Category Entertainment News

A cast member from Amandaland has revealed they once cried in the car over the stresses of being a parent.

The BBC show is a spin-off from the BAFTA-winning sitcom Motherland, which ran for three series from 2016 to 2022. A few actors have reprised their roles, with fans reintroduced to lead character Amanda Hughes (played by Lucy Punch) and her friend Anne Flynn (Philippa Dunne) in the show.

Philippa – who’s also been in the shows such as Derry Girls – has revealed she relates to the characters on Motherland now that she’s a parent herself. The actor welcomed a daughter, who’s now four, whilst that show was still running. Whilst speaking to Ryan Tubridy on Virgin Radio UK, she was asked in the interview on Monday if her opinion on if the franchise had “changed” now that she’s a parent. Philippa said: “There was definitely a penny dropping moment.”

The guest went on to say that in the first few series she had wondered if situations were being “ramped up” in scenes for “entertainment pursposes”. Philippa, however, teased that she’s since found aspects of the show to be “real.”

She said: “For the first couple of series, I didn’t know what … I thought ‘is this all just ramped up for entertainment purposes or is any of this real?’ And then I remember the moment, like I just copped on that like ‘oh the school gates scenario was real’ and it’s as terrifying as it is on the TV show because it’s just an explosion of sound and noise and chaos and stress [and] kind of like trying to hide and run away as quickly as possible.”

After discussing one particular scene, Ryan said: “But it all changed then? So you’re watching going … all that thing that you thought was being hyped up and turned into comedy actually is reality.” Philippa responded to the host: “The screaming, the stress, the panic, the problem solving, the crying in your car, all of that. It’s all real.”

Amandaland launched last week – more than two years on from the last episode of Motherland, which was a Christmas special that aired in 2022. The spin-off follows Amanda, who has now begun a new life after her divorce.

Philippa previously teased that her character Anne is “living her best life” when viewers are first reintroduced to her, teasing: “She’s had a few years of freedom [from Amanda], and things are going really well. […] She’s no longer following Amanda around.”

She added ahead of the launch: “Then Amanda comes back into the picture. Of course, Anne is delighted to see Amanda because she absolutely loves her, but she’s unaware of just how much Amanda takes up her time and headspace.”

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Her appearance at the Invictus Games might have been brief, but that didn’t stop Meghan Markle from giving us some major winter outfit inspiration before she left. The Duchess of Sussex appeared alongside husband Prince Harry in Canada for the games, where she tried her hand at snow tubing alongside competitors.

To keep warm in the snowy conditions during two of her appearances, Meghan wore a full length puffer coat and a pair of her go-to Sorel Joan Of Arctic Boots, which the Duchess has been spotted wearing on several occasions. The Sorel boots were the perfect choice for the conditions, and fans who want to add a pair to their own winter wardrobes can now get them on sale, down from £195 to £136.50.

READ MORE: Kate Middleton’s brown suede boots give her latest recycled look a fresh feel

READ MORE: Zara Tindall’s top waterproof winter jackets are still available to shop

The Sorel Joan Of Arctic Boots come in three different colour options, with Meghan pairing the quarry and black pair with her white puffer coat, and a no-longer available cream pair with a cosy black quilted coat. You can get a similar camel pair reduced to £177, which are still available in sizes 3 to 5.5, whilst the quarry colourway is in stock in sizes 3 to 8, with half sizes available.

Whether you’re planning on hitting the slopes or just want something extra warm and waterproof to wear for your daily commute in the winter, Meghan’s Sorel Joan Of Arctic Boots are a great pick. They have a waterproof suede upper that’s been seam-sealed to keep your feet dry, with a faux fur cuff which helps keep the cold out and the warm in.

To maximise on their warmth, the Sorel Joan Of Arctic Boots also have a 6mm felt inner boot with sherpa pile snow cuffs, which is fully removable and washable. The midsole also has a bonded felt frost plug, with a vulcanised rubber outsole that gives you plenty of extra grip and keeps your feet warm in the frost and snow.

Sorel shoppers are also a big fan of them, giving the Joan Of Arctic Boots more than 1400 five star reviews. One wrote: “My second pair of these and I just love them! These shoes will make your days beautiful in any weather. Pure Love.”

Whilst another added: “The boots arrived very quickly, wasn’t really sure what to expect. If Meghan Markle loved them then I knew I would too… Cannot wait to wear them.”

One shopper did write: “A bit tight and heavy, they looked nice but not very comfortable, I sent them back.”

However another said: “These shoes are really beautiful, comfy (be careful it might be difficult for large feet), warm and can go with different types of clothing. You can walk easily on different types of roads (not for trail,running for sure).”

If you’re after something a little more lightweight for your winter adventures, the Columbia Women’s Minx IV Waterproof Tall Snow Boots are still available in sizes 3.5 to 7.5 for £110. They feature fully waterproof and breathable uppers, with 200g of insulation and a faux fur lining to keep your feet warm. They also have adjustable webbing to keep them secure, a cushioned midsole for added comfort and a grippy outsole for added traction in wet and snowy conditions.

Kim Rieul, a Korean fashion designer famed for dressing Kpop superstars including BTS, has tragically died at the age of 32.

He was found dead in a flower bed on Tuesday night in the South Korean city of Namwon-si, according to local reports.

Local police are investigating his sudden death but have stated that there ‘does not appear to be any suspicion of a crime’, according to local media reports. Rieul’s family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement today, saying: ‘It is true that Kim Rieul passed away yesterday’.

The designer’s untimely passing has sent shockwaves through the Kpop community, as he was known for creating stunning handbok designs worn by some of Korea’s biggest pop stars, such as BTS and Monsta X.

The late fashion maestro first turned heads in 2016 when he ingeniously infused Korean traditional art into his contemporary designs. His star truly began to ascend in 2020 when he crafted suits, inspired by traditional Korean formal wear, for BTS superstars Jimin, J-Hope and Suga.

The boy band donned these unique creations during their performance at Seoul’s historic Gyeongbokgung Palace for ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’, a spectacle that has since amassed nearly 50 million views on YouTube.

In 2023, Forbes Magazine recognised his talent, featuring him in their ’30 Under 30 Asia’ list. He’s also had the privilege of collaborating with renowned brands such as New Balance, Samsung Galaxy and McLaren.

Tributes have been pouring in for the late designer, with one BTS fan writing on Twitter (X): “How sad, so young! His hanbok suit designs for BTS performing at Gyeongbokgung are iconic. May Kim Rieul RIP.” Another added: “So young. Rest in peace Kim Rieul. Your hanbok designs were truly iconic.”

A third fan penned: “im Rieul, renowned Hanbok suit designer died. He designed the Hanbok inspired outfits BTS wore during their performed at Gyeongbokgung Palace in 2020 for ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’. Our Sincere condolences to his family, and friends. May his soul rest in peace.”

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A former Coronation Street cast member has surprised fans by revealing that she had a secret role in the Super Bowl.

Alexandra Mardell, 31 – who played Emma Brooker on the ITV soap – has announced that she provided a voiceover for an advert that aired during the NFL championship game on Sunday. More than 120 million viewers are said to have watched the match between the Eagles and the Chiefs.

Following the annual sporting event, Alexandra shared that she had worked on the advert for toilet paper brand Angel Soft. It reminded viewers to take a “bathroom break” before the halftime show, which was headlined by rapper Kendrick Lamar. He was joined on stage at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, by guests including singer SZA.

Alongside photos from inside a recording booth, Alexandra wrote on Instagram on Monday: “Just a little VO for … THE SUPER BOWL. Think I’ve forever peaked in the ‘fun fact’ game.” She also included a photo of a Washington Post article promoting Angel Soft’s advert from the Super Bowl.

Footage shared by Angel Soft features a narrator – in character as the brand’s mascot Angel – saying to viewers: “Angel Soft interrupts this broadcast to bring you a bathroom break.” She continues by teasing: “I know you need one. So come on, let’s go!”

Amid a countdown to the end of the advert, Angel returns after briefly leaving. She says: “Why are you still here? This is your potty-tunity. It’s simple – do not watch this. So you there, get off the couch and go to the bathroom.” As the video ends, she adds: “Okay back to the broadcast.”

Alexandra’s post was met with excitement among her followers. One person wrote in the comments section: “Wait what?!!!! That was you?” Another responded: “Wow. Well done babes.” Someone else said: “Whaaaaaaaaaaat?”

Sharing their thoughts, one person reacted to the post: “Nice one, congrats.” Another follower said: “So cool.” Whilst someone else commented: “Smashed it.” Another person wrote: “Amazing.” And one follower said: “YESSSSS.”

The role comes almost three years on from her departure from Coronation Street back in 2022. Alexandra had joined the cast of the long-running soap opera in 2019 and she went on to receive acclaim for her performance as her character Emma, including having won Best Newcomer at the British Soap Awards. Since leaving the soap, she has appeared in the Family Pile, Daddy Issues and Smoggie Queens.

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It’s claimed Liam Payne began “smoking heroin” at the height of his drug addiction.

The late One Direction singer, who died in Argentina last year, was open about his battles with drug and alcohol abuse prior to his death but never revealed the specifics of the narcotics he consumed when he was using.

Maya Henry, who was engaged to Liam before their split in 2022, has now opened up about her relationship with the dad-of-one and revealed “initially, it was the drug use and addictions that tore us apart” and claimed her ex “became someone unrecognisable – so different from his sober self” when on drugs.

In a written statement shared with Rolling Stone magazine, Ms Henry claimed: “This was someone I loved very much. Initially, it was the drug use and addictions that tore us apart. Anyone who has been with an addict understands how difficult that is. While I loved him deeply, he did things that hurt me in ways I’ll never fully understand, and he continued to hurt me years after we broke up. On drugs, he became someone unrecognizable — so different from his sober self.”

The same publication reports a source close to Ms Henry alleging that by the time Liam and Ms Henry ended their engagement the full extent of the late singer’s drug addiction was discovered by his former fiancée. The source claims: “It was normal for Liam to do cocaine, ketamine, MDMA, and pharmaceutical pills (Xanax and pain pills). Then he got into smoking heroin.”

Liam died aged 31 on October 16 after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires. He had been staying in the country with girlfriend at the time Kate Cassidy who flew back to America prior to his death. Five people have been charged in Argentina in connection with the death, three with manslaughter and two with supplying cocaine. The British musician died from “polytrauma”, meaning multiple traumatic injuries.

Speaking on the Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett in 2022, Liam said: “I was worried how far my rock bottom was going to be. Where’s rock bottom for me? And you would never have seen it. I’m very good at hiding it. No one would ever have seen it.”

Asked if he ever had “moments of suicidal ideation”, Liam replied: “Yeah. There is definitely some stuff I have never spoken about to do with it. It was really, really severe. There were a few pictures of me on a boat and I was all bloated out and I call it my pills-and-booze face.

!My face was 10 times bigger than it is now. The problem was, the best way to secure us was to lock us in our rooms, and what is in the room? A mini-bar. So I had a party-for-one that seemed to carry on for years. It was wild but the only way you could get frustration out.”

In July 2023, Liam was admitted to rehab for 100 days in a Louisiana clinic after he hit “rock bottom”. During his stay at the centre, he focused on art and poetry and had very little contact with the outside world. Addressing his fans in a video, he admitted: “Turning the phone back on was a little bit scary. I’ve been trying to learn to get to know this new guy…”

He also spoke about the controversial comments he made on YouTube star Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast, apologising for how he spoke about his former bandmates. He explained at the time: “I took shots at everybody else… came across as really big headed. I want to apologise for that…that’s definitely not me.”

Liam also revealed that his One Direction pals “really stood by” him during the difficult period of his life. He said: “There is a point when you hit rock bottom and you realise you have got to do something different as whatever you are doing right now isn’t working for you. I was in bad shape up until that point.”

Liam’s funeral, held in November in Buckinghamshire, was attended by Cheryl, the mother of his son Bear, and fellow One Direction stars Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson, along with his family and friends. After his band went on hiatus he launched a successful solo career, releasing his debut solo album LP1 in December 2019, which included the songs Polaroid and Strip That Down featuring Quavo, as well as the track For You with Rita Ora.

*Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.

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