EastEnders star James Farrar breaks down in sad video as friend and agent dies

James Farrar, the late agent and close friend Keely Silvester, described her as a life-changing force in both his career and personal life in an emotional tribute to her.

James Farrar has spoken out following the heartbreaking loss of his longtime agent and close friend Keely Silvester.

The EastEnders actor, 38, who plays Zack Hudson in the BBC One soap, became visibly emotional in a moving video tribute shared online to Keeley on Thursday.

In the heartbreaking video which he posted on his Instagram, James spoke about how much of a true friend Keeley was to him throughout his journey in acting and admitted that he would be nowhere without her belief in him.

A grieving and emotional James gushed, “Keely Silvester, you changed my life as you did for so many lads,” he said in front of the camera on Thursday.

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The soap star continued, “I remember the day I walked into Mortimer Street and you were sat on the end of 20 bookers,” shedding back tears. What do you want and need, you asked? I stated that I didn’t really enjoy the modeling. You gave me the impression that I was a part of something. Nothing is better than feeling a part of something.

When James recalled their close relationship, “Keely has attended our wedding.” She attended my wedding to Ali. She spent the first few weeks of her life here.

James paid a gushing tribute to his late friend and agent(Image: Instagram/ @jamescfarrar)

“We shared some of life’s biggest highs and lows together … bless you for being kind at the same time as being one of the most incredible agents that I think the world has had.”

He also criticized outdated industry advice, saying, “Don’t be friends with your agents, you’ve been told in drama school. The worst piece of advice I’ve ever heard was this. There must be a connection because these people are a significant part of your life.

James referred to Keeley as both a mentor and a maternal figure after she had a successful career representing major names like David Gandy and Paul Sculfor.

James became emotional while speaking about Keeley
James became emotional while speaking about Keeley(Image: Instagram/ @jamescfarrar)

James continued his gushing tribute to his late friend by saying, “Select are really looking after me and that one particular lady, Keeley, reminds me of you,” saying “I frequently go back to my mother.” the fact that I thought you would care for me like a mother would. It was motivating.

He continued, “I want my little Summer girl to watch the likes of you,” in reference to her legacy. In this world, where you can be compassionate and prosperous at the same time, I believe we are forgetting that.

“You set the standard for what I needed to do early on in my career: step into rooms, be good. Be very kind, be very nice, and be excellent. Keely Silvester, I appreciate it. Your son deserves praise because they are undoubtedly the Select boys.

James plays Zack Hudson on EastEnders
James plays Zack Hudson on EastEnders(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

James’ family thanked him for his beautiful tribute, saying, “Thank you so much James for the beautiful words.

James, who first appeared in EastEnders in 2021, is best known for playing Zack Hudson, who had significant plots, including a dramatic romance with Whitney Dean, and a storyline about HIV that received praise for its emotional depth.

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Affordable way parents can protect kids from back-to-school flu with £10 buy

With school starting comes the inevitable back-to-school flu, but there’s one affordable way parents can help prevent their kids getting sick with a simple £10 buy

Affordable way parents can protect kids from back-to-school flu with £10 buy(Image: Getty)

There are plenty of ways in which parents can prepare their kids for the tradition of the back-to-school flu. The government’s health website recommends that parents keep their children up-to-date with their vaccines and ensure that their children are kept warm as the temperatures begin to drop. But, especially in the wake of COVID, there’s another easy and affordable way you can keep your kids from catching that inevitable flu once they’re back in the classroom.

Good hand hygiene is imperative for avoiding picking up nasty bacteria, which is unfortunately common in schools and playgrounds. The best way to ensure hands are as clean as they can be after break time is with an effective hand sanitiser. And thanks to this £10 Amazon buy, there’s a convenient and fun way kids can carry sanitiser with them all through the school day.

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Swans&Sam Hand Sanitiser Plastic Refillable 6 Bottles
This 6-pack of Swans&Sam Hand Sanitiser Plastic Refillable Bottles retail for £10.96 on Amazon(Image: Amazon)

Obviously, carrying a full bottle of hand sanitiser isn’t necessarily practical, so a dispenser with an easy attachment that can be clipped onto the straps of your kids’ backpacks ensures your child can easily remember to use and reach their hand sanitiser before eating their packed lunch or after they’ve finished break time outside. And there’s no reason why hand sanitiser has to be boring, or take away from your kid’s chosen backpack.

This 6-pack on Amazon features multiple brightly coloured refillable sanitiser dispensers with fun and creative designs that are sure to appeal to kids. Options include bold cartoon fruit, birds, or a beloved Disney character.

The six empty plastic bottles have screw-on, flip-cap tops that ensure they’re simple to fill and can be easily opened and used, even by small hands. With a 30ml capacity that’s perfect for use throughout a full day at school, these travel-sized bottles are made from flexible plastic that can be squeezed for easy dispensing when on the go.

With recognisable colours that stand out and add a pop of vibrancy to a school uniform, the multiple designs help easily identify the bottles. This six-pack is ideal for a single or multiple children to use.

Super lightweight and convenient, these bottles can be filled with your preferred, child-safe hand sanitiser and attached to your child’s bag, so you can rest easy knowing they’re protected from bugs and bacteria while at school. Plus, they’re super affordable thanks to their £11 price tag.

One thrilled shopper who picked up this pack says: “I often work on the peads unit the kids think these are great and the staff I gifted them to love them too. They are a silicone wrap over the refillable plastic bottle. The designs colour and price are all great cannot fault at all.”

More love comes from this buyer who beams: “This was really useful for me and colleagues as we work at school. It is really useful every time you need to disinfect your hands and you can’t go and wash them. I am very proud of my purchase.”

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Further praise comes from this customer, who writes: “This is exactly what I was looking for. My kids loved it…nice colours too.”

Selena Gomez dons bridal looks on lavish Mexico hen do – but Taylor Swift skips it

Selena Gomez has jetted off to Mexico to celebrate her hen do, just hours after she celebrated bestie Taylor Swift’s engagement announcement on social media

Bride-to-be Selena Gomez has shared a slew of photos from her hen do, just hours after reacting to bestie Taylor Swift’s engagement announcement.

The Only Murders In the Building actress, 32, and music producer Benny Blanco took the next step in their relationship in December, with Selena sharing snaps of her future husband’s proposal on Instagram.

Alongside pictures of her sparkling ring, and her with Benny, she wrote: “Forever begins now.” Quick to comment was Taylor Swift, who told her newly engaged pal: “Yes I will be the flower girl.”

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While Taylor may have been keen to be involved when her friend walks down the aisle last year, but eight months on, the Shake It Off hitmaker, 35, was nowhere to be seen as Selena celebrated her recent bachelorette party.

The Emilia Perez star gave fans a sneak peek of her goodbye to singledom festivities on Instagram today, with a whole host of female friends joining her in Cabo San Luca, Mexico.

Selena certainly embraced her new bridal era as she stunned in various white outfits, including a cute white bikini, a pearl-studded halter-neck dress, and a veil with “bride to be” embroidered across it.

Taylor’s absence at Selena’s milestone party comes in the wake of Come And Get It singer sharing a unique reaction to her pal’s engagement to Travis Kelce. After sharing Travis and Taylor’s announcement post on her Instagram Stories, adding “When bestie gets engaged”, Selena reposted a fan post that placed Taylor’s engagement snaps next to one of Selena and Benny’s proposal scene.

Joey Essex unrecognisable as he unveils jaw-dropping transformation before boxing debut

Exclusive:

Joey Essex, a former TOWIE star, is getting ready to make his long-awaited boxing debut against influencer NUMEIRO at Misfits 22. He has revealed a dramatic body transformation.

Before his first major boxing match, Joey Essex has a dramatic new appearance.

Prior to making his official boxing debut this weekend, the 35-year-old former TOWIE star and Love Island contestant has undergone a significant body transformation.

Joey has surprised viewers by revealing a much more physical side than his popular on-screen persona and fame. With his clearly bulging muscles and a toned body, he will now face Portuguese influencer NUMEIRO at Misfits 22 on August 30 at Manchester’s AO Arena.

Joey’s original plan to appear on a Misfits card in Qatar last year before the plans were abandoned has changed significantly. He is not new to boxing, despite having a celebrity background, because his uncle is well-known boxing coach Tony Simms, who co-founded the British boxing team Conor Benn.

Around 7 p.m. in the UK time for the fight, but the full event will start at 5 p.m.

Joey remarked before his debut that he was looking forward to it. I’m so anxious right now. On August 30th, I can’t even express how excited I am to enter that ring. I’ll be in my element. There have been negotiations that were difficult to reach and times that have been in the past.

Boots’ star gifts are back to save you 50% on beauty Christmas gifting – what to buy now

You can currently save 50% on makeup, skincare, and even Yankee Candle gift sets with Boots’ newly released first batch of beauty Star Gifts, which are ready for early Christmas shopping.

Boots has launched its 2025 Star Gifts for Christmas(Image: Getty Images)

August might seem far too early to be starting to think about Christmas, but with just four more paydays to go until December, now is actually the perfect time to start gathering your Christmas shopping. Spreading out the costs of your presents means you’ll be under less financial pressure by the time December rolls around, so you can focus more on the fun and family time of the season.

And Boots just announced its first roll of Star Gifts, which is all 50% off, to ease even more of your money worries. You can save up to £66 on beauty gift sets while also getting a head start on your holiday giving this year.

Read more: According to experts, these will be the top 4 children’s toys for Christmas.

READ MORE: Lush’s Halloween advent calendar features seven distinct, spooky bath favorites.

With gift ideas for everyone in your life, the Boots Star Gifts cover everything from makeup and skincare, to wellness items like diffusers and candles, not to mention beauty sets tailored for both men and women. From big name brands like Yankee Candle, Champneys, Mylee and Ted Baker, the sets are already a great way to save money on multiple beauty items, with the 50% off making it an even better deal.

There are also numerous other retailers who are lowering the costs of their beauty gift sets, which is a great way to save some extra money. While Space NK has reduced some of its top sellers like Sol de Janeiro, Augustinus Bader, and Phlur, LookFantastic offers discounts on sets from companies like L’Occitane, Kiehls, and Lancôme.

The Blushing Icon Gift Set from ICONIC London costs £130, up to £64.01.

Boots Iconic London Star Gift beauty gift set
The ICONIC London beauty gift set contains a full face of makeup(Image: Boots)

The ICONIC London set has now been reduced from £65.99 to £65.99, which is currently a better than half price discount. For the ultimate soft glam makeup look, the set includes six of ICONIC’s favorite beauty products.

You’ll receive a face palette, liquid highlighter, mascara, kohl eyeliner, and lip-plumping gloss, all from the company’s bestseller Prep-Set-Glow mist. It’s the ideal makeup collection for those who love to travel and have everything, complete with a handy gold travel case.

Mylee Gel It Done Kit – was £100, now £49.50

Boots Star Gift Mylee home gel manicure gift set
Do your own gel manicures at home with the Mylee Star Gift(Image: Boots)

This Mylee at-home kit would be a great gift if one of your loved ones enjoys getting their nails done or trying out new manicure designs. The kit now has £50.50 slashed off it, plus a better offer than the half-price introductory offer.

Four nail colors, a base coat, a no-wipe top coat, a 2-in-1 nail prep & wipe, an LED lamp, and more are included in the set. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, making it the ideal way for people to start doing their own nails at home.

Champneys Weekend Bag & Toiletries Set cost £50, but is now £24.50.

Boots Champneys Star Gift set
The Champneys Star Gift set is packed with masculine scented toiletries(Image: Boots)

The Champneys gift set, which includes a generous weekend bag and toiletries, is the ideal present for the men in your life. The set also includes Active Anti-Perspirant Deodorant and Active Hair and Body Wash, as well as Energise Anti-Perspirant Deodorant and Energise Hair and Body Wash.

With ingredients that nourish your mind, body, and soul, each individual set is inspired by Champneys’ renowned spa scents and senses. Ideal for frequent travelers or those who never seem to have their toiletries ready for the holidays.

Continue reading the article.

Boots Star Gifts are available online and in-store only, though it’s worth noting that the savings are currently limited to online purchases. There are also plenty more stocks that are about to be released (yeah, Yankee Candle sets) or that are already available.

Boots’ star gifts are back to save you 50% on beauty Christmas gifting – what to buy now

You can currently save 50% on makeup, skincare, and even Yankee Candle gift sets with Boots’ newly released first batch of beauty Star Gifts, which are ready for early Christmas shopping.

Boots has launched its 2025 Star Gifts for Christmas(Image: Getty Images)

August might seem far too early to be starting to think about Christmas, but with just four more paydays to go until December, now is actually the perfect time to start gathering your Christmas shopping. Spreading out the costs of your presents means you’ll be under less financial pressure by the time December rolls around, so you can focus more on the fun and family time of the season.

And Boots just announced its first roll of Star Gifts, which is all 50% off, to ease even more of your money worries. You can save up to £66 on beauty gift sets while also getting a head start on your holiday giving this year.

Read more: According to experts, these will be the top 4 children’s toys for Christmas.

READ MORE: Lush’s Halloween advent calendar features seven distinct, spooky bath favorites.

With gift ideas for everyone in your life, the Boots Star Gifts cover everything from makeup and skincare, to wellness items like diffusers and candles, not to mention beauty sets tailored for both men and women. From big name brands like Yankee Candle, Champneys, Mylee and Ted Baker, the sets are already a great way to save money on multiple beauty items, with the 50% off making it an even better deal.

There are also numerous other retailers who are lowering the costs of their beauty gift sets, which is a great way to save some extra money. While Space NK has reduced some of its top sellers like Sol de Janeiro, Augustinus Bader, and Phlur, LookFantastic offers discounts on sets from companies like L’Occitane, Kiehls, and Lancôme.

The Blushing Icon Gift Set from ICONIC London costs £130, up to £64.01.

Boots Iconic London Star Gift beauty gift set
The ICONIC London beauty gift set contains a full face of makeup(Image: Boots)

The ICONIC London set has now been reduced from £65.99 to £65.99, which is currently a better than half price discount. For the ultimate soft glam makeup look, the set includes six of ICONIC’s favorite beauty products.

You’ll receive a face palette, liquid highlighter, mascara, kohl eyeliner, and lip-plumping gloss, all from the company’s bestseller Prep-Set-Glow mist. It’s the ideal makeup collection for those who love to travel and have everything, complete with a handy gold travel case.

Mylee Gel It Done Kit – was £100, now £49.50

Boots Star Gift Mylee home gel manicure gift set
Do your own gel manicures at home with the Mylee Star Gift(Image: Boots)

This Mylee at-home kit would be a great gift if one of your loved ones enjoys getting their nails done or trying out new manicure designs. The kit now has £50.50 slashed off it, plus a better offer than the half-price introductory offer.

Four nail colors, a base coat, a no-wipe top coat, a 2-in-1 nail prep & wipe, an LED lamp, and more are included in the set. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, making it the ideal way for people to start doing their own nails at home.

Champneys Weekend Bag & Toiletries Set cost £50, but is now £24.50.

Boots Champneys Star Gift set
The Champneys Star Gift set is packed with masculine scented toiletries(Image: Boots)

The Champneys gift set, which includes a generous weekend bag and toiletries, is the ideal present for the men in your life. The set also includes Active Anti-Perspirant Deodorant and Active Hair and Body Wash, as well as Energise Anti-Perspirant Deodorant and Energise Hair and Body Wash.

With ingredients that nourish your mind, body, and soul, each individual set is inspired by Champneys’ renowned spa scents and senses. Ideal for frequent travelers or those who never seem to have their toiletries ready for the holidays.

Continue reading the article.

Boots Star Gifts are available online and in-store only, though it’s worth noting that the savings are currently limited to online purchases. There are also plenty more stocks that are about to be released (yeah, Yankee Candle sets) or that are already available.