Category Entertainment News

Sheridan Smith has taken on a new role that claimed was her toughest yet as she played real-life hero Ann Ming who battled to put her daughter’s killer behind bars

Sheridan Smith has admitted that a traumatic childhood memory helped her to take on one of the most challenging roles of her career. The actress has opened up about her new project, I Fought the Law, as she claimed it was “the hardest job I have done” and left her “bawling her eyes out.”

Sheridan, 44, has also confessed that she is “sober for real” while discussing her addiction battle. Speaking in a new interview, Sheridan talks about her role, telling the real-life story of Ann Ming, who spent 15 years campaigning for the UK’s 800-year-old ‘double jeopardy’ law to be overturned following the murder of her daughter Julie Hogg.

Sheridan said that she would draw on her own experience to fulfil the role. She told The Guardian, “I’d remember the night my brother died and my mum screaming, so I’d tap into that. Now, as a mum, I imagine what if something happened to your child.”

Sheridan’s brother Julian died of cancer when he was 18, and Sheridan was just eight years old. She said playing Ann “took it out of her” and made her think about the kind of roles she will take in the future.

She explained, “I have to always remember that the real-life characters have actually gone through this, but I think a little bit of each character stays in me.” Sheridan then addressed her sobriety saying: “I was always going back and forth between drinking and sobriety. But this time I feel it’s for real.”

Ann Ming’s daughter Julie was murdered by William ‘Billy’ Dunlop, but jurors failed to find him guilty twice, which meant he couldn’t be tried again legally. But Ann and her husband Charles – who sadly passed away in 2013 – did not give up and kept campaigning until they got the law amended.

Billy is now serving a life sentence after the brutal murder of Julie, who was just 22 when she died and a mother to a three-year-old, Kevin. Julie’s body was found 80 days after Billy murdered her, concealed underneath the bath in the bathroom of her home.

Police officers and forensics teams had carried out extensive searches of her home but failed to find the body, which was eventually discovered by her family as they investigated a smell. Billy had strangled and sexually mutilated Julie.

Ann said, “My daughter’s killer was wrongfully acquitted, and a number of years later confessed to her murder, for which he could only be prosecuted for perjury due to the 800-year-old Double Jeopardy Law. I wasn’t going to let this stand in my way of getting justice for Julie. I’m overwhelmed that Sheridan Smith will be playing me.

“Having such an iconic and talented actress portray me is truly wonderful.”

Speaking about the role, Sheridan said, “I am so honoured to have been asked to play the role of Ann Ming, a mother so determined to fight for justice for her murdered daughter that she spent 15 years campaigning for the Double Jeopardy Law to be changed.

“She is a truly courageous and remarkable woman to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude.”

EXCLUSIVE: Gemma Collins’ plan for ‘mystical’ wedding to her fiancé Rami Hawash are on hold as she makes blunt admission – and spills the beans on her life as a stepmum

She’s the reality TV star who doesn’t hold back, and now Gemma Collins has spilled all on her future wedding plans (involving a certain pair of Irish twins), her weight loss journey and a summer spent on stepmum duties.

A proud oversharer, the TOWIE icon is in the midst of preparing for her big day, but things aren’t quite following the schedule. So much so, Gemma admitted to us she is even considering leaving it all to the last minute. Her excitement at walking down the aisle hasn’t dwindled four years since her second engagement to fiancé Rami Hawash, who she met in 2011.

As she opens up on her rather unusual wedding theme, the Mirror sits down with 44-year-old Gemma to find out more… It comes after one TV star admitted she sleeps in separate bed to partner as she fumes over pregnancy.

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Hi, Gemma! You recently tricked fans by saying you’ll marry on ice in a nod to your iconic time on Dancing On Ice. How did that go down?

People loved it. I’ve always been an oversharer. I love to spill the coffee. I just think everyone’s just not been saying much and keeping it in. We all need to overshare more. Everyone’s so reserved. So everyone loved it. It was like they were getting the scoop. And it’s gonna be so much fun when people finally realise that I’m not getting married on ice.

How are those wedding plans going?

It’s going really well but, if I’m honest, I haven’t actually done anything about it yet because I’ve had just the craziest of times recently. It’s been nonstop. But I’m sure Jedward are gonna get up and sing. I’ve not decided where it’s gonna be.

I mean, after Jeff Bezos’ wedding, I’ve sure as hell got to try and top that one, haven’t I? I had my friend DJ Fat Tony’s wedding this year and that was just so beautiful, it was just so right. They obviously put a lot of planning into it, but their day was beautiful. I am very last minute so, knowing me, I’ll probably decide two weeks before.

So will it be next year?

Absolutely it will be 2026. I spoke to my astrologer and that is the year to get married.

Are there any unusual plans you would actually include in your big day?

“I’d like it very mythical, actually. I’d like fairies. I’m obsessed with Maleficent , you know the movie? So I’d like a woodland setting, I think. Very like boho but magical.

You’ve said that Jedward could have a special role – is that still on the table?

Absolutely. They will be singing. They’ll definitely have a major role in the big day. They could be mythical creatures. I love them to death, the boys.

What have you enjoyed most about wedding planning so far?

That’s the thing, I haven’t pulled my finger out and done one bloody single thing. So I’m literally at the very, very beginning. All I know is I want it mythical with mythical creatures.

Have you got your guest list sorted?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

You have been open about your weight loss journey. How is everything going?

There was a spanner in the works, because I got pneumonia, so it slowed down a bit. I’m just constantly on that vibe of positivity and loving yourself, and just taking it slow, really. There’s no rush there.

You’ve said your weight loss has been life-changing – in what ways?

I think it’s just really lovely to walk into a shop and to be able to buy outfits and they fit. I have gone from a size 26 back to a 20. I make sure I can enjoy my summer. We all relax a bit more in the summer but then – boom – straight back on it again.

How have you been since your bout of pneumonia?

It was terrible, but I’ve just suddenly, in the last couple of weeks, been back to normal. But it really takes it out of you. I’m fine now, so I can get about a bit more, and I’ve been walking a lot more. Everything’s on the up now, honey.

Can we expect you back on our screens any time soon?

Do you know what? Watch this space.

So can you tell us what you’ve been up to over the summer months?

I’ve been a busy stepmum because, obviously, I’ve got Tristan now [fiancé Rami’s seven-year-old son]. I don’t share him too much on socials, because I respect his privacy but we’ve had him, so that’s been lovely. We’ve been just doing normal, kiddy-friendly things. I spent more time in Jump Street [children’s trampoline park] than I’ve had hot dinners. I’ve been on the PlayStation – you name it, I’ve been doing it: parks, doggy walks.

I wish I could say to you, I’m sat in Mykonos drinking a Piña Colada, but I’m not. I have been busy doing stepmother duties but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve loved it.

Sky Mobile Oversharing Ambassador Gemma Collins encourages the nation to share more as Sky Mobile lets you share unused data with friends and family on your plan

* Follow Mirror Celebs on Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

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Next’s knit cardigan has been described as ‘timeless’ and comes in ‘beautiful autumnal colours’ that are perfect for transitioning into cooler weather

With September drawing in closer and closer to us, Next has launched a new cardigan that’s perfect for chilly summer evenings and the transition into autumn.

Our team of shopping experts are impressed by the ‘gorgeous autumnal shades’ of the Threadbare Crew Neck Structured Knitted Cardigan – available in brown, black, red and green.

Offered in sizes eight to 18, the £25 cardigan can be machine-washed and is crafted from a blend of 54% viscose, 28% polyester and 18% nylon.

The cardigan features a ribbed crew neckline, long sleeves with ribbed cuffs, and a structured waist with a ribbed hem for a flattering fit that pairs great with jeans, skirts and even over dresses.

It’s the perfect piece to layer over summer outfits during chilly evenings, as well as wear under autumnal coats and jackets when the weather starts to get colder.

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For a more budget-friendly alternative, Marks and Spencer stocks a Crew Neck Button Front Cardigan for £19.50 in six shades, including raspberry, red, black, and pink.

For those seeking pure indulgence, Boden offers the Eva Cashmere Crew Cardigan, priced at £139. It has nine colour options and an impressive 4.5-star rating from over 220 customers, reports Birmingham Live.

As it’s recently launched, the Next cardigan has received just three reviews so far, with one shopper commenting: “Feels soft and good quality. Thicker and warmer than I expected so have not worn it yet.”

Another customer remarked: “Nice cardigan, more suitable for colder weather, well made, reasonable price.”

However, one buyer was let down: “I thought the cardigan was really nice and fitted well, but did return, as the green colour was not for me in the end.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced a new deal with Netflix – but one royal expert believes the announcement was very telling about their future directions

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new Netflix deal underlines a major decision by the couple, according to a royal expert.

The Sussexes have revealed they have signed a new “multi-year, first look deal for film and television projects”. The pair’s new deal means Netflix will have the first option on their new projects.

Five years ago, Harry and Meghan secured a lucrative contract, thought to be worth more than 100 million dollars (£74 million), with Netflix after quitting as senior working royals in 2020 – but this new extension is seen as a downgrade on their previous exclusive rights deal and is believed to be worth a lot less.

As the deal was announced, Meghan was quoted as saying how she and Harry were proud to be extending their partnership with the platform. And just hours later, the trailer for Meghan’s upcoming second series of With Love, Meghan lifestyle show dropped.

And former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond says it is telling that there is “scant mention of Harry” int he announcement. She told the Mirror : “It seems clear that this deal is very much Meghan‘s project.

“It seems he may have played some part in the production of a documentary about a Ugandan orphanage, but it is Meghan who will be on screen presenting her lifestyle shows.

“I think this underlines that the couple has decided that Meghan is really the TV personality, and Harry is more comfortable continuing his charity work. And I think that’s the right balance for them.”

It comes after the couple’s controversial docuseries, Harry & Meghan, in which they were highly critical of the Royal Family, has been among the streaming platform’s most-watched documentary of all time with 23.4 million views.

However, other projects, such as Harry’s series on Polo, have failed to bring in anywhere near the same viewers.

Meghan’s latest project, her cookery and lifestyle show With Love, Meghan, released in March, failed to break into the top 300 most-watched shows on the streaming platform in the first six months of 2025 and was also panned by many critics.

And Jennie added: “As I understand it, first look deals like this are not unusual in Hollywood. Arrangements like this usually come with a certain amount of financial investment in the company. And that’s good news for Archewell.

“The fact that Harry and Meghan have got any kind of new deal with Netflix really is one in the eye to everyone who said their contract was done and dusted.

“Netflix has publicly hailed them as ‘influential voices’ -nd it’s hard to argue with that. Whatever they do and say is widely reported on both sides of the Atlantic.

“So I say well done to the two of them. They’ve shown that they still hold sway in Hollywood, and they’ve done what so many people said they couldn’t: they’ve kept their link to Netflix alive and well and – to whatever extent – lucrative.”

Rylan Clark has given fans a glimpse inside his luxurious Essex mansion, which he has decorated to be his ‘sanctuary’ – and it’s quite the transformation

Beloved televisoin and radio host Rylan Clark has discussed what drove him to completely transform the interior of his stunning Essex mansion.

The ex-X Factor contestant revealed in October 2023 that after settling into the property where he records Celebrity Gogglebox with his mum Linda, he ultimately chose to make the décor feel less stark.

Speaking to House Beautiful, he disclosed that the decision came after experiencing a significant life shift.

Rylan, 36, shared: “This is the second house I’ve designed. In my first house, everything was white, everything grey, with just one colour in every room. When I built this house though, I put in polished concrete floors, everything was cool white, that was seen as ultra-modern.

“But then when I went through a bit of a life change, I thought f*** this, and went from cool white to warm white, silver to gold, greens… it’s all a lot warmer now.”

This isn’t the first time Rylan, who also presents on BBC Radio 2, has discussed the inner workings of his residence.

The Eurovision host additionally shared snapshots of his home on Instagram earlier this year, offering followers a glimpse into his personal haven.

The former Celebrity Big Brother presenter spoke about his diary room modelled on the reality programme, and subtle design elements that allowed him to personalise the space.

He penned: “We all know how much I’m obsessed by Big Brother and I have nothing better to do with my time so I built a diary room.

“It’s quite like the diary room as well – which is exciting. Some people sell stuff on eBay from Big Brother – fair enough things are being thrown away but I think it’s naughty. They should put it in a museum or something.”

While Rylan is justifiably pleased with his home, he has captured the hearts of countless admirers this year through his candid conversations about welcoming someone into both his home and his heart, following the end of his marriage to former husband Dan Neal in 2021.

This month, he confessed he had hit “rock bottom” when his six-year marriage ended.

On his How To Be In Love podcast, he revealed: “I can safely say at this point that I have been to rock bottom, whatever you want to call it, and I know I’m never going to let myself go back there. But what that has equally done for me is make me cautious.

Great British Bake Off star Laura Adlington has shared her feelings with fans on social media after admitting to finding one aspect of her pregnancy especially difficult

The Great British Bake Off star Laura Adlington has been sharing further updates on her pregnancy on social media. The TV personality has admitted to finding the shape of her growing baby bump a bit unusual as she described how it has her feeling “really bothered.”

Laura, 36, took to Instagram to update her followers as she admitted feeling a little dismayed over the matter. She shared on the social media platform, “I’ll be honest, I’ve been struggling a little bit the last couple of months of not having the perfect bump like all the girls on Pinterest. So I have, and have always had, a B shaped belly.”

Laura then lifted up her striped maxi dress to show her followers what she was talking about as she indicated that the lower half of her stomach had become “much firmer”, but there was still a very visible “B shape” with a notably softer bit at the bottom.

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Laura continued, “I’d be lying if I said it didn’t really bother me sometimes, but I’m trying to be kind to myself and remind myself that my body is doing amazing things and it’s okay for it to look like my body while it’s doing them.

“I’m also trying to remind myself that just as all bodies are good bodies, as I’ve been bleating on about for years, all bumps are good bumps.”

She then wrote in the caption, “Being pregnant can sometimes feel great and sometimes utterly BLEURGHH, but it ALWAYS feels like a privilege. Please don’t think I’m complaining as I’m not. Just being honest about navigating my body changing and growing.”

She sent a message of support to others in the same situation as she concluded, “Hope this helps anyone in the same boat.”

Fans rushed to comment on the post and heap praise on her as they reminded her that she “looks fab” and should just enjoy her pregnant body while she has it.

One fan shared, “I didn’t think my bump was cute and did not take a single picture,” as they added, “Now that my sweet girl is here I so wish I had documented her in my belly.Take the pics – all bumps are cute bumps!”

A second commented, “I’ve never heard the term ‘B shaped’ before but that’s what I have!!” A third social media user posted, “More pronounced now due to menopause weight hitting above my waistline. Thank you for helping me give a name to my shape!”

A fourth wrote, “As a fellow B Belly, who had the very same feelings when I was pregnant, I say yes to all of this. You’re doing amazingly well and your body is rocking it!”

A fifth said, “My son (now a strapping 15 year old) is my only child and I still deeply regret not taking photos of my pregnancy because I hated my body so much. You are amazing and defying all odds to create a new human. Thank you for sharing.”