Category Entertainment News

Pop legend Lulu has spoken about living with a ‘healthy fear of relapse’ as she continues to manager her sobriety after going to rehab in 2013

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Scottish pop legend Lulu says she continues to live in “healthy fear of relapse” after getting sober in 2013 during a six-week stay in an American rehab. The Shout singer, whose career spans more than six decades, previously revealed she sought help for her alcohol 13 years ago after admitting she had a problem during her 65th birthday party.

The 76-year-old Eurovision winner has now opened up further about how she continues to manage her addiction, and said that a return to drinking would “be the end of her”. The Glastonbury performer kept her sobriety private until the release of her memoir – If You Only Knew – last year, and said later she felt “liberated” after telling her story.

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Chatting on Matt Willis’ On The Mend podcast this week, Lulu revealed the last time she had a drink was on November 3, 2013. “It took me that long,” she said, “I actually could control it. In the family, they were like ‘how come she doesn’t have this thing?’.

“I learnt when I went into the AA fellowship, and went into recovery, I learnt that it’s an illness. I was so relieved because I thought I was a bad person.”

She also said she had a “healthy fear of relapse”, but said she wasn’t consumed by the fear on a day-to-day basis. “I have an understanding it could happen, but I don’t think I’ve had many times when I’m with people who are drinking really good wine, which you develop a taste for – the good things in life – I don’t know that I’ve had many experiences where I thought, ‘I wish that was me’.”

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While she has had occasional thoughts of drinking again, she said she was very aware that the consequences would be too high, telling Matt “it’s like cutting off your arm… I would just collapse.”

Lulu, who had her first Top 10 single in the UK with Shout in 1964, revealed last year that she told her family of her addiction – and then went to rehab in the US – after a conversation with her niece about a friend who was struggling with alcohol.

“She said, ‘I think he’s just holding on by his fingernails’,” she told the BBC. “And I said, ‘He’s not the only one’. It just came out of my mouth. I didn’t even think about it. But the table went silent.”

Less than 24 hours after that conversation, the Glasgow songstress was on a flight to America to check-in to a rehab facility, where she stayed for six weeks. She broke the news to her “shocked” son Jordan, born during her marriage to celebrity hairstylist John Frieda, during a phone call before take-off.

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After leaving the centre, she attended one or two Alcoholics Anonymous meetings “every day for five years”.

Last year she also revealed she was drinking in secret every night while taking part in the 2011 series of Strictly Come Dancing, in which she was partnered with Brendan Cole, and described herself as a “highly functioning alcoholic”.

“I could fall onto my bed asleep having been drunk – but then the alarm would go, I’d get up, pull myself together, and I would go to work,” she added.

If you are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, advice and support can be found at alcoholchange.org.uk

The fashion brand is stocking a ‘timeless’ knitted style that’s gone viral on social media

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Tesco shoppers are loving F&F’s ‘gorgeous’ new knitwear they’ve discovered online. The retailer’s clothing range is popular with shoppers looking for stylish yet budget-friendly clothing, and it looks like customers have a new favourite style.

TikTok user Lacey Louise (@Lacey.louise.xo) delighted shoppers when she highlighted the £25 F&F Knitted Stripe Rugby Shirt in Multi Brown. In the video, Lacey is seen browsing her local Tesco branch. The clip was captioned: “Girlies RUN to @F&F Clothing for the cutest new jumper!!”

The footage amassed 179k views, 8k likes, and several comments from excited fashion fans. Social media users loved the look of the jumper, with several viewers claiming they ‘need’ to buy the new style.

According to Tesco, the F&F Knitted Stripe Rugby Shirt in Multi Brown is designed to become a staple in your winter wardrobe. The retailer describes the shirt as both ‘bold’ and ‘timeless’, suggesting that shoppers could wear it every winter and still look on-trend.

The full product description reads: “Bring a sporty edge to your winter wardrobe and pick this knitted rugby shirt. Complete with a collared neckline and three button placket, this long sleeved layer is designed with a bold stripe print for a timeless touch. Wear with your go-to denim jeans and boots or trainers.”

Praising the sporty style, one impressed user commenting under the viral video said: “Omg this is stunning!!” A second fan wrote: “I absolutely love this!” Another viewer replied: “Wowoweee.”

Someone else shared: “OMG obsessed.” A similar comment read: “I need this so much.” Sharing further praise, a fan commented: “Eeek running to Tesco now.” F&F Clothing also responded to the video, writing: “We love this colour combination.”

For shoppers who like the style, Tesco also offers the F&F Knitted Stripe Rugby Shirt in Multi Blue. Knitwear fans looking for another striped jumper might prefer the F&F Edit Knitted Fluffy Stripe Print Jumper in Multi Blue, which is also priced at £25.

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The product description states: “Give your knitted styles a boost and pick this fluffy jumper. Designed with a crew neckline for a classic feel, the bold stripe print adds a contemporary edge. The ribbed cuffs and hem offer a neat finish, making it the perfect layer for cooler days.”

The retailer also stocks the F&F Cable Knit Zip Front Cardigan with Wool in Cream for £29.50. The product description states: “Combining timeless design with a modern edge, this cable knit cardigan is a cosy pick in cold weather.

Baby, it’s cold outside. And with a drop in temperature comes new territory when it comes to your skin. So how do you keep your complexion in check when the chill sets in?

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USE SPF

Did you know that we should wear SPF every single day – even when indoors, and even when it rains? Yes, just because it’s cold doesn’t mean the UVA and UVB rays from the sun can’t harm your skin. Protect it daily, preventing fine lines, pigmentation and more serious issues like skin cancer, with a separate SPF product with at least SPF30. The skincare tech these days is so incredibly clever that many are completely undetectable once applied. TRY: CeraVe Invisible Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50+, £21. It strengthens the skin barrier while shielding against UV and sinks into skin in seconds, feeling weightless on the face.

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BARRIER PROTECTION

Cold weather and indoor heating can dry out the skin, causing irritation and redness. The best way to combat this is by boosting the skin barrier to help naturally prevent damage. Look for strengthening skincare ingredients to fortify, including ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. TRY: Medik8 Niacinamide Peptides, £49. It’s powered by 10% niacinamide, with a potent peptide complex and zinc to refine pores, fortify skin and increase glow.

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UP THE MOISTURE

The featherlight moisturiser you loved over summer might not cut the mustard when it comes to hydrating winter skin. Quench its thirst with a thicker formula instead, to help skin retain moisture and avoid irritation. TRY: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Meltdown Recovery Cream, £23. Your one stop shop for skin emergencies and day to day uber hydration, it contains soothing colloidal oatmeal and dexpanthenol.

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ADD A SERUM

You can also increase moisture levels in your skin by adding a serum into your daily routine, looking for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. TRY: Muji Fermented Booster Serum, £19.95. With the uber cool brand now branching out into skincare, this is as sleek and chic as you’d expect. There’s rice ferment in there to bolster winter skin.

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REMEMBER YOUR LIPS

A combination of wind, cold, central heating and excess licking can n cause chapping. When applying SPF don’t forget your lips, try where you can not to lick them, and apply a thick and nourishing balm to protect them. TRY: Gisou Honey Glaze Collagen Lip Mask, £24. It contains a lip loving concoction of honey, ceramides, collagen and hyaluronic acid in a luxuriously thick formula that is a delight to apply.

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APPLY HAND CREAM

We also tend to forget our hands – and in winter this can lead to chapping and redness. Go easy on the UV lamps, applying SPF before and moisturiser afterwards. Keep hand cream with you for regular top-ups, choosing one with ceramides to protect the skin barrier on the hands as you would for your face. TRY: L’Occitane Shea Karité Hand Balm, £29. Reassuringly thick, yet able to sink easily into skin this shea-rich hand treatment is ideal to keep in your pocket or on your desk to nourish hands as needed.

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SOOTHE YOUR SCALP

Rounding up our trio of oft forgotten and neglected body parts is the scalp. The common culprits of cold weather and heating, alongside a buildup of styling products, leads to a spike of dry, grumpy scalps over the winter months. The answer? Exfoliation and hydration. TRY: Aroma Zone Strengthening & Densifying Hair Serum, £12. Peptides, plus pea and clover extracts, work to prolong the hair growth phase for longer, stronger locks.

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USE A BALM CLEANSER

“In colder months the drop in temperatures, lower humidity and indoor heating can cause skin dryness and irritation. Switching to a cleansing balm in winter is beneficial as they are richer and more moisturising than traditional cleansers, effectively removing daily dirt, impurities and makeup without stripping your skin’s natural oils. This helps keep your skin barrier protected and fortified,” says Dr Alexis Granite, CeraVe’s Consultant Dermatologist. TRY: CeraVe Make-up Removing Cleansing Balm, £14.49. Packed with ceramides, this protects the skin barrier and soothes skin while gently removing make-up and the days dirt and grime.

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Research suggests the fibre-rich food might help with eright loss goals and lower your risk of cancer

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A breakfast superfood regularly enjoyed by Pippa Middleton, according to reports, costs just 9p per serving and could slash your cancer risk. The British socialite, sister to the Princess of Wales Kate Middleton, told iNews she eats “a lot of porridge” each morning.

Discussing her morning routine, she confessed to enjoying “almost everything,” but particularly “lots of porridge or boiled eggs with soldiers.” She added that she “can’t start the day properly” without breakfast.

Porridge boasts countless health benefits, from supporting heart and digestive health to managing weight and stabilising blood sugar. What’s more, it won’t break the bank – Aldi’s 1kg bag of oats retails at just 85p, working out at around 9p for a 100g portion.

Oats contain beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that can lower LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol whilst raising HDL ‘good’ cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is linked to severe conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

Wholegrains such as porridge also help lower fasting blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. The fibre acts as a prebiotic too, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and supporting digestive wellness.

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Oats contain abundant antioxidants, including polyphenols and avenanthramides. Antioxidants are vital in safeguarding our cells from harm and may reduce the risk of developing numerous conditions, such as heart disease, certain cancers, and age-related illnesses.

Incorporating more high-fibre whole grains while reducing refined grains in your diet can help maintain a healthy weight, which may be one reason why Pippa stays trim. The body also expends more energy breaking down fibre, potentially boosting your metabolic rate.

The substantial fibre content in porridge also keeps you satisfied for extended periods, which could support weight loss and result in decreased overall calorie consumption. Consuming soluble fibre creates a gel in the intestines, which can block some calories from being absorbed. Being overweight is a big risk for at least 12 types of cancer.

According to Cancer Research UK, maintaining a healthy balanced diet rich in wholegrains and fibre “can help reduce your risk of bowel cancer”. Wholegrains include items like brown rice, whole wheat pasta, oats and wholegrain bread. Fibre also nourishes good bacteria in your gut, which strengthens your immune system and can help protect against harmful substances that might cause cancer.

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Fibre is essential in encouraging regular bowel movements, enlarging stool size, and diluting its contents. This mechanism enables harmful substances to remain in the intestines for shorter periods. When fibre combines with gut bacteria, it generates a compound called butyrate. Butyrate is advantageous for preserving the health of intestinal cells, which can diminish the risk of tumour formation.

In addition to bowel cancer, experts suggest that fibre could also help protect against several other types of cancer. A study published in the National Library of Medicine, titled “Use of Dietary Fibres in Reducing the Risk of Several Cancer Types,” concluded the following regarding the level of evidence for various cancers:

• Convincing evidence: Gastric cancer.
• Probable evidence: Rectal, colon, breast, endometrial, pancreatic, and prostate cancers, as well as colorectal adenomas.
• Suggestive evidence: Ovarian and renal cell cancers.
• Inconclusive evidence: Oesophagal cancer.

While there is no definitive cure for cancer, maintaining a balanced and healthy and fibre-rich diet can aid in reducing your risk. Regular exercise, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, avoiding processed foods and maintaining a healthy weight can also contribute to lowering your risk.

Victoria Taylor, a dietitian from the British Heart Foundation, advises: “Porridge is a healthy, nutritious way to start the day. However, there is much debate about which oats are the best to use and which cooking method is healthiest.

Riders star Marcus Gilbert has died at the age of 67 following a three-year battle with throat cancer.

The actor, who played the original version of dashing Rupert Campbell-Black in the 1993 TV adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s Riders, died at the weekend. He is survived by his two children, son Maxi and daughter Aaliya.

Marcus had been in a relationship with fellow actor Lysette Anthony, with whom he’d worked several decades earlier. A fan site for the heart-throb star shared the sad news on Facebook with a statement which read: “Today we have heard the very sad news that Marcus lost his battle against cancer on Sunday 11th January 2026.

“We, along with his many fans worldwide, will mourn his loss, and remember the joy he gave us on screen, and in person. RIP Marcus.”

The actor’s daughter Aaliya, a junior doctor, revealed in 2020 that her father had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the same time as his doctor wife of 28 years, Homaa, was battling pancreatic cancer. Homaa died the same year.

Fans left tributes on the site, with one saying: “Gone home, in the arms of the angels and Homaa. Oh my goodness. RIP Marcus. Such sad news.”

His role as Ancelyn in the Doctor Who episode Battlefield, led the programme’s showrunner Russell T Davies to pay tribute himself, writing: “Oh, that’s sad news.”

His actor pal Toby Hadoke, wrote: “Dashing, charming, and a strong actor with a bit of a twinkle. Very sorry to learn of the death, too young, of Marcus Gilbert with whom I had a lovely time in Liverpool about a decade ago.”

Saying he’d been great in Doctor Who’s Battlefield and also Evil Dead 3: Army of Darkness, Toby added: “He also told me how much he earned from being part of the second Gold Blend saga of commercials : eye watering! Lovely chap: wore his attributes lightly.”

Marcus had roles in Murder, She Wrote and Rambo III, alongside Sylvester Stallone, while he also auditioned for the part of James Bond in the late 1980s, losing out to Timothy Dalton. He ran his own production company, Touch the Sky Productions, and famously appeared as the rich, handsome boyfriend in the Nescafe Gold Blend adverts.

After he lost his wife, and the mother of his son Maximilian and daughter Aaliya, Marcus said: “I wasn’t prepared to be involved with anyone after my wife. Homaa, which means bird of paradise in Urdu.”

Despite this, in 2023 he did find new happiness with Lysette, with whom he’d starred in A Ghost In Monte Carlo in 1990. He is said to have found love with Lysette 33 years after they first kissed on-screen in the movie. A friend of the actress revealed after they reconnected: “It’s a serious romance and has been going on for some time. They make an adorable couple. Lysette is head over heels with him.”

On social media Lysette posted pictures of the two of them together, using shots of them kissing in the 1990 film, which is based a Barbara Cartland novel, alongside pictures of them at the time. She captioned the Instagram post: ‘My Forever Love.’

Marcus and Lysette got together after a friend told him that she was suffering from Parkinson’s. “I couldn’t imagine such a free-spirited person as her having Parkinson’s,” he explained. ‘I’ve never remembered much about our affair on that film but what I do remember is every single word I said to her on set in that church when my character was marrying hers. It’s a Barbara Cartland film so it’s a bit naff, but I was saying, “My darling” and staring into those huge blue eyes.

“When I heard she had Parkinson’s, I wrote to her agent. I remembered her vibrancy, her joy of life. I wanted to help in any way I could.”

Speaking of their first meeting after many decades, Lysette said: “He walks in and he’s wearing a corduroy suit — crumpled, gorgeous. We sit and talk. Six hours later we’re still talking.

“He loved his wife so very much so there was guilt. But he’s had a 28-year marriage with two remarkable children, which is the biggest mark of success.”

She revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer in March and had been determined to get better. “All I did the first day he was in hospital was cry, but Marcus is ridiculously brave. He wants to get well and we want to live,” she said.

One of his last social media posts was with Lysette. Marcus called her a “beautiful lady” and shared a picture of the couple sitting inside a church with his dog.

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Amanda and Les tied the knot back in 1995 after a whirlwind relationship

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Amanda Holden has opened up her regrets following her divorce from her first husband Les Dennis. The TV star shared an emotional chat with her best friend Alan Carr, in which she admitted she’d “made mistakes” in the past but it shaped her to become the person she is today.

Amanda and Les tied the knot in 1995 before separating in 2002. The couple divorced the following year. The breakdown of their marriage came two years after her affair with co-star Neil Morrissey surfaced.

Speaking on the latest episode of their BBC One travel series, Amanda & Alan’s Greek Job, Amanda shared: “I mean, obviously we’ve both been through a divorce, we’ve both made mistakes and as much as I regret hurting people maybe, or causing chaos, it shapes you to who you are in this moment. And I think life is too short to have regrets.”

READ MORE: Amanda Holden’s best looks from The Greek Job series—and where to buy her exact clothes

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Reflecting on his own regrets, Alan – who is currently single – admitted: “I mean it’s not decisions for me but knowing your worth and the amount of times I’ve been walked over and people have demeaned me.”

Amanda responded: “You are soft, you’re so lovely as he continued: “There’s time that I’d wished I’d said no, I wish I’d been a bit bolder and a bit stronger.”

She added: “After a divorce, what you do think is that you are never gonna find love again. Do you sort of trust yourself to fall in love and make a good decision about somebody for the rest of your life?”

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Admitting he has trust issues, Alan replied: “Yeah, it’d be nice wouldn’t it? I don’t really trust anyone really, that’s the trouble. I think that is my main thing.”

Amanda is now happily married to Chris Hughes, with whom she shares two daughters – Lexi, born in 2006, and Hollie, born in 2012.

Meanwhile, Alan was in a 14-year relationship with Paul Drayton. After ten years together, the duo married in 2018, with Adele officiating the ceremony at her home in LA. But their relationship sadly suffered in lockdown and they divorced in 2022.

Amanda and Alan’s honest conversation comes after Amanda admitted she knew he did well on Celebrity Traitors, because she didn’t hear from him for two weeks.

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The Britain’s Got Talent judge sussed her close friend’s success when Alan, 49, did not call her during the production of the show. The comedian usually rings Amanda every day so the actress quickly became suspicious during the spring, when filming took place at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands.

Alan went on to win The Celebrity Traitors but, though he wasn’t allowed to tell anyone, Amanda, 54, had a hunch he at least “did well” on the programme. Speaking yesterday, she said: “I knew he must have done well because I didn’t speak to him for two weeks, normally we speak every day.

“He’s been around for so long, but everyone’s suddenly like, ‘Oh, I love Alan Carr’, and I think, ‘How is he a new thing to you? He’s always been this brilliant’.”

Mother-of-three Amanda added: “My daughter Holly, who’s always loved him, said to me, ‘Everyone’s asking me about Alan’, and I say to them, ‘You’ve met Alan, he was in the back garden at our party, and you weren’t bothered about him then’.

“Alan’s literally brought them a cup of tea in bed or been on holiday with them. But now they’re really into him, it’s brought a whole new generation because of all the TikToks and the memes, which is lovely.”

Alan recently said Amanda, who was in popular drama Wild at Heart, would be “great” on The Celebrity Traitors . Amanda hinted she would want to be a traitor if she was going to do the programme, which airs on the BBC .