Evelyn Reynolds

EXCLUSIVE: Danniella Westbrook has just one life regret – and it’s not her career. The former EastEnders star reveals her battles, bucket list dreams, and bold new plans06:00, 09 Aug 2025Updated 07:18, 09 Aug 2025Danniella shared her biggest regret(Image: Getty Images)Danniella Westbrook has lived a life full of drama, headlines, and comebacks – but the former EastEnders star says there’s only one thing she truly regrets.In a chat with Daily Star in collaboration with casino.org, the 51-year-old actress, who shot to fame as Sam Mitchell on the BBC soap, insisted she has zero career regrets despite the ups and downs that have followed her since her teenage stardom.“Drugs will always be my biggest regret,” she admits candidly. “But other than that, no. No career regrets as such.”It’s a revelation that might shock some of her fans, given her well-documented struggles over the years. But Westbrook, who has weathered public battles with addiction and multiple stints in rehab, says she’s not a believer in living with regrets.Danniella has been candid about her struggles(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)She reflected: “I just think everything’s a learning curve, isn’t it? It’s about how you deal with it personally and what you learn from it. If you learn from it, that is. I’m one of those people who has to learn from a mistake about 12 times before I can see the light. I’m like Dory, forgetting what’s happened. But you know, I was like that. Now I listen. I’ll listen to the advice given to me.”The TV star has never hidden her struggles with cocaine addiction after first experimenting with the drug as a teen. Danniella has also admitted to dabbling with heroin too but says cocaine was her main downfall.Danniella shared her big future plans(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)Her habit infamously destroyed her nasal septum and resulted in multiple stints in rehab. But now, she’s determined to leave her wild past behind and focus on her career and new ventures.Danniella is looking to the future and shared what is on her bucket list.She shared: “I’d like to do more theatre. I think I’d like to play Mama Morton in Chicago. I’d like to do Blood Brothers. I’d like to do something completely different from Sam Mitchell. I don’t know, maybe a gangster granny or something like that. I just like to do something completely different.”Have you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz hereArticle continues belowWant all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter More

The Mancunians returned to London as part of a sellout reunion tour and some fans were allegedly so desperate to see the band that they paid scammers money to sneak in the stadium23:06, 08 Aug 2025Mad for it fans inside Wembley watching Oasis (Image: William Lailey / SWNS)Hundreds of Oasis fans were allegedly snuck in through the disabled entrance at Wembley in a massive security breach.The Gallagher brothers played five sellout gigs at the London stadium across July and August as part of their reunion tour this year. Up to 200 ticketless fans, however, were said to have gained access to the hugely anticipated gig in exchange for £350.A couple of them explained how a number of people were able to all use a copy of the same ticket to get in through a door meant for disabled fans. Once inside, they were given wristbands for the VIP area at the front of the stage.Oasis fans gather outside Wembley for the legendary rocker’s first reunion gig in London(Image: William Lailey / SWNS)According to the Sun, the two women behind the scam apparently had “10 groups of 20” fans waiting to go inside Wembley through this way. One fan told the outlet: “We were given our tickets, which were all the same, and a woman drew a shape on our hands.“We were told to go to the disabled door at entrance M, even though our tickets said entrance F. We showed our stamped hands to the person on the door, they scanned the tickets, even though we all had the same one, and let us in.”After receiving a golden wristband, they claimed they were allowed in “with zero security searches”.The scammers allegedly use Facebook groups to target those desperate to see the band, who split up in 2009.One message read: “Hey if you’re still looking for tickets let me know I can meet you in person and no payment until you’re inside!”A fan who exposed the scam said he was contacted on social media and asked to pay a £10 deposit into one of the scammer’s Monzo bank accountsAfter doing that, he was added to a WhatsApp group and recalled how people in the group were “told to go to the Sainsbury’s shop at Wembley Way on Saturday.”“There were so many people there I got talking to them and we were all there for the same reason,” he said before adding that they were then told to go to entrance M and head to the disabled entrance.”Article continues belowA Wembley spokesman said on Thursday: “Entering Wembley Stadium without a ticket is a serious offence and we are investigating these allegations.”If they are substantiated, we will refer our evidence to the police.”For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters. More

Singer Kevin Rowland said it was ‘tough’ when people would only talk about the band’s biggest hit, Come On Eileen, because there were other ones during their 33 year career together19:51, 08 Aug 2025Kevin Rowland said Come On Eileen got ‘bigger’ than the band(Image: Daily Record)Come On Eileen singer Kevin Rowland said the song became a ‘millstone’ after it ‘got bigger’ than the band itself.After Dexys Midnight Runners released the track in 1982 it shot to No1 in the UK and US and won Best British Single at the Brit Awards. But Rowland, 71, said it was ‘tough’ when folk would only ask him about that song rather than any of the band’s other work.In response to the question of when he felt the song ceased to be his he told the Full Disclosure podcast: “I think when around ‘83, ‘84, a year or two later, when I’d only be asked about that by people in the street, you know what I mean? It was only that one.”Dexys Midnight Runners are known for Come On Eileen(Image: The People)Asked if that was tough for him he said: “It was, it was. Because I knew there were other ones, you know.”When asked if Eileen became a millstone he said: “I guess. I hate to say that because I’m grateful for it now.“But I felt that at the time. It got bigger than the band. It was so big. Oh, it’s bigger than us. It’s something else now. Isn’t it? It’s out there, isn’t it?”The Birmingham-based band – which was together for 33 years – also topped the charts with single Geno and had a No5 with a cover of Van Morrison’s Jackie Wilson Said (I’m In Heaven When You Smile).But Eileen became its best known song and was voted the nation’s sixth favourite 80s’ hit in an ITV poll.It stopped Michael Jackson having back-to-back US No1s in 1983 – topping the charts between the pop king’s smashes Billie Jean and Beat It.According to Rowland there was no real Eileen.“She was composite to make a point about Catholic repression,” he has said.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. More

Former Coronation Street star Kym Marsh has spoken of her heartache after confirming that a relative has died, marking another tragic loss in her family19:42, 08 Aug 2025Kym Marsh has shared a heartbreaking family update(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)Kym Marsh has revealed the heartbreaking news of another death in her family. The 49-year-old BBC star shared the tragic update with her followers, along with a touching tribute. Sadly, Kym lost her beloved father in January last year following a lengthy battle with prostate cancer. Now, she has announced the premature death of her cousin Carl, alongside a poignant message.The television personality wrote: “I can’t believe I’m writing this. Today our family say goodbye to Carl. My cousin. A legend to all who knew him. A light turned out far too soon.”A huge hole in our lives that will never be filled. Sometimes life makes no sense. There are times when you just can’t understand how such cruel things happen, to good honest people. This is one of those times,” reports the Mirror.She continued: “Carl was the kindest, funniest, most unique person I’ve ever known. The memories I have of us growing up, the camping holidays with the fam, the laughs, your silliness, your loyalty.Kym Marsh paid tribute to her cousin Carl(Image: INSTAGRAM)”You were one of a kind cuz, and I will miss you until the end of time. I wish I could be there today to say my final goodbye, but I know that you know how much I love you, and I know you would be telling me to stop being a silly arse and stop crying, and that you would want me to be where I am doing what I’m doing.”Kym Marsh shared a heartfelt message, saying: “Doesn’t stop me wishing I was there, or thinking of my family today, or grieving, or wishing I could make this better for everyone. I know that the family will give you the best send off cuz and that they will do you proud.”She emotionally concluded: “We will love you forever and always. Good night god bless my wonderful cousin. Sleep tight.”Earlier this year, Kym paid tribute to her late father Dave on what would have been his 80th birthday. She shared a photo of him smiling while holding a bowl of ice cream and wrote: “Happy heavenly birthday Poppa Bear. You would have been 80 today and I so wish you were here to celebrate that! I would love nothing more than to hear you laugh and tell jokes and look at your amazing smiley face. I miss you so much Dad.”Kym lost her dad last year(Image: Kym Marsh/Instagram)Kym added: “You have left a huge hole in my life that can never be filled. My hero. My biggest champion. My world. I love you always and forever, or as you would say, to Aldi and back! ! Have fun up there. Always your shadow, Kym.”In a recent interview with Closer magazine, Kym discussed her struggles with grief and difficult times. She hinted that “life is always a struggle” and revealed plans to prioritise herself ahead of her 50th birthday next year, following a series of family heartbreaks and her split from her boyfriend.Article continues belowShe told the outlet: “Life is always a struggle – it’s not like all of a sudden, it’s a fairy tale.”Kym then expressed that there are “always things” that people are grappling with, be it a “hard time” or “trying to achieve a dream,” before advising everyone to “just keep going”.Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter. More

Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones loves a good bit of on-screen swordplay. But her clashes with Wednesday co-star Jenna Ortega are nothing compared to some real-life historical duels…18:34, 08 Aug 2025Almost certainly not the princess in question(Image: Getty Images)Catherine Zeta-Jones says having a sword fight with Jenna Ortega felt “amazing”, as the Daily Star revealed this week. The moody beauties clashed blades on set while filming the new series of Wednesday.It’s not her first on-screen duel – she also faced Antonio Banderas in 1998 film The Mask of Zorro. Now we take a look at the gruesome history of the real-life tradition.Duel purpose: Feeling annoyed about pretty much anything at all? At one point in history, that might have been enough to warrant a duel.These small-scale battles were fought – at first with swords, then later with pistols – between people who felt they had been disrespected.Catherine Zeta-Jones and Antonio Banderas in The Mask of Zorro(Image: Channel 5)Fight the power: The tradition arose from ‘trial by combat’ – once considered a legitimate legal process.Used in cases without witnesses or a confession, it involved an alleged offender fighting their accuser until one of them could be declared the winner, and therefore right. It was introduced to England by William I in the 11 th Century and finally abolished in 1819.Class warfare: Outside of the courts, duelling was always illegal in Britain. But it was common among the upper classes in the 17 th Century and the authorities usually turned a blind eye.On the rare occasion winners were arrested for murder, juries often refused to find them guilty – provided they had followed the rules.Pitched battle: It wasn’t enough to just give your opponent a slap. You had to abide by the code duello, starting by declaring your grievance in public.At that point, the offending party could either apologise or choose weapons for the duel. Your next job would be to name a meeting point – or “field of honour” – where each side would arrive with a doctor and a stand-in or “second”.Duel with Swords and Daggers by Jacques Callot, circa 1622(Image: Heritage Images via Getty Images)Lin-Manuel labour: One of the most famous duels in history took place between US founding father Alexander Hamilton and then-vice president Aaron Burr. And if you’ve seen the Hamilton musical, by Lin-Manuel Miranda, you’ll be able to sing all about it.Alexander was gunned down by his political rival after refusing to apologise for calling him “a dangerous man”.Fighting talk: It wasn’t just men who got involved with duelling. In the famous “petticoat duel” of 1792, Lady Almeria Braddock was apparently enraged when a Mrs Elphinstone accused her of being over 60, rather than ‘not yet 30,’ as she claimed.They squared up with pistols, then swords, in London’s Hyde Park, where Mrs Elphinstone got a slash to her arm and agreed to apologise.Head of steam: Andrew Jackson, the seventh US president, was said to have been involved in more than 100 duels. Many of these were in defence of his wife Rachel, who was falsely accused of adultery.Jackson was almost killed in an 1806 clash with plantation owner Charles Dickinson, but rallied to shoot his opponent dead.Article continues belowBattle Royale: In August 1892, Austrian princess Pauline Von Metternich fell out with a Countess Anastasia von Kielmannsegg over floral arrangements at an exhibition. Obviously, they decided to settle the row with a duel.They were rumoured to have fought topless to stop any cuts getting infected – but the princess denied this. Both women were slightly wounded and Pauline was declared the winner. More

The Status Quo legend said there would be no interest in a movie of the band because, although they made many great songs, that “upset many people”18:33, 08 Aug 2025Francis Rossi doesn’t think there’ll be a Status Quo movie(Image: Getty Images)Francis Rossi has moaned that no one would want to watch a biopic on his rock career.Movies based on music stars have been big business in recent years with hits like Elvis, Rocketman and Bohemian Rhapsody. But Francis admitted: “There’d be no interest in a Status Quo movie. I thought the Elton John one was all right. My daughter loved the Queen one. “I said, ‘It’s not true, I know what happened there and it’s not true.'”But she said, ‘You told me it was all showbiz.’ It was a great movie. We wrote some very good melodies, many great poppy, rocky songs. But that upset many people.”Rossi said the Queen movie was great but it wasn’t true(Image: Getty Images)The singer said he still has hopes instead that Quo tunes could feature in a musical like Queen-based We Will Rock You.He explained: “The best thing about the musical was that it wasn’t about the band. For a Quo musical you could just use the material.”Whether the music is as strong or as diverse is hard to say.”Rossi is going to keep on rocking until he drops(Image: Getty Images)Meanwhile, Francis told the new issue of Record Collector that he will keep on rocking until he drops as he doesn’t know anything else.He said: “One of the reasons I’m still working is selfishness. When I go out there it’s all I have to do.”I focus from the moment I get up to the moment I finish and then I focus on the following day. That’s all that really matters.”Although I’m off through August and I’ve made product I’m not allowed to talk about yet.”If I don’t have a show I wake up and think, ‘Jesus, I’m 76…'”Once you’ve sampled this, tasted this, you want to keep hold of it. I always have, and I still do.”Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. More

Countdown regular Rachel Riley has ruled out having any more children with her husband and former Strictly Come Dancing professional, Pasha Kovalev, after the pair welcomed two daughters together15:46, 08 Aug 2025Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev have made a decision about their familyTV presenter Rachel Riley has revealed that she and her husband Pasha Kovalev have no plans for more children. The 39-year-old Countdown favourite first crossed paths with her 45-year-old spouse on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013, leading to their marriage in 2019.The couple share two children – five-year-old Maven and three-year-old Noa – but Rachel confessed to Woman magazine that a third child isn’t on the cards.In conversation with the magazine, she candidly stated: “No, I think we’re done.” When asked if her little ones might follow in their father’s dancing footsteps, Rachel confirmed they’ve already started taking classes, reports the Liverpool Echo.Rachel Riley and Pasha KovalevShe elaborated: “They’re both dancing. Maven, the eldest, has got her first ballet exam coming up, and the little one, Noa, has got her first show soon.”They are just doing ballet, so it’s nothing serious. They love it, and they always get Pasha to throw them around the kitchen.”Rachel has previously opened up about her experiences as a mum. Earlier this year, she shared with The Times the emotional journey of taking her children to Disneyland Paris for the first time.She recalled how the trip stirred memories of her own childhood, when her grandmother took her to see The Lion King at a cinema in Southend.She reminisced: “I remember my grandma taking us to the ABC cinema in Southend to see The Lion King, and I still love all the Disney films.”I took my kids to Disneyland Paris for the first time recently, and it’s so nostalgic looking at your youth through new eyes. Why does this music make me feel so emotional? Because it takes you back.”Rachel Riley and Pasha KovalevRachel is set to grace our screens once again when Countdown and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown both return this August.Article continues below8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown is back tonight (August 8) at 9 pm on Channel 4, with regular Countdown airing earlier in the day at 2:10pm.While Rachel will be making a comeback on both shows, she has dismissed any notion of returning to the Strictly dance floor, expressing her preference for her recent stint on Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters.During an appearance on Lorraine, Rachel told guest host Christine Lampard: “This is kind of real – it’s blue sky, blue sea, nature. You know what you’re getting there. Strictly is just a whole level of other stuff. I’ll take great whites over Strictly, for sure.” More

Actor Frank Grimes has sadly died at the age of 78. The legendary star appeared as Barry Connor in Coronation Street between 2008 and 2015. He played the father of Kym Marsh’s Michelle Connor, Paul and Liam Connor and returned in 2015 for Michelle’s wedding to Steve McDonald. He starred in major BBC shows such […] More