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  • Mum-of-two, 30, dies just days after hospital staff make huge paracetamol mistake

    Mum-of-two, 30, dies just days after hospital staff make huge paracetamol mistake

    A mum who weighed just six stone was given “staggered overdoses” of paracetamol by hospital staff – and died from sepsis and multi-organ failure days later.

    Mum-of-two Laura Higginson, from Widnes, Cheshire, was admitted to Whiston Hospital with suspected pneumonia on April 5 2017, and was given the staggered overdoses of paracetamol across a number of days before medics realised their mistake. A month-long inquest heard how the 30-year-old, who was 5ft1 inches tall and weighed 6st, was given doses too high for a woman of her size

    The evidence was unable to determine that the overdoses contributed to Laura’s death from sepsis on April 19, Coroner Simon Holder said. Handing down a narrative conclusion, he said: “On the evidence I have heard, from April 5 to April 7 Laura Higginson was administered excess staggered doses of paracetamol while a patient at Whiston Hospital. It has not been proven, on the balance of probabilities, that this contributed to her death days later.”

    Laura in a hospital bed with a tube in her nose
    Laura was given multiple paracetamol doses which were too high for her weight 
    Image:
    Antony Higginson / SWNS)
    Laura arrived at the hospital on April 5 and she given three 1g doses of paracetamol through an intravenous tube. The same doses were adminstered on April 6, and on April 7 she was given a final 500mg dose before medics realised they had made a mistake and administered an antidote, the Echo reports.

    On April 7, Laura’s condition rapidly deteriorated and she was rushed into ICU, where she was placed in an induced coma the following day. Her condition continued to worsen, and on April 18 her husband Anthony and children Steven, nine, and Evelyn, seven, were called to the hospital to say their goodbyes. She died the following day on April 19 2017, with her cause of death being multi-organ failure with sepsis, cirrhosis and pancreatitis.

    The hospital had admitted administering Laura too much paracetamol but said they immediately gave her an antidote and that it had not caused her death. Mr Holder rejected both the hospital trust’s request for a conclusion of death by natural causes as well as the family’s for neglect.

    He said: “I have heard the (Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS) Trust’s submission that a conclusion of natural causes would be appropriate. That is rejected.Laura and her husband Anthony hug and pose for a picture at a dinner table

    “I also cannot accept the family’s submission that neglect be recorded as a finding. I must explain… that neglect in coronial law is quite different. The definition of neglect in this context means a gross failure to provide adequate nourishment or liquid, or provide or procure basic medical attention or shelter or warmth for someone in a dependent position.

    “I cannot find that the failures by the Trust amounted to a gross failure to provide the basics in medical care. The failures of care do have to be gross, and I don’t find that the failures here – that mistake of administering the paracetamol – amounts to a gross failure.”

    He did not write a regulation 28 report for the prevention of future deaths, as the court heard a number of safeguarding measures were put in place at the hospital since Laura’s death. But he said he would write a letter to the CQC, the independent regulator of health and social care in England, as Laura’s family were not aware of the paracetamol overdose until three months after she had died.

  • Tom Hanks sparks serious concern as fans spot ‘shaking hands’ on Saturday Night Live

    Tom Hanks sparks serious concern as fans spot ‘shaking hands’ on Saturday Night Live

    Fans of film icon Tom Hanks have shared their concerned for the actor’s health after he appeared unable to control his shaking hand during his appearance Saturday Night Live.

    The Forrest Gump legend, 68, joined others stars including Scarlett Johansson, Alec Baldwin, Paul Rudd, and John Mulaney on the programme as for Martin Short‘s induction into the show’s Five-Timers club. But during his monologue, some picked up Tom’s hands trembling as he spoke.

    A clip of the performance was posted on the show’s official Instagram account and it left a number of followers worried for the movie favourite, who revealed his type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2013. One wrote: “Is Tom Hanks’ hand shaking?” while another responded: “I also noticed it!!! And now I am concerned.”

    Tom
    Tom revealed his type 2 diabetes diagnosis more than ten years ago 
    Image:
    Will Heath/NBC via Getty Images)
    A third person recalled when they noticed the issue on British TV. They wrote: “He was on The Graham Norton show a while back and I noticed it there too…” But someone else was quick to make the point: “Considering he’s almost 70! Yeah older people hands tends to shake a little.”

    Mirror Online have contacted Tom’s reps for comments. It comes two years after fans noticed his right hand shaking as he was was promoting Baz Luhrmann’s biopic of Elvis, in which he stars as the singer’s manager. The movie premiere was held in Sydney, Australia, where filming took place.

    Standing on the stage in front of an audience, Tom began: “There is no better place in the world to make a motion picture than right here on the Gold Coast. I’ve shot films in Morocco and Los Angeles and New York City and Seattle and in Berlin,” he continued, while holding the microphone in his right hand.

    “None of them have what the Gold Coast have, and what is that? Two words. None of those other cities have Dan Murphy. What a man, who I got to know quite well.” Tom’s hand was visibly shaking by this point, and he made an attempt for it to stop.

    The actor then placed his left hand underneath the microphone, before trying to switch hands completely. The award-winning Hollywood star concluded: “We had an absolutely magnificent time with you all. “There is something about the people and the place of the Gold Coast that makes everyone walk around with a confident look on their face.”

    In 2020, Tom revealed his “bone-crushing” battle with Covid. The Hollywood great and his wife Rita Wilson recovered from the deadly bug after they were struck down with it in March of that year. Appearing virtually on The Late Show, Tom explained that he experienced “very different” symptoms to his wife despite the pair both testing positive.

    The star said: “We had no idea how it could have happened, where it could have happened.” He added: “Every time I moved around I felt like something was cracking inside me,” he said, before adding that he also experienced “bone-crushing fatigue”. The father-of-four said he “had some body aches and was very fatigued”.

  • Bruce Willis embraces daughter in ultra rare family video after dementia diagnosis

    Bruce Willis embraces daughter in ultra rare family video after dementia diagnosis

    Bruce Willis was filmed giving his daughter Scout a loving embrace in a sweet moment shared on her social media.

    The Die Hard actor, 69, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) which had worsened over time to the point his family said he faced “challenges with communication”. The family has issued regular updates on Willis’ condition, confirming in March 2022 he had been diagnosed with aphasia, a disorder which affects communication abilities. Last year, his daughter Rumer confirmed Willis had received a “more specific” diagnosis of FTD.

    His health concerns led to the star retiring from acting, having appeared in more than 100 films in a illustrious career spanning more four decades. Bruce’s family have been sharing glimpses into their lives, with his children delighting fans with pictures of them bonding with their beloved dad.

    This month, Scout shared a few snaps from her December camera roll and wrote on her Instagram page: “Some December, and a formal announcement that I’m an actor now fyi.” One video showcased Bruce and Scout with their arms wrapped around each other as they hugged in the garden.

    Scout Willis
    She shared a sweet clip of her and her dad, Bruce 
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    Instagram/ @scoutlaruewillis)

    Bruce Willis
    Bruce was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia 
    Image:
    instagram.com/scoutlaruewillis)

    Bruce wore comfortable black trousers and a warm grey sweater while Scout rocked baggy green trousers and a blue long-sleeved shirt. The actor is father to five daughters Rumer, 36, Scout, 32, and Tallulah, 30, with his ex-wife Demi Moore, 61, as well as Mabel Ray, 12, and Evelyn, 10, with wife Emma Heming Willis.

    Earlier this month, The Substance icon Demi shared an update on Bruce’s condition, writing: “Given the givens, he’s in a very stable place at the moment. I’ve shared this before, but I really mean this so sincerely, it’s so important for anybody who’s dealing with this to really meet them where they’re at, and from that place, there is such loving and joy.

    “I mean, obviously it’s very difficult, and it’s not what I would wish upon anyone and there is great loss, but there is also great beauty and gifts that can come out of it.” The Ghost star, who has three daughters with Willis, had spoken to British journalist Christiane Amanpour on US outlet CNN.

    FTD is an umbrella term for a group of dementias which mainly affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for such things as personality, behaviour, language and speech, according to Dementia UK.

  • Only Fools and Horses Musical stars ‘visibly upset’ after vile racist abuse from audience member

    Only Fools and Horses Musical stars ‘visibly upset’ after vile racist abuse from audience member

    The cast of Only Fools And Horses: The Musical were reportedly subjected to vile racist abuse from an audience member.

    It comes as the hit musical took to the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, West London. It’s said members of the cast, including Bradley John and Gloria Acquaah-Harrison, who play lorry driver Denzil Tulser and Mrs Obooko, were targeted by with the disgusting heckling on Friday evening.

    Sources say some of the show’s stars were left “visibly upset” by the incident, which prompted stage show bosses to issue a statement online to condemn the actions. The statement read: “Here at Only Fools and Horses The Musical we always act with respect and kindness towards ourselves and others. We do expect our audiences to do the same.”

    There was reportedly racist abuse at a show of the Only Fools and Horses musical
    There was reportedly racist abuse at a show of the Only Fools and Horses musical 
    Image:
    Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)
    It continued: “Any unkind comments, bullying, discrimination or any form of abuse towards our cast or company members will not be tolerated by the producers or theatres. We expect respect on and off stage.

    “We are committed to working closely with the venue teams to ensure that our cast, company and audiences embrace an environment of respect, inclusivity and safety.”

    A source who witnessed the abuse told the Sun: “It was a rowdy crowd, with everyone in the Christmas spirit. But this idiot spoiled the performance for those in ear shot. Security were unable to identify the culprit and eject them.”

    Katie Paine, Amanda Coutts, Gloria Acquaah-Harrison, Vinnie Jones, Georgina Hagen, and Nicola Munns
    Katie Paine, Amanda Coutts, Gloria Acquaah-Harrison, Vinnie Jones, Georgina Hagen, and Nicola Munns 
    Image:
    Getty Images)
    Another added that “cast members were visibly upset” by what was going on. “They couldn’t believe what they were hearing,” they said.

    The show stars Paul Whitehouse as Grandad, while it has been guest starring Vinnie Jones during it’s three-week run at the venue.

    Last week, Sir David Jason attended the gala performance of the Only Fools and Horses The Musical in London and reminisced about his old friends. The 84-year-old icon, who was best known for his role as Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter on the BBC sitcom between 1981 and 1991 along with a few Christmas specials, said the entire performance was a ‘memory’ for him.

    After the show ended, he said: “It’s very, very good. What I did like about it was so much of the original script was used and they did it so well that sometimes it took me by surprise. The whole show was a memory for me of the whole thing – the script, the characters. It was lovely to see them all and everybody was working so well together, very much like we did.”

    He sighed before confessing he thought he was going to ‘cry’ as he was touched by the entire production. He added: “I’m going to have a boo now. I’m so moved.”

  • EXCLUSIVEVictoria Beckham, 50, shares a cuddle with teenage son Cruz’s girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, as she officially welcomes the singer into the family fold with a pre-Christmas cruise in Miami

    EXCLUSIVEVictoria Beckham, 50, shares a cuddle with teenage son Cruz’s girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, as she officially welcomes the singer into the family fold with a pre-Christmas cruise in Miami

    Cruz Beckham’s girlfriend Jackie Apostel proved she is well and truly in the fold as she prepared to spend the holidays with the family in Miami.

    The Brazilian singer, 29, was seen sharing a hug with Victoria, 50, as she joined the group on their luxury £5million superyacht Seven for a pre-Christmas cruise.

    Jackie, who was first linked to Cruz in April when they both attended Victoria’s Fashion Week show, kept things casual in a black camisole.

    Sartorially in sync, Victoria donned black sportswear and a baseball cap for her time on the yacht.

    Cruz, 19, was also seen on the yacht in an eye-catching green hoodie, while his brother Romeo, 22, donned black hoodie and navy shorts.

    David, 49, completed the group in a grey T-shirt and tan trousers.

    Cruz Beckham's girlfriend Jackie Apostel proved she is well and truly in the fold as she prepared to spend the holidays with the family in Miami
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    Cruz Beckham’s girlfriend Jackie Apostel proved she is well and truly in the fold as she prepared to spend the holidays with the family in Miami

    The Brazilian singer, 29, was seen sharing a hug with Victoria, 50, as she joined the group on their luxury £5million superyacht Seven for a pre-Christmas cruise
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    The Brazilian singer, 29, was seen sharing a hug with Victoria, 50, as she joined the group on their luxury £5million superyacht Seven for a pre-Christmas cruise

    Victoria's son Romeo was also seen on the yacht trip with her family
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    Victoria’s son Romeo was also seen on the yacht trip with her family

    The Beckhams often head stateside in the school holidays to get some sun and be together as a family.

    Their yacht is aptly named Seven, after the former England player’s shirt number. It’s also the middle name of 12-year-old daughter Harper, who is believed to be on the yacht trip but was not seen.

    This year, the Beckhams are shunning their native UK and gathering their loved ones together in the US for a sun-soaked break in the Sunshine State.

    Brooklyn, 25, told The Sunday Times newspaper: ‘The family will all be together in Miami this year, which will be lovely.’

    The aspiring chef went on to reveal what presents he will be buying for his loved ones, saying: ‘Maybe a bottle of wine for my dad, while my brothers are really into clothes and trainers.

    ‘Last year we got [my sister] Harper a travel make-up kit that she still uses, so something along those lines again for her.’

    Brooklyn also revealed he has a Christmas Day tradition which involves buying brand new silk pyjamas and wearing them all day.

    He added: ‘It has become a little tradition for Nicola and me to buy each other really comfy matching silk pyjamas. We’ll normally wear them all day.’

    Jackie and Cruz were seen catching up with Victoria on the cruise
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    Jackie and Cruz were seen catching up with Victoria on the cruise

    The family stopped to enjoy a chat at one of the tables on the deck
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    The family stopped to enjoy a chat at one of the tables on the deck

    The group seemed in good spirits as they caught up with one another
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    The group seemed in good spirits as they caught up with one another

    Cruz looked in good spirits on the outing as he larked around on the deck
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    Cruz looked in good spirits on the outing as he larked around on the deck

    It will be Jackie’s first Christmas with Cruz.

    She was spotted numerous times with the Beckhams during Fashion Week and even wore one of Victoria’s chic dresses to her runway show.

    Following the catwalk presentation, she took to Instagram to gush: ‘The most beautiful show and the most beautiful dress. Congratulations @victoriabeckham.’

    In October, Cruz whisked Jackie on a trip to Florida to spend time with his famous family.

    They were spotted with fashion designer Victoria on a boating trip in Miami.

    The pair also put on a smitten display as they watched Inter Miami play the New England Revolution at the Chase Stadium, in support of his football club owner dad, alongside his sister Harper and Victoria.

    Cruz recently revealed how smitten he is with Jackie, as he shared a tribute to the singer to celebrate her 29th birthday.

    He posted a photo of the brunette beauty waiting to blow out her birthday candles to his Instagram Story.

    ‘Happy Birthday xx I love you,’ he captioned it.

    David, 49, completed the group in a grey T-shirt and tan trousers
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    David, 49, completed the group in a grey T-shirt and tan trousers

    Victoria looked in good spirits as she chatted away with Cruz and Jackie
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    Victoria looked in good spirits as she chatted away with Cruz and Jackie

    Members of the yacht's crew were seen assisting the family on the trip
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    Members of the yacht’s crew were seen assisting the family on the trip

    The Beckhams often head stateside in the school holidays to get some sun and be together as a family
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    The Beckhams often head stateside in the school holidays to get some sun and be together as a family

    Their yacht is aptly named Seven, after the former England player's shirt number. It's also the middle name of 12-year-old daughter Harper
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    Their yacht is aptly named Seven, after the former England player’s shirt number. It’s also the middle name of 12-year-old daughter Harper

    Romeo and Victoria were seen catching up as they looked out at the view
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    Romeo and Victoria were seen catching up as they looked out at the view

    David and Victoria enjoyed a chat on the deck of the superyacht
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    David and Victoria enjoyed a chat on the deck of the superyacht

    Cruz was seen chatting away with the yacht's crew
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    Cruz was seen chatting away with the yacht’s crew

    Victoria embraced Jackie as they soaked up the sunshine on the deck of the yacht
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    Victoria embraced Jackie as they soaked up the sunshine on the deck of the yacht

    Romeo and Victoria were seen chatting away with a member of the yacht crew
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    Romeo and Victoria were seen chatting away with a member of the yacht crew

    The group all seemed in good spirits as they chatted away on the deck of the boat
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    The group all seemed in good spirits as they chatted away on the deck of the boat

    The teen split last year from his ex Tana Holding after a year of dating.

    Cruz was previously in a relationship with Bliss Chapman for 18 months, but they parted ways in March 2022.

    While his older brother Brooklyn is a budding chef and photographer and Romeo has pursued a career in football, Cruz has chosen to get into singing.

    He has been releasing music since 2016 and is now said to be launching a career.

    He has reportedly collaborated with Ed Frewett, known for working with Little Mix and One Direction, and producer Fred Ball, who has collaborated with Beyoncé and Rihanna.

    Cruz is no doubt keen to replicate the success of his parents’ relationship, with the pair celebrating 25 years of marriage earlier this year.

    Brooklyn previously revealed the all important marital advice David gave him after his lavish $3.5 million wedding to Nicola Peltz in April 2022.

    During an appearance on Today with Hoda & Jenna in October, Brooklyn, 25, was promoting his new hot sauce, Cloud23, when he opened up about married life and admitted it’s ‘continued to be the honeymoon stage’ for him and Nicola, 29.

    ‘Oh my God, it’s been the best,’ he said of being a husband, before revealing that his famous father had always advised him to find someone special since he was a young.

    ‘My dad’s always – when I was growing up – was like, “find that person because that’s one of the most important things that someone can do in their life is find that person that you’ll spend the rest of your life with.’”

    Jackie was also seen heading over to David for a hug as he soaked up the sunshine on the deck
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    Jackie was also seen heading over to David for a hug as he soaked up the sunshine on the deck

    The pair seemed in good spirits as they chatted away together
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    The pair seemed in good spirits as they chatted away together

    The duo were making the most of the good weather on the yacht trip
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    The duo were making the most of the good weather on the yacht trip

    Victoria was also seen chatting away with the group on the deck
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    Victoria was also seen chatting away with the group on the deck

    Cruz was seen chatting away with Jackie as they enjoyed a drink on the yacht
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    Cruz was seen chatting away with Jackie as they enjoyed a drink on the yacht

    The pair enjoyed time together as a couples on the family holiday
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    The pair enjoyed time together as a couples on the family holiday

    Victoria and David often spend the holidays Stateside on their superyacht
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    Victoria and David often spend the holidays Stateside on their superyacht

    David seemed deep in thought as he looked out over the sea
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    David seemed deep in thought as he looked out over the sea

    Victoria and David both opted for casual ensembles for their day on the yacht
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    Victoria and David both opted for casual ensembles for their day on the yacht

    The family were spotted arriving at the yacht on a golf buggy
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    The family were spotted arriving at the yacht on a golf buggy

    David took the wheel as the family headed to their trusty superyacht
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    David took the wheel as the family headed to their trusty superyacht

    The group kept a low profile by all wearing baseball caps on the outing
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    The group kept a low profile by all wearing baseball caps on the outing

    When asked if his parents had given him any advice, Brooklyn told Hoda Kotb and her guest co-host Laura Jarrett: ‘My mom and dad love [Nicola] and they get along, which I am so happy about.

    ‘And my dad was like, “take care of her and work hard and just always do romantic things,”‘ he added, before revealing why he decided to take Nicola’s family name.

    ‘I kind of wanted to honor both names and when I decided…

    ‘When we both decided that this was what we wanted to do, I was like, “it would be so cute to have little Peltz Beckhams running around at some point,”‘ referring to having children one day.

    And when Hoda, 60, asked Brooklyn how he knows that Nicola is his person, he replied: ‘I feel like I’ve known her for six years and we were friends before and I feel like when you know, you just know, do you known what I mean?’

    According to reports, Brooklyn and Nicola’s lavish wedding cost $3.5 million and saw the couple say ‘I do’ in Palm Beach, Florida.

    The bride’s parents Nelson and Claudia footed the cost, with the $494 million fortune of Brooklyn’s parents David and Victoria being dwarfed by the estimated $1.6 billion wealth of Nicola’s.

    The couple exchanged vows at her billionaire father Nelson’s $103 million compound in Palm Beach in front of a star-studded crowd that included Eva Longoria and Serena Williams.

  • ITV Loose Women’s Linda Robson makes huge Christmas change after split from husband

    ITV Loose Women’s Linda Robson makes huge Christmas change after split from husband

    Loose Women star Linda Robson shared that she changed her Christmas plans following the end of her marriage to husband Mark Dunford after 33 years together

    Loose Women star Linda Robson revealed a change in her Christmas plans last year following the end of her marriage. She disclosed that she’d be spending the holiday at her eldest daughter’s house instead of her own. During a Loose Women chat with Kaye Adams, Jane Moore and Judi Love about phone usage on Christmas Day, Linda stated: “At my house there won’t be any phones, well its not actually my house this year it’s Lauren’s house, but normally in my house it’s no phones. ” The TV star also added: “So we take the phones off them until later that day and we have a nice peaceful family time.”

    Linda went on to discuss her grandkids’ addiction to their phones, reports OK!, explaining: “My grandchildren are addicted to phones. So Lila’s 11, she’s just got a phone for the first time. And Betsy’s seven and Betsy is not allowed on her laptop until the weekend or any mobile phones and she’s like on Monday, ‘is it the weekend yet’ and [Linda says] no we’ve got another five days. ” “Honestly it just sort of takes over your life because I was addicted to the phone myself,” Linda concluded. In September 2023, the star confirmed her split from husband Mark Dunford in a heartfelt chat, sharing that she’s “feeling fine” and trying to “keep busy.”

    Loose Women star Linda Robson
    Loose Women star Linda Robson opened about her Christmas plans 
    Image:
    Instagram)
    Linda and Mark’s teenage sweetheart tale took decades to blossom into marriage in 1990, and together they have a family which includes daughter Roberta, 27, son Louis, 31, and Linda’s daughter Lauren from a prior relationship. In an interview with Woman magazine, she frankly stated, “He’s a really good dad and we had some good years, but enough is enough. I’m not interested [in dating] honestly. I can’t be a***d with all that.”

    LINDA ROBSON AND MARK DUNFORD
    Linda tied the knot with her husband back in 1990 
    Image:
    REX/Shutterstock)Although she had previously quashed breakup whispers, calling the speculation “rubbish” and insisting, “We’re still living together. We both love our kids more than anything else in the world, obviously you have a few hiccups in every marriage. We’ve been married 33 years so it’s not going to be all plain sailing, but we’re still together at the moment.” She once playfully hinted at marital friction on Loose Women last August, noting she prioritised her dog over her husband while discussing a weekend outing: “Notice the order! ” This cheeky confession sent her co-hosts into fits of laughter.

  • Call The Midwife star hints ‘much-loved’ character will face twist in Christmas special

    Call The Midwife star hints ‘much-loved’ character will face twist in Christmas special

    Call The Midwife star Laura Main has teased that a much-loved character is set to have a cliffhanger storyline in the forthcoming Christmas special, which will air on December 25.

    There’s potential for sorrow among fans of Call the Midwife as a key character might face heartbreak. On Monday’s Loose Women, Laura Main, known for her role as Shelagh Turner on the BBC programme, hinted at upcoming drama.

    During her chat with the show hosts, Laura teased a tense finale but kept details under wraps, commenting: “I would say the cliffhanger. Obviously, you’re going to have the stories of the episodes, so that will have to continue.”

    She continued hinting at turmoil involving a cherished character: “There is, it’s involving a much-loved member of the community, the cliffhanger, that’s all I’m going to say! I don’t think it’s going to ruin your Christmas. I think you will want to keep watching!”

    Laura reassured the Loose Women panel that despite the anticipation, the holiday special retains its festive sparkle, adding: “It’s still got the rousing finish, we’ve got the Salvation Army band, we’ve got fun fair, we’ve got all sorts of things.”

    Call The Midwife star hints 'much-loved' character will face twist in Christmas special
    Call The Midwife star hints ‘much-loved’ character will face twist in Christmas special

    For the first time, Call the Midwife enthusiasts will enjoy a two-part instalment of the treasured BBC series this year, reports the Express.

    Set in 1969, the Nonnatus House midwives find themselves overwhelmed during the Christmas season, amidst looming threats.

    The Poplar community is dealing with the usual seasonal flu and Hong Kong flu outbreaks, but fear escalates with the news of an escaped prisoner at large.

    A brief description teases: “Fears grow that he may be in the local area after a spate of break-ins. The Turner children are caught up in the fever surrounding the Blue Peter Christmas appeal to collect dinky cars and scrap metal.

    There's set to be a twist in store for one beloved Poplar resident
    There’s set to be a twist in store for one beloved Poplar resident 
    Image:
    (Image: BBC))
    “Trixie makes a fleeting visit to Nonnatus House and is delighted to see her brother Geoffrey, and Miss Higgins has her grandson Harry stay for Christmas. Violet hosts a mince pie competition but the Buckles’ preparations for Reggie’s homecoming are thrown into turmoil.”

    The much-anticipated Christmas special will see Judy Parfitt return as Sister Monica Joan, Jenny Agutter as Sister Julienne, Helen George as Trixie Aylward, and Cliff Parisi as Fred Buckle.

    Also gracing our screens this festive season will be Stephen McGann as Dr Turner, Linda Bassett as Nurse Crane, Megan Cusack as Nancy Corrigan, Annabelle Apsion as Violet Buckle, and Georgie Glen as Miss Higgins.

    There's a double Call the Midwife Christmas special this year
    There’s a double Call the Midwife Christmas special this year 
    Image:
    (Image: BBC))

    Heidi Thomas OBE, the show’s creator and writer, shared her enthusiasm about the holiday episodes: “Who doesn’t love finding an extra, unexpected present underneath the Christmas tree? When I was asked to write a two-part Christmas special for 2024, I couldn’t resist! “.

    Dame Pippa Harris, executive producer, also expressed her excitement: “For the first time viewers can luxuriate in a two part festive treat this Christmas. Heidi has created a spellbinding special which I know will delight our loyal fans.”

    The much-anticipated series of Call the Midwife is slated to hit our screens at the beginning of 2025. With another series already in the pipeline, fans can rest assured that their favourite show will continue until at least 2026.

  • Loose Women star Judi Love left with just £87 at Christmas and couldn’t buy presents

    A number of the Loose Women panel have struggled with their finances and Judi Love recalled the moment when things really got on top of her and her young family

    Loose Women regular Judi Love says things got so tough before she found fame that she had just a tiny amount in the bank and she could barely afford to celebrate Christmas.

    Judi once she went through such a challenging time that her children had to go without presents The comedian and panellist, who single parents her 18-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son, says she knows how those struggling at this time of the year feel.

    “Christmas came, and I had something like £87. I had these two kids, I had the bills and my debts that accumulated from just trying to take care of my kids – I wasn’t out partying … I just wanted to look after my kids,” she said during an episode. “My mum had passed by then, so there was no, ‘Mummy, can you square me at 50’ or whatever. It was just really, really frightening.”

    Brenda Edwards and Linda Robson
    Brenda Edwards and Linda Robson have also spoke of their battles 
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    Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)

    judi
    Judi told viewers how she solves her issues 
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    Getty Images)
    Thankfully, with some help and support from a loan firm, Judi was able to get a handle on her debts and her life back on track, but he never forgot the difficult situation she was in, with her honest admission also helping to offer solidarity to others who were in the same situation now.

    Judi, 43, opened up to OK! Magazine about the importance of looking after yourself as a single parent. She said: “Honestly, I like to date myself – whether it be a trip to a spa, go for a nice meal, whatever. It’s important to love yourself. Self-love is so underrated, it allows you to learn what your standards and boundaries are.”

    Her co-star Brenda Edwards has also opened up on the previous debt she incurred and admitted she kept it a secret from her husband. She said: “I’ve spoken about the debt that I had and it was thousands. It was a college debt from years ago but I went into a marriage with it and I didn’t tell my ex-husband about it because it was my debt and I wanted to take care of it.”

    “It was the interest! And I didn’t realise at the time when I took it out in college that the interest was something like 38%, so I was always paying off the interest and not the debt. It just got worse and worse which was very upsetting and then a friend helped me out and gave me a lump sum because they’re giving me the lump sum to pay off everything.” When asked if she told anyone about her financial issues at the time, Brenda confirmed that she didn’t.

    She said: “No, I didn’t talk to anybody about it! Not the kids, not my ex, not anybody. I just wanted to deal with it and I dealt with it but that’s why I don’t do credit cards.” The conversation then led Linda Robson to share her own personal story too.

  • Woman spiked boyfriend’s drink in $30m inheritance scam – but ended up with nothing

    Woman spiked boyfriend’s drink in $30m inheritance scam – but ended up with nothing

    It was the news that most people could only dream of. Steven Riley had opened an unexpected email from a lawyer and discovered he was in line for a huge $30 million inheritance from a distant relative that he’d never even met. It was impossible not to imagine how life changing the huge sum of money would be. Steven, 51, had five sons and wanted to share his good fortune with them.

    Steven’s girlfriend Ina Thea Kenoyer, who lived with him in Minot, North Dakota, was also over the moon when she found out. They had been together for 10 years and Kenoyer was sure she’d benefit from the surprise windfall.Steven Riley

    But it seemed the promise of millions of dollars gave Steven the opportunity to think differently about his life, and after receiving the news he confided in his friends that Kenoyer might not be part of his future. Steven told those close to him that he was thinking about leaving his girlfriend and just sharing the money with his sons.

    The next step for Steven was to meet with the lawyer involved in the inheritance at a local airport on 3 September, 2023. He didn’t tell Kenoyer he wanted to end their relationship but somehow she found out. She decided that if Steven wasn’t going to share the money with her, she’d take it all. Kenoyer had been with Steven for 10 years and believed that would give her common law wife status so she would be entitled to the money when he died. She just needed that to happen.

    Almost straightaway, Kenoyer started to spike Steven’s iced tea with antifreeze. The key ingredient, ethylene glycol, has a sweet taste so Steven would have consumed the deadly liquid without even realising. On the day Steven was due to meet the lawyer and receive the cheque, he headed to the airport with Kenoyer and some friends. He started to feel unwell and told them he had stomach pains. He was struggling to walk, as though he was drunk, and started vomiting.

    The lawyer didn’t show up. Meanwhile, Steven’s friends became increasingly worried about him and suggested he needed urgent medical help. But Kenoyer insisted it was just heat stroke after drinking too much in the sun and said she’d look after him at home. Later that day, a friend called around to see Steven. Kenoyer said he had gone to a walk-in clinic, but that friend couldn’t find Steven or any record of him at any local clinic or the emergency room. The friend returned to Steven’s home and found him unconscious. They called 911 and paramedics rushed him to hospital but, despite being airlifted to a second hospital, he couldn’t be saved. He died on 5 September.

    When Kenoyer talked to the police about the inheritance that was coming her way, she insisted that while she would keep her portion, she would go on to share the money with Steven’s sons. Officers told her North Dakota law doesn’t recognise common law marriages so she wouldn’t be entitled to any of the money. They noticed she suddenly became angry and upset.

    Steven Riley
    Steven believed he was in line for a huge $30 million inheritance from a distant relative 
    Image:
    Steven Riley/Facebook)

    Flagging up concerns

    After Steven’s death, loved ones went to the police to say Kenoyer had made comments in the past about poisoning her boyfriend with antifreeze. While he’d been fighting for his life in hospital, they said Kenoyer had made comments that he had been poisoned with antifreeze. It gave investigators the opportunity to look out for poisoning. An autopsy confirmed Steven had died of ethylene glycol poisoning, the ingredient found in antifreeze.

    There was no alcohol in his system, which confirmed he hadn’t been drinking as Kenoyer had claimed. Officers searched the couple’s home and found a Windex bottle that contained antifreeze and a beer bottle and plastic mug in the garage that had traces of antifreeze in. During questioning, Kenoyer denied killing Steven and suggested that maybe he had dropped a cigarette in the garage and had smoked it with antifreeze on it. She said an online search had informed her the symptoms of heat stroke can “mimic poisoning”.

    Kenoyer was arrested on 30 October. Investigators said she had “financial motives” for killing Steven, but where was the $30 million? It turned out the email was an online scam. There was never any evidence of money. Steven had been murdered over an inheritance that didn’t exist. At first Kenoyer denied spiking Steven’s drink, but she eventually admitted she had been making her boyfriend iced tea with antifreeze in it. In May this year, she pleaded guilty to felony murder and five months later she faced sentencing.

    Steven Riley

    Lives touched by loss

    Steven’s sister, Stephanie Gonzalez, made a statement. She said that while Steven had been dying, Kenoyer had tried to sell his vehicle. “You stole a father from five sons, a brother from two sisters, an uncle from 12 nieces and nephews and a great uncle to eight and many friends,” she said. “How does it feel to have taken so much for absolutely nothing?”

  • Princess Diana’s first Christmas after Charles split – heartbreaking way she spent it

    Princess Diana’s first Christmas after Charles split – heartbreaking way she spent it

    Princess Diana’s split from Prince Charles left her with a change of plans for the festive period.

    The Princess of Wales split with the now King of England back in the mid-1990s and decided it would be more appropriate to cancel her plans of spending Christmas at the Sandringham Estate. She was set to sit in with Prince Harry, Prince William, the at-the-time Prince of Wales, Charles, as well as Queen Elizabeth II. Instead of making the trip to the royal estate in Norfolk, Princess Diana spent the festive period away from her family in her Kensington Palace apartment.

    The festivities of 1995 were a far stretch from the family fun of the previous few years for Princess Diana. She took a number of sleeping pills to get through the day. She had spent Christmas with the rest of the Royal Family since 1992 despite her separation from Prince Charles.

    Prince Charles and Princess Diana

     

    She decided to keep her distance from the royals on this particular year. Her absence from the Christmas celebrations was noted by the Sandringham attendees though, which led to a “rather strained atmosphere”, according to instyle. A friend of Princess Diana further alleged her reception at these Christmas events was “frosty” and the Royal Family was not keen on her appearances. Richard Kay, a friend of the late Princess, believed she was not always welcome at the get-together.

    Recalling a trip in 1993, Mr Kay said Princess Diana had “stayed overnight and went with everyone to church” but did not stick around for much longer, the Daily Express reported. He wrote: “But she didn’t stay for lunch. Instead, she went home alone to Kensington Palace and spent the rest of the day there before flying to Washington to stay with friends”.

    Just a half hour after the service had ended, according to Mr Kay, Diana had been “at the wheel of her dark green Jaguar speeding back to London” from St Mary’s Magdalene Church on Sandringham Estate. He added: “‘If I had been photographed as some sort of lady bountiful, my husband’s family would have been in uproar, accusing me of a stunt,’ she later confided.” Diana and Charles divorced in 1996, with the Princess of Wales spending her last Christmas alone as she decided not to attend Sandringham Estate.