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    Megastar duo who flog cars to teen heartthrob who works on a building site…the Noughties pop stars who took normal jobs

    Paloma Faith might be changing her tune when it comes to her career.The 42-year-old singer admitted her latest album could be her last before she pivots to teaching in order to spend more time with her kids.Paloma might put her Faith in the teaching professionCredit: GettyThe Cheeky girls both work in the car trade and Monica is pictured on the forecourt in LincolnshireShe told Jamie Laing’s Great Company podcast her Mum is always pushing her to ditch the microphone and pick up the books instead.”She’s like, ‘You’ve had kids, you’ve done the pop star thing. Go and do PGCE [teacher training] because then you can have the same holidays as your kids’. I’m considering it. I just might put one more record out.”Paloma wouldn’t be the only superstar to trade her life of luxury for something a little more run of the mill.From running gourmet food trucks to setting up construction companies, we look at the noughties stars who have swapped pop stardom for yearly salaries.Read more in featuresCheeky car dealersAfter skyrocketing to fame with a bizarre appearance on the reality TV show Popstars: The Rivals, the Cheeky Girls were topping the charts with tunes such as “Cheeky Song (Touch My Bum)’. But for the Romanian twins Monica Taylor and Gabriela Irimia, a need for stability drove the pair to the car yards. Both twins are now working as car saleswomen with Monica in Lincolnshire and Gabriela in York.Monica told the Sun in 2021 that cars were a stable career path after Covid destroyed the music industry.“Me and Gaby need a solid business for our future and cars will always be good business.Most read in Celebrity‘She never ages!’ say noughties pop fans as hit singer as she dances with reality star husband and daughter for TikTok“Being an entertainer is fantastic, but like it was with Covid, if you don’t have a solid job or business how do you survive?”They do occasionally slip back into the limelight – and last week teamed up with Irn Bru to surprise shoppers in Glasgow. Kitten turned to cateringJenny (right) with bandmates Liz McClarnon and Natasha Hamilton and outside her eateryJenny Frost, the former star of iconic noughties girl band Atomic Kitten, made the switch from fame to food when she opened a restaurant in Ibiza.The stunning 46-year-old joined the band in 2001 and stayed through until they split in 2008. She now owns the affordable luxury restaurant Sundara on Ibiza’s San Antonio Bay which opened last year.Atomic changesNatasha is now a mum of five and a therapistAnother Atomic Kitten star, Natasha Hamilton, has tried her hand at a couple of different careers – most recently, therapy.The 41-year-old mum-of-five announced in 2021 she was retraining as an “unconscious mind therapist” to try and help people through their trauma.A source told the Sun “Natasha has been completely blown away by this different way of working with the mind and now wants to help others thrive, helping them break free of their self-limiting beliefs.”It’s not the first time the former Kitten has tried her hand at a new career path. The flame haired beauty also retrained as a beauty therapist in 2019 and opened The Beauty Studio in Farndon, Chester the same year.Boy band departure to Kent-loving farmerJB (right) is now rearing lambs and pigs in KentJB Gill is best known for his chart-topping boy band JLS which shot to fame in 2006 – but when the band split in 2013 he gave up the microphone and picked up the keys for the tractor.The 37-year-old put his hand to farming after buying a Kent property with 13 acres of land in 2012. He now lives on the farm with his wife Chloe, 34, and their two children, Ace, 8, and Chiara, 5.He said he loves all parts of the farming life – even the gross parts.”I love some of the more mundane tasks – mucking out is like mindfulness meditation to me. Most people turn their nose up at it, but it gives me time to think,” he told OK.While he will continue to revel in his rural life the band recently announced a reunion tour.Stepping up to teachLisa is teaching in DubaiAfter a glitzy career in showbiz which included 14 top-five singles, Steps star Lisa Scott-Lee has stepped away from the stage and into school.The 48-year-old now runs her own performing arts academy in Dubai where upwards of 600 students come to learn the ropes of the art world.She set up the school in 2014 with her husband Johnny Shentall and regularly posts snaps of the children performing on her Instagram.The family moved to Dubai with their children in 2011 and haven’t looked back.Lisa said in 2021 that Steps was ‘her life” but the academy was her day job.”I can never switch off. Even when I’m with Steps, rehearsing or shooting a video, I’ll be working on my laptop. It’s become a bit of a running joke. I have to flip between my Steps hat and principal hat, which can be really hard and stressful at times.”Jonas Brother turned builderKevin Jonas (left) now runs a building companyOnce upon a time Kevin Jonas spent his days touring with his brothers, playing top ten hits to stadiums packed with thousands of screaming fans. Now, the 36-year-old has left the Jonas Brothers behind and focuses more on building a life for his family.In 2013 he launched Jonas Werner Homes – a luxury construction company for “discerning clients” according to its website. Alongside running the construction firm the eldest Jonas Brother is also the chief executive of The Blu Market – a communications firm which has launched several apps including a food search app called Yood.In between all these jobs, Kevin still finds time to tour with his brothers – most recently last year when the brothers announced they intend to do another tour in 2025 to celebrate 25 years of the Jonas Brothers.X-Factor to contractor Ray Quinn is a carpet fitterCredit: ITV/InstagramX Factor runner up Ray Quinn now lives a life completely different to the fame he experienced in the early 2000s.The singer finished up second in the 2006 series, coming in behind Leona Lewis and made history as the youngest ever male ­artist to enter the UK album chart at number 1 without having released a single.After a dizzying rise to fame he appeared on Dancing on Ice, which he won twice – once in 2009 and then again in the allstars competition in 2014. He also was cast in the iconic soap Hollyoakes where he played right wing nutter Jonny Baxter, and starred in a play at Liverpool’s Royal court. But after a “nightmare year” in 2020, the entertainment work dried up entirely and the 35-year-old went back to manual labour to keep food on the table.When he lost his beloved father to cancer in 2020, he decided to go back to the family business of carpet laying. Up until this he had been delivering mail for Hermes.“It’s good to have another trade under your belt, especially ­during these times. It’s good to have a back-up plan.“You shouldn’t pigeon-hole yourself – I’ve never done that.Boy band star to coffee connoisseur Mark (top right) with his bandmate and serving coffee at a festivalWestlife was at the top of the entertainment world in the noughties. The group had dozens of top ten hits, and were raking in millions in album sales – but now one member has given up the music to serve coffee and crepes.Mark Feehily launched his catering van in 2015, while still balancing a solo music career on the side.He said at the time the business was going “really well” and had been booked for several events. “We’ve got loads of interest and we’ve booked it in with a lot of the music festivals and we’re talking about doing some Irish ones as well.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said it worked well for him, because he loved festivals so “why not?” More

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    Jordan North breaks silence on Radio 1 exit and reveals why he quit for Capital FM Breakfast show

    STARTING the biggest job of your life is nerve wracking as it is, but Jordan North had a Benidorm-shaped mountain to climb before taking the helm of Capital’s Breakfast Show yesterday.He spent last week shepherding 30 blokes around the Spanish resort during his brother’s stag do before making his debut on the show to almost eight million listeners.Jordan North took the helm of Capital’s Breakfast ShowCredit: SuppliedBizarre chief Ellie with Jordan at the studio yesterdayCredit: Handout“I’ve been burning the candle at both ends,” Jordan said, after inviting me into the studio in London’s Leicester Square on his first day.“I’m the best man. There were no s**t tattoos, we were on our best behaviour. I’m stag-do’d out now.”If he was feeling overwhelmed about his much- talked-about move, Jordan certainly didn’t show it.Driving the desk alongside co-presenters and old friends Chris Stark and Sian Welby, he looked more than at home.READ MORE ON SHOWBIZEven heading outside the building to put on a spectacular Greatest Showman-style show with a brass band didn’t seem to faze Jordan, who, with Sian and Chris, got a standing ovation from the Capital team as they came off air. Jordan joked: “The new kid is dressed up as Hugh Jackman saying, ‘This is the greatest show’, and I was thinking, ‘What is Nick Ferarri on LBC going to think of this?’ “The hardest thing was changing into that outfit. Those trousers were really tight.“The band went for it. Like Sian said on air, ‘I’ve got a trombone right in my face’. It’s something I never thought I’d hear on the radio.”Most read in BizarreJordan’s fans from Radio 1 might have thought they would never hear him on a different station.After a decade at the BBC, last month it was announced he was leaving the Drive Time show with Vick Hope after four years.Roman Kemp in tears as he says emotional goodbye on final Capital Breakfast show and thanks fans for ‘saving his life’In a state of shock, I messaged Jordan, who told me he “couldn’t say much”.When I later found out he was going to Capital I was thrilled for him. The move is, undeniably, massive and will only help his star rise even higher.“I wasn’t looking to leave but then this opportunity came up and you don’t turn Capital down,” Jordan admitted. “I know that sounds corny but it’s a massive breakfast show. I told three people, because I had to keep it quiet, and they all said, ‘Go for it’.”With huge guests lined up in the coming days, including Perrie Edwards, and Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard not far off, Jordan is in for a wild ride. And while he didn’t get an official on-air goodbye at R1, much to the dismay of his loyal listeners, Jordan still has close ties to the Beeb. He added: “I have loads of good friends there. When I rang Vick she was great. They all texted me before the first show. “Greg James said good luck. They pit us as rivals but really we’re all mates.”Vick is well versed with Capital, after hosting the Breakfast Show alongside Roman Kemp for three years until 2020, and she had some good advice for Jordan to help with the early starts.Jordan said: “She told me to get a natural light machine, which helps wake you up.”Now a lark, whether he likes it or not, Jordan’s alarm goes off at 4am and he is on air from 6am until 10am every weekday.The early start means he’s bidden farewell to his beloved pints of Guinness — though he did get a cake styled on the black stuff — while he gets into the swing of things. Jordan said: “This Sunday was the first time I’d not been out in years. I’m staying sober.”Jordan is in direct competition with Greg’s Radio 1 slot. But ever the gent, Jordan said there will only ever be friendship there.“The most important thing is, if Radio 1 are sounding good and we’re sounding good, then that is good for radio,” he told me. He added: “Come and listen to us and see what you think.”I have no doubt people will, in their droves.Jordan in brass band skitCredit: SuppliedBILLIE SINGLE MINDED ON LPBILLIE EILISH has announced she is to release her third album, titled Hit Me Hard And Soft.But you will have to wait until its release on May 17 to hear any of it because she has said she won’t be putting out singles. In an Instagram post yesterday she said: “So crazy to be writing this right now, I’m nervy and excited.“Not doing singles, I wanna give it to you all at once.”Refer-ring to her brother and songwriting partner, the American added: “Finneas and I could not be more proud of this album and we absolutely can’t wait for you to hear it.”Megan’s passing interestMEGAN THEE Stallion reminds me of girls I went to school with who’d wear anything to get out of doing PE.The singer watched the LA Lakers get beaten by the Minnesota Timberwolves over the weekend in this outfit.Megan Thee Stallion watched the LA Lakers get beaten by the Minnesota Timberwolves over the weekendCredit: GettyMegan posed in this revealing outfit at the gameCredit: GettyI’m amazed the players didn’t end up doing a double dribble . . .Fans here will soon be able to catch her in action when her Hot Girl Summer tour comes across the pond.Meg will go on a quick jaunt across the country and Ireland, starting in Glasgow on July 4.I’m sure her outfit choices for the gigs will be just as eye-catching as this one.The Lourdes of karaokeMY pal sent me this snap of Madonna’s daughter Lourdes Leon getting Into The Groove on the karaoke.It seems the budding pop star, who is following in her famous mum’s footsteps having already released two singles, takes the chance to grab the microphone whenever she can.She was spotted by my friend singing in Monster Bar in New York’s West Village over the weekend.While they were too squiffy to remember exactly what she was singing, they told me that Lourdes’ vocals were second to none.With Madge as a mentor, I don’t doubt it.Talented Lourdes dropped her first solo single, Lock&Key, two years ago under her stage name Lolahol, and released a follow-up, Spelling, last October.Paying a poignant tribute to Madonna – whose career is still going strong at 65 – she said: “I would be nothing without the woman who brought me into the world. I revere her.”You certainly know how to Express Yourself, Lourdes . . .GLASSES HALF FULL FOR KATEKATE WINSLET may be losing her eyesight but she’s still looking forward to turning the big Five-O.She told the Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin Radio yesterday: “I’m going blind in my old age and I’ll be 50 next year.”Kate Winslet is still looking forward to turning the big Five-OCredit: RexKate added: “I want to talk about birthday plans because actually I’ve been thinking of some.“I don’t want any presents. Here’s my thing. I want to do 50 incredible things for 50, but they have to be made up of acts of kindness, physical feats and probably something like trying foods I’ve never tried before.“I’d like something like that. We don’t need to keep being given presents, do we?”My present to you would be a voucher for Specsavers, Kate.I LOVE a good blast from the past and Scooter have come through with the goods.The Nineties techno group are doing live shows to celebrate their three decades in music.The Thirty, Rough And Dirty tour, which sums up my 30s, will start in Aberdeen on October 30 and see the group take in seven more dates across the UK and Ireland including Dublin, Newcastle, Manchester, London and Cardiff.Tickets go on sale tomorrow. Look out for me at the London date.LIBS LEAD IN RACE FOR No1THE LIBERTINES, fronted by Pete Doherty, are on course to top the charts this Friday for the first time in 20 years.Their fourth album, All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade, is in the lead according to data from the Official Charts. The Libertines, fronted by Pete Doherty, are on course to top the charts for the first time in 20 yearsCredit: GettyA No1 would make it their first chart topper since their self-titled 2004 record and would knock Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter off the top spot.One of the fastest growing bands in the country, The K’S, are just behind with their debut album I Wonder If The World Knows?.EURO GOING TO LOVE THISTHERE’S just a month to go until the madness that is Eurovision hits our screens – and we’ve just had our first glimpse at how bonkers this year’s contest will be.On Sunday evening 23 of the contenders performed at the London Eurovision Party, where the frontrunner, Croatian rock star Baby Lasagna, revealed he has been bombarded with nude snaps since his viral song Rim Tim Tagi Dim came out.Quirky singer Bambie Thug on stage during the London Eurovision Party 2024Credit: GettyBambie Thug dressed as a condom wrapper and handed out free contraceptives before the showCredit: GettyIn an exclusive chat at the event hosted at Here @ Outernet, he said: “At first they were sending me nudes.“Now they just send cute gifts like cat pictures. But I’m afraid of opening my messages.”UK entry Olly Alexander performed, as did Finland duo Windows 95 Man, one of the most wonderfully wacky acts in the contest’s history thanks to their song No Rules!.The pair have become known for their love of denim, particularly the frontman’s very short hotpants, which he proudly posed in with Associate Biz Ed Howell Davies.Ireland haven’t qualified for the final for six years but there are high hopes this time around with quirky singer Bambie thug, who dressed as a condom wrapper and handed out free contraceptives before the show, of course.Bambie said: “My fantastic stylist said, ‘You must wear this condom’, and I said, ‘I shall wear the condom’.”More seriously, they added: “Before Christmas I wanted to go home and nurture some Irish support and now they love me in my country, which is crazy because they didn’t know who I was.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There’s lots of incredible things happening. Obviously Eurovision and then I’m opening the main stage at Download in the summer.”I don’t think many Eurovision artists can claim to have also played at the country’s biggest rock festival, so hats off to Bambie.Finland duo Windows 95 Man are one of the most wonderfully wacky acts in the contest’s historyCredit: GettyWindows 95 man proudly posed with Associate Biz Ed Howell DaviesCredit: Supplied More

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    Nicole Scherzinger, 45, looks incredible in TINY blue bikini as she strips off for dip in hot tub during Hawaii getaway

    THOSE X-rated dance routines that marked her years in the Pussy Cat Dolls have certainly paid off for Nicole Scherzinger.The 45-year-old stripped down to a tiny blue bikini showing off her flawless physique on a luxury holiday in her native Hawaii. Her enviable figure is thanks to countless years of dancing, working out and eating healthyCredit: instagramNicole is expected at the Olivier’s on Sunday before prep begins to take Sunset Boulevard to BroadwayCredit: instagramPalm trees, blue skies and a swimming pool, what could be better?Credit: instagramA keen yoga enthusiast, Nicole enjoys a spot of meditation in the pool areaCredit: instagramThe star has jetted off to the sun to enjoy a period of relaxation with her fiancé, the former rugby player Tom Evans. Earlier this year she concluded a challenging six-month stint in the West End, playing Norma Desmond in director Jamie Lloyd’s revamped version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard. Indeed the former popstar won rave reviews for her performance and has been nominated for an Olivier Award at the London ceremony this weekend. Then preparations will begin for her Broadway debut when Sunset Boulevard transfers to the great white way in the autumn. READ MORE NICOLE SCHERZINGERNicole described the experience of working on the Jamie Lloyd production as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.She told Closer magazine: “It was life-changing. The most exhausting thing in my life but the most rewarding.”“It felt like I’d won the Olympics when it was finished. It was hard work but it’s my passion and I wear my heart on sleeve. Now we’re going to Broadway. “It’s my dream job. I’m living my best life performing on stage… But would do less shows.”Most read in ShowbizNicole is expected to walk the red carpet at the Royal Albert Hall for the Olivier Awards this Sunday, where she has been nominated for best actress in a musical.Nicole Scherzinger fans can’t believe her real age as she shows off her washboard abs with sexy dance routine Nicole enjoys the fresh mountainous breeze and the breathtaking landscape while on holidayCredit: instagram More

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    I was a ‘Bond Girl’ with £1k glamour model gigs – but secretly I was battling crippling £250-a-day heroin addiction

    TO the outside world Vicki Rebecca lived a glamorous £1,000-a-day life and had even appeared in a James Bond film.But away from the cameras, the Abderdeen-born glamour model battled a crippling, decade-long heroin addiction that nearly cost her life. Glamour model Vicki Rebecca would land gigs as a Marilyn Monroe lookalike that paid up to £1,000 per dayCredit: FacebookAt the same time, she was using heroin and over the years her addiction grew increasingly worseCredit: SuppliedNow 67, Vicki shares her inspiring recovery story in her memoir Naked TruthCredit: FacebookBetween high-paying jobs throughout her twenties, Vicki would lock herself away in her flat to scoff McDonald’s burgers and watch films while shooting up multiple times a day.The addiction also left her needing to sneak away to the toilets while on photoshoots and movie sets to take drugs – including while appearing as a nude model for the opening sequence of the 1979 Bond film Moonraker, which starred the late Sir Roger Moore. Vicki’s turning point came after a spiritual experience at 29, which led to her leaving London to get clean and eventually retraining as a psychotherapist. Now In her brave memoir, Naked Truth: Diary of a Glamour Model, the 67-year-old recounts her journey from seedy photobooths in Soho to high-paying gigs before quitting fame to overcome her addiction.READ MORE ON SHOWBIZShe tells The Sun: “I was a ‘functional’ heroin addict, I was managing my life until the habit got worse and worse and all I wanted to do was sit in my joggers and eat McDonald’s. “I would wake up in the morning looking awful with bags under my eyes and track marks, and not a great complexion, then on went the make-up so I could go to a shoot. “I was living two different lives: Marilyn Monroe and a junkie, my life was crazy and a paradox.“I’d appeared in a James Bond film and was impersonating Marilyn Monroe, the most beautiful and gorgeous Hollywood star the world had ever seen.Most read in Celebrity“But at the same time I was an addict and during shoots, I would be racing to toilets to jack up.”Vick was introduced to heroin by a friend one year before filming Moonraker – and recalls being one of two naked models, whose silhouettes featured in the film. Sick racist fans threaten to boycott next James Bond movie if Aaron Taylor Johnson becomes 007Then 22, she was required to jump around on a trampoline to create the acrobatic poses needed by the film’s director.She recalls: “I was jumping up and down on a trampoline so that it looked like I was tumbling through the air. “I was completely naked apart from a g-string with a bit of make-up. There was minimal staff on set so it wasn’t like the crew was standing around gawping.  “In another scene, which wasn’t used in the film, I had to jump off 18ft scaffolding into the arms of the actor who played Jaws, Richard Kiel. “He was a giant of a man with hands that were literally the size of a bunch of bananas and he had to catch me. I tried that shot a few times, too many for my liking.”Vicki’s silhouette was used for the opening sequence of the James Bond film MoonrakerCredit: MGMThe late Sir Roger Moore starred as 007 in the 1979 hitCredit: RexWatch our exclusive chat with Vicki Rebecca at the top of the articleVicki shot one scene with Richard Kiel, who played Jaws (right), but it didn’t make it into the final filmCredit: Kobal Collection – ShutterstockVicki believes she would have used drugs during the 10-day shoot at Pinewood Studios for Bond, which paid around £1,800, and between takes recalls “a lot of waiting around, drinking tea and eating bacon rolls”. She adds: “I felt really proud to appear in the James Bond film, even if my part was a blink and you’ll miss it kind of moment. It really impresses people even now.” Vicki’s other big moments included appearing on The Sun’s Page 3 and in the 1979 film The B***, which starred Joan Collins. She also had numerous high-paid jobs as a Marilyn Monroe lookalike – after being convinced to go for a test shoot when a photographer noticed her similarities to the Hollywood icon.GETTING HELP:
    If you think that you have a drug addiction then please contact your GP.
    You can also visit FRANK for honest information about drugs and to find local treatment services.
    If you are having trouble finding the right help, call the FRANK drugs helpline on 03001236600
    Or click here to visit the NHS website for more advice and support

    It would help her to land jobs that paid up to £1,000 per day and fly overseas to open nightclubs – as well as to feature in a sketch in The Two Ronnies TV show.She says: “It was incredible really. I recreated a lot of the Marilyn shots you might imagine, like the one where her skirt pops up while standing above a Subway grate. “We did that for Philips Lady Shaver and another similar one for Kodak. Then I was lying on a bed for a furniture company and did about everything else you could imagine.“I ended up jetting off all over the world and sometimes was met off the planes with bunches of flowers. I opened supermarkets and nightclubs including one in Reykjavik, Iceland. It was really crazy.” But the jobs weren’t always so elegant – when Vicki moved to London in her late teens, she stumbled across an advert for ‘Glamour models’ but the job turned out to be “pretty sleazy”.Vicki was a glamour model and even appeared on The Sun’s Page 3Credit: SuppliedShe gained lucrative modelling gigs including ones that allowed her to travel to Germany and IcelandCredit: FacebookShe recalls: “I remember thinking, ‘Oh, I’ll be posing in lingerie adverts or underwear cataologues’.”But it ended up being this pretty sleazy ‘come up and photograph us’ booth.”As a junkie, there were just two types of day – the ones when I had heroin and would be lying in bed shooting up and the ones when I didn’t and was hunting for moreYears later, while portraying Marilyn, her heroin addiction was worsening with her spending up to £250 a day on the drug as it took over her life.She says: “People became aware of my addiction, I used to be late to shoots and would disappear to the toilets for far too long. “In one shoot, I remember lying on a big heart-shaped bed for a calendar and the first assistant yelled ‘cut’. He could see my track marks from using and I was sent to make-up.“No one would say anything to me, they wanted me to finish the shoot because a lot of money had been invested in that day or half a day of work.” Vicki’s highest paying work was as a Marilyn Monroe lookalikeCredit: FacebookShe posed as the Hollywood icon while hiding her addiction to heroinCredit: SuppliedIn her personal life, Vicki became increasingly reclusive and she details the struggles of her addiction.“As a junkie, there were just two types of day,” she says. “The ones when I had heroin and would be lying in bed shooting up and the ones when I didn’t and was hunting for more.“I’m definitely not blaming my modeling career for my addiction, it was a path. I was a bit of a rebel in the Seventies and I experimented with drugs.”During this time, Vicki says her family were “suspicious” but she “lied to them, like all addicts do” and was able to “put on a good show” while visiting them in Scotland. I don’t look back at my life and feel sad. There was a lot of love and laughter, but there was also darkness, sexual violence, addiction and other disturbing thingsVickiShe attempted to wean herself off the drug multiple times using Methadone and had attempted going cold turkey but it “was absolutely insufferable”.During one fateful moment in 1985, she recalls walking around a building site while battling suicidal thoughts when she heard a voice in her head say: “You can be reborn.”She recalled: “It felt like an external voice, it was so strong and felt like a body, mind and soul feeling. It was extraordinary and wouldn’t be the first time I would hear it. “I didn’t stop using in that minute but it helped to lead me to a point where I could stop using. It was almost like a lifeline. It saved my life.”In 1987, Vicki left London and returned to Aberdeen to get clean after asking for help from her family. She says: “I got to a place where I felt I had no more choice but to move back home, I knew I couldn’t do it in London because it was too easy to access drugs and it was high quality. Vicki used Methadone for the last time in 1990Credit: FacebookShe now works as a psychotherapist helping othersCredit: Facebook“I knew going back to Aberdeen I’d have a better chance of making it.” Vicki discovered meditation and alternative therapies that helped her to battle the addiction and within three years, she used methadone for the last time. She initially studied to be a lawyer and later became a psychotherapist, specialising in neurolinguistic programming (NLP) and hypnotherapy. Now 33 years in recovery and 25 years as a therapist, she uses her lived experience and training to help others. Vicki hopes her brutally honest book Naked Truth – which became an international bestseller on Amazon on the day it launched – will help others and insists: “If I can do it, anyone can.”She says: “I don’t look back at my life and feel sad. There was a lot of love and laughter, but there was also darkness, sexual violence, addiction and other disturbing things. “Writing the book was a real eye-opener, it made me realised I have really lived a life between all of that and I’ve changed so much over the years.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I don’t pull any punches and that’s the kind of honest society needs. It’s authentic and raw, that’s what I think is inspirational.”Find out more about Vicki Rebecca’s work and her book here. Timeline of James Bond actorsOver the years there have been seven actors who have played 007.
    The first ever James Bond film was in 1962, and this is who has played the lead role over the years:

    Sean Connery – The late star was the first ever actor to play Bond, and reprised the role for seven movies.
    George Lazenby – The star only played Bond once, but was the youngest actor to ever play the spy.
    Roger Moore – The late movie star spent 12 years making seven films in the famous franchise.
    Timothy Dalton – The smooth actor took over from Roger Moore and appeared in The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill.
    Pierce Brosnan – The handsome star played Bond for four movies from 1995 to 2002.
    Daniel Craig – The British star was the first blonde James Bond and the sixth actor to win the role in 2005. More

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    Where Lock, Stock cast are now…‘sham marriage’ row & Only Fools role to child star who quit fame to become estate agent

    GUY Ritchie’s series The Gentlemen is proving a huge hit with viewers, and some have dubbed it the best thing Netflix has ever shown.The writer and director – who was married to Madonna for eight years, until 2008, and is now wed to Jacqui Ainsley – has been heaped with praise for the comedy-drama, a spin-off of his hit 2019 film.The film kickstarted Vinnie’s film careerVinnie has found love with Emma FordCredit: Discovery +Set in the same world of drugs, crime and deceit, the Netflix series stars Theo James, Kaya Scodelario and Ray Winstone as well as Vinnie Jones, who appeared in Ritchie’s first two hit films, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch.This week, it was revealed the 59-year-old has found love again – five years after the tragic death of his beloved wife Tanya.The former football hardman has fallen for personal assistant Emma Ford, while filming his new TV show Vinnie Jones in the Country. Lock, Stock – released in 1998 – centres on a cocky young card sharp who ends up owing a gangster £500,000 after a rigged game of three card brag.Read more in FeaturesMade for just £1million it grossed £20 million in the box office, launching the career of Guy Ritchie, as well as sending Vinnie and co-star Jason Statham to Hollywood,So what happened to the rest of the cast of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels?Vinnie Jones – Big ChrisFormer football player Vinnie shot to fame after signing for Wimbledon, but quickly became infamous for his aggressive behaviour both on and off the pitch.The 59-year-old was convicted of assault and criminal damage after drunkenly beating up a neighbour in 1997, the following year he bit a journalist’s nose down to the bone and was given community service in 2003 after assaulting a passenger on a plane.Most read in CelebrityIn 1998 Guy Ritchie cast him as Big Chris, a role which would cement his place as a favourite to play Hollywood hardmen.The star was wed to his childhood sweetheart Tanya, having met her at the age of 12 growing up in Watford.Vinnie Jones explains his upcoming role on Netflix drama The GentlemenBut after 25 years of marriage, Vinnie was left heartbroken when Tanya, 53, died in 2019 after a six-year battle with cancer. The couple shared two children, Kaley, 37, and Aaron, 33.Today Vinnie is 11 years sober after battling alcohol demons and has starred in almost 100 movies.This week The Sun reported how he has been offered a lucrative deal to play gangster Danny Driscoll in Only Fools and Horses on the West End.When he’s not working, Vinnie is busy renovating his farm as seen on Amazon series Vinnie Jones in the Country, and has found love again with his PA Emma Ford.Jason Statham – BaconJason is now our biggest Hollywood exportJason is engaged to model Rosie Huntington-WhiteleyCredit: GettyDerbyshire-born Jason, 56, practiced martial arts and was a talented footballer and diver, even representing Britain in the Commonwealth Games in 1990.Shortly afterwards he was signed as a sportwear model, and went on to front campaigns for Levi, French Connection and Tommy Hilfiger. But he still worked on a market stall with his dad to make ends meet.He was introduced to Guy Ritchie, who happened to be looking for a market-seller type to star in Lock, Stock as a street-wise con artist, sealing his own career as a gritty, toughguy in a string of big budget movies.Jason had starring roles in dozens of box-office hits, from the Italian Job in 2003 to the Fast and Furious franchise and its spin-off Hobbs and Shaw as well playing the lead in The Beekeeper this year.Now Hollywood’s highest earning Brit, Jason pulled in a whopping £32million last year.The 56-year-old movie hardman came seventh in a rich list of acting stars recently published by Forbes, tying with Oscar-winner Leonardo DiCaprio and beating Ben Affleck and Denzel Washington.Jason was engaged to model Kelly Brook, who he dated from 1998-2004.In 2010 he met Victoria’s Secrets model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, six years later they got engaged, and the couple now have two children.Peter McNicholl – Little ChrisPeter McNicholl was a child actorPeter played Vinnie’s character Big Chris’s nine-year-old son, and while his dad constantly warned his mates to ‘mind your language’, his gobby suited kid dropped a few swear words himself.Although the film triumphed at the box office, Peter was not allowed to attend the premiere because of its 18 certificate.Peter, now 34, went on to land a few more roles, including the role of a friend to the child in About A Boy alongside Hugh Grant.His experience led to him attending the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School but he quit acting to become an estate agent.Producers of the film offered him £6,000 or a cut of sales, and he followed his agent’s advice and took the £6k. He later admitted if he’d taken the cut, it could have been £50,000, but he said: “It was never about the money.”Nick Moran – EddieNick went on to a prolific screen careerAnother of Lock, Stock’s breakout acts was Nick, who grew up on an east London Council estate with three younger brothers, a hairdresser mum and mechanic dad.He has since starred in countless films and TV shows, including playing the part of Scabior in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows parts one and two, a role in CSI: Miami and Mr Selfridge.Despite reportedly earning fees of £2,250 a day, at the peak of his career, he was left penniless after bad investments and running up huge bar bills and had to borrow money against his home to pay tax bills.  In 2017, he admitted he was “living hand to mouth” in his London home.Most recently Nick, 54, was reunited with Jason Flemyng in a movie called Firecracker, the story of how a heist goes wrong and a trio find themselves fighting for their lives.Nick was married to Helen of Troy actress Sienna Guillory for three years until 1997, he went on to date Denise Van Outen, before marrying Harley Street dentist Jasmine Duran in 2015.In 2015, in the run up to his wedding to Jasmine, who is half- Iranian, he was summoned before local council officers for a personal grilling amid suggestions that he was entering into in a sham marriage.He later said the which he said “was a shock, like something out of the film Green Card” and added: “‘We thought we might have to show them photographs of us in the social pages of Tatler to prove that it was a genuine relationship.”When he’s not acting or directing Nick’s fronting his own Frank Sinatra tribute band or working towards raising awareness of Alzheima’s.Jason Flemyng – TomJason Flemyng starred in Lock, Stock and SnatchJason starred in Snatch, alongside Brad Pitt, and went on to appear in Vaughn’s flicks Layer Cake, alongside Brad Pitt, Kick Ass and X-Men: First Class.He later appeared in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, again with Pitt, and dozens of other high-profile movies and TV series, including Deep Rising and From Hell, with Johnny Depp.Born in Putney and raised by a single mum, he grew up with a love of acting and later in his career joined the Royal Shakespeare Society.He’s an advocate of speaking about mental health and a patron of The Samaritans, sharing in one interview that he’d had friends who died from suicide.Jason dated Game of Thrones star Lena Heady for nine years, until 2003, after meeting on the set of The Jungle Book.The 57-year-old is now married to Elly Fairman and the couple have 12-year-old twins Noah and Cassius.Dexter Fletcher – SoapDexter ended up as a successful directorNow 58, Dexter was a child actor who starred in children’s comedy drama Press Gang and played the role of Baby Face in classic movie Bugsy Malone in 1976, which also starred Jodie Foster.After Lock Stock he also appeared in Murder Most Horrid with Dawn French and Vaughn’s Layer Cake.Not to be typecast, Dexter also appeared in a Midsummer Night’s Dream and in opera, including a production at Sadler’s Wells.Steven Spielberg’s Band of Brother’s bought more success to the English actor, before he began directing movies, including the Elton John biopic Rocketman.North Londoner Dexter married Lithuanian film and theatre director Dalia Ibelhautait in 1997 with Alan Rickman his best man.Steven Mackintosh – WinstonStephen is a familiar face on our TV screensUnlike most of his Lock Stock co-stars, Steven was bought up in the countryside, near Cambridge.Like many of them, Steven was also propelled into the realms of Hollywood and theatrical stardom after appearing in Lock, Stock.The 56-year-old is perhaps now best known for his portrayal of Andreas Tanis in the horror movies Underworld: Revolution and Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.Acting and narrating, his other work includes a villain role in ITVX’s flagship programme The Confessions of Frannie Langton, the male lead in Toni Collette’s Wanderlust, and playing a conniving adoptive father in Kiri.He was most recently seen in ITV crime thriller Payback.Steven met his wife Lisa Jacobs in 1989 when they appeared on stage together, and the couple have two grown up children, Martha and Blythe.Suzy Ratner – GloriaSuzy in the movie and posing with Joan Collins as a showbiz bashAs one of few women in the movie, Suzy played the perpetually stoned Gloria, as well as starring in a short film called The Booth, but went on to become a big name in production in both Los Angeles and the UK.As well as producing Selling Sunset she also made a name for herself producing The Only Way Is Essex and Selling Orange County.The 53-year old’s producing credits also include Gok’s Fashion Fix, Am I Normal? and Very British Problems.Suzy’s is the daughter of the jewellery magnate Gerald Ratner, who gained notoriety after making a speech which labelled his products ‘cr**’ and caused his own company’s downfall. He is now 73 and making business speeches for up to £3,000.Vas Blackwood – Rory BreakerVas is the cousin of EastEnders star Richard BlackwoodVasta Roy Blackwood, 61, is the cousin of former EastEnder Richard Blackwood, and has enjoyed a varied career in acting, writing, and even advertising Toffee Crisp chocolate bars.He shot to fame as Lenny Henry’s sidekick Winston Churchill in The Lenny Henry Show in 1987 and as David Sinclair in Casualty.Vas remained a regular on the small screen, but often in smaller roles than his counterparts, as well as fronting a TV advert for Tesco.His most recent work is an indie film alongside Tamsin Outhwaite, playing a criminal who steals cars to order and whose enemies kidnap his daughter.Vas became the step-cousin of supermodel Naomi Campbell in the 1980s when his uncle Cliff, Richard’s dad, married her mother, Valerie, before later divorcing.Jake Abraham – DeanJake Abraham, with co-star Victor McGuire in the movieCredit: AlamyJake played Dean, one of two bungling Scousers who try to get rich dealing in guns, which became one of the most memorable roles of the film.The actor was already experienced when he appeared in Lock Stock, having appeared in Red Dwarf, and in extra parts in other smaller movies and treading the boards in theatre.After the success of playing Dean, he also landed work on The 51st State starring Samuel L Jackson and in The Parole Officer with Steve Coogan.But last July he revealed he had prostate cancer and had only months to live.He said: “I found out really late down the line and there’s nothing they can do for me. I’ve just got to wait for the day.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTheatre director Bill Elms paid tribute to Jake who died in October last year, at the age of 56.He said: “He was a wonderful actor, a great company member and was much loved by so many in the industry. He will be sadly missed. I have many fond memories of Jake, he was always so upbeat and fun to be around.” More

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    Legendary 90s R&B group reuniting to celebrate 30th anniversary – despite members quitting pop for normal jobs

    DAMAGE have revealed they’re reuniting to celebrate their 30th anniversary, despite some members quitting pop for normal jobs.The legendary 90s R&B group sold more than 2.6million records worldwide with singles such as Wonderful Tonight, which reached number three in the UK charts.Damage are reuniting to celebrate their 30th anniversaryCredit: GettyThey disbanded in 2001, though, before reconnecting in 2014 for ITV2’s The Big Reunion.While they’ve spent some time apart over the past 10 years, that could all change if Jade Jones’ latest posts are anything to go by.Over the past few days, frontman Jade has shared a series videos showing each bandmember receiving a call.After picking up the phone, an ominious voice can be heard announcing, “Hello, it’s time.”read more on 90s bandsThe screen then cuts to black, with the band’s logo and the date, “02/04/24.”In his caption, Jade has written alongside each one, “It’s Time… #30irty #30YearsOfDamage.”Rahsaan J Bromfield, Andrez Harriott and Noel Simpson also make up the four-piece, after Coreé Richards left earlier in his career.After Damage disbanded, Jade swapped the stage for the kitchen, becoming a chef, going onto work at five-star hotel Claridge’s.Most read in ShowbizHe even worked with Gordon Ramsay, impressing the chef on his TV show, The F Word.Jade, who is married to Emma Bunton, 48, also showed off his foodie flair at the high end Connaught hotel in London’s Mayfair.Previously, he told the Daily Mail he was “serious” about opening an eatery with the Spice Girl.Meanwhile, Rahsaan is a photographer these days, Andrez works to rehabilitate young offenders, and Noel is enjoying life as a dad.Damage’s biggest hit was Wonderful Tonight, which peaked at number three on the UK singles chart upon its release in 1997.They disbanded in 2001, before reconnecting in 2014Credit: GettyJade Jones is married to Spice Girl Emma BuntonCredit: Getty More

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    Roman Kemp reveals heartbreaking reason he quit Capital after Joe Lyons’ suicide – as he’s replaced by Jordan North

    ROMAN Kemp has opened up about the heartbreaking reason he stepped down from his breakfast show gig at Capital.The radio star presented his final show last Thursday and is due to be replaced by Jordan North.Roman Kemp got emotional on his last day presenting the Capital Breakfast showCredit: GlobalJoe Lyons tragically took his own life in 2020 after struggling with his mental healthRoman, 31, said the programme was a constant reminder of his best friend and colleague Joe ‘Producer Joe’ Lyons, who took his own life in 2020.The presenter was told the heartbreaking news while he was at work, after colleagues visited Joe’s home when he didn’t show up for work. Speaking to the Daily Mirror about the death of his tragic pal, he said: “It’s not normal, imagine a tragedy happened in your house – you’re going to want to move.”He continued: “I went through such a horrible moment in that room, in that studio – four years on and I’ve been living that same day over and over again, without the awful event.”read more on roman kempRoman added: “I’ve tried to spin the plates and tried to do everything and I’ve realised it’s getting in the way of my life. You can’t enjoy your own life.”If you think of a radio show, every day you’ve got to go out in front of the public and dance and every now and then you’ve got to give yourself a rest and I’ve not been doing that for myself.”Roman, who has been open about his own battle with depression and mental health, said he got to a point where he decided he needed to “leave it behind”. On his final show, Roman tearfully thanked fans and listeners for “saving his life”. Most read in ShowbizHe said: “You have been able to be there for me through things that I never imagined would even happen.”I’ve had moments on this show where my whole life outside of work is completely down the pan. “There were times where I didn’t want to be here anymore. “There have been moments where my life outside of this room has been the worst thing ever.”I know a great life, but in my head that’s how it felt. “I knew that all I had in my life were these four hours in my day where I could come to work and in those four hours I knew that I was going to laugh and have fun and be surrounded by people that get me and those four hours and those people that I’m talking about include you – the listeners.”Roman Kemp in tears as he says emotional goodbye on final Capital Breakfast show and thanks fans for ‘saving his life’The popular presenter revealed the news he was stepping down live on his show, which he co-hosts with Sian Welby and Chris Stark.Reflecting on his time on the radio, he continued: “I know that it started out as me being just Martin Kemp’s son, I hope that now you can call me your friend.”It was revealed that BBC Radio 1 star Jordan North was signing a big money deal to join the Capital FM Breakfast team after quitting Radio 1.Appearing on the show on February 21, North said: “I am beyond excited to be joining Global and to wake up the nation every morning on Capital.”I can’t wait to start working with the amazing team here and get stuck in, to create the most fun and entertaining breakfast show.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Getting to host Capital Breakfast has always been a dream of mine and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity that I simply couldn’t turn down.”You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
    It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
    It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
    And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
    Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
    That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
    The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
    Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
    If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

    Roman has worked on Capital for ten years and presented the breakfast show for sevenCredit: PARoman is being replaced by Jordan North More

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    Michelle Keegan looks incredible as she soaks up the sights in Sydney on holiday with Mark Wright

    MICHELLE Keegan has become one of Britain’s most in demand actresses and now her glittering career has taken her Down Under, where she is filming season 2 of the drama series Ten Pound Poms.But its hasn’t been all work and no play, the actress has been accompanied by her husband of nine years, Mark Wright, 37 and the pair have been clearly enjoying the warm weather and tasty cuisine. Michelle looks happy and relaxed as she enjoys a smoothie in SydneyCredit: InstagramThe actress who is more in demand than ever looks pensively over Bondi beachCredit: InstagramThe former Corrie actress posted a shot of her next to Bondi beach, showing off her enviable figure in hot pants and a crop top with the caption: ‘If only every weekend was a bank holiday weekend.”She also posted a shot of her posing outside the Italian restaurant Totti’s as well as a haul of photos of fresh seafood and sushi.Meanwhile husband Mark has been getting busy with a variety of fitness activities, playing tennis and golf as well as a sunshine run along Bondi Beach. Michelle, 36, has been tipped for success in America following her starring role huge Netflix hit, Harlan Coben’s Fool Me Once where she starred as leading character Maya Stern.read more about michelle keegaThe popularity of the show on the platform is said to have opened many doors for the 36-year-old. But she confesses that she still has to work hard to manage her relationship when she is filming away from home. Speaking about her previous stint filming in Australia, Michelle told Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast that she manages her relationship by dividing their time together and apart.”I had like two months alone but then he’d come out and stay with me for six weeks and it’s just having and finding that time for each other. I think that’s the main key, but also letting us have our freedom to do what we wanna do career-wise.”Michelle has put roots down in Essex with Mark after working for years on renovating their palatial home which is now said to be worth around £3.5m thanks to their extensive work.Most read in ShowbizSydney is famous for its delicious seafood dishes including fresh sushi and some of the world’s best oystersCredit: InstagramMichelle shared a fun snap of her posing outside Italian restaurant TottisCredit: Instagram More