'I was born a fighter and will fight this': Footballers' Wives and The Bill actor Ben Richards, 39, battling cancer

By Caroline Thain


His acting career has blossomed, but behind the scenes Ben Richards has had a tough few years.

Now, in the latest heartbreak for his family, the Footballers' Wives star has revealed he is battling cancer.

The 39-year-old took to his Twitter page with the news at the end of last month.

He wrote: 'After getting scariest news yesterday, I have to now postpone my LA adventure for at least six months. I was born a fighter and will fight this.'

Days later, the star, who played Bruno Milligan in the hit TV series, wrote: 'Great meeting with oncologist today, lovely guy, v. positive, I was terrified he’d give me bad news.'

Mr Richards then thanked his wife Helen Richards, 37, calling her a 'rock by my side.'

After the appointment he told his 8,576 Twitter fans: 'Yep, time to battle the big C. Prognosis is good gang and should kick this into touch in about six months, well this should be a different journey xx'.

Mr Richards lives with wife and pet Maltese Terrier, Benson, in St Albans.

The couple have been blighted by tragedy after losing four babies, each still born due to a rare condition, since they married in 2003.


Heartbreak: Mr Richards and wife Helen have been blighted by tragedy after losing four babies, each still born due to a rare condition, since 2003

Tough: Mr Richards, right, who also played Bruno Milligan in Footballers' Wives, Tweeted that it was 'time to battle the big C' after a visit to an oncologist

In 2008 Mr Richards, told Hello Magazine: 'We’ve had a terrible time, but I’ve had
incredible support. We’re in limbo as far as having a family goes. Hopefully in the future it’s something we can do, there are different options to look at.'

Of his cancer revelation, Mrs Richards tweeted: 'could life be any crueller right now?' adding that she keeps hoping to be slapped in the face with a wet fish and told it’s all a big joke.

The couple managed to get away to Valencia, Spain, last week, joking on Twitter about 'dot tattoos', referring to a procedure involving marking the skin for radiotherapy.

Bad news: Mr Richards took to Twitter to tell his 8,576 fans about the news and before vowing to fight the disease


Mr Richards, who also starred as PC Nate Roberts in The Bill and Justin in Holby City, has not revealed which type of cancer he is suffering from, but has supported several cancer charities for years, including Teenage Cancer Trust.

He is also a patron of the Chestnut Tree Hospice and ran 10k for Cancer Research UK in 2009.

Well-wishers left messages of support on The Bill fan website, The Billaton.

One read: 'I pray for his quick recovery and wish him well in his fight against this illness. Still so young though cancer does not age discriminate'.

And on Twitter @mykris wrote: 'good luck, stay positive & strong.'


source:dailymail

'Tweets of a madman': David Beckham slams Joey Barton's online rant branding H&M underwear 'sweat shop gruds'

By Lucy Buckland


'Not a****d': Joey Barton (left) accused brand Beckham of making having his H&M pants made in sweat shop


Footballer Joey Barton is no stranger to a Twitter row.

And the Queens Park Rangers midfielder is certainly racking up enemies from his fellow footballers after launching a vicious online tirade against David Beckham, claiming his new underwear range was made in a 'sweat shop.'

Now UNICEF ambassador Beckham has hit back at Barton, claiming his rants are those of a 'madman.'


Barton, 28, unleashed his Twitter fury after watching Beckham's H&M advert during the Super Bowl and wrote online: 'Not a****d if they’re Beckham’s or not. 9.99 pounds for a pair of gruds for H and M (sic) is an outrage.'

He added: 'Do one, Becks. They cost about 1p to make in a sweat shop in the Third World, Is there no limit to what ‘Brand Beckham’ will endorse for a pound note?'

Madman: Brand Beckham said Barton's tweet was inaccurate

A spokesman for the LA Galaxy player insisted to the Daily Star that the range was being made 'under the strictest ethical guidelines.

He added anyone who accused Beckham of using child labour was a 'madman'.

H&M has refused to say which factory in China they were using for the underwear range but the High Street chain said workers were given 'at least the statutory minimum wage.'

Barton, who has more than a million followers on Twitter and is renowned for his outspoken comments, used the medium to make a series of comments about John Terry's charge of allegedly racially abusing Anton Ferdinand.


Accusations: David Beckham has denied his brand of underwear is made in 'sweat shops'

Denials: David Beckham's new range's affordability concerned Joey Barton

Terry, who was stripped of the England captaincy last week, denies the charge and will stand trial in July.

Barton, who has more than a million Twitter followers has previously spoken about his right to free speech, through Twitter.

He wrote: 'I will gladly go to jail for a month in the name of free speech. I have no problem with what I said.

'Make me a martyr. What are they going to do, put everyone who exercises freedom of speech in jail? They'll (sic) be a revolution, if they try that.'



source:dailymail

From fat to fit in just FIVE hours: Blogger shows how to create those before and after fitness shots with the help of chips, soda, oil and a tanning b

By Daily Mail Reporter


How to: 'Furious Pete' explains to viewers that if sometimes those before and after shots seem impossible, then they probably are - but he is going to show us how

Want to get the body you've always dreamed of in just five hours?

One blogger and eating champion shows you how, without even having to deprive yourself of your favourite foods - in fact, you can eat potato chips and drink two litres of cola and still achieve the look.

Worth $60billion-a-year in America, the dieting industry is big business and many advertisements feature before and after shots to show you just how effective the product is.

Scroll down for video


Do the after shot first: Pete says go to the gym and pump some iron to make sure you are as 'vascular as humanly possible'

Squeeze some more in: Right before the shot do a few more bicep curls just to add to that toned look (after you've been on a tanning bed)

Men and women with protruding, flabby stomachs and undefined arms and abs are often compared with the after shot of rippling six packs, bulging biceps and toned torsos.

A man called Furious Pete, who according to his website is the world's greatest eater, shows how the effect can be achieved in just five hours.

He says: 'Most of the time it's hard to believe that a supplement or training programme can make you look like this.'

Then he shows you how, by first preparing for his after shot.


Finishing touches: Spray yourself with cooking oil to ensure your body looks as slick as possible to really show up those muscles for the shot

Finally: Tense up your body and show off your muscles to maximum effect with the help of some good lighting and voila - the body you've always wanted

In the video 'expose' he tells viewers to get themselves to the gym, where they should 'pump as much iron as possible'.

'The first step is to reverse the process. Go to the gym and do as many bicep curls, tricep push downs and chest presses,' he says. 'Make sure you are as vascular as humanly possible.'

He then recommends going on a tanning bed so you can be as 'tan as humanly possible'. After that you should set up some good lighting and rub yourself in cooking oil.


Chow down: Now fore the before shot, rest yourself for a couple of hours to let that vascular effect go away and eat as much sodium-rich food as possible to retain water


More more more: Munch your way through a big bag of potato chips, the oilier the better (while using the least movement possible)


Burp: Wash it down with two litres of fizzy pop to really make your stomach big before washing it down with chocolate milk to 'bloat the hell out of it'


Fit to fat in five hours: The 'flabby' before shot is complete, proving how easy it is to go from toned to bloated in one day

Finished product: Most commercials say this difference can only be achieved using the latest weight loss product. Pete did it in one afternoon

Pete shows off the buff and slick after picture, which he admits he slightly Photoshopped.

Now for the before picture.

He says: 'Take two hours off, you worked hard. Rest up and make sure the vascularity disappears. Grab a bag of chips and down all of them.

'Grab yourself a two litre bottle of pop and drink it all. Diet pop works even better because it has more carbonation and will make your stomach even bigger.'

He then recommends drinking chocolate milk, saying: 'It will bloat the hell out of you.'

Then, the before shot is complete. Pete stands with his stomach hanging over his pants and the bulging biceps from just hours before have disappeared, proving that we 'shouldn't believe everything we see.'




source:dailymail

Kelly Brook models vintage-inspired Valentine's day lingerie collection for New Look

By Deborah Arthurs


Knock-out: Kelly Brook models her latest collection for high street store New Look

She has the kind of body that women envy and men desire. Kelly Brook's voluptuous figure achieves that aesthetic Holy Grail of being both slim and curvaceous - without the aid of cosmetic surgery.

And just in time for Valentines's day, Kelly has poured her passion for lingerie - and her enviable curves - into her latest lingerie line for high street store New Look.

The vintage-inspired collection features delicate lace-trimmed bras, high-waisted knickers and suspender belts, all in baby soft pastel tones of the palest blush or floral pinks.


And according to Kelly's Twitter feed, the collection is selling well. 'New Look Lingerie Sales up 18% Great news thank you everyone,' she wrote earlier today.

Kelly explains that all the lingerie from her collection enhances girls' curves, rather than attempting to slim them down.

'I don't like minimiser bras,' she said in an interview with Now magazine. 'I think girls should embrace their curves - push 'em up! Lacy French knickers that accentuate your waist flatter us curvy girls.'

'I have the whole collection I've designed for New Look too - it's so comfortable to wear and looks super-sexy.'

Clearly something of an enthusiast, Kelly, who has just returned from a beach holiday in Brazil where she showcased many of her bikini designs for New Look, also revealed that she has collected Agent Provocateur underwear since she was 19, wears Victoria Secret bras, and boasts a colourful array of Costella thongs.

The 34E model, who has previously posed for Michelle Mone's lingerie brand Ultimo, confessed that like screen siren Marilyn Monroe, she prefers to sleep without pyjamas, wearing only a spritz of her own signature scent, Fracas.

Retro: The 32-year-old model and presenter looked back to bygone eras for inspiration for the line

In the winter, she says she she might sneak on a pair of her boyfriend Thom Evans' socks, but for lounging Jack Wills pyjamas are hard to beat.

As for how she maintains that knock-out figure, Kelly says it's simple. She explained: 'My regime is: walk everywhere, have regular steam room sessions to get rid of toxins and find a good water. And plenty of sex - it's a great cardio workout!'

'My secret to instant sex appeal is confidence and being with someone who makes you feel like you're the only girl in the world,' she added.

'I can't bear the fact that girls these days think you have to be thin to be beautiful and successful,' she says.

'I'm not thin. I don't starve myself. I don't look at my face and body and think I need surgery or a boob job or a bum lift.

'It makes me very angry when women in the public eye talk about what work they've had done, because it makes other women feel devalued.


Kelly Brook: 'lingerie should flatter girls' curves, not try to minimise them'


Delicate: The colour palette is made up of soft pinks and floral tones, trimmed with pretty lace


Feminine: Bras feature delicate bow detailing, while briefs and French knickers complement curves


Beach babe: Kelly Brook recently holidayed in Bahia, Brazil, where she showcased plenty of bikinis from her New Look range



source:dailymail

Me and my girl: Overjoyed Kate Silverton shows off baby Clemency outside ITV studios

By Holly Thomas


She's the 'miracle child' Kate Silverton never thought she'd have.

And there's no doubt that the proud mother was only too happy to show her off today.

The 41-year-old beamed as she held her daughter outside the ITV studios after appearing on Lorraine this morning.

Glowing with happiness: Kate Silverton showed off her daughter Clemency outside the ITV studios this morning

Kate looked smart in fitted pale beige trousers and brown leather boots, teamed with a pale camel jacket, a white shirt and spotted scarf.

Three-month-old Clemency was snug in a cosy white blanket and a pretty white cap with pink roses.

Kate was clearly pleased with how the morning had gone, and tweeted after her Lorraine appearance: 'Lovely tweets! - more nervous to know clemency was happy - she was... Mummy at sixes and sevens but lovely morning & lovely @reallorraine'

Looking sharp: Kate was bright and cheerful despite her early start

She replied to a tweet from the show's fitness expert Jane Wake complimenting her on how gorgeous she looked, writing: 'thanks jane! I might need some help shifting the extra two and a half stone though ;-)'

It seems little Clemency was well behaved for their early start, no doubt thanks in part to the self-confessed 'military' organisation of her mother.

Before leaving the house Kate wrote on Twitter: 'Stage one operation @reallorraine up at 6am tip toe around Clemency's crib, daddy delicately places sleeping baby in pram... Now en route'

Taking to motherhood: Kate organised their Lorraine appearance this morning like a 'military operation'

'Clemency's first TV appearance - let's hope she's having a smiley morning!'

Kate spent two years undergoing IVF treatment, and after four failed attempts thought she had lost all hope of becoming a mother.

The BBC presenter, who is married to Michael Heron, a former Royal Marine, gave birth to daughter Clemency in November, describing her pregnancy as a ‘miracle’.


Shared her story: Kate went through four unsuccessful cycles of IVF before conceiving

Chubby cheeks! Clemency looked lovely in a cute pink dress

‘I still can’t quite believe that she’s here,’ she said. ‘Seeing her smile melts me to the core. It’s the culmination of everything I ever dared imagine or hope for.

‘When I have her in my arms, feeding her in the early hours, with Mike sleeping by my side, I look down at her little face and still feel overwhelmed by what’s happened.’

‘Whether it’s the beaming smile I get when I lean over her crib in the morning or when her bottom lip trembles if she’s uncertain about something, I just live for those moments now. She’s just adorable.’


Captivated her audience: Lorraine Kelly was clearly very taken with Clemency

Doting mother: Kate has described how everything Clemency does fills her with joy

Doctors warned Miss Silverton she would struggle to conceive naturally after she had to undergo surgery to remove one of her ovaries.

She then underwent four rounds of IVF, but they all failed and the couple stopped the treatment – only for Clemency to be conceived naturally soon afterwards.

Proud parents: Lorraine showed a photo of Kate and her husband Mike Heron after the birth

Miss Silverton said: ‘I’m not sure how this happened, but I will give thanks every day for the rest of my life that I have experienced giving birth and now have a daughter.

‘It’s heartbreaking to know there are so many couples out there who face the same difficulties as we did and I wish that I could spread some of our good fortune to them.’


Helping hand: Kate's husband Mike was there to lend some support during their arrival



source:dailymail

She's really starting to show! Kourtney Kardashian reveals her pregnancy curves in stylish bikinis on family trip to Mexico

By Sarah Fitzmaurice


Quiet family trip: The 32-year-old reality TV star who is expecting her second child with boyfriend Scott Disick took their son Mason to Mexico for a four day trip last month

We have only seen a brief glimpse of her baby bump seen when she posed in a swimwear shoot with her sisters Kim and Khloe.

But Kourtney Kardashian is really starting to show and displayed her pregnancy shape while lapping up the sunshine in Mexico with boyfriend Scott Disick and her son Mason recently.

The 32-year-old looked in great shape as she displayed her mother-to-be curves in different bikinis during the holiday.

Starting to show: Kourtney Kardashian was showing off her growing baby bump as she soaked up the sunshine in Mexico

The couple, who in November revealed they were expecting their second child stayed at their friend’s Joe Francis’ Punta Mita estate for the four-day trip, last month.

The 32-year-old reality star looked great in an emerald and gold bikini and a pink abstract print two-piece as she relaxed with her family.

As well as relaxing by the pool the couple were seen enjoying romantic walks by the beach spending quality time with two-year-old Mason.

Checking on baby number two: As the family enjoyed a walk on the beach with Scott and Mason wearing matching shorts, Scott places a hand on Kourtney's bump

The little man, who has proved somewhat of a reality TV star already, was seen having a great time with his parents.

And it seems that he even wanted to match his father and was seen wearing matching swimming trunks as the family took a stroll on the beach.

At one point the toddler was seen looking on as Scott touched Kourtney’s baby bump which made for an adorable scene.


Good family fun: Kourtney and Scott were seen swinging Mason in their arms

Yummy mummy: Kourtney looked great in her emerald green and gold bikini as the family took a stroll on the beach

And it seemed that Kourtney was keen to top up her tan and was seen sporting a white bikini with tassels as she made the most of the time alone with her beau.

The pair looked more in love than ever and enjoying a break with their son Mason, and another child on the way, it's not hard to see why.

The mother-to-be looked stunning in her plunging white dress which highlighted her sunkissed skin.


Stealing time alone: During their break the couple also managed to enjoy some time alone for a romantic beach walk

Kissing up a storm: During a romantic trip the beach Kourtney was seen in a white bikini with tassels and the pair looked happier than ever


And Scott clearly seemed to think so too and was seen kissing his girlfriend as they walked along the beach.

And it seemed that Kourtney was keen to top up her tan and was seen sporting a white bikini with tassels as she made the most of the time alone with her beau.

The pair looked more in love than ever and enjoying a break with their son Mason, and another child on the way, it's not hard to see why.


What a splashingly good time! Mason, two, appeared to be having a great time as he larked about in the pool with his parents looking on



source:dailymail

Kiss like me! Cheryl Cole shows fans how to get the perfect pout by buying her charity lipstick

By Andrea Magrath


She appears smiling serenely in the ad campaign for her charity lipstick.

But Cheryl Cole has made a more convincing argument for fans to snap up the limited edition make-up by posting a picture of her pout on Twitter.

The singer, 28, posed in the back of a car in LA recently and tweeted the picture of herself, writing: 'Have you tried my L'Oreal lipstick for my Charity with the Princes Trust? Not only is it for charity but it is Gorgeous!! I LOVE it!'

Perfect pout: Cheryl Cole convinces fans to buy her charity lipstick by tweeting this picture of herself

The lipstick, named 'Red Passion' (shade 297) was launched last month, with £1 from every sale benefiting The Trust's work.

At the time Cheryl said: 'I love wearing lipstick as it is makes me feel glamorous whatever the occasion.

'I chose this iconic luxurious, red shade as it is the perfect dramatic accessory.

Rouge: The singer's L'Oreal lipstick was launched last month, called Red Passion

'I am so thrilled the funds raised from my L’Oréal Paris lipstick can make a difference to people’s lives through my foundation with The Prince's Trust.'

Cheryl said she thought carefully about the shade of the lipstick and wanted to pick one that would suit everyone. 'When selecting the shade I chose one I felt would flatter most hair and skin types, and is the red that everyone wants in their make-up bag.'

Cheryl is busy in the recording studio in LA and tweeted that she was sad to be missing the snow back home.

Charity: £1 from the sale of the lipstick will benefit The Prince's Trust

She will be relieved, though, to be far away from the ongoing scandal surrounding the allegations that she had a romantic relationship with rapper MC Harvey.

Last night the Promise This star told fans on Twitter that she was still baffled by the claims, which were originally published in an interview in Now magazine.

She tweeted: 'I don't know when I became so naïve but even after 10 yrs in this industry I am still shocked that people will tell soul destroying lies to benefit themselves #sadbuttrue.'

Hurt: Last night Cheryl tweeted that she was still shocked over the 'soul destroying' lies she says MC Harvey has been spreading about an alleged affair

Last week Cheryl angrily hit back at the allegations, confronting Harvey over Twitter. She wrote: 'Was this "relationship" happening in your head @harveyofficial?! Are you smoking something?'

'@harveyofficial I think I've met you once maybe twice at public events and With your wife!! #s**tjustgetsweirder.'

Harvey responded: 'Do you actually want me to tweet some of the messages you emailed me @cherylcole pipe down and stop playing the saint in front of your fans.



source:dailymail