tragic

IT was 15 years ago today that the shocking news broke that Amy Winehouse had died, aged just 27.

She had released just two albums during her eight-year career, but her massive success and larger-than-life character meant her death sent shockwaves around the world — and today her impact on culture is more apparent than ever.

In music, fashion and art, she has inspired an entire generation of artists. British music is being dominated by women whose sound, style and brand is packed with references to the late superstar.

In recent weeks rapper Cardi B and actress Zendaya have been spotted dressed like Amy, with her trademark beehive hairdo.

And one artist who is frequently compared with Amy is Raye, who, much like the late singer, has become a celebrated industry darling, thanks to her brassy Motown influences and brutally truthful lyrics.

But Raye feels the weight of comparison more than most, and said: “I’m aware that what she did is irreplaceable and inimitable.

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“Amy did it so well that no one can ever do what she did. And, God rest her soul, she gave her whole life for us to enjoy the music that she left behind.”

Like Amy, Raye went to South London creative arts academy The Brit School, whose starry former pupils also include Adele and Olivia Dean.

Raye recalled her years at the school, and how she would walk down the corridors and see photos on the wall of alumni such as Amy and say: “That’s gonna be me one day.”

Amy’s star certainly burned brightly, but all too briefly. Her body was discovered at her home in Camden, North London on July 23, 2011, by her security guard Andrew Morris.

Toxicology reports later revealed her blood alcohol content was five times the legal drink-drive limit, and the coroner’s report stated her “sudden and unexpected” death was caused by misadventure due to alcohol poisoning.

Amy had battled drug addiction for years, inspiring her 2006 single Rehab, but she had got clean from illegal substances before she died.

As a fiercely unapologetic woman in the music world, she blazed a trail for a new way to be an artist — and for future star Lola Young, who was just ten years old when Amy died, she was an inspiration.

The One Thing singer carries a gritty London identity similar to Amy’s and produces familiarly confessional lyrics.

She is even managed by Nick Shymansky, the same industry executive who guided Amy’s career during her breakout success.

After Amy, he swore he would never manage another artist, but was so won over by Lola’s talent — and subtle similarities to Amy — that he decided to take her on, and she has since sold millions of records.

When Amy found fame in the Noughties the music landscape was dominated by indie and processed pop, but she forged a new path with her neo-soul, Sixties pop and jazz sound — and now that sound is everywhere.

Olivia Dean’s easy-listening collection The Art Of Loving is on course to be the biggest-selling album in the UK this year, despite the fact it was released last September.

And even more recently, British newcomer Sienna Spiro has followed Amy with her vintage aesthetic and her breakout single Back To Blonde — mirroring Amy’s 2006 album and single Back To Black.

It is paying off, as last week Sienna shot to No2 in the charts with her debut album Visitor.

The impact of Back To Black, Amy’s second album, was felt worldwide. With classic songs such as Rehab and Tears Dry On Their Own, it became the fifth best-selling album of the 21st century so far, shifting 20million copies.

Amy sang about toxic co-dependency, addiction, dating disasters and her flaws, all in graphic detail, then wrapped them up in palatable and catchy songs.

It was all the more interesting for listeners, as her tumultuous personal life, including a rollercoaster relationship with her boyfriend and then husband Blake Fielder-Civil, and her drug use, became front-page news.

The saga taught lessons to youngsters such as future superstar Billie Eilish, who saw the tragedy unfold as she was growing up in California.

She said: “The things that inspire me about Amy are also the kind of things that are sad about it.

“You knew she wasn’t doing anything that she did for attention or in a weird, fake way because from what I gather, she didn’t really want that s**t, you know.

“It showed me that she was kind of raw for what she was creating, and she wasn’t trying to be anything she wasn’t, because she didn’t even want to be that.

“She changed a whole generation of music. Everyone, when listing off the people that inspired them, Amy Winehouse is always in that list.

“Everything about her, she just mixed a whole bunch of stuff together, and created the most beautiful things.”

And it’s not just female fellow stars who are Amy’s admirers.

Mark Ronson, who produced her Back To Black album and co-wrote the song of the same name, has credited Amy with his entire career.

Accepting the Outstanding Contribution to Music prize at February’s Brit Awards, he said his multiple chart-topping collaborations with other artists would never have happened if it wasn’t for her.

He said: “I realised on the way here that on Thursday, March 6, it’ll be 20 years to the day that Amy Winehouse came up to my studio in New York City. We went upstairs and talked for four hours and that night we wrote Back To Black, and that day changed my life for ever.”

Mark has since gone on to sell millions of records by working with superstars such as Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars and Miley Cyrus.

But he added: “I know the music I made with Amy is the reason any of them know who I am anyway. That’s why I’ll always treasure her voice, her talent, our bond, all of it.” And this month The Rolling Stones have celebrated Amy’s legacy by covering her song You Know I’m No Good on new album Foreign Tongues.

Guitarist Keith Richards said: “Loved the song. Always thought that Amy was a sad story in many ways, but she was one of the best to come out of England, and probably had so much more potential.”

Such was her star power, she shared the stage with the Stones at the 2007 Isle of Wight Festival, covering the Temptations’ Ain’t Too Proud To Beg, just four years after releasing her debut album Frank.

Street artist Pegasus was a close friend of Amy’s and launched his career on the day she died.

He has since become famous for his stencilled portraits of the singer, such as his “Fallen Angel” mural near Camden Lock, close to where they used to hang out.

Pegasus, whose real name is Chris Turner, told The Sun: “Amy was one of those people who come along every so often, makes a massive impact, unfortunately isn’t around for long but leaves a lasting legacy.

Her light will always shine bright. Her unique style, her love for the greats, like Etta James, Billie Holiday and Nina Simone, introduced and inspired a generation of artists that came after her.

“I am always seeing bits of Amy everywhere and it makes me so proud.”

L7 BASSIST, vocalist and songwriter Jennifer Finch has died aged 59, it has been announced.

Finch passed away after battling an aggressive form of brain cancer, according to a statement.

Her former group has paid a moving tribute to their late bandmate.

They wrote in a statement: “With a very heavy heart we announce that our beloved bandmate, friend, and fellow troublemaker Jennifer Finch has passed away today.

“She had a long courageous fight with brain cancer and was loved by many wonderful friends, musical peers and fans worldwide.

“We love you Jennifer.”

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L7 recently shared the news that Finch had been diagnosed with cancer and would be missing their upcoming Last Hurrah Tour in October.

She had suffered serious complications and required extensive treatment and in-home support, the band said.

Posting to Finch’s own Instagram, the band described her as a “true original who lived entirely on her own terms”.

“The impact she made on music, art and everyone lucky enough to know her cannot be measured”, the post added.

Finch helped power L7 through the 90s alternative-rock boom.

She played base alongside guitarists Donita Sparks, Suzi Gardner and Dee Plakas and helped define L7’s place at the intersection of punk, metal and grunge.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1985, L7 became known for break-out tracks including “Pretend We’re Dead,” “Shove,” “Andres” and “Fuel My Fire.” 

But Finch’s creative work spanned far beyond the stage.

She was also a photographer, writer and visual artist.

The statement announcing her death also acknowledged “the extraordinary outpouring of love and support” shown to Finch.

It comes after another popular 90s band cancelled their entire UK tour following the tragic death of a band member.

The band said in a post online: “We are completely heartbroken over the tragic and untimely loss of our bandmate, brother-in-arms, and friend for 30 years, Justin Cary.

“We were looking forward to connecting with new and old fans around the world this summer and fall, but for now we need time to be still and grieve.”

Heartbroken by the loss, the band added: “Hundreds of pictures. Thousands of memories, 30 years worth. Thank you, Justin.”

The performer died at the age of 50 after suffering a stroke on June 18.

The Kiss Me musician had been receiving treatment at Albany Medical Center in New York.

He underwent two surgeries following the stroke and was placed in intensive care.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

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ON the same day as the 2022 World Cup final, England lost one of its most beloved singers – Terry Hall of The Specials.  

“Terry passed away right after the game,” recalls his bandmate and best buddy, Lynval Golding. “I was in Jamaica when I got the phone call to tell me he’d gone.” 

On December 18, Lynval had been watching Argentina beat France on penalties after a 3-3 extra-time thriller. 

He says: “It was a fantastic game and I thought to myself, ‘Terry, that game was played for you’.” 

While Lynval is a Chelsea fan, Terry supported Man United — but both had been following the Three Lions. 

Four years on, as England’s 2026 campaign ends in defeat to Argentina, The Specials have released their final album, recorded in the summer of 2019 in their teenage stomping ground of Coventry. 

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Across 24 tracks, it is a reminder of a band that smashed racial and class divides — yet one that did it with horn-fuelled hooks primed for the dance floor. 

Live From The Cathedral draws on a four-night homecoming stand in the ruined shell of the old St Michael’s Cathedral, bombed almost to oblivion in the Blitz.  

It includes all The Specials’ favourites — Too Much Too Young, Rat Race, Nite Klub, Stereotype and Ghost Town among them. 

There’s also room for songs from Encore, the band’s studio album released earlier in 2019, including Vote For Me, B.L.M., and a reworking of Fun Boy Three’s The Lunatics. 

It ends with The Specials’ lilting cover of You’re Wondering Now with the Coventry crowd, given encouragement from Terry, chanting the chorus of, “You’re wondering now, what to do/Now you know, this is the end.” 

As it has turned out, the album does mark the end of The Specials, the ska revivalists with punk attitude who formed in 1977 and captivated the nation as members of the 2 Tone movement alongside The Beat, Selecter and Madness. 

And that’s why I’m speaking to the surviving core members, guitarist and occasional vocalist Lynval, who came to Britain as part of the Windrush generation, and bassist Horace Panter. 

I’m supposed to be talking to them together — but then I didn’t take the World Cup into account. 

Only when Horace and I are winding up our chat does Lynval join the video call. 

“I just woke up. I was watching football all night!” he exclaims.  

It’s the day after England beat Mexico and though Lynval lives near Seattle these days, he’s in London staying with family.  

He adds: “Obviously every four years, football is the most important thing in our lives. I’ve got my England shirt!” 

Lynval is the extrovert who wears his heart firmly on his sleeve while Horace seems to be a calm and thoughtful character.  

Hearing from these contrasting souls, one thing becomes abundantly clear. They think it’s all over. 

“This live album is the last hurrah, the final full stop,” says Horace.  

“Losing Terry was a tragic way for it to end, but it’s been an absolute joy to have been part of this band. Incredible. 

“I’ve moved on,” he continues. “Life happens.  

“In 2021, I was handed a granddaughter which I wasn’t expecting. 

“My son and his wife have moved up to live near us (not far from Warwick), so I’m involved in looking after her.  

“I still play music — noisy blues rock with some buddies from Leamington and Coventry. 

“I do other musical stuff and I’ve got this art career. I paint pictures.” 

As for Lynval, the loss of Terry aged 63 from pancreatic cancer, came as the bitterest of blows. “It took me three years to even listen to those live recordings,” he says. “It felt so raw.” 

He sees Live From The Cathedral as a tribute to all those members of the 2 Tone family “who are no longer with us”, including Specials drummer John Bradbury, trombonist Rico Rodriguez and The Beat’s Ranking Roger. 

“But it is more focused around Terry than anyone else,” he says. 

“I was absolutely blessed to work with him, one of the best lyricists England has ever produced. He never got the credit he deserved — he was so damned good.” 

Lynval vividly describes his heartbreak at discovering his close friend was seriously ill. 

Terry had just got back from Los Angeles where he’d been writing songs for the next (and never to be released) Specials album and Lynval had flown over from Seattle for sessions.  

He says: “The next day, I went to the studio and Nikolaj [Torp Larsen], our musical director, was there.  

“We listened to some of the music — one song had the feeling of Funky Kingston. 

“I waited but Terry didn’t turn up. I was the only one he would let visit him at home in Islington so I got on the Underground, came off at the Angel, and walked right to his house. 

“His wife Lindy opened the door. She looked a bit concerned and said, ‘Terry’s in bed’. 

“We both had jet lag so I decided to leave him that way. I had my usual cup of mint tea and chatted with Lindy.”  

Later that week, Lynval heard that Terry had been to hospital and received devastating test results.  

He says: “I went to Coventry and hit a bottle of rum. I went into a black space — completely dark.”  

Soon after his pilgrimage to the Midlands city where they had formed The Specials, Lynval rang Terry. 

“Terry rarely talked to anyone on the phone but he knew we had something to discuss.  

“He said, ‘I’m going to fight this’, and I said, ‘Terry, I’m going to be right by your side, fighting with you brother’.” 

Lynval firmly believes he is “spiritually connected” to Terry and, by way of example, explains how he came to sing Moon River at his funeral. 

“When Brad [John Bradbury] died in 2015, I sang Redemption Song as a tribute, with just cello, violin and viola. 

“Terry’s wife asked me what I was going to do this time. I said, ‘I don’t think I have the strength to do anything’.” 

But then, Lynval heard a radio playing Andy Williams’ definitive version of Moon River. 

He says: “It was beautiful. I rang Lindy and said, ‘I will sing for Terry and I know what I’m going to do — Moon river, wider than a mile’. 

“She started crying and said, ‘It was our wedding song and I played it to him on his deathbed, you’re a genius’, and I hadn’t known.” 

So, along with Nikolaj and guitarist Steve Cradock, Lynval performed Moon River in the same crematorium as John Bradbury’s funeral. 

He says: “When I sang that line, ‘Two drifters off to see the world’, I thought of Brad and Terry.” 

The loss of two such important bandmates prompts Lynval to echo Horace’s sentiments that The Specials have run their course. 

He says: “My book is always open, but not to do anything as The Specials ever again. 

“I was so blessed to work with these musicians but I can’t play the guitar any more. 

“My nerves were damaged after I was hit by a bus. 

“I’ve passed my guitars and keyboards on to my 18-year-old great-nephew Jayden. He’s a jazzer and a Golding!” 

I ask Horace for his thoughts on Terry and he talks of “a private person despite the fact that he could go out in front of four or five thousand people”. 

He adds: “I would kill to go on Desert Island Discs but Terry was like, ‘No, I won’t do that’.  

“But there was always something to laugh about with him. He could be very funny. We bonded over Northern working men’s club comedians and Spinal Tap.” 

Now it’s time to return to those balmy summer nights in 2019 when Terry, Lynval, Horace, Nikolaj, Steve Cradock and the rest of the ace live Specials band performed those hometown gigs in Coventry. 

Horace says: “It was a real coming together of people in Coventry and the ruins of the cathedral was a fantastic venue. 

“Usually when we went to Coventry, we would play this big soulless concrete shed up by the football stadium.” 

He adds: “I was still living there in 2019 so I would walk over the green to Empress House, catch a No13, which dropped me off at Pool Meadow. Then I’d cross the road, go up through the university, and I was at the cathedral. It was great.” 

He remembers Coventry being “a tough place to live” back in the Seventies when The Specials got together, the other members who made the debut album besides Terry, Lynval, Horace and Brad being Jerry Dammers, Neville Staple and Roddy Radiation. 

“By the time we came to prominence in 1979, there was an enormous amount of unemployment and disaffection in Coventry,” says Horace. 

Although Dammers’ masterpiece Ghost Town could be about any downtrodden city with big social problems, it could, he suggests, also have been about their hometown. 

He says: “Lynval suffered racism in some of the jobs he had. At night, he’d go out to the clubs and getting home could be quite an adventure.” 

Though The Specials were associated with Rock Against Racism, Horace says: “We didn’t play many of the gigs because we were the working definition of white guys and black guys making music that works. It was unity in action.” 

He draws my attention to the great Friday Night, Saturday Morning which The Specials perform on Live From The Cathedral and is dedicated by Terry to the fabled Parson’s Nose fish and chip shop in Coventry. 

The song goes: “Hope the chip shop isn’t closed. Cos’ their pies are really nice. I’ll eat in the taxi queue. Standing in someone else’s spew.” 

Horace says: “That was one of Terry’s first forays into songwriting and a really important song of ours. He gave it a very droll delivery. 

“The Parson’s Nose was the chippy that stayed open late after you’d been to clubs like Mr George’s, La Chaumière or Tiffany’s. You’d go there for a steak and kidney pie and mushy peas. 

“Nite Klub mentions Tiffany’s. The shows we did there were the apogee of 2-Toning in 1979.” 

Lynval says: “I got chased in Coventry, I got stabbed in Coventry. It could be a running battle because of the racial problem.” 

But he adds that he had “wonderful” Friday nights and Saturday mornings that ended up at The Parson’s Nose or the Chinese takeaway next door. 

“We were youth, we were growing up and I really did ‘wish I had lipstick on my shirt instead of piss stains on my shoes’.” 

Horace maintains that The Specials gave Coventry something to smile about and to be proud of in the late Seventies “and that was acknowledged during the gigs in 2019”. 

So, I can’t help but ask, how did Horace get his stage name, Sir Horace Gentleman?  

“That was Lynval’s fault,” he replies. “I was raised in Kettering, Northamptonshire, and had a very plummy accent.  

“I was at art college and wasn’t working class by any stretch. And, of course, lots of people had reggae names like Prince Buster or Sir Coxsone.” 

Horace says The Specials “owed as much a debt of gratitude to The Clash as we did to the Jamaican artists.  

“We had the great good fortune to open for The Clash for three weeks in 1978 so we could sit side-stage every night and watch how those guys delivered and what they delivered.  

“We thought, ‘Well, OK, if we’re going to be any good, we’ve got to be at least as good as these guys’. The Clash set the benchmark.” 

But the final words are with Lynval, who has nothing but fond memories of his time in a very special band. 

“I feel so honoured to have been in The Specials,” he says. 

“It’s nearly 50 years since we first got together. What an achievement! 

“And, hold on a minute, those songs are just as relevant today.” 

Lynval leaves us with a quote from a song that Horace insisted they play live at every show because it served as a mission statement. 

“Just because you’re a black boy. Just because you’re a white. It doesn’t mean you’ve got to hate him. It doesn’t mean you’ve got to fight. 

“It doesn’t make it alright.” 

THE SPECIALS 

Live From The Cathedral 

★★★★☆

Celebrity Gogglebox couple Mollie King and Stuart Broad’s love story hasn’t exactly been a walk in the park

Mollie King and Stuart Broad make their Celebrity Gogglebox debut this week – but what do we know about their romance?

Singer Molly shot to fame as a member of chart-topping group The Saturdays, before becoming a TV and radio star. Stuart, meanwhile, is best known for being a cricketer before retiring from the sport in 2023.

The pair have been dating for several years, got engaged in 2021, and also share two children. So with Mollie and Stuart on Celebrity Gogglebox this week, we’re taking a look inside their romance.

Mollie and Stuart’s initial split

Mollie and Stuart started dating in 2012, but the relationship ended less than a year later. They eventually rekindled their romance, became engaged, and now share two children – but it nearly never got off the ground.

Stuart revealed that his demanding cricket schedule, combined with Mollie’s busy career, made maintaining their relationship extremely challenging. “Typical of young professionals, we were all over the place,” he wrote in his 2023 autobiography, Broadly Speaking.

“In early 2013, I flew off to India for some one-dayers and then on to New Zealand. Mollie went to film in Los Angeles, and despite really enjoying each other’s company, being at opposite ends of the world didn’t help us stay in touch.

“It is fair to say we were two people putting their careers first at that stage in our lives. I would never have guessed how big an impact she would have later on mine.”

Mollie and Stuart’s engagement

Fast forward to 2019 and Mollie and Stuart gave it another go – and their relationship took a decisive turn during a make-or-break trip to Paris, which helped them reconnect. Two years later, they got engaged.

To celebrate, Mollie shared snaps of the couple on Instagram, showing off her dazzling diamond engagement ring. She captioned the post: “A thousand times yes! I still can’t believe it, the most magical start to the new year! I can’t wait to spend all my years with you @stuartbroad.”

According to Stuart, though, the engagement almost never happened because someone was sitting on the bench where he planned to pop the question to Mollie.

“I was like, ‘Aaargghh!’ I gave him the eyes to suggest he moved on, but after doing another loop of the park, he was still there,” Stuart wrote in his autobiography.

“So I persuaded Mollie to go round once more. Next time, he’d gone. We had about 15 minutes of enjoying the moment together before we walked up to the highest point of the hill and, to Mollie’s surprise, we were greeted by her mum and dad, who I’d arranged to be standing waiting at the top so she could share the excitement of the moment with them.”

In 2022, Mollie gave birth to a daughter, Annabelle, while their second daughter, Liliana, arrived in January 2025.

Sad reason Molly has yet to plan wedding

Despite being engaged for a long time, Mollie recently revealed that she has been putting off marrying because she “can’t bear to think” about her wedding following the death of her father.

Her dad, Stephen, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2022, and he died in November of that year, just days after Mollie gave birth to her daughter, Annabella – and the singer has admitted she “struggles” to think about planning her big day without her father by her side.

“It [dad’s illness] happened so quickly, out of nowhere. I was in the final stage of the pregnancy, so it was incredibly tough. I’m so grateful Dad was able to meet my daughter and see me in this phase of my life,” she told The Times.

Mollie added, “I can’t bear to think about my wedding without Dad being there. Elements like walking down the aisle without him, I still struggle with. There needs to be a gap so I can process it all.”

Meanwhile, also talking about Mollie’s father’s death, Stuart wrote in his autobiography: “Sadly, he did not have long to live, and we felt that he was hanging on for Annabella’s arrival. It was of great comfort to Mollie that, despite this horrible disease, Steve was able to hold Annabella in his arms.

“He died, surrounded by his girls, 11 days after she was born. It was an unbelievably emotional time for Mollie — having the incredible joy at the birth of our beautiful baby while at the same time dealing with the grief of the devastating loss of her dad.

“I really don’t know how she managed it. I’m in awe of her inner strength and how she coped with both emotions.”

Celebrity Gogglebox airs every Friday at 9pm on Channel 4

A SOAP star died the day after her 35th birthday party from drinking a deadly amount of alcohol, her post-mortem has revealed.

Ece İrtem, best known for playing Işıl in the popular Turkish TV series Cranberry Sorbet, died of ethyl alcohol poisoning.

She died at her home in Istanbul, Turkey, after collapsing in front of her devastated mother.

Initial findings suggested Ece had died of a heart attack, but The Institute of Forensic Medicine ruled that the star died from alcohol poisoning after an extensive investigation.

395 milligrams of alcohol per decilitre (mg/dl) of blood was found in her system, nearly eight times Turkey’s legal drink-driving limit.

This blood alcohol level is deemed medically critical and can be fatal.

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Experts concluded the exceptionally high blood alcohol level mixing with prescribed antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication caused the actress’ death.

The findings put to bed widespread rumours that Ece had died from an illness contracted from a monkey bite.

She had been bitten by a monkey on May 27, during a trip to Thailand, Ece’s lawyer Uğur Gökkoyun confirmed.

Macaques in Thailand can carry infectious diseases including rabies and herpes.

But Uğur explained that she had taken a 21-day course of preventative medication before safely stopping it after 11 days.

And the autopsy found no evidence suggesting that the monkey bite was at all linked to her death.

Ece had posted on social media just a day before her death thanking fans for their sweet birthday wishes.

Heartbreaking tributes have poured in for the young actress, saying she was full of love and happiness.

Caglar Kuru, her friend from university, wrote: “I cannot find the words. She was a person whose heart was full of love, energy and happiness.

“Living through this pain is truly very sad.”

Ece studied at Yasar University’s Opera and Vocal Studies Department before going on to train as an actress.

The soap star kicked off her television career in 2014 before going on to appear in series including Runaway Brides, That’s My Life and New Bride.

She also starred in shows including Payitaht Abdulhamid and Mr Wrong.

Ece was buried at Yenikoy Cemetery in Kusadasi, on Turkey’s Aegean coast.

But the funeral sparked a furious row after several people were spotted filming and taking photos of the coffin.

Footage of the moment went viral on social media and the fans were slammed for their disrespect towards the grieving family.

A POPULAR 90s band have cancelled their entire UK tour following the tragic death of one of their band members.

Sixpence None the Richer were due to head out on the road later this year but the concerts have now been pulled following the death of bassist Justin Cary last month.

They confirmed online that they had decided to take some time out to “grieve” following the saddening news and and as such would not continue with their current touring plans.

The band said in a post online: “We are completely heartbroken over the tragic and untimely loss of our bandmate, brother-in-arms, and friend for 30 years, Justin Cary.

“The past three years had been full of international tours, recording new music, and an even further deepening of the joy of making music together.

“We were looking forward to connecting with new and old fans around the world this summer and fall, but for now we need time to be still and grieve.

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“With heavy hearts, we are canceling all remaining tour dates for 2026.”

Heartbroken by the loss, the band added: “Hundreds of pictures. Thousands of memories, 30 years worth. Thank you, Justin.

“There’ll never be another you, sir. No one could pack a suitcase better or make us laugh harder.

“We don’t know what is ahead, we never do, really. But for now, we must grieve our brother.

“Prayers are welcome for us all, especially his beautiful wife, Linda. We love you all so much and will see you again.”

They had been due to perform dates across the UK in late September and beginning of October of this year.

The performer died at the age of 50 after suffering a stroke on the 18th of June.

The Kiss Me musician had been receiving treatment at Albany Medical Center in New York.

He underwent two surgeries following the stroke and was placed in intensive care.

Sixpence None The Richer got its start in 1992.

Justin joined the lineup five years later, the same year the band dropped its self-titled album, home to the breakout single Kiss Me.

The smash-hit song climbed all the way to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Kiss Me landed a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 2000.

RAPPER Cardi B pays homage to the late Amy Winehouse with a style just like the Brit singer’s — including her trademark beehive.

The US star, 33, sported winged eyeliner, similar to Amy’s signature look, along with a purple, figure-hugging dress to a party at Paris Fashion Week.

Amy also wore a purple frock to the premiere of the film Psychosis in London in 2010.

This month marks 15 years since the Back To Black singer’s death at the age of just 27.

During her career, Amy had a string of showbiz spats, including mocking singer Dido and putting an Alexander McQueen dress on a barbecue after a fall-out.

She also called US rapper Kanye West the C-word on stage at Glastonbury in 2008.

THE MASTERPLAN

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Now Cardi has revealed her own feuds have cost her lucrative brand deals, following ding-dongs with fellow rappers Nicki Minaj, Latto and BIA.

The New York-born star told her followers on X: “No lie, last year when I went off, I lost about three deals.

“I lost about three deals when I was bugging out and violating, and giving b*****s the f***ing business.”

Paris Fashion Week will continue until tomorrow evening, with a series of A-listers travelling to the French capital for a schedule of high-end events.

Fresh from attending Taylor Swift’s wedding to Travis Kelce in New York on Friday, Jennifer Lopez, 56, was photographed heading to a party on Monday in a halter-neck evening gown.

Meanwhile, singer Sabrina ­Carpenter, 27, wore a white dress to Dior’s haute couture autumn/winter fashion show held on the same evening.

Ralf Little is best known for his roles in Death in Paradise, The Royle Family and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.

Ralf Little became a household name back in 1998 when he joined the beloved BBC sitcom The Royle Family.

Since then, he’s gone on to feature in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and Death in Paradise, which he departed in 2024.

Although he’s featured in a plethora of other shows, including his popular series with friend and former co-star Will Mellor.

This weekend, however, he’s back on our screens as he’s due to appear on Sunday Brunch alongside Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer.

Having been firmly in the public eye since the age of 17, we take a closer look at the star’s life away from the cameras.

Childhood tragedy

The BBC actor suffered a devastating personal loss as a youngster when his elder sister Ceri passed away while he was just nine years old. At only 14, Ceri tragically lost her life after falling from a 150-foot clifftop during a family holiday in Cornwall.

Opening up about his late sister on his programme with Will Mellor, Ralf was visibly moved as he touched upon his own decision not to have children, reports the Express.

He said: “My parents were fantastic with us and did the best that they could. But their relationship broke down really in a really difficult way and that was very difficult for us.

“You know, there’s no way of putting this that’s not blunt, but, you know, they had three kids and an idyllic family life and then one of the kids was alive one week and dead the next.

“Everything, their entire lives, crumbled right in front of their eyes from that moment on. It’s like, you know, you can’t protect them. My mum was really… my mum was really protective of us. Really protective.

“And it happened anyway. It happened anyway because you can’t wrap your kids in cotton wool and protect them 24-7. Like, it’s a lot. And it’s only when I’m forced to sort of say these things out loud that I realise quite what a lot it is.”

Ralf has also opened up about how the loss of his sister drove him to pursue greatness and push himself to be the very best he could be.

Death in Paradise exit

Ralf became a firm fan-favourite on the long-running BBC crime drama after joining the cast as DI Neville Parker in 2020. He confirmed his departure four years later, with Don Gilbet stepping in as DI Mervin Wilson.

The actor chose to leave the show after both he and the producers felt his character had naturally run its course. At the time, he announced: “My time on Saint Marie has come to an end – what an end! New adventures await Neville, and he got to sail away into the sunset with his best friend. Who knows what happens for them next!”

However, his mother feared his departure would spell the end of his acting career, as he revealed to The I last year: “About six months ago, I went to visit her. My mum’s done this my whole career – she’s always worried about me.

“She went: ‘So, I’ve been thinking, now that your career’s over, you could go back to medical school this September and qualify in five years, and the good news is you could still work till you’re 75.”

Medical dreams

Best known for his roles in Death in Paradise, The Royle Family and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Ralf could easily have ended up on a very different path in life.

Prior to launching his acting career, Ralf had ambitions of becoming a doctor, studying at the University of Manchester Medical School. He ultimately dropped out, however, when he landed the role of Anthony Royle, choosing to pursue acting full-time instead.

It seems a talent for medicine runs in the family, as Ralf’s brother is a doctor and his sister works as a nurse. When quizzed about whether he ever wonders what might have happened had he stuck with his medical studies, he told The Telegraph in 2021: “Yes. Being a doctor is a calling. I was serious about it. Acting was just a fun hobby.

“I look at NHS workers now, and they’re unbelievably heroic, but I guess I’m lucky not to have to deal with the s**t that’s thrown at them.”

Medicine wasn’t the only alternative career Ralf could have pursued, either. He was once a semi-professional footballer, having turned out for semi-pro side Maidstone United in the early 2000s.

GLADIATORS star Steel and his wife Samantha have welcomed a baby boy just over a year on from the tragic death of their son.

The couple’s second- born, Leo, died 14 months ago after being bornprematurelye at 23 weeks.

Steel — real name Zack George — said the arrival of their newborn will help heal them following the loss of Leo, who lived for just 13 days.

Writing on Instagram this evening, the 35-year-old said: “You will heal us more than you will ever know.

“We love you so much…Our baby boy.”

Friends and fans were over the moon for the pair.

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Kate Lawler said: “Congratulations to you both. You deserve so much happiness x.”

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, aka Gladiator Nitro, wrote: “Massive congratulations! Beautiful!”

Matty Campbell, better known as Bionic, posted: “Over the moon for you both.”

Zack and Samantha are also parents to Ivy, three.

The couple bravely shared late son Leo’s fight with followers last year.

He was initially placed on a ventilator, but after responding well he was taken off it and provided with CPAP, a non-invasive way of keeping airways open.

However, when he was retubed after six hours, it is believed accidental damage was done to his windpipe.

As well as suffering from brain bleeds, a hole in the heart and collapsing lungs, air pockets began to form around his lungs.

Zack told the Mirror: “Around the tenth day they started getting a bit bigger. They came to the conclusion that when they tubed him, either the first or the second time, they created a hole in his windpipe. It’s no one’s fault, a baby that young is really fragile; it’s just a risk.

“That was really hard, because if it hadn’t happened, he would probably still be here. A 23-week-old baby has so much to do. Overnight, he got quite bad, that’s when we went in and he passed away.”

The couple decided against giving Leo CPR having already witnessed him go through so much.

Zack announced Leo’s tragic death with a heartbreaking picture of he and Samantha holding him.

Netflix show, Building the Band, was Liam Payne’s last completed project before his heartbreaking death in October 2024 aged 31 when he fell from a hotel balcony

Netflix has decided not to renew Liam Payne’s final TV project according to reports. The tragic singer’s series, Building the Band – which was filmed four four months before his death – is said not to have been recommissioned, despite the music competition launching the careers of four new groups.

Liam, who tragically died in 2024 aged 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina, served as judge on the series alongside Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland, while AJ McLean hosted the contest.

The winning act, 3quency, received a global platform through Netflix, while several contestants have since secured recording contracts following the show’s release. However, there a reportedly no plans for a second series.

A source told The Sun: “Although there are currently no plans for a second season of Building The Band, bosses at Netflix are really proud of what they achieved. That’s because the show led to the creation of four amazing groups and all of them have since signed record deals.”

The source added: “The finalist groups – 3quency, SZN4, Soulidified and Midnight Til Morning – have all released original music, toured internationally – and attract hundreds of thousands of listeners each month. And Midnight Til Morning are performing at BST Hyde Park at the end of this month.”

Building the Band challenged 50 singers unknown to each other to form new groups, relying on vocal chemistry before progressing through a series of performances.

The winning act received a global platform through Netflix, while several contestants have since secured recording contracts following the show’s release.

The programme had been completed and ready for release before Liam’s death, leaving Netflix to decide whether it should proceed with the series.

After consulting the star’s grieving family, the streaming service chose to air the competition and dedicated it to the late singer.

Liam, who rose to stratospheric fame as a member of One Direction after the group was formed on The X Factor in 2010, appeared on the show mentoring aspiring singers hoping to recreate the success enjoyed by his own chart-topping band.

Since his death, tributes from his former bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik have continued to resonate with fans, while discussion around Liam’s legacy has remained a recurring topic across the music industry.

However, although Building the Band attracted significant attention because it featured the star’s final on-screen appearance, it failed to make a major impact with UK audiences, which Netflix will be aware of.

The Mirror has contacted Netflix for comment.

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

There are so many questions to be answered about what led to yesterday’s fatal mishap involving a B-52H bomber at Edwards Air Force Base. The crash was tragic on a level the base, which sits at the center of America’s flight testing ecosystem, has not experienced, at least to our knowledge, for 75 years. The human impact here is just hard to quantify at this time. At the same time, there will be a major developmental impact, too, especially when it comes to work that is being done to modernize the B-52. This is a constellation of programs that are seen as vital to U.S. national security, and are also already running far behind schedule and over budget.

At this time, we do know that the aircraft in question was being used to support the Radar Modernization Program (RMP), and its loss will have ramifications for that effort. The RMP has already suffered years of delays and major cost growth, the latter of which triggered a deep, legally mandated review. However, in the past year, the U.S. Air Force has been talking more positively about progress on this critical upgrade, as well as other parts of a larger B-52 modernization effort that have faced their own hurdles.

“It was a B-52 that was on initial takeoff, supporting the Radar Modernization Program,” Air Force Col. James Hayes, Deputy Commander of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards, said at a brief press conference yesterday. “It was a local test sortie. It took off, and immediately after takeoff, crashed and burst into flames.”

The 412th is the main unit at Edwards. As noted, the base serves as the Air Force’s main test and evaluation hub.

“After reviewing the footage of the crash, it was deemed that this was an unrecoverable crash and unsurvivable,” Col. Hayes added. The B-52 had “a mixed crew of military, government civilians, and government contractors supporting this test mission.”

“Right now, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those that lost their loved ones,” he also stressed. “This is a tragedy.”

When reached by TWZ for comment today, Boeing reiterated a brief statement it made yesterday that confirmed two of its employees died in the crash. The company’s full statement is as follows:

“We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the eight crew members who lost their lives in the B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base, California. It is with great sadness that we confirm two Boeing employees were among those on board. We are in contact with their families and are offering support.”

Boeing, the original manufacturer of the B-52, is serving as the prime integrator for the RMP. Raytheon is supplying the new AN/APQ-188 active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radar, which is derived primarily from the AN/APG-79. In the United States, versions of the AN/APG-79 are in service today on U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and all EA-18G Growlers, as well as U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18A-D Hornets. The AN/APG-82 used on Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and F-15EX Eagle IIs also builds on the AN/APG-79. The AN/APQ-188 will replace the mechanically-scanned AN/APQ-166 found on B-52s today.

The RMP is one of many major upgrades planned for the Air Force’s entire fleet of 76 B-52s in the coming years. The bombers are also set to get all-new engines, improved communication suites, and more. The changes will be so substantial inside and out that the designation of the bombers will switch from B-52H to B-52J in the process.

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“It is too early to tell,” a U.S. Air Force official told TWZ today when asked about potential impacts to the RMP.

We have also reached out to Raytheon.

The publicly stated plan for the RMP has called for the integration of the AN/APQ-188 radar onto two B-52s to support initial testing. Modification of those bombers began in Fiscal Year 2023, and the first example with the new radar touched down at Edwards in December 2025. Air Force budget documents say the second radar test B-52 is expected to be ready some time in Fiscal Year 2026, which began on October 1, 2025. Whether that milestone has already been reached is unclear.

It is also not known how many AN/APQ-188s may be available at all at present. “The remaining test-phase radars are expected to be delivered through the summer of 2024,” Raytheon said in a press release back in 2023.

As noted, the RMP has already suffered significant delays. Under the original program schedule, flight testing was expected to start in 2024. The initial goal was for AN/APQ-188-equipped B-52s to begin flying operational sorties in 2027. As it stands now, the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of the program is expected to run into the middle of 2029, with initial operational capability then coming in 2030.

These delays have also come along with substantial cost growth. In 2021, the estimated price tag for development of the AN/APQ-188 and integration of those radars onto the Air Force’s full fleet of 76 B-52s was pegged at nearly $2.4 billion, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO). By 2023, the RMP’s costs had risen by 12.6 percent, per GAO. The program was eventually subjected to an extensive legally required review of its requirements and cost targets, which led to a scaling back of planned capabilities, at least initially.

“Part of what we did to control cost is to work at what are the main things that we need on this radar? As you may recall, we’re buying a radar that is largely a F-18 Hornet radar with some small modifications. We did that intentionally because that is what was on the market at the time,” Air Force Lt. Gen. Andrew Gebara, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration, explained in August 2025. “It would actually cost us more if we asked [a contractor] to design the new radar.”

Gebara’s remarks came during a virtual talk hosted by the Air & Space Forces Association’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.

“Having said that, it doesn’t mean that we need everything on that radar that the Hornet had on it,” he continued. “We have a certain number of minimum things that we need to do to be able to do our B-52 mission. And so part of the cost saving [review] was looking at what are those things, to make sure that we’re prioritizing precious dollars on things that we need.”

Gebara said at that time that the revised RMP plan still kept the door open for “opportunities for growth in the future, if it comes to that.”

The AN/APQ-188 is still set to provide essential new capabilities, in part just by being a more modern AESA design. As TWZ has written in the past:

“In general, AESA radars offer greater range, fidelity, and resistance to countermeasures, as well as the ability to provide better overall general situational awareness, compared to mechanically scanned types. Increasingly advanced AESAs bring additional capabilities, including electronic warfare and communications support.”

“For the B-52, any new multi-mode AESA will improve the bomber’s target acquisition and identification capabilities, including when used together with targeting pods available for the bombers now. New radars for the bombers will also be helpful when it comes to guiding networked weapons over long distances to their targets and could provide a secondary ground moving target indicator (GMTI) and synthetic aperture radar surveillance capabilities. The radar upgrade could help defend B-52s from air-to-air threats, including through improved detection of incoming hostile aircraft.”

“Boeing has already looked at some schedule improvement that we’ve seen,” Air Force Gen. Dale White, the service’s Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Critical Major Weapon Systems, also told TWZ and others more recently at a roundtable at the Air & Space Forces Association’s (AFA) annual Warfare Symposium in February. White was speaking at the time collectively about progress on the RMP and the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) for the B-52 fleet.

At that time, Gen. White also highlighted how the relatively small size of the B-52 fleet, combined with the operational demands placed on it, had created additional challenges for modernizing the bombers. The B-52s are in high demand to support conventional combat operations, as underscored by their heavy use in the recent conflict with Iran. A portion of the fleet is also a key element of the air leg of America’s nuclear deterrent triad, which imposes additional hard operational requirements for available aircraft.

USAF B-52 taking off from England on an Iran strike mission yesterday, carrying a load of 500-pound GPS-guided JDAM bombs. pic.twitter.com/23RGpCe8GB

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) April 1, 2026

“The challenge with B-52 that I think everybody forgets, it’s such a small fleet that has such a tremendous requirement in terms of readiness,” White said. “You’ve got to have a certain number on the ramp. That’s a requirement.”

With the B-52 fleet expected to fly into the 2050s, it is extremely likely that the Air Force will move to regenerate a bomber from storage to replace the one lost yesterday, just to meet general operational demands. That is typically a weeks-long process, at best, for an aircraft of this type and size.

Since 2015, the Air Force has returned two other B-52s to service to make up for losses. One of these aircraft replaced a B-52 that crashed and burned at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam in 2016. The other one took the place of a bomber that was totaled on the ground when an electrical fire broke out during routine maintenance at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana in 2015. Thankfully, there were no fatalities in either of those mishaps.

With CERP and the other modernization efforts underway, there is high demand for resources to support B-52 test and evaluation work overall. This is reflected in a nearly tenfold year-over-year increase in the planned budgeting for B-52 test aircraft asset support at Edwards. The Air Force received just over $1.5 million to help pay for “the test aircraft, manpower, Bomber Modular Data Acquisition System (BMDAS), and facilities at the Air Force Test Center” in Fiscal Year 2026, according to official budget documents. The service is now seeking nearly $11 million in this same line item for the next fiscal cycle.

In the meantime, as mentioned, the Air Force has rightfully made clear that its immediate priorities following yesterday’s B-52 crash are engaging with the families of those who perished and working on the investigation, which could take months to complete. Edwards has also at least shut down flight operations today, primarily due to the state of the runway following the mishap.

The full scale and scope of the impacts to the RMP from yesterday’s loss remain to be seen.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com

CELEBRITIES are turning up in droves for Jake Hall‘s funeral this afternoon.

Boxer Derek Chisora is among the celebrities arriving at Grade-I church St Mary the Virgin, in Wanstead, London, for the service.

Cops found the 35-year-old former reality show star in a pool of blood after he ran through a single-glazed glass door.

He was found dead at a Spanish holiday villa with head injuries after a night out partying on May 6.

Officers were called to the rented house in Santa Margalida in the north of the holiday island at around 7.30am.

Police quizzed four men and two women staying at the house.

They reportedly told officers that they had been out in the evening and continued partying after returning to the property in the early hours.

Authorities have not released the nationalities of the others who were at the property.

The Guardia Civil confirmed there was no “criminal activity”.

Hours before he died, he shared a last post on Instagram vowing to “remember the good things”.

Set to the Rolling Stones’ classic Beast of Burden, it showed him enjoying painting, Spanish scenery and fashion.

It was captioned: “Life is bollocks sometimes but I’m gonna try remember the good things – ️ looking through things – I’m just making art – in many forms.”

Footballer and model Jake leaves behind the mother of his child, Misse Beqiri, who he had an on-off relationship with since 2016.

The couple share a daughter, River, who was born in November 2017.

Misse posted an emotional tribute, writing: “There was no way you were ever supposed to go. My heart is shattered, and so is our daughter’s.

“You lit up every room you walked into – your smile, your charm, your energy filled the air.”

She then paid tribute to his love of music and creativity, as well as how many people really loved him.

Chloe Lewis also posted a tribute to her “first love” at the time of his death,

Chloe, who began a 10 year relationship with Jake when she was 16, shared a collection of photos on Instagram from their time together and wrote heartbreaking words that moved celeb pals including Michelle Keegan and Ferne McCann.

“My first love, my childhood sweetheart,” began Chloe. “A love that taught me so much about life and myself, and even more so now your presence is no longer here.”

In their early 20s Towie turned them into stars, but fame had a detrimental impact on their relationship.

Chloe said neither of them wanted to be in the public eye and the pressures of the show put a strain on their romance.

Leading tributes to the star at the time of his death was legendary DJ Fat Tony, who shared an image of the star and captioned it: “Devastating news we Love you such an awful loss to the world you beautiful man x.”

Blue’s Antony Costa wrote: “So sad, what a lovely bloke you were mate R.I.P.”

Love Island’s Jack Fincham wrote on a picture of the pair posted on Instagram: “Cannot believe what I have just read. Condolences to Jake’s family a very sad day. Rest in perfect peace mate.”

Jake first shot to fame on The Only Way Is Essex in 2015, where he famously dated Chloe Lewis before quitting the show in 2024.

This once charming village has been abandoned since a tragic accident decades ago.

Just a stone’s throw from one of the world’s most bustling capital cities lies a town that has been eerily silent for four decades, deserted by all those who once made it their home. Goussainville-Vieux Pays sits roughly half an hour’s drive north of Paris, and once upon a time, it was the picture of a quintessential French village.

Yet as the world moved on, a cruel twist of fate consigned Goussainville-Vieux Pays to history. The beginning of the end for this charming French settlement was the scene of a harrowing disaster

In 1973, a Russian aircraft had been performing aerobatic manoeuvres at the Paris Airshow when it stalled at low altitude and came crashing down.

The plane plummeted into the village, claiming 14 lives – including six crew members .

The wreckage obliterated 15 homes and the local school.

In the wake of the devastating incident, the village desperately tried to rebuild, but fate dealt another cruel blow.

The very next year, in 1974, Charles de Gaulle Airport opened its doors, placing Goussainville squarely beneath the flight path of one of Europe’s busiest airports.

The relentless roar of overhead aircraft proved not only an unbearable disruption for local residents, but served as a constant and harrowing reminder of the tragedy that had torn through their community just a year before, reports the Express.

Most villagers simply upped and left, many without even bothering to sell their properties.

The airport was subsequently compelled to purchase more than 100 of the deserted homes and pledged to maintain them.

Sadly, those houses have since been left to crumble.

Among the most arresting sights in this abandoned village are the crumbling remains of a sprawling old manor house, set within an overgrown and neglected garden.

Graffiti has spread across the settlement, and nowadays its only genuine signs of life are inquisitive tourists arriving to catch a glimpse of the village that time forgot.

One Emmerdale theory suggested a shock death could be looming for Laurel Thomas as her secret fling faces being exposed on the ITV soap, but not all fans are convinced

One new Emmerdale theory has teased a shock death for a long-serving character.

Laurel Thomas is currently at the centre of a new romance plot with Ross Barton, with a secret fling underway. Laurel’s stepdaughter Gabby Thomas was rejected by Ross who instead wants to be with Laurel.

Amid this storyline ongoing, it’s been teased Laurel is just having a bit of fun. But with recent reports suggesting that three different characters have been axed from the show, some fans wondered what the future might hold for other village residents.

There’s rumours Jimmy King will be killed off later this year, and now a new theory suggests Laurel could meet a grim fate. While the fan who started off the theory claimed they were initially joking, they admitted they could not help but wonder if there was truth to it given the soap’s history.

They wondered how the storyline with Ross and Laurel may end, even predicting a twist involving Gabby. They predicted that Laurel would become hated by villagers, and might end up being killed off.

Hilariously, fans shared their thoughts on the theory, admitting that with it being soap land, anything was possible. The original post read: “I thought of this as a joke at first, but knowing the writers, maybe it will end up being true.

“Who wants to bet that Ross will end up dating Gabby and then secretly have an affair with Laurel. Bonus points if they get engaged/married and the affair is found out at the wedding and/or Gabby has a child to him during the relationship (or she goes Eva from Corrie style and fakes a pregnancy).

“And since it’s Emmerdale, let’s also predict that Jai will start seeing Laurel behind Kerry’s back and both affair reveals will happen in the same week. Leading to Laurel becoming the most hated person in the village and then mysteriously dying, prompting a months-long whodunnit.”

The idea wasn’t completely shut down by fans, as some joked along with it while others questioned how likely it was given recent storylines. A fan replied: “You are HIRED!!!!! That storyline I would watch!”

Another said: “You’ve given the scriptwriters much food for thought if they read your post but you and I know that anything is possible in soap land. And I mean anything.”

A final comment read: “I mean if there’s already rumours around about other long-term characters being killed off then Laurel could be just as at risk surely. As people have said it’s soap after all.”

As it stands there has been nothing to suggest Laurel is leaving the show, let alone that she will be killed off. It’s not currently the way the plot is going, but fans are not wrong by saying anything can happen.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

NIALL Horan spoke about the pain he’s living with after Liam Payne’s early death.

The singers met as contestants on The X Factor where they were formed into world-famous boyband One Direction alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson.

Liam passed away in October 2024 after falling from a balcony in Buenos Aires and Niall managed to see his friend in Argentina shortly before his death.

“I’m glad of that, it means my last memory of him was happy,” he told The Times.

“It still feels surreal. On day one I was, like, ‘Nah, it didn’t happen.’ Our friendship was a bond that was there for ever even if we hadn’t seen each other for a while and it’s wild that one day, like the flick of a switch, he’s gone.”

Niall also said he has stayed in contact with Liam’s family.

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“All our families are in touch, they shared those experiences too,” he said.

The Irish lad also wrote a song for Liam on his new album, Dinner Party.

“I think it’s his type of song, he liked Coldplay, he loved songs like You & I by One Direction, songs that went somewhere,” Niall explained adding, “It’s funny, actually, now you say that, thinking about the stuff he liked.”

He also described the “light and shade” of his grief over Liam’s death.

“When I think of Liam’s passing, there is sadness, but it also makes me laugh and smirk because of the memories we had. I’ll go to places and think of something stupid in a hotel or something random that makes me laugh,” Niall said.

“We always had good fun in Australia because we were able to get out and go to the beach. Liam wasn’t too bad at surfing. I can barely swim.”

On a lighter note, Niall also opened up on the possibility of an One Direction reunion.

“God knows. I mean look at Harry there, look at Louis, the boys are flying, so God knows, but everyone still asks about it, it’s exciting.”

True crime fans are urged to check out the Netflix documentary series described as “one of the best” ever made.

A “fascinating” Netflix series with a major twist is the perfect binge watch for fans of true crime documentaries.

The docu-series, which viewers have described as “heartbreaking” and “mindblowing”, first aired back in 2019.

It follows the stranger-than-fiction story of Henry Lee Lucas, who was known as “the most prolific serial killer in the US”.

However, the bizarre case takes an unexpected turn, and the series about his extraordinary life has left viewers stunned.

The synopsis on Netflix reads: “Henry Lee Lucas rose to infamy when he confessed to hundreds of unsolved murders. =

“This documentary series examines the truth – and horrific consequences.”

Titled The Confession Killer, the Netflix series was a hit when it first came out, earning a rare 100% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Audiences took to the review section to share their thoughts on the mini-series, with many praising its detail and calling it a “must watch”.

“Superb, my mind was blown as the story unfolded,” one person wrote, as another agreed: “This is amazing. One of the best, if not the best, true crime doc series of late.”

“Very well described in terms of details and information. Very little bias,” another praised, as a fourth person said: “Henry Lee Lucas is a tragic story where everyone involved was surprised in the end. It’s heartbreaking. You must watch it.”

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Another person reflected: “As someone as complicated as Henry Lee Lucas, this is probably the best and most well put together documentary about him that has ever been made.”

One more viewer observed: “This was fascinating and SO well done. The old footage was terrific as were the interviews with people who are still alive to tell their versions of the story. I was hooked.

“I thought I was just watching a good profile of a serial killer and then everything took a completely different turn. Anyone interested in true crime will find this a compelling documentary. Highly recommended.”

Critics also applauded the documentary, with Mashable noting: For true crime devotees, watching the five-part series will do more than hit the spot.”

The Confession Killer is available to stream now on Netflix.

Gogglebox star Ken Harwood from County Durham has died aged 77 following a short illness, with Channel 4 and fans remembering the beloved TV personality as a “legend”

The Gogglebox family is mourning the devastating loss of beloved former cast member Ken, but what do we know about the cherished TV personality?

Ken made his debut on the enduring Channel 4 series in 2021 during the opening episode of series 17, appearing alongside his wife Anne – and the pair swiftly captured viewers’ hearts.

The County Durham duo graced our screens for five series before departing in 2022. Tragically, this week brought news that Ken had passed away following a brief illness, at the age of 77.

But what’s the story behind Anne and Ken’s enduring marriage? And what touching moment did Ken create during their Gogglebox debut? Here’s what we know about Ken.

Born in Consett, County Durham in 1948, Ken dedicated three decades to working as a postmaster before transitioning into local council work. He eventually stepped back from public life in 2013, reports Chronicle Live.

While details about Anne remain relatively private, she shared more than half a century of marriage with Ken. Their inaugural appearance on the programme featured a particularly heartwarming scene when Ken surprised Anne with a stunning bouquet of roses.

During the episode, Anne graciously accepted the gorgeous arrangement, exclaiming: “God they are beautiful.” Ken then revealed there were 50 roses, representing each year of their life together.

Anne responded: “You have put me to shame now with a card and roses, and I got you nothing. But you have me and that’s all you need.”

In a separate episode, Anne had viewers in stitches with her brilliant reaction to Ken’s ill-timed sneezing bout. As the sneezes began, Anne attempted to halt them by reciting a rhyme, where each sneeze supposedly brought him something special.

Anne reckoned Ken had bagged a wish, a kiss, a letter and something better. But then she drew a blank on how it continued. In the end, she quipped: “Oh hell, here we go.”

Gogglebox announced Ken’s passing on Friday (May 15). In their statement, they shared: “Ken will be dearly missed by his wife Anne, sons Simon and Ross, daughter-in-law, Elle, grandchildren Freya and Tristram, and all who knew him.”

They added: “There will be a tribute to Ken at the end of Channel 4’s episode on Gogglebox tonight.” As word spread of the devastating news, fans poured out their grief. One wrote: “Sad news.” While another commented: “Rest easy legend.”

Gogglebox airs every Friday at 9pm on Channel 4

TOWIE star Jake Hall was battling crippling debts of nearly £1.5million before his tragic death in Majorca last week.

The 35-year-old reality TV personality was found dead in an Airbnb after running through a single-glazed glass door.

It has now emerged the artist had been struggling financially after his fashion company collapsed, according to the Daily Mail.

Companies House shows his business, Prevu London Limited, went into liquidation in 2025 owing around £1.49million.

The company reportedly owed £181,581 to HMRC, as well as a £1.1million loan to an Essex-based property business.

Prevu London also racked up hundreds of thousands of pounds in debts to other unnamed creditors.

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The nation’s financial advisor admitted there was a connection between the date he found himself writing his awards acceptance speech and the day his mum died when he was a young boy

Martin Lewis has reflected on his childhood as a “broken, scared boy” who “barely left the house” as he picked up a BAFTA special award for his work in the TV industry.

The financial journalist and broadcaster, 54, was acknowledged for his dedication to helping the nation change the way it thinks about money, and had previously been hailed by Bafta as “the most trusted man on television”.

The Money Saving Expert gave an emotional speech after being presented with the prize by Richard Osman, during the award show at Royal Festival Hall on Sunday night.

The Manchester-born broadcaster opened his speech by joking that his Martin Lewis Money Show on ITV, which he has hosted since 2012, is “basically a powerpoint presentation with a Q&A after”.

He added: “TV doesn’t have to be format-driven. People will embrace something actionable, something real, something that helps. They will even embrace complexity, if we make it worth it.”

Growing visibly emotional, Lewis admitted he wrote the speech on Thursday, 42 years after his mother’s sudden death days before his 12th birthday.

He said: “For six years, barring school, I barely left the house. Now I’m picking up a BAFTA. For all those of you out there struggling with your own demons, know this: life can be transformed, it can get better.

“If you had told that broken, scared boy that I’d proudly be a campaigning journalist, his jaw would have dropped. So I dedicate this to consumer journalism, where I found my fire.”

Lewis continued: “It’s not seen as sexy, sadly, but in recent years, it’s helped people navigate pandemic support, pushed governments to backtrack on energy hikes, legislate against scam ads – though far more is needed on that – and against aggressive, destructive council tax debt collection and far more.”

He also issued a plea to Rachel Reeves, criticising the “morally wrong” freezing of the repayment threshold for plan 2 student loans, which is due next year, saying: “Chancellor, please.”

He continued: “That power to hold power to account with trust and impartiality is needed more than ever in our fractured world.”

Lewis wrapped up the speech by thanking his viewers, who “don’t just watch, but act and save a shedload” and that his audience is “what keeps me doing this”.

He also thanked his wife of almost 20 years, Lara Lewington, and their daughter Sapphire. Through his decades-long career as a financial expert, Lewis has become known as a consumer champion who provides tips on issues such as debt and consumer rights through his broadcasting work and his website.

He was made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2014 and a CBE in the New Year Honours in 2022, for his services to consumer rights and charitable services.

The BAFTA special award is one of the academy’s highest honours and previous recipients include historian and broadcaster David Olusoga, comedian Sir Lenny Henry, TV presenter Cilla Black and actor Idris Elba.

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PATRICK Muldoon’s tragic cause of death has been confirmed after the soap star’s sudden collapse at the age of 57.

The Days Of Our Lives and Melrose Place actor died from a heart attack, according to official records, with several underlying health conditions also revealed.

New details show Muldoon suffered a myocardial infarction – more commonly known as a heart attack – on April 19, as confirmed by his death certificate.

The document, released by the County of Los Angeles’ Department of Public Health, also listed contributing factors to his death.

These included a hereditary coagulopathy disorder, which affects blood clotting, and a pulmonary embolism – a dangerous blood clot that travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow.

The actor was cremated on Tuesday, with his occupation listed as both actor and producer.

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His sister, Shana Muldoon-Zappa, had earlier shared that he died of a heart attack, posting a touching tribute alongside a final video sent to family just hours before his death.

In the clip, Muldoon is seen joking while showing a painting at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

“As always, he jokes… and yet profoundly brings all things into one moment,” she wrote.

“The joke-ster, the artist, the football player, and the intensely spiritually connected, Jesuit educated, incredible being that is Patrick Muldoon. My best friend. The best brother/son/uncle/anyone could ever possibly ask for.”

“I will have so much more to share as I know he loves this earthly realm and all he created within it,” she continued, “including all of the love and light his spirit is now receiving through all of you…. Surrounding you in light.”

Tributes also poured in from friends and co-stars, including actress Barbara Eden.

“Patrick was a sweet man who was very personable,” she said.

“I enjoyed the time we spent between takes and just enjoying each other’s company in general during the production of the film. He made the experience even more fun.”

“While the passing of a loved one is never easy,” she added, “it is especially difficult when it’s unexpected and sudden as I understand Patrick’s was. My thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends.”

Born in San Pedro, California, Patrick Muldoon shot to fame in the 1990s after launching his career while studying in the University of Southern California, where he also played football.

He first appeared on Who’s the Boss? before landing a role on Saved By the Bell after graduating in 1991.

His big break came as Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives, a role he originated between 1992 and 1995 before returning years later.

Muldoon later played villain Richard Hart on Melrose Place and starred in a string of TV movies.

On the big screen, he was known for playing Zander Barcalow in the 1997 sci-fi hit Starship Troopers.

His final film, Dirty Hands, is due for release later this year.

Away from the spotlight, Muldoon worked behind the scenes as an executive producer on a number of films and was also passionate about music, performing as lead singer of The Sleeping Masses.

Known as “Bobo” to loved ones, Muldoon is survived by his partner Miriam Rothbart, his parents, his sister and extended family.