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Beatles star, John Lennon, was fatally shot on December, 8, 1980, by Mark David Chapman, who later told a parole board he was ‘simply seeking fame’

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Beatles fans around the world were left bereft when dad-of-two John Lennon was fatally shot outside his home in New York 25 years ago.

The much-loved star, 40, had achieved global fame with the Sgt Pepper’s stars before going solo in 1969. The musician from Liverpool is widely considered as one of the greatest songwriters of all time. However, his life was tragically cut short when he was killed by Mark David Chapman, now 70, who reportedly told the doorman of John’s apartment building: “I just shot John Lennon.”

Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison in 1981 after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. So, as we remember John on the 25th anniversary of his death, here’s a look inside his killer’s life now as well as Chapman’s chilling confession at the scene of the crime…

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Chilling confession

Longtime Beatles fan Chapman, an out-of-work security guard living in Hawaii, pleaded guilty to shooting Lennon in June 1981. He reportedly confessed just moments after the senseless act, telling the grief-stricken doorman of the star’s apartment in New York, “I just shot John Lennon”.

Chapman and Lennon had actually crossed paths earlier in the day when the Beatles fan obtained the artist’s autograph on a copy of the album, Double Fantasy. Chapman had bought the gun three months earlier before travelling New York City to commit the crime.

After his incarceration, Chapman told a parole board in 2002 that he was motivated by jealousy. “My thinking was he has all of this money, lives in this beautiful apartment and he is into music representing a more cautious lifestyle, a more giving lifestyle,” he told the board, according to ABC News. “It made me angry and jealous compared to the way I was living at the time. There was jealousy in there.”

He added, “I assassinated him … because he was very, very, very famous and that’s the only reason.”

However, in 2022, Chapman said he was Beatles fan “seeking fame” and admitted what he did was “evil”, saying: “I knew what I was doing, and I knew it was evil. I knew it was wrong, but I wanted the fame so much that I was willing to give everything and take a human life.”

Prison life

Chapman is currently locked up at the maximum security prison, Green Haven Correctional Facility, New York after being transferred from Wende Correctional facility in 2022.

Green Haven is home to some of the US’s most notorious killers, including Thang Thanh Nguyen, who was formerly listed on the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. Nguyen was convicted of murder for the 1992 robbery and killing of Chung Lam in Irondequoit, New York.

Since being behind bars, Chapman has worked in the prison as a legal clerk and kitchen helper. However, he was barred from participating in the Cephas Attica workshops, a charitable organisation helping inmates adjust to life outside prison. He was also prohibited from attending the prison’s violence and anger management classes due to concern for his safety.

Conjugal visits from his wife

Chapman has been married to his wife, Gloria Abe, since 1979, and she visits him annually in prison. Following Lennon’s murder, friends, and Chapman himself, begged Gloria to divorce the killer and move on with her life.

However, after reportedly consulting the Bible, she decided to remain married to the Chapman, despite his heinous act. “From that point on, I decided it didn’t matter how long Mark was in prison,” she wrote in The Alliance. “I would wait for him.” More than 40 years later, the couple is still married.

Every year, Gloria reportedly flies from her home to the prison in New York, to spend the 44 hours allotted to her and Chapman for conjugal visits. They are said to spend their time in a private trailer inside the prison making pizza and watching “Wheel of Fortune.”

Possibility of parole

In September 2022, Chapman was denied parole for the 12th time. He was then denied it again in September 2025. His next parole hearing is scheduled for February 2027.

Lennon’s wife, Yoko Ono, believes there is a chance the killer could strike again if he is released and has opposed his parole over the years.

In 2015, she told The Daily Beast, “He did it once, he could do it again, to somebody else. It could be me, it could be Sean, it could be anybody, so there is that concern.”

In 2020, Chapman called his actions “despicable” and said he would have “no complaint whatsoever” if they chose to leave him in prison for the rest of his life.

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left in shock over the weekend after Lewis Cope and Katya Jones were eliminated from the competition on Sunday night after a dance off with Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin

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Strictly Come Dancing fans were left in disbelief on Sunday night as Tess Daly read out the final verdict, sending Lewis Cope and Katya Jones packing.

For weeks, the professional dancer and her celebrity partner Lewis had been front runners for the Glitterball trophy. But after a dance off which has divided fans, Emmerdale star Lewis Cope has become the ninth star to the leave the show.

Social media immediately reacted with outrage, with allegations of a potential ‘fix’ flying after fans struggled to understand the elimination. Even the judges were emotional with Shirley Ballas wiping away tears as she was forced to send home the pair.

Katya and Lewis were in the bottom two alongside Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin during Sunday night’s Musicals Week results show. On Saturday, while the studio audience gave them a standing ovation, the judges’ scores left them languishing mid-table, dangerously exposed to the dance-off. Amber and Nikita scored a perfect 40, yet were still in the dance-off and were saved by the judges.

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So what went wrong? Lewis and Amber both have a dancing background. Lewis starred in Billy Elliot as a young boy while Amber is a West End star. And one theory is that fans prefer to see a celebrity go on a ‘journey’, as has been the case for underdog, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopel, who is through to the semis. But it an odd twist of fate, it was Amber’s greater depth of experience that ultimately won her the judges’ vote.

PR expert Mayah Riaz tells the Mirror: “I completely understand why viewers are frustrated, it genuinely felt like one of those shock exits that doesn’t sit right. When a couple has momentum, chemistry and clear ability, audiences get emotionally invested and they feel robbed when that journey is cut short.

“However, there has definitely been a growing fatigue around contestants with prior dance training. Viewers tune into Strictly for the transformation story. They want to watch a non dancer grow, wobble, improve and surprise themselves. When someone has previous experience, fair or unfair, they are held to a much harsher standard from week one. That can quietly work against them in the public vote.”

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Another school of thought is that pro dancer Katya might actually be the cursed one, having suffered through a string of awkward pairings including disgraced Wynne Evans, following her 2018 smooch with Strictly partner Seann Walsh. Both were in relationships at the time. Each year fans claim that Katya has been ‘stitched up’, and PR expert Mayah Riaz agrees.

She continued: “On Katya, I do think she’s had a rough run in recent years. She is one of the strongest and most creative pros on that floor, but she has absolutely been handed some tough partners. It has started to feel like she goes in every season already on the back foot.

“I would not call it a fix, but I would say it feels like she rarely gets a level playing field. And ironically, the one time she gets a genuinely strong partner again, he is labelled ‘too experienced’ and punished for it. The optics are not great. It looks like she can’t win either way. Too weak a partner, she’s dismissed. A strong partner, she’s penalised.”

Fans also argued that Lewis and Katya were handed the dreaded “death slot” – performing first, a position historically proven to result in lower scoring as judges keep their powder dry for later acts. Some believe the slot is deliberately unfavourable, making the contestant more likely to be eliminated.

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When the couple landed in the dance-off, the atmosphere shifted. The “Judges’ Save” was introduced to keep the best dancers in the competition, but critics argue it has become a tool to override the public vote. “At the moment, it feels less about dancing and more about narrative control, and audiences are starting to clock it,” Mayah says.

“There is also a bigger issue here around consistency. If previous dance experience is such a problem, then it should be applied across the board. You cannot ignore theatre and musical training for one contestant and weaponise it against another. Viewers see that and they do not like it.

“With Lewis, I think he became a victim of perception rather than performance. He was not voted out because he was the weakest. He was voted out because the story around him shifted. And once that happens, it is incredibly hard to fight back. Strictly is still beloved, but moments like this chip away at trust. And once viewers feel that the journey is being manipulated, the magic starts to fade.”

Indeed, the soap star’s departure has left some fans raging. El on X said: “Lewis and Katya, you take the spot of the most robbed couple in the history of this show.” Kellie also wrote: “The thought of losing Lewis and Katya before seeing their Argentine tango, American smooth and show dance is making me nauseous and ill.”

Chloe added: “When all is said and done I will sleep peacefully tonight knowing that at least Lewis and Katya gave us the best dance Strictly has ever seen.”

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Strictly fans wondering how Motsi Mabuse gets her radiant complexion can currently pick up her exact glowy foundation for less as it lands on sale

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Strictly Come Dancing’s judge Motsi Mabuse always looks luminous for her TV appearance, and fans of the show eager to recreate her glowy makeup look this holiday season are in luck, as we know exactly which illuminating foundation she uses. And what’s more, it’s currently on sale.

Motsi uses the Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation, a lightweight, serum-infused foundation that boasts skincare benefits and SPF20, providing a radiant complexion that promises to visibly improve skin texture and tone.

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Normally retailing for £39 at Lookfantastic, Motsi’s go-to foundation is currently up for grabs for 20% less thanks to this limited-time deal.

Promising to deliver a flawless complexion, the Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation is designed to enhance the appearance of bare skin, for a natural yet lit-from-within look. Whether filming for a hit TV show or heading to the office, this foundation boasts a waterproof, 24-hour-wearing, lightweight formula that uses serum technologies to leave skin feeling smooth and youthful-looking.

The oil-free foundation offers buildable medium to full coverage with a satin matte finish. The foundation works to improve the look of your complexion as you wear it, with 90% of users saying bare skin appears smoother, more even-toned, and radiant.

Ideal for all skin types, this makeup essential features a combination of the brand’s unique UP302 molecule and vitamin C, which helps brighten the complexion and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Salicylic acid targets clogged pores and blemishes, while hyaluronic acid provides a plumping effect and boosts hydration. And SPF20 provides protection from harmful UV rays and helps to minimise the risk of discolouration, even in the winter.

One buyer who joins Motsi in their love for this foundation writes: “Perfect for pale skin with full coverage. My skin usually reacts badly to vitamin C, but it absolutely loves this!”

While another raves: “This is the best foundation, looks natural, not cakey and stays well on my oily, ageing skin. A bottle lasts forever, too, as a little bit goes a long way.”

Though one 4-star reviewer does note: “Jury is out at the moment. Good coverage but a little drying for me. I need to add moisturiser to give a slightly more fluid consistency. Skin has improved, but it has only been used for 1 month.”

The I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! star went on to present the spin-off after his win, but later expressed regret over signing up for the show

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A former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! star once expressed regret over taking part in the show, despite winning the show. While this year’s winner, Angry Ginge, may soon be revelling in the host of new opportunities the show has created, it hasn’t always been the best of things to happen to contestants.

Busted star Matt Willis was crowned King of the Jungle back in 2006 in a final against Myleene Klass and Jason Donovan. At the time, the singer appeared in high spirits as he celebrated his win with his fellow campmates and long-term presenters Ant and Dec. Also congratulating him at the end of his stint was his then fiancée Emma Willis, who reunited with him on the famous bridge.

Following his win, Matt, 42, he and Emma co-presented the ITV2 spin-off show for two consecutive years, in 2007 and 2008, before they moved on to start a family.

While the show seemed like a happy period of his life, Matt later described it as “a mistake” signing up. Explaining why on his On The Mend podcast, he shared: “I was thinking of a time when I lost my own narrative.

“And the one thing that springs to mind the most was leaving I’m a Celebrity, I was in a pretty bad place.

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“The record company basically wasn’t going to release my solo album. They said, ‘You’ve got to do something to raise your profile. Will you go on I’m a Celebrity?’

“I went, ‘Yep, absolutely. Anything, please release my album!'”

While he certainly raised his profile, the father-of-three admitted it wasn’t for the reasons he had hoped.

“Once I came out of that show, I realised no one cared that I had a record out,” he admitted.

“Everywhere I went, they just wanted to talk about I’m a Celebrity and it really bummed me out.”

Matt continued: “Before I went on that show, I was only really famous to Busted fans. Then I came out and everyone knew who I was.

“When you’re in [an] active addiction – which I was at the time – and you just want to hide, that’s the worst thing that can happen.”

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The singer went on to say being well known again in that moment was “a weird experience” and added: “It was probably a bit of a mistake going on that show.”

Matt has since returned to his music roots with Busted and has also taken on multiple presenting gigs, such as Love is Blind UK with Emma.

The singer is one of the 25 winners of the show, with the most recent being 24-year-old streamer Angry Ginge.

The social media star beat Tom Read Wilson and Shona McGarty to the crown after securing 53 percent of the vote.

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As champion, Angry Ginge was presented with a flower crown and wooden sceptre by last year’s winner Danny Jones.

Previously discussing his triumph on This Morning, the McFly star said he didn’t get to keep the crown.

“I didn’t get to keep anything! They wouldn’t let me keep anything!” he exclaimed. “I had to give the sceptre back.

Lewis Cope was dramatically sent home from Strictly Come Dancing this weekend, despite being one of the highest performing stars

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This weekend’s Strictly Come Dancing delivered a result nobody could’ve expected. Emmerdale star Lewis Cope had been a firm favourite throughout the series, having landed several perfect scores.

But in a very unexpected twist, he and his professional dance partner, Katya Jones, found themselves in the bottom two against Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin.

Both couples performed their routines again, with Amber and Nikita doing the Charleston to Sit Down You’re Rockin The Boat from Guys and Dolls, while Lewis and Katya danced the Salsa to Dance at the Gym from West Side Story.

While it was shocking that both couples had found themselves in the bottom two, the result was even more shocking. Head judge Shirley Ballas decided to save Amber and Nikita, as did Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke. But it was Motsi Mabuse who had the casting vote this week.

She also decided to save Amber and Nikita, meaning that Lewis and Katya narrowly missed out on a place in next week’s semi-final. If you can’t see the poll, click here.

Shirley’s reaction after Lewis’ performance during the dance off has since gone viral on social media. The star was seen putting her head in her hands on her desk, while Motsi also looked visibly stunned as they were forced to make a difficult decision.

Speaking about his experience on the show, Lewis said: “It’s been more than I could have ever wished for. If someone would have said that I’d have done 11 weeks on the show at the beginning, I’d have been over the moon and snap their hand off.

“So, thank you to the full show, to everyone for having a space where people can be themselves, grow, learn, express themselves. It’s been incredible and a memory that I’ll have for the rest of my life, and [to Katya] I think it’s all down to you. You’ve literally given me absolutely everything I could wish for as a friend, as a teacher, and yeah, I couldn’t imagine it with anybody else. So, thank you very much.”

Meanwhile, Katya told Lewis that he had created moments on the show which will go down in Strictly history – including being the best male celebrity to have ever participated.

She said: “I think you have created so many moments for Strictly Come Dancing that will be in the history books and you will be remembered as one of, if not the best male celebrity we’ve ever had on the show, but also you will be remembered for being an incredible person you are.

“Kind and genuine people still exist – what a gentleman you are, so humble and so kind. And I’m so glad that we had a chance to see you and showcase your talent, and what a beautiful person you are to the world. Thank you.”

Do you believe that Lewis and Katya should have been sent home? Take our poll and share your thoughts in the comment section by clicking here.

Dame Judi Dench has opened up about her declining health as she admitted that she can no longer see the TV due to her deteriorating eyesight

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Dame Judi Dench has spoken candidly about her deteriorating eyesight, describing the health struggle as a “crusher”. The beloved actress discussed her condition openly during a Radio Times interview, just hours before celebrating her 91st birthday on Tuesday.

In a heartfelt revelation, she confessed that her vision has been deteriorating for several years and she’s now unable to watch television.

The celebrated performer received an Age-related Macular Degeneration diagnosis in 2012, a condition that can result in permanent and swift central vision loss, representing the leading cause of sight deterioration in those aged over 50.

Whilst the illness doesn’t lead to complete blindness, it can make routine daily activities considerably challenging. “It’s a crusher,” Judi acknowledged, after disclosing that both her eyes are now beyond medical intervention as they’ve reached the advanced “wet” phase of AMD.

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When questioned about what she misses most, she remarked: “I miss seeing Clive Myrie doing Mastermind, but I can hear the questions.”

The actress had to give up a lot of daily tasks such as driving, embroidery and even going out alone. Nevertheless, Judi hasn’t retired from acting, continuing to receive assistance from friends and colleagues who read her scripts aloud, which she then memorises using her exceptional photographic recall, reports the Express.

Despite being able to recite endless Shakespeare works from memory, she disclosed that her short-term recall is poor. “But I can’t remember what I’m doing tomorrow, I swear to you,” she confessed.

During one moment in the interview, Judi requested that the interviewer verify details with her assistants, who subsequently confirmed they help coordinate virtually every element of her daily routine.

It comes as she previously explained how some people perceive her as snobbish because she doesn’t greet them, when, in reality, she simply cannot make them out.

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She told ITV News: “People think, ‘Oh, get her. She’s got very grand.’ It’s because I can’t see!” When Sir Ian asked whether she ever approaches “complete strangers” saying “lovely to see you again,” Dame Judi chuckled before admitting this occurs “sometimes”.

Despite this, the acclaimed actress remains incredibly active, as she is set to appear in a Christmas television advert for disaster relief charity ShelterBox featuring her handing over a red lacy thong as a present to her friend and fellow actress Dame Imelda Staunton.

She’s also reuniting with Sir Ian, her co-star from what many regard as the greatest ever production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth fifty years ago, to support a new initiative designed to bring the Bard’s work to younger generations.