Category Entertainment News

Queen icon Freddie Mercury’s secret child has been revealed five decades after she was born as his bandmates and closest friends kept the news hidden for years

A forthcoming biography is set to send shockwaves through the entertainment industry with a revelation about Freddie Mercury that’s remained under wraps for nearly five decades. The legendary Queen frontman, known for his flamboyant stage presence and enigmatic personal life, reportedly fathered a daughter – an aspect of his life kept firmly out of the public spotlight.

According to the new book titled, Love, Freddie, only a select few within Mercury’s close circle were privy to the truth.

His parents, sister, bandmates, and longtime confidante Mary Austin were reportedly all aware of the secret, which has remained buried until now.

Freddie’s huge secret laid bare

The biography reveals that the child was the result of a brief, unexpected liaison in 1976 with the wife of one of Mercury’s close friends. Now 48, the woman lives in Europe, where she has built a quiet life as a healthcare professional. She is also a mother herself, meaning Mercury is now, posthumously, a grandfather.

Breaking decades of silence, the woman has chosen to share her extraordinary story with acclaimed rock journalist Lesley-Ann Jones, whose previous works have chronicled the highs and heartbreaks of the music world’s biggest icons.

Freddie’s daughter ‘ always knew ‘ he was her dad

She detailed how she was raised by a loving family but always knew the music icon was her dad. Before he died of pneumonia caused by Aids in 1991, Freddie gave his daughter 17 volumes of his personal journals.

His daughter had kept them a secret for years but has now handed them over to Jones, which form the basis of the book that’ll be released later this year.

It tells the story of a child who was accidentally conceived during a fling. The news is set to come as a huge shock to Freddie’s fans, as no one had every suggested the existence of a secret love child.

How did Freddie meet the mother of his child?

Freddie had a number of relationships with men and women, including Mary Austin. They met when she was 19 and he was 24, a time before his mega stardom.

The couple lived together and were engaged before Freddie came out as gay. Freddie and Mary never had any children but Mary went on to have two sons with another partner while remaining close to the singer for the rest of his life.

In the early 1980s, Freddie had a romance with Austrian actress Barbara Valentin and his third liaison with a woman, the mother of his child, was kept secret.

Freddie’s daughter reveals the truth in emotional letter

His daughter, only known as B, issued a handwritten letter in the book. It reads: “Freddie Mercury was and is my father. We had a very close and loving relationship from the moment I was born and throughout the final 15 years of his life.”

“He adored me and was devoted to me. The circumstances of my birth may seem, by most people’s standards, unusual and even outrageous.

” That should come as no surprise. It never detracted from his commitment to love and look after me. He cherished me like a treasured possession, “the message seen by Daily Mail said.

Jones was approached by B three years ago and initially had reservations”. My instinct was to doubt everything, but I am absolutely sure she is not a fantasist, “she said.

Did Freddie help raise his secret daughter?

The author said B has never asked for money and does not want recognition. She said B was not provided for through Freddie’s will, but instead through a private legal arrangement so the secret would be kept.

” His only child was conceived accidentally with the wife of one of his closest friends, while his friend was away on an extended business trip. For the Roman Catholic mother, abortion was out of the question, “Jones told the publication.

She said Freddie was a” hands-on devoted dad “and was the” greatest blessing of his life”. Jones explained they decided B would live with her mother and her husband but Freddie would have his own room at their home. The three friends raised B together and Freddie spoke to his daughter everyday when he was on tour.

Why is Freddie’s daughter speaking out now?

Addressing why she wanted to speak out now, B wrote in a letter included in the book:” After more than three decades of lies, speculation and distortion, it is time to let Freddie speak.

“Those who have been aware of my existence kept his greatest secret out of loyalty to Freddie. That I choose to reveal myself in my own midlife is my decision and mine alone”.

The Piano Man singer was due to play at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on June 6 2026 and Anfield stadium in Liverpool on June 20 2026.

US crooner Billy Joel has revealed he’s cancelling all his forthcoming gigs due to a diagnosis of a condition that leads to fluid accumulation in the brain. The 76-year-old ‘Piano Man’ singer was slated to perform at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on 6 June 2026 and Anfield stadium in Liverpool on 20 June 2026.

A social media update from Joel read: “Billy Joel has announced that he will be cancelling all scheduled concerts following a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance.

” Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period. Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritising his health.

“He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage”. Joel expressed his regret, saying: “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding”.

According to the NHS website, NPH is a rare and not well-understood condition that typically affects individuals over 60 years old. Its diagnosis can be challenging as its symptoms – mobility issues and dementia – are often linked with more prevalent conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

The affected tour dates were originally scheduled to begin in Milwaukee on April 26, and would have run until a show in Charlotte next July 3. They include two UK shows set for next June, that would have taken place in Edinburgh and Liverpool.

Fans who bought tickets to any of the star’s cancelled shows will receive automatic refunds via their original payment method.

Since wrapping up his historic 10-year residency at Madison Square Garden in July 2024, Billy Joel has been back on the road, touring across the U. S. and showing no signs of slowing down. Following a significant musical milestone earlier in the year, The Piano Man’s post-residency schedule has rekindled fans’ interest.

With the release of “Turn the Lights Back On,” Joel’s first original song in a long time, in February, he made a triumphant comeback to songwriting.

Wexler also produced the song, which was co-written with Freddy Wexler, Arthur Bacon, and Wayne Hector, and marked a rare instance of the legendary musician’s new material. The track received a good reception, which heightened his tour’s anticipation.

In August, Joel’s unique European concert in Cardiff, Wales, attracted international attention. Fans were enthralled when he made the decision to take a train instead, stopping for photos with a ticket inspector, and doing so in an unanticipated way that made his everyman appeal even stronger.

The music legend is best known for his songs Piano Man, Uptown Girl, Tell Her About It, and An Innocent Man, which he started out on in the middle of his career in the mid-1960s.

Joel has received 23 nominations and five Grammy nominations. One of his heroes, Ray Charles, inducted him into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.

Water rights advocate Feargal Sharkey has opened up about his prostate cancer diagnosis, discovered inadvertently following a visit to his GP for an unrelated sore throat. The 66-year-old former Undertones frontman declared he’s in good health and remains committed to the fight for cleaner waterways, having had the issue “resolved” a year ago.

Speaking candidly on the state of UK rivers beside the River Lea in Hertfordshire, Sharkey recounted to the Express: “About a year and a half ago, I randomly went to see my GP with a sore throat.”

His long-trusted doctor, after a characteristic grumble, decided to run full tests, considering the singer’s age. He continued: “Now I’ve known him long enough but he goes ‘no no, you’re that bloke that used to sing. So if you’re telling me you’ve got a sore throat, there’s something going on’.

“So my doctor, being the beautiful, wonderful, awkward, cantankerous old man that is went ‘oh Feargal, by the way, you’re 65 now, I’m going to run the full battery of tests.”

Sharkey revealed: “Two days later, it turns out, I began a journey which led to the [diagnosis] of prostate cancer. “Fortunately, Sharkey reported that the issue was settled a year prior, and his life took a turn for the better. He shared this personal story to encourage other men to undergo cancer screenings and acknowledged the pivotal role his routine GP visit played in detecting his illness.

“The reason I’m very happy to talk about it is because if there’s one man out there over the age of 45 go and see your GP. Go and get the blood test done.”, reports the Express.

Making a heartfelt plea to men across the nation, the Teenage Kicks singer urged: “Now, for one in eight of you, you will be put in the same journey I’ve had and it’s quite astonishing to think that in this country right now, one in eight men have prostate cancer. Most of them don’t even know it. So go and have the blood test and if you’re lucky, you’ll walk away. If you’re lucky, like me hopefully, you’ll have caught it early on and you can deal with it and get on top of it. 

“But, and I have such unbelievable admiration for Chris Hoy over the last couple of months, if you end up where Chris is, well you’re now looking for a very different outcome and not the one you were expecting for your life, my friend. So, for a blood test – go get it done right now.”

Six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy, aged 49, revealed in February 2024 that he was fighting prostate cancer. He delivered the gut-wrenching news that in October his prognosis had turned terminal after the cancer spread to his bones, with medics predicting a life expectancy of two to four more years.

Speaking from the historic Amwell Magna Fishery, Feargal Sharkey remarked: “I’m very well. I’m still here and I’m still going to carry on this [clean water] fight until it’s resolved and everybody can come down to beautiful places like this and get access to these kinds of rivers and go ‘it’s a hot day, I think I’ll go take a dip in the river’ without having to worry about the last time the local water company dumped poo into the river.”

2024 has seen record pollution levels with a shocking 3.6 million hours of raw sewage discharged into England’s rivers and the sea by water companies. Sharkey didn’t mince words criticising the Labour government for indulging in “an awful lot of performative politics” since they took the reins last July.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed is spearheading an initiative to clean up Britain’s waterways, clamping down on water executives with measures that include a ban on bonuses and tough new penalties, potentially including imprisonment.

The music legend expressed his frustration, saying: “There’s an awful lot of people running around getting busy but actually nothing has changed.”

He quipped: “There’s an awful lot of pantomime going on. I’ll give you a couple of examples. ‘We’re going to send people to jail’. Actually, when I look at the detail, it’s specifically only for obstructing an investigation, not for just being a crude, abominable, greedy, self-interested, profiteering monopoly. 

“Only if you obstruct an investigation, but by the way that’s actually been the law for the last 30 years anyways. So what have you done other than re-arrange the deck chairs?’Oh we’re going to ban bonuses’. The chair of Thames Water seems to have made his view clear ‘I’m just going to put the salaries up. You go right ahead’.

“In terms of actually dealing with the issue, little if anything has changed and I think an awful lot of people, particularly in the environmental world, already use the word betrayal. And those people do feel that they have been betrayed – and perhaps they have.”

Feargal declared that Ofwat and the Environment Agency (EA) “have all the teeth they could ever want”. Nonetheless, he added: “The fact they refuse to close their mouths and bite, that’s a whole other story. The simple truth of the matter is the whole regulatory system needs utter reform.”

In reminiscence, Feargal, who blasted the privatisation of water as “an utterly failed experiment”, recounted how throughout his “remarkable” life, individuals would often engage him in chats about music and gigs.

The former frontman spoke out, “For the last four or five years, people now want to talk to me about shite in rivers. So can we fix this as quickly as possible? Cause I’d quite like to go back to talking about music and nice things again as opposed to other people’s poo.”

Feargal, who hails from Derry, Northern Ireland, grew up amidst the Troubles, influenced by his trade unionist father Jim – chair of the Old Derry Labour Party – and Sibeal, his mother, a key figure in the civil rights movement.

Reflecting on his childhood activism, Feargal recalled as a 10 year old boy attending the People’s Democracy march in January 1969, carrying what he later learned was an anarchist flag.

He shared how his background fuelled his environmental crusade: “When I realised the injustice that was being perpetrated on water bill payers and the great British public and the environment, and in the world I grew up in, if you saw what you perceived to be an injustice, it was demanded of you that you actually confronted it and did something about it. So once I’d worked that out, I had no choice. It’s in my DNA. I was going to have to stand up and do something.”

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A new book based on Freddie Mercury’s life is set to rock the world of showbiz as his secret child has been revealed. The Queen frontman had a daughter that was kept well away from his public image.

Her existence was only known to his very closest circle, including his parents and sister. Freddie’s bandmembers were also aware, as well as the love of his life, Mary Austin.

The book, Love, Freddie, details how the child was conceived accidentally during a fling with the wife of Freddie’s close friend in 1976. His daughter, who is now 48 lives in Europe where she works as a medical professional.

She is also now a mother, making Freddie a posthumous granddad. The woman has spoken out to tell her bombshell story to respected rock biographer Lesley-Ann Jones.

She detailed how she was raised by a loving family but always knew the music icon was her dad. Before he died of pneumonia caused by Aids in 1991, Freddie gave his daughter 17 volumes of his personal journals.

His daughter had kept them a secret for years but has now handed them over to Jones, which form the basis of the book that’ll be released later this year.

It tells the story of a child who was accidentally conceived during a fling. The news is set to come as a huge shock to Freddie’s fans, as no one had every suggested the existence of a secret love child.

Freddie had a number of relationships with men and women, including Mary Austin. They met when she was 19 and he was 24, a time before his mega stardom.

The couple lived together and were engaged before Freddie came out as gay. Freddie and Mary never had any children but Mary went on to have two sons with another partner while remaining close to the singer for the rest of his life.

In the early 1980s, Freddie had a romance with Austrian actress Barbara Valentin and his third liaison with a woman, the mother of his child, was kept secret.

His daughter, only known as B, issued a handwritten letter in the book. It reads: “Freddie Mercury was and is my father. We had a very close and loving relationship from the moment I was born and throughout the final 15 years of his life.”

“He adored me and was devoted to me. The circumstances of my birth may seem, by most people’s standards, unusual and even outrageous.

“That should come as no surprise. It never detracted from his commitment to love and look after me. He cherished me like a treasured possession,” the message seen by Daily Mail said.

Jones was approached by B three years ago and initially had reservations. “My instinct was to doubt everything, but I am absolutely sure she is not a fantasist,” she said.

The author said B has never asked for money and does not want recognition. She said B was not provided for through Freddie’s will, but instead through a private legal arrangement so the secret would be kept.

“His only child was conceived accidentally with the wife of one of his closest friends, while his friend was away on an extended business trip. For the Roman Catholic mother, abortion was out of the question,” Jones told the publication.

She said Freddie was a “hands-on devoted dad” and was the “greatest blessing of his life”. Jones explained they decided B would live with her mother and her husband but Freddie would have his own room at their home.

The three friends raised B together and Freddie spoke to his daughter everyday when he was on tour.

Addressing why she wanted to speak out now, B wrote in a letter included in the book: “After more than three decades of lies, speculation and distortion, it is time to let Freddie speak.

“Those who have been aware of my existence kept his greatest secret out of loyalty to Freddie. That I choose to reveal myself in my own midlife is my decision and mine alone.”

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

Actress Michelle Keegan let loose as she headed to the star-studded Cannes Film Festival where she partied the night away with her pals and went on a lavish shopping spree

Michelle Keegan looked incredible as she soaks up the sun in Cannes for the lavish film festival on her getaway just two months after giving birth. The actress, 37, flew to the French Riviera for the star-studded event as she put on a very glam display.

She has been giving her fans a glimpse into the highlife as she rocked a boxy white blazer with black trim and gold detailing. Michelle added a pair of matching hotpants and finished her look off with a cross-body Chanel bag.

The new mum, who welcomed baby Palma in March with husband Mark Wright, appeared to have headed out on the trip solo. She joined her pals instead for the trip with L’Oreal.

The Ten Pound Poms star was treated to a glitzy dinner on her first night, where she was entertained by a live band who walked around the room.

Michelle managed to get plenty of rest, however, as she showed off her skincare routine before hopping into her crisp white bed. The former Coronation Street actress tucked into pastries for breakfast before treating herself to a designer shopping spree.

However, it was soon back to work as she shared a snap of her glam supplies ahead of another night on the town.

Despite Palma missing out on a trip to Cannes, she has already been living a jet setting life. Michelle and Mark headed to London last month for their baby girl’s first time in the Big Smoke.

They made sure she was surrounded by nothing but luxury as Palma was treated to her first visit at the five-star Corinthia London hotel, as the trio continued to spend precious time together.

Michelle documented their break with a series of stunning snaps as she appeared radiant while pushing Palma in her luxury pram that’s considered to be the ‘Ferrari’ of the pushchair world.

The TV star made her way around the capital in a tan jacket, beige trousers and trainers with Palma in tow. Proud mum Michelle added personal touches to her look as she wore a necklace of her daughter’s name as well as another chain that featured three letter ‘P’s.

Palma also got into the personalised spirit as she was treated to a bathrobe from the hotel with her name embroidered in pink.

It didn’t stop there as Michelle also treated the new mum and daughter to matching mugs that sweetly read ‘Palma’s Mama’ and ‘Palma’ on the inside.

Just a few weeks ago, Mark, 38, had expressed his joy at being able to bring his daughter to work. He shared a video of himself in the Heart FM studio with Palma nestled on his chest.

He told listers at the time: “I’ve got a very special moment happening right now to me. I’m doing the show to you on Heart. I love being here, I love playing the songs like Amy Winehouse on the way and Jessie J. But at the same time, I have got my baby Palma in my arms.”

He added: “It is the first time I’ve brought her to work. I mean, it’s only been five weeks, so you’d think so. But it’s just the best feeling ever.”

READ MORE: Claudia Winkleman-loved brand launches Bank holiday sale including ‘holy grail’ spray

Next’s £32 ” Italian-inspired ” mini dress, which costs more than £1600 less, has been a raving success for fashion fans. It has serious Dolce &amp, Gabbanna vibes.

Fashion enthusiasts are likely preparing their summer wardrobes in anticipation of the warmer weather now that we’ve experienced our first true heatwave of the year. Boden is offering a 25% discount on everything up until next week, including some standout summer dresses, if you’re looking for the ideal dress to wear on sunny days in the UK or on a vacation abroad.

You can purchase discounted dresses, pants, skirts, shoes, and jumpsuits from Boden’s Bank Holiday sale here. In the meantime, check out Next for some fantastic holiday-ready and designer-inspired pieces.

Kate Middleton attended Buckingham Palace’s garden party wearing an ultra-cheap, £28 clutch bag.

We found the best alternative to Tom Ford’s aviator sunglasses for less than £2880.

The cream, pink, and blue house print Scoop Back Mini Shift Dress is available for just £32, which is a bargain considering how much it resembles a much more expensive version. The shift dress resembles a Dolce and Gabbana piece strikingly, albeit not exactly alike.

The price of the premium Capri Printed Cotton Mini Dress, which is currently half of its original RRP of £1,700, would be astronomical. The Next version is therefore nearly $ 820 less expensive than the luxury brand’s.

The £32 dress is made of a light linen blend that is ideal for summer and is available in petite, regular, and tall cuts in a range of sizes, from six to 26. A split side hem and scoop-back neckline with side pockets complete the mini dress.

Unquestionably, this frock’s stunning print is its distinguishing feature. The pattern on a Dolce &amp, Gabbana piece inspired by the idyllic Italian island of Capri reminds one of the charm of a European getaway.

Roman’s Royal Blue Abstract Border Print Shirt Dress is a Mamma Mia-eyed adolescent. Vibes and is available for purchase for £37.20 when using the SHINE code at the checkout. The White Amalfi Postcard Print Slit Hem Midi Dress, which is also inspired by the picturesque Italian coastline, can be found at New Look, according to the Manchester Evening News.

However, customers have been positive about the Cream Pink and Blue House Print Scoop Back Mini Shift Dress, earning an impressive 4.5 out of five stars overall based on more than a dozen reviews. A satisfied customer remarked, “Very nice dress,.looks fantastic on. bright and strikingly different pattern.

“Lovely little summer dress,” another review added. The neutral colors can be dressed up or down for the occasion.

One person also praised the “nice shape dress,” claiming that it is “easy to wear and comfortable.” Great for the evening or day of the holidays. Excellent fabric and color.

However, not all customers were as positive as the Cream Pink and Blue House Print Scoop Back Mini Shift Dress, which one customer rated as “unflattering” and gave just three stars. The review stated that “the neckline was very high and the color was very dull.” Not a dress that flatters.

Another was pleased with their most recent purchase, saying it was “perfect for the holidays.” beautiful print and a classic shape. For me, the longer length is ideal.