30 Stars Reveal How They Spent Their First Paychecks (See What They Bought & How Much They're Worth Now!)

Coronation Street star Alex Bain has confirmed that he's returned to the soap's production site as he shared a sneaky snap behind-the-scenes.The actor, who has played Simon Barlow on the soap for 15 years, is set to bow out of the cobbles in the next few months but now he's left fans wondering why he's back as he teased at being 'home'. Since he first stepped foot on the cobbles, Alex has been at the centre of some gripping storylines, including domestic abuse and a dramatic plot where he lashed out at his cousin, Amy Barlow. His character was previously revealed as the abuser with his on-screen mum Leanne Battersby being the victim.

Matt Terry, the winner of The X Factor 's 13th series, has come out as gay. In an interview with the Gay Times, Matt shared the inner turmoil he faced while concealing his sexuality, admitting: "I'm very proud [of my sexuality], and I'm no longer afraid." Hailing from Bromley, the 30 year old singer triumphed over Saara Aalto to claim the coveted crown on the ITV talent show back in 2016. However, during his X Factor stint, Matt concealed his romantic involvement with another man, choosing to keep his personal life out of the public eye.The singer now hopes to convey his journey through his music, particularly in his new song His Car, in which he apologises for his past secrecy.

Former Great British Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc has suffered a devastating loss following the death of her beloved mum, Rosemary Giedroyc who was 86.This sad news comes six years after the passing of her dad, Michal Giedroyc. Mel is said to be "devastated" by her mum's death and has yet to comment about the sad news publicly. She grew up in Leatherhead, Surrey, with her three siblings.

Kris Jenner, 68, put on a brave face as she arrived at Catch steak with daughter Khloe Kardashian and boyfriend Corey Gamble. The family were on hand to support Kylie Jenner's new business venture as she launched vodka soda brand Sprinter. She follows in sister Kendall's footsteps as she ventures into the spirits business.

Vicky Pattison has opened up about the cruel and "hurtful" comments she received after she detailed her egg freezing journey.The Geordie star, 36, who features in a new BBC documentary Egg Freezing And Me, detailed how nasty trolls told her to "stop messing with nature" and that she should "stop trying to have a baby" after she opened up about her journey. The TV favourite appeared on Good Morning Britain on Friday, 22 March, where she revealed how she was subjected to shocking abuse online.

Canal+ Group has acquired a stake in Senegalese production company Marodi TV, which is a key player in the West African drama series scene.

David Guetta has shared a new trancey remix of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s hit song ‘Murder On The Dancefloor’. Check it out below.The new version of the 2001 classic comes following the song climbing up the charts again in recent months, after it appeared in an already-iconic scene at the end of Saltburn.Gaining traction on TikTok after the feature, the original track has gone on to reach platinum status in the UK, and make the charts in the US for the first time, hitting Gold certification across the pond.Now, having accumulated over 140million streams and peaking at Number Two on the UK singles chart – 22 years after its first release – David Guetta has put his own spin on the original song, and remixed it as a high-energy club track.Check it out below.The world-renowned DJ putting his own signature spin on the song also comes just weeks after she shared a remix of another song featured in the Saltburn soundtrack – Mason and Princess Superstar’s song ‘Perfect (Exceeder)’.Released last month, the re-envisioned track took a similar approach – giving the original a new club-ready feel.As well as receiving more chart success with ‘Murder On The Dancefloor’, Sophie Ellis-Bextor has also made numerous TV appearances thanks to the track’s resurgence.

Kung Fu Panda star Jack Black is set to read for CBeebie’s Bedtime Stories, followed by Joanne Froggatt, Justin Fletcher and Tom Hardy.Black will kickstart the Easter weekend editions of the show on Friday, March 29, with a reading of Pom Pom Is Super, written by Sophy Henn.Per an official description, the book “tells the story of Pom Pom the panda, who is excited to have his friends come round to play. When they arrive in superhero costumes, Pom Pom thinks he would like to be super too – but he’s not quite sure what he’s super at! With the help of his friends, he soon finds his talents.”Following on from Black on Saturday, March 30, Downton Abbey actress Joanne Froggatt will read Like A Girl by Lori Degman and illustrated by Mara Penny.

When one of Kate Midleton's go-to fashion brands announces a big spring sale with up to 50% off, well we simply can't contain our excitement. If you're looking for some new spring buys to give your wardrobe a seasonal refresh then now is your time to pick up some luxe-looking pieces from the British brand Boden for a lot less.The Princess Of Wales is a champion for wearing some of our favourite British brands, from Zara, Hobbs and, of course, Boden which she has worn on numerous occasions.

Celebrity Big Brother Lauren Simon has accused Fern Britton of "playing a game" following her feud with Strictly Come Dancing dancer Nikita Kuzmin. Lauren appeared on Lorraine on Friday morning to speak to host Ranvir Singh alongside fellow former housemate Zeze Millz where they discussed the "strange atmosphere" between Fern and Nikita.

Fearne Cotton has left fashion fans swooning after being spotted in a flattering denim jumpsuit from her latest collection with Nobody’s Child.The 42-year-old podcast host, known for her beautifully laidback looks, showcased the perfect combination of comfort and style as she paired the denim piece with trainers - and shoppers rushed to comment on her chic ensemble. She could be seen sporting the Cotton Mid Wash Denim Jumpsuit, £79 here, during a behind-the-scenes video of her recent Nobody’s Child fashion shoot. In the short clip, which was posted to the eco-conscious label’s Instagram page, Fearne also rocked other pieces from her new ‘Happy Place’ clothing range - including the White Broderie Alexis Midi Dress (£89).The blonde beauty wore her hair down in effortless beach waves that many of us are always trying to achieve.

A popular VR headset that shoppers have hailed as an 'outstanding' buy has been slashed by £50 in Amazon's spring sale.

The line-up for this year's Boswell Book Festival has been announced, offering three days of compelling life stories.

Coronation Street's Vicky Myers has spoken out about her battle with cancer during a difficult divorce. When she was diagnosed in the same year as her tough split from her husband, she had to pause her acting dreams.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) published a report on Thursday which said that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) failed to adequately communicate changes to women’s State Pension age, and those affected are owed compensation. As a result of its findings, the Ombudsman has asked Parliament to intervene and “act swiftly” to make sure a compensation scheme is established.

Kate Forbes has said that Humza Yousaf lacks a "big vision" for Scotland, according to reports.

ILLIT have dropped a teaser for the music video of their upcoming debut single, ‘Magnetic’.ILLIT’s label Belift Lab, a subsidiary of HYBE, shared the clip yesterday (March 21). The teaser is formatted vertically for mobile phone screens, and feature silhouettes of the ILLIT members performing the choreography to ‘Magnetic’.“This time I want you, you, you, you, like it’s magnetic / You, you, you, you, you, you, you, super attraction,” the new K-pop girl group sing on the song’s upbeat chorus.ILLIT – comprising Wonhee, Minju, Iroha, Moka and Yunah – were formed through the JTBC reality TV series R U Next?. The girl group will be the second K-pop act to debut under Belift Lab, following boyband ENHYPEN.The quintet will release their debut mini-album ‘Super Real Me’ on March 25.

(G)I-DLE vocalist Yuqi will make her official Korean solo debut in April, her agency CUBE Entertainment has announced.CUBE Entertainment announced Yuqi’s upcoming solo debut today (March 22) in a statement to South Korean news outlet XSports News. “Yuqi plans to release a solo single in April and promote it on music broadcasts,” the label shared, per Soompi.Information about the (G)I-DLE member’s upcoming solo debut, including the release’s format, tracklist and more, is expected in the coming weeks.

Deep Silver has confirmed a new story expansion for Dead Island 2, with SoLA set to overrun the ultimate Californian music festival.The SoLA expansion is the second DLC available for Dead Island 2 and will be available April 17, bringing a new storyline to the action role-playing game.SoLA will take place at a “visceral, gore-drenched music festival in the heart of LA” and see players contend with “the sound of The Beat, which threatens to turn the living into zombies, and has the potential to be heard across the world.”“A deadly virus sweeps through The Valley, turning its inhabitants into ravenous zombies as a chthonic rhythm calls from beyond: the beat of the Autophage. Lured to the festival by an enigmatic warning message, players must explore SoLA’s ruins and put a stop to this otherworldly menace,” reads the description.Are you ready to lose yourself to the beat? SoLA opens on April 17th#DeadIsland #SeeYouInHELLA #SeeYouAtSoLA pic.twitter.com/nlTxBXTzvG— Dead Island (@deadislandgame) March 21, 2024As well as battling undead ravers, the new expansion will bring a number of new enemies including apex variant the Whipper, which has been “driven mad with self-loathing by the Autophage.Their compulsion to self-mutilate has turned them into a horrific nightmare of disembowelled intestines, allowing them to lash out at range,” said Deep Silver.

Hozier has dropped a surprise ‘Unheard EP’, comprised of previously unreleased songs. Check them out below.The Irish singer-songwriter first began hinting at the prospect of new material on social media earlier this month – teasing fans by sharing a video of a notebook.Now, a week after revealing that there was a new release on the way, Hozier has dropped the ‘Unheard EP’, which features four previously unreleased songs, all of which were recorded during the sessions for his latest album ‘Unreal Unearth’.These include ‘Too Sweet’, ‘Empire Now’, ‘Fare Well’, and a final track titled ‘Wildflower and Barley’, which features the Canadian Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and activist, Allison Russell.“It’s my pleasure to announce the release of more work from the album sessions which could not make the original release,” Hozier said of the new release.

Melanie Martinez has announced a UK and European arena tour for later this year – find all the details below.The New York singer-songwriter is due to bring ‘The Trilogy Tour’ to these shores in the autumn when she’ll play headline shows in Dublin (September 18), Birmingham (20), Manchester (21), Glasgow (23), Cardiff (24) and London (26).Martinez will then head to Europe for concerts in Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Lyon, Barcelona, Madrid, Cologne, Frankfurt and other locations throughout October.Tickets go on general sale at 10am GMT/11am CET next Thursday (March 28), except Barcelona and Madrid, which go on sale at the same time on Wednesday (27). Fans who sign up to Martinez’s mailing list can access a pre-sale on Monday (25).You’ll be able to purchase tickets here (UK and Ireland) and here (Europe).“Putting my all into this show, can’t wait to share this experience with you,” Martinez wrote on social media while announcing the upcoming dates.Elita will appear as the support act for the entire UK and European leg, with Men I Trust joining for the London and European dates only.

There has been a lot of talk about Kate Middleton's whereabouts and the state of her health since she stepped back from royal duties earlier this year due to surgery. The Princess of Wales hasn't been seen at public events since undergoing planned abdominal surgery in January.

Gavin Rossdale has admitted that his divorce from Gwen Stefani is his “simplest shame”.The Bush frontman opened up about his split from the singer during a new episode of Amy & T.J. podcast, after remaining largely quiet on the topic since the divorce was finalised in 2015.During the discussion, he revealed that he wishes he had “more of a connection” with the No Doubt icon, and feels a sense of “shame” for making his kids – Kingston (17), Zuma (15), and Apollo (10) – experience their parents separating.“I never thought I’d ever get divorced, so there’s a simple shame in my life,” he said. “I feel bad for my kids, that’s it.

Vikings, but that it ultimately fell apart.McGregor – who stars in Amazon Prime Video‘s Road House remake alongside Jake Gyllenhaal – recently spoke with Ireland’s JOE, sharing that Road House wasn’t originally planned to be his acting debut.Instead, the former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion was scheduled to make his debut in the hit series, Vikings but that he kept pushing it back and production eventually moved on without him.McGregor said to JOE about making his acting debut alongside Gyllenhaal: “I’ll have a whack at anything no bother. You know, I was supposed to be in Vikings, the Vikings had me teed up.”He explained further: “I had a few things teed up but I just kept pushing it along down the line, but I just stayed in the fight business.

Interpol have spoken to NME about 20 years of their classic second album ‘Antics’, and their plans to celebrate the anniversary on a UK tour this winter.This week saw the NYC indie veterans announce plans to play their second LP in full at dates across the UK in November. The album, following on from their seminal debut ‘Turn On The Bright Lights’, contained the singles and indie disco staples ‘Slow Hands’, ‘Evil’, alongside fan favourites ‘C’mere’ and ‘Narc’.

Girl In Red has teamed up with Sabrina Carpenter on a new single called ‘You Need Me Now?’ – listen below.The crunchy break-up anthem marks the third song to be lifted from Girl In Red’s second album ‘I’m Doing It Again Baby!’, which is due for release on April 12 via Columbia (pre-order here). It follows ‘Too Much’ and the record’s title track.On ‘You Need Me Now?’, Girl In Red – real name Marie Ulven Ringheim – calls out an ex’s bad behaviour and “games“, singing: “I’m tired of waiting around/ Letting you let me down/ I’m done being yours.”Later, Girl In Red and Carpenter link up in a spoken word interlude.

Next week's Emmerdale spoilers reveal a dark twist for Tom King, hints of an affair being discovered, and Amit Sharma's next victim. ITV fans can expect plenty of drama, including the possibility of an engagement and even a murder.

Meghan Markle is making sure to capture all the special moments with her little ones, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, by setting up a new photoshoot.

A gardening enthusiast has shared a simple and cheap trick to keep rats away from your garden.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 received critical acclaim ahead of launch, many buyers on PC are leaving negative reviews due to the game launching with 21 optional microtransactions.Dragon’s Dogma 2 launched today (March 22), and at time of writing, currently holds a ‘Mixed’ user review rating on Steam, with 60 per cent of all player-submitted reviews marked as negative.The criticism is largely driven by the inclusion of microtransactions in the single-player game. Dragon’s Dogma 2 has 21 available microtransactions, including items that revive characters, help to escape from prison, and make fast-travelling easier.While these purchases range from £0.89 to £4.45 in price, it’s worth noting that all but two of them (the Explorer’s Camping Kit and Heartfelt Pendant) can be found in-game anyway, making the microtransactions completely optional.However, that hasn’t stopped buyers from criticising the DLC.

Police officers found a safe holding cocaine worth more than £8000 when they broke into a Motherwell man's home.

Maggie Rogers has shared a new single called ‘So Sick Of Dreaming’ – you can listen to it below.The laid-back, soft rock song serves as the second preview of Rogers’ third album ‘Don’t Forget Me’, which is due for release on April 12 via Polydor (pre-order here). She dropped the title track from the record last month.“So you think you’re on the right track/ Cruising on the bridge in your grey Cadillac/ You think it’s easy/ Walking on the water like there’s steppin’ stones,” Rogers sings in the first verse.Later, she tells the listener that her “heart’s breakin’” before adding: “Oh, there ain’t no diamond ring you could buy me to take me home.” Rogers goes on to deliver a spoken word passage in the bridge, in which she complains about her partner cancelling on her at the last minute.“So he calls me up 15 minutes before the reservation/ And says he’s got Knicks tickets instead/ I mean, I was at the restaurant,” she says.

Resident Playbook, a spin-off of the popular Hospital Playlist, has been postponed into the second half of 2024.South Korean news outlet OSEN reported yesterday (March 21) that the premiere of Resident Playbook would be moved to the second-half of 2024. The show was previously scheduled to begin airing on May 11, following the finale of K-drama Queen of Tears, which will wrap up on April 28.OSEN also claimed that a separate series titled The Midnight Romance in Hagwon, starring Wi Ha-joon and Jung Ryeo-won, will have its broadcast moved up to fill Resident Playbook‘s original spot.The report has since been confirmed by tvN.

BoA has shared a new teaser for her new single ‘Emptiness’, which will be released next week.BoA dropped the teaser yesterday (March 21), which included snippets from its accompanying music video and of the song itself. The clip starts with a shot of BoA lying on her bed, before she sits up and flashes of a mysterious man play before it concludes.‘Emptiness’ and its music video are both due out next week on March 26 at 6pm KST.

EXCLUSIVE: BBC presenters have been told to challenge guests who accuse others of transphobia after the broadcaster admitted that news items on JK Rowling fell short of its editorial standards. 

Netflix has unveiled the cast joining Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw in upcoming thriller Black Doves.