Category Entertainment News

Jessie J is going full steam ahead with some life goals she has had for a long time after her brush with breast cancer made her realise that “life is too short”

Jessie J has opened up about how her breast cancer diagnosis made her realise that “life is too short” and inspired her to chase some personal goals she has had for a long time.

The 37-year-old singer has been recovering ever since undergoing a full mastectomy in June, after doctors caught the disease early. In a heartfelt Instagram video Jessie shared on Saturday, she revealed some of the ambitions she has decided to prioritise after the health scare, saying: “I want to write books. Do a kids album. Get all my tattoos taken off. Take my family on holiday.

“I want to learn to ride a bike. I’d like to learn another language… but I know that’s not going to happen. I want to see if I can sort out some medication or some cognitive therapy or something for my ADHD and OCD.” This comes as the star admitted her diagnosis has made her reassess her life.

Jessie also explained that cancer has helped her act on ideas she’s always had. She added: “When you go through something like cancer people are like ‘you’ve changed.’ But I think I always had those thoughts, cancer just makes us actually act on them because you’re like ‘life is short, I want to do it now.’ I’ve always wanted to do that so I’m going to do it.”

She recently shared a moving story about the emotional impact her surgery had on her, admitting that she “sobbed” over her scars. Jessie told The Sunday Times’ Culture Magazine: “The other night. Mum was massaging my boob for me, because I can’t touch the scars.

“And I started sobbing, ‘I can’t believe this has happened.’ She was like, ‘I wish it was me,’ and then I’m crying, she’s crying… I’m so glad it’s not her.”

Despite still facing the ongoing challenges of cancer recovery, Jessie has got some new music she wants to release on the horizon. Her next single, Believe In Magic, is set to come out on August 29.

She shared that she has another surgery lined up to improve the symmetry of her implants, but is determined not to let that slow her down professionally.

She explained: “People think, once you’ve got the all-clear, now it’s done. But I’ve got another surgery… and I need to heal, so I have to figure out the rest of this year.”

Jessie has stayed optimistic in the face of the challenges that come with parenting while fighting cancer and making new music, telling fans: “I can rest, parent AND release new music.

“I didn’t leave a major label after 18 years to be scared to rewrite the rules to fit around my life/health… Another surgery needed this year. I can do it. Raising a toddler. I can do it. Releasing new music. I can do it.”

The singer recently revealed that her hair has been falling out since her mastectomy and that she is experiencing soreness from cording, which is a common post-surgery issue. She admitted: “My boobs still aren’t even, it’s still so sore… I’m just trying to figure out what the next six months will look like.”

Topshop is officially back, and we’ve rounded up the top pieces from the new collection that are worth buying, including a cosy borg coat from Cara Delevingne’s edit

Topshop has been teasing its return all year, and now it’s officially back. For millennials, the Oxford Street store was nothing short of iconic, a go-to destination for high street style and unforgettable fashion moments.

Now, the brand is stepping into the spotlight again, this time with a fresh website and a relaunch that promises to bring the same buzz to a new generation of shoppers.

The excitement hit its peak today at Trafalgar Square, where a runway show unveiled the season’s standout pieces, reminding everyone why Topshop has always been a high street favourite.

Adding even more star power to the relaunch, Cara Delevingne teamed up with the brand for a 30-piece edit that combines Topshop’s cool, confident, and effortlessly stylish vibe with the model’s iconic style.

The relaunched collection has now officially landed on both Topshop.com and ASOS, and we’ve selected our favourite pieces we think are worth the hype.

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Topshop borg longline ovoid sleeve patchwork coat in black

Available for £110

This cosy coat is made from soft borg with a stylish black and beige patchwork design. It features a funnel neck, button placket, side pockets, and a regular fit for easy layering when the weather drops. This is one of 30 pieces from Cara Delevingne’s new edit with Topshop.

Topshop Tanya point toe knee high boot in black

Available for £60

These sleek black knee-high boots feature a classic pointed toe and a mid-height heel, that make them great for walking around all day in without feeling too uncomfortable. The simple, minimalist design makes these look far more high end than the £60 price tag. Pair with jeans, skirts or dresses for an elevated autumn look.

Topshop longline brushed one button blazer coat with wool in grey marl

Available for £89

This longline blazer is crafted from soft, brushed fabric that is perfect for transitioning into cooler weather. Layer over office outfits or midi dresses for a chic layer that doesn’t take over your whole look. Thsi si the perfect wardrobe piece that combines style and comfort for everyday wear.

Topshop Barrel high rise jeans in washed beige

Available for £50

Alongside relaunching the iconic Joni jeans, Topshop has also released some trendy barrel leg jeans, which are the silhouette of the season. We love this washed beige colour for autumn as it can look a bit more elevated than classic blue denim, and works well with other neutrals for a chic tonal look.

Topshop knitted easy ribbed relaxed cardigan in buttermilk

Available for £40

Buttermilk yellow is one of the biggest colour trends of the year, so it’s no surprise to see this creamy hue present throughout the new collection. Made from soft ribbed knit and with a classic round neck and a button-up front, this wardrobe staple has had a 2025 update with its on-trend colour.

Television presenter Paddy McGuinness took to Instagram to share a series of birthday snaps and one has left his fans hot under the collar

Paddy McGuinness has shown off his incredible physique in a new picture on social media. The presenter, 52, took to Instagram on Friday (15 August) to unveil a series of photos from his birthday holiday with his family in Spain.

In the first snap, the ITV star can be seen showcasing his chiselled abs as he holds a birthday cake and smiles for the camera. Paddy is wearing just a pair of black shorts and his tanned body is glistening due to the Spanish heat.

In the other pictures, the dad-of-three shares presents from his three children, Leo, Penelope and Felicity as well as a photo with his ex Christine and airport staff, proving the two are on friendly terms as they co-parent their kids.

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He captioned the post: “Just got back from a glorious five days in the sunshine. My kids made birthday gifts, we had lots of lovely food, drink and a tan that would made @jamie.redknapp proud!

“Met some wonderful families at @zafirohotels and had a belting, relaxed time. Big shout out to the mighty @manairportuk, in particular Samantha Richardson and Jane McBride. Two wonderful ladies who made a last minute check in stress free. They put all our kids at ease.

“The lanyard scheme worked both at Manchester and Palma coming back. Back home now, chippy tea and an early night for everyone!!!,” he signed off.

His 2.2 million Instagram followers flocked to the comments section to share their thoughts, with talk soon turning to Paddy’s impressive physique. One fan expressed: “Oh my, it’s getting hot in here.”

Another follower gushed: “Wow, wee Paddy. I wouldn’t mind waking up to this view every morning,” while someone else added: “Ooh Paddy, check you out. Looking fantastic.”

Other fans praised Paddy and Christine, 37, for putting their differences aside and putting their children first. Somebody said: “Love the co-parenting going on here, well done you two for putting the kids feelings first.”

Another person commented: “Looks like you had a great time, well done guys on the co-parenting. Not easy with additional needs kids. And Happy Birthday.”

Paddy and Christine announced their separation in July 2022 after eleven years of marriage. Their family getaway comes as Christine is currently starring on Celebs Go Dating on E4.

The model recently opened up to celebrity dating agents Anna Williamson and Paul C Brunson about their split as she revealed: “Anyone can make mistakes but I think the trust was broken.

“I’ll always love him, he’s the father of my children and I think he’s the only man that I’ll ever love. A lot of people make mistakes and mess up, and when you’re in a couple who is quite well known in the industry, obviously then everyone knows your business.

“He was getting a really, really difficult time in the press,” she continued – although she didn’t expand on the ‘mistakes’.

Brookside was the gritty soap that shocked the nation, smashed taboos, and made suburban cul-de-sacs the stage for explosive drama. But what happened to the cast?

Brookside, the groundbreaking soap that shocked the nation and turned ordinary suburban streets into a hotbed of drama, was a staple of British television for over two decades.

The show, which first aired on Channel 4 on 2 November 1982, followed the everyday lives of its characters, dealing with everything from heart-wrenching break-ups to shocking crimes that reflected real issues in the UK. The Liverpool-based soap ran for an impressive 21 years before its final episode aired on 4 November 2003.

Created by Phil Redmond, Brookside was never one to shy away from controversial topics – it was responsible for the UK’s first pre-watershed lesbian kiss and tackled subjects such as domestic abuse, incest, and even a body buried under a patio.

Now, the beloved soap is poised for a comeback – featuring in an unprecedented crossover with Hollyoaks.

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After Brookside concluded on November 4th 2003, Hollyoaks stepped up as Channel 4’s premier continuing drama. The show began production on a portion of Brookside’s former set, which remains its filming location to this day.

As Hollyoaks gears up to celebrate its 30th anniversary this October, it plans to commemorate the occasion with a special episode that pays homage to both Brookside and their shared creator, Sir Phil Redmond.

The upcoming crossover episode will delight viewers with the reappearance of beloved, classic Brookside characters to celebrate this significant event.

But what became of the Brookside cast once the cameras stopped rolling? From heartbreaking losses to surprising career changes, here’s a look at where some of the show’s biggest stars ended up.

Dean Sullivan (Jimmy Corkhill)

Jimmy, a troubled drug addict turned teacher, was one of Brookside’s longest-serving characters. Portrayed by Dean Sullivan, he joined the series in 1986 and was involved in many major storylines.

Tragically, Dean passed away in 2023 at the age of 68 after a battle with prostate cancer, a diagnosis he had bravely shared just months before his death. He had been diagnosed in 2018 and had been receiving treatment.

Following his passing, fans and former co-stars paid their respects.

Sue Jenkins (Jackie Corkhill)

Jackie Corkhill, played by Sue Jenkins, was the long-suffering wife of Jimmy Corkhill, enduring his emotional turmoil and schemes in many of the show’s most gripping storylines.

Since the end of the show, Sue has continued her acting career with roles in Coronation Street, Holby City, and Doctors, as well as theatre productions. Now 66, she is a vocal advocate for arts education and is married to David Fleeshman, with whom she has three children, Richard, Emily and Rosie.

Anna Friel (Beth Jordache)

Beth Jordache, portrayed by Anna Friel, became a cultural icon when she was involved in the first pre-watershed lesbian kiss on British television, a storyline that made international headlines. The episode aired in January 1994, also featuring Margaret Clemence, played by Nicola Stephenson.

Anna has since built a highly successful acting career on both sides of the Atlantic, starring in shows like Pushing Daisies, Marcella, and The Girlfriend Experience. Now 48, she is an award-winning actress and a regular on the red carpet.

She has been married twice and has one child.

Claire Sweeney (Lindsey Corkhill)

Claire Sweeney played Lindsey Corkhill, a member of the troubled Corkhill family, who found herself caught up in love triangles, dodgy dealings, and emotional confrontations. Lindsey started as a recurring character before being promoted to the regular cast in 1995.

Actress Claire shot to fame following Brookside, transitioning into musical theatre, releasing an album, and becoming a Loose Women panellist. She has recently made a comeback to the soap world with a stint on Coronation Street.

Earlier this year, Claire delighted Brookside enthusiasts as she returned to the West Derby houses where the programme was originally filmed. The 53-year-old shared numerous photographs and videos on Instagram from her impromptu nostalgic journey.

In her Instagram video, Claire revealed to followers that whilst she had visited the location the previous year, she had spotted a “beautiful little surprise” beneath the Brookside sign commemorating Dean Sullivan, who portrayed her on-screen father Jimmy.

Michael Starke (Sinbad Sweeney)

Sinbad Sweeney was a window cleaner with a heart of gold. He became a viewer favourite after joining the programme in 1984.

Actor Michael Starke subsequently featured in The Royal, Coronation Street, and even enjoyed a role in Benidorm. He has also established himself as a pantomime regular and serves as a dedicated ambassador for Liverpool’s cultural scene.

Now 67, his latest role saw him portray a taxi driver in Hollyoaks from 2021 to 2023.

Jennifer Ellison (Emily Shadwick)

Emily’s storyline concluded in devastating fashion, with her character’s tragic plunge from a window ranking among Brookside’s most shocking departures. Actress Jennifer switched gears to pop music, reality TV (Dancing on Ice, Hell’s Kitchen), and theatre, before launching her own dance academy in Liverpool.

She also starred in the West End and now leads a quieter life centred around family.

She is married to Rob Tickle and they have three children.

Louis Emerick (Mick Johnson)

Mick Johnson was the straight-talking single dad and mini-mart owner with a strong moral compass. He made his final appearance on 22 August 2001, having first appeared in 1989.

Actor Louis Emerick, 64, has continued his acting career in TV dramas and soaps, including Coronation Street and Doctors, and has performed in theatre tours across the UK.

Where are the others?

Several cast members left the industry altogether – some moved abroad, others stepped away from the limelight. A few, like Ray Quinn (who briefly appeared in the later years), reinvented themselves entirely.

Ray went on to become a singer and X Factor finalist, with a stage career.

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EXCLUSIVE: It’s been non-stop for singer Olly, 41, and wife Amelia, 32, who are expecting their second child while juggling looking after their toddler Madison

Olly Murs had some advice for his pal and new dad Mark Wright – but it also came with a warning.

It’s been non-stop for singer Olly, 41, and wife Amelia, 32, who are expecting their second child while juggling looking after their toddler Madison. Former TOWIE star Mark and wife Michelle Keegan also have their hands full after welcoming baby Palma back in March. And Olly had a few words to tell him when he approached fatherhood for the first time.

“People said to me, ‘Olly, enjoy the first four months. They’re the best time.’ And I was like, ‘What?’ When Madison came it didn’t feel like that,” he told OK! magazine. “I told Wrighty that and he took it on board. I’ve been saying, ‘Enjoy your trip to Majorca, because, trust me, when Palma is crawling or walking in a few months, that’s a whole other level.’

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“I also warned him about the weaning stage. You think they’re choking and your wife’s like, ‘It’s fine – she’s just got to learn how to use her mouth.’ What’s it called? The gag reflex. I’m like, ‘Babe, I can’t. I’m off to sit in the other room.'”

However, he does hope that their daughters become friends as they’re both around the same age. “And with us being parents at the same time, it’s going to be special,” he said. “We haven’t had time to make it work because our schedules are so mad, but we will when things calm down.

“Wrighty and I have already spoken about going on holiday and just being together, which will be fun. We’ve got such a good friendship, and I really want Michelle and Amelia to meet properly. I’m sure they’ll have loads in common.”

Outside of daddy duties, singer Olly has just finished his latest tour and he is still presenting his Heart FM weekend radio show alongside fellow M&S ambassador Mark Wright.

Speaking about his role, he said: “The fact we could do the photo shoot with Madi and the bump was really special. M&S is an amazing brand and part of British culture, and hopefully we can inspire more parents to go to the clubs.”

While Amelia explained it began while she had been going to the club. “I’ve been a member almost since it formed,” she said. “It can be quite lonely as a mum, but this gives you a sense of community, and a reason to go out. There’s so much parents don’t know, but you can learn about everything from weaning recipes to what kind of nursing bra to buy.”

Olly added: “It’s lovely that mums can go and just have a chat. You know, ‘Am I doing it right?’, “This happened today”, ‘Oh, my god, I did the same thing.’ It gives you a bit of reassurance that everyone’s going through the same thing.”

The couple also opened up about their baby being due, with Amelia admitting she sometimes gets a bit “overwhelmed” at the thought of having two children under two.

Amelia also didn’t have an easy birth the first time around. “We were planning a natural birth, but Madi was in a precarious position,” she said. “She was transverse [sideways] so we didn’t have an option. The recovery was brutal and I wish people had been more honest about that. Maybe it’s because I’m active, but I didn’t realise how much I wouldn’t be able to do afterwards.”

M&S ambassadors Olly & Amelia Murs become the face of The Parent Hood, M&S’s first Baby Club. For more info and to sign up, visit marksandspencer.com/mysparks

Fans rallied around Sarah Jessica Parker in support of her final performance as Carrie Bradshaw after critics slammed the And Just Like That finale for being ‘underwhelming’

Sarah Jessica Parker has confessed she was left feeling “very weepy” after fans rallied to defend her final outing as Carrie Bradshaw in And Just Like That.

The Sex and the City spin-off concluded this week after four years on air, bringing an end to Parker’s decades-long journey as the relationship columnist. But the actress received an outpouring of love from her fans, critics were far less kind, calling the finale “underwhelming” and even a “waste”.

The episode, called Party of One, sees Carrie finally accept that she may end up single for good after the death of her husband Mr Big (Chris Noth) and a string of failed romances.

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Carrie rewrites the end of her first novel to conclude: “The woman realised she was not alone – she was on her own.” Some viewers were happy with this final celebration of female independence, but others were particularly unimpressed by scenes showing Carrie surrounded by a host of new characters at an awkward Thanksgiving dinner, where she had very little interaction with her best friends Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) and Charlotte (Kristin Davis).

Hannah J. Davies of The Guardian branded the episode “a sad, heavy-handed and far too faecal farewell”, while USA TODAY’s Patrick Ryan lamented that Carrie spent her final moments “in the company of strangers”.

Despite that, fans were quick to offer their support for the series finale. Influencer Evan Ross Katz took to Instagram proclaiming: “It was her. It was always her. And no TikTok repudiation or retroactive thinkpiece can take that away. Single and fabulous exclamation point. ‘You’re worth a million bucks, Bradshaw,’ as Big once correctly noted.”

He continued: “As we say farewell to our million dollar girl (perhaps for forever or maybe just for now), single at long last thank God… take care of that heart, Carrie. (And maybe sell the townhouse.) Ta ta for now.”

Parker penned an emotional response to this display of affection for her character, commenting: “Very weepy xxx.” Sex and the City first aired in 1998, and became a cultural touchstone thanks to its witty take on love, sex and female friendship.

It ran for six seasons, spawned two blockbuster films, and returned in 2021 as And Just Like That. Despite Kim Cattrall’s Samantha Jones absence apart from a brief appearance in season two, fans were delighted to see Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte back on screens.

Showrunner Michael Patrick King has confirmed that the third season was the last, meaning Party of One definitely marked Parker’s final appearance on screen as Carrie Bradshaw.

But while Bradshaw’s journey has come to an end, Parker’s career is far from over. The 60-year-old actress is already working on her next project.

She will be reprising her role as Sarah Sanderson in Disney’s Hocus Pocus 3. Production is underway on the third instalment of the family-friendly franchise, which will also see the return of Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy as Sarah’s witchy sisters. The film’s release date has not been confirmed yet, but fans may have to wait until at least 2026.