Category Entertainment News

If you’re looking for a way to battle stubborn fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet, or want to restore your skin’s radiance in a matter of days, these retinol capsules may be just the ticket

Banishing pesky signs of ageing like fine lines may seem like a difficult task, one that may require expensive products or procedures, but skincare shoppers may have found an inexpensive serum that works wonders on wrinkles and restores radiance to dull, ageing skin in just a short period of time.

These RoC Retinol Capsules are available at iHerb for £30.43. They come with 30 capsules designed to be used nightly. From a leading French skincare brand, RoC, these capsules are clinically proven to deliver visible and lasting results.

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Also available from Sephora, Lookfantastic and Amazon, these retinol capsules house the RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Night Serum, which is specially formulated to smooth and renew the appearance of collagen-depleted skin.

Sealed tight in single-use capsules for optimal potency, this serum combines a high concentration of pure RoC Retinol with a bio-derived antioxidant. On application, it promises a silky, lightweight fluid that drenches skin in hydration while helping to plump the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The exclusive formula accelerates the removal of old, dull skin cells, supporting more even-toned and radiant-looking skin. It is perfect for use as the first step in your evening skincare routine. While 97% of users declared smoother skin in one night, others declared that elasticity appeared restored after just one night. Within a week, the complexion is set to appear more hydrated and firmer.

These capsules boast over 1100 reviews, with an impressive 75% bestowing a 5-star rating. One happy shopper shares: “I use this almost every night and absolutely love how it leaves my skin feeling. The capsules are convenient, and the serum itself is top quality. Over time, I’ve seen a noticeable improvement in my skin’s texture and smoothness. Compared to others my age, my skin looks more youthful and radiant, which makes me believe this product truly delivers. It’s definitely become a staple in my nighttime routine.”

Further adoration comes from this customer who gushes: “I use this almost every night, and I love how it makes my skin feel. The capsules are easy to use, and the quality of the serum is excellent. Over time, I’ve noticed a real difference in my skin’s texture and smoothness. Compared to my peers, my skin looks more youthful and radiant, which makes me think this product is really working. Definitely a great addition to my nighttime routine!”

A third raves: “I am not sure how it works, but it appears to be effective. My husband and I both noticed an improvement within a day. It is interesting that I could not find any information about the amount of retinol in this product. This may be due to the very small amount present. I will definitely buy it again! It’s very convenient to use and looks aesthetic in my medicine cabinet. It doesn’t have a strong scent. p.s. My age is 30+.”

Broadcasting star Valerie Singleton hosted iconic TV programme Blue Peter for a decade back in the 1960s before going on to present The Money Programme and BBC Radio 4 show PM

A Blue Peter legend was caught sunbathing topless by hot air balloon passengers, the TV star revealed. Valerie Singleton is best known for her time presenting the children’s TV programme but has now opened up about her funny moment years on.

Valerie has revealed her anecdote about how she was caught sunbathing topless by passengers of a hot air balloon. She explained that she was left embarrassed when she was simply relaxing on her balcony at home – and spotted a hot air balloon full of people nearby. Forgetting she had no clothes on, Valerie stood up to wave at those travelling in the hot air balloon. However, seconds later she realised that she was topless for all to see and ran to grab a towel to cover her modesty.

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Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, she explained that she used to put plants around her so she could sunbathe naked at her home near Sherborne, Dorset without being spotted by any of her neighbours. Valerie told listeners of the radio show: “I was sitting on my balcony and I had window boxes all around so I could sunbathe topless without all my neighbours seeing me.

“Then suddenly, quite a long way off, I saw a hot air balloon. Quite without thinking I stood up and waved to it and then the hot air balloon turned to me and dipped its basket to me. I was a bit too late to reach a towel. They must have had binoculars because they were quite a long way off.”

88-year-old Valerie is best known for hosting Blue Peter between 1962 to 1972 before going onto to present The Money Programme and BBC Radio 4 show PM. She never got married but was involved in a relationship with Albert Finney and has an affair with Blue Peter co-star Peter Purves while he was married.

Valerie revealed almost 20 years ago that they had slept together, saying: “It was one of those impulsive, enjoyable experiences – but more a friendship thing than anything else. Sleeping with people you work with is generally not advisable, so we didn’t want to pursue it. There was always an unspoken acknowledgement that something rather nice had happened.”

While Peter recently opened up to The Telegraph about the drunken fling saying: “I am not being shy, but I feel it is disrespectful to go into this. I loved the 60s, the world seemed to be a much freer place. It was a time of great music, peace, and fantastic clothes which went on into the 70s and 80s – and I had a great time. I would only apologise if I ever offended anyone, but I hope I didn’t.”

With the holiday season finally here, now’s the time to step up your swimming costume collection with a best-selling one-piece that offers ‘flattering’ tummy control

Whether you’re making the most of the sunny weather or planning a trip abroad this summer, you can never go wrong with adding a new, flattering swimming costume to your beach-ready wardrobe. But for those who don’t feel comfortable or confident wearing a one-piece or bikini, don’t panic – this pick from Pour Moi promises a ‘tummy-control’ fit that’s set to keep any lumps and bumps smooth and hidden away. And shoppers can’t stop raving about it.

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Perfect for the current heatwave or a vacation to sunnier shores, this Santa Monica Swimsuit is the flattering and stylish piece your summer wardrobe may need.

Designed with adjustable and removable straps that offer plenty of styling options and added support for your bust, this swimsuit features a hidden control panel and hidden shelf support to sculpt your curves without leaving your areas of concern on clear display.

With moulded cups for even more comfort and practicality, and a flattering ruching design at the front, this swimsuit promises to leave you feeling safe and secure as you brave the waves this summer.

Retailing for £42, this one piece comes in a huge range of twelve colourways and patterns. Available in sizes 10 to 20, this is one of Pour Moi’s best-selling swimwear for a reason. Currently boasting over 800 reviews, this gem has accumulated plenty of 5-star reviews from shoppers who have fallen in love with this swimming costume.

One thrilled shopper writes: “I bought a size 12, and it fits perfectly. The colours are beautiful, and it is so comfortable. Last year, I had trouble finding swimwear that fit, so I would recommend Pour Moi to anyone looking for the perfect swimwear that makes you feel confident. This swimsuit also has decent coverage on the bum.”

Another satisfied customer raves: “As a modern 60-something apple-shaped woman, this swimsuit is the best-fitting and most flattering swimsuit I’ve ever bought. I’m between a 14 and 16 and decided to buy a size 14. There was no need to return, so I bought another!”

Further praise comes from this buyer who beams: “I love the leopard print. The tummy control gives me a great shape as well as hidden support. The detachable straps are a bonus and ideal for sunbathing without strap marks. I am really looking forward to wearing it on my holiday.”

And a fourth chimes in: “Nicer than the uber-costly makes! I need the structure of a properly designed swimsuit now and this one is perfect. The colours are vibrant and the design is glamourous flowery rather than Old Lady. It fits well and is comfortable. My last Pour Moi swimwear has lasted a few years even though I am a “proper” swimmer not just a sunbather. I think I won’t waste time looking at other brands.”

Nicola Peltz and Brooklyn Beckham married in 2022 and rumours have emerged of a feud between the pair and their in-laws – particularly after snubbing David Beckham’s birthday

The real reason for the “relationship fracture” between Victoria and David Beckham and Nicola Peltz has been revealed. Rumours have swirled since 2022 that the trio haven’t seen eye to eye since Nicola tied the knot with son Brooklyn three years ago.

It comes as Nicola’s friends have made claims what the real reasons for the fallout are. A pal has suggested that there is “emotional abuse and toxic behaviour” between the family which is why the four are unable to get along. However, David and Victoria reject the claims and are outraged by the suggestions.

A source close to the Beckhams said: “I don’t think anyone who has ever seen David and Victoria with their children would recognise this deeply unpleasant attack. It doesn’t even warrant a response it’s so ludicrous and patently untrue.”A second source told The Mirror that the couple have been left “open mouthed” after hearing the suggestions.

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Nicola’s friend had earlier said: “We are at this point because Nicola, an outsider coming into the Beckham family, has been able to help Brooklyn see the emotional abuse and toxic behaviour within his family, that it’s not healthy and it’s not normal and it’s not ok.”

But an acquaintance of the Beckhams said that Nicola’s friends were “pumping out untruths” as they added: “You wouldn’t expect this of your worst enemy, let alone close family members. The whole thing beggars belief.”

It has been said that the “relationship fracture” first began when Brooklyn and Nicola tied the knot back in 2022. The pair married at her £76 million family mansion in Palm Beach, Florida.

“Nicola was very stressed out and quite difficult to be around and at the time everyone put it down to wedding nerves, and gave her the benefit of the doubt,” the source said. “But looking back it was the beginning of the relationship fracturing.”

Victoria and Nicola reportedly butted heads when it came to who was going to design her wedding gown. It was assumed that, being a fashion designer, Victoria would take the reigns but instead Nicola ended up wearing a Valentino dress instead.

Sources claimed that Victoria offered to take up the job but then avoided calls with stylist Leslie Fremar before eventually texting Nicola that she couldn’t do it. Despite the feud, it has been said that all parties have been left disappointed by the situation.

It’s unknown whether a reconciliation could be on the cards but a source said that there was “no anger but just a deep sense of sorrow about how things have turned out.”

It’s been three decades since That’s Life! was on our TV screens, but the Esther Rantzen-fronted show is still fondly remembered by many – what became of its many stars?

That’s Life! was a TV institution – one of the biggest shows of its time, regularly watched by more than 20 million viewers. A bizarre mix of campaigning consumer affairs, rudely-shaped garden vegetables and a dog who could say “sausages”, it was launched in 1973 and ran for 21 years, until it was eventually axed in 1994.

At the helm was the indomitable Esther Rantzen, later made a Dame, who presented alongside a string of co-hosts including Gavin Campbell, Doc Cox, Joanna Monro, Chris Serle and Howard Leader.

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Memorable moments from the show pervaded everyday life, with singer Allison Jordan winning a search for a star competition in an early precursor to The X Factor, even being awarded a recording contract with Simon Cowell. A campaign against child abuse also led to Esther famously establishing the helpline Childline, while a weekly jobsworth hat was awarded to officious members of the public who enforced seemingly-pointless rules because it was ‘more than their job was worth not to.’

Add into the mix the carrots that looked like penises, or parsnips resembling vaginas, and a dog who famously – and not particularly coherently – said the word ‘sausages’, and you have some idea of why the studio audience was either in hysterics or floods of tears during each week’s episode.

“Our clout came from the size of our audience,” Esther told The Guardian, “which meant that decision-makers, even prime ministers, knew we were watched by the people they answered to. It helped that Sunday night was the evening MPs were most likely to watch TV.”

But what became of That’s Life!’s many presenters? Mirror takes a look at the lives and careers of some of its best-loved faces….

Esther Rantzen

Esther, now 84, devised the show alongside two other co-creators. Sadly, in January 2023 she revealed she has lung cancer and later said she wanted to die at Swiss clinic Dignitas, while campaigning for assisted dying.

However, in March this year her daughter Rebecca Wilcox said Esther was now too unwell to travel to Switzerland for the death she wanted, and that her mum’s life-preserving drugs were no longer working.

Speaking of her proudest achievements in life, Esther said: “Childline has made such a difference to millions of children. So has the Silver Line Helpline for isolated and vulnerable older people. And I’m delighted that people are still moved and inspired by the moment on That’s Life! when we introduced Sir Nicholas Winton to the children he saved from the Holocaust. I consider myself so lucky to have been in the right place at the right time with the right brilliant teams.”

READ MORE: Esther Rantzen’s husband whispered final two-word statement to her before dying

Joanna Monro

Actress Joanna, 69, was on That’s Life! for just two years – from 1982 to 1984. She went on to become a theatre star, playing the part of Rosie in the ABBA musical Mamma Mia, spending five years in the show in London’s West End, as well as on tour. She is married to Granville Saxton, best known for playing a Death Eater in the Harry Potter franchise.

Doc Cox

Doc, 78, started on That’s Life! as the show’s warm-up man for 10 years, before switching to a role in front of the cameras, remembering: “Someone didn’t turn up for one of the auditions or something, and I was sort of pushed in”.

He’s also known by the stage name Ivor Biggun and has released four albums of humorous, smutty songs. One of his singles was NME’s single of the week in the late 1970s and reached No 22 in the UK charts.

Bill Buckley

Bill, 66, presented the show from 1982 to 1985, having been chosen from a list of thousands while he was working as a newspaper reporter. He went on to appear on the BBC’s Holiday programme as well as gameshows including Blankety Blank, Call My Bluff and All Star Secrets. When Channel 5 launched in 1997, he was a senior continuity announcer for more than five years and became a presenter on local radio.

Bill has also spoken out about his struggle with ‘moobs’ – a condition called gynacomastia – where men develop female-type breasts even if they are not overweight or out of condition. He said: “I suffered from this until I had my moobs removed at the age of 40 and am always looking for opportunities to ‘bang the drum’ about corrective surgery.”

Howard Leader

Howard appeared on TV in shows including the popular sitcom ‘Allo ‘Allo before joining That’s Life! for it’s final five years before it was axed. He went on to present for BBC local radio, including BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

Gavin Campbell

Gavin, 79, presented the show from 1982 until its end in 1994, having previously appeared in the film adaptation of TV show On The Buses. In the 1997 general election, he presented a video for Referendum Party, supporting the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union.

Since 2003, he has been part of a company that imports wine, having retired from showbiz.

Chris Serle

Chris sadly died in September last year, at the age of 81, as the BBC paid tribute to a “familiar and cherished figure on British television screens throughout the 1970s and 1980s”. His broadcasting journey included stints presenting In at the Deep End and Points of View for the corporation. He was also at the helm of Radio 4’s Pick of the Week from 1981 to 1988, and entertained listeners on his long-running afternoon show on BBC Radio Bristol.

Chris’s list of prominent shows further includes Windmill, treasured for revisiting archived BBC clips of hit series such as Blue Peter and Doctor Who. He was seen in The Computer Programme, which aired in 1982, and later in Monkey Business.

Adrian Mills

Adrian, 68, appeared on the show for seven years, until 1984. He later went on to be a location reporter on Cilla Black’s dating show Surprise, Surprise and became the face of the BBC’s daytime TV schedule.

He also presented a series of podcasts, reuniting with Esther Rantzen, called That’s Afterlife. He is currently the consumer expert on TalkTV and is the co-owner of Thai Tho, a Thai restaurant located in Wimbledon, London, awarded the Open Table Diners’ Choice Award in 2024.

Mollie Sugden

Actress Mollie, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 86, was best known for starring in the beloved TV sitcom Are You Being Served? She also famously appeared in other shows including Coronation Street, The Liver Birds, That’s My Boy and even Little Britain, alongside David Walliams and Matt Lucas.

But many TV fans don’t know that Mollie also had her own slot on That’s Life!, with a 23-week stint in 1986.

Mollie died of unspecified heart failure – her final appearance in public coming at the funeral of her Are You Being Served? co-star Wendy Richard, also known for playing Pauline Fowler on EastEnders, just a few months earlier.

Simon Fanshawe

Simon won the Perrier Comedy Award in 1989 and joined That’s Life! in 1990. After leaving the series he went on to become a co-founder of the LGBT charity Stonewall and still presents on TV. The 68 year old lives in Brighton with his husband.

Cyril Fletcher

Cyril was an English comedian, broadcaster and panto star, amongst other things – and brought his ‘Odd Odes’ to That’s Life! in 1973, also reading humorous cuttings and getting involved in the campaigning journalism of the show, staying until 1981.

He died in his sleep in January 2005 at the age of 91, after a short illness, with his wife passing away less than seven months later.

Maev Alexander

Maev is a Scottish television and stage actress known for her roles in The Gentle Touch, Sutherland’s Law, Holding The Fort and The New Avengers. She joined the That’s Life! presenting team for several years, before going on to star in a romantic thriller alongside Guy Pearce and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

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EXCLUSIVE: A music producer who worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Johnny Mathis and Billy Ray Cyrus, has claimed Billy Joel has an ‘adamant’ opinion on his next move

Billy Joel has had a prestigious career spanning over five decades, and one man who previously worked with him has claimed to know his next move.

While the Piano Man singer, 75, continues to tour and showcase his iconic tunes, pal and fellow musician Fred Mollin isn’t so sure he’ll be releasing any new tunes. Billy last released a new song, titled Turn the Lights Back On, on February 1, 2024. The track was his first new single since Christmas in Fallujah in 2007.

But Fred, who co-produced Just Across the River with fellow Long Islander Billy, is convinced that will be his last.

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Fred adamantly said: “He does not want to make another record.” He then added: “If he did, I might get the call, but he’s adamant he’ll never make another record.

“He doesn’t write songs anymore. He writes musical pieces, he doesn’t write songs anymore.”

He also explained how their bond began with their South Shore of Long Island connection. “He’s a hometown hero to me and I’ve always loved his music,” Fred said. “I was absolutely his biggest fan when his first albums came out and years later I was doing a duets album for Jimmy Webb.

“I decided to do a duet of Wichita Lineman. I remember Jimmy saying it was Billy’s favourite song and I said we’d have to do it with him and he said ‘I’m there’. We got along famously,” Fred added.

Fred was speaking ahead of the release of his new book titled Unplugged in which he opens up on his career spanning over five decades. His biggest hit comes in the form of his co-production of Dan Hill’s Sometimes When We Touch, and as well as working with Billy, Fred has worked alongside other huge stars such as Johnny Mathis, Kris Kristofferson and Billy Ray Cyrus.

The Grammy nominated star has also been a part of the music set up for huge television and movie productions, including the Friday 13th series and Beverly Hills 90210.

However, it was him time working with Disney on their popular Disney Lullaby albums that he is especially proud of. “I love doing music for children,” he gushed.

“It makes me happy, and I know it does some good. We had an idea to use Disney songs and other songs and make instrumental versions to put the baby to bed.

“I have to tell you, it is probably one of the most successful records I’ve ever done. It’s been out since 1999 and it’s gone gold. It’s also heading towards platinum and the streaming numbers are off the charts.

He has since done another six similar albums and he added: “You know, it really has become this beautiful gift that I’ve been able to give. On some levels, I feel it’s a beautiful gift to put a child to sleep and to calm down a child. I’m so proud of all of it. I really think it does good.”

Fred added: “The one thing I have to tell you is that me daughter is 38 and she has two kids of her own and she puts them to sleep with my lullaby albums, which I think is delightful.

“However, her lullaby music when she was five or four, because her bedroom was directly above my basement studio when I was doing Friday 13th part seven, part eight. You name it, I was doing all these horror music that she heard as lullabies. She never had a problem with it I guess.

“When I did the first lullaby album she must have been about 15 and she listened to it and just said ‘good timing, dad.”