Fans have been left scratching their heads after realising celebrities will refuse to sign an autograph if you give them a blue pen – and now the real reason has been revealed
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Claire Foy signs autographs with black pen(Image: Getty Images)
When you stumble across a celebrity in public, many people pull out their phones to snap a selfie with them. But there’s still some who prefer to mark the memory with an autograph, using any pen and paper they have available to them at the time.
However, people from across the world have noticed something ‘unusual’ when they ask their favourite star to sign something for them, with one Reddit user saying: “Why do some celebrities or public figures refuse to sign autographs for a fan? I’ve been looking at autograph collection sites, and public figures like Neil Armstrong stopped signing autographs once he realised that fans were simply auctioning them off at high prices.
“If that is true, then he could simply sign and sell autographs for a living every day into his retirement because of how lucrative it is.
“Or do some celebrities not sign autographs to keep their values high? How do they decide whether to sign for a fan or not?”
But it turns out most celebrities refuse to sign in blue ink for a simple safety reason – to prevent their signatures from being easily forged and sold as genuine memorabilia
Blue ink can be scanned and replicated, allowing the production of fake autographs that are hard to distinguish from authentic ones.
For this reason, celebrities will outright refuse to sign using blue ink as their signature is considered a form of currency.
It also prevent fraudsters from turning fake autographs into a business, which ultimately leaves their fans disappointed and out of pocket.
Commenting on the post, one user said: “Armstrong wanted to give his autograph to people that wanted it. But instead they were being sold.”
Another user added: “You’re missing the point, the celebrity isn’t selling autographs, people go to the celebrity, ask for one (for free), and then immediately go and sell it, which is insulting, distasteful, and to some degree fraudulent.”
A third user said: “I feel like it is probably often a challenge for celebs to balance having a positive relationship with their fans and also trying to lead somewhat normal lives.
“Like, sometimes you just need to get to/from the store in a short amount of time.
“I bet it’s tough to start signing/taking pics and then calling it quits before pleasing everyone. Maybe sometimes it’s just easier to not start.”
One more user added: “The issue here is that if the people you sign for simply resell is that you get p***ed off as people aren’t really appreciative of your accomplishments and just in it for the money.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped out to Jeff Bezos’ lavish mansion complex as they attended a star-studded 70th birthday party for Kris Jenner in Miami
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped out to Kris Jenner’s 70th birthday party(Image: The Hollywood JR / BACKGRID)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle joined an array of big name stars as they stepped out to Kris Jenners lavish 70th birthday party. The pair were seen looking swanky heading into the glamorous bash which had a James Bond theme.
The party – thrown at billionaire Jeff Bezos‘ £125million mansion in Beverly Hills – saw guests including Bill Gates, Adele and Justin Bieber join Kris and her famous children to celebrate her entering her seventh decade of life. Harry, 41, wore a classic black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt, while Meghan, 44, opted for a long-sleeved black turtleneck top, teamed with a black maxi skirt with a thigh high slit.
The Duchess of Sussex kept it simple with her hair slicked back and long sparkling earrings, accessorising with a black clutch bag and wearing strappy heels. Harry meanwhile had a red poppy pinned to his lapel, in a nod of respect for Remembrance Sunday.
The outing came as Kate Middleton, 43, was joined by her son Prince George, 12, as she attended the Festival of Remembrance event in London on Saturday. The Princess of Wales joined King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 78, at the event as they honoured military service men and women.
Just prior to attending Kris’ party Harry had encouraged others to check in those carrying the “weight of war.” He shared an essay where he praised the “things that make us British”, including banter and the pub.
He then urged others to not only remember those who have lost their lives, but to check in on soldiers still with us and carrying the “weight of war,” suggesting Brits should “join them for a cuppa…or a pint” to hear their stories and “remind them their service still matters.”
In the essay, which also reflects on his trip to war-torn Ukraine, he warns how easy it is for veterans to be forgotten “once the uniform comes off.”
He wrote: “Every November the world, for a moment, grows quieter. We pause, together, to remember. Remembrance has never been about glorifying war. It’s about recognising its cost… the lives changed forever and the lessons paid for, through unimaginable sacrifice.
“It’s also about honouring those who, knowing that cost, still choose to serve. There is a similar stoic spirit of self-deprecation and humour in Ukrainians, that I recognise more than any other, in us Brits.
“Though currently, I may live in the United States, Britain is, and always will be, the country I proudly served and fought for. The banter of the mess, the clubhouse, the pub, the stands – ridiculous as it sounds, these are the things that make us British.
“I make no apology for it. I love it. I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside men and women from all four corners of the UK… from Antrim to Anglesey, Lancashire to London, Wrexham to the East Riding, Belfast to Bedfordshire and beyond.
“I saw courage and compassion in the harshest conditions imaginable. But I also saw how easy it can be, once the uniform comes off, for those who gave everything, to feel forgotten.They safeguarded our freedom. We must safeguard their future. That way we all benefit.”
Three years after Tom Parker’s death, his former The Wanted bandmate opened up about a heartbreaking apology he received from the singer before his death
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The Wanted’s Siva Kaneswaran shares favourite memory of Tom Parker(Image: Getty)
It’s hard to think of many things more important to a musician than prepping for a North American tour. There’s so much to do – you’ve got to rehearse to make sure you sound at the top of your game and you’ve got to catch a flight to your first tour stop. You’ve even got to make sure your suitcase has enough socks to last you for the months you’re there.
But in and amongst doing all that, The Wanted’s Siva Kaneswaran made time to front GenesisCare UK’s Memory Bank – an art installation in Oxford that explores and celebrates the first-hand experiences of brain cancer patients, their friends and family.
Sitting down with us just days before he would perform to a crowd in Las Vegas, Siva explained why he wanted to be part of GenesisCare’s installation. “The number one fear of people with brain tumours is losing their memory,” he starts.
“This exhibition helps create a positive mindset for people with brain cancer. They can go to the exhibition and hear their memories.” Focusing on people with glioblastoma, a highly aggressive and malignant brain tumour, the Memory Bank showcases how human connections help them and their loved ones navigate such a challenging new chapter in their lives. It creates hope and positivity, which can increase the life expectancy of a glioblastoma patient and enhance their quality of life.
“It’s so important to harness the power of hope and a positive mindset after diagnosis,” said Siva. “And I want to raise awareness and money for new treatments.”
The singer explained that because “cancer is such a taboo topic”, particularly brain cancer, it isn’t spoken about nearly as much as it should be, especially since it is one of the top killers of people under 40. When it’s not spoken about, nothing changes. But when it is, the types of research and treatments that can arise, such as a special dye that a patient can drink to make a tumour glow orange during surgery.
Talking about cancer can save lives. Siva adds: “I know from personal experience how important that is.”Three years ago, Siva’s bandmate Tom Parker died after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. Following his diagnosis, he was given six to twelve months to live. “Tom lived to 18. He helped thousands of people.
“Cancer is so taboo. But Tom was a very avid campaigner. He was so adamant and went into parliament to talk about treatments. Access to early treatment is so crucial. Tom’s legacy is this. My legacy is this. His legacy and my legacy are shared. If I can help one person gain access to treatment, that’s a job well done.”
Tom was diagnosed with a grade IV glioblastoma in October 2020, after suffering from a seizure in July. After months of treatment, Tom revealed his tumour had “significantly reduced”. By September 2021, he was well enough to reunite with his Wanted bandmates, including Siva, for a charity concert in aid of Stand Up to Cancer. Two months later, Tom announced on X that he’d had the results from the latest scan of his tumour – “and I’m delighted to say it is stable”.
Yet, despite his improvement, by March 2022, Tom had suffered a sudden deterioration of his condition and died at the age of 33. To Siva, Tom wasn’t just his friend who had brain cancer and died. He was a family man, whose most important relationships were with his wife, Kelsey and their two children. “I used to call them the Positive Parkers,” Siva said, crediting their positivity with why Tom lived so long after his diagnosis.
“Tom was the first of us to get married, the first to have children. He spent every second with them and loved his family so much. That family was so protected and cherished.”
How much Tom loved his family was one of the core things Siva remembered about Tom. But his favourite memory was a moment from when they were still touring as part of The Wanted. He and Tom were in the back of their tour van, driving home from Leeds and talking about time and relativity.
“He was showing me videos about it on his phone. We were talking about all these deep things whilst he was covered in Monster Munch dust,” Siva laughs. More seriously, he adds: “We used to butt heads a lot in the past.
“Tom was from Bolton and I’m from Dublin. He was quite extroverted and I was more introverted and passive. We were like bickering brothers. But in that van, he apologised for anything offensive he might have said. And he told me he loved me deeply.”
Siva told Tom that none of that needed to be said, it was all already known. “It was such a lovely moment,” Siva says. And it’s stuck with him years since.
While GenesisCare is trying to help people with glioblastoma, their Memory bank art installation is a valuable exhibition for the family and friends of brain tumour patients, like Siva. He explains how important memories are when you’re grieving.
“You lose people twice. First when they die and then when people forget them. I cope by talking about Tom and helping other people talk about him. I cope by singing his songs.”
Siva now lives in Los Angeles and flew back to the UK for the Memory Bank installation, which officially launched on 23 October. He had to quickly jet back to America again, as he and Wanted bandmate Max George have formed The Wanted 2.0 and are embarking on a tour of the US.
On their tour, they are likely to be singing songs like Glad You Came and Chasing The Sun, both of which were iconic sounds of the 2010s. The tour almost didn’t happen, as one half of the double act, Max, was in hospital just days before he was supposed to fly out to the States.
Having undergone heart surgery twice – both in late 2024 and early 2025 – Max found himself in hospital again in late September. Thankfully, though, he was able to join Siva in Las Vegas for their first US show.
Through their tour and The Wanted’s music, Tom lives on. He lives on in Kelsey and their children as the family tries to continue with their lives. He lives on in the work of GenesisCare UK, all the research that goes into brain cancer and every conversation someone has about it.
“Things can feel hopeless but we’ve done so much for other types of cancer,” Siva says. By talking about the work Tom did to raise awareness about brain cancer can be turned into tangible treatments that might one day mean glioblastoma is no longer one of the most challenging cancers to treat and incurable.
And by celebrating the memories of everyone currently dealing with it, whether that’s patients or their loved ones, Tom’s message lives on. “Tom’s message was hope. And hope helps so much. Hope can change everything.”
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GenesisCare UK’s Memory Bank art installation launched on 23 October in the Westgate Centre in Oxford
David Beckham has been wearing his cosy wool-lined wellington boots on repeat whilst tending to his garden this autumn, and they’re the go-to brand for royals like Kate Middleton
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David Beckham loves wearing this one pair of wellies for his countryside lifestyle(Image: Getty Images)
If ever there was a time of year to dig out a pair of wellies it’s autumn, and there’s one brand that is the top choice for everyone from celebs to royals – Le Chameau. The chic and practical wellington boots have been spotted on the feet of Kate Middleton over the years, and most recently were worn by David Beckham when he guest edited the October 22 issue of Country Life .
Throughout the photoshoot that accompanied his guest edit, David was wearing his pair of £330 Men’s Chasseur Wool Lined Wellington Boots for everything from tending to his veg patch to feeding the chickens and in the Land Rover with the dogs. He even wore them whilst bee keeping, proving that the Le Chameau wellies really are for everyone and every outdoor occasion.
READ MORE: Clarkson’s Farm fans can get Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone Beer advent calendar under £100
READ MORE: Amanda Seyfried’s under-£100 waterproof boots ‘stop dirt and water getting on your socks’
Apart from being waterproof, the wellies are wool lined which helps keep your feet warm throughout the autumn and winter months. Although David’s men’s pair are only available in sizes six to 14, there are also several versions of women’s wellies at Le Chameau, with options which are leather, neoprene and jersey lined.
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You could also snap up these men’s Fleece Lined Wellington Boots for £40 from M&S, which have a simple design but are extra practical, with an adjustable buckle at the top to keep out the rain. They also have a fleece lining which keeps your feet warm, with a generous fit to make room for thick socks and come in sizes six to 12.
Alternatively, the RHS Muckster II Short Boots have also gotten an A-list stamp of approval, with Amanda Seyfried mentioning they’re a key part of her day-to-day uniform whilst on her farm. They’re also the only gardening footwear endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society, so you’ve got an extra seal of approval.
However David’s Chasseur Wool Lined Wellington Boots are a fail safe choice for all of your outdoor pursuits this autumn and winter. You can also choose from eight different calf widths for an almost bespoke fit.
The boots also feature extra reinforcement from aramid fibres, and have waterproof protection from Riri Aquazip and a snap button to fasten them. They’re even shock absorbing and insulating, with an all-terrain outsole that has a reinforced shank to give you better arch support.
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Comfortable and stylish? No wonder they’ve got such an impressive fab club!
Coronation Street star Cherylee Houston, who plays Izzy Armstrong, is married to a famous face who has also appeared in the ITV soap…
Jamie Downham Deputy Associate Editor, the Mirror and Joe Crutchley Screen Time Reporter
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Cherylee Houston has played Izzy Armstrong for more than a decade(Image: Matt Crossick/PA Wire)
We do love a real-life soap couple! However, some are better-known than others – and Coronation Street fans have been shocked to learn that Izzy Armstrong actress Cherylee Houston is married to a familiar face from TV.
Since arriving on the cobbles in 2010 as Andy Whyment’s character Kirk Sunderland’s love interest, 51-year-old Cherylee has established herself as a beloved character amongst the show’s cast. The Underworld machinist has featured in several big storylines, including a romance with Mikey North’s Gary and a dramatic two-month prison sentence.
However, fans have recently been shocked to learn that Cherylee is married to Toby Hadoke, also 51, who has appeared in programmes including Emmerdale, Shameless, Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights – and, you guessed it, Coronation Street.
Additionally, he runs the Manchester comedy venue XS Malarkey, the nine-time winner of Chortle’s Best Comedy Club award for the north of England. The not-for-profit venue has given breaks to stars including Jason Manford and Celebrity Traitors star Alan Carr, to name just two.
Couple Cherylee and Toby’s professional worlds collided in 2021 when he appeared in Coronation Street as Fergus, a thoughtful neighbour checking on Izzy throughout the pandemic. His character drew attention to the difficulties experienced by the disabled during the national health emergency.
Toby has spoken enthusiastically about working alongside Cherylee, declaring: “She’s great as well. She’s such a good actor. I think it’s forgotten because she’s so brilliant at bringing attention to the importance of disability representation, she’s really good.”
Toby previously revealed his Corrie connection, saying: “If you delve into the archives you know, I once married Curly Watts. I was a vicar,” before adding: “They wanted a young vicar at Curly Watts’ wedding. If you go back it was about 747 years ago. That was just a one-off.”
Followers of a Corrie Facebook group were left surprised to discover the romantic connection between Cherylee and Toby. A photograph of the pair prompted numerous comments.
One follower asked: “How come I recognise him?” Another replied: “Toby Hadoke! He’s an actor/writer/standup comedian.”
The news shocked others: “I remember him from Corrie I think, didn’t know at the time they were together.” Another commented: “Same! Think he was in Hollyoaks as well.”
I’m a Celebrity Unpacked presenter Joel Dommett has opened up about his wife Hannah jetting over to join him the jungle – and the astonishing time he has to go to bed to get ready for the show
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Joel with his wife Hannah(Image: Instagram)
Presenter Joel Dommett has flown out his whole family to the jungle as he gears up to host the I’m a Celebrity spin-off show. The star – who has four-year-old son Wilde with wife Hannah Cooper – follows in the footsteps of main show host Dec, who also usually moves his entire family over for the duration of the show.
Dec, has two children with wife Ali Astall: Isla, seven, and Jack, three. And Joel says: “This year I’m taking my family with me, so it’s going to be great getting home from work and being able to see them and Wilde learning how to swim and all of that stuff. I’m really excited for them to be there. Hopefully I can enjoy a bit of family time before I have to go to bed at 3pm in the afternoon.”
The 40-year-old says he will be glad to have his wife with him, not least as he says he struggles by himself. The star, who married Hannah in 2019, admits: “Every year halfway through the run, I realise I’ve run out of clothes and I have to go to the nearest town to buy lots of stuff. I never take enough, my wife despairs at my packing. At some point, you have to understand that you have to wash your pants and do a washing run every five days.”
Opening up about hosting I’m a Celebrity Unpacked, he revealed how celebrity guests this year will include Strictly star Seann Walsh, Lioness Jill Scott and former King of the Jungle Sam Thompson. Joel, who hosts the show with Capital Radio DJ Kemi Rodgers, says: “Our last Queen of the Jungle, Jill Scott came out last year and she’s just so lovely and so funny and also an incredible athlete. It’s a mad thing, you forget that alongside this she’s also an incredible football player. I’m excited to hear what she thinks about the new campmates.”
Seann previously appeared on the main show in 2022. And Joel admits: “I’ve known him for years and years. I’ll always remember that Seann was in a competition with me on my fourth ever gig, he went through to the semi finals and I didn’t. So he beat me in a competition and rightly so, he was better at comedy than me. We’ve buried the hatchet now.”
Co-host Kemi says she is excited for the show to begin and hopes there is not a repeat of a jungle critter landing on her head like last year. “That’s the brilliant thing about Unpacked. If something goes wrong, it’s going wrong and everyone’s going to see it. I remember my first ever show of the first series last year, the moment that Joel was introducing me, for the first time, a massive bug landed on me and I was screaming. And this was my introduction into the entire show and I had to apologise.”
