Category Entertainment News

Millie Bobby Brown is the new face of Crocs fluffy slippers collection, with shoppers saying they’re ‘the best’ and the ‘most comfortable cosy slippers I’ve ever had’

With just a few weeks to go until autumn rolls around, we’re already pre-empting our cosy nights in, which is why Crocs’ new campaign couldn’t have come at a better time. The polarising footwear brand has partnered with Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown to drop the new Cozy collection.

Millie is a known fan of Crocs, and has been wearing them ever since childhood whether she’s on set or at home with her animals, and the new campaign combines Millie’s playful and creative vibe with Crocs’ notorious comfy and practical designs. The standout piece in the new launch is the Unfurgettable Clog, which is priced at £59.99 and is made from cosy faux fur.

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The Unfurgettable Clogs are worn by Millie in her campaign, with the actor styling both the mushroom (a light grey) and the quartz (pale pink) pairs. The slippers also come in three other colours; milk chocolate (a light brown), vanilla (a cream shade) and black, with each featuring a different coloured rubber sole to complement the shade of the faux fur.

They’re lined both inside and out in the super soft faux fur material, and still feature the signature Crocs pivoting backstrap, which can be worn in place for added security or flipped to the front when you want to slip them on and off. They also feature plenty of Crocs’ other signature designs, including a soft footbed with a cradle design for added comfort and support, and a Croslite outsole so you can wear them outdoors.

You can also customise them however you want as the Unfurgettable Clogs still feature Jibbitz holes, with Millie opting for a large pearly brooch style accessory on hers. If you want something slightly more chic, Dune’s Gene Leather Faux Shearling-Lined Clogs have a black leather outer with cosy faux shearling lining, and are currently on sale down from £90 to £45.

You could also stick to the most classic clog design, with Fat Face’s Elsie Brown Outdoor Slippers which are now £25 down from £42.50 and come in a choice of three colours. Elsewhere Marks & Spencer’s Suede Faux Fur Lined Mule Clog Slippers are £29.50 and have a more secure fit that allows you to slip them on and off without being backless.

However, Millie’s Unfurgettable Clogs have already proven a hit with Crocs’ fans, with one reviewer writing: “Absolutely love these the most comfortable cosy slippers I’ve ever had and I will get another pair.”

Another agreed: “These slippers are great, love that they are warm and snuggly and can go outside in them due to solid Croc sole. I have them in pale pink, cream and green. Good product and good service would recommend.”

Some found the sizing a little tricky to get right, with one saying: “My daughter really wanted these but they run very small. I tried to order a bigger size but they are sold out.”

Someone else, on the other hand, wrote: “Bought these to replace my older fur lined Crocs which I wear to go to swimming daily. They feel like slippers,very comfy and soft BUT they do come up very large so wish I had sized down.”

Meanwhile another griped about the fluff, writing: “These are very comfy and warm in winter house shoes. I would recommend them. HOWEVER: They shed a ton. I have fuzz from them all over my floors, and my toes are fuzzy. I hate how much fuzz comes off them and goes everywhere. It’s super annoying.”

However, others could not stop praising the Unfurgettable Clogs, adding: “They are best ones I had so far love them can’t take them off. Need more lol.”

Whilst another joked: “These are the best slippers I have ever owned. All my family members keep taking them so I will be buying more in order to reclaim my pair.”

Former TOWIE star Billie Shepherd lifts the lid on Sister Act, her new reality show with sister Sam, their tight bond and the secret health battle that left her bed bound

With three beautiful children, a happy marriage and an exceptionally close bond with her sister, Billie Shepherd appears to live a charmed life. But behind the smiles, the former TOWIE star has been dealing with a diagnosis that has left her bedbound, which she describes as “horrendous”.

As Billie and her younger sister Samantha Faiers make their long-awaited return to our screens in their new ITV reality show, Sam And Billie: Sister Act, Billie sits down for an exclusive interview with the Mirror to reveal how she is slowly emerging from a battle with Lyme disease, a bacterial infection usually caused by the bite of an infected tick. Symptoms include extreme fatigue and joint pain which can last years.

“It’s been a really, really tough time,” Billie admits. “I’ve been lucky in that I’ve never been challenged with health issues, I’ve never had to face that. And people are dealing with things 10 times worse, but it has been awful.” Billie, 35, says she first started noticing symptoms in January. It comes after Mark Wright shares big ‘disappointment’ after holiday with baby Palma and Michelle Keegan.

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“One day I was fine, the next I woke up with really bad pains in my elbows and my arms,” she explains. “I thought I must have slept funny. I tried to ignore it but as the days went on, the pain went all over my body to the point where I couldn’t even get out of bed. It was horrendous.”

Billie says she went “back and forth to the doctors” and yet no one could work out what was wrong with her. But the symptoms only got worse. “I had hard, red lumps all over my legs, which were so painful, a horrible rash on my back and extreme fatigue,” she recalls.

“But worst was the reactive arthritis — the most intense, awful pain in my joints. It was agony. My immune system was attacking the healthy tissue in my joints. I had so many blood tests but no one could figure it out. One doctor said she’d never seen anything like it. It was frustrating. This went on for about two months before we learnt it was Lyme’s.”

Doctors believe Billie was bitten by an infected tick, possibly as long as three years ago. But the infection lay dormant until her immune system weakened, likely as a result of bouts of tonsillitis last year. As Billie’s discomfort increased, so did the prescriptions. Courses of antibiotics and steroids were offered in a bid to control her pain and reduce the inflammation.

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“My body wasn’t responding to antibiotics any more,” Billie says. “After the last course, I actually got worse. I was so unwell. It was only after Sam introduced me to a holistic doctor and I started taking natural medicines that I started to notice a difference and things slowly began to turn around.”

Billie had to rely on her husband Greg, Sam and their mum, Suzanne Wells, for daily help. “Some mornings I couldn’t even get out of bed. I would have to crawl,” she recalls. “Going to the toilet, I was in bits, I was hysterical, crying, because I was in so much pain. It was hard for me to sit on the toilet without Greg helping me. It was so scary.

“How could I have been fine one day and like that the next? Greg was so worried, but he’s been really good. And my mum, too. She could see I was in agony. She was round every day. Obviously I confided a lot in Samantha, too.” The big dilemma for Billie was how to explain it to her children, Nelly, 11, Arthur, eight, and Margot, two.

“Kids are adaptable, but I was so poorly there’s no way they wouldn’t notice,” Billie tells us. “I explained honestly why I wasn’t very well. Nelly understands, she’s on the ball and will ask if it’s Lyme disease that’s making me tired when I’m not feeling good. But equally I don’t want them to ever feel worried about me.”

Billie now wonders if the disease, which also affects Justin Timberlake, Avril Lavigne and Bella Hadid to name a few, was exacerbated by the fact she was stressed out by her children’s separate health issues. In the opening episode of Sister Act, which starts this week, Billie can be seen in tears as she tells Sam, 34, about the terrifying moment Margot was rushed to hospital by ambulance after suffering a seizure.

“That whole situation was really, really scary,” Billie says. “As a parent, you never think it’s going to happen to you — you wouldn’t even want to imagine it. And when it does happen you go into fight or flight mode. I was petrified.

“Margot hasn’t had a seizure since, and that was back in January. So I’m praying and hoping she’s grown out of them. But it was such a worrying time. As any parent who’s experienced their child having a febrile seizure will tell you, you’re on edge a lot of the time. It’s hard to deal with when it happens. It’s made me realise how much stress can affect your body.”

Billie continues, “It was a vicious circle. I think I was holding in a lot of worry and anxiety about the kids and not knowing at the time what was wrong with me. I think it all led to a massive immune system crash.” Arthur had health issues, too. Like his mum, he’d had tonsillitis for months and had been due to have them out — but Billie didn’t think it was a good idea.

“My gut feeling was that it was all bad timing and Arthur really didn’t want to go through that,” she says. “It’s not a nice operation — the aftermath is hard for children. So we spoke to a surgeon who suggested postponing it, especially as I was so ill at the time.

“I eventually got Arthur on natural medicine to try and clear his immune system. He’d had a lot of antibiotics for several bouts of tonsillitis, which isn’t ideal — it’s not great for your gut health — and the natural medicine really helped. Touch wood, he’s not had any problems since.”

While Billie says the holistic approach is working for her family, she is keen to stress that she’s not preaching or encouraging others to try it. “When I got ill I felt like my whole life had changed overnight. I worried about how I was going to get through it,” she says. “Things had been getting worse and worse by the day, but within two weeks of taking the holistic approach I was feeling better. I’m not saying that would be the case for everyone, of course. But it was right for me.”

Billie’s now feeling a lot better, though she stills suffers from fatigue, brain fog and occasional aches and pains. She’s hoping her story will raise awareness as there are an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of Lyme disease a year in the UK. It plays out in Sister Act, which, although filled with drama, also focuses on plenty of positives, including a cameo from Amanda Holden and, of course, Sam and Billie’s unbreakable bond.

“We’ve absolutely loved filming together again,” Billie gushes. “It’s so easy, so natural. We’re so close anyway, so to do this together again has been brilliant. The timing was right for Samantha and I, so as soon as the opportunity came up we thought, ‘Why not?’” Billie admits she and Sam had plenty of fights while growing up — “usually about clothes, or shoes, that kind of stuff” — but now they’re best friends.

“We don’t argue or bicker at all,” she insists. “We just get each other. We know what the other one’s like. Now, when Sam comes over, we have big sleepovers with all the kids. Greg will make himself scarce and leave us to it. Me, Mum and Samantha have the best time when it’s the three of us together. We have other friends and family, but when it’s just us, it’s the best. We love being in each other’s company.”

But while Sam and Billie are enjoying a harmonious sibling relationship, the same currently can’t be said of Nelly and Arthur. “Oh my God, they fight a lot,” Billie says, half laughing, half sighing. “It’s actually very stressful in our household. They chase each other around the kitchen as I’m trying to make dinner. Margot just watches and takes it all in. But that said, there will be a day when I miss all the crazy carnage in the house, now they’re all getting older.”

Nelly starts secondary school next month and Billie has already seen big changes in her eldest. “I’m getting into the next phase of parenthood,” she says. “I’ve noticed Nelly has really grown up in the last six months. We got her a phone for her birthday, her first one, and she walks around the house FaceTiming her little friends. That’s all they do. It’s hilarious.”

Billie lights up when talking about her children. Given what she’s been through, it’s a wonder she’s able to stay smiling, but, as Sister Act will show, she’s nothing if not resilient. “People have it far worse than me,” she says. “But it’s important, being on reality TV, to be honest and real. We all go through things. Being open about what we’re going through is the only way to be.

“When you’re in the public eye it can be good to share things. It can be a comfort to other people who are going through similar situations. I’d never heard of Lyme disease before I got it. So now, if I can raise awareness and offer others comfort at the same time, I’ll be happy.”

Sam And Billie: Sister Act premieres on Tuesday 19 August at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX

Althorp Estate in Northamptonshire, where Princess Diana grew up and is buried, will be passed down to another member of the Spencer family instead of her two sons, because of one centuries-old tradition

When Princess Diana tragically died in 1997, her two young sons, Princes William and Harry, inherited the majority of her £13million fortune, including her possessions, jewellery and money.

The money was both invested and placed in a trust until they reached legal age, with the fortune swelling to more than £20 million. Despite inheriting much of their late mother’s belongings, William and Harry will not inherit Diana’s childhood home due to one strict rule.

The Grade I listed Althorp Estate in Northamptonshire, where Diana grew up and is buried, has been owned by the Spencer family for more than 500 years. The late Princess of Wales spent many holidays at the huge property before permanently moving in at the age of 14. It comes after Kate Middleton halts summer break to release new video with emotional statement.

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Despite Harry or William’s potential desire to inherit the property, it will instead go to their cousin, Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp: the son of Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer and his first wife, Victoria Lockwood.

Louis will inherit the £100 million estate and title, despite the fact that he has older siblings – Lady Kitty, Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer – due to centuries-old tradition. The Spencers will follow the practice of male primogeniture, by which an aristocrat’s title and estate passes to the eldest son, rather than the eldest child.

In years past, various politicians have spoken out about male primogeniture and its sexist undertones. During his time as prime minister, David Cameron said: “The idea that a younger son should become monarch instead of an elder daughter, simply because he is a man, just isn’t acceptable any more.”

Boris Johnson echoed the sentiment several years later as he reportedly ordered the issue of male primogeniture be looked into as part of plans to make Parliament more welcoming to women.

Despite the demand to abandon the practice, Earl Spencer has previously said that he is not inclined to embrace the “changing attitudes” and said he will keep to tradition.

In 2015 he said: “If I chose Kitty [his eldest child] it would be against all the tradition that goes with Althorp. It’s just the way it is. I get the problems with it as a concept. I also get the strengths of it having worked to date. It is still intact. If you go around the chateaux of the Loire or whatever, they are empty.

“Everything gets split equally through the generations and you end up with a beautiful building with one nice tapestry in it. The whole idea of primogeniture was to keep it together.”

Kitty also previously discussed being overlooked in the order of inheritance in an interview with Town & Country magazine, as she said: “Primogeniture can be a tricky topic, because as times are changing, attitudes are as well. We’ve grown up understanding that it’s Louis to inherit, and Louis will do an incredible job.”

In the December 2015 issue of Tatler, Kitty reiterated: “I’m totally pro-gender equality. But I’m quite happy that that’s [going to be] my brother’s responsibility. I just think it’s the correct way. I like that the house stays within the same family, with the same surname. I wouldn’t want it any other way for the Spencers. And I just know my brother is going to do an impeccable job.”

The actor who played Tinky Winky in the beloved children’s TV show, Simon Shelton Barnes, died in heartbreaking circumstances back in 2018, aged only 52 years old

Ever since it first aired, children’s TV show Teletubbies has been a firm favourite with kids throughout the country.

The legacy of the characters Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa, and Po was so strong that the show was rebooted in 2014 by CBeebies, due to the popularity of the original first five seasons that ran from 1997 and 2001.

But the hit show was suddenly marred by heartbreak in 2018, when one of the actors who held the role of Tinky Winky in the first run of the show tragically died.

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Simon Shelton Barnes had just moved to the Wirral, nearly 200 miles away from his previous home in Bedfordshire, looking for a fresh start.

But within weeks, he was found dead on a street in Liverpool. The trained dancer and choreographer reportedly had struggles with alcohol and had hoped that this big move to the other side of the country would get him away from some of the distractions he had found rife living near London.

Close pal Jane Rees reportedly said that Simon had been struggling living away from his three kids, who were the centre of his life.

And Stephen’s flatmate Judith said at the time about his tragic death, “I’m very floored at losing him, he was just the best company.”

An inquest found that Stephen had died from hypothermia after going on a night out in January 2018.

He was found with a “high concentration of alcohol” and froze to death on the wintery streets on 17 January, with the coroner ruling it was likely a combination of the alcohol in his system and the 3C temperature that had caused him to tragically lose his life aged just 52 years old.

He was discovered “at the Port of Liverpool Building in a well between the building and street,” just after 7 am.

His former Teletubbies co-star, John Summit, paid tribute to him after the heartbreaking news broke, with the actor who played Dipsy writing on social media, “What a week! RIP Simon Shelton aka Tinky Winky: remembering the many good times. Rest easy.”

TV stars Emily Atak and Robert Dawes were family members of Stephen’s – who had a “medical history of alcohol dependence” and both of them made devastating tributes to the actor after his death.

Robert said, “It’s been a very tough week and we are all trying to look after the family as best we can.”

Emily movingly paid tribute to her “wonderful uncle” by saying he was “the kindest and most talented man you could ever wish to meet,” adding that he was “loved by all who knew him, and will be forever”.

Simon previously said about his major role as Tinky Winky, “We used to receive a lot of fan mail from kind and parents, I suppose we were a bit like The Beatles or Take That of children’s television.”

Today’s horoscope for August 16 as one star sign expresses themselves freely, and another lends their support to others

It’s Saturday, August 16, and one star sign trusts their own business instincts, as another is feeling energised.

There are 12 zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more.

These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here’s what today could bring for your horoscope – and what you can do to be prepared.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Creative activities can help ease stress. It isn’t healthy to aim your energy solely into your job and other responsibilities. Although you find success and satisfaction through your work, life is more than just making a living. You have a wonderful artistic flair, enjoy using this now. Tap into your creativity.

Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)

You’re looking for ways to expand your horizons. Pursuing a higher degree is an option, as is travelling abroad or getting your writing published. The key is to step out of your comfort zone. While you might feel safe and content, true growth comes from broadening your experiences.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

After a good night’s sleep you’re feeling mentally energised. You’re eager to dive straight into a job that has been planned for today. It’s a great time too, to start on new projects but to achieve success you will be expected to create thoughtful plans and forecasts.

Cancer (June 22 – July 23)

A possessive friend thinks they can make decisions for you. Don’t allow anyone to control you completely. Show them that while you’re giving them some influence over your life, you will stand your ground when necessary. Take pride in making someone else feel valued.

Leo (July 24 – Aug 23)

Everyone seems to want your company. It’s hard to keep up with all the demands and invitations coming your way and you are loving it. Enjoy your time in the spotlight without feeling guilty about it. Express your emotions freely, flirt, have fun and relax.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

There are daily tasks waiting for your attention. You like to keep on top of your routine and yet there are family matters that also need to be dealt with. Although these were not on your agenda, sometimes you have to accept that you don’t have control of everything.

Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

You’re surprised by a friend or colleague’s suggestion to approach things in a different way. This person is usually very predictable. They are always on time, no matter what plans you have made together and they value routine. Now suddenly they want something new and you are happy to encourage this.

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

You’re ready to have a break from serious work. It is time to relax. That’s why you are looking into booking a holiday. It won’t be easy to get in touch with someone who you know would like to travel with you. Keep trying and by the end of the day they will respond to your invitation as you are expecting.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Be cautious about what you reveal in a business partnership. If you are thinking about launching your own venture, you need more time to plan. Once you have a solid business plan and clear mission statement, you will be ready to set off on your own. Trust your instincts and business sense.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

You will be glad of the help that’s being offered by people with more experience. Mistakes are a natural part of learning. As you become more comfortable with this task or topic, then you will be in a position to assist others.

Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Your intuition is telling you to keep out of the spotlight. A partner, whether in business or romance, is hoping to spend more time with you. They have something on their mind they want to discuss. You will want to keep any personal struggles to yourself for now as you offer support to others.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Observing from behind the scenes will equip you for a high profile position that will be available soon. By then you will be ready to tackle any challenges that come our way. Look at this as a training phase. An arrogant competitor will face some humiliation. This is a mistake you will never make.

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Michael Barrymore reached out to fans for support in a heartbreaking TikTok video in which the comedian and TV presenter told of his mini strokes and “uncontrollable seizures”

Veteran TV presenter Michael Barrymore has been diagnosed with epilepsy at 73 – after experiencing a mini stroke.

The host, known for his work on game shows and light entertainment programmes, told fans on TikTok about his “uncontrollable seizures” which have happened as a result of his epilepsy. Epilepsy, a tendency to have repeated seizures which start in the brain, is often diagnosed in younger years but Michael said he has developed it in his 70s.

And the star, who headlined the Royal Variety Performance in 1993, thanked fans for their support. In his emotional TikTok, Michael said: “A mini stroke caused me to develop epilepsy where I have uncontrollable seizures… I suffer from cluster seizures, which affects a quarter of people with epilepsy. It means I have more than one, usually three individual seizures in a short period of time.”

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Now Michael, who grew up in Bermondsey, southeast London, must take emergency medication if he goes into a seizure. He continued: “It’s scary because there’s a 40% chance of going into epilepticus which causes brain damage and death without prompt medical attention.

“I’ve had several attacks this year and have emergency medication at home if I go into a seizure. It doesn’t really affect my life otherwise, but it would be nice to talk with other sufferers on here about it.”

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The entertainer, an unlikely icon for Gen Z with his TikToks and vlogs, shared a series of photographs of himself in hospital. His video has been watched widely across TikTok and may users have left Michael messages of support.

Michael’s stint on Celebrity Big Brother in 2006 – during which he came runner-up to model Chantelle Houghton – was his first major TV gig since his dismissal from ITV in 2003. This came following the death of Stuart Lubbock in 2001 following a party at Michael’s home in Essex.

But since the controversy, Michael has become extremely popular with Gen Z, particularly through his use of TikTok. He used it last year to poke fun at himself and he reflect on his past while celebrating his birthday.