Mystery of Freddie Mercury's 'secret' daughter to be explored in new documentary
The story of Freddie Mercury's daughter is to be explored as part of a new documentary.
The Queen legend, who died in 1991 at the age of 45 after being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, fathered a daughter in the 1970s according to evidence gathered by his most prolific biographer. According to this new investigation by Lesley-Ann Jones, Freddie kept private journals and notebooks in which he recorded his life story and innermost thoughts, and documented his relationship with his daughter over a period of 14 years.
Channel 5 have now commissioned Freddie Mercury: A Secret Daughter, which will air as a 90-minute special, and air later this year to coincide with the publication of Jones' new book Love, Freddie this September. The feature will explore the 'warm and loving relationship' the Bohemian Rhapsody singer had with his alleged daughter, as well as delve into his early childhood in Zanzibar and incredible life as a rock star.
The programme has unprecedented access to the journals via Lesley-Ann, who was offered them by 'B', who in turn says that Freddie handed them to her himself. According to "B", this will be the first and only time that Freddie's true life story will have been told by his own flesh and blood.
Lesley-Ann learned about the personal documents when 'B' tracked her down and contacted her. The two women developed a friendship over several years, which culminated in 'B' granting Lesley-Ann permission to share the contents of the journals, as well as her own memories of Freddie, for a new book entitled Love, Freddie. In it, Jones presents what could be a fresh understanding of Freddie's private life and personal struggles. According to 'B', this will be the first and only time that Freddie's true life story will have been told by his own flesh and blood.
According to Lesley-Ann, despite being raised by her step-dad, B knew from toddler age that Freddie was her father. In her family home, the singer even had a room in their house, in order to spend as much quality time with her as possible. While the iconic star was on tour around the world with his band Queen or penning new tracks in the recording studio, Freddie made sure he would call B everyday.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Lesley- Ann told the publication: "She knew from toddlerhood which of the two men was her real father. Outside the unusual family, privacy and discretion were maintained to a degree that not even some members of Freddie's personal household had any idea that he had a child."
Lesley-Ann Jones said: 'Having spent a quarter of a century researching and writing books about Freddie Mercury, and having covered Queen's performances on the road, I thought I knew virtually all that there was to know about him. I was wrong. Working with his only child and next of kin over several years to create the book that tells his true story in his and his daughter's own words has been the greatest privilege of my professional life. I could never have imagined this hidden Freddie. Yet he was real.'
Bosses are also thrilled with the production of the new doc, which is a joint production with Honey Bee, who have also worked on programmes with the likes of Ross Kemp, Bradley Walsh and Jeremy Clarkson and have also fronted Netflix docs centering on British brands such as Greggs, Tesco and Costco.
Guy Davies, Consultant Editor for Commissioning, 5, commented: ' This new investigation by Freddie's most well-known biographer gives new insight into one of the world's most famous and iconic rock legends. Freddie the loving father is a side that apparently virtually no-one saw. Over many years, Lesley-Ann has become close with 'B', gaining her trust and confidence. This is her story.'
Ed Taylor, Executive Producer, Honey Bee said: "Freddie Mercury has long been celebrated as a rock icon, but thanks to journalist Lesley-Ann Jones's extraordinary three-year investigation, this film offers an entirely different perspective – Freddie as a doting father and loving family man. It's a great privilege to be working with 5 again to bring this new viewpoint to the screen".
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Inside Dan Snow's life from ignoring famous dad's advice to wife with royal connections
The TV presenter, historian and former Strictly star is back on Channel 5 with the new series Pompeii: Life in the City with Dan Snow Dan Snow has carved out a career as a much-loved historian and TV presenter - despite going against his famous father's advice to follow in his footsteps. Now 46, Dan - known for Battlefield Britain, Dan Snow 's Norman Walks and Filthy Cities - is back on our TV screens with a new Channel 5 series, Pompeii: Life in the City with Dan Snow. He teams up with fellow historian Dr Kate Lister to reveal what it would've really been like to live in Pompeii - the world's best preserved Roman city. During the opening episode, Dan and Kate take a look at the working lives of Pompeii's people, from the very rich to the very poor. Ahead of the new series, we take a look at Dan's life... Being 'discovered' Born in London in 1978, Dan graduated form Oxford University with first-class honours in Modern History, which seemed inevitable after his childhood. In a previous interview, he said: "I was a pretty average kid at primary school. My parents lifted me with the support they gave me at home: and whenever we went on holiday or days out we were always doing history-related projects. We made video films about wherever we were: the battlefield at Hastings, Bodiam Castle. We'd draw maps, too: and we'd make diaries. Dad still has them," reports MailOnline. "At the weekends my dad didn't go to watch football; he took me to museums. So when I ended up at Oxford University and got a double first in history, it wasn't brilliance – it was all the enthusiasm he had given me." A keen rower, he previously recalled how he was discovered by the BBC during the annual Boat Race between Cambridge University Boat Club and Oxford University Boat Club. He told LBC podcast Full Disclosure With James O'Brien: "The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race can be a bit dull so they sort of spruce it up with videos of students going 'oh, I'm so tired and I've got to do my studies and train'. 'I was one of said whining students and someone at BBC Development said 'what about him doing a show on history' because I was talking about history in this show.' Dan presented his first programme in October 2002 just after graduating from university, co-presenting the BBC's 60th anniversary special on the Battles of El Alamein with his father Peter. Away from documentaries, Dan competed in the 2023 Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing when he admitted to being "absolutely terrified". Famous dad Dan comes from something of a famous family. As well as being the great-great-grandson of British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, his father is the famous BBC journalist Peter Snow, famed for his General Election 'swingometer' coverage. Peter presented Newsnight from its launch in 1980 until 1997 and hosted a number of documentaries. Dan has said that his father asked him not to follow in his footsteps and become a broadcaster. He told LBC podcast Full Disclosure With James O'Brien: 'My dad urged me not to go into this industry and now I feel the same way about mine.' A call came into his father trying to get him on board for a history programme with his son. He said that his father 'originally said 'no'' but later changed his mind. Dan said: 'He also took me around Barnes Pond in south-west London and he said 'you're better than this', which I wish was true.' The presenter said his father had 'hoped' he would choose another profession as he admired the people he interviewed. He also said: 'I'd die now if my kids wanted to become broadcasters. I'm like, 'please go and become bioengineers or something exciting'.' 'Royal' wife In November 2010, Dan married the criminologist and philanthropist Lady Edwina Louise Grosvenor, second daughter of The 6th Duke of Westminster. The couple have three children, the eldest and youngest being daughters. Through her mother, she is descended from the Romanov imperial family of Russia and the Russian writer Alexander Pushkin. Her godmother was Diana, Princess of Wales. Dan previously said of meeting Edwina: "'I'd like to be able to say we met trekking across a desert, but we met at a wedding, which I'm afraid is very predictable. We were sitting next to one another at the reception: the person who did the seating plan set us up. I knew straight away she was the one for me," reports MailOnline.
The Sun
8 hours ago
- The Sun
The Assassin fans gobsmacked after spotting soap legend in new Prime Video drama
THE Assassin fans were left stunned after spotting a soap legend in the Prime Video series. The crime thriller stars Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore in leading roles. 4 4 4 It follows a retired assassin now living in Greece, who reunites with her estranged son when he comes looking for answers. Long-time soap fans recognised a familiar face among the cast members. New Zealand star Alan Dale, 78, appears as supporting character Aaron Cross. Previously, Alan played patriarch Jim Robinson, one of Neighbours' original characters. One viewer wrote on X: "jim robinson died in neighbours and was reborn as the shady bad guy in every series in the last 2 decades." He appeared from the Aussie's soap launch in 1985 until leaving the show in 1993. Jim was also the father of Neighbours stalwart Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis). The actor briefly reprised this role in 2018 by appearing in a dream to his on-screen son. After his departure from Neighbours, Alan began working extensively in US television. He notably had a recurring role as villain Charles Widmore in the sci-fi drama series LOST. Alan Dale stars in The Assassin on Amazon Prime Alan appeared in a total of 17 episodes spanning from 2006 until the show's 2010 conclusion. As well as this, he made prominent appearances in The OC and Ugly Betty. Earlier this year, The Sun revealed Neighbours would be coming to an end - for a second time. It came just two years after Amazon brought the soap back to life after it was axed by Channel 5 after 37 years. The revival started filming in 2023 and was shown on Amazon Freevee worldwide. Neighbours stars who made it big The long-running Aussie soap has launched the careers of some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Here are some of the Neighbours alums who went on to make it big after starring on the soap... Kylie Minogue Before she hit the big time with her music career, Kylie shot to fame playing Charlene Mitchell on Neighbours. Shortly after her arrival, Kylie began an on and off-screen romance with co-star Jason Donovan, who played Scott Robinson, which gained the couple an army of adoring fans. Jason Donovan After his stint as Scott, singer and actor Jason became an international popstar and had his pick acting of roles. He moved to the U.K., married, had children and has since starred in over a dozen West End show, most notably Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat. Alan Dale New Zealand born actor Alan was one of Neighbours 12 original cast members having made his debut as Jim Robinson on the soap's first episode on 18 March 1985. As the head of the Robinson clan, widower Jim lived at Number 26 Ramsay Street with his children Paul, Julie, Scott and Lucy, and was a real anchor in the community. He stayed with the show for eight years, before his character was killed off in dramatic scenes aired in 1993 but which still reverberate through the soap to this day. Margot Robbie Way before she was Barbie or Harley Quinn, Margot was best known as Ramsay Street resident Donna Freedman. Her notable storylines included her marriage to Ringo Brown and becoming a young widow following his tragic death. After three years she bid farewell to the soap and Australia with a plan to make a name for herself in Hollywood which she did when she bagged the role of Naomi Lapaglia opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street. Jesse Spencer Jesse rocked up on Ramsay street in 1994 with the rest of the Kennedy clan. He stayed for five years, literally growing up in front of the camera, but in 2000 felt it was time to spread his wings and head for Hollywood. It was certainly a smart move as he went on to bag leading roles in popular shows like House and Chicago Fire. Russell Crowe New Zealand-native Russell had a brief arc on Neighbours, appearing in four episodes of the soap 1987 as Kenny Larkin, the former cellmate of Street resident Henry Ramsay. The role obviously got him noticed though because he quickly went on to become a fully-fledged Hollywood A-lister, winning the Best Actor Oscar for his standout performance as Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator. The Sun exclusively revealed that Amazon have told Fremantle that their venture into soaps hasn't worked and they are pulling funding A source said at the time: 'Amazon gave Fremantle two years to see if it worked but sadly they just didn't get the viewers. 'It's a really sad day especially for the cast and crew who work on the show in Melbourne. 'This really is the end of Neighbours just as it's celebrated it's 40th birthday.'
The Sun
8 hours ago
- The Sun
I'm 25 with a pensioner fiancé – people call us ‘disgusting' & my parents aren't happy but sparks flew as soon as we met
A WOMAN has revealed her relationship with a man 51 years her senior and says people have dubbed their romance 'disturbing' – including family members. Diana Montano wasn't looking for love when she met Edgar through a mutual friend. 5 5 But as she laid eyes on him, sparks flew. The 25-year-old, who hasn't been in a relationship with someone older before, was sceptical about how people would react; especially her family. And they weren't all too pleased when meeting the pensioner for the first time. But Diana doesn't care what anybody else thinks and says her relationship with Edgar is the most 'intimate and passionate' one she's ever been in. 'I've had some family members who don't agree and think I'm ruining my life,' said the licensed vocational nurse. 'But it doesn't bother me too much. 'I understand how my relationship may appear at first glance, but I know I am happy. 'I had originally planned to talk to my mum privately about it, but I ended up speaking to her when other family members were nearby. 'You could tell by her facial expressions she was not thrilled by the idea of it – but my aunt was so supportive. 'My dad had a similar reaction; I couldn't totally tell what he was thinking, but he wasn't very happy. I'm a fit gran & I fell in love with an AI bot despite having a boyfriend - but I was heartbroken when our chat vanished 'Luckily, my parents understand I am an adult who makes my own decisions. 'All they want is for me to be careful. 'My friends were definitely surprised when I told them, but they love Edgar. 'Sadly, online, it's a different story.' Online abuse Diana and Edgar have had their relationship called 'disturbing' and 'disgusting' by strangers. They've also been sent harsh criticism, such as: 'Your parents did a horrible job', 'This should be illegal' and 'I hope you die before him'. While the pair expected the onslaught of hate, and have learned to deal with it in their own way, they wish people wouldn't always assume the worst. Diana said: 'The comments are extreme, but they make us laugh. 'I've also had a lot of positive words, with people asking how they can find a relationship like ours and asking if Edgar has any brothers. 'For us, though, our age gap isn't the centre of our relationship. 'Yes, it's obvious, and we've had people stare at us in public. 'But everything with him feels so natural. 'Our conversations flow, he treats me with respect and he's actually so full of life.' 5 5 The pair's romance began when Edgar asked their mutual friend, whom he had previously dated, for Diana's number in July 2023. She said: 'He seemed like a gentleman and completely respectful. 'I didn't initially think I would end up getting into a relationship with him since he was so much older than me. 'But he was so handsome. 'My feelings grew after a few months and he told me he liked me from the first day we met and wanted to keep seeing me.' After a year of back and forth messaging, the pair flew to Hawaii and made things official. Diana, from San Diego, US, said: 'He confessed he wishes he was younger so I'd marry him. 'I said I'd marry him as he is now. 'We talked more about our feelings seriously after that and when we got back from our trip, I said yes to being his girlfriend. 'It's just a very exciting, passionate and happy dynamic. 'He makes me want to take care of him and be patient. 'Edgar brings out the best in me – and I bring out the best in him. Diana Montano 'Any fear I have of suddenly losing him is similar to the fear I have with others in my life. 'It doesn't have to do with his age, since he's extremely healthy and fit. 'I think of him more as a 50-year-old.' Edgar has recently taken on a skydive and regularly goes skiing, hiking and to the gym. Diana says he's more active than most people her age. With a zest for life, they go travelling every two months to explore the world. For now, though, they're taking in spending each moment together and hope to share their love story to inspire others – and break the stereotype. Diana added: 'It's a very healthy relationship, which is difficult to find at my age, as there are so many toxic people out there. 'I'm able to maintain my freedom and live life how I want. 'I feel more inclined to be my true self. 'Although we've both found happiness in each other, it's in spite of our ages. 'But if anyone is getting inspired by our relationship and desires a relationship with an age gap, be mindful that they can be tricky. 'I'm very lucky to have met Ed and that he's been such an amazing person to me, but it's not always that case in age gap relationships. 'People should always be attentive to how those they date act, because the risk of emotional, physical and financial abuse increases as your partner's age does. 'But I love being with someone who is mature, patient and understanding. 'I've met my soulmate; there's no one my age like him.' 5
