Category Entertainment News

In this Monday’s Mirror Daily Digest, we’ve pulled together the biggest stories of the day from the dramatic winter fuel payment U-turn to the love triangle school run brawl

Welcome to the Mirror’s Daily Digest, where we pull together all the best stories of the day from our News, Showbiz, Health teams and more. Today, we’re bringing you the biggest stories from inside the newsroom, with the latest on the major winter fuel payment U-turn from our Politics reporters, through to the primary school playground bust-up.

Our Health team has been closely following the latest on the new coronavirus strain NB.1.8.1, following reports of unusual symptoms, while our Showbiz team has covered Kerry Katona’s latest comments on ex-husband Brian McFadden.

Major Winter fuel payment U-turn as millions to get up to £300

At lunchtime, our Politics team broke the news that nine million pensioners will now be eligible for winter fuel payments following the Government’s dramatic U-turn. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that OAPs with an income of £35,000 or below in England and Wales will receive the benefit this winter. It is a major uplift from the current £11,500 cut-off point.

This means that more than three-quarters of pensioners will receive the support, which is worth up to £300. Keir Starmer faced a damaging backlash after last year introducing a means-tested system for the winter fuel allowance, which had previously been a universal benefit. Around 10 million pensioners lost the support last winter.

Ms Reeves said: “Targeting Winter Fuel Payments was a tough decision, but the right decision because of the inheritance we had been left by the previous government. It is also right that we continue to means-test this payment so that it is targeted and fair, rather than restoring eligibility to everyone including the wealthiest.

“But we have now acted to expand the eligibility of the Winter Fuel Payment so no pensioner on a lower income will miss out. This will mean over three quarters of pensioners receiving the payment in England and Wales later this winter.”

Read the full story here.

Manchester stabbing victim, 14, pictured in heartbreaking tribute

In a heartbreaking update, our News team reported that the 14-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in Manchester has been named locally as Ibrahima Seck. The teenager was attacked on Nevin Road, New Moston, on Sunday before running into a stranger’s house in a bid to get help.

Mortally wounded, he repeatedly begged to be saved and said: “I don’t want to die”. A kind resident took Ibrahima in and desperately tried to save his life by giving him CPR, but he sadly died in hospital of his injuries. His father was seen hugging the couple who took the boy in and tried to help him.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed they have arrested two boys, aged 14 and 16 on suspicion of murder. The force said: “Early investigations established the identities of possible suspects and after attending a nearby address, a 37-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

“A short time later, two people – males aged 14 and 16 – were arrested on suspicion of murder. A further 14-year-old female has been arrested overnight on suspicion of assisting an offender. All four remain in custody for questioning.”

Read the full story here.

Kerry Katona’s nine-word statement in fresh plea to ex Brian McFadden

Meanwhile, Kerry Katona has revealed that she ‘wishes’ she and ex-husband Brian McFadden had stayed friends following their split in 2004. The famous couple tied the knot in a stunning Ireland ceremony in 2002, before breaking up after two years of marriage. They share two children together, Molly McFadden, 23, and Lilly McFadden, 21, but have had a jaded relationship since splitting, reports our Showbiz team.

Writing in her weekly New! Magazine column, Kerry penned: “I was sad to read about Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson’s split, I thought they made a nice couple. It’s amazing how Chris and his ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow have managed to co-parent their kids and stay friends. I take my hat off to anyone who can do that.

“I wish Brian and I could have stayed friends. Molly went to watch him at a festival last week and I would have loved to have gone with her. Brian’s fiancée is lovely and they’ve got a gorgeous little one. It would be great to have a better relationship.”

Read the full story here.

Covid alert as doctors issue warning about new variant

In other news, our Heath team has been following the latest on the new coronavirus strain following a spike in cases. The variant, labelled NB.1.8.1, reportedly comes with unusual symptoms, with many people experiencing gastrointestinal problems.

While experts have warned that the new strain, which has already been flagged in the UK, US and Australia, can cause issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and heartburn. Patients who experience bloating, constipation and abdominal pain could also find themselves with Covid-19.

The World Health Organization (WHO) added the variant to its official watch list and suggested that it is more transmissible than other strains. However, there isn’t any evidence to indicate that it causes more acute illnesses.

According to WHO, the strain first appeared in January and by late April it was responsible for around 10.7% of global infections, up from just 2.5% a month earlier. The strain has seen a rapid rise in Ireland in recent weeks.

Read the full story here and you can have your say on whether face masks should be reintroduced, by taking our poll here.

Love triangle sees mums trade blows on the playground

Finally, two mums were left with black eyes after a school run brawl saw them punching and slapping at each other in a primary school playground as shocked parents looked on, reports our News team.

A court heard how the pair had a fight in front of kids and other parents at a primary school playground as they were picking up their children from afternoon classes. Mother of four Natasha Sherlock, 29, accused Samantha Rylance, 28, of sleeping with her ex-boyfriend as parents were collecting the children from Sommerville Primary School in Seacombe, Wallasey, the court heard.

The pair had previously been friends, the court was told, but fell out after Sherlock claimed Rylance had a one night stand with her former partner. Sherlock was said to have shouted: “Do not f***ing talk to my kids” at Rylance after her daughter waved at the mother of three before the pair began scuffling on the tarmac.

Read the full story here.

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If you’re on the lookout for a climbing flower plant that won’t just elevate the appearance of your garden, but its scent too, this climbing jasmine is just the ticket – and right now it’s on sale

Green-thumbed shoppers looking to step up their garden with an attractive woody, evergreen climber that boasts rich, dark green leaves that turn bronze in winter, can currently pick up a large fragrant white-flowered star jasmine plant for half its normal price, thanks to this Gardening Express

Relax in your garden this summer while surrounded by the sweet scent of star jasmine with this stunning climbing plant. Normally retailing for £59.99, this gem is now available for the reduced price of £29.99 while this deal lasts.

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Boasting masses of highly perfumed creamy-white flowers, this plant promises glossy evergreen foliage all year round. Whether you’re covering unsightly areas or simply using this luxurious foliage to transform a simple fence, this climbing jasmine plant will climb over fences, trellis, walls, arbours, and so much more, making it a versatile and simple addition to any outdoor space.

Star Jasmine boasts highly fragrant, pure white flowers that bloom from mid-late summer. Best grown against a warm, sunny wall, this flowering climber is an excellent plant for adding a delicious scent and high-rise glamour to courtyards, patios, balconies and gardens. It’s also ideal for climbing over any garden structures in a sunny spot, so you don’t need to have a large space for this plant to make itself at home.

Especially lovely in warm sunny borders at the foot of a sheltered south-facing wall, this plant will thrive in well-drained soils and is particularly tolerant of hot summer weather where other climbers may flag, making this week the ideal time to secure one of your own ahead of the coming sunny spells. Plus, if you have this gem planted sooner rather than later, you can sit back and enjoy the late summer blooming.

Warner Brothers Discovery announced Monday that it will split into two companies as it seeks to build up its streaming business while also maximizing value in legacy news and entertainment products.

The entertainment giant will break itself into two publicly traded companies in “Streaming & Studios” and “Global Networks.” The shift, designed to enable each venture to “maximize its potential,” is expected to be completed by mid-2026, the company said.

The move, which reallocates assets such as HBO Max and CNN, is the latest reflection of how streaming is remaking a media business in which Warner Brothers Discovery and other legacy players traditionally garnered considerable revenues from “bundled” cable products that many consumers are now eschewing in favor of a la carte streaming purchases.

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Streaming & Studios will include the libraries of HBO and Warner Brothers, studio production facilities in California and Britain and tours and experiences. The venture will focus on growing HBO Max, now in 77 markets, said the company’s press release.

Global Networks will house Discovery, as well as CNN and TNT Sports, which are known for coverage of live events. Assets in this group currently reach 1.1 billion viewers across 200 countries and territories.

Warner Brothers Discovery CEO David Zaslav will serve as chief of streaming, while Warner Brothers Discovery Chief Financial Officer Gunnar Wiedenfels will lead global networks.

“By operating as two distinct and optimized companies in the future, we are empowering these iconic brands with the sharper focus and strategic flexibility they need to compete most effectively in today’s evolving media landscape,” Zaslav said.

Shares of Warner Brothers Discovery surged 10.3 percent in morning trading.

Looking for some new skincare products to add to your routine? LookFantastic has just slashed the price of Liz Earle’s highly-rated glow-boosting set by 35%

If you’ve been looking to incorporate some new products into your skincare routine or are looking for that little extra glow for the summertime, you’re in luck as Liz Earle’s Radiant Glow Routine set has been slashed by 35% in a limited-time LookFantastic offer.

Normally priced at £80, this three-piece skincare set is now £52. That’s a £28 saving on a set with skincare essentials that help clarify and cleanse your skin.

The ‘cleanse, tone and moisturise’ routine is seen as the bulding blocks of a skincare routine, and is a pretty foolproof way to start off your skincare journey. And that’s exactly the three steps that this Liz Earle set incorporates, making it ideal for beginners or those who are looking to top up on the basics.

So what products are included in the set? First up is the Cleanse & Glow™ Transforming Gel Cleanser. This clarifying cleanser transforms from a gel to an oil then a milk, and helps to effectively melt away make-up, SPF and pollutants from the day. The formula is infused with acerola cherry, which helps to brighten the skin.

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Secondly, the set includes the Smooth & Glow™ Exfoliating Tonic, an exfoliating toner designed to buff away dead skin, leaving behind smoother, softer skin with less texture. The toner features a blend of prickly pear and sea buckthorn, which helps to even out the skin tone.

Lastly is the Revitalise & Glow™ Illuminating Gel Moisturiser. This multi-purpose face cream provides a boost of hydrating, and also reduces the appearance of redness and pores. The result? Refreshed, radiant skin that retains moisture all day long.

Shoppers have praised this set for the glow-boosting results it provides. One happy customer wrote: ” I thought this set was great value and decided to give it a try. I love it! The cleanser is lovely, it cleanses my skin without drying it out. The toner is lovely and refreshing, the moisturiser soaks in lovely without being greasy. It smells amazing. I’ll definitely be buying again.”

While a second added: I’ve used LE cleanse and polish for several years and still use to take make up off. Tried this cleanser and really enjoyed the completely different texture and my skin loos fresh and glowy. Bought this kit for a present as such a good value if I don’t keep it myself!”. As of yet, there are currently no negative reviews.

If you’re looking for some other skincare newness to add to your current collection, K-Beauty brand Erborian has recently launched its new Skin-Therapy Milky Serum.

Terry Coldwell, who found stardom alongside East 17 band members Tony Mortimer, Brian Harvey and John Hendy back in the 1990s, took a big spiritual step on Sunday

Former East 17 star Terry Coldwell has been baptised by a former henchman to the notorious Kray twins.

Ex-gangster Chris Lambrianou performed the service in London’s East End as Terry declared his faith in front of the singer’s friends. He was part of the original line-up of East 17, which included Brian Harvey, Tony Mortimer and John Hendy. The group had hits including Stay Another Day, Deep, Steam as well as If I Ever Fall In Love.

The musician, who become a father of six after his wife gave birth to a baby girl back in 2022, says the experience felt incredible and explained how he found God during a prison sentence for armed robbery. He has totally transformed his life and decided to take a big step after turning things around.

‘I’ve just been baptised and I feel absolutely amazing. The service has been phenomenal today. I just feel great,” he told MailOnline after Sunday’s service at the River Church in Canning Town. “I feel it was a long time coming and I’m really glad I did it.”

Terry, John and Tony featured on the BBC2 documentary Boybands Forever recently to remember their time in the popular band and were filmed separately. “We don’t talk,” said Terry. “But I don’t hold any grudges. There were good times and there were bad times but that’s like in any job.

“We lived together basically, we worked for three years without a day off so of course we argued about things. But I’m grateful for the times I shared with them.”

Brian was kicked out of the group in the late 90s after making a controversial statement in the press that it’s ‘cool to take drugs’ and making positive comments about ecstasy. Meanwhile, Tony left a few months later due to creative differences.

Robbie joined East 17 in early 2014 and John and Terry became the only original members left in the group. They were a supporting act for B*Witched’s Australia and New Zealand tour alongside Atomic Kitten, S Club 3, and Liberty X.

Brian revealed he’s on benefits despite shifting a staggering 22 million records with the nineties legends. Brian stepped away from the spotlight after trying to go solo – and has now revealed his financial woes as a result. Taking to TikTok, smoking a a cigarette, ranting furiously about “trolls” who say he shouldn’t be claiming benefits, he fumes: “I’m entitled to benefits. I sold 22 million records, that’s not a big-up, it’s a fact!”

Sharing a video from outside his local council office, he can then be heard shouting: “Who put Walthamstow on the map? “What are you on about, wasting your time? You wouldn’t have a job here if it weren’t for me paying tax on 22 million f*****g records. F**k you! F**k you!”

Meghan Markle has been pressing ahead with her As Ever lifestyle brand while building her Instagram following – but one expert has a stark warning for her

Meghan Markle has left the Royal Family firmly behind her as she builds her business empire. Five years after she and Prince Harry dramatically quit as working royals, she is now growing her As Ever lifestyle brand as well as her Instagram following with a string of never-before-seen snaps and videos.

But despite the days of royal duties being long gone, Meghan does continue to use one thing from her former life – her royal title, the Duchess of Sussex. Not only that, she recently raised eyebrows when it emerged she had also used her HRH title on a note in a gift basket to a friend. According to royal expert Jennie Bond, Meghan has appeared to become a shrewd operator as she ploughs forward with her business, which will no doubt help to fund the Sussexes’ enviable lifestyle.

But writing in The Sun, the former BBC royal correspondent says it’s now time for her to stop using her royal title in her money-making ventures.

She explained: “To try to cling to the vestiges of her blink-of-an-eye time as a working royal is disingenuous. So, Meghan, how about dropping the Duchess nonsense and the HRH which you are no longer entitled to use? Be independent and successful.

“Make your As Ever brand bigger than ever on your own. You tried being part of the Royal Family and hated it. Time to move on, which, I think, is what this is all about.”

It comes as Meghan as made a huge U-turn in a new announcement about restocking her As Ever products, including her jam. In an Instagram post last week, she promised that her goods would be back in stock later this month and teased other new items, saying there would be “a few new things we can’t wait to show you”.

The about-turn came just hours after she was heard telling Beyoncé’s mother that she had decided to “just pause” until she was completely ready.

Meghan appeared on her own podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, yesterday, recorded in May, telling Tina Knowles she feared annoying customers when the first batch of her jam and herbal teas sold out in less than an hour.

She said she wanted to wait until it was “completely stable and we have everything we need”. However, just hours later, Meghan shared a photo of jam-making preparations including bowls of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, and freshly squeezed lemons, on her Instagram stories, writing: “June gloom?’ Not over here! Because this month your favourite products are back.”

Her official As Ever account also posted: “To all who’ve been wondering and waiting, thank you. Your favourites are returning, plus a few NEW things we can’t wait to show you. Coming this month…get excited!”

Meghan’s range includes flower sprinkles, which she used liberally during her Netflix lifestyle show, and raspberry spread, a crepe mix, wildflower honey and an assortment of herbal teas. She renamed her brand from American Riviera Orchard after running into trademark issues.