Category Entertainment News

David Beckham’s former publicist Alan Edwards writes for the Mirror to mark David Beckham’s milestone 50th birthday as he remembers bonding over chinese takeaways, his love of Usher and the star’s acts of generosity

As Becks turns 50 on Friday, his former publicist Alan Edwards – the man who helped invent Brand Beckham – opens up about his memories working with the footballer and watching him evolve into the global superstar he is today. Writing for the Mirror, he remembers meeting a 19-year-old David, who had just returned to Manchester United from being on loan at Preston North End. And he was by his side as his profile soared including meeting now-wife Victoria Beckham and his infamous World Cup sending off.

“The first time I remember meeting David it was in Manchester, and I went back to his digs afterwards. It was a one up – one down house, nothing flash at all. I wasn’t sure what we were going to talk about, I’d met a few footballers before, and they always seemed to talk about which car they wanted or what nightclub they wanted to get into.

I immediately sensed David was different, he started to talk about his vision for football. He went on to say how much he hated racism and then talked about how he thought football would develop in America and the development of Women’s soccer. It was quite mesmerising really. It was as if he could see into the future, I was absolutely astonished and started scribbling notes on a bit of paper.

As I got the train back from Piccadilly station to Euston, I reflected on how I instinctively knew I had been in the presence of greatness. It’s not something that happens often, but he was clearly destined for incredible things.

Behind the scenes, David was always very friendly and he was absolutely devoted to his family but there were no airs and graces about him. I remember having Chinese takeaways around David and Victoria’s house and we’d have impromptu meetings sometimes on a Friday night. Contrary to myth there was no carefully crafted and designed at a marketing company. It really was all very natural and organic.

David could also be very generous, once I was down with him at the BBC studios and he was trying on some jackets and he asked me to try on one of them just to see if the size would fit. I didn’t really think anything of it but about a week later he turned up in the office with a lovely pinstripe suit that he’d had made for me. It was typical of David and not only had he surprised me with a lovely gift, he’d actually hand delivered it himself.

I’m not going to claim credit for being the person behind brand Beckham but I was certainly there in the beginning and it was so exciting to be around David and Victoria. Really it was a hoot, we had great fun.

But both of them were extraordinarily hardworking and in their own way were very ambitious. David and Victoria were so big at the time, Victoria was part of the Spice Girls which was the biggest thing since the Beatles and David was fast becoming a global superstar. The combination made them the hottest thing on the planet.

We were once contacted by Buckingham Palace who had a problem with the amount of letters they were getting for David and Victoria. [The couple lived in a mansion dubbed Beckingham Palace]. They were already global royalty. New opportunities and adventures were opening up on a daily basis.

I didn’t really have any preconceptions about David as he was still very early in his career and had just broken into the Man United team. I had by that point seen his incredible goal from the half way line against Wimbledon and so I knew he was quite a special talent.

Victoria was clearly an integral part of everything that happened with David, she was there encouraging and supporting him and of course at that point initially Victoria was a bigger star than he was.

After the whole World Cup saga, in which David was treated so unfairly I remember going out to see the Spice Girls in New York they were playing the legendary Madison Square Gardens and as I was walking down 42nd Street, I bumped into David who was looking for a ticket to get into the show, incredibly! Of course we whisked him straight in. But people there didn’t give him a second look, obviously all that changed afterwards.

I think the sending off of the World Cup was the most terrible thing, it wouldn’t happen now, but he was absolutely pillorised for an innocuous flick of the foot which wouldn’t normally have got a player sent off. Somehow he carried the can of everything that was happening with England and some of the reporting was disgraceful. The attacks on him were way beyond the pale. His first game of the new football season after the world cup was away at West Ham and he had to endure all kinds of taunts and abuse but he came through it with flying colours as he always did.

I think the secret of his success is that he’s kept his feet on the ground. Underneath it all he’s a very natural, normal person but his work ethic is unbelievable, he never takes his foot off the gas, always looking to create new opportunities and is very entrepreneurial.

There were so many highlights working with David, my enduring memory really of it all was it was such a fun ride. I remember when it all came to an end and I ceased to represent David I was very upset. Two or three weeks later the phone rang in the middle of the night. It was David calling from Japan just to ask me if I was okay and how I was doing. I was so touched by that, it was very classy and said a lot about him as a human being.

I’m not surprised to see that David is still relevant, pushing new boundaries. I remember with music he wasn’t going to be listening to Westlife or something safe like a lot of footballers at the time, he always wanted to know about new stuff coming out of America. For instance I remember he knew all of Tupac’s lyrics by heart. I introduced him to an unknown teenage singer called Usher and they hit it off straight away and saw in each other that they were both special talents. David knew everything that was happening in music. So he’s always kept one step ahead, and of course he’s still a super handsome guy which helps! I’m sure there’ll be many more interesting chapters in his future.”

Alan is the founder of the Outside Organisation

Following the tragic death of his wife when a car struck a crowd of festivalgoers, a British actor bravely spoke out. Jenifer Darbellay, 50, was the subject of Noel Johansen’s obscene remarks at a Vancouver, Canada, vigil.

Audi SUV struck the Filipino heritage festival crowds. Difficult to many people were hurt and eleven were killed.

On Saturday night, near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, the horror broke out at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, Canada.

Noel, who has appeared in Psych, Supernatural, Fargo, and The Good Doctor, also had injuries along with his daughter Darby, who is also seven years old. Ford Ford, Ford’s son, and Ford’s son, Ford, both attended the festival.

He was using crutches as he observed the vigil on Monday. He told the audience, “What you see here is an injury that doesn’t matter because what’s inside my heart is broken.”

“Because my wife passed away behind me during the incident.” She never made a self-congratulation. She never considered herself to be that big of a person.

And I can assure you that anyone who knows her, she was larger than life. So don’t be a “little guy,” instead of a “big guy,” and instead reach out and reach out with everything you have. Also, remember that we all went through this.

Noel is best known for his roles in Hallmark films like Roux the Day: A Gourmet Detective Mystery, Chesapeake Shores, All That Glitters, When Calls the Heart, Chesapeake Shores, Harvest Love, and Garage Sale Mystery: All That Glitters.

His friend and business partner have created a GoFundMe page to raise money for the family. I’m literally shocked as I write this, but I want to do something for Noel and his two kids, Ford, 15, and Darby, 7, Daingerfield said.

Noel is going through an incredibly difficult time, and moving forward with his life will seem impossible.

“Jean was extraordinary. She was a very thoughtful, warm, caring, smart, stylish, and artistic woman. a talented artist, devoted wife, and selfless mother. She had the sweetest voice, was there without judgement, and always gave the best hugs.

She gave her time volunteering on the PAC committee at Darby’s school, Sir Alexander Mackenzie, to make it special to me and my family (her husband and kids).

Nine women and two men, ages between five and 65, were among the victims. The Lapu-Lapu festival was being celebrated by up to 100 000 revelers at the time of the attack.

The arrest of a 30-year-old man is not being interpreted as terrorism. Three victims were also in serious condition, while seven were in critical condition.

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Working on Celebrity Bear Hunt with Bear Grylls gave her “some transferable skills” for dealing with fear and “being brave,” Holly Willoughby claimed.

Holly Willoughby has opened up on how working on one particular project taught her “transferable skills” about fear. Earlier this year, the former This Morning presenter suggested that appearing alongside longtime friend Bear Grylls on Netflix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt had been helpful while she navigated life after police foiled a kidnap plot against her.

In October 2023, 44-year-old Holly departed This Morning following 14 years on our screens. Announcing her exit, the TV personality said it had “been an honour” to be a part of the iconic ITV daytime show, though she’d made the decision to leave “for me and my family”.

READ MORE: ‘I’m a forensic psychologist – here’s how Gavin Plumb became obsessed with Holly Willoughby’

Last year Gavin Plumb was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 16 years after being found guilty of plotting to to abduct, rape and murder the TV presenter following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

After a short break from TV, Holly returned to our screens where she hosted the Netflix show Celebrity Bear Hunt earlier this year. Filmed in Costa Rica, the show saw 12 celebrities become prey for Bear Grylls as they put their survival and endurance skills to the test.

Speaking about her time working on the show, Holly previously told The Mirror how she’d returned feeling stronger than before and had learned new life skills from the survival expert. “There were a few moments on this show where I had to dig deep and have a strong word with myself,” she said.

Being brave means using that fear, harnessing it, and doing it anyway, Bear Grylls once said, “At those times, it was nice to have someone like Bear Grylls next to you.” Being in nature allows you to put your thoughts down for a while and be present, which is undoubtedly a transferable skill that he has given me.

In July 2024, ex security guard Gavin Plumb was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of plotting to kidnap, rape and murder Holly. The court heard how the sinister plan had had a ‘life-changing’ impact on the Dancing On Ice presenter, who courageously waived her right to anonymity. The terrifying events will be explored in a new Channel 5 documentary, The Plot To Kill Holly Willoughby, which airs on May 1.

Nicola Rice, a specialist prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Gavin Plumb will remain in prison where he can no longer threaten or harm women.

“There is no doubt Gavin Plumb posed a real danger and the CPS proved that his plans to kidnap, rape and murder Holly Willoughby were more than mere fantasy and he had every intention of encouraging others to help him.

“I hope the sentence of today sends a comfort to the victim, as well as to the victims of his previous crimes,” said the judge, “and sends a clear message that the CPS will always pursue charges of violence against women.”

In a statement Holly said: “As women, we should not be made to feel unsafe going about our daily lives and in our own homes. I will forever be grateful to the undercover police officer who understood the imminent threat and to the Metropolitan and Essex police forces for their swift response.

Thank you to the Crown Prosecution Service, the Honorable Mr. Justice Murray, Alison Morgan KC, the jury, and everyone involved in this case for making sure justice was served and that the defendant won’t be able to harm any more women. I’d like to applaud the bravery of his former victims who spoke up at the time. This conviction might not have been possible without their bravery.

In January 2025, the former This Morning star reflected on her “tough” year and explained that “nothing can prepare you for something like that”. During an interview with The Sunday Times’ Style magazine, Holly in what was her first interview for over a year, said the subject was “really so hard” to discuss.

You have to make a decision when something like that occurs. You can either decide to accept that this has an impact on every aspect of my life, or you can. Or I can make the decision to go and concentrate on everything positive and positive, including all those crucial things, she said.

She also outlined how letting the circumstance take over her life was an option. Although I wouldn’t wish what ever happened to anyone, I believe that sometimes things go wrong because that is all you can do, she continued.

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After discovering that her skin cancer had returned for a second time, comedian Katherine Ryan admitted she feared for her life.

Katherine Ryan was left fearing for her future when she received an unexpected health diagnosis. The comedian, who told fans she had been diagnosed with skin cancer for a second time earlier this year, even asked: “Am I going to die?”

She has long been open with her followers about her health, as she was first diagnosed with stage two melanoma in her 20s, after finding an irregular mole on her leg, which was also removed down the line. Katherine had a cancerous mole removed earlier this year, and has since been sharing more health updates. The TV star, 41, discussed her own medical history after being told she has a medical age of 77.

She made the revelation that she had Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) and had been misdiagnosed with ringworm on her face. It can be a localized or widespread photosensitive skin eruption that lasts for a long time.

If treatment is insufficient, the condition can result in permanent scarring. On the What’s My Age Again program, she claimed, “I was originally diagnosed with ringworm on my face, but it was discoid rash.” Dr. Chris Wincup and Dr. Nicola Conlan make a podcast.

“And leprosy, I pondered leprosy,” I wasn’t actually diagnosed with leprosy, though. It was just a guy sitting on a bench suggesting it to me, sort of.

Katherine and the hosts tested her glycolic age while sharing her health concerns. Blood tests are used to determine a person’s biological age and how to interpret it in terms of chronology.

She retorted, “Nicola, am I going to die?” What are the findings of your analysis positive? The positive is, as the aging expert once said, that knowing something about it means you can do something about it.

It’s not reversible, Katherine responded. My illness is persistent. You and your young northern friends and I won’t be doing any yoga together. I appreciate your constant efforts to offer useful advice, but I just feel like I’m 77.

With the few weeks and months leading up to the test, the comedian admitted: “I thought it was going to be older, to be honest with you.

In March, Katherine underwent a second operation after revealing she has been battling skin cancer after being diagnosed with melanoma.

She shared how she became concerned in 2022 and pushed for answers, stressing that without speaking up, the issue might’ve been missed.

A new mole or a change in an existing mole, as described by the NHS website, could indicate the condition. It is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other body parts.

Katherine explained that because of the constant evolution of her mole, she didn’t accept it at first. She said, “The mole kept changing, I know a lot about melanoma, I had stage two melanoma on my leg, and I’ve already spoken about that in a recent episode of her podcast Telling Everybody Everything.”

She later continued, “But even when he looked at it, he was like, “I will do a shave and send it away for testing,” “It’s not melanoma, it’s totally fine.”

The comic continued, adding that she felt different despite being assured by her doctor that there was nothing to worry about. The doctor was shocked because it doesn’t look like melanoma but it is, Kathy said. “It’s early melanoma.”

Katherine assured her fans that she was out of danger in an update. Not a conflict, though. There isn’t a fight. The conflict is over. She claimed at the time that she had a mole removed. It recovered from an early stage of melanoma, so it’s fine.

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Campaigner Virginia Giuffre, who made headlines last week after accusing Prince Andrew of sexual abuse, which he’s denied, passed away at the age of 41.

Virginia Giuffre was reportedly estranged from her children in the lead up to her death. The news comes after it was announced last week that she’d taken her own life after being a “lifelong victim” of sexual abuse and sex trafficking.

Virginia, who alleged that paedophile Jeffrey Epstein trafficked her for sex at the age of 16, made headlines after accusing Prince Andrew, now 65, of sexually abusing her while she was a teenager. He has repeatedly denied the claims and, in 2022, paid Virginia an undisclosed sum in an out-of-court settlement. It’s been reported that the agreement did not admit liability.

It was announced last week that Virginia, who was living in Australia after relocating from the US, had died aged 41. Her family said that she had taken her own life. Her father, Sky Roberts, has since questioned if that was the case.

Following the news of her death, Daily Mail Australia reported that Virginia – who was separated from her husband Robert Giuffre – had become estranged from her three children. The outlet reported that ‘strict court orders’ meant that her children were not able to visit her during her most recent hospital stay or even text her. It added that Virginia had not seen or heard from them in the lead up to her death.

Virginia’s mother, who is alleged to have been her carer, described her as “a really good mother, she was an exceptional mother, and she loved her children.” She did, of course, find separation to be very difficult to deal with.

As previously reported, a source told MailOnline that Virginia’s life “imploded” in recent months. They said that her marriage “broke down” and that she was in “pain”. The source also claimed that she had been taking prescription pain pills “since she was with Epstein”.

She hasn’t seen her children since her husband placed a restraining order earlier this year, the source continued. She expressed concern for everything that was said about her. However, her main concern was having to watch her children.

Her family last week revealed Virginia’s death. We are saddened by the news that Virginia passed away last night at her farm in Western Australia, according to their statement. After being a continuous victim of sex abuse and trafficking, she committed suicide.

Paying tribute to her, they added in the statement given to NBC News: “Virginia was a fierce warrior in the fight against sexual abuse and sex trafficking. She was the light that lifted so many survivors. In the end, the toll of abuse is so heavy that it became unbearable for Virginia to handle its weight.”

The news came after a post on Virginia’s Instagram account in March stated that she had been given days to live following a car crash. It included a photo that appeared to show extensive bruising whilst she lay in a hospital bed.

No matter what your car is made of, a tin can might as well be it, even though this year has been the worst start to a new year, the caption reads: “I won’t bore anyone with the details, but I think it’s important to note that when a school bus driver comes at you driving 110 kilometers as we were slowing for a turn.

I had kidney renal failure, and they gave me four days to live before moving me to a urology specialist hospital. You know what they say about wishes, but not until I see my babies once more. I can guarantee that it will still be s*** at the end of the day if I have s*** in one hand and wish in the other.

However, Western Australia Police Force told the Mirror that it had received a report of “a minor crash” between a bus and a car north of Perth on March 24. They said in a statement: “The Western Australia Police Force received a report of a minor crash which occurred between a bus and a car in Neergabby on 24 March just after 3pm. The collision was reported by the bus driver the following day. The car sustained approximately $2000 (£967) worth of damage. There were no reported injuries as a result of the crash.”

As previously reported, her brother, Sky Roberts, later clarified the “four days to live” comment, stating that doctors had informed the family that without urgent treatment, her condition could have been fatal. He said: “Let’s be clear, she never stated the bus accident was the cause of all her other injuries. Nobody ever said her liver issues and kidney failure were ever from that … that’s up to her doctor to determine.”

The Samaritans have a free helpline that is available 24/7, accessible at 116 123, for those who are struggling and need to talk. You can also contact Jo at jo@samaritans.org or visit their website to find your local branch.

If you are 18 or under and have experienced this story, call Childline on 0800 1111. The NSPCC Helpline can also be reached by dialing 0808 800 500 or emailing help@nspcc.org. uk. Call 999 if a child is in immediate danger.

Russell Brand, a former comedian and actor, is scheduled to show up in court tomorrow after being charged with rape and sexual assault last month as a result of a police investigation.

Russell Brand has been accused of touching a woman’s breasts and dragging another woman towards a male toilet, according to court documents. The former comedian and actor is due to appear in court on Friday. It comes after he was charged with rape and sexual assault last month. Brand, 49, is charged with a number of alleged crimes dating back to 1999, following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

In September 2023, police began looking into Brand in light of several reports that came out in response to allegations made by a report from Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times. According to The Met, Brand, who is said to reside in the US, has been accused of allegedly committing crimes between 1999 and 2005 against four women.

Last month, it was revealed that Brand had been accused of raping a woman in the London’s Westminster neighborhood in 2001 and of indecently assaulting a woman in the same area.

Additionally, it was disclosed that the actor had been formally accused of sexually assaulting and raping a woman in London’s Westminster neighborhood in 2004.

Details of the charges have been provided in court records. In 2001, Brand is accused of “grabbing her arm and dragging her towards a male toilet” and indecently assaulting a woman.

He is also accused of touching another woman’s breasts without her permission in Westminster, London, in 2004 and sexually assaulting her.

The Crown Prosecution Service’s Jaswant Narwal stated in a statement last month that the Metropolitan Police has authorized Russell Brand to be charged with a number of sexual crimes.

Following a police investigation into allegations made after a Channel 4 documentary was broadcast in September 2023, we carefully examined the evidence.

Russell Brand should be accused of rape, sexual assault, and other indecent assault, according to our analysis. These relate to four women who were allegedly convicted of non-recent crimes between 1999 and 2005.

On Friday, May 2, 2025, he will make his first appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for a hearing. Everybody is reminded by the Crown Prosecution Service that criminal cases are ongoing and that the accused person deserves a fair trial.

“No reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online that could adversely affect these proceedings is extremely important.”

Brand refuted the allegations in a statement that was shared on his social media after the charges were revealed. He continued, “I’ve always told you guys that when I was young and single, before I had my wife and family who are just out of shot over there, my beautiful children, I was a fool, man.”

Before I lived in the light of the Lord, I was a fool, man. I was an imbecile, sex addict, and drug addict, but I never committed rape. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual behavior, but I’m hoping you can see that by looking in my eyes. I want to thank each of you for your ongoing support.

The women who have made reports continue to receive assistance from specially trained officers, according to Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is in charge of the investigation. Anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone with any information, is still at the Met’s investigation and is being asked to come forward and speak with police.

A dedicated team of investigators can be reached via email at CIT@met.police, he continued. uk. Contacting the nonprofit organization Rape Crisis at the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is another option for support.

Through www.you can find help and resources if you have been the victim of sexual assault. rapecrisis . org. Alternatively, call 0808 802 9999 or the national telephone helpline.