Indonesia’s government has bestowed ‘national hero’ status on former president Soeharto. The award caused uproar amongst critics who say Soeharto’s legacy is one of mass murder, even genocide. They accuse the government of whitewashing a violent regime. Soraya Lennie explains.
He was one of Britain’s most cherished soap actors but despite his fame as one of the most recognisable faces on television, this star lost everything.
Beneath the trademark trilby and mischievous smile of EastEnders ‘ loveable rogue Frank Butcher, Mike Reid’s real life was considerably more chaotic than his on-screen persona.
The comedian-turned-actor climbed from the East End comedy club scene to achieve national fame, yet a series of devastating personal losses and catastrophic financial problems ultimately destroyed him.
When he passed away in 2007, at only 67-years-old, Reid had been stripped of his wealth and, as he himself put it, “everything that mattered.”
Born in Hackney, East London in 1940, Reid came from humble beginnings and left education at an early age.
Prior to his breakthrough in entertainment, he lived a varied life that allegedly involved minor criminal activity and, most notably, associations with East End gangland personalities including the Kray twins.
His initial career saw him working as a stuntman on productions including The Dirty Dozen and the James Bond parody Casino Royale throughout the 1960s, before transitioning into comedy.
His razor-sharp wit and rapid-fire comic timing quickly won over crowds on the stand-up scene.
By the start of the 1970s, he’d become a recognisable face nationwide, appearing on ITV’s The Comedians. During the programme’s peak popularity, it delivered him widespread recognition and established his reputation as a straight-talking entertainer with his unmistakable cockney persona.
In 1987, Reid secured the part that would come to define his entire career – Frank Butcher in EastEnders. Brought in initially as a part-time role, Frank became a regular the following year after buying the Queen Vic from Den Watts.
With his signature trilby hat, flamboyant outfits, and rapid-fire speech, Butcher swiftly emerged as one of the show’s most iconic characters.
Reid’s real-life persona frequently merged with his television counterpart.
He confessed that portraying Frank’s mental breakdown storyline during the mid-1990s proved so draining that he experienced anxiety himself and left the programme for over a year.
Nevertheless, he made several comebacks, with Frank’s stormy relationships with Pat (Pam St Clement) and Peggy ( Barbara Windsor ) ranking amongst the soap’s highest-rated moments.
Outside EastEnders, Reid pursued his acting career, featuring in Guy Ritchie’s Snatch as diamond merchant Doug “The Head” and in numerous lower-budget productions.
He also kept his ties to the cabaret scene, where his background in stand-up comedy remained integral to his performances.
Whilst Reid’s professional life delivered fame and financial security, his personal circumstances were scarred by a series of devastating events. In 1990, his youngest son Mark, who had been struggling with serious mental health problems for years, fatally shot a friend.
He subsequently set fire to himself and died from his wounds. “It is my true and honest belief that Mark had gone to scare his mate by firing at the wall beside him but instead shot him point-blank in the heart,” Reid wrote in his autobiography T’riffic.
“The shooting might have been intentional but the end result wasn’t. I know Mark was clear-headed enough to ring his mum then go back to Ian to try to staunch the blood with towels. It was no good because the poor lad must have been dead before he hit the ground.
“As time went on after Ian’s death, it appeared Mark got it into his head that he’d caused so much suffering to others, he should inflict as much as possible on himself.”
He said: “Mark killed himself in the most horrible way you could imagine.”
Months later, Reid’s granddaughter – Mark’s daughter – tragically died from cot death.
Years earlier, his first child had passed away just five days after birth.
Reid spoke openly about how these devastating losses affected him, acknowledging that the anguish never truly disappears: “People must see me on TV or in cabaret laughing, singing, cracking gags and imagine that time has healed the pain and the scars. If only they knew. My son is locked away inside – not forgotten, just hidden away in what part we keep our private grief. Otherwise I couldn’t function.”
Reid’s finances also collapsed. A disastrous investment in Spain destroyed a substantial portion of his fortune, plunging not only him but also members of his wider family into financial hardship. Despite medical advice, Reid was a heavy smoker throughout most of his life.
In July 2007, whilst living in Marbella, Spain, he tragically passed away at the age of 67 due to a suspected heart attack. This occurred just weeks after he had been given an all-clear following a comprehensive medical examination.
Despite a long-standing career in the entertainment industry, which encompassed prime-time television roles and profitable comedy tours, he sadly passed away in 2007 with minimal funds remaining.
Reid’s funeral was held at Little Easton Parish Church in Essex and saw over 250 attendees, including numerous former EastEnders colleagues such as Pam St Clement, Barbara Windsor, June Brown, and Sid Owen. Fans were also invited to pay their respects, reflecting the public’s affection for him.
Former Love Islander Tasha Ghouri has released a stunning party edit with Next, and it’s landed just in time for the Christmas period. The Strictly Come Dancing star’s chic collection includes everything from glam faux-fur coats and boots to skirts and party dresses.
With prices starting from £24 for a satin halter top or a metallic faux leather mini skirt, there’s something for every fashion lover to shop this season.
Other retailers with stylish party dresses to shop for the festive period include Noughts & Kisses where we’ve spotted this gorgeous Amaya Black Lace Cut Out Mini Dress for £65.
Alternatively, fashion enthusiasts can head to Marks & Spencer where they’ll find chic party buys such as the £46 Embellished Bodycon Midi Dress or the Embellished Bow Detail Mini Dress for £65.
Back at Next, and Tasha, famed for her stylish outfits, also has a whole host of items perfect for gifting to a fashion lover this Christmas including gorgeous bags and statement heels. Whether shoppers are in the market for a new festive party outfit or want to start Christmas shopping, here’s some of our favourite finds…
Get Tasha’s look
£64
Buy here
Available in both regular and petite lengths, this metallic skirt is shoppable in navy and dark grey. Perfect for wearing both with bare legs or sheer tights, it would team well with heels or boots. We love how versatile it is to style, and so do shoppers it would seem, as it’s already selling out in some sizes in the silver colourway.
Whilst the item currently has no reviews on Next’s website, it’s worth noting some fashion fans may find the skirt too short or long for their preference thanks to the mini design.
This pair of faux leather shorts will see fashion fans through the festive period and well into the new year. They can be styled with bare legs or sheer tights and dressed up or down depending on the occasion. We love the idea of teaming them with a chunky knit to make the most out of the contrasting textures.
Whilst the shorts currently have no reviews on Next’s website, it’s worth considering some may find the faux leather material a little restrictive.
This High Neck Jumper is a great everyday staple that would form the basis of so many cosy looks. Available in chic chocolate brown or khaki green shades, it’s ideal for tucking into skirts or trousers. The lightweight material also makes it perfect for layering.
Whilst the roll neck design may not be to every shopper’s taste, we think it adds a dressy touch to an otherwise casual piece.
Those who want something fun for party season need look no further than this faux feather mini skirt. Easy to style with a plain tee and heels, it’s a statement piece that needs very little accessorising.
It’s worth considering there may be some fallout from the feathers during wear and the item is listed as hand wash only, however we think it’s the perfect piece for party season.
Jeans are a staple in many a wardrobe and we love the flattering wide leg design of this palazzo pair. Available in multiple colours including black, brown, grey stripe, and a dark blue, they currently boast a perfect five star review score on the Next website.
One shopper said: “Comfortable fit, looks great.” Whilst the item has no negative reviews, shoppers may wish to consider that the flare on the legs looks pretty voluminous, meaning they may be impractical for some. However, we like that the jeans are available in various lengths so fashion enthusiasts can shop their desired fit.
Sequin trousers are a great alternative to a party dress for those who still want to look dressy but prefer more coverage. Next’s sequin trousers boast a comfy drawstring detail and a chic wide leg fit, plus they’re available in multiple colours including silver and navy. Shoppers can team with a cosy knit to dress them down, or elevate their look by styling with a shirt or fitted top.
Perhaps surprisingly, the item is machine washable, making it easy to care for, however fashion lovers should consider there is likely to be fallout during wear, as is often the case with sequinned pieces.
This faux fur zip through jacket looks super cosy for winter, and we think it’s a great party outfit cover up. Available in neutral or chocolate brown, it instantly adds a chic touch to jeans and trousers or dresses and skirts. One shopper who reviewed the item said: “A stunning jacket. The colour and faux fur are both excellent. True to size.”
Another Next customer wrote: “Gorgeous quality fur and a deep, rich brown. It is a true bomber jacket coming at about waist length and the elastic at the waist is quite substantial so really cinches the bottom in. Knocked one star off as the pockets are quite shallow and I thought it came up on the slightly small size for outerwear.”
This stylish denim jumpsuit takes the hard work out of deciding what to wear in the morning as it can easily be styled with Boots, heels, or trainers. Available in petite, regular and tall lengths, it’s shoppable in UK sizes 6-22.
We like that the timeless design boasts a waist-cinching belt for a flattering finish. One thing we’d note is that some shoppers may find the fit varies depending on their torso length thanks to the all-in-one cut.
We think this stunning embellished skirt is way more versatile than it might appear at first glance. Easy to style with a bandeau top, a tee, or a knit, it’s perfect for those who want a touch of sparkle without opting for anything overtly festive.
British skaters Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson won gold at the NHK trophy figure skating event in Osaka – their 10th Grand Prix medal.
The win means the pair are the most decorated British team in the series and qualifies them for the Grand Prix Final in Nagoya, Japan in December.
The result comes before the British Championships, where they are on course to become the most decorated pair in history, moving beyond Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, and Sinead and John Kerr.
They scored 205.88 points overall in Osaka and led the field from start to finish, with their Spice Girls Rhythm Dance and Scottish-inspired Free Dance drawing a roaring reception from the crowd.
Gibson, 31, is from Scotland while 26-year-old Fear was born in the United States but grew up in London.
The pair have won seven British championships and clinched Great Britain’s first figure skating World Championship medal in more than 40 years with ice dance bronze in Boston this year.
Operatives of the Nigerian Navy have rescued 10 crew members, including one Cameroonian, one Equatorial Guinean, and eight Nigerians, from the distressed vessel MV SEMA III, which was en route to Calabar from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
The Naval Director of Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Adams-Aliyu, a Commodore, said that the rescue occurred on Friday, November 7, following a distress call received at about 2000 hours.
According to him, a naval gunboat equipped with a submersible pump was immediately deployed to the scene.
READ ALSO: Police Rescue 15 Girls, Arrest Three Suspected Traffickers
“On arrival, the team discovered the vessel was taking in water and promptly evacuated all occupants—one Cameroonian, one Equatorial Guinean, and eight Nigerians, who were later received, debriefed, and catered for at FOB IBAKA until Saturday, 8 November 2025.
“The Master of MV SEMA III expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for its timely intervention and exceptional professionalism,” Adams-Aliu said.
He added that the successful operation underscored the Navy’s renewed efforts under the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), to enhance maritime safety, protect critical national assets, and promote lawful economic activities within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The latest rescue comes just days after the Navy saved 11 passengers from a sinking boat along the Bonny River in Rivers State.
According to the Navy, “On Tuesday, 4 November 2025, personnel of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Bonny rescued 11 passengers from a sinking speedboat along the Bonny River.
“The boat, which departed Nembe Waterside Jetty in Port Harcourt en route Coal Beach Jetty in Bonny Island, developed engine failure midstream and began taking in water near the Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne, Rivers State.
“The swift response of the Forward Operating Base Bonny patrol team under heavy rainfall prevented a major tragedy.
“All rescued passengers, six males and five females, were safely taken to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Jetty for medical checks and subsequently handed over to the Marine Police for reunification with their families.”
Meanwhile, the Navy said it has intensified anti-crude oil theft operations across the Niger Delta, deactivating multiple illegal refining sites in four different locations.
Love Island couple Molly Mae Hague and Tommy Fury seem very much the happy pair again after a short separation. And now the Maebe founder has cheekily revealed how she starts the day with her boxing beau.
After splitting last year following a five-year relationship, Molly and Tommy rekindled their romance over the new year period. Molly has now revealed the duo are in a healthy, happy place and shared a look into their life on her latest vlog.
Taking to her weekly YouTube channel, she was seen with Tommy as the pair messed around playfully. The pugilist told viewers he enjoys starting the day with a cold showers, which helps him “mentally lock in”.
READ MORE: Jonathan Ross says Celebrity Traitors stars still won’t speak to him over awkward feudREAD MORE: Why Caroline Flack’s ex boyfriend is missing from heartbreaking documentary
Despite his comments, he asked Molly not to use his admission in her upload. However, she insisted as she laughed: “Best believe I’m using all of it!”
In the clip, Tommy was seen standing in front of the shower cubicle. And Molly explained the duo, who are parents to two-year-old Bambi, often shower together in the morning.
Basically, TMI, but we actually have a shower together pretty much every day,” she explained. “Because we both get in the shower at the same time and there is two shower heads in there.
“So we just shower but separately at the same time because we just our shower times cross over.”
And fans were loving seeing the pair on such good terms again after seemingly ending their partnership. In the comments section of the upload, one user gushed: “My heart melts seeing you all together.”
Molly also opened up on the issues she is facing as she looks to sell her lavish home. In her latest dilemma while on a video post on social media, Molly told fans that she is in a quandary when it comes to the sale of her £3.8million house.
She admitted she doesn’t want to let it go but knows she has to. Speaking on the vlog, she said: “Like I still don’t know what I’m doing in terms of this house.”
She added that there are “a lot of big decisions need to be made in terms of what I’m going to do with this house, and I’ve mentioned it [but] I don’t want to sell it.
“I don’t particularly want to rent it out,” she said, “but then equally, what am I keeping it for? I don’t know. I just don’t, I really, really don’t know.
“Like there’s some things, that I know in my mind like I’m ready to do, and I want to do, but like in terms of this house…This house will always be so incredibly sentimental to me.”