Category Entertainment News

Lucy Spraggan has shared that she hopes to raise awareness of the condition endometriosis, with the singer telling fans that it has at times left her in ‘debilitating’ pain

Singer-songwriter Lucy Spraggan has revealed that she had surgery earlier this week. She told fans that she was sharing the news in a bid to raise awareness of endometriosis, which has at times left the X Factor star in “debilitating” pain.

Lucy, 34, announced on Instagram that she had her third laparoscopy yesterday. A type of keyhole surgery, it is used to diagnose and treat conditions, according to the NHS. She posted footage of herself in a hospital bed and also spoke about her health in the accompanying caption.

She shared that she has endometriosis, which the NHS states involves cells similar to those in the lining of the uterus growing elsewhere. Symptoms can include severe period pain, whilst surgery is among the treatment options.

READ MORE: Annie Lennox’s health battles as she reveals new diagnosis that’s ‘not easy to live with’READ MORE: Dolly Parton admits ‘I just need a little time’ in new health update on Instagram

In the video message, Lucy shared with her followers: “Hello everybody! I’m fine. My throat hurts a bit. But the reason I’m here is because I have endometriosis along with 1 in 10 women. The wait times in the UK from first being seen to diagnosis are ludicrous in the country.

“I’ve had the privilege of being seen privately. But there is something that needs to be done for people that don’t have that privilege. I’m sending love to anybody else who has endometriosis and hoping that you get the help that you need. But, yeah, let’s raise some more awareness.”

The post was shared in collaboration with the charity Endometriosis UK. In the caption, Lucy wrote: “Ola guys, first of all I’m doing all good!! I have a condition called Endometriosis and had my third laparoscopy today.”

Lucy said: “Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth, from puberty to menopause. In the UK, that’s over 1.5 million people from all walks of life. Endometriosis can cause severe pain, nausea, fertility issues, digestive problems, very heavy periods and more. For me, the main way the condition manifests is pain, which has been debilitating at times.”

She continued in the post: “There’s no cure, and for many, the effects can last a lifetime. On top of that, gynaecology waiting times in the UK are unacceptably long, many people are waiting over 18 weeks to be initially seen.”

Lucy added: “I’m working with @endometriosis.uk to help raise awareness because this is something that needs more conversation, more support, and more action. In 2023 Endometriosis UK found that the current average diagnosis time is 8 years and 10 months in the UK. That is unacceptable.”

She concluded by telling fans this week: “Keep your eyes peeled – once I’m healed up I’ll be hitting the road to raise some awareness (and funds!) for the charity. I am sending so much love to anyone else struggling with this.”

The post has amassed more than 7,000 likes on the platform since it was uploaded yesterday. Lucy was met with supportive messages and well wishes in the comments section of the post following the news of her recent surgery.

One person wrote: “Wishing you a speedy recovery, sending love and hugs.” Another said: “Thank you for sharing Lucy. Stay strong.” A third wrote: “Get well soon.” Others shared their experiences with endometriosis and getting diagnosed.

Emily Poe Stumler, a former band member of Taylor Swift, tells her story in a brand-new Channel 4 documentary about her rise to fame.

In a new documentary series with the fitting title “Taylor Swift” it’s a channel 4 investigation into Taylor Swift’s rise to fame.

The documentary, which features the views of former popstars, industry professionals, and devoted fans, airs tonight (September 30) at 9:15 pm.

The documentary includes musician Emily Poe Stumler among those who spoke with her. Emily, who performed with the singer between 2006 and 2007, is already well known to the Swifts as Taylor’s ex-fiddle player.

The former band member describes her experience in the documentary and describes her firsthand account of the global artist’s rise to fame.

Emily recalled her former boss’s “incredibly driven and incredibly determined” at the start of her career in episode one.

She went on to paint a picture of their touring days. “In 2007, we did 300-ish shows. We lived on a tour bus that had been previously owned by Cher so it was decked out in leopard print,” the bandmate told Channel 4.

The pair shared bunk beds, with Taylor taking the top bed and Emily sleeping on the bottom, which was not particularly glamorous during the tour. Emily continued, “It kind of felt like having a little sister who was also your boss.”

Emily claims that Taylor would occasionally spend “hours and hours” signing autographs despite her status as a rising star.

Taylor, she continued, “was someone who always had her desires in mind.” She would frequently be being interviewed, speaking to radio stations, or signing autographs.

As long as people were willing to stand and wait for her, she would sign autographs for others. “Sometimes, that lasted for hours and hours.”

View 2 Images

Elsewhere in the documentary, the pop icon’s former manager Rick Barker also shared positive words about her.

She wanted people to feel better when she left than before she arrived, Rick said in her final years before she became famous.

Taylor will examine the musician’s 20-year career, which saw her transcend the status of a pop star and create a unique cultural icon.

The documentary examines the forces that have shaped her trajectory and the devoted community she has inspired through interviews with well-known commentators, industry insiders, and fans.

Katie Breathwick, a radio host, has provided proof against a alleged stalker who allegedly targeted her and her coworker Myleene Klass.

View 2 Images

A colleague of Myleene Klass has shared the fear she felt after being targeted by an alleged stalker. Radio presenter Katie Breathwick told jurors she was left terrified by the alleged ordeal, claiming she was posted a DIY will-writing kit, binoculars, perfume and running shoes alongside “unhinged” letters.

Mrs. Breathwick informed her Classic FM colleague of Peter Windsor’s “raving” notes and presents at the trial of him, who is also accused of stalking former Hear ‘Say star Klass. She claimed that Klass should be made aware of a circumstance that might put her at risk.

Between 2020 and 2024, Windsor, 61, is accused of stalking both presenters. Klass is accused of sending him an airgun, fancy dress, and other “unwanted” presents.

READ MORE: Rob Rinder addresses Rylan Clark romance rumours after ‘fizz’ between themREAD MORE: Gareth Gates fuming as ‘biggest regret’ Katie Price takes cruel swing and ‘uses him again’

View 2 Images

A note calling Klass a “naughty vixen” was sent by Windsor, according to the Birmingham Crown Court. Additionally, it is said that Breathwick allegedly wrote a letter to Breathwick informing him that he wanted to go paddling in a lake with the presenters while sipping champagne.

Breathwick claimed to have received more than 100 items from Windsor and that they had all been delivered to Classic FM’s central London studios on Tuesday. She was entering her evidence in the witness box while watching from a behind-the-screen monitor.

In the final few minutes of her testimony, she continued to tell the court that Windsor had sent her first correspondence when the Covid pandemic first started. She became audibly upset. The alleged stalker has been given schizophrenic treatment.

In a statement made at the court, Breathwick said, “March 2020 was the first time I ever really had a prickling instinct that this was a little different. He performed a number of push-ups and pull-ups, which had an impact on the first note.

“It was weird. It was a note of a personal nature talking about me as if he knew me.”

When Timothy Sapwell, the prosecutor, posed questions to Breathwick, who claimed the parcels initially had a “feel unhinged” feeling. She added that it appeared obvious who was the author of them wasn’t feeling well.

She continued, “Everyone was talking about mental health issues, and it became abundantly clear to me that this person was experiencing that situation and that I was the subject of those emotions. Knowing that is deeply, deeply unsettling.

Klass was also named in the handwritten notes, she later claimed, because they were “raving and unstable” and that she was concerned about it. She said, “I was aware that it was probably important that she be made aware of this.”

The court has heard Windsor had officially changed his name to Sir Peter Windsor. He is then said to have sent both his alleged victims a note which read it would be “divine to paddle with you both in Buckingham Palace Lake and get you two their brand of £60 bubbly”.

As Breathwick told the jury, “I really freaked me out. “

Breathwick claimed during her testimony that she had been instructed not to inform Klass about the packages she had received. She claimed she felt the need to, claiming that she “felt it was my duty as a woman to inform her of a circumstance that might put her in danger.”

When defense lawyer Philip Brunt cross-examined her, Breathwick rejected claims that she had been “catastrophizing.” She explained to the jury how she perceived the packages as “dirty and malicious.” She remarked, “Being realistic in the context of all of these things is not catastrophizing.”

On Wednesday, Klass is scheduled to testify, and Windsor is expected to deny two stalking counts that have raised alarm or distress. The trial is advancing.

Emma Barnes, a journalist for MAFS UK, has first-hand experience with stranger walking down the aisle. In her weekly Mirror column, she offers her insight.

3 images to be seen

My weekly MAFS column is back!

However, over the final week of Married at First Sight UK, things haven’t gotten a little heated? Six out of nine brides’ matches caused unhappiness. By the time the series is over, I’m not sure if there will be more Julia-Ruth walk-outs (currently 3: 4 on the tally, by the way). After the rioting dinner party last night, I needed to spend an hour staring at a wall.

What better way to begin than with the week’s storyline? Knowing Sarah is uncomfortable and disappointed in her experience, I’m trying to see past the edited faces she pulls. While you’re picturing going home, having no snogs after just one week, and fireworks around that table, it’s difficult to see them.

READ MORE: MAFS UK star Rebecca reveals what procedures she’s had done after fans question ageREAD MORE: MAFS UK chaos as experts to ‘step in’ over bride’s ‘cruel’ comments at groom

3 images to be seen

Sarah’s disrespect for Dean and her lack of interest in getting to know him went against the grain. I overheard the phrase “I need to understand why the experts matched us, because you’re not what I asked for,” at the beginning of the dinner party.

No one deserves that because it hurts. Bravo to Davide for supporting Dean and putting a mirror up her cruel words! Because the backlash (and body-shaming back) has also been against the law, I sincerely hope that Sarah relaxes and learns if they stay another week.

A few couples are developing real legs (or abs in the case of Bec-phwoar!). I’m totally on team with Kevide and Grashley, and Maeve and Joe are adorable as a button.

Nelly, the people’s princess, will not have her heart broken if Stephen does. Of course, I’m for her. Something is telling me that these two won’t be sunshine and daisies. Perhaps it’s an ex who has cheated on him online?

3 images to be seen

The cast should be able to access social media without any restrictions in order to prevent leaks of the show. I say this is their opportunity to shine.

I enjoyed posting my daily photos and picking the backing track back in the day. They have been waiting for this for nine months! You’ll just have to keep reading as I try to stay away from gossip, but I’ve even heard some tales about grooms.

I’ve made it a habit to send late-night voice notes to the cast members to hear what they thought and to make friends.

Yes, I beg from previous seasons, but I’m not interested! I think the group is fantastic, none of the boys make me feel uneasy, and the fact that two parents have now DM me with concern or pride also demonstrates that they have strong foundations.

I’m afraid Anita and Paul might leave because of the two dinner parties this week and the commitment ceremony tonight. Hope he remembers to ask her how she feels with his post-it. In an effort to develop abs like Rebecca by Christmas, I’m going to do some sit-ups.

Follow Mirror Celebs on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok.

READ MORE: MacBook Air with M4 chip gets huge £100 price drop, but it’s not from Apple READ MORE: ‘Perfect match’ foundation that leaves skin ‘flawless’ uses ‘world first’ technology

Emma Bunton, Mel B, Mel C and Geri Horner worked with the late choreographer Paul Roberts on their Spice Girls reunion tour in 2019, and the band have paid tribute to him this week

View 3 Images

The Spice Girls have paid tribute to Paul Roberts following the news that the choreographer died, aged 52, last week. They have said that he “radiated happiness and positivity” in a post about him on social media today.

Paul worked on their reunion tour in 2019, which included Emma Bunton, Geri Horner, Mel B and Mel C, with Victoria Beckham not part of the line-up. It was their first tour in more than a decade and is their most recent to date.

The late choreographer also collaborated with acts like One Direction and Katy Perry over the course of his 20-year career, as reported by PA. His death was confirmed by his partner Phil Griffin at the weekend.

READ MORE: Madonna reveals chilling words her late mother said to her as she lay in a comaREAD MORE: Sharon Osbourne’s ‘final gift’ to husband Ozzy before death revealed

View 3 Images

In a post on Instagram, the Spice Girls said Paul was an “integral part” of the tour six years ago. The statement added: “His creativity, passion and joy for life was evident throughout our shows.

“As well as being incredibly talented, Paul was simply a wonderful person. He radiated happiness and positivity. We were all lucky to know him and share friendships beyond the tour.

“We are deeply saddened by his passing and are sending love to his husband [Phil Griffin] and all of Paul’s family and friends at this very difficult time. We will miss you Paul.”

The post included several photos from the tour. Fans paid tribute in the comments section, with one person reacting to the Spice Girls’ post today: “Thank you Paul for creating such amazing memories for all of us, you will be missed.”

Another said: “So sorry for your loss girls.” A third person commented: “RIP.” Sharing their thoughts, someone else wrote in their response: “So sorry to hear this sad news.”

View 3 Images

Posting about the tour in 2019, Paul said that he was “honoured” to be involved. He wrote at the time: “Over the last few months a league of extraordinary humans have grafted & crafted a new world for these iconic and rather fabulous ladies to live in. Tonight we celebrate. To say I am honoured and proud to be a part of it all is an understatement.”

Paul spent five years with One Direction as the group’s staging director, designing their show tracks for works in film, stadium and television. He was recently working with The Who’s Pete Townshend on his Quadrophenia ballet.

In the post announcing his death, Phil said: “On the evening of 26th September 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer, Paul passed away gently at home, surrounded by his family. His departure, much like his life, was filled with grace.”

The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.

Jodie Whittaker acknowledged that the role in Doctor Who resembled any other role she’s ever played and explained why she is now pursuing a completely different one in Frauds.

3 images to be seen

Jodie Whittaker has admitted that the role of Doctor Who was more like herself any other part she has ever played. The acclaimed actress, 43, was the first, and so far, only woman to play the titular Time Lord in the BBC sci-fi series before going on to star in prison drama Time, and as Netflix hit Toxic Town, and will soon be seen in the ITV drama Frauds.

The forthcoming show features Jodie alongside former Coronation Street star Suranne Jones, who created the show the show with Anne-Marie O’Connor, as a pair of female fraudsters named Bert and Sam, whose poisonous yet wickedly amusing bond is reignited to execute the ultimate robbery.

However, Jodie, who has switched from her traditional blonde locks to an auburn look this time around, insisted that “unexpectedly” the character she could relate to most was the mysterious doctor, who travels through time and space.

READ MORE: Suranne Jones admits to ‘anxiety’ over ITV drama Frauds as she opens up on transformationREAD MORE: Suranne Jones left ‘in tears’ when she met Jodie Whittaker on set of ITV drama Frauds

3 images to be seen

She continued, “It’s intentional, but it’s all that comes with being lucky enough to work.” In that sense, I’ve been sent something, you know, so what a gift.

The fact that Suranne and Anne-Marie see me as that person makes them feel that way. I’m nothing like Sam in real life, because really. And with the difficulty that I have, especially given that Suranne is Northern and has peroxide blonde hair.

What am I doing, I asked myself? I thought, “Oh wow! !” I would always think, “Oh, she’s in the wrong costume,” when the stunt doubles arrived on set. The blonde one is not me, I told myself.

I thought I was lucky because I believed I had been given the task.

3 images to be seen

“I believe it was done out of curiosity, but only because… Someone will think of me outside of this situation. But strangely, The Doctor is like the most I’ve ever played to myself, in my opinion.

Jodie, who took over the role from Peter Capaldi and was then replaced by Ncuti Gatwa, insisted that she is “more closely” related to her portrayal of the character than anything else, and that she is “more closely” related to it than anything else.

Like, I’d like to say that I’m more in tune with my Doctor than anything else.

“Which is why, like Chris [Chibnall, then-showrunner] cast me in it, is because of the personality I am in between scenes on Broadchurch, he was like, ‘Ah, be that little hyperactive, unfocused human. Anything else, I’m like ‘This is a world away from me!”‘

Frauds airs on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday, October 5 at 9 p.m.