Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming Willis has emotionally revealed how she and her Die Hard actor husband have developed their own way of communicating as the star struggles following his diagnosis
Bruce Willis and his wife Emma have developed their own new way of communication
Bruce Willis’ loving wife Emma Heming Willis became overcome with emotion as she discussed the new way the couple now communicate after Bruce’s dementia diagnosis.
Bruce, 70, was diagnosed with aphasia in 2022 and later diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023. The NHS describes frontotemporal dementia as “an uncommon type of dementia that causes problems with behaviour and language”. Like other types of dementia, the condition ‘tends to develop slowly’ and gradually gets worse over time.
Bruce’s wife Emma, 47, has opened up on her life caring for her husband Bruce following his diagnosis and revealed how she and Bruce have crafted their own language as the disease stops those with it from being able to communicate.
READ MORE: Bruce Willis’ wife shares devastating progression of Hollywood star’s conditionREAD MORE: Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming Willis blames Die Hard for his dementia symptom
Bruce Willis and wife Emma now have their ‘own language’(Image: Getty Images for Film at Lincoln Center)
Bruce was diagnosed with FTD in 2023(Image: emmahemingwillis/Instagram)
“Bruce and I now have our own language, our own way to be with each other,” she has told The Times. “It’s just about sitting with him, walking with him, listening to him as he tries to verbalise in his own language. Hearing him, validating him. You know,” Emma the stopped before crying gently and adding: “I’m sorry”.
The star’s wife wiped away tears and added: “It’s hard.” Emma called Bruce’s dementia an “unkind disease”. She said: “FTD is just an unkind disease — it constantly takes. Even when you think it can’t take any more, it takes a little more.”
Emma’s book, The Unexpected Journey, about caring for Bruce was recently released, in which she detailed the progression of the disease.
Early on in the book, Emma revealed Bruce isn’t able to communicate with her. She said: “All caregiving journeys can feel lonely and isolating, but the dementia caregiver’s path often feels even more so.
Bruce Willis has five daughters – three with ex Demi Moore and two with wife Emma(Image: Instagram/demimoore)
“The absence of shared decision making or meaningful conversations with your loved one amplifies that sense of isolation. Because Bruce can’t communicate with me (due to the variant forms of FTD he has, primary progressive aphasia) I must make judgement calls for him about absolutely everything.
“I can’t ask him how he’s feeling, what’s wrong, or if something hurts. Instead, I read his body language or look into his eyes to understand what’s bothering him and what he’s experiencing. I compare this to that instinct that you have as a parent.”
Recently, Emma also revealed Bruce had moved into his own home, which she later insisted was in the best interest for her husband and their daughters, Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11. She said: “[It] was the safest and best decision – not just for Bruce, but also for our two young girls,’ she told Michael Strahan. “And, you know, it’s really not up for a debate.”
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However, Emma has admitted to The Times that the move was “one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make”. She added: “But among the sadness and discomfort, it was the right move — for him, for our girls, for me.
“Ultimately I could get back to being his wife. And that’s such a gift.”
We’ve rounded up the best Gossip Girl-approved style buys on the high street as the preppy style trend makes a return for autumn
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Preppy style is officially back this autumn, shop our favourite high street buys(Image: Mirror )
Preppy style is officially back this autumn, and it’s a trend that makes office dressing a whole lot more fun. Think crisp white shirts, pleated skirts, tailored blazers and rugby shirts. The revival channels Gossip Girl’s signature Upper East Side aesthetic, but with a modern update that feels wearable and work-appropriate.
From sleeveless knits to check prints and smart shoes, the preppy trend is so versaitile whether you’re heading to your 9-5 or having a relaxed weekend.
What makes this trend so appealing is its ability to strike the perfect balance between smart and stylish, giving you that effortlessly put-together vibe Blair Waldorf herself would approve of.
With buys from Very, Boden and more, check out our favourite preppy style pieces from the high street.
READ MORE: 5 pieces from Olivia Attwood’s River Island collection that look inspired by designer brands
READ MORE: Michelle Keegan’s luxe-for-less clothing range looks inspired by her Fool Me Once wardrobe
VERY
Argyle knits are a key trend for preppy style(Image: Very)
Argyle is making a stylish comeback this season, bringing a touch of retro glam to autumn dressing. The diamond-patterned knit is often associated with preppy styling but has been refreshed for 2025 with slouchy, oversized fits and bold colour contrasts that make it the perfect layering piece.
Layer this trending print over cosy knits, crisp shirts and tailored shorts for a look Serena Van Der Woodsen would be proud of.
SHOP THE LOOK: Cream Cable Jumper, £30 here and Relax Faux Suede Shorts, £22 here
BODEN
Layering is key to nailing the trend(Image: Boden)
The key to nailing a preppy look is layering. And if you find yourself getting overly flustered in long-sleeve knits in the winter, especially when commuting, a sleeveless knitted tank is going to be your new best friend.
We love the fun print of this Boden knit clashing with printed trousers and vibrant loafers for a maximalist take on preppy style.
SHOP THE LOOK: Edie Fair Isle Tank, £99 here; Brompton Wide Leg Trousers, £119 here; and Kylie Flat Buckle Mary Jane, £119 here
NEW LOOK
Smarten up denim with chic knitwear and sleek heels(Image: New Look )
Checks are always in fashion for autumn, but this year they’re bigger and better than ever. They’re taking over everything from coats and scarves to trousers and knits. We love this check cardigan from New Look thanks to its tonal colours and boxy, oversized fit.
SHOP THE LOOK: Brown Check Cardigan, £35.99 here and Blue Wide Leg Jeans, £28.99 here
PRETTY LITTLE THING
Make the trend feel more youthful with pleated mini skirts and striped polos(Image: Pretty Little Thing)
If you’re looking to make the trend feel a little more youthful, pleated mini skirts are the way to go. They feel fresh, feminine and on-trend, simply team with a striped knit or pinstripe blazer and a pair of knee high riding boots.
SHOP THE LOOK: Brown Stripe Knit Polo, £24 here, and White Pleated Denim Mini Skirt, £24 here
NEXT
Striped sweatshirts and rugby tops are a great way to make the preppy trend less formal(Image: Next)
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Preppy fashion is not always about looking put together and formal. Striped sweatshirts and rugby shirts are key parts of the trend, and this cosy loungewear set from Next is perfect for a more relaxed take. Dress it up with a structured longline coat and a pair of loafers for a preppy-meets-athleisure look.
Paralympian and BBC commentator Stef Reid has opened up on a pivotal moment after a horrific accident left her needing amputation. She said one nurse’s words changed her life
The star is commentating at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo(Image: Contract Number (Programme))
A conviction that tomorrow could always be better has propelled Stef Reid to dizzy heights, despite losing her right foot in a terrifying accident when she was just 15.
A straight-talking nurse was her saviour when, rather than sympathising, she told the teenager that it was “time to move on.”
An accomplished paralympian, she is commentating for the BBC alongside retired track and field star Steve Backley at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, from 13-21 September. And the challenges won’t stop there.
Already a TV favourite – she has taken part in Dancing on Ice and Celebrity MasterChef – and would jump at the chance to compete in Strictly or I’m a Celebrity.
Stef nearly lost all hope after her accident(Image: (Credit too long, see caption))
And she credits the nurse Claudette’s straight talking 25 years ago for her success. Recalling that day in hospital, she says: “I’d just had a life-changing injury and people accepted my outbursts, but she did not.
“I wasn’t eating, I wasn’t seeing visitors, I just didn’t care. She brought breakfast and I said ‘I’m not going to eat today, just take it away.’ She stared directly at me and said ‘Stephanie, it is time to move on. Others have and you will too.’
“That was quite shocking to me. She was the first person who expected something better from me and the first person who challenged me.
Stef’s first face back post amputation at the Paralympics in Ontario, 2002(Image: Supplied)
“I remember thinking ‘who does this nurse think she is? I am sad and my life has just been transformed – how dare she?’ But maybe I’d just been waiting for somebody to give me a challenge and an element of hope.”
And while she had to learn to walk again and deal with “phantom leg pain” she says: “I was lucky. I always had just enough hope that maybe tomorrow would be better.”
Stef’s life changed in an instant when she was involved in a catastrophic boating accident which led to her amputation.
Forced to quit her dream of playing professional rugby, instead Stef threw herself into athletics, going on to win medals at the Paralympics – becoming a world champion long jumper.
Stef has appeared on MasterChef and Dancing on Ice(Image: BBC/Shine TV Ltd)
Speaking of the accident, during a fun-packed weekend away when she was staying at pal’s family holiday cottage, she says: “We went tubing; it was my first time and it was super fun – you go flying across the water.
“I fell off and I was waiting in the water for the boat to circle back and pick me up, as I had done several times before, but there was a miscommunication and this time the driver had no idea I was in the water.
“I saw him coming towards me too fast. I knew I didn’t have time to move, so I planned to dive down so the boat would pass over the top of me.
“But I couldn’t get under the water, because I had a life jacket on and my lower back and right leg were caught in the propeller.
“The back injury was the most serious – it was a very big, open, messy wound – but fortunately, I had no spinal damage or internal injuries. However, there wasn’t a lot they could do to save my right foot. It was damaged beyond repair and had to be amputated.”
The sports star suffered horrific injuries in the accident(Image: Supplied)
Thanks to Claudette’s sage advice triggering a sea change in her attitudes, she was soon inspired by the opportunities ahead of her, rather than dwelling on the past.
“I thought I was going to die and the accident clarified what’s important in life. That was an incredible gift and I really appreciate it,” she says.
“I could have lost every limb on my body and I still would have been me. I would still have been this person that wants to work hard and train and challenge myself and compete.
“Life throws all sorts of things at you, but we can adapt, we can rise to the challenge. That’s why I would do Strictly or I’m A Celebrity.
“Success is never guaranteed, but any time you’re given an opportunity in life you should say yes. Because not everybody gets them and they don’t always come back.”
Steff is set to head to New Delhi to commentate on field and track at the Para Athletics World Championships(Image: PA)
In the coming week in Tokyo, all eyes will be on heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson – seeking to defend her title – and 800m runner Keely Hodgkinson, who is hoping to go from silver to gold this year.
Then, three days after the event ends, Steff heads to New Delhi to commentate on field and track at the Para Athletics World Championships.
With her positivity and enthusiasm shining through everything she does, she is a million miles away from the despair she felt when she first lost her foot.
“Life looked awful and I thought ‘what is the point in even surviving this if this is what it’s going to be like?'” She admits. “I thought what had happened was worse than death.”
Her talents wowed viewers on Dancing on Ice(Image: Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
One great help in staying positive has been the Christian faith she found after her accident – having prayed for the first time in the back of the ambulance rushing her to hospital.
She recalls: “I was very aware that I might not survive and that was terrifying. There was nothing I could do and that was the first time that I prayed.
“I said ‘God, please save my life. I’m out of options and I promise I’ll do better and be less selfish.’
“I have no doubt that God answered that prayer. If my body had been in just a slightly different position I would have been cut clean in half. Or maybe the propellers would have hit my head or an artery and I would have bled out instantly.”
A multiple medal winner at European and World level, Stef won a bronze medal in the 200m at the 2008 Paralympics and silver in the long jump at the 2012 Paralympics.
She retired as an athlete in 2022 and has ben on our screens in a host of shows since(Image: Supplied)
In 2013 she appeared in Vogue magazine after modelling for Debenhams when they became the first high street chain to use disabled models in one of their campaigns.
She retired as an athlete in 2022 and has been seen on our screens in a host of shows including Pilgrimage earlier this year.
Away from work, she has recently become an ambassador for Tearfund, a Christian charity that partners with churches in more than 50 of the world’s poorest countries.
“What appealed was the way they work,” she explains. “Tearfund go in and work with churches and local communities. That’s key, because they’ve been there long before Tearfund arrived and they’ll be there long after Tearfund has left.
“It’s about bringing resources and opportunities to people that the world has forgotten and helping them achieve their dreams.”
Stef won a bronze medal in the 200m at the 2008 Paralympics and silver in the long jump at the 2012 Paralympics(Image: Getty Images for Aviva)
The charity’s work has also helped put her own situation into perspective. “I am probably one of the luckiest people on the planet,” she reflects. “What I went through was incredibly hard, yet I know how fortunate I am in terms of the support that I’ve had.
“My life would look radically different if I did not have access to prosthetic legs. At night, if I wake up and have to pee, I crawl to the bathroom because it’s quicker than putting on my leg. But if I was born in one of the world’s poorest countries, I would be crawling all the time.”
Stef, who lives in Loughborough with her husband-of-16 years, Canadian wheelchair cyclist Brent Lakatos, who was paralysed as a child after a freak ice skating accident, says she turned him down when he first asked her out.
Fighting and overcoming any personal negativity is what also makes Stef an excellent motivational speaker(Image: Supplied)
She confesses: “I just wasn’t interested in dating, but also – and this is going to sound terrible, but it’s honest – he was in a wheelchair. There was an element of me that thought – ‘I don’t want to end up a carer in this relationship.’
“I was a person with a disability who didn’t like people making judgements about my disability and yet I completely judged him.”
But fighting and overcoming any personal negativity is what also makes Stef an excellent motivational speaker.
She says: “Now when I speak to people about disability, I know what I thought before I became a disabled person and I know what I think now. It’s helpful that I’ve lived on both sides with two different identities.”
EXCLUSIVE: Despite rumours of a return to Love Island All Stars after dazzling viewers with her personality last year, Ekin-Su has finally shut down a comeback
Ekin-Su reveals sad truth behind her decision not to return to Love Island All Stars(Image: ITV)
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has finally addressed speculation over a potential return to Love Island, insisting she’s done with reality TV romances and is now focused on finding her “dream man.”
The 31-year-old star, who won the 2022 series alongside Davide Sanclimenti, spoke to The Mirror on the red carpet at the National Television Awards, where she was clear about her priorities as she looks to the future.
“It’s time I moved away from that and found a real man now. It’s time I got married,” Ekin-Su said, shutting down rumours that she might appear on Love Island All Stars again.
Sharing her excitement for the new series of the iconic ITV2 show, Ekin-Su said: “I’m very excited. I’ve heard some rumours of some names. But I’m not going to be on there. I mean I love the show and I’m glad I did it but it’s time I move on.”
READ MORE: Ekin-Su details single life after Curtis Pritchard split with savage four-word statementREAD MORE: Maura Higgins shuts down rumours she was turned away from NTAs afterparty
Ekin-Su has insisted that she won’t be returning to Love Island(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)
The Turkish-British model recently split from professional dancer Curtis Pritchard, 29, after a whirlwind romance on the January series of Love Island All Stars.
The pair called it quits in May, despite falling head over heels in love on the show. Speaking to The Mirror, Ekin-Su admitted she still has a lot of love for Curtis, but emphasised that she is now focused on her own future and finding a lasting and real love.
“We are [friends]. We are. We still speak all the time, and I’ve got nothing but lovely words to say about him,” she added, revealing that their bond remains strong despite the breakup.
Ekin-Su’s dating history is no stranger to headlines. Before Curtis, she was romantically linked to her original 2022 Love Island partner, Davide Sanclimenti, although their relationship ended amid allegations of cheating.
Ekin-Su opened up about her Love Island past romances (Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)
Curtis and Ekin-su Culculoglu broke up in May after three months of romance(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
The much-loved reality TV star has repeatedly made it clear that while she cherishes her past experiences, she is ready to move on from the connections she found on Love Island.
Away from her love life, Ekin-Su has been keeping busy with multiple projects – and things are about to get very exciting for the star.
She will star in the new Netflix reality series Inside: USA, premiering on September 21, living alongside American stars including Selling Sunset’s Breana “Bre” Tiesi. The show, created by the UK YouTube collective Sidemen, follows housemates navigating challenges and life under one roof.
Ekin insists she has no interest in making another comeback to Love Island
In addition, Ekin-Su teased another upcoming project, saying: “I’ve been busy working my as off. I just came back from Venice, now I’m flying to America.
“I’m burnt out, but life is about working hard. You’ve got to grab it with both hands. Something’s coming up in a few months. It’s not a reality show, it’s a different project.”
While she continues to explore career opportunities abroad, Ekin-Su’s message is clear – she’s done with villa romances and ready for a serious relationship. Her focus now is on finding a committed partner and building a life beyond the reality TV spotlight.
As the iPhone 17’s pre-orders open, shoppers seeking a new Apple gadget to go with their new phone won’t want to snooze on this deal that could score them a new Apple Watch Ultra 2 worth £800 for £20
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Lesser-known deal gives shoppers chance to claim £800 Apple Watch for £19.99(Image: Getty)
Since Apple opened the window for the new iPhone 17’s pre-orders, Apple products have been on everyone’s minds. And right now, thanks to this lesser-known offer, shoppers could claim an Apple Watch Ultra 2, which was first released in 2023, for the whoppingly low price of £19.99.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2, which would normally cost shoppers a steep £799 at retailers like Very, Amazon, and Currys, is currently included in a covetable bundle at Wowcher. Shoppers can win this smart watch, or one of various other gadgets, for the much more budget-friendly price of £19.99.
READ MORE: Retailer slashes price of iPhone 16 ahead of newest model pre-orders opening
READ MORE: Apple iPhone Air pre-order info and everything we know about the slimmest model ever
This Apple Watch Ultra 2 Cellular normally sells for £799(Image: Very)
For many Apple fans, sometimes finding a good deal on the most up-to-date devices and phones can be hard – well, look no longer because Wowcher is offering this Mystery Tech Deal for £19.99, with available gadgets ranging from the Apple Watch Ultra 2 to a 50″ QLED Smart TV.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is one of the most up-to-date Apple gadgets available. It boasts an impressive two-day battery life and a rugged look with sapphire glass, so it can take all the beatings shoppers throw at it. It also comes with loads of other features, like a more accurate GPS and diving capabilities.
The 49mm watch features a super-bright Always-On Retina display, ideal for runners and cyclists who need to keep an eye on their stats mid-workout. But you’ll need to be quick – there’s no telling how long this deal will be available for.
The offer has two tiers, the first of which costs £9.99 and includes products like a Riley RSX Electric Scooter worth £299.95 or an RCA 50” QLED Smart TV worth £319.95.
Meanwhile, tier two includes the covetable Apple Watch Ultra 2 Cellular and an Asus VivoBook 16” Laptop worth £348.95, for the budget-friendly price of £19.99.
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If you’d rather skip out on the deal and would prefer to shop for your new Apple Watch Ultra 2 Cellular elsewhere, you can find it for £659 at Very or £649 from Amazon or Currys.
Legendary cricketer Shane Warne’s children took to social media to pay tribute to their dad who, would have turned 56 this weekend, with loving throwback family pictures
Shane’s daughter Summer shares throwback video in tribute to late father(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Shane Warne’s children have paid a loving tribute to their late father on what would have been the legendary cricketer’s 56th birthday. The iconic sportsman sadly died three years ago from a reported heart attack while on holiday with friends in Thailand.
Known to most as the “spin king” for his ability to throw the ball at immense speed during high intensity matches, his children took to social media to make sure his memory stays alive.
His three children Brooke, Summer and Jackson lovingly posted throwback pictures of them with their dad as a tribute to the star. Shane’s eldest child Brooke, 28, took a selfie of a throwback picture with a lit candle beside it.
The photo seems to have been taken in the early 2000’s when the sportsman was at the peak of his career. The post was accompanied by a caption that read: “Happy birthday, Dad.”‘
Shane Warne’s eldest child Brooke pays tribute to late star on his 56th birthday
Shane’s daughter Summer also posted a touching tribute to the star
This was followed by Summer, 23, who is the youngest of the three children. Summer shared a heart-warming video of her playing with her father as a child.
In the video, fans saw Summer running around the pool table as a toddler before leaping into her father’s arms. But that was not all. She also posted a black and white picture of herself posing with Shane and captioned the post saying: “Happy birthday, Dad 56 today.”
She then added: “Words cannot describe how much I miss you. I wish I could give you the biggest hug. I love you forever, Hope you are partying up there today.”
Shane’s daughter Summer shares throwback video in tribute to late father
She accompanied her caption with a love heart emoji. Meanwhile his son Jackson, 26 posted a picture from the Lord’s Cricket Ground in south London.
In the post Jackson is seen touring the iconic cricket ground and in one picture it shows him posing beside a portrait of his dad, which is placed in the Long Room.
And he captioned the post saying: “As we remember Shane on what would have been his 56th birthday, we were honoured to show his son Jackson around the Lord’s Pavilion, and the Shane Warne Commentary Box, earlier this summer.”
Shane’s son Jackson standing by his father’s portrait at The Oval cricket ground in London
He added: “Very special day, Thank you for having me!” As a joke he added: “Thanks for the hair genes!” This comes after it emerged that Jackson revealed the tragic call informing him that his dad had died from a heart attack. Speaking about that heart-wrenching moment, Jackson said it was the “Worst phone call of my life.”
Reflecting on that day during a recent interview, he continued: “Worst phone call of my life – it was James Erskine, dad’s manager. It was in two separate phone calls — the first phone call was he’s had a heart attack, it was a massive heart attack and we’re trying to see what we can do. “
He then went on to say: “Then it was an hour and a half and the worst hour and a half of all time. I was with my partner, my mum, my older sister Brooke and her partner. It was just the worst hour and a half — we were like what the f.*** – what’s just happened.”
After digesting the news, Jackson said he asked himself: “And I thought surely that’s not what’s going to get him. There was not a single part of me that thought dad wouldn’t make it. That thought wasn’t there 100 percent. I looked at him as superman, I didn’t think anything would happen to him. It still is such a shock.”
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Shane was only 52 at the time of his tragic death.
READ MORE: Louise Thompson raves about her ‘gorgeous’ autumnal knee-high boots for ‘chunky calves’
