Category Entertainment News

The author of the books called The Vampire Diaries passed away at the age of 66. According to her family, LJ Smith is alleged to have passed away while she was receiving treatment for a rare autoimmune condition in a hospital. She passed away on March 8 in Danville, California.

She is said to have had the illness for more than ten years. The popular TV show of the same name was inspired by her books. Smith is the author of over a dozen books, including the Night World series, as well as the well-known series. Before passing away, she had finished three more unpublished pieces.

The sequel Heart of Valor followed the debut YA book The Night of the Solstice in 1987.

The first three chapters of The Vampire Diaries were written by her in 1991. A popular high school girl and two vampire brothers were the subjects of the romance triangle.

After receiving positive feedback and popularity, the author was asked to write an additional trilogy. Later, they were used to adapt the stories for the CW Network.

By 2014, the New York Times reported that the Vampire Diaries book series had sold more than five million copies.

Lisa was a kind and gentle soul, whose brilliance, creativity, resilience, and empathy touched the lives of her fans, friends, and family, according to a tribute posted on the author’s website.

She will be admired for her creative spirit, pioneering work in supernatural fiction, and her generosity, both on and off the page.

Fans shared condolence messages on social media following the news of LJ Smith’s passing, thank you so much for making The Vampire Diaries!

Another person said, “I will never recover from this news #ljsmith I’m never going to see that last Night World book,” while another added, “RIP LJ Smith.” My entire middle school experience was a trip to your worlds.

Every single book in your series occupies an entire shelf. I’ve heard that one of the authors raised me. I appreciate you supporting my early years.

Author LJ Smith passed away at the age of 66, according to a fourth fan. One of the causes of my paranormal fiction addiction was due to her. As a teenager, I was addicted to her The Forbidden Game series. The paranormal YA book series’ queen has passed away.

Julie Divola, Smith’s long-time friend, her sister, nieces, and nephews are all present.

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After 19 years of being on television, Dancing On Ice has been discontinued. We look back on the show’s most shocking moments and scandals, which helped the series shake up as the real reason behind its sad end comes to light.

Dancing On Ice has been given the chop after viewing figures plummeted for the last series, it has been revealed. The shock news means former This Morning host Holly Willoughby no longer has any programmes with ITV, for the first time since 2004.

ITV bosses made the decision after viewing figures fell below 3million. The most recent final, won by Coronation Street star Sam Aston, managed to attract just 2.7 million viewers – a stark decline from the viewing figures it once enjoyed, with an estimated 12 million tuning in during previous years.

Phillip Schofield presented the series alongside Holly Willoughby from its conception up until May 2023. The former This Morning host stepped down from his ITV presenting roles after admitting to having an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger male colleague. Phillip was soon replaced by Stephen Mulhern, who hosted the programme alongside Holly.

READ MORE: Dancing On Ice axed by ITV after 19 years as viewing figures continued to plummet

Dancing on Ice fans have watched their fair share of bust-ups, nasty injuries and television gold moments since the ITV show launched back in 2006. The line-up of celebrities taking on the ice this year includes Ferne McCann, Sir Steve Redgrave and Michaela Strachan. Below, we look back at a few of the most shocking things to happen to the stars and professional skaters over the years, including scandals that rocked the series.

Last year’s series was not all smooth sailing for the celebrities, especially for British track and field athlete Greg Rutherford. The now 38-year-old was all set for the final with his pro partner Vanessa James, when disaster struck. He had to be rushed to hospital after he accidentally ripped open his stomach with a skate and tore his abs. When he was recovering in hospital, he told his followers on Instagram: “I effectively gave myself a C-section.” One of the most grizzly injuries happened back in 2012 when actress Jennifer Ellison sliced her head open after conducting a scorpion kick on the ice. Paramedics had to rush to her aid as blood started gushing from the back of her head.

Another horrific moment was in 2021 when Rebekah Vardy accidentally sliced her partner Andy Buchanan’s face open with her ice skate during rehearsals. The pro dancer had to be rushed to hospital after being slashed across the cheek. Following the incident, she said: “It was quite scary. But it brings back the realisation that what we’re doing is really bl**dy dangerous.”

In the inaugural series, former England goalkeeper David Seaman and his partner Pam O’Connor attempted a dangerous headbanger, which is perhaps one of the worst accidents ever to occur to a professional skater. Pam split her chin open on the ice during the routine when David dropped her. Although she needed stitches in the hospital, she later skated with David. However, that move, in which one partner holds the other by the ankles while their face is only a few inches away from the ground, was later banned from the show.

What reality show wouldn’t be complete without a spat? During the 2019 series, TOWIE legend Gemma Collins clapped back at judge Jason Gardiner following a savage critique after one routine. Jason criticised Gemma’s lack of elegance on the ice and she accused him of selling stories about her to the press. After calling her lazy, he later said: “She came out and did what can only be described as one of the most painful routines I’ve ever had to sit through because it looked so uncomfortable.”

An awkward moment happened ahead of the 2020 series starting when rumours started swirling that Love Island star Maura Higgins ‘stole’ fellow islander Amber Gill’s spot. Love Island winner Amber was one of the first names reported to be in the 2020 series, but Maura ended up appearing on the show. Amber told The Sun: “I didn’t realise I had a place to lose, to be honest.” Addressing the rumours at The Mirror’s Animal Hero Awards, Maura told us: “I mean, I know a lot of people went for castings for the show, but I was lucky enough to get it.”

Another so called ‘swap’ happened in the 2020 series after Caprice Bourret switched partners from Hamish Gaman after she made bullying claims against him. The American model later quit the show entirely. Her rep told the Daily Mail: “It’s true that Caprice is no longer participating in Dancing On Ice It’s been a hard few months and she’s had to keep silent for contractual reasons. Her mental wellbeing has been affected over the last two months and recent stories leaked to the press are not only salacious but extremely hurtful. Now she’s taking some time to recover and look after herself and her family.”

The romance rumors that Dancing on Ice have also been true. At the conclusion of their High School Musical routine, TOWIE’s Joey Essex appeared to lean in for a kiss with his professional partner Vanessa Bauer, leaving viewers with tears. Before the judges made their remarks, Vanessa swerved and looked horrified as she did it.

A split which will go down in Dancing on Ice history was when Love Island’s Megan Barton Hanson and Wes Nelson broke up following his time on the show in 2019. Megan was reportedly devastated when Wes’ partner Vanessa confirmed she’d broken up with her long-term boyfriend on the day of his debut performance with her. Megan claimed Vanessa’s split was “tactical” to make headlines. The OnlyFans model later admitted she was just acting jealous, but two weeks after her outburst, Megan announced she and Wes had parted ways.

After admitting to having a crush on a fan, wife of 22 years Jordyn Blum has reportedly given the singer Dave Grohl another chance.

Dave Grohl’s wife Jordyn Blum has reportedly ‘forgiven’ him after he fathered a love child with a fan. The 56-year-old Foo Fighters frontman has been married to 48-year-old Jordyn for 22 years and the couple share three daughters.

However, Dave’s shock was replaced by the shocking revelation that he had cheated on Jordyn and become a father once more in September. The rocker stated in a powerful statement that “I’ve just given birth to a new daughter who was born outside of my marriage.”

He continued, “I intend to raise her in a loving and nurturing manner.” I’m making every effort to win their trust and get their pardon because I love my wife and my kids. As we progress together, we’re grateful for your consideration for all the children involved.

The mother of the baby was later revealed to be 38-year-old LA-based music fan Jennifer Young. Though Dave’s ‘disgusted’ wife Jordyn had taken off her wedding ring and called in divorce lawyers in the wake of the scandal, it’s thought the pair are now trying to give their relationship another go.

READ MORE: Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl’s long history of cheating laid bare as he fathers child outside marriage

Jordyn and Dave are said to have spent Christmas as a family and have been spotted in public together several times this year, suggesting their romance is getting back on track. A source told US Weekly: “Jordyn has forgiven Dave and is trying to move on. She is [still] completely devastated by the situation but is standing by his side.”

The source added: “They are going to counselling, and Dave has been doing anything he can to win back Jordyn’s trust. Neither of them wants the family broken.” The Mirror has reached out to reps for the couple for comment.

His children, Violet Maye, 18, Harper Willow, 15, and Ophelia Saint, 10, are his children with his wife, Jordyn, who he married after dating for a few months in 2003, are his children. He is also the father of his seven-month-old daughter, Jennifer.

It was just such a shock for Jordyn, an insider told People at the time. She declared a divorce at first sight. The betrayal weighed too much. But as the weeks went on, she began to reflect, and it only made her feel very sorry if her family split up.

Dave has been giving his family a lot, according to a second source. He is aware of his error. It’s one of those situations where you don’t realize you have it until you’re about to lose it. He is not concerned about losing his family.

Jordyn reportedly “knew” Dave had been unfaithful – but she didn’t realise the extent of his infidelity. The rocker publicly admitted his indiscretion last year after apparently fearing it was going to come out anyway. A source told In Touch Magazine: “He feared the mother or someone else would spill the news. It’s his way to own up that he’s made mistakes.”

READ MORE: Amazon Spring Sale’s best tech deals include Ninja and Ring doorbells but don’t beat Dyson

Do you have a tale to tell? Send me an email at katie@gmail.com. wilson01@reachplc.com

One royal expert claims there is a compelling reason why Prince Harry is sensationally resigning as patron of Sentebale, a charity he founded in honor of his late mother Princess Diana.

Prince Harry will be ‘crushed’ about quitting a charity he founded in a bitter row – but it won’t be the last of his philanthropic efforts in Africa, an expert has claimed. Amid a bitter boardroom battle, Harry revealed he has resigned as a patron of Sentebale, a charity in Africa he helped to set up in honour of his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales.

Harry founded the charity Sentebale in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to help young people and children in southern Africa, particularly those living with HIV and Aids. And after his bombshell statement, the chairwoman of the charity appeared to criticise Harry for “playing the victim card”. She also alleged there had been “poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir”.

Harry and Prince Seeiso both shared a “heavy heart,” saying he was “in shock” and “truly heartbroken” to be standing down as he supported the charity’s departing trustees, who had also left in a dispute.

But royal biographer Ingrid Seward doesn’t believe this means Harry’s charity work in Africa will be over – and it is down to one important reason. The editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine told the Mirror: “Harry and his friend and joint founder of the charity Prince Seeiso of Lesotho set up Sentebale in 2006 in memory of their late mothers. The romantic name means Forget Me Not in the local language. It has been close to Harry’s heart for 20 years.

Harry has raised money for Sentable every polo match and charity event he has attended, most recently one in New York in December of last year. He must be devastated, no wonder. He was deeply moved by the orphaned Sentable children who were living with various disabilities. Literally . He embraced and embraced them, played football with them, and gave them hugs.

“He took his brother Prince William to Lesotho to see some of the orphans in 2010 when they were still close. Their friend and childhood mentor Mark Dyer, former equerry to their father, was on the board of Trustees. Dubbed a ‘surrogate father’ to Harry, he helped him set up the charity which became so close to his heart.

He frequently mentioned how proud Diana would have been of him when he had established Sentable. How his thinking about helping the young children who were born with Aids was heavily influenced by her memory. Because it was done in her memory, it is especially heartbreaking for him. Today, he will be both depressed and angry. However, his African philanthropy won’t be the last to come out. Harry will never forget Diana’s memory because Harry will never forget it.

When Harry was 19 years old, Harry spent two months in Botswana while he was still in his gap year. This inspired him to start the charity, which is now active there as well. He visited herd boys who live in remote mountain areas and visit Aids orphans who had been living in harsh conditions.

The duke spoke to a group of young people about the “massive difference” Senebale was making while visiting Lesotho and the prince in October. The Charity Commission stated that it was “concerned of concerns about Sentebale’s governance.” The commission stated in a statement that it is assessing the issues and is deciding what are the appropriate regulatory actions to take.

Shortly after Duffy released her first two albums, the singer stepped back from the spotlight. In 2020, the Welsh musician bravely opened up about her terrifying kidnapping ordeal

Duffy left the spotlight for 10 years after she was the victim of a horrific kidnap ordeal. But now she’s hinted at a return to music, much to the joy of her supportive fanbase.

The Warwick Avenue singer has been seen for the first time in a decade as she made a surprise cameo on TikTok, promoting DJ and producer Emotion’s remix of her hit song, Mercy. In the clip, the 40-year-old musician, whose real name is Aimée Anne Duffy, lip-syncs the lyrics “You got me begging you for mercy, why won’t you release me”. Before the remix kicks in, she winks to camera, leaving many wondering what’s in store. Emotion HQ posted the video with the caption: “Some of you asked if Duffy was really doing a UK Garage remix with us…”

In response to the surprise clip, fans filled the comments with messages of support. “Duffy! Where have you been?! We missed you,” wrote one. “OMG it’s so good that she’s back,” another added.

READ MORE: Duffy seen for first time in 10 years after horror kidnap ordeal

The remix hint comes 17 years after Duffy released her debut album – and 10 years after she was last seen in public. Following its release, the album secured a spot at the top of the UK album charts, where it stayed for five weeks, and became the UK’s third-best-selling single of 2008. Her rise to stardom soon saw her scoop awards for her success, and she won three gongs at the 2009 BRIT Awards including British Breakthrough Act, British Female Solo Artist and British Album of the Year. Rockferry was also crowned Best Pop Vocal Album at the 2009 Grammy Awards.

However, soon after the release of her second album in 2010 the Welsh musician sudddenly retreated from the spotlight. A decade later, Duffy returned to Instagram in February 2020 in which she bravely spoke about being held captive, drugged and raped in a harrowing ordeal, and explained how she finally felt strong enough to discuss what happened to her.

“The truth is, and please trust me I am OK and safe now, I was raped and drugged and held captive over some days. Of course I survived. The recovery took time,” she shared.

The pop star explained that she had wanted to share her story with her fans. She did not name her attacker, but mentioned a journalist had reached out and helped her talk about her pain. She added: “You can only imagine the amount of times I thought about writing this. The way I would write it, how I would feel thereafter.

“Well, not entirely sure why now is the right time, and what it is that feels exciting and liberating for me to talk. I cannot explain it. Many of you wonder what happened to me, where did I disappear to and why. A journalist contacted me, he found a way to reach me and I told him everything this past summer. He was kind and it felt so amazing to finally speak.”

Duffy went on to thank her fans for their kindness, and fondly referred to them as her friends. She continued: “There’s no light way to say it. But I can tell you in the last decade, the thousands and thousands of days I committed to wanting to feel the sunshine in my heart again, the sun does now shine. You wonder why I did not choose to use my voice to express my pain? I did not want to show the world the sadness in my eyes. I asked myself, how can I sing from the heart if it is broken? And slowly it unbroke.”

A few months later, in April 2020, the Distant Dreamer songstress gave further details of the terrifying incident. She recalled a four-week ordeal during which she sad she was drugged in her own home, raped and taken to a foreign country.

The Warwick Avenue hit-maker explained that she didn’t go to the police because it “didn’t feel safe”. Writing on her website five years ago, she explained: “It was my birthday, I was drugged at a restaurant, I was drugged then for four weeks and travelled to a foreign country. I can’t remember getting on the plane and came round in the back of a travelling vehicle. I was put into a hotel room and the perpetrator returned and raped me.”

The star said she then “could have been disposed of by him” and explained how she thought about running away, though was afraid the perpetrator would call the police. “I do not know how I had the strength to endure those days, I did feel the presence of something that helped me stay alive,” she said.

Following the ordeal, Duffy revealed how she was so upset by what happened, she refused to see anybody for weeks and cut all her hair off. “In the aftermath I would not see someone, a physical soul, for sometimes weeks and weeks and weeks at a time, remaining alone,” she wrote. “I would take off my pyjamas and throw them in the fire and put on another set. My hair would get so knotted from not brushing it, as I grieved, I cut it all off.”

As she navigated her trauma, Duffy visited a leading expert where she recalled what had happened for the first time. The singer said she was “so lucky” to have come across the psychologist as she discussed how the ordeal had affected her psychologically. “Without her I may not have made it through. I was high risk of suicide in the aftermath. She got to know me, saw me as a person, learned about me and navigated me. She did it very gently,” she wrote.

After courageously opening up about the ordeal and her recovery, Duffy’s fans inundated her with messages of love and support as they rallied around the star. “It breaks my heart to learn of this. You are unbelievably strong to be moving on from this and so, so brave to tell it. I just wanted to send my love from my little corner of the world,” wrote one.

“All power to you for your strength, recovery and allowing that sparkling sunlight back inside,” another added. A third commented: “Take each day slowly, and you will become even stronger than you were before.”

*If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999

Shortly after Duffy released her first two albums, the singer stepped back from the spotlight. In 2020, the Welsh musician bravely opened up about her terrifying kidnapping ordeal

Duffy left the spotlight for 10 years after she was the victim of a horrific kidnap ordeal. But now she’s hinted at a return to music, much to the joy of her supportive fanbase.

The Warwick Avenue singer has been seen for the first time in a decade as she made a surprise cameo on TikTok, promoting DJ and producer Emotion’s remix of her hit song, Mercy. In the clip, the 40-year-old musician, whose real name is Aimée Anne Duffy, lip-syncs the lyrics “You got me begging you for mercy, why won’t you release me”. Before the remix kicks in, she winks to camera, leaving many wondering what’s in store. Emotion HQ posted the video with the caption: “Some of you asked if Duffy was really doing a UK Garage remix with us…”

In response to the surprise clip, fans filled the comments with messages of support. “Duffy! Where have you been?! We missed you,” wrote one. “OMG it’s so good that she’s back,” another added.

READ MORE: Duffy seen for first time in 10 years after horror kidnap ordeal

The remix hint comes 17 years after Duffy released her debut album – and 10 years after she was last seen in public. Following its release, the album secured a spot at the top of the UK album charts, where it stayed for five weeks, and became the UK’s third-best-selling single of 2008. Her rise to stardom soon saw her scoop awards for her success, and she won three gongs at the 2009 BRIT Awards including British Breakthrough Act, British Female Solo Artist and British Album of the Year. Rockferry was also crowned Best Pop Vocal Album at the 2009 Grammy Awards.

However, soon after the release of her second album in 2010 the Welsh musician sudddenly retreated from the spotlight. A decade later, Duffy returned to Instagram in February 2020 in which she bravely spoke about being held captive, drugged and raped in a harrowing ordeal, and explained how she finally felt strong enough to discuss what happened to her.

“The truth is, and please trust me I am OK and safe now, I was raped and drugged and held captive over some days. Of course I survived. The recovery took time,” she shared.

The pop star explained that she had wanted to share her story with her fans. She did not name her attacker, but mentioned a journalist had reached out and helped her talk about her pain. She added: “You can only imagine the amount of times I thought about writing this. The way I would write it, how I would feel thereafter.

“Well, not entirely sure why now is the right time, and what it is that feels exciting and liberating for me to talk. I cannot explain it. Many of you wonder what happened to me, where did I disappear to and why. A journalist contacted me, he found a way to reach me and I told him everything this past summer. He was kind and it felt so amazing to finally speak.”

Duffy went on to thank her fans for their kindness, and fondly referred to them as her friends. She continued: “There’s no light way to say it. But I can tell you in the last decade, the thousands and thousands of days I committed to wanting to feel the sunshine in my heart again, the sun does now shine. You wonder why I did not choose to use my voice to express my pain? I did not want to show the world the sadness in my eyes. I asked myself, how can I sing from the heart if it is broken? And slowly it unbroke.”

A few months later, in April 2020, the Distant Dreamer songstress gave further details of the terrifying incident. She recalled a four-week ordeal during which she sad she was drugged in her own home, raped and taken to a foreign country.

The Warwick Avenue hit-maker explained that she didn’t go to the police because it “didn’t feel safe”. Writing on her website five years ago, she explained: “It was my birthday, I was drugged at a restaurant, I was drugged then for four weeks and travelled to a foreign country. I can’t remember getting on the plane and came round in the back of a travelling vehicle. I was put into a hotel room and the perpetrator returned and raped me.”

The star said she then “could have been disposed of by him” and explained how she thought about running away, though was afraid the perpetrator would call the police. “I do not know how I had the strength to endure those days, I did feel the presence of something that helped me stay alive,” she said.

Following the ordeal, Duffy revealed how she was so upset by what happened, she refused to see anybody for weeks and cut all her hair off. “In the aftermath I would not see someone, a physical soul, for sometimes weeks and weeks and weeks at a time, remaining alone,” she wrote. “I would take off my pyjamas and throw them in the fire and put on another set. My hair would get so knotted from not brushing it, as I grieved, I cut it all off.”

As she navigated her trauma, Duffy visited a leading expert where she recalled what had happened for the first time. The singer said she was “so lucky” to have come across the psychologist as she discussed how the ordeal had affected her psychologically. “Without her I may not have made it through. I was high risk of suicide in the aftermath. She got to know me, saw me as a person, learned about me and navigated me. She did it very gently,” she wrote.

After courageously opening up about the ordeal and her recovery, Duffy’s fans inundated her with messages of love and support as they rallied around the star. “It breaks my heart to learn of this. You are unbelievably strong to be moving on from this and so, so brave to tell it. I just wanted to send my love from my little corner of the world,” wrote one.

“All power to you for your strength, recovery and allowing that sparkling sunlight back inside,” another added. A third commented: “Take each day slowly, and you will become even stronger than you were before.”

*If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999