Category Entertainment News

The journalist offered her behind-the-scenes insight, following Victoria Beckham’s candid revelations about her upbringing, career, and life with David in her new documentary

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A journalist, who previously worked alongside Victoria Beckham for a year, has revealed what the fashion icon is truly like away from the cameras. The wife of David Beckham recently laid bare her story in her new self-titled Netflix documentary, giving supporters a rare intimate glimpse into her typically guarded life.

The programme charts Victoria’s extraordinary path from her upbringing in Hertfordshire, through her rise to stardom with the Spice Girls, her marriage to one of football’s most celebrated stars, and her rollercoaster ride in the fashion industry.

Journalist Hadley Freeman was previously one of Victoria’s close associates, having worked with her on the 2006 style book, That Extra Half an Inch.

Throughout that time she said their professional partnership blossomed into an unexpectedly authentic bond.

“Back when I knew her, she had time to have a laugh over drinks in hotel gardens in Madrid and meet David for lunch in town,” she wrote in Grazia magazine.

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Hadley went on to say the “very funny” and “kind” Victoria stayed in touch with her long after they finished work on the book. “She even invited me to David’s birthday in 2006 – a big dinner held in their garden,” she added.

“Just me, the Beckhams, and two dozen of the most famous footballers in the world, shortly before they all went off to the World Cup.

“As a sport atheist, I recognised none of them, but fortunately I was sat next to Victoria, who provided a whispering commentary on the guests.”

Those acts of compassion, the journalist said, exposed a surprising side to Victoria.

“The fact I was Victoria’s date to the Met Ball, and arguably to David’s birthday, reflected another aspect of her that surprised me, she seemed lonely,” she wrote.

“She was living in Madrid because David was playing for Real Madrid, and of course she had her children, but she didn’t seem to have any real friends there.”

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In David’s documentary, Victoria, 51, discussed the difficulties she endured after relocating to Spain for her spouse’s career.

Facing relentless press attention and allegations of cheating – which David has always denied – she confessed it was “the hardest period” of their marriage.

“Up until Madrid, it felt like us against everybody else,” she revealed. “But when we were in Spain, it didn’t really feel like we had each other either. It was a nightmare.”

When the former Spice Girl was questioned if she “resented” her husband during this period of time, she responded: “If I’m being totally honest, yes I did. It was the most unhappy I have ever been in my entire life.”

Myleene Klass has been through a lot this year, but the star was all smiles at the 2025 Ethnicity Awards as she was honoured with a major prize and vowed to make her future self proud

Myleene Klass has vowed to make her future self proud after being honoured with a major award.

The star has experienced a tough year so far. From opening up about her ex-husband’s cheating to a man being found guilty of stalking her, the mum-of-three hasn’t had the easiest time throughout 2025.

But Thursday night was a cause for celebration, as the musician and presenter was named Inspirational Role Model at the 2025 Ethnicity Awards for her outspoken and ongoing advocacy for women’s rights and reproductive healthcare.

Sharing a video of her acceptance speech on social media on Friday morning, Myleene told her followers that she hopes to make her 77-year-old self proud and paid tribute to her fellow winners.

“OMG. So this happened — I was honoured with an award for being an ‘inspirational role model’!”, Myleene wrote on Instagram. “My 7-year-old self would never have believed that the SE/E Asian world would one day be celebrated and accepted, that classical music could be cool, or that I’d have three children and a family of friends I chose for myself.

“And if I’m lucky enough to meet my 77-year-old self, I hope she’ll see that I raised my children with love, helped change the law for women and children for a graded model of care, and still feel confident enough to rock a white bikini. Pinoy power”.

The I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! star concluded with: “And yes, those are fellow inspirations and reps, @bukayosaka87 @krishgm and @adeadepitan. Well done to all the nominees and winners. As I said in my acceptance speech, in the words of my 4.10 Filipina Mum, ‘Don’t tell them who you are, show them.’ Thank you and you, my community who follow and support me. x.”

Bukayo Saka and Krishnan Guru-Murthy were also celebrated at the 2025 Ethnicity Awards. Nadia Sawalha was recognised as Media Trailblazer, while Ade Adepitan received Special Recognition for his significant contributions to sport and advocacy.

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Krishnan, one of Britain’s most esteemed journalists and long-standing Channel 4 News anchor, was bestowed with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Marriott Grosvenor Square in London for his outstanding contribution to journalism over three decades.

Nadia Sawalha, the broadcaster, actress, and presenter, was also honoured at the event, bagging the Media Trailblazer Award for her frank discussions on identity, mental health, and inclusion, as well as challenging stereotypes in media and entertainment.

Bukayo Saka, Arsenal forward and England international, was named Sports Personality of the Year, while former Paralympian Ade Adepitan received the Special Recognition Award for his significant contributions to sport and advocacy.

Not only individuals but also organisations committed to diversity and inclusion were celebrated. Lloyds Banking Group was awarded the Outstanding Employer Award for its ongoing leadership in fostering inclusive workplace policies and promoting ethnic minority talent at all levels.

Channel 4 received the Innovation Award, acknowledging its daring and creative approach to inclusive programming and representation both on- and off-screen. Black Women Rising, a cancer support organisation, was declared Charity of the Year for its relentless efforts in providing support, visibility and advocacy for Black women battling cancer.

The glitzy ceremony was graced by top figures from the worlds of business, entertainment and politics including Ade Adepitan, Fatima Whitbread, Dawn Butler MP, and Channique Sterling-Brown. The event was hosted by renowned broadcaster Melvin Odoom, known for his work with BBC Radio 1, Strictly Come Dancing, and as a fervent advocate for inclusion in UK media.

Sarah Garrett MBE, founder of the Ethnicity Awards, spoke at the event, stating:. “The Ethnicity Awards exist to spotlight and celebrate those who are making a real difference – not just talking about inclusion, but leading it.

“From Myleene’s campaigning and Krishnan’s legacy in journalism, to the corporate and charity winners tonight, all of them are helping to build a better, fairer society. Their work is meaningful, visible, and absolutely vital. This was another very special evening and I want to congratulate all of the nominees and winners.”

Penny Lancaster shares two children, Alastair and Aiden, with legendary singer Sir Rod Stewart

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Penny Lancaster says husband Sir Rod Stewart showed his “true colours” in front of their two sons. The model shares sons Alastair, 19 and Aiden, 14, with Maggie May singer Rod.

The couple have been together for 26 years now and tied the knot in 2007. They celebrated the occasion with a ceremony in La Cervara near Portofino, Italy.

On the White Wine Question Time podcast with Kate Thornton, Penny, 54, praised 80-year-old Rod’s vulnerability. In particular she highlights how he behaves in front of their sons, as well as his reaction to his 2017 prostate cancer diagnosis.

She said: “Rod has been such a great example to our boys, from everything, from like when we have a row, or if he says something he shouldn’t have, he will immediately go, ‘Boys, I’m apologising to your mum because I shouldn’t have spoken to her like that’.

“It’s a man that can apologise who shows his true colours, so make sure you learn to apologise and accept you are wrong.

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“When he went through prostate cancer he spoke up about it and said, ‘Come on guys, get that test in, get into the doctors early’, and then his phrase was ‘finger up the bum, no harm done’, to just try and add that humour.”

Penny, who has recently released her memoir Someone Like Me, has recently opened up about how she had to fit in with Rod’s family when they got together. Rod had been twice married and had six children when the pair met

Speaking to Hello!, Penny said: “I couldn’t go in thinking, ‘What about me? What do I want?’ I had to take myself out of the equation because there was so much to dissect and understand.

“I had to be transparent and genuine, and I knew it was going to take time. Each child is an individual and had their own ideas, so there was going to be a different moment for each of them. Finally, we’re all holding hands.”

Additionally, when discussing her relationship with Rod’s former wife, Rachel Hunter, Penny revealed they now enjoy a strong bond after an initially distant start.

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She said: “At first, you feel as though you’re miles apart… Ultimately, we want to see our children flourish and be happy. It couldn’t be better now. We have respect for each other, and there’s a connection that is quite unique.”

Penny says Rod was reluctant to become a father when they met. She admits she would have ended the relationship if Rod didn’t reconsider his stance on children.

The budget supermarket said it is about to sell a ‘must-have’ bag

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Aldi has teamed up with a designer to unveil an “iconic” new bag, costing £9.99 in UK stores nationwide. The budget supermarket giant revealed on Friday, October 17, that it’s preparing to launch the “must-have” accessory.

The “universal” bag is available in Aldi’s signature colours: navy, orange, red and white. A spokesman for the retailer confirmed that “die-hard Aldi fans will be able to get their hands on the limited-edition product in stores on October 23.” However, they added: “But shoppers will need to hurry as this exclusive item is expected to fly off shelves.”

The bags will be stocked at more than 1,000 outlets, with the Specialbuy expected to quickly sell out. Created by fashion designer Anya Hindmarch, the Aldi Universal Bag is made from 100% recycled plastic and fully certified under the Global Recycling Scheme (GRS).

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Built with strength in mind to cope with the weekly shop, the Aldi Universal Bag also has a clever, convenient freepost returns pocket integrated directly into the bag. When it reaches the end of its long life, customers can fold the bag into its built-in pocket, which functions as a pre-addressed envelope, and post it to be 100% recycled locally.

This, combined with its price point and availability, renders it “essential for shoppers”, Aldi said. Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK said: “We are so excited to be collaborating with Anya Hindmarch on the launch of the new Universal Bag.

Brigitte Bardot has been rushed to hospital in Toulon, France and is said to be suffering with a ‘serious illness’.

The 91 year old, who lives in St Tropez, is said to have been in hospital for three weeks, according to local reports. The actress is said to be recovering from surgery.

Doctors are reportedly monitoring her condition. Although she is said to have been suffering with a ‘serious illness’, although her condition is reportedly not considered to be worrying. It is also reportedly expected the star will return home in the coming days under close observation.

The movie legend enjoyed a career of many years in the spotlight. However, in recent years Brigitte has taken somewhat of a step away from public life and is rarely seen out in public.

Brigitte’s latest hospital trip isn’t the only time she has suffered health woes. In July 2023, she suffered from severe breathing difficulties, prompting emergency services to rush to her home in Saint-Tropez.

At the time her husband, Bernard d’Ormale, confirmed the incident, revealing that there was initially some confusion as the emergency services were given the wrong address, reports the Mirror.

Speaking to Var-matin, he said: “It was around 9 a.m. when Brigitte had trouble breathing. [Her breathing] was stronger than usual but she did not lose consciousness. Let’s call it a moment of respiratory distraction.”

Paramedics provided oxygen support to Brigitte and remained at the couple’s home for a while to monitor her condition. Bernard added: “Like all people of a certain age, she can no longer bear the heat. It happens at 88 years old. She must not make useless efforts.”

Brigitte became a massive icon of the 1950s and 60s due to her acting prowess, and is now renowned for her animal activism. She was a mere 15 when she shot to fame after gracing the cover of Elle, which led to an acting offer for the film Les Lauriers sont coupés.

In 1957, she gained global recognition for her role in And God Created Woman and became the subject of philosopher Simon de Beauvoir’s essay The Lolita Syndrome.

The star is also recognised for her performances in The Truth, Le Méprris, Viva Maria!
among others. She has also appeared in Voulez-vous danser avec moi?, Les Amours célèbres, and Don Juan 1973 ou Si Don Juan était une femme….

In 1973, she bid farewell to the entertainment industry after starring in 47 films, recording 60 songs and performing in several musicals.

Brigitte’s love life has been as colourful as her career, having been married four times. She tied the knot with her first husband, director Roger Vadim, at the tender age of 18.

Her subsequent marriage was to Jacques Charrier, with whom she welcomed her only child, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier in 1960. Her third marriage, from 1966 to 1969, was to German millionaire Gunter Sachs. She then wed her fourth and current husband Bernard in 1992, and they have remained together ever since.

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Controversial actor Laurence Fox was sued by now-Stonewall chief executive Simon Blake and drag artist Crystal, real name Colin Seymour, over a row on X/Twitter

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Laurence Fox’s libel claim after he was called a racist on social media is set to face a retrial, the Court of Appeal has ruled.

The actor-turned-activist was successfully sued by now-Stonewall chief executive Simon Blake and drag artist Crystal over a row on social media platform X.

Mr Fox, 47, called Mr Blake and the former RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant, whose real name is Colin Seymour, “paedophiles” in an exchange about a decision by Sainsbury’s to mark Black History Month in October 2020.

Mr Fox called for a boycott of the supermarket and was called “a racist” by the men, as well as by broadcaster Nicola Thorp, before he responded with the “paedophile” tweets which led to the libel claims.

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In two judgments in 2024, Mrs Justice Collins Rice ruled in favour of Mr Blake and Mr Seymour, and said Mr Fox should pay them £90,000 each in damages.

The judge dismissed Mr Fox’s counter-claims against them and Ms Thorp over tweets accusing him of racism. Mr Fox challenged this decision at the Court of Appeal in London, where his lawyers described the previous judge’s decision as “plainly wrong”.

And in a decision on Friday, Lord Justice Dingemans, Lady Justice Elisabeth Laing and Lord Justice Warby ruled in Mr Fox’s favour on his counter-claims and the level of damages.

Lord Justice Warby said that the tweets describing Mr Fox as a racist caused serious harm to his reputation and his libel claim should be reconsidered at a retrial.

He also said that the amount of damages Mr Fox was ordered to pay to Mr Blake and Mr Seymour was “manifestly excessive”, halving both sums to £45,000.

Lord Justice Warby said: “I am acutely aware of the need for this court to respect the function of the trial judge, and show due restraint. Having reflected on the arguments and revisited the written materials presented to us I have however concluded that the judge’s approach was in some respects wrong in law in ways that are material to the outcome.”

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The Court of Appeal judge dismissed Mr Fox’s bid to overturn the finding that he had libelled Mr Blake and Mr Seymour. In 2024, Mrs Justice Collins Rice ruled in favour of Blake and Seymour, and told Fox to pay them £90,000 each in damages. The judge dismissed the controversial star’s counter claims against them and Nicola Thorp, who also branded him a racist.

He took to the Court of Appeal in London to challenge the decision and his lawyers claimed the judge’s decision was “plainly wrong”. At the end of a two-day hearing in July, Lord Justice Dingemans, Lady Justice Elisabeth Laing and Lord Justice Warby said the decision will be handed down on October 17.

“It won’t particularly surprise you to know that we won’t give judgment this afternoon, we will reserve matters. Thank you all very much indeed, we will try to give you a judgment as soon as we can,” it was said in July.

The appeal process saw Patrick Green KC, for Fox, claimed the judgement which found the actor had libelled the men should be quashed due to “errors of approach” by the judge, including over whether Blake and Seymour were caused serious harm.

Adrienne Page KC, for Blake, Seymour and Thorp, said Fox’s appeal was “lacking in merit”, with Page later saying: “Whichever way one looks at it, the judge was fully entitled to reach the factual conclusions that she did on the serious, real-world, reputational impact of the appellant’s tweets, for the reasons which she gave.

“There was nothing wrong with her analysis in fact or law. After very careful and conscientious evaluation, the judge was, unsurprisingly, not persuaded of this on the facts.”

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