thedailymirror--2020-10-17--Student goes on Ibiza holiday and returns to stage three breast cancer diagnosis

A 22-year-old student received a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis when she returned from a holiday in Ibiza .
Ellie Graham , from Old Swan , Liverpool , visited the Spanish island with her boyfriend Joey while awaiting her test results .
She first noticed something was wrong when she started feeling pain in her breast and later found a lump , which was the size of a pea , the Liverpool Echo reports .
Ellie was about to start her third year at John Moores University when she decided to get her symptoms checked by doctors .
The nursing student was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a cyst and was nothing to worry about , but she was referred to a breast clinic for further tests .
On September 27 last year , Ellie went to collect the results with her boyfriend at the Royal Liverpool Hospital , where she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer .
She became the youngest person to be diagnosed with breast cancer at the Linda McCartney centre at the Royal Hospital .
Breast cancer is a condition which affects one in eight women in the UK during their lifetime , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 55,200 new breast cancer cases in the UK every year , according to Cancer Research UK .
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK , accounting for 15 per cent of all new cancer cases .
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month - an occasion for people around the world to show support to those affected by the condition .
Speaking of her experience , Ellie said : `` I would n't have even thought to check as I 'm only 22 but a manager who I work who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ routine mammogram appointment .
`` When she got the results back she was diagnosed with breast cancer , so that made me a bit more aware . ''
Ellie decided to get checked , even though doctors initially told her not to worry .
While a biopsy was carried out , she went on holiday with Joey .
When they returned , she was diagnosed with breast cancer .
The young student said : `` I was in complete shock .
It was horrendous . ''
Ellie was diagnosed with stage three breast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on September 27 , 2019 and was told by doctors that she needed to be operated on as soon as possible .
She said : `` I had an MRI scan and a mammogram which showed that it was only in one place in my breast .
`` And four weeks later at the start of November they cut it out . ''
After undergoing surgery , doctors sent off for an oncotype test to predict how likely the breast cancer is to come back and the benefit of having chemotherapy .
Due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ellie was told she did not need to have chemotherapy and she started receiving treatment and radiotherapy .
She said : `` I was told my cancer was a hormone-driven cancer so I was given hormone blockers which block you from producing any hormones .
`` They 're a tablet which you 'd usually have to take for five years but because of how young I am I have to take them for 10 years .
`` They have a lot of side effects including menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and joint pain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't take any type of contraception ever again .
`` It 's been a rollercoaster of emotions .
I 've also had to have 15 sessions of radiotherapy . ''
Ellie finished her last session of radiotherapy at Clatterbridge Cancer Hospital on Friday , February 21 , when she was given the news that she has the all clear and could ran the bell to mark the end of her radiotherapy .
That night , a surprise party was held for Ellie at The Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Stanley Park , organised by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zoe .
Ellie said : `` I 've never seen a party like it .
Over 200 people turned up .
`` The whole of Liverpool came together .
People donated all kinds of different things - balloons , cakes , a photo booth , a flower wall .
`` People offered to make me dresses , a singer played for free and a saxophone player , it was absolutely unbelievable .
`` Every single person said it was the best party they 've ever been to . ''
Ellie hopes her story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer and the signs that women of all ages should look out for .
She said : `` It 's bizarre that you do n't start having routine mammograms until you 're fifty when I 'm only 22 and I got diagnosed .
`` I know other young girls who are only in their 30s who go to the support group I go to and they have breast cancer too .
`` If you 're worried about something , even if the doctors tell you it is just a cyst , push for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If they had n't done a biopsy on me I would 've just accepted that it was a cyst and not thought about it again .
`` But the doctors told me I was lucky to have found it at that stage because if it had spread to my lymph nodes it could 've spread around my body . ''
She said : `` It still does n't feel real .
I ca n't believe how long it 's been since I was first diagnosed , I just been in a bubble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to take a long time for me to get back to normal and to feel back to normal . ''

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Charlotte Hadfield, Chiara Fiorillo)

Ellie Graham, from Old Swan, Liverpool, visited the Spanish island with her boyfriend Joey while awaiting her test results. When they came home, she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer
Student, 22, goes on Ibiza holiday and returns to stage three breast cancer diagnosis
A 22-year-old student received a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis when she returned from a holiday in Ibiza.
Ellie Graham, from Old Swan, Liverpool, visited the Spanish island with her boyfriend Joey while awaiting her test results.
She first noticed something was wrong when she started feeling pain in her breast and later found a lump, which was the size of a pea, the Liverpool Echo reports.
Ellie was about to start her third year at John Moores University when she decided to get her symptoms checked by doctors.
The nursing student was initially told that the lump was likely to be a cyst and was nothing to worry about, but she was referred to a breast clinic for further tests.
Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO) LIVERPOOL ECHO)
On September 27 last year, Ellie went to collect the results with her boyfriend at the Royal Liverpool Hospital, where she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.
She became the youngest person to be diagnosed with breast cancer at the Linda McCartney centre at the Royal Hospital.
Breast cancer is a condition which affects one in eight women in the UK during their lifetime, according to the NHS.
There are around 55,200 new breast cancer cases in the UK every year, according to Cancer Research UK.
Image: Liverpool Echo) Liverpool Echo)
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 15 per cent of all new cancer cases.
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month - an occasion for people around the world to show support to those affected by the condition.
Speaking of her experience, Ellie said: "I wouldn't have even thought to check as I'm only 22 but a manager who I work who is in her 50s went for a routine mammogram appointment.
"When she got the results back she was diagnosed with breast cancer, so that made me a bit more aware."
Ellie decided to get checked, even though doctors initially told her not to worry.
While a biopsy was carried out, she went on holiday with Joey.
Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO) LIVERPOOL ECHO)
When they returned, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
The young student said: "I was in complete shock. It was horrendous."
Ellie was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, the fastest growing stage, on September 27, 2019 and was told by doctors that she needed to be operated on as soon as possible.
She said: "I had an MRI scan and a mammogram which showed that it was only in one place in my breast.
"And four weeks later at the start of November they cut it out."
Image: Liverpool Echo) Liverpool Echo)
After undergoing surgery, doctors sent off for an oncotype test to predict how likely the breast cancer is to come back and the benefit of having chemotherapy.
Due to the results of the test, Ellie was told she did not need to have chemotherapy and she started receiving treatment and radiotherapy.
She said: "I was told my cancer was a hormone-driven cancer so I was given hormone blockers which block you from producing any hormones.
"They're a tablet which you'd usually have to take for five years but because of how young I am I have to take them for 10 years.
"They have a lot of side effects including menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and joint pain and I've been told I can't take any type of contraception ever again.
Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO) LIVERPOOL ECHO)
"It's been a rollercoaster of emotions. I've also had to have 15 sessions of radiotherapy."
Ellie finished her last session of radiotherapy at Clatterbridge Cancer Hospital on Friday, February 21, when she was given the news that she has the all clear and could ran the bell to mark the end of her radiotherapy.
That night, a surprise party was held for Ellie at The Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Stanley Park, organised by her best friend Michka Munro and cousin Zoe.
Ellie said: "I've never seen a party like it. Over 200 people turned up.
"The whole of Liverpool came together. People donated all kinds of different things - balloons, cakes, a photo booth, a flower wall.
"People offered to make me dresses, a singer played for free and a saxophone player, it was absolutely unbelievable.
"Every single person said it was the best party they've ever been to."
Ellie hopes her story will help to raise awareness of breast cancer and the signs that women of all ages should look out for.
She said: "It's bizarre that you don't start having routine mammograms until you're fifty when I'm only 22 and I got diagnosed.
"I know other young girls who are only in their 30s who go to the support group I go to and they have breast cancer too.
"If you're worried about something, even if the doctors tell you it is just a cyst, push for a biopsy."
Ellie added: "If they hadn't done a biopsy on me I would've just accepted that it was a cyst and not thought about it again.
"But the doctors told me I was lucky to have found it at that stage because if it had spread to my lymph nodes it could've spread around my body."
She said: "It still doesn't feel real. I can't believe how long it's been since I was first diagnosed, I just been in a bubble.
"I feel like it's going to take a long time for me to get back to normal and to feel back to normal."


thedailymirror--2020-10-17--Nicola Adams' girlfriend laughs off 'Strictly curse' as new season launches

Nicola Adams ’ girlfriend Ella Baig has laughed off the Strictly curse now that the Olympic champion has been paired with stunning professional dancer Katya Jones .
The 22-year-old model has been dating 37-year-old gold medal winning athlete Nicola since 2018 and is proud to see her dancing in the first ever Strictly same-sex pairing with the current 2020 season .
On Saturday night , Nicola was unveiled to be dancing with 31-year-old dance professional Katya – who famously split from her Strictly dance pro husband Neil Jones , 38 , last year after she had been caught snogging her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the midst of the 16th season .
But Ella is confident her romance with Nicola will not be derailed by the alleged Strictly ‘ curse ’ which traditionally claims at least one relationship each year .
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday , Ella declared : “ I ’ m not worried about the curse .
Nicki and me are best friends so I don ’ t really see anyone as competition and she doesn ’ t either .
“ We did have a conversation about the ‘ curse , ’ and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so there are no hard feelings or jealousy there .
`` Once you find someone you genuinely get on with you can walk past the most attractive person in the world and you don ’ t even know they are there .
“ The grass is never greener on the other side and me and Nicki have a lot of history together , so I don ’ t think anyone is going to steal her off me.
” She also declared she is not a jealous girlfriend and foresees no issue with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dancers during her time on Strictly .
Nicola and Katya are making Strictly history in 2020 as the first ever same-sex pairing on the long-running BBC show .
Over the years , a number of stars that have featured on Strictly have seen their marriages and romances collapse while starring on the show – or soon after .
It has been suggested the curse may have already struck the 2020 series as contestant and Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh announced her marriage had ended before she had even slipped in to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revealed in September that she had split from husband , Ramjet Dehal , had ended – just days after she was unveiled as a 2020 contestant .

Model Ella Baig has been dating Olympic superstar Nicola Adams since 2018 – but she has no fear of her girlfriend leaving her for a Strictly Come Dancing dancer
Nicola Adams’ girlfriend Ella Baig has laughed off the Strictly curse now that the Olympic champion has been paired with stunning professional dancer Katya Jones.
The 22-year-old model has been dating 37-year-old gold medal winning athlete Nicola since 2018 and is proud to see her dancing in the first ever Strictly same-sex pairing with the current 2020 season.
On Saturday night, Nicola was unveiled to be dancing with 31-year-old dance professional Katya – who famously split from her Strictly dance pro husband Neil Jones, 38, last year after she had been caught snogging her 2018 Strictly dance partner Seann Walsh in the midst of the 16th season.
But Ella is confident her romance with Nicola will not be derailed by the alleged Strictly ‘curse’ which traditionally claims at least one relationship each year.
Image: PALACE LEE / SplashNews.com) PALACE LEE / SplashNews.com)
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, Ella declared: “I’m not worried about the curse. Nicki and me are best friends so I don’t really see anyone as competition and she doesn’t either.
“We did have a conversation about the ‘curse,’ and we agreed I would meet her dance partner so there are no hard feelings or jealousy there.
"Once you find someone you genuinely get on with you can walk past the most attractive person in the world and you don’t even know they are there.
Image: PA) PA)
“The grass is never greener on the other side and me and Nicki have a lot of history together, so I don’t think anyone is going to steal her off me.”
She also declared she is not a jealous girlfriend and foresees no issue with her lover being “surrounded” by beautiful dancers during her time on Strictly.
Nicola and Katya are making Strictly history in 2020 as the first ever same-sex pairing on the long-running BBC show.
Image: BBC) BBC)
Over the years, a number of stars that have featured on Strictly have seen their marriages and romances collapse while starring on the show – or soon after.
It has been suggested the curse may have already struck the 2020 series as contestant and Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh announced her marriage had ended before she had even slipped in to a sequin dress.
The 43-year-old political expert revealed in September that she had split from husband, Ramjet Dehal, had ended – just days after she was unveiled as a 2020 contestant.


thedailymirror--2020-10-17--Timo Werner issues warning to Chelsea defenders after Southampton draw

Timo Werner has warned his Chelsea team-mates they must stop leaking goals following their 3-3 draw with Southampton - declaring `` defences win titles '' .
Werner put Frank Lampard 's side 2-0 up within the first half-hour of Saturday 's Premier League clash with a couple of brilliant goals .
But he saw his good work start to come undone when Danny Ings pulled one back after Kai Havertz lost possession in his own half .
And Southampton were level through Che Adama following a poor backpass from Kurt Zouma and a mistake from Kepa Arrizabalaga .
Havertz atoned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back into the lead in the second half , but Jannik Vestergaard scored in injury time to earn a point for the Saints .
And a frustrated Werner said Chelsea must raise their game if they want to be in the hunt for silverware this season .
`` The first half we played very well until the goal from Southampton , '' he told Premier League Productions .
`` When you get a goal two or three minutes before half time it is always not an easy situation because you have to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because two goals is better than one goal .
`` In the second half Southampton put a lot of pressure on us and pressed us high .
`` I think we gave them too many opportunities to score goals .
We have to win the game .
`` I am happy about my goals but in the end I want to win the game .
It ’ s a day I ’ m 50 per cent happy and 50 per cent not . ''
Werner was asked whether Chelsea have a problem in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also conceded three goals to be held by West Brom two weeks ago .
A 4-0 win over Crystal Palace followed in their most recent Premier League outing , but Werner said his side were leaking too many goals .
`` I don ’ t know if we have a problem but in the end the last three games we concede six goals and that ’ s not where we want to be , '' he said .
`` I think we are Chelsea , we want to battle for titles .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the offence that wins titles .
In Germany we always say defence wins titles .
I think that ’ s true .
`` When we concede so many goals in every game then it ’ s hard to win games but in the end also to win titles .
`` I think we have to work in it because six goals in three games is too much .
I think we have to be better in this . ''
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and @ @ @

FRANK LAMPARD ADMITS HE HAS DECISION TO MAKE OVER CHELSEA KEEPERS AFTER LATEST KEPA ARRIZABALGA ERROR
FRANK LAMPARD ADMITS HE HAS DECISION TO MAKE OVER CHELSEA KEEPERS AFTER LATEST KEPA ARRIZABALGA ERROR
Werner was frustrated after he fired Chelsea into a two-goal lead before defensive mistakes led to Frank Lampard's side being held to another 3-3 draw
Timo Werner has warned his Chelsea team-mates they must stop leaking goals following their 3-3 draw with Southampton - declaring "defences win titles".
Werner put Frank Lampard's side 2-0 up within the first half-hour of Saturday's Premier League clash with a couple of brilliant goals.
But he saw his good work start to come undone when Danny Ings pulled one back after Kai Havertz lost possession in his own half.
And Southampton were level through Che Adama following a poor backpass from Kurt Zouma and a mistake from Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Havertz atoned for his earlier error by firing Chelsea back into the lead in the second half, but Jannik Vestergaard scored in injury time to earn a point for the Saints.
Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images) Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
And a frustrated Werner said Chelsea must raise their game if they want to be in the hunt for silverware this season.
"The first half we played very well until the goal from Southampton," he told Premier League Productions.
"When you get a goal two or three minutes before half time it is always not an easy situation because you have to have a clear head in the second half because two goals is better than one goal.
"In the second half Southampton put a lot of pressure on us and pressed us high.
Image: Ben Stansall/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) Ben Stansall/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
"I think we gave them too many opportunities to score goals. We have to win the game.
"I am happy about my goals but in the end I want to win the game. It’s a day I’m 50 per cent happy and 50 per cent not."
Werner was asked whether Chelsea have a problem in defence, with Lampard's side having also conceded three goals to be held by West Brom two weeks ago.
A 4-0 win over Crystal Palace followed in their most recent Premier League outing, but Werner said his side were leaking too many goals.
Image: Pool via REUTERS) Pool via REUTERS)
"I don’t know if we have a problem but in the end the last three games we concede six goals and that’s not where we want to be," he said.
"I think we are Chelsea, we want to battle for titles.
"In the end think it’s not the offence that wins titles. In Germany we always say defence wins titles. I think that’s true.
"When we concede so many goals in every game then it’s hard to win games but in the end also to win titles.
"I think we have to work in it because six goals in three games is too much. I think we have to be better in this."
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.


thedailymirror--2020-10-17--Melanie Sykes' wild love life - from toy boys to Olly Murs and Steve Coogan

She 's a successful TV and radio presenter , a model and a devoted mum-of-two - but up until now Melanie Sykes has also been unlucky in love .
The 50-year-old , who shot to fame as the face of Boddingtons beer , has been married twice and now seems to have found the man of her dreams on a trip to the Italian city of Venice .
Mel was spotted kissing a gondolier on a mini break to the tourist hotspot and the pair could n't keep their hands off each other .
It comes following her split from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pair had been dating for less than 12 months .
The couple had met at a party for his film , Stan and Ollie , and hit it off straight away .
Before her relationship with Steve , Mel had been linked to several younger men , including singer Olly Murs .
Despite a 14 year age gap , the couple dated for almost a year after they bonded over their mutual love of fitness .
Mel is an avid fan of the gym and was impressed when Olly started his own fitness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Mel loves a younger man and really fell for Olly when he got into shape late last year .
`` They were initially introduced through a mutual friend .
They started texting for ages and some of the messages ended up getting quite saucy .
`` They were bonding over her fitness programme .
He was a fan of her gym selfies and thought that she had an amazing body . ''
Olly has n't been Mel 's only toy boy as she dated German golf pro , Martin Kaymer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years her junior .
The couple were said to have dated , on and off , for around three years and again Mel and her beau remained tight-lipped about their romance .
However , they frequently posted from the same exotic locations at the same time on their social media accounts .
One of Mel 's pals said at the time : `` They are both pretty relaxed about everyone knowing of their relationship . ''
Mel 's longest relationship since she 's been in the public eye was with her first husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom she has two children - Roman and Valentino .
The couple were married in 2001 before they went their separate ways in 2009 .
They are still friends and have two children , who they parent together .
Mel and her ex-husband appeared on This Morning to talk about the `` nightmare '' of finding a school for their autistic son Valentino four years ago .
The Matalan model married her second husband , Jack Cockings in 2013 , after the pair started flirting on Twitter .
Jack , who was 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had posted a picture of himself on Twitter with the caption `` 6'tall , dark , handsome father of 1 beautiful boy seeks fun , crazy , pretty woman to spend a life time with .
All applicants RSVP . ''
And it was n't long before things really started to heat up between the pair .
In one of the more naughty posts , Melanie tweeted that she had `` the giddiest knickers of my life '' and told Jack she had `` the raging horn '' ... By August 2012 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy news on the place they 'd met - Twitter .
They married soon after in Sherborne Castle in Dorset in May 2013 .
They went their separate ways after just seven months as man and wife .
Later , Mel admitted she married the `` wrong person '' following her divorce .
Mel has also refused to rule out tying the knot for a third time .
She said : `` I have my kids , my health , good friends , a job I love and independence , which has always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s the stuff of my happiness .
`` I don ’ t see the need to be married because , to me , it is just a financial contract .
I ’ m very happy as I am .
`` I won ’ t say never because none of us knows what ’ s around the corner .
It ’ s just not something I think about or measure my success by . ''
And who knows , maybe she 's found her happy ever after with her Venetian gondolier .

Melanie Sykes has some very famous ex-partners as she seems to have found a new love in her life
She's a successful TV and radio presenter, a model and a devoted mum-of-two - but up until now Melanie Sykes has also been unlucky in love.
The 50-year-old, who shot to fame as the face of Boddingtons beer, has been married twice and now seems to have found the man of her dreams on a trip to the Italian city of Venice.
Mel was spotted kissing a gondolier on a mini break to the tourist hotspot and the pair couldn't keep their hands off each other.
It comes following her split from comedian Steve Coogan last year after the pair had been dating for less than 12 months.
The couple had met at a party for his film, Stan and Ollie, and hit it off straight away.
Image: Instagram/msmelaniesykes) Instagram/msmelaniesykes)
Before her relationship with Steve, Mel had been linked to several younger men, including singer Olly Murs.
Despite a 14 year age gap, the couple dated for almost a year after they bonded over their mutual love of fitness. Mel is an avid fan of the gym and was impressed when Olly started his own fitness regime.
A source told The Sun: "Mel loves a younger man and really fell for Olly when he got into shape late last year.
"They were initially introduced through a mutual friend. They started texting for ages and some of the messages ended up getting quite saucy.
Image: msmelaniesykes/Instagram) msmelaniesykes/Instagram)
"They were bonding over her fitness programme. He was a fan of her gym selfies and thought that she had an amazing body."
Olly hasn't been Mel's only toy boy as she dated German golf pro, Martin Kaymer, in 2018, who was also 14 years her junior.
The couple were said to have dated, on and off, for around three years and again Mel and her beau remained tight-lipped about their romance.
However, they frequently posted from the same exotic locations at the same time on their social media accounts.
One of Mel's pals said at the time: "They are both pretty relaxed about everyone knowing of their relationship."
Mel's longest relationship since she's been in the public eye was with her first husband, Tudors actor Daniel Caltagirone, with whom she has two children - Roman and Valentino.
The couple were married in 2001 before they went their separate ways in 2009. They are still friends and have two children, who they parent together.
Mel and her ex-husband appeared on This Morning to talk about the "nightmare" of finding a school for their autistic son Valentino four years ago.
The Matalan model married her second husband, Jack Cockings in 2013, after the pair started flirting on Twitter.
Image: Twitter) Twitter)
Jack, who was 15 years younger than his future wife, had posted a picture of himself on Twitter with the caption "6'tall, dark, handsome father of 1 beautiful boy seeks fun, crazy, pretty woman to spend a life time with. All applicants RSVP."
Mel replied: "Crikey your not kiddin!!! Xxxxx".
And it wasn't long before things really started to heat up between the pair.
In one of the more naughty posts, Melanie tweeted that she had "the giddiest knickers of my life" and told Jack she had "the raging horn"...
By August 2012, the couple were engaged and announced the happy news on the place they'd met - Twitter.
They married soon after in Sherborne Castle in Dorset in May 2013.
Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images) Dave Benett/Getty Images)
They went their separate ways after just seven months as man and wife. Later, Mel admitted she married the "wrong person" following her divorce.
Mel has also refused to rule out tying the knot for a third time.
She said: "I have my kids, my health, good friends, a job I love and independence, which has always meant a lot to me, and that’s the stuff of my happiness.
"I don’t see the need to be married because, to me, it is just a financial contract. I’m very happy as I am.
"I won’t say never because none of us knows what’s around the corner. It’s just not something I think about or measure my success by."
And who knows, maybe she's found her happy ever after with her Venetian gondolier.


thedailymirror--2020-10-17--Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley shrinks by 2ins as his spine 'fuses and compresses'

It really is True ... Tony Hadley has shrunk by two inches .
The pop star stood a proud 6ft 4in tall when he had a 1980 smash with To Cut A Long Story Short .
But today the former Spandau Ballet frontman is just 6ft 2in - and blames shunts he ’ s suffered in his hobby of stock-car racing .
Tony said four of his vertebrae were “ fusing and compressing together ” .
He added : “ I ’ ve done some stock car racing and got T-boned a few times – when they come at you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compresses your spine .
“ I got compressed and now I ’ ve lost about an inch-and-a-half off my height .
I started at 6ft 4in – and I ’ m about 6ft 2in now.
” Spandau ’ s best-known hit Gold , which got to No2 in 1981 , contains the lines “ Nothing left to make me feel small… Luck has left me standing so tall.
” Speaking on his Stars Cars Guitars podcast , the crooner said the shrinking feeling “ didn ’ t bother ” him .
Tony , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has raced cars in his spare time through most of his career .
In the 2003 ITV game show Celebrities Under Pressure his challenge was to take part in a time trial in Essex .
Tony ’ s not the only shrinking celebrity .
In 2013 wrestling movie star Hulk Hogan said he ’ d gone from 6ft 7in to 6ft 4in .
He blamed it on wrestling moves , back surgeries and knee replacements .
And actor Sylvester McCoy , who played Doctor Who from 1987 to 1989 , told a magazine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 5ft 2in after two hip operations .

The pop star stood a proud 6ft 4in tall - but he's lost some of his former height due to his unusual hobby of stock-car racing
Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley shrinks by 2ins as his spine 'fuses and compresses'
It really is True... Tony Hadley has shrunk by two inches.
The pop star stood a proud 6ft 4in tall when he had a 1980 smash with To Cut A Long Story Short.
But today the former Spandau Ballet frontman is just 6ft 2in - and blames shunts he’s suffered in his hobby of stock-car racing.
Tony said four of his vertebrae were “fusing and compressing together”.
He added: “I’ve done some stock car racing and got T-boned a few times – when they come at you from three angles – and basically it compresses your spine.
“I got compressed and now I’ve lost about an inch-and-a-half off my height. I started at 6ft 4in – and I’m about 6ft 2in now.”
Spandau’s best-known hit Gold, which got to No2 in 1981, contains the lines “Nothing left to make me feel small… Luck has left me standing so tall.”
Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Speaking on his Stars Cars Guitars podcast, the crooner said the shrinking feeling “didn’t bother” him.
Tony, who left the band in 2017, has raced cars in his spare time through most of his career. In the 2003 ITV game show Celebrities Under Pressure his challenge was to take part in a time trial in Essex.
Tony’s not the only shrinking celebrity. In 2013 wrestling movie star Hulk Hogan said he’d gone from 6ft 7in to 6ft 4in. He blamed it on wrestling moves, back surgeries and knee replacements.
And actor Sylvester McCoy, who played Doctor Who from 1987 to 1989, told a magazine in 2017 he went from 5ft 6in to 5ft 2in after two hip operations.


thedailymirror--2020-10-17--Strictly's Jamie Laing prefers wearing girlfriend's clothes as they 'fit better'

Reality TV ’ s Jamie Laing can ’ t wait to get into his lover ’ s clothes – they fit him better than his own .
The Made In Chelsea hunk is clearly ready to be sewn into Strictly Come Dancing ’ s flamboyant costumes after his startling confession about Sophie Habboo ’ s wardrobe .
Jamie , 31 , hit the stage last night for the first time with pro partner Karen Hauer , 38 .
But before his opening performance he came clean on the clothes front .
He said : “ I ’ ve had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m going to say it – I like wearing my girlfriend ’ s shirts .
“ They fit better , they look better , they feel better .
That ’ s a weight off my shoulders.
” Jamie and Sophie , 27 , have been dating since last year .
He was due to be on Strictly last year but had to pull out because of a foot injury .
His replacement , ex-Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher , 36 , was a more than adequate substitute as he lifted the glitterball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So , no pressure on Jamie and partner Karen , who finished fourth last year with comedian Chris Ramsey .
Jamie ’ s preparations for 2019 ’ s Strictly also did not go smoothly as it emerged he had cheated on Sophie with Made In Chelsea newbie Rosi Mai Waldon .
But he and Sophie stayed together .
The E4 reality show follows the heirs and heiresses of the Chelsea social set .
Jamie is a descendant of Sir Alexander Grant , 1st Baronet , who created the McVitie ’ s digestive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ founder of his own confectionery company , Candy Kittens .
But it sounds like they will be off the menu while he ’ s taking part in Strictly .
Jamie has started emergency fasting because he thinks he looks fat on Strictly .
He said on his Private Parts podcast : “ We had to do our show which is shown this weekend .
And I was looking at myself and I have put on loads of weight .
I ’ m like , big and chubby .
And the good news is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people !
”

EXCLUSIVE: The Made In Chelsea hunk is ready to be sewn into Strictly Come Dancing’s flamboyant costumes after his startling confession about girlfriend Sophie Habboo’s wardrobe
Reality TV’s Jamie Laing can’t wait to get into his lover’s clothes – they fit him better than his own.
The Made In Chelsea hunk is clearly ready to be sewn into Strictly Come Dancing ’s flamboyant costumes after his startling confession about Sophie Habboo’s wardrobe.
Jamie, 31, hit the stage last night for the first time with pro partner Karen Hauer, 38.
But before his opening performance he came clean on the clothes front.
He said: “I’ve had a moment of realisation, of clarity. I’m going to say it – I like wearing my girlfriend’s shirts.
“They fit better, they look better, they feel better. That’s a weight off my shoulders.”
Jamie and Sophie, 27, have been dating since last year.
Image: PA) PA)
He was due to be on Strictly last year but had to pull out because of a foot injury.
His replacement, ex-Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher, 36, was a more than adequate substitute as he lifted the glitterball trophy with partner Oti Mabuse, 30.
So, no pressure on Jamie and partner Karen, who finished fourth last year with comedian Chris Ramsey.
Jamie’s preparations for 2019’s Strictly also did not go smoothly as it emerged he had cheated on Sophie with Made In Chelsea newbie Rosi Mai Waldon.
But he and Sophie stayed together.
The E4 reality show follows the heirs and heiresses of the Chelsea social set. Jamie is a descendant of Sir Alexander Grant, 1st Baronet, who created the McVitie’s digestive biscuit in 1892.
Image: PA) PA)
Jamie is the founder of his own confectionery company, Candy Kittens. But it sounds like they will be off the menu while he’s taking part in Strictly.
Jamie has started emergency fasting because he thinks he looks fat on Strictly.
He said on his Private Parts podcast: “We had to do our show which is shown this weekend. And I was looking at myself and I have put on loads of weight. I’m like, big and chubby. And the good news is it only goes out to 14 million people!”
Co-host Francis Boulle suggested fasting. “That’s what I’m doing man,” replied Jamie.


thedailymirror--2020-10-17--'MPs must decide what's best for Manchester rather than tiers of clown Johnson'

As Britain is engulfed by a second wave of Covid as vicious as the first , this is no time for a second-rate prime minister .
Yet that is what we have .
Boris Johnson is so staggeringly incompetent that when he tries to simplify rules , he makes them so confusing , even he can not understand them .
The stay-at-home message during national lockdown was clear and straightforward .
The only pity was that a dithering Mr Johnson failed to introduce it sooner .
And now the PM is making the same mistake .
What is your view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below His Sage scientists have warned him that the complex tier system will not be enough to halt the alarming spread of the virus .
It is a postcode lottery of restrictions which , by dividing communities , sows division in the country .
We need a PM who will bring Britain together .
Not one ripping it apart .
With half-term approaching , mixed messages will be even harder to navigate .
At the borders of the new tiers , families will struggle to fathom why on one side of the street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes while those over the road can not .
The answer is the two-week , half-term national circuit breaker Keir Starmer demands .
Mr Johnson says that would damage the economy .
He ’ s right .
Indeed it would .
But as Anneliese Dodds tells us today , the long-term price of not doing so will be even worse , a staggering £110billion .
Leadership during a crisis is not about making easy decisions between good and bad .
During this crisis , it is about making a difficult choice between bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is making the wrong choice .
Once he gets around to another U-turn , it will be too late for those who will inevitably die because he did not act earlier .
Andy Burnham says Boris Johnson is hanging the North out to dry by locking it down .
The Greater Manchester metro mayor wants MPs to decide what ’ s best for his region , not the PM .
He also favours a national circuit-breaker so we are all in this together .
Better that than the tiers of a clown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to make one when approving a pardon for the saviour of the London Bridge terror attack .
On the one hand , day-release convict Steven Gallant was the hero who saved lives by risking his own , fending off a murderous terrorist after arming himself with only a narwhal tusk .
On the other hand , he was serving a 17-year prison sentence for a particularly brutal murder that he himself had committed .
There is often a fine dividing line between a heroic character and a villainous one .
Gallant appears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the last word should go to the son of the man Gallant beat to death , who says of his dad ’ s killer : “ People can change.
” It is a generous and dignified response , of which his father could be proud .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Voice of the Mirror)

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
The staggeringly incompetent Prime Minister's complex tier system will not halt the spread of the virus, is a postcode lottery of restrictions which will divide communities and so confusing that even he cannot understand them...
Voice of the Sunday Mirror: United front needed to beat virus - not tiers of clown Johnson
As Britain is engulfed by a second wave of Covid as vicious as the first, this is no time for a second-rate prime minister.
Yet that is what we have. Boris Johnson is so staggeringly incompetent that when he tries to simplify rules, he makes them so confusing, even he cannot understand them.
The stay-at-home message during national lockdown was clear and straightforward.
The only pity was that a dithering Mr Johnson failed to introduce it sooner.
And now the PM is making the same mistake.
What is your view? Have your say in the comments below
Image: House of Commons/PA) House of Commons/PA)
His Sage scientists have warned him that the complex tier system will not be enough to halt the alarming spread of the virus.
It is a postcode lottery of restrictions which, by dividing communities, sows division in the country. We need a PM who will bring Britain together. Not one ripping it apart.
With half-term approaching, mixed messages will be even harder to navigate.
At the borders of the new tiers, families will struggle to fathom why on one side of the street they can entertain loved ones in their homes while those over the road cannot.
The answer is the two-week, half-term national circuit breaker Keir Starmer demands.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Mr Johnson says that would damage the economy. He’s right. Indeed it would.
But as Anneliese Dodds tells us today, the long-term price of not doing so will be even worse, a staggering £110billion.
Leadership during a crisis is not about making easy decisions between good and bad.
During this crisis, it is about making a difficult choice between bad or worse.
And again the PM is making the wrong choice. Once he gets around to another U-turn, it will be too late for those who will inevitably die because he did not act earlier.
Image: PA) PA)
Andy Burnham says Boris Johnson is hanging the North out to dry by locking it down.
The Greater Manchester metro mayor wants MPs to decide what’s best for his region, not the PM.
He also favours a national circuit-breaker so we are all in this together.
Better that than the tiers of a clown.
Right decision
Image: PA) PA)
Talking of difficult choices, the Queen had to make one when approving a pardon for the saviour of the London Bridge terror attack.
On the one hand, day-release convict Steven Gallant was the hero who saved lives by risking his own, fending off a murderous terrorist after arming himself with only a narwhal tusk.
On the other hand, he was serving a 17-year prison sentence for a particularly brutal murder that he himself had committed.
There is often a fine dividing line between a heroic character and a villainous one.
Gallant appears to be a bit of both.
But the last word should go to the son of the man Gallant beat to death, who says of his dad’s killer: “People can change.”
It is a generous and dignified response, of which his father could be proud.


thedailymirror--2020-10-17--Claudia Winkleman has 3 fake tans a week because 'I feel better when I'm orange'

Strictly host Claudia Winkleman really glows for it with the fake tan to look golden on the show .
The mum of three has revealed her pre-Strictly beauty regime involves three fake tanning sessions a week .
She once said : “ When I ’ m orange , I feel better.
” But she admits that she probably gets it wrong about her appearance .
Recently she reckoned she is a real dead ringer for loaf – Meat Loaf .
When the 5ft 5in star looks in a full-length mirror she sees the hulking Bat Out of Hell singer staring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ There is something amazing about your late 40s .
In my 20s I was a bit angsty , in my 30s it was all about babies .
“ You get to a point where your face is falling off and your body is made of crepe but you know what makes you happy – your friends , your husband and your friends .
“ I don ’ t think anybody should hold judgment .
I have three tans a week for goodness sake .
I am burnt orange.
” She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything for my fake tan .
I would use gravy .
I have used mud before .
I will use a brown Sharpie.
” Speaking to her mum Eve Pollard , 74 , in an online session for the Wellbeing of Women charity , she says she ’ s learnt much from the ex newspaper editor .
“ I run my life by whatever mum has taught me .
If you have been invited to something and you can ’ t make it , say ‘ No ’ early .
“ Nothing happens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , be nice to have around , be early , make the tea , be that person .
Don ’ t ever think you are above ( anyone ) .
“ Don ’ t worry about being interesting , none of us can be interesting .
Be interested .
”

EXCLUSIVE: The Strictly Come Dancing Host shared her pre-Strictly Come Dancing beauty regime, as she compares herself to Meatloaf in the looks stakes
Claudia Winkleman gets 3 fake tans a week because 'I feel better when I'm orange'
Strictly host Claudia Winkleman really glows for it with the fake tan to look golden on the show.
The mum of three has revealed her pre-Strictly beauty regime involves three fake tanning sessions a week.
She once said: “When I’m orange, I feel better.”
But she admits that she probably gets it wrong about her appearance.
Recently she reckoned she is a real dead ringer for loaf – Meat Loaf.
When the 5ft 5in star looks in a full-length mirror she sees the hulking Bat Out of Hell singer staring back at her.
But the 48-year-old said: “There is something amazing about your late 40s. In my 20s I was a bit angsty, in my 30s it was all about babies.
Image: PA) PA)
“You get to a point where your face is falling off and your body is made of crepe but you know what makes you happy – your friends, your husband and your friends.
“I don’t think anybody should hold judgment. I have three tans a week for goodness sake. I am burnt orange.”
She admitted previously: “I will use anything for my fake tan. I would use gravy. I have used mud before. I will use a brown Sharpie.”
Speaking to her mum Eve Pollard, 74, in an online session for the Wellbeing of Women charity, she says she’s learnt much from the ex newspaper editor.
Image: Getty) Getty)
“I run my life by whatever mum has taught me. If you have been invited to something and you can’t make it, say
‘No’ early.
“Nothing happens after midnight. Be lovely at work, be nice to have around, be early, make the tea, be that person. Don’t ever think you are above (anyone).
“Don’t worry about being interesting, none of us can be interesting. Be interested.”


thedailymirror--2020-10-17--One million young 'Covid generation' Brits face job crisis as furlough ends

Young people who are not in full-time education or employment are facing a job crisis when the furlough scheme ends this month , an expert has claimed .
One million 16 to 24-year-olds of the `` Covid generation '' are going to struggle to find work according to worrying new analysis of the pandemic ’ s likely economic effects .
Paul Gregg , professor of economic and social policy at Bath University has carried out the research , reports The Observer .
This comes with the threat of further restrictions being placed on cities and the strain it 's putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
The chancellor , Rishi Sunak , is under growing pressure to give greater support to young people trying to get on the job ladder .
The new study , which will be published on Monday , finds the end of furlough , the scarcity of new positions and the arrival of school and college leavers in the job market will present young people with bleak prospects unless more support is offered .
It warns that the prime minister ’ s “ opportunity guarantee ” to young people of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significantly short of what is needed ” .
This comes after Conservative MPs demanding support for workers and companies who are in tier 2 restrictions but not eligible for financial help .
A letter was sent to the Prime Minister from Essex MPs , which has been placed in Tier 2 want better support .
The letter said : “ Businesses in our constituencies are very clear about the adverse impact [ of ] tier 2 restrictions , particularly in the hospitality sector .
`` Many fear they may have to close for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level of financial support in place for businesses under these restrictions .
`` This is necessary to avoid permanent economic damage to the local and national economy and this must also apply to other regions of England .
”

One million 16 to 24-year-olds are going to struggle to find work according to worrying new analysis of the pandemic’s likely economic effects, an expert has claimed
Young people who are not in full-time education or employment are facing a job crisis when the furlough scheme ends this month, an expert has claimed.
One million 16 to 24-year-olds of the "Covid generation" are going to struggle to find work according to worrying new analysis of the pandemic’s likely economic effects.
Paul Gregg, professor of economic and social policy at Bath University has carried out the research, reports The Observer.
This comes with the threat of further restrictions being placed on cities and the strain it's putting on companies trying to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.
The chancellor, Rishi Sunak, is under growing pressure to give greater support to young people trying to get on the job ladder.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
The new study, which will be published on Monday, finds the end of furlough, the scarcity of new positions and the arrival of school and college leavers in the job market will present young people with bleak prospects unless more support is offered.
It warns that the prime minister’s “opportunity guarantee” to young people of an apprenticeship or an in-work placement falls “significantly short of what is needed”.
This comes after Conservative MPs demanding support for workers and companies who are in tier 2 restrictions but not eligible for financial help.
Image: PA) PA)
A letter was sent to the Prime Minister from Essex MPs, which has been placed in Tier 2 want better support.
The letter said: “Businesses in our constituencies are very clear about the adverse impact [of] tier 2 restrictions, particularly in the hospitality sector.
"Many fear they may have to close for good … Please can you review the level of financial support in place for businesses under these restrictions.
"This is necessary to avoid permanent economic damage to the local and national economy and this must also apply to other regions of England.”


thedailymirror--2020-10-17--Jess Phillips: Keir Starmer's circuit breaker will beat confusing local advice

Can my builders finish the roof now we are going into Tier2 ” was the message I woke up to from a friend in London .
It appears that those of us who have been living with Tier 2 in the Midlands and North for some weeks are now the equivalent of Google for Londoners and other newbies .
I am not particularly sure I am fit for this new role .
The only thing I am clear on is that if I had guns and a grouse to shoot ( I don ’ t and I wouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out with 28 of my mates donned in tweed .
When questioned , the Prime Minister didn ’ t know what the rules in different places were .
So it is no wonder that the mums on the school run have been asking me if grandparents can still pick up and drop off .
And what happens if they have a shared agreement with another parent for childcare ?
At the moment I can not safely say that the tiered approach is well understood .
Everyone can come up with a perfectly common-sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ How come I can sit in school all day with 30 kids and then not see one of them at the weekend ?
” says my 11-year-old .
But the biggest question , of course , is what if it isn ’ t enough ?
What if the entire hospitality and events industry in large parts of the country are damned without enough state support and , like in Manchester , it doesn ’ t reduce virus rates ?
The main threat to our economy is the virus not being controlled , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s why I think Sir Keir Starmer was spot on this week to call for the ‘ circuit breaker ’ lockdown .
Nobody wants this to still be going on .
Nobody wants to put on a massive Puffa jacket , hat , scarf and gloves to sit in a garden in freezing conditions just so they can see their new grandchild .
No one wants to have to constantly run back to their house after making it halfway to the shop because they forgot their mask .
But if we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the virus , then we really will face a bleak winter .
Remember when we all pulled together , acted as a nation , and clapped until our hands were raw in gratitude to our communities ?
Now I worry that ’ s been replaced with confusion and growing feelings of division and resentment .
All caused by the incompetence of the Government .
I want to go back to normal life but it ’ s going to take a true national effort , not just orders from ministers few @ @ @ @ @

"Remember when we all pulled together, acted as a nation, and clapped until our hands were raw? That’s now been replaced with confusion division and resentment," writes Labour MP Jess Phillips
Can my builders finish the roof now we are going into Tier2” was the message I woke up to from a friend in London.
It appears that those of us who have been living with Tier 2 in the Midlands and North for some weeks are now the equivalent of Google for Londoners and other newbies.
I am not particularly sure I am fit for this new role.
The only thing I am clear on is that if I had guns and a grouse to shoot (I don’t and I wouldn’t) I would be allowed to hang out with 28 of my mates donned in tweed.
When questioned, the Prime Minister didn’t know what the rules in different places were.
So it is no wonder that the mums on the school run have been asking me if grandparents can still pick up and drop off.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
And what happens if they have a shared agreement with another parent for childcare?
At the moment I cannot safely say that the tiered approach is well understood.
Everyone can come up with a perfectly common-sense reason why the rules seem odd.
“How come I can sit in school all day with 30 kids and then not see one of them at the weekend?” says my 11-year-old.
But the biggest question, of course, is what if it isn’t enough?
What if the entire hospitality and events industry in large parts of the country are damned without enough state support and, like in Manchester, it doesn’t reduce virus rates?
The main threat to our economy is the virus not being controlled, managed, traced and isolated.
That’s why I think Sir Keir Starmer was spot on this week to call for the ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Nobody wants this to still be going on. Nobody wants to put on a massive Puffa jacket, hat, scarf and gloves to sit in a garden in freezing conditions just so they can see their new grandchild.
No one wants to have to constantly run back to their house after making it halfway to the shop because they forgot their mask.
But if we do not do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus, then we really will face a bleak winter.
Remember when we all pulled together, acted as a nation, and clapped until our hands were raw in gratitude to our communities?
Now I worry that’s been replaced with confusion and growing feelings of division and resentment.
All caused by the incompetence of the Government.
I want to go back to normal life but it’s going to take a true national effort, not just orders from ministers few people trust any more.


thedailymirror--2020-10-17--"Britain faces tough winter with NHS in crisis and country divided"

They are always stretched at this time of year as the cold bites and the vulnerable , in particular , succumb to winter ills .
This time the NHS is facing a crisis of unprecedented scale .
Staff shortages , lack of beds , absence of regular Covid testing for staff and the threat , again , of the virus tearing through hospitals .
On top of that is the mysterious shortage of flu vaccine .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock ’ s promise of the biggest vaccination programme in history simply hasn ’ t happened .
Wider virus testing continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals fear there may be too few expert staff to cope .
Dealing with the enormous backlog of non-Covid cases – particularly cancer checks – will come too late for too many .
As cancer expert Professor Charles Swanton warns , it could soon become impossible to deliver care for serious non-Covid conditions .
We face havoc .
Who could have seen it coming ?
Everybody .
Except , it seems , Boris Johnson and his government .
They have been warned time and time again , by this paper and others .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ country facing a winter hurricane of discontent , medics at the end of their tether , communities divided , confused and despairing .
The economy in meltdown .
And a government completely unprepared , without a cohesive plan , getting it wrong at every turn .
The country is steeling itself to endure not just the inhuman cruelty of an indiscriminate disease , but the callous incompetence of a government unfit for the task , unfit for office .
It ’ s going to be a long , dark winter before they release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light in the dark Thank our lucky stars it ’ s back !
Like a dazzling , exploding glitter bomb of unashamed lush , Strictly returns to brighten up the gloom .
A sparkling stream of glamour and glitz is just what we need as the country heads into a winter of lockdown and economic misery .
Judging how the show copes with the tricks of social distancing and 3D imaging is an added part of the fun .
What better way to lift the spirits… just a shame we can ’ t @ @ @ @ @

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Voice of the People)

NHS staff shortages, lack of beds, absence of regular Covid testing for staff and a government completely unprepared getting it wrong at every turn is what's in store in the coming months
Voice of the People: Britain faces tough winter with NHS in crisis and country divided
Britain’s hospitals are heading into a perfect storm.
They are always stretched at this time of year as the cold bites and the vulnerable, in particular, succumb to winter ills.
This time the NHS is facing a crisis of unprecedented scale.
Staff shortages, lack of beds, absence of regular Covid testing for staff and the threat, again, of the virus tearing through hospitals.
On top of that is the mysterious shortage of flu vaccine.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock’s promise of the biggest vaccination programme in history simply hasn’t happened.
Wider virus testing continues to fail its basic purpose. And hospitals fear there may be too few expert staff to cope.
Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Dealing with the enormous backlog of non-Covid cases – particularly cancer checks – will come too late for too many.
As cancer expert Professor Charles Swanton warns, it could soon become impossible to deliver care for serious non-Covid conditions.
We face havoc. Who could have seen it coming? Everybody. Except, it seems, Boris Johnson and his government.
They have been warned time and time again, by this paper and others.
Image: Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo) Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)
The result stands before us – a country facing a winter hurricane of discontent, medics at the end of their tether, communities divided, confused and despairing.
The economy in meltdown. And a government completely unprepared, without a cohesive plan, getting it wrong at every turn.
The country is steeling itself to endure not just the inhuman cruelty of an indiscriminate disease, but the callous incompetence of a government unfit for the task, unfit for office.
It’s going to be a long, dark winter before they release us from their grip.
Strictly is light in the dark
Thank our lucky stars it’s back! Like a dazzling, exploding glitter bomb of unashamed lush, Strictly returns to brighten up the gloom.
A sparkling stream of glamour and glitz is just what we need as the country heads into a winter of lockdown and economic misery.
Judging how the show copes with the tricks of social distancing and 3D imaging is an added part of the fun. What better way to lift the spirits… just a shame we can’t invite our friends round.


thedailymirror--2020-10-17--Hollyoaks marks 25 years of sex, rows and scandal - with more 'risk' to come

Telly favourite Hollyoaks will this week celebrate 25 years of sex , scraps and scandal .
In that time , the fictional Cheshire suburb has brought us some of the soap world ’ s most glamorous stars .
But the Channel 4 show isn ’ t just about style – there ’ s lots of substance , too .
Hollyoaks ’ hard-hitting storylines frequently break new ground and tackle taboo subjects such as male rape , incest and eating disorders .
But often it ’ s the comedy that keeps fans coming back for more .
And with the McQueens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in soap – still at the forefront of the show 25 years on , there ’ s no shortage of fun , frolics and the occasional fight .
This year , the clan will reunite to celebrate Hollyoaks ’ milestone year and it will see the return of Jorgie Porter as blonde bombshell Theresa McQueen .
Jorgie , 32 , admits that she couldn ’ t wait to get back into her character ’ s trademark stilettos and skimpy outfits .
“ I love the fact I ’ m so far away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ All the ill-fitting skirts are right up her bum… I ’ m like , ‘ That ’ s a bit too much for me ’ , but I embrace it for the show .
“ She ’ s not naked at the moment because it ’ s winter .
That ’ s saved me a little bit , thank God !
“ I ’ ve not worn heels for ages either , being in lockdown for so long .
My feet were screaming .
I needed a bit of practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has played Theresa since she was 20 but took a break from the soap in 2016 to pursue her West End dream .
She was invited back to take part in the 25th anniversary episodes , however – and hints that she may be sticking around for a while .
“ I ’ ve been back on set a month and it feels like I ’ ve never been away , ” she said .
“ With us , who play the McQueens , we can chat and chat but as soon as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can turn it on and the tears flow .
“ It ’ s such an iconic show .
I feel lucky that I ’ ve been liked enough to be asked to come back – especially on such a big birthday .
“ People have grown up watching the show .
It was a great constant in people ’ s lives and it ’ s been the same with me.
” Jorgie was thrilled to be reunited with her on-screen family members Jennifer Metcalfe and Chelsee Healey , who play Mercedes and Goldie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so being surrounded by all the sisters is amazing , ” said Jorgie .
“ They ’ re stealing each other ’ s boyfriends and fighting .
When I read it , I ’ m like ‘ Wow , this is drastic !
’ “ They ’ re like my real sisters .
We get on so well .
It ’ s not like a job.
” And Jennifer , 37 , who has been on the soap for 14 years , agrees .
“ I ’ m proud of what we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
“ I ’ m still friends with Leah Hackett and Claire Cooper , who played Tina and Jacqui , and I still see Gemma Merna who played Carmel .
“ I ’ ve met my life-long friends there .
There ’ s no judging – we ’ re there for each other when we need each other .
“ Since lockdown , we have Nadine Mulkerrin back , who plays Cleo , and Chelsee and Jorgie .
It ’ s like carnage , all day every day .
“ Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all we ’ re doing is laughing all day .
We ’ re just so happy .
“ I had to do a crying scene the other day and I couldn ’ t because I was so happy .
Being back with everyone is amazing.
” Hollyoaks ’ anniversary episodes will reveal seven secrets that are billed as seven deadly sins – and Jen says fans will be in for a treat .
“ I can ’ t remember the last time every single McQueen was in a storyline so it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ Seven McQueens , seven deadly sins .
It ’ s going to be a good one.
” When it comes to their favourite storylines , Jorgie says she loved playing a killer when it was revealed that she shot Calvin Valentine , played by Ricky Whittle , in a dramatic soap whodunnit .
“ I loved killing Calvin !
” she giggled .
“ That was a shock – nobody knew it was me .
I love it when Hollyoaks do that .
We film different endings , so some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is .
It ’ s great training.
” Jorgie added : “ As a soap , we take risks .
The shock value is the talking point .
Like my underage sex storyline as I was wearing my school uniform .
“ People can relate .
I ’ ve been stopped by fans who said they went through that.
” Jen added : “ Get me back with Dr Browning [ played by Joseph Thompson ] all day !
When we ’ re powering out those emotional scenes back-to-back , they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proud to work for a show like Hollyoaks , which is very brave .
We ’ re sometimes controversial , but that ’ s good .
“ The far-right storyline with Kieron Richardson as Ste was fantastic .
That brought up issues that I ’ m not sure a soap had touched upon before .
We do that constantly.
” She continued : “ It ’ s good to come in each day and switch off from my life and get into someone else ’ s .
I love Mercedes .
She ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward than me .
“ I ’ m not as brazen as her – I ’ m not sure I ’ d want to be – but it ’ s nice to escape in her world.
” So does Jen reckon she could give Corrie ’ s Bill Roache a run for his money and go on to play Mercedes for decades to come ?
“ We ’ ll see , ” she said .
“ As long as they keep giving me the storylines , I ’ ll be around for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can catch the 25th birthday episode of Hollyoaks on Wednesday on E4 and on Thursday on C4 at 6.30pm .
Watch the soap ’ s first-ever episode on Friday on E4 at 7pm .
Jeremy Edwards , who played Kurt Benson , also returns this week .

The show is known for its hard-hitting storylines, which frequently tackles taboo subjects such as male rape, incest and eating disorders and for character such as the iconic McQueen clan
Hollyoaks marks 25 years of sex, rows and scandal - with more 'risk' to come
Telly favourite Hollyoaks will this week celebrate 25 years of sex, scraps and scandal.
In that time, the fictional Cheshire suburb has brought us some of the soap world’s most glamorous stars.
But the Channel 4 show isn’t just about style – there’s lots of substance, too.
Hollyoaks’ hard-hitting storylines frequently break new ground and tackle taboo subjects such as male rape, incest and eating disorders.
But often it’s the comedy that keeps fans coming back for more.
And with the McQueens – one of the most iconic families in soap – still at the forefront of the show 25 years on, there’s no shortage of fun, frolics and the occasional fight.
This year, the clan will reunite to celebrate Hollyoaks’ milestone year and it will see the return of Jorgie Porter as blonde bombshell Theresa McQueen.
Jorgie, 32, admits that she couldn’t wait to get back into her character’s trademark stilettos and skimpy outfits. “I love the fact I’m so far away from what she would wear,” she said.
“All the ill-fitting skirts are right up her bum… I’m like, ‘That’s a bit too much for me’, but I embrace it for the show.
Image: PA) PA)
“She’s not naked at the moment because it’s winter. That’s saved me a little bit, thank God!
“I’ve not worn heels for ages either, being in lockdown for so long. My feet were screaming. I needed a bit of practice before I got it right.”
Jorgie has played Theresa since she was 20 but took a break from the soap in 2016 to pursue her West End dream.
She was invited back to take part in the 25th anniversary episodes, however – and hints that she may be sticking around for a while.
Image: Lime Pictures) Lime Pictures)
“I’ve been back on set a month and it feels like I’ve never been away,” she said.
“With us, who play the McQueens, we can chat and chat but as soon as they shout ‘Action!’ we can turn it on and the tears flow.
“It’s such an iconic show. I feel lucky that I’ve been liked enough to be asked to come back – especially on such a big birthday.
“People have grown up watching the show. It was a great constant in people’s lives and it’s been the same with me.”
Jorgie was thrilled to be reunited with her on-screen family members Jennifer Metcalfe and Chelsee Healey, who play Mercedes and Goldie.
“I am an only child so being surrounded by all the sisters is amazing,” said Jorgie. “They’re stealing each other’s boyfriends and fighting. When I read it, I’m like ‘Wow, this is drastic!’
“They’re like my real sisters. We get on so well. It’s not like a job.”
Image: KERRY SPICER) KERRY SPICER)
And Jennifer, 37, who has been on the soap for 14 years, agrees.
“I’m proud of what we’ve created as the McQueens,” she said. “I’m still friends with Leah Hackett and Claire Cooper, who played Tina and Jacqui, and I still see Gemma Merna who played Carmel.
“I’ve met my life-long friends there. There’s no judging – we’re there for each other when we need each other.
“Since lockdown, we have Nadine Mulkerrin back, who plays Cleo, and Chelsee and Jorgie. It’s like carnage, all day every day.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
“Because we’ve been locked up, all we’re doing is laughing all day. We’re just so happy.
“I had to do a crying scene the other day and I couldn’t because I was so happy. Being back with everyone is amazing.”
Hollyoaks’ anniversary episodes will reveal seven secrets that are billed as seven deadly sins – and Jen says fans will be in for a treat.
Image: Lime Pictures) Lime Pictures)
“I can’t remember the last time every single McQueen was in a storyline so it’s going to be special,” she said. “Seven McQueens, seven deadly sins. It’s going to be a good one.”
When it comes to their favourite storylines, Jorgie says she loved playing a killer when it was revealed that she shot Calvin Valentine, played by Ricky Whittle, in a dramatic soap whodunnit.
“I loved killing Calvin!” she giggled. “That was a shock – nobody knew it was me. I love it when Hollyoaks do that. We film different endings, so some don’t know who the killer is. It’s great training.”
Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage) Mike Marsland/WireImage)
Jorgie added: “As a soap, we take risks. The shock value is the talking point. Like my underage sex storyline as I was wearing my school uniform.
“People can relate. I’ve been stopped by fans who said they went through that.”
Jen added: “Get me back with Dr Browning [played by Joseph Thompson] all day! When we’re powering out those emotional scenes back-to-back, they’re the golden moments. I’m proud to work for a show like Hollyoaks, which is very brave. We’re sometimes controversial, but that’s good.
Image: Channel 4) Channel 4)
“The far-right storyline with Kieron Richardson as Ste was fantastic. That brought up issues that I’m not sure a soap had touched upon before. We do that constantly.”
She continued: “It’s good to come in each day and switch off from my life and get into someone else’s. I love Mercedes. She’s much more sassy, sexy and forward than me.
Image: WireImage) WireImage)
“I’m not as brazen as her – I’m not sure I’d want to be – but it’s nice to escape in her world.”
So does Jen reckon she could give Corrie’s Bill Roache a run for his money and go on to play Mercedes for decades to come?
“We’ll see,” she said. “As long as they keep giving me the storylines, I’ll be around for a long time to come.”


thedailymirror--2020-10-17--Paris schoolkids saw teacher's decapitated body when terrorist posted pic online

Pupils saw a picture of their decapitated teacher online after the terrorist attack in Paris , it has been reported .
Teacher Samuel Paty , 47 , was stabbed to death in a street near his school in the Parisian suburb of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine yesterday .
He was killed after showing a cartoon of a naked Prophet Mohammad to his students in a freedom of expression class .
A photograph of the teacher 's body , accompanied by a message claiming responsibility , was posted on Twitter by his killer .
The mum of one of Mr Paty 's former students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the attack , it has been reported .
The mum , Delphine , told the Sunday Telegraph : `` My daughter has access to so many concerning websites .
She saw the images of the body online , and many of the kids did too .
That 's what worries me most . ''
Police have identified the killer as Aboulakh A - a Russian national of Chechen origin .
The teen had approached pupils in the street and asked them to point out his victim , anti-terrorism prosecutor Jean-Francois Ricard said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacker , who was born in Russia , minutes after he murdered the history teacher in broad daylight .
Mr Ricard said the Twitter post showing the teacher 's body said : `` In the name of Allah the most gracious , the most merciful , ... to ( President Emmanuel ) Macron , leader of the infidels , I have executed one of your hell-hounds who dared to belittle ( Prophet ) Mohammad . ''
The post was discovered on the assailant 's phone , found near his body .
Mr Ricard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacker .
The post was removed swiftly by Twitter , which said it had suspended the account because it violated the company 's policy .
Earlier this month Mr Paty had shown his pupils cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad in a class on freedom of expression , angering a number of Muslim parents .
Muslims believe any depiction of the Prophet is blasphemous .
The attacker had been living in the town of Evreux northwest of Paris , and was not previously known to the intelligence services , Mr Ricard told a news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and carried echoes of an attack five years ago on the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo .
Prime Minister Jean Castex said it bore the hallmarks of Islamist terrorism .
`` I want to share with you my total indignation .
Secularism , the backbone of the French Republic , was targeted in this vile act , '' Castex said .
Unions , anti-racism groups and Charlie Hebdo are organising a gathering in central Paris on Sunday to commemorate the murdered teacher .
A national tribute will be organised for Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ @

The killer of Samuel Paty reportedly shared a picture of his corpse on Twitter in a post claiming responsibility for the murder in the Parisian suburb of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine
Pupils saw a picture of their decapitated teacher online after the terrorist attack in Paris, it has been reported.
Teacher Samuel Paty, 47, was stabbed to death in a street near his school in the Parisian suburb of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine yesterday.
He was killed after showing a cartoon of a naked Prophet Mohammad to his students in a freedom of expression class.
A photograph of the teacher's body, accompanied by a message claiming responsibility, was posted on Twitter by his killer.
The mum of one of Mr Paty's former students said pupils saw pictures of his corpse following the attack, it has been reported.
Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)
The mum, Delphine, told the Sunday Telegraph : "My daughter has access to so many concerning websites. She saw the images of the body online, and many of the kids did too. That's what worries me most."
Police have identified the killer as Aboulakh A - a Russian national of Chechen origin.
The teen had approached pupils in the street and asked them to point out his victim, anti-terrorism prosecutor Jean-Francois Ricard said today.
Police shot dead the 18-year-old attacker, who was born in Russia, minutes after he murdered the history teacher in broad daylight.
Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images) POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Mr Ricard said the Twitter post showing the teacher's body said: "In the name of Allah the most gracious, the most merciful, ... to (President Emmanuel) Macron, leader of the infidels, I have executed one of your hell-hounds who dared to belittle (Prophet) Mohammad."
The post was discovered on the assailant's phone, found near his body.
Mr Ricard said the Twitter account belonged to the attacker.
The post was removed swiftly by Twitter, which said it had suspended the account because it violated the company's policy.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
Earlier this month Mr Paty had shown his pupils cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad in a class on freedom of expression, angering a number of Muslim parents.
Muslims believe any depiction of the Prophet is blasphemous.
The attacker had been living in the town of Evreux northwest of Paris, and was not previously known to the intelligence services, Mr Ricard told a news conference.
The killing shocked the country and carried echoes of an attack five years ago on the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. Prime Minister Jean Castex said it bore the hallmarks of Islamist terrorism.
"I want to share with you my total indignation. Secularism, the backbone of the French Republic, was targeted in this vile act," Castex said.
Unions, anti-racism groups and Charlie Hebdo are organising a gathering in central Paris on Sunday to commemorate the murdered teacher.
A national tribute will be organised for Wednesday, Mr Macron's office said.


thedailymirror--2020-10-17--Kate Ferdinand shows off growing baby bump as she steps out with husband Rio

Ex-football star Rio Ferdinand and wife Kate stepped out in a matching strip for lunch with mates in Orpington , Kent .
Former TOWIE star Kate , 29 , is keeping her due date quiet – but looking at her bump she is well into the second half ... Last month , Kate and Rio , who got married in Turkey last year , announced the gender of their baby last month during an emotional reveal party .
Kate recently opened her heart on the impact her pregnancy has had on her mental health .
The blonde beauty told how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her first child with being step-mum to hubby Rio ’ s three kids Lorenz 14 , Tate , 12 , and Tia , nine .
She said : “ Lockdown has been an experience .
`` Obviously I was pregnant and the children didn ’ t know , and something I ’ ve struggled with is being pregnant with my first biological child and still being a mum .
“ So , I felt I had all these new experiences… but I was still a stepmother or mother figure to three kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health .
Being active helps day-to-day with my anxiety , so when I can ’ t do things , I struggle with it .
”

Kate, who revealed last month she is having a son, is keeping her due date quiet – but looking at her bump she is well into the second half...
Kate Ferdinand shows off growing baby bump as she steps out with husband Rio
Ex-football star Rio Ferdinand and wife Kate stepped out in a matching strip for lunch with mates in Orpington, Kent.
Former TOWIE star Kate, 29, is keeping her due date quiet – but looking at her bump she is well into the second half...
Last month, Kate and Rio, who got married in Turkey last year, announced the gender of their baby last month during an emotional reveal party.
Image: NHPIX/Burstphotos) NHPIX/Burstphotos)
Kate recently opened her heart on the impact her pregnancy has had on her mental health.
The blonde beauty told how she has struggled to juggle the arrival of her first child with being step-mum to hubby Rio’s three kids Lorenz 14, Tate, 12, and Tia, nine.
Image: NHPIX/Burstphotos) NHPIX/Burstphotos) Image: NHPIX/Burstphotos) NHPIX/Burstphotos)
She said: “Lockdown has been an experience.
"Obviously I was pregnant and the children didn’t know, and something I’ve struggled with is being pregnant with my first biological child and still being a mum.
Image: NHPIX/Burstphotos) NHPIX/Burstphotos) Image: NHPIX/Burstphotos) NHPIX/Burstphotos)
“So, I felt I had all these new experiences… but I was still a stepmother or mother figure to three kids.
“I struggle with my mental health. Being active helps day-to-day with my anxiety, so when I can’t do things, I struggle with it.”


thedailymirror--2020-10-17--ITV apologise on-air after The Million Pound Cube is hit with sound glitch

The Million Pound Cube was hit with a glitch tonight leaving some fans with no sound at all .
The show saw Mo Gilligan take on a number of challenges for charity , Phillip Schofield back on presenting duties .
But as Mo headed back into the Cube to try his luck again , the sound dimmed , before cutting out entirely .
The glitch was fixed , though , with ITV apologising as the show 's end credits rolled .
Fans picked up on the glitch , one tweeting : `` ITV 's volume went # theCUBE someone switch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Another remarked : `` Anyone elses sound keep cutting out on # TheCube ?
Other channels are ok so it must be @ ITV . ''
`` Now to hone my lip reading skills # theCUBE , '' a third joked .
The show 's return was also praised by fans delighted to have something new to watch as lockdown measures keep so many indoors .
And it was said that show bosses were keen to switch it up a bit to keep it fresh after its five-year hiatus .
A telly insider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jackpot was £250,000 , and since the show is also about coping with tension , they felt having a seven-figure sum at stake would increase that even further .
`` But the simple format at the heart of the show remains largely unchanged — it 's still about contestants desperately trying to keep their cool . ''
And ahead of the show , ITV assured that all episodes were filmed in a Covid-safe environment .
*The Million Pound Cube will be back next Saturday on ITV at 9pm .

Viewers of The Million Pound Cube were left scratching their heads this evening as the show was hit with a sound glitch that saw it cut out for many viewers
ITV apologise on-air after The Million Pound Cube is hit with sound glitch
The Million Pound Cube was hit with a glitch tonight leaving some fans with no sound at all.
The show saw Mo Gilligan take on a number of challenges for charity, Phillip Schofield back on presenting duties.
But as Mo headed back into the Cube to try his luck again, the sound dimmed, before cutting out entirely.
The glitch was fixed, though, with ITV apologising as the show's end credits rolled.
Fans picked up on the glitch, one tweeting: "ITV's volume went #theCUBE someone switch it off and on again."
Another remarked: "Anyone elses sound keep cutting out on #TheCube? Other channels are ok so it must be @ITV."
Image: ITV) ITV)
"Now to hone my lip reading skills #theCUBE," a third joked.
The show's return was also praised by fans delighted to have something new to watch as lockdown measures keep so many indoors.
And it was said that show bosses were keen to switch it up a bit to keep it fresh after its five-year hiatus.
Image: ITV) ITV) Image: ITV) ITV)
A telly insider told The Sun : "The former jackpot was £250,000, and since the show is also about coping with tension, they felt having a seven-figure sum at stake would increase that even further.
"But the simple format at the heart of the show remains largely unchanged — it's still about contestants desperately trying to keep their cool."
And ahead of the show, ITV assured that all episodes were filmed in a Covid-safe environment.
*The Million Pound Cube will be back next Saturday on ITV at 9pm.


thedailymirror--2020-10-17--Craig Revel-Horwood's mum wants to give him away when he marries Tinder lover

Craig Revel Horwood may be known for his withering put-downs on Strictly – but his mum insists he ’ s simply “ fab-u-lous ” .
And she can ’ t wait to waltz him down the aisle , if he gives her the chance .
In her first newspaper interview , Beverley Horwood says she has given Craig ’ s fiancé Jonathan Myring , 35 , the seal of approval .
And she couldn ’ t be more complimentary about gardener Jonathan , who is 20 years Craig ’ s junior .
The pair , who met on Tinder two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year and are planning to tie the knot in 2022 .
What is your view ?
Have your say in the comments below Speaking from her home in Victoria , Australia , Beverley says : “ They are both very different people , but they are both very kind and loving .
“ I haven ’ t been asked whether I will be walking him down the aisle yet , but I would love to .
I feel like I have really got to know Jonathan from the trips they ’ ve made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Strictly judge Craig , 55 , is renowned for his cutting remarks .
He compared Countdown star Rachel Riley to a slug , and told singer Heather Small that the best thing about her dancing was “ the end ” .
But while Beverley admits his Mr Nasty persona “ did take a bit of getting used to ” , she says : “ He ’ s just honest .
He ’ d never sugar-coat anything – although sometimes I think he does go over and above.
” Beverley , who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australia for more than 30 years , says she had no idea her “ quiet and gentle ” son would follow in her footsteps .
But she admits that when Craig judged the Australian version of Strictly – called Dancing with the Stars – it felt a little too close to home .
In one of his blistering put-downs , he compared stand-up comedian Denise Scott to the Hunchback of Notre Dame .
“ I was worried I might have to leave town , ” Beverley jokes .
“ British humour can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was worried about what the reaction to him would be .
But he went down really well .
“ Denise seemed to find his comment funny .
She quipped back , ‘ You try having these size breasts and getting your leg up !
’ She gave as good as she got .
`` I think it ’ s all part of what makes the show get such good ratings.
” Last year , Beverley won an award for her outstanding contribution to the arts in her home city of Ballarat , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OAM at the end of her name ( Order of Australian Medal ) – equivalent to an OBE here .
She tells how , as a boy , Craig was always more interested in musical theatre .
“ He didn ’ t start dancing until his late teens , ” she says .
“ Before that , he had been in a marching band and the orchestra , so he always loved performing .
“ He forgets his mother was a dancer .
He ’ s never critiqued my dancing though.
” Beverley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever since her split from Craig ’ s dad Philip , a former lieutenant in the Royal Australian Navy and a heavy drinker , who died in 2015 .
Although she won ’ t see Strictly on TV , Craig sends her recordings of the show .
“ I avoid the mean put-downs though !
” she says .

EXCLUSIVE: In her first every newspaper interview, Beverly Horwood tells the Sunday Mirror says her Strictly Come Dancing judge son's love has her seal of approval
Craig Revel-Horwood's mum wants to give him away when he marries Tinder lover
Craig Revel Horwood may be known for his withering put-downs on Strictly – but his mum insists he’s simply “fab-u-lous”.
And she can’t wait to waltz him down the aisle, if he gives her the chance.
In her first newspaper interview, Beverley Horwood says she has given Craig’s fiancé Jonathan Myring, 35, the seal of approval.
And she couldn’t be more complimentary about gardener Jonathan, who is 20 years Craig’s junior.
The pair, who met on Tinder two years ago, got engaged earlier this year and are planning to tie the knot in 2022.
What is your view? Have your say in the comments below
Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Mamma Mia) Dave Benett/Getty Images for Mamma Mia)
Speaking from her home in Victoria, Australia, Beverley says: “They are both very different people, but they are both very kind and loving.
“I haven’t been asked whether I will be walking him down the aisle yet, but I would love to. I feel like I have really got to know Jonathan from the trips they’ve made to Australia, and I love him.”
Strictly judge Craig, 55, is renowned for his cutting remarks.
He compared Countdown star Rachel Riley to a slug, and told singer Heather Small that the best thing about her dancing was “the end”.
But while Beverley admits his Mr Nasty persona “did take a bit of getting used to”, she says: “He’s just honest. He’d never sugar-coat anything – although sometimes I think he does go over and above.”
Beverley, who has worked with theatre and dance groups in Australia for more than 30 years, says she had no idea her “quiet and gentle” son would follow in her footsteps.
But she admits that when Craig judged the Australian version of Strictly – called Dancing with the Stars – it felt a little too close to home.
In one of his blistering put-downs, he compared stand-up comedian Denise Scott to the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
“I was worried I might have to leave town,” Beverley jokes.
“British humour can be very different from over here and I was worried about what the reaction to him would be. But he went down really well.
“Denise seemed to find his comment funny. She quipped back, ‘You try having these size breasts and getting your leg up!’ She gave as good as she got.
"I think it’s all part of what makes the show get such good ratings.”
Image: BBC) BBC)
Last year, Beverley won an award for her outstanding contribution to the arts in her home city of Ballarat, where Craig grew up.
She also has OAM at the end of her name (Order of Australian Medal) – equivalent to
an OBE here.
She tells how, as a boy, Craig was always more interested in musical theatre.
“He didn’t start dancing until his late teens,” she says. “Before that, he had been in a marching band and the orchestra, so he always loved performing.
“He forgets his mother was a dancer. He’s never critiqued my dancing though.”
Beverley has been single for 20 years, ever since her split from Craig’s dad Philip, a former lieutenant in the Royal Australian Navy and a heavy drinker, who died in 2015.
Although she won’t see Strictly on TV, Craig sends her recordings of the show. “I avoid the mean put-downs though!” she says.


thedailymirror--2020-10-18--Real Madrid 'upset' by James Rodriguez after fine start to Everton career

James Rodriguez 's flying start to life in the Premier League with Everton has reportedly 'upset ' his former club Real Madrid .
The 29-year-old , who joined the Merseyside outfit during the summer on a free transfer , has quickly made an impression in England 's top flight having scored three goals in five matches .
Officials within the Spanish club are 'showing their disappointment ' towards management regarding their handling of the player , according to Saturday 's edition of AS .
Rodriguez , along with Gareth Bale , Sergio Reguilon and Dani Ceballos , are seen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager Zinedine Zidane when they should have been 'very useful ' members of the squad .
Everton 's fantastic form in the league , shaped heavily by the influence of Rodriguez , has shown Real that his abilities may be missed should they find themselves struggling this campaign .
The Colombian international only played eight times in La Liga last season before leaving to join Carlo Ancelotti 's side .
He became a household name during the 2014 FIFA World Cup with a series of eye-catching performances , being named on the shortlist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result .
Rodriguez also scooped FIFA 's highly-coveted Puskas Award , with his iconic volley against Uruguay in the competition 's first knockout round named as the best goal scored in world football that year .
Everton remain undefeated in the Premier League so far this campaign , having earned a 2-2 draw on Saturday against bitter rivals Liverpool .
Rodriguez found the head of Michael Keane for his side 's opener in the 19th minute of the match , taking his tally of assists for the season up to three .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stunning start next weekend as they travel to Southampton , but Ancelotti will be without winger Richarlison at his disposal after his sending-off during the closing stages of the Merseyside derby .
The Brazilian slammed into Thiago Alcantara with his studs showing and was promptly given his marching orders by referee Michael Oliver .

Club officials are said to be disappointed with management after seeing the Colombian leave on a free transfer and instantly make an impact for Everton in the Premier League
James Rodriguez 's flying start to life in the Premier League with Everton has reportedly 'upset' his former club Real Madrid.
The 29-year-old, who joined the Merseyside outfit during the summer on a free transfer, has quickly made an impression in England's top flight having scored three goals in five matches.
Officials within the Spanish club are 'showing their disappointment' towards management regarding their handling of the player, according to Saturday's edition of AS.
Rodriguez, along with Gareth Bale, Sergio Reguilon and Dani Ceballos, are seen to have been 'discarded' by Los Blancos manager Zinedine Zidane when they should have been 'very useful' members of the squad.
Everton's fantastic form in the league, shaped heavily by the influence of Rodriguez, has shown Real that his abilities may be missed should they find themselves struggling this campaign.
The Colombian international only played eight times in La Liga last season before leaving to join Carlo Ancelotti 's side.
He became a household name during the 2014 FIFA World Cup with a series of eye-catching performances, being named on the shortlist for the Golden Ball award as a result.
Rodriguez also scooped FIFA's highly-coveted Puskas Award, with his iconic volley against Uruguay in the competition's first knockout round named as the best goal scored in world football that year.
Everton remain undefeated in the Premier League so far this campaign, having earned a 2-2 draw on Saturday against bitter rivals Liverpool.
Image: Kiko Huesca/EPA-EFE/REX) Kiko Huesca/EPA-EFE/REX)
Rodriguez found the head of Michael Keane for his side's opener in the 19th minute of the match, taking his tally of assists for the season up to three.
The Toffees will be looking to continue their stunning start next weekend as they travel to Southampton, but Ancelotti will be without winger Richarlison at his disposal after his sending-off during the closing stages of the Merseyside derby.
The Brazilian slammed into Thiago Alcantara with his studs showing and was promptly given his marching orders by referee Michael Oliver.


thedailymirror--2020-10-18--Man arrested 'after setting fire to crate with terrified puppy inside'

A 22-year-old man has bee arrested after allegedly setting fire to a crate with a puppy inside .
Ra'shae Syrtaj Jermaine Johnson is accused of intentionally harming his pet , who was taken to hospital with burns .
Firefighters voiced their disbelief at the cruelty after the dog - named Korra by rescuers - was found in a park in Colombus , Ohio .
Mike DeFrancisco , Columbus Fire and Explosives Unit , told Fox28 : “ We see a lot of bad things on a daily basis , but this really cut a lot of our people to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police said Johnson had confessed to setting fire to the plastic crate with the dog inside .
He is now charged with a fifth degree felony for 'Provisions Concerning Companion Animals ' .
It happened between 11.30am and 12.30pm on October 11 , when fire crews were putting out a crate fire - before noticing the injured dog .
In a statement on Facebook the Colombus Division of Fire wrote : `` Firefighters responded to the park just after noon and found a small area of melted plastic on fire underneath a tree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were extinguishing the fire , they observed a small yellow/ blond puppy with white feet , and a white flea collar , running in the area .
`` The firefighters realized that the puppy had black plastic melted to her back and realized the puppy had been in the cage . ''
The dog was treated for burns at the nearby Diley Hill Animal Center .
Authorities said they were overwhelmed by offers to pay for Korra 's treatment , and her owner was arrested on Friday .
The department said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the generosity of those who offered money for medical bills and reward money .
`` Because of your help , within 24 hours fire investigators were able to identify a suspect and bring him in for questioning .
He eventually confessed to lighting fire to the plastic crate . ''
Korra is now being cared for by a new family and is recovering well .

Ra'shae Syrtaj Jermaine Johnson reportedly admitted the horrifying act of cruelty after his pet Korra was found by firefighters with burns to her paws and body in Colombus, Ohio
Man arrested 'after setting fire to crate with terrified puppy inside'
A 22-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly setting fire to a crate with a puppy inside.
Ra'shae Syrtaj Jermaine Johnson is accused of intentionally harming his pet, who was taken to hospital with burns.
Firefighters voiced their disbelief at the cruelty after the dog - named Korra by rescuers - was found in a park in Colombus, Ohio.
Mike DeFrancisco, Columbus Fire and Explosives Unit, told Fox28 : “We see a lot of bad things on a daily basis, but this really cut a lot of our people to the core. This one hurts."
Police said Johnson had confessed to setting fire to the plastic crate with the dog inside.
He is now charged with a fifth degree felony for 'Provisions Concerning Companion Animals'.
Image: xxxxxxxxxxx) xxxxxxxxxxx)
It happened between 11.30am and 12.30pm on October 11, when fire crews were putting out a crate fire - before noticing the injured dog.
In a statement on Facebook the Colombus Division of Fire wrote: "Firefighters responded to the park just after noon and found a small area of melted plastic on fire underneath a tree in the park.
"As firefighters were extinguishing the fire, they observed a small yellow/ blond puppy with white feet, and a white flea collar, running in the area.
"The firefighters realized that the puppy had black plastic melted to her back and realized the puppy had been in the cage."
The dog was treated for burns at the nearby Diley Hill Animal Center.
Authorities said they were overwhelmed by offers to pay for Korra's treatment, and her owner was arrested on Friday.
The department said: "We were overwhelmed by the community involvement and the generosity of those who offered money for medical bills and reward money.
"Because of your help, within 24 hours fire investigators were able to identify a suspect and bring him in for questioning. He eventually confessed to lighting fire to the plastic crate."
Korra is now being cared for by a new family and is recovering well.