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Chloe Ayling is a Celebrity Big Brother housemate for summer 2018 and joins the likes of actress Roxanne Pallett, former TOWIE star Dan Osborne and celeb psychic Sally Morgan for what may be the last ever run of the series on Channel 5. Other names confirmed include Human Ken Doll Rodrigo Alves, footballer Jermaine Pennant, Love Island 2017 star Gabby Allen and former Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas. The theme this year is Eye of the Storm and those entering have all been at the centre of some stormy times themsleves, so it looks set to be an entertaining ride. Chloe is no exception and hit headlines for the most extraordinary reason - when she was kidnapped. Before entering the house, Chloe talked about her ordeal, saying: "People thought it was a publicity stunt." She added: "I felt like I constantly had to defend myself against the media headlines, just because you don't cry and can put on a brave face." Here's everything you need to know about Chloe... Who is Chloe Ayling and … [Read more...] about Who is Chloe Ayling? What happened to the Celebrity Big Brother star in Milan and who is her child?

Royal Navy military personnel have taken the blame for leaking WhatsApp message that sparked a rumour that the Queen had died.  Officials have apologised for 'any misunderstanding' after claims that HRH had passed away went viral.   On Sunday 1 December, a screenshot from a WhatsApp group chat was posted on Facebook and Twitter. Royal Navy apologises for 'any misunderstanding' after claims that the Queen had died of a heart attack went viral to thousands of people on social media Inside the image was a conversation believed to be between individuals serving in the Royal Navy stating what equipment personnel would need for an exercise to do with the royal's passing.  A user called 'Gibbo', wrote on the group chat: 'Queen's passed away this morning, heart attack, being announced 930 AM tomorrow (sic).'  The message also says: 'Channel dash 0800 tomorrow in full number 1s, in your black kit bag you need: 1 set of 3s 1 set of 4s Underwear and socks for 2 weeks … [Read more...] about The REAL story behind rumours Queen was dead: Royal Navy makes red-faced apology and admits ‘Gibbo’ WhatsApp text that sparked worldwide scare was from military exercise

Once upon a time, Bill Harlan raced motorcycles, docked a schooner on seven continents and played professional poker. Now, he buys unwieldy swaths of Napa Valley wilderness. Same sensation of thrill seeking, perhaps; different resource set. Harlan rests in a singular sort of Napa Valley regency. With his fortune first built on the real estate firm Pacific Union, Harlan’s crown is now studded with the jewels of Harlan Estate and Bond wineries, and Meadowood resort with its three-star Michelin restaurant. At 76, he is about to officially unveil his latest — and presumably, last — wine estate, Promontory. Developing Promontory, as both a vineyard property and a wine brand, might from the outside look like a thrill seeker’s gamble. In the foothills of Mount Veeder, straddling Oakville and Yountville’s borderlands, the vineyard doesn’t fall within the boundaries of any AVA. Two seismic fault lines bisect it. Averaging a 40 percent slope, it’s nearly … [Read more...] about The story behind Napa’s new blockbuster winery: Promontory

I think I could spot a piece by Alison Rayner among a mixed bag of contemporary British jazz composer, not by any mannerisms of style, but because her whole approach is so brisk and clear. This is certainly true of the music played by her quintet. The band have been together for about five years now, a long time for the hectic London scene, and have developed their own recognisable personality. This is their third, and aptly titled, album. The eight musical short stories – five by Rayner and one each by saxophonist Diane McLoughlin, guitarist Deirdre Cartwright and pianist Steve Lodder – all concern memories of people or places. A few brief lines in the album notes set the scene, and each sound-picture is brought deftly to life. Two I particularly admired were A Braw Boy, suggesting the open sea and big skies, featuring piano and soprano saxophone, and Croajingolong Bushwalk, with some neat percussion from Buster Birch. Alison Rayner is the band’s bassist, and for … [Read more...] about Alison Rayner Quintet: Short Stories review – memories brought to life

LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - During the five-year siege of Syria’s eastern Ghouta region, doctor Amani Ballour worked in a fortified underground hospital called The Cave where she and her team defied constant bombardments to save thousands of lives. Her story has now been made into a film, which Syrian director Feras Fayyad hopes will help change attitudes towards women in the patriarchal society. “The Cave”, to be screened in Britain from Friday, follows Ballour as she deals with everything from babies choking on building debris following Russian warplane strikes to the terrifying aftermath of a chemical weapons attack. The team battle with rudimentary equipment, power cuts and dwindling medical supplies while tending to a stream of patients, including many traumatized and malnourished children. But Ballour, who became the hospital’s manager in 2016, and other female staff also have to confront discrimination. At one point a patient’s … [Read more...] about Film spotlights women medics taking lead in Syria’s bunker hospitals

A desperate mum left with just 14p to her name has told the full story of her plight as the cruel regime of Universal Credit and helpless authorities leaves her on a cliff edge. The story of Rachel Finn moved the nation after she was seen on BBC News breaking down in tears and emptying her pockets of 2p and six 1p coins. Dozens of generous Brits have come forward to offer help to the homeless mum after TV cameras on Wednesday night showed her returning from a foodbank to her temporary accommodation. Now the 39-year-old has revealed how devastating depression led to her being passed "from pillar to post", struggling to feed her son and left at the mercy of the brutal Universal Credit system. Rachel said: "My depression got really bad and I wasn't getting the help I needed. I didn't get out of the house for three months. I just sat in my bedroom and it just escalated.  "There's a lack of support, getting a doctor's appointment was difficult. You just get passed from pillar to … [Read more...] about Mum with just 14p to her name tells full story of desperate Universal Credit plight