
Meet the Antrim writer whose book influenced Angelina Jolie movie: ‘I was scared because the fans are intense'
Antrim author and screenwriter Lyndsy Spence is never sure how far her books about interesting women will reach.
But her biography of the late opera singer Maria Callas influenced the recent Angelina Jolie film Maria, and a Greek director has optioned it for a TV series.

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Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Andy Carroll's ex brands first summer since their split ‘best one ever' as he reunites with Lou Teasdale
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ANDY Carroll's ex has appeared to take a swipe at her footballer ex as she dubbed the first summer since their split as the "best one ever." TOWIE's Billi Mucklow, who has previously flashed her "revenge body" in a red bikini, has now gushed over her vacation period alongside a fresh Instagram post. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Billi Mucklow has branded her first summer since her split with Andy Carroll as the 'best one ever' Credit: Instagram 8 It came just days after her ex reunited with Lou Teasdale Credit: Social media - Refer to source 8 Andy and Billi confirmed they had called time on their relationship last September Credit: Getty 8 Billi, 37, recently flashed her revenge body in a red bikini Credit: Instagram Billi, 37, shares sons Arlo, nine, Wolf, six, and daughter Marvel Mae, four, with ex-husband Andy, 36, who recently told how he and girlfriend Lou Teasdale are back together after a short hiatus. Earlier this month, Andy dumped Lou, with insiders revealing he was 'sick of her demands and influencer lifestyle'. Meanwhile, longstanding couple Billi and Andy confirmed they'd called time on their relationship last September, just two years after tying the knot. But The Sun revealed the couple actually split in June 2024 - with Andy and Lou, 41, getting together just weeks later. After his rollercoaster few months, hot yoga teacher Billi was quick to celebrate her summer of happiness and family time. She kicked off her social media gallery with a snap showing her mum and kids before showcasing an image showing her posing with her parent. The ITVBe alum looked sensational in a nautical print co-ord which she paired with strappy sandals. Yet it was her caption which drew equal attention as she wrote: "My superwoman @paulamucklow thanks for the best summer ever!" Billi then added in her telling word choice: "I've learnt from the best there is." Andy Carroll quizzed by cops twice after bust-ups with girlfriend at packed restaurant and hotel during Greek holiday Her adoring fans and friends were quick to comment underneath and one wrote: "You are the ultimate mama!! Selfless & full of love." A second put: "Beautiful loving family." A third posted: "Beautiful family, look so healthy and happy." BACK ON After his brief split with celeb stylist Lou, Andy confirmed he's keen to make things with her work second time around. His "partying" was also blamed for the rows that led to their break-up. He said in an exclusive interview with The Sun: 'I love Lou and I love her family. We row like any couple. 'Things have been difficult for me and I'm going through a divorce. 'Some of our rows have been about alcohol, as Lou has been teetotal for 14 years and I have a beer or wine at dinner and a drink after the game, but it's not a problem in my life. 'I'm a professional footballer and that's not the case. 'I play sport every single day so my level of fitness is really good. I play football every day so I'm fit.' Meanwhile, the pair were spotted on a cosy dinner date this week, seemingly proving all is well. 8 The reality star thanked her mum for the 'best summer ever' Credit: Instagram 8 It came after Andy's short split with Lou came to light Credit: instagram/andytcarroll 8 The pair were this week seen on a romantic date night after they got back together and he spoke about their reunion to The Sun Credit: Instagram 8 Billi and Andy share three kids Credit: Instagram


Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale enjoy romantic date night after they get back together and he vows to change
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ANDY Carroll and Lou Teasdale enjoyed a romantic date night after getting back together following their very short split. Last week it was revealed how Andy, 36, had called time on his year-long romance with the celebrity make-up artist, 41 - only to get back together again days later. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale enjoyed a romantic night out after getting back together Credit: Instagram 5 The pair enjoyed a cosy evening eating pizza at the cinema Credit: Instagram 5 Andy confirmed that he and Lou are back together after a brief split Credit: Instgagram 5 The couple often share loved-up selfies from their lavish holidays and evenings out Credit: Instagram After vowing to change, Andy and Lou got back together and have wasted no time in heading out on a cosy date. Keen to show they are back on, the reunited couple shared their romantic evening out. Taking to Instagram the footballer revealed they were spending a cosy evening at the cinema. Posting a sweet snap of their date night, they were seen holding delicious cheesy pizza, as they enjoyed their evening back together. GETTING BACK TOGETHER The Sun were first to reveal last Tuesday how Andy had dumped Lou, with insiders at the time revealing he was 'sick of her demands and influencer lifestyle'. But by the weekend, Andy spoke exclusively to us and confirmed he's keen to make things with Lou work. His "partying" was also blamed for the rows that led to their break-up. However, he has insisted that things will be different going forward. Andy told The Sun: 'I love Lou and I love her family. We row like any couple. 'Things have been difficult for me and I'm going through a divorce. Andy Carroll quizzed by cops twice after bust-ups with girlfriend at packed restaurant and hotel during Greek holiday 'Some of our rows have been about alcohol, as Lou has been teetotal for 14 years and I have a beer or wine at dinner and a drink after the game, but it's not a problem in my life. 'I'm a professional footballer and that's not the case. 'I play sport every single day so my level of fitness is really good. I play football every day so I'm fit.' THE EX FACTOR Meanwhile, Andy's date night pic came shortly after his ex-wife Billi Mucklow showed off her incredible revenge body on holiday. The former Towie star, 37, took to Instagram to share some new snaps from the break with their children. Billi - who shares sons Arlo, nine, and Wolf, six, and daughter Marvel Mae, four, with her ex-husband - was seen beaming while flaunting her toned tummy in the two piece. Fans rushed to comment on the snaps, with one writing: 'Keep doing what you're doing, you're shining.' Someone else said: 'You look stunning.' And a third couldn't resist a dig at footballer Andy, 36 - who at the weekend confirmed he and girlfriend Lou Teasdale are back together. The fan said: 'Andy is a very very silly man.' Billi and Andy confirmed they'd called time on their relationship in September, just two years after tying the knot. But The Sun revealed the couple actually split in June 2024 - with Andy and Lou getting together just weeks later.


Time Out
13 hours ago
- Time Out
Korean frozen yoghurt chain Yoajung to open in Singapore with toppings like Dubai chocolate and honeycomb
The froyo craze in Singapore is officially back in full swing. Australian frozen yoghurt chain Yo-Chi broke the internet when it opened its first international outlet in Orchard Central, with waiting times stretching up to an hour over its opening weekend. Come September, we'll have another froyo spot in town to hit up: Yoajung, South Korea's famous frozen yoghurt chain, will be debuting its first Singapore store at Scape on September 5. Yoajung currently has 350 outlets across Hong Kong, Shanghai, and most recently, Sydney. The brand is also endorsed by K-Pop celebrities like Jay Park, NMIXX and RIIZE. The Singapore store is expected to offer three yoghurt bases: the signature yoghurt ice cream, low-sugar yoghurt ice cream and Greek yoghurt as a healthier option. If it's anything like the Korean menu, acai bowls might also be available. While there aren't any crazy yoghurt flavours like salted butterscotch or cookies and cream here, Yoajung's unique array of toppings is what makes it such a hit in Korea. Think slabs of honeycomb, banana brulée, dalgona, cheesecake cubes, and even a Dubai chocolate-inspired topping. Other picks include popping candy, tanghulu and brown sugar mochi. And since it's a Korean brand, you can even expect popular Korean fruits like Shine Muscat grapes. Yoajung also does a special 'shell' topping, where the tip of the yoghurt is dipped into sauces like chocolate or strawberry. Spoilt for choice? There are several signature combinations on the menu that'll save you the hassle of choosing. One thing to note is that while Yo-Chi is a fully self-serve experience where cups are charged by weight, Yoajung uses a more standard pricing model with fixed prices for toppings – similar to Llao Llao and Yolé in Singapore. Yoajung Singapore's full menu, prices, and opening hours have yet to be announced, so watch this space for updates. In the meantime, check out Yoajung's Instagram page here.