Category Entertainment News

Terry Coldwell, who found stardom alongside East 17 band members Tony Mortimer, Brian Harvey and John Hendy back in the 1990s, took a big spiritual step on Sunday

Former East 17 star Terry Coldwell has been baptised by a former henchman to the notorious Kray twins.

Ex-gangster Chris Lambrianou performed the service in London’s East End as Terry declared his faith in front of the singer’s friends. He was part of the original line-up of East 17, which included Brian Harvey, Tony Mortimer and John Hendy. The group had hits including Stay Another Day, Deep, Steam as well as If I Ever Fall In Love.

The musician, who become a father of six after his wife gave birth to a baby girl back in 2022, says the experience felt incredible and explained how he found God during a prison sentence for armed robbery. He has totally transformed his life and decided to take a big step after turning things around.

‘I’ve just been baptised and I feel absolutely amazing. The service has been phenomenal today. I just feel great,” he told MailOnline after Sunday’s service at the River Church in Canning Town. “I feel it was a long time coming and I’m really glad I did it.”

Terry, John and Tony featured on the BBC2 documentary Boybands Forever recently to remember their time in the popular band and were filmed separately. “We don’t talk,” said Terry. “But I don’t hold any grudges. There were good times and there were bad times but that’s like in any job.

“We lived together basically, we worked for three years without a day off so of course we argued about things. But I’m grateful for the times I shared with them.”

Brian was kicked out of the group in the late 90s after making a controversial statement in the press that it’s ‘cool to take drugs’ and making positive comments about ecstasy. Meanwhile, Tony left a few months later due to creative differences.

Robbie joined East 17 in early 2014 and John and Terry became the only original members left in the group. They were a supporting act for B*Witched’s Australia and New Zealand tour alongside Atomic Kitten, S Club 3, and Liberty X.

Brian revealed he’s on benefits despite shifting a staggering 22 million records with the nineties legends. Brian stepped away from the spotlight after trying to go solo – and has now revealed his financial woes as a result. Taking to TikTok, smoking a a cigarette, ranting furiously about “trolls” who say he shouldn’t be claiming benefits, he fumes: “I’m entitled to benefits. I sold 22 million records, that’s not a big-up, it’s a fact!”

Sharing a video from outside his local council office, he can then be heard shouting: “Who put Walthamstow on the map? “What are you on about, wasting your time? You wouldn’t have a job here if it weren’t for me paying tax on 22 million f*****g records. F**k you! F**k you!”

Meghan Markle has been pressing ahead with her As Ever lifestyle brand while building her Instagram following – but one expert has a stark warning for her

Meghan Markle has left the Royal Family firmly behind her as she builds her business empire. Five years after she and Prince Harry dramatically quit as working royals, she is now growing her As Ever lifestyle brand as well as her Instagram following with a string of never-before-seen snaps and videos.

But despite the days of royal duties being long gone, Meghan does continue to use one thing from her former life – her royal title, the Duchess of Sussex. Not only that, she recently raised eyebrows when it emerged she had also used her HRH title on a note in a gift basket to a friend. According to royal expert Jennie Bond, Meghan has appeared to become a shrewd operator as she ploughs forward with her business, which will no doubt help to fund the Sussexes’ enviable lifestyle.

But writing in The Sun, the former BBC royal correspondent says it’s now time for her to stop using her royal title in her money-making ventures.

She explained: “To try to cling to the vestiges of her blink-of-an-eye time as a working royal is disingenuous. So, Meghan, how about dropping the Duchess nonsense and the HRH which you are no longer entitled to use? Be independent and successful.

“Make your As Ever brand bigger than ever on your own. You tried being part of the Royal Family and hated it. Time to move on, which, I think, is what this is all about.”

It comes as Meghan as made a huge U-turn in a new announcement about restocking her As Ever products, including her jam. In an Instagram post last week, she promised that her goods would be back in stock later this month and teased other new items, saying there would be “a few new things we can’t wait to show you”.

The about-turn came just hours after she was heard telling Beyoncé’s mother that she had decided to “just pause” until she was completely ready.

Meghan appeared on her own podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, yesterday, recorded in May, telling Tina Knowles she feared annoying customers when the first batch of her jam and herbal teas sold out in less than an hour.

She said she wanted to wait until it was “completely stable and we have everything we need”. However, just hours later, Meghan shared a photo of jam-making preparations including bowls of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, and freshly squeezed lemons, on her Instagram stories, writing: “June gloom?’ Not over here! Because this month your favourite products are back.”

Her official As Ever account also posted: “To all who’ve been wondering and waiting, thank you. Your favourites are returning, plus a few NEW things we can’t wait to show you. Coming this month…get excited!”

Meghan’s range includes flower sprinkles, which she used liberally during her Netflix lifestyle show, and raspberry spread, a crepe mix, wildflower honey and an assortment of herbal teas. She renamed her brand from American Riviera Orchard after running into trademark issues.

During his first official royal engagement at Lancaster Castle since becoming King, anti-monarchy protesters waited for King Charles as he arrived for the visit

King Charles has faced protestors during a royal engagement in Lancashire, as a group of anti-monarchists shouted “not my king” as he took part in a historic event. As his first official visit to Lancaster as the monarch, Charles arrived at Lancaster Castle today where he met with D-Day veterans and took part in an ancient ceremonial tradition.

The protestors were awaiting his arrival, as chants of “not my king”, “abolish the monarchy” and “ditch the Duchys” rang through the streets as the King’s motorcade arrived at the castle. The anti-monarchy protestors called for the Duchy income to be spent on local businesses and charities, as they made their intentions clear with placards and chants.

However, it did not derail the King, who met with a 101-year-old D-Day veteran named Richard Brock, who he remembered from a visit to Normandy last year.

During the reception at Lancaster Castle, Charles told Mr Brock: “You are fantastic.” Mr Brock’s son Tony Brock, who attended with him, said the King “mentioned a nip of whisky and said to keep taking it.”

The King, who is also the Duke of Lancaster, was greeted at the railway station from the royal train by the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Amanda Parker.

As part of an ancient ceremonial tradition, Charles was also handed the keys to the castle in front of the John O’Gaunt gateway. The reigning monarch has taken part in the Ceremony of the Keys with each visit to the castle since 1851, when the keys were first presented to Queen Victoria, with Queen Elizabeth also receiving the honour in 2015.

Students from the nearby Willow Lane Primary School were selected to attend the ceremony and meet the King, with some students offering him a bouquet of flowers.

Schoolchildren from local secondary schools including Ripley St Thomas and Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School also lined the route outside the castle accompanied by a performance from a military band.

After the ceremony at the castle, which was used as a prison until 2011, King Charles met with local business owners who were showcasing their work.

One such business owner was Gillian Hale, from Butlers’ Farmhouse Cheeses, who was told by the King that he loves to indulge in sheep’s cheese on a digestive biscuit.

Charles smelt some of the cheeses she had on display but did not taste any, as Ms Hale said: “We’re going to send some to him later in a goody bag. He was so gracious.”

The King was also given a neck tie and some gloves for the Queen from Northern Yarn, with business owner Kate Makin saying: “He was really interested in the regenerative farming and the local wools we use.”

Outside the castle, the King met eager royal fans who had been waiting to catch a glimpse of the monarch. Among those keen to see the King were friends Joan Hardcastle, 103, and Barbara Graham, 93, who had come with staff and two other residents from Laurel Bank Care Home.

Mrs Hardcastle held a framed photograph of Charles presenting her with her MBE for voluntary services 40 years ago, as she said: “I’ve seen him several times since. He was fine when I met him, very chatty.”

Care home manager Lyndsay Scott said: “It was Barbara’s idea to come. We got here at 9am, we’ve had flasks of tea and croissants.” After shaking the King’s hand as he left the castle, Mrs Hardcastle said he had not changed.

Before the King left, he unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit, made by sculptor Alan Ward, who has a studio and workshop inside the castle.

Add a tropical twist to your garden or patio with a ‘lush, exotic and winter-hardy’ palm tree that’s currently on sale with a massive £150 discount, thanks to this limited-time deal

Elevate your outdoor space this summer with an exotic-looking palm tree that’s sure to transform any area into a desert island paradise. Needing little maintenance and promising to withstand the harsh UK weather all year round, this giant palm tree would normally sell for a steep £249.99 but is currently up for grabs for £99.99 thanks to this Gardening Express sale.

The XXXL Giant Canary Island Date Palm, sporting the massive £150, is an extra-large, well-established palm that can grow over two metres tall, with some nearly reaching the three-metre mark. The “totally tropical’ palm tree is a striking, winter-hardy architectural palm that is sure to make a superb feature in any outdoor space. Adding a “sunny desert island” feel to patios or gardens, this palm is set to last for years to come.

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Add a show-stopping plant to your garden that bestows an instant Mediterranean flavour with this giant palm, which boasts a total height of around 220-290cm (7-9ft). This particular type, the Phoenix Canariensis, will be perfectly at home in the UK’s climate, as it promises to cope with temperatures as low as -6 degrees C, so there’s no need to worry about this tree dying in the colder autumn and winter months.

Often seen in the Canary Islands and mainland Spain, this palm tree sprouts deep green leaves that are sure to turn heads in any season. The Canary Island Date Palm is a “truly magical exotic” plant that will look just as spectacular on your patio in a pot or planted into your garden as it does on the continent.

Surprisingly fast-growing, this palm will form an attractive, thick trunk as it matures. It will produce bunches of attractive, cream, bowl-shaped flowers followed by small black fruits, transforming your outside area into a Mediterranean veranda.

Touted as “lush, exotic, tactile and incredibly easy to grow”, this giant palm tree is set to survive and flourish in the UK climate, ensuring it can continue to add exotic and tropical vibes to your garden without wilting.

Normally retailing for £249.99, shoppers can currently save a massive £150 as this Canara Island Date Palm tree has plummeted to £99.99 via Gardening Express.

It Ends With Us star, Blake Lively, has been slammed for the way she allegedly treated staff at Stoney Clover Lane in the US, with a fan claiming the actress was ‘so rude’

Blake Lively has been blasted for allegedly behaving poorly towards staff in a store in New York. The It Ends With Us star, 37, who is still embroiled in a legal battle with Justin Baldoni, who is suing the actress for defamation after she accused him of sexual harassment, splashing the cash in accessory shop, Stoney Clover Lane, when she was spotted by a fan.

The fan, named Landon, who has a prolific presence on TikTok, told her followers that Blake had been ‘so rude’ to staff as she recalled what, allegedly, occurred. Giving her opinion on the Gossip Girl alum, Landon said: “It was honestly a horrible experience. I don’t know how she has any fans anymore.

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“First of all, we walked in and we’re just like, looking around … I didn’t even notice [Lively] at first. I’m just looking, shopping for my sister, and the way [Lively’s] talking to the workers at the store was so rude.”

Claiming Blake wanted to know if there were items which ‘hadn’t been touched by other customers’, she continued: “She was like, ‘I want a fresh one of these — one that wasn’t touched by other customers. … Is there a private bathroom?’”

Landon alleged that Blake, who is married to multi-millionaire, Ryan Reynolds, was “ignoring” everyone, including her kids and her niece, as she chose the patches she wanted to add to her customised bag.

Landon continued: “I was like, ‘Oh my God. People are working hard in stores like this and this is how you’re treating them?’ Like, you’re being so entitled.

“And the second we walked out, it was clear that we were invading their space — it’s a store, first of all. There’s no sign that says you can’t enter. She didn’t block it off,” she added.

“And the second we leave, [Lively’s] security guard comes and stands in front of the door. And now I’m at the corner of the street and the security guard is staring at me.”

Landon concluded her post, claiming: “If anyone is still a fan of Blake Lively, I think recheck your decision on that because she’s not very nice to the common people.”

The Mirror has contacted Blake’s reps for comment.

After starring in This Ends With Us alongside Justin, Blake hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The actress accused her co-star of sexual harassment while Justin countered sued, claiming defamation.

However, in recently filed documents, Blake moved to drop a key claim tied to her 2024 lawsuit. The mum-of-four has requested to withdraw her claims of intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress against Justin.

The filing came after the actor’s legal team asked her to sign a HIPAA release for access to her medical and mental health records. Justin’s attorney, Kevin Fritz, claimed Blake “refuses to disclose the information and documents needed to disprove that she suffered any emotional distress” and is trying to keep the option of reviving the claims after discovery ends (via People.)

Blake’s legal team, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, responded to the development by stating, “This is a routine part of the litigation process that is being used as a press stunt.” They also said that her legal team is “preparing [the] case for trial by streamlining and focusing it,” while Justin’s side is “desperately seeking another tired round of tabloid coverage.”

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READ MORE: Susanna Reid stuns in colourful summer dress from Boden that’s now 30% off

The ripped summer top is from Rochelle Humes’ Next edit and comes in four colourways

A key way to nail summer style is to opt for easy-to-pair causal tops that can be worn with everything from linen trousers to shorts and denim. Lightweight wardrobe staples can take the stress out of planning and accessorising an outfit on a daily basis.

This Morning presenter Rochelle Humes exudes effortless chic, and luckily, fans can buy some of her pieces thanks to her collection with Next. The former pop star has been showcasing some new summer drops on the Next website, including a smart, linen-blend ribbed T-shirt that is versatile and stylish.

The Crew Neck Short Sleeve Top is £28 and comes in four colours, including black, ecru, red and an orange striped option. It is available in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes, and has a figure-hugging fit.

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For those who would prefer a looser-fitted T-shirt, especially on hot days, this Heart Embroidered T-Shirt is £35 at Nobody’s Child. The classic white tee has a crew neck, a relaxed fit and turned-up short sleeves.

Elsewhere, Roman offers a white blouse (£32) in a crinkle material. The no-iron blouse has a light and airy fit. As it is made from a no-iron material, it’s easy to throw on. It also comes in a lime colourway.

Next’s crew neck t-shirt

£28

Buy Now on Next

Back to Next’s top, Rochelle pairs it with wide-leg lightweight jeans and gold accessories. One shopper who bought the ecru hue rated it five stars and said: “I love my new blouse. It is feminine and very comfortable to wear. The size is good.”

An additonal buyer who chose the striped version said they didn’t like the length, writing: “Gorgeous top, loved the colours but felt it was a bit too short in length for me so returned it. Otherwise, a lovely summer top.”

Another added: “My new top is gorgeous, I can’t wait to wear it. Thank you again, Next.” Another customer gave it two stars, commenting: “This top’s material is very thin and nearly see-through, not great quality. The fit is a bit tight too.”