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Outspoken TV personality Siv Ngesi visited Orania to explore South Africa's 'whites-only' town. Here is what he discovered...
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Hollyoaks fans in floods of tears as soap pays emotional tribute to star after shock death
HOLLYOAKS fans have been left in floods of tears as the show paid tribute to a beloved star following their death.
Viewers of the Channel 4 soap were left devastated in January when Diane Langton’s death was announced.
The actress – who played fan-favourite Nana McQueen – died on the morning of January 15.
In a statement, her agent said: “I am sad to say that Diane Langton passed away this morning.”
Hollyoaks have now paid tribute to Diane with an on-air message during the end of tonight’s episode.
After the credits rolled, a picture of Diane in the McQueen household as her character.
A message then said: “In loving memory of Diane Langton.
“Night, night Di. Forever in our hearts.”
Fans were left in tears following the tribute, as one said: “I’ll miss our nana 
She was so sassy. I love her.”
A second wrote: “I wasn’t prepared at all, beautiful tribute.”
“Bless her may she rest peacefully,” said a third devastated viewer.
While a fourth commented: “Rest In Peace Diane Langton Gonna Miss Nana MQueen.”
Diane, from Somerset, had a long career on screen, including TV spin off Carry On Laughing in 1975 and film sequel Carry On England in 1976.
She had a recurring role as June Snell – a former girlfriend of Del Boy (David Jason) – in cherished BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, appearing in two episodes in the 1980s.
Diane also appeared in Beeb soap EastEnders as Bev Williams and had stints in The Bill and Heartbeat before joining the cast of Channel 4’s Hollyoaks from 2007 as Marlena ‘Nana’ McQueen.
She initially left in 2009 but returned in 2012, before leaving again in 2023, only to return last year.
From Hollyoaks to Hollywood
James Corden played a caretaker in the early days of the soap.
The former American TV host doesn’t have much positive to say about his time on the soap, claiming it was “hell on earth.”
Since his short-lived time on the show he has gone on to bigger things including smash hit comedy Gavin and Stacey.
Rachel Shenton joined the soap as aspiring glamour model Mitzeee Minniver in 2010.
Over two years her character was sent to prison, got pregnant and had a number of romantic affairs.
Since leaving Hollyoaks she has won an Oscar for best live action short film, The Silent Child.
Rachel has also starred in White Gold and All Creatures Great and Small
Emmett J. Scanlan played gangster turned anti-hero Brendan Brady.
Emmett played the love interest of Steve Hayes, with their romance delighting fans until it turned violent.
Since his departure Emmett has appeared in Peaky Blinders, The Fall, Gangs of London and even appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy
Emma Rigby joined Hollyoaks when she was 15 as Hannah Ahsworth.
Hannah’s eating disorder storyline was the first of it’s kind on TV while other plots included being caught in a fire, gangland drug dealing and running away.
Since leaving the soap in 2010 Emma has gone on to star in ABCs Once Upon a Time in Wonderland as the Red Queen. Other roles include guest appearances in Death In Paradise, Ripper Street and Fresh Meat
Nico Mirallegro got his big break with Hollyoaks starring as emo Barry ‘Newt’ Newton.
Nico’s main storyline in the soap was developing schizophrenia which culminated in a suicide pact.
He left the soap in 2010 and went on to star in My Mad Fat Diary, Our Girl, Rillington Place, The Ark and Common, Penance, as well as the Mike Leigh movie Peterloo and was nominated for a Bafta for his role in period drama The Village.
Ricky Whittle used Hollyoaks as a stepping stone to break America.
He played one of the soap’s resident hunks, Calvin Valentine, from 2006 to 2011 – when he was killed off at his wedding.
After leaving the soap Ricky cracked America starring in teen drama The 100 and America Gods.
He also appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in 2009.
Warren Brown joined Hollyoaks in 2005 for a year as evil Andy Holt.
His stint on the show consisted of date rape storylines and a crime spree, before eventually being killed off.
After leaving Hollyoaks, Warren became a big hitter in TV playing DS Justin Ripley in Luther, as well as major roles in a number of dramas including Liar, The Responder, Homefront and Good Cop.
Wallis Day played Holly Cunningham in the soap for years before leaving.
In 2021 Wallis won the role of Batwoman in DC’s series, taking over from Ruby Rose.
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I feel so small when I see well-endowed men pleasuring my girlfriend at swingers’ parties
DEAR DEIDRE: WHENEVER I go to a swingers’ party with my girlfriend, I find myself staring at the other men and just wishing I could be like them.
They are so manly and confident that it puts me off taking part. How can I stop thinking like this and learn to enjoy myself too?
I’m 40 and have been with my girlfriend for three years. She’s 36 and very sexually adventurous.
When we met she told me two things that were non-negotiable: she didn’t want kids, and she wanted to sleep with other men. We agreed that rather than having an open relationship or affairs, we would go to sex parties.
That way, no emotions would get involved.
The first time I saw her having sex with another man, I found myself unable to take my eyes off him.
He had a much better body than me and he was much better endowed.
But worse, he seemed to know exactly how to pleasure my girlfriend.
I felt puny and inexperienced in comparison, so much so that I didn’t have sex with anyone that night. I told my girlfriend I didn’t feel well.
Since then, it’s been the same at every party. When I see the other guys there, I lose my desire to have sex.
I’ve started lying to my girlfriend, telling her I’ve had a great time.
I’ve even made up sexual encounters with women.
But it’s starting to affect my performance in bed at home, too. I feel like she must be comparing me to the party guys, and I don’t measure up.
What can I do?
READ MORE FROM DEAR DEIDRE
DEIDRE SAYS: There’s nothing wrong with your body or your sexual prowess.
The problem is you’ve been cajoled into going to sex parties when you don’t really want to, to keep your girlfriend happy.
You have no desire to sleep with other women, and seeing her have sex with other men is making you miserable.
Not everyone enjoys swinging. See my support pack, Swapping And Swinging for more about this.
However much you love and care about your girlfriend, you can’t change the way you’re wired sexually. You need to be honest with her – and yourself.
If she loves you, she’ll want to find a compromise.
Get in touch with Deidre
Every problem gets a personal reply, usually within 24 hours weekdays.
Send an email to [email protected]
You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page.
PEN PAL ’S SPARKING JEALOUSY
DEAR DEIDRE: MY pen-pal friendship is causing ructions in my marriage.
I’m a woman of 58 and have no intention of ever meeting my male friend, who lives in Australia, but my husband doesn’t believe me.
I have felt lonely since my kids left home. I don’t have many local friends.
I used to have pen-pals but they don’t seem to exist any more, so I thought I’d go on a dating site.
A few weeks ago, I got chatting to a man in Australia. He told me he was 38, lived with his girlfriend and, like me, was just looking for mates.
We’ve really hit it off. He’s never asked for money and we just chat about our lives and families.
As I have nothing to hide, I told my husband. He told me I’m a fool.
DEIDRE SAYS: You’re lonely, not foolish. But dating sites aren’t the best places to form friendships.
You can’t be sure who you’re talking to or what their intentions are. Read my support pack, Staying Safe Online, for help with this.
Tell your husband how lonely you feel. Perhaps you could do more together, and go out locally to meet new people.
My support pack, Widening Your Social Scene, should help you to do this.
I FEEL SURE HE CHEATED WITH HIS EX
DEAR DEIDRE: WHEN I saw an incriminating message flash up on my boyfriend’s tablet, I knew he’d lied to me about not having slept with his ex, and don’t know what to do.
We’ve been together for a year. We’re both guy, as his ex.
A few weekends ago, we went to a party together. His ex was there.
I got very tired and decided to go home early but he wanted to stay.
Later, he rang to say he was too drunk to get home, so would stay on his best mate’s sofa instead.
But while I was home a message appeared on his tablet from his best mate, saying he’d keep his secret and not tell me he was with his ex.
Now I can’t forget what I saw. He keeps asking what’s wrong.
We are both in our twenties, and how can I trust him again?
DEIDRE SAYS: Keeping this to yourself is eating you up.
You need to tell your boyfriend what you know, and explain how you found out. You can’t be certain he had sex with his ex.
Give him the chance to tell the truth. Only then can you decide if you want to rebuild the trust you’ve lost, or end your relationship.
My support pack, Cheating, Can You Get Over It?, should help you.
WITH A HARIBO, I’D THEE LOVE
DEAR DEIDRE: I DON’T understand why my boyfriend won’t propose, when he says I’m the love of his life.
It’s not like I’m asking for a big diamond ring – I’d be happy with a Haribo.
We’ve been together for three years and are in our late thirties.
We’ve both been married before, and each have a child from previous relationships.
We met online and quickly fell in love. He really is my soulmate – kind, funny, great in bed – and we have so much in common.
A year ago, we moved in together with our kids, and life has been perfect.
Except for one thing: I desperately want to be his wife. But he’s always said he never wants to get married again, after being badly burned by his first marriage, and a horrible divorce.
He says weddings are expensive, and we don’t need a piece of paper to show we’re committed, whereas I have told him how important it is to me.
He then fobs me off by saying it will happen one day, just not yet.
But I can’t see what he’s waiting for?
Now, whenever we go out on a date, or sit by the sea on holiday, I can’t help wondering if he’s about to propose, then I feel disappointed when he doesn’t. I just want to feel he loves and wants me fully, for ever.
DEIDRE SAYS: There’s no reason to doubt his love for you. You simply have different attitudes to marriage.
But you do need to make him see how much this is upsetting you, and show him you under-stand why he’s reticent.
It’s worth pointing out that marriage isn’t just about commitment.
Legally, it offers important protections to you and your kids – especially if something were to happen to one of you.
Why not suggest a low-key register office ceremony, so it’s not expensive.
My support pack, When Your Man Won’t Commit, might be helpful to read.
Plied with drugs dissolved in booze and hosed down like an animal – inside tragic Maradona’s House of Horror court case
ON the football pitch, Diego Maradona was revered as a god, but in his final days the legendary footballer is alleged to have been treated more like an animal.
This week Argentina has been gripped by the start of a five-month trial in which seven of the people tasked with caring for the man who led the country to the 1986 World Cup are accused of his homicide with possible intent.
Maradona died aged 60 from heart disease at his rented home in Tigre, near Buenos Aires, on November 25, 2020, two weeks after undergoing brain surgery.
The prosecution claims that the team paid to look after him were criminally negligent.
In heated scenes, Maradona’s former lover, Veronica Ojeda, was heard shouting “daughter of a bitch” at one of the accused as the hearing got under way on Tuesday.
Outside the court in San Isidro, north of Argentina’s capital, a fan held up a placard with the message “Justice for D10S” — a nickname mixing Maradona’s shirt number and the Spanish word for God.
‘Kicking the bucket’
Others had tears in their eyes as they chanted his name.
There have been claims that Maradona drank beer in the morning and was given sleeping pills dissolved in his booze at night while he was under the accused’s medical care.
WhatsApp messages were uncovered in which his neurologist, Leopoldo Luque, wrote “the fat man’s going to end up kicking the bucket”.
And it is alleged Maradona was washed down with a hosepipe rather than being helped to the shower.
The former Barcelona and Napoli player has been adored in the South American nation since his moments of individual brilliance — and his infamous handball “hand of God goal” against England — saw them lift the World Cup in Mexico in 1986.
Considerable amounts of his fortune, once estimated at £75million, were blown on addictions to alcohol and cocaine, which contributed to his terrible state of health.
At the time of his death his heart weighed 503 grams, which was almost double what it should have been.
But the prosecution case is that with the right medical care, Maradona would have survived.
Chief prosecutor Patricio Ferrari told the court: “You will see during this trial what reckless home care is — reckless, deficient, without precedent, without any type of control during the period that ended with Diego’s death.
“In that house of horror where Diego Maradona died, no one did what they had to do.”
The problems began for Maradona when he was feted in the southern Italian city of Naples for twice taking their once-lowly side to historic league titles in 1987 and 1990.
The Mafia, dominant in the region, kept him supplied with drugs and prostitutes, yet he still somehow managed to play at the top level.
Two years before his death, the star told British documentary maker Asif Kapadia of his time there: “Sunday to Wednesday I was partying on cocaine. I would come home high on drugs.”
In that house of horror where Diego Maradona died no one did what they had to do
Chief prosecutor Patricio Ferrari
In 1991, traces of cocaine were found in Maradona’s urine sample and a couple of weeks later 1.5g of the same drug was found by police at his flat in Buenos Aires.
Later, he was sent home from the 1994 World Cup in the United States after testing positive for a stimulant called ephedrine.
His attempts to get clean were always short-lived, with hangers-on often willing to get him whatever substances he desired.
He also had a voracious appetite for alcohol, food and young women.
In 2005, the 5ft 5in Maradona weighed nearly 20st and underwent a gastric band operation.
Emergency surgery
The star had eight children by various mothers that are known of, but since his death at least three other people have come forward claiming to be his offspring.
It was not until 2007 that he recognised Diego Jnr as his son. He had been born in 1986 to a mistress.
There were a number of health scares over the years, including being treated by doctors at half-time when he was watching Argentina play at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The most serious was on November 3, 2020, when he underwent emergency surgery at La Plata hospital in Buenos Aires for a blood clot on his brain.
His personal doctor, neurosurgeon Luque, performed what appeared to be a successful operation.
But there was a question over whether the patient would be better off staying in hospital, where there would be swift access to emergency care, or if he should instead recover in a home setting.
Luque, who is one of the seven accused, agreed to take Maradona to the legend’s rented residence in Tigre on November 11.
If he got up at 9am and asked for beer he was given it
Griselda Morel, an educational psychologist
Prosecutor Ferrari told the court: “Clearly, the victim was not in full use of his mental faculties and even less could decide on his own about his health.
“He entered that place for a clinical rehabilitation and home medical care that we can say without any doubt was calamitous.”
The prosecution alleges that there was no defibrillator on hand to help restart Maradona’s heart if he went into a cardiac arrest and that the medical team did not carry out the necessary checks.
Prior to the start of the trial, Griselda Morel, an educational psychologist who worked with Maradona’s eight-year-old son and visited his home, claimed that the sick star was given alcohol.
She alleged: “If he got up at 9am and asked for beer he was given it.
“One of his custodians crushed tablets he was taking and put them in his beer so he didn’t cause a fuss at night.”
Griselda said that Maradona was so confused he would speak on an imaginary phone.
The other six accused are psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, addiction specialist Carlos Diaz, doctor Nancy Forlini, nursing co-ordinator Mariano Perroni, nurse Ricardo Almiron and clinical physician Pedro Pablo Di Spagna.
Heart in formaldehyde
Another nurse, Gisela Dahiana Madrid, has asked to be tried separately.
Gisela’s lawyer, Rodolfo Baque, has claimed that when the nurse warned that Maradona’s heartbeat reached a high 115 beats per minute in the days before his death, “nothing” was done about it.
When the former footballer was found unconscious at around 12.30 in the afternoon on November 25, 2020, the medical team spent 45 minutes trying to revive him.
But experts believe he died between 4am and 6am, which suggests no one checked on the patient for at least six and a half hours.
Post-mortem blood and urine tests revealed Maradona had been given a cocktail of prescription drugs including Quetiapine, Venlafaxine and Levetiracetam which are used to treat depression, panic attacks and epilepsy among other conditions.
Fernando Burlando, the lawyer representing Maradona’s daughters Dalma and Gianinna, said outside court that the player had been treated like an animal and went as far as to call it “murder.”
The accused are on trial for homicide with possible intent, which could result in 25-year prison sentences. They all deny the charges.
Luque said: “The death occurred unexpectedly, suddenly, during sleeping hours, without offering us any time.”
The complex medical trial will last until July and see around 100 witnesses give evidence.
The final verdict will be delivered by three judges.
One of the key pieces of evidence will be Maradona’s heart, which has been kept in formaldehyde at a police laboratory ever since his death.
One of the key pieces of evidence will be Maradona’s heart, which has been kept in formaldehyde at a police laboratory.
There have been claims that fans had plotted to steal the organ. And during the 2022 World Cup, Argentinian fans campaigned to have the heart flown to host nation Qatar along with the country’s football team.
Why the heart finally failed Maradona — a lion on the football pitch — is sure to inspire a passionate response from devoted fans whatever the court decides.
Danny Jones’ McBusted bandmate James sparks concern with post about ‘unhappy marriages’ after Maura ‘drunken kiss’
DANNY Jones’ McBusted bandmate James Bourne has sparked concern with a post about ‘unhappy marriages’.
The Sun revealed last week how Danny, 39, and Maura Higgins, 34, appeared to kiss during a boozy night out at Universal Music’s BRITs after party.
While the McFly singer is yet to address the smooch, his bandmate from the fusion group with Busted has hinted at the drama with his latest social media activity.
Taking to Instagram today, James reposted a video of physician Gabor Maté being interviewed by Paul C Brunson.
The interviewee suggests that when one marries, they are often seeking the love and validation they didn’t receive during childhood.
He says: “You always marry somebody that’s going to trigger for you every unhappiness that you ever had in your childhood.
“So when we find somebody to be in a relationship with, it happens on two levels. One level is, ‘I find them attractive, they’re humorous, they’re fun to be with.’
“Underneath it, there’s a looking for the love that we never got in the first place.
“So relationships very much are a matter of growing up together, if that can happen.
“But I guarantee you, when you marry somebody, you’re going to find both your dreams and your worst nightmare.
“That’s profound that we’re all seeking, subconsciously we’re seeking our parents’ dysfunction. Because that’s what we wanted, the love.”
We previously told how Maura and Danny were seen looking close at 3am in the morning.
It was then revealed that the pair stayed at a hotel until 6am sharing wine.
Pete and Maura, who were friends for years, started dating while he danced on Strictly and she appeared on I’m A Celeb, where she first met Danny, a member of McFly.
Their split was revealed on Valentine’s Day and things quickly turned sour when she publicly accused him of cheating.
Following the Brits, Maura lay low, before flying to Los Angeles earlier this week for work.
Yesterday Danny and his wife Georgia put on a united front as they were seen for the first time after the drama unfolded.
McFly's Danny Jones and wife Georgia Horsley - Love Story
MCFLY singer Danny Jones and his wife Georgia Horsley's romance is at the centre of attention after his 'drunken snog' with Love Island alum Maura Higgins. Yet when did they meet?
Danny began a relationship with model Georgia back in 2010.
He had been going out with his now-wife for four years when he proposed to her in Cyprus, in 2013.
They married the next August in her hometown in a ceremony which featured musical performances by McBusted and Ellie Goulding.
Danny and Georgia welcomed a new baby boy called Cooper Alf Jones on January 27, 2018.
Yet their romance was rocked in 2025 when Danny and Maura’s boozy 3am smooch at The BRITs was made public.
Builder blinded and left claiming Universal Credit after being hit in face by golf ball during charity match
A GOLFER was blinded in one eye when another player’s wild shot sent a ball smashing into his face.
Leigh Powell, 44, was knocked out cold by the shot from just 20 yards away — and others on the course feared he was dead.
His right eye was shattered from the lens to the retina and it took five months for the swelling to go down before doctors could operate.
But the builder was told his vision in the eye could not be restored.
He said: “It hit me plumb in the eye. When I came round, there was blood everywhere. I could feel a huge pressure in my eye, I knew it was shattered.”
The incident happened on the tenth hole during a charity day at Leigh’s local course in Lydbrook, Gloucs, in June last year.
He said he had been unable to find any similar cases.
He has been unable to work since and during months of treatment has lost £32,000 in earnings.
“It’s really hard,” Leigh went on. “I’m having to sell my home because of this.
“I get £360 a month in universal credit which just doesn’t cover my expenses.
“I feel let down: I’ve always paid my taxes and I feel the system should support you at times like this.
“It’s really tough not working, having nothing to do. It destroys your mental health.”
