katie Price and Peter Andre’s daughter Princess.

The Sun told last week that Harper had taken part in a photoshoot for beauty brand Hiku by Harper, which is expected to launch in the coming months. Now Princess is following suit.

She said on the Not My Bagg podcast: “I’ve been working on it for ages. I was in Liverpool three days ago.

“I went up for a photoshoot for my beauty brand, which is so good. It’s being released this year.

I’m so excited. I’ve always wanted to be involved in some sort of business. Make-up, I love, so it had to be that.”

MORGAN Freeman will become the voice of the London Underground this week.  

The Hollywood legend’s famous tones will ring out at Baker Street tube today and tomorrow.

The event is part of his big money advertising deal with Warburtons bread.

Instead of the announcer’s usual warning to “mind the gap”, Freeman will urge them to “mind the bap”.  

The bakery firm’s CEO, Jonathan Warburton said: “We wanted to share a bit of that fun with Londoners on their daily commute and hopefully raise a few smiles.  

“As you can probably tell, we also love a good bread pun, so Baker Street was a match made in heaven, and hearing a voice as legendary as Morgan Freeman’s booming to travellers on the platform is certainly a recipe for a memorable day.” 

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Freeman joined the likes of Robert De Niro, Olivia Colman and George Clooney when he signed up as the face of Warburtons last month.  

He admitted at the time he had never tried a crumpet before.  

New research by Warburtons reveals that 71 per cent of Brits consider the holey bun a cornerstone of UK culture.  

The firm will also transform signage at Baker Street tube into giant crumpets to celebrate Freeman’s turn on the tannoy. 

SIR David Beckham was just miles from his estranged son Brooklyn in LA on Monday — but the pair failed to meet.

Insiders said Becks, 50, was in the US city for work following a ski break in Canada with son Romeo.

Brooklyn, 27, and his wife Nicola, 31, live in Los Angeles and were at Sir Elton John’s Aids Foundation Oscars viewing party on Sunday.

A source said: “David was in Los Angeles for a new ad campaign, but given Brooklyn’s decision to cut off his family, there was no meeting between them.

“David had just come back from a ski trip with Romeo and friends in Canada when he flew to Los Angeles for work.

“Brooklyn would have just been miles away from him in the house he shares with Nicola.”

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The Sun first revealed how Brooklyn had cut off his family last year in a multi-pronged row.

In October insiders confirmed Brooklyn had no interest in making amends with his family.

By January he was communicating with them through lawyers.

Days later, Brooklyn released a bombshell statement confirming the story.

He went on to make allegations against his family, including claiming fashion designer Victoria had “hijacked” his first dance with Nicola at their wedding in 2022.

As well as cutting off his famous parents, Brooklyn is no longer in contact with his brothers Romeo, 23, and Cruz, 21, and sister Harper, 14, after blocking them on social media.

Yesterday, musician Cruz revealed the lyrics to a new song, Loneliest Boy, which appears to allude to Brooklyn.

On the track, Cruz sings: “Loneliest boy, mama don’t talk too much. It’s breaking her heart.

“It shows in the small things that you don’t do.

“I guess in the end that it’s you, yourself, and you.

“Tell me how do you live, when you’ve got nobody to lose?”

Brooklyn and wife Nicola were all smiles when they were invited by his godfather Sir Elton to be guests at his Oscars bash in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

Yesterday, Nicola shared a series of pictures of the night on her Instagram, including a black and white photo of her and Brooklyn.

She wrote: “What a beautiful evening for such an important cause. Thank you for having us Elton John and David Furnish, we love you both so much.”

On Sunday, Brooklyn’s social media followers rounded on him after he shared photos of mother-in-law, Claudia Peltz, who had celebrated her 71st birthday a few days earlier.

His post coincided with Mother’s Day. Mum Victoria shared tributes from Romeo, Cruz and Harper on Instagram, but fans noted there was no message from Brooklyn.

Those close to Brooklyn and Nicola said there was no going back in the feud with his parents.

A source said: “Brooklyn has said his piece. He is done. Moving on with his life with Nicola is his priority now.”

SINGER Lulu has claimed her Bee Gees pop star ex Maurice Gibb secretly fathered a son during their relationship – and says she’s “only just found out”.

The shock revelation about the late music legend has left fans stunned, decades after their high-profile romance.

Lulu was married to her late ex-husband Maurice Gibb for six years, with their relationship officially ending in 1975 – and the couple never had children together.

The star opened up about the bombshell that he might have a son on The Louis Theroux Podcast.

She admitted the news came as a complete surprise decades after their relationship ended.

Louis said: “You know, we’re not always our best selves and that Morris, I think it’s openly acknowledged now, had a fling with Barbara Windsor while he was with you.”

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Lulu admitted: “Think he’s got a son. It might have happened when we were married.”

She continued: “I just found out someone showed me something with a guy, and I can’t remember the year he impregnated this girl after a one-night stand, and she has a son who has had his genes taken.

“It’s proven he’s 100% Morris.”

A shocked Louis asked: “While he was with you?”

Lulu answered: “I didn’t do the math because it wasn’t that important.”

Louis stunned replied: “Why isn’t it important?”

Lulu responded: “Today, c’est la vie.”

The Bee Gees went on to become one of the most successful bands of all time, dominating the charts with a string of global hits.

From disco anthems like Stayin’ Alive and Night Fever to timeless ballads, the group sold over 200 million records worldwide and helped define an entire era of music.

Gibb died in 2003 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Miami, aged just 53.

He had two known children – daughter Samantha and son Adam – with his second wife, Yvonne Spenceley.

But in 2019, Nick Endacott-Gibb – who was adopted as a baby – claimed he is the biological son of the British star and band studio manager Patti Nolder, after a DNA test reportedly showed a “100 per cent match” with Maurice’s son Adam.

Following her divorce, Lulu went on to date celebrity stylist John Frieda – but the romance was rocked by a short-lived affair with David Bowie.

The star hasn’t slowed down despite her decades-long career.

She’s continuing to perform live, with shows lined up in the UK, including a major concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2026.

As well as music, she’s been opening up about her life in recent years – releasing her memoir If Only You Knew and speaking candidly about her past struggles, including her battle with alcoholism and journey to sobriety.

PEAKY Blinders star Annabelle Wallis is expecting her first child with boyfriend Sebastian Stan, it has been reported.

According to TMZ, the actress and Hollywood heartthrob are bracing themselves to become first-time parents.

Annabelle and Sebastian went public with their relationship in 2022 after being spotted on holiday together in Greece.

While the couple have yet to confirm the news, insiders told TMZ they’re keeping the due date and gender under wraps.

It’s going to be a busy year for the stars with Sebastian gearing up for the release of two movies, Fjord and Avengers: Doomsday.

Meanwhile Annabelle is starring alongside Jason Statham in action film Mutiny which is set to be released in August.

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Sebastian and Annabelle are known for keeping their private life out of the public eye and last year he shared their reason for doing so.

Speaking to Vanity Fair, he said: “I feel like it’s really difficult nowadays to be able to have any privacy whatsoever.”

Sebastian added that their relationship “is not something either of them discuss” publicly.

As well as being known for playing Grace Burgess in Peaky Blinders, Annabelle also starred as Jane Seymour in drama series The Tudors.

Sebastian got his big break in 2007 when he took on the role of lovable rogue Carter Baizen in Gossip Girl, starring alongside huge names including Blake Lively.