
Lulu says new memoir felt ‘intense' as she opens up about going to therapy
The 76-year-old was discussing the importance of mental health support ahead of a sponsored walk for her new charitable fund, Lulu's Mental Health Trust.
She told the PA news agency: 'I've just completed writing my memoir, or an autobiography, whatever you want to call it, and it's been fairly intense, because I am 76 and being in the public eye, there's a lot of things I have not divulged.
The singer at the launch of Lulu's Mental Health Trust in east London (Yui Mok/PA)
'There's a lot of things I didn't feel comfortable talking about because, as a human being, I've had trials, I've had tribulations, I've had issues.'
Her new memoir, If Only You Knew, delves into her past and the singer, born Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie and also known as Lulu Kennedy-Cairns, said it has felt 'very cathartic'.
'There are things you don't know, and I'm going to talk about them, and it's really in order to help, but it's been very cathartic', she said.
'It is in order to maybe help someone else who's had a similar issue and they haven't dealt with it, or don't know how to, and I felt very alone in my head all my life, because I think I've been brought up to keep a lot of things secretive and keep it to myself, but that was my mother's (era) age.
'Today, things are more open, and if it can help, if you can relate to someone, it doesn't make you feel so alone. So that's part of the reason for doing the book.
'The other part is, I'm 76, I might not last much longer, and I've got grandchildren, and it's all documented, but it's been very cathartic for me.
'In fact, I had to go into therapy because it's been so intense. When you've kept stuff down, they (emotions) lodge in you. They lodge in your body somewhere.
'And sometimes they can affect your physical health, definitely your mental health. But to try and get them (those feelings) to come up, it's been intense.'
Lulu with her sister Edwina (Yui Mok/PA)
The music artist from Glasgow said she wanted to establish a mental heath trust as she and her family have experienced their own mental health issues.
On Monday, in aid of the trust, Lulu walked from the east London location where she filmed To Sir, With Love and finished at the old Decca Studios, where she recorded Shout – the song that saw her storm into the UK charts 60 years ago.
She has so far raised more than £15,000 for the cause through people sponsoring her for the walk.
The singer performed at Glastonbury Festival last year and embarked on her sell-out Champagne for Lulu tour, which she said was her last.
Her memoir is due to be released on September 25 2025. She will embark on a UK book tour four days later.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
M&S is officially back – here's the 10 fashion editor approved buys you need to add to your basket before they sell out
GREAT news, Marks & Spencer is back selling online. After two months of troubles with a cyber attack the retail giant revealed to fans this week that their website check out would be up and running this week. 18 But good news, the website is allowing shoppers to check out from today. However, M&S have warned that standard deliveries will take up to 10 days whilst they get up and running again. But you need to act fast. After its short but what feels like a lifetime hiatus eager M&S fans will be hitting that checkout button in their thousands with stock expected to vanish online. Here, Fabulous ' fashion editor, Clemmie Fieldsend, reveals what you need to be buying now before they sell out. THE DO-EVERYTHING DRESS This dress is nearly all but sold out in Petite and Tall, sorry ladies, however it is available in Regular. With a sleek and stylish square neckline, in lightweight linen this white dress with pale blue floral dress is a must have for summer. You can dress it up with silver heels and jewellery or just sling on your go-to flip-flops or trainers for a casual look. And the best bit, it's got sleeves that cover the top of your arms. 18 Dress, £59 THE WOW BAG Beaded bags are awash on the high street but this new style from M&S wins the contest for the best. Fabulous Fashion teams sneak preview of new season M&S It's just beautiful with all over beading in cream with florals and fringing it will go with everything. The bag measures at 21 cm in height so yes you can fit your phone, keys, lippy and powder all in their with room for more. It's fully lined with a magnet fastening so it has a sleek finish even when it's full to the brim. Bag, £59 THE STATEMENT SHOE A shoe can dress up or dress down any outfit, and these shoes will dress up even a tracksuit. Already hugely popular you need to get them now before they're completely gone. With delicate organza flower detailing and wrap around ankle straps they'll give any look the wow factor. With a chunky block, low heel they are the shoe that you can wear all day and feel comfortable and you won't sink into grass. Shoes, £35 THE SLIMMING SPOT PRINT TOP Jeans and a nice top is the millennial clothing combination that will just never die, and if you need a summery statement top this season this is it. In light organza fabric, must have black and white polka dot print and features a huge flower in the centre of the chest. Nipped in at the waist it's going to give you an hourglass shape with a slightly fluted peplum that will allow you to leave the Spanx at home and still look flattering. It's timeless and a statement all at the same time, a real must-have to be paired with jeans, trousers or its matching skirt. Top, £69 THE SHAPEWEAR SWIMSUIT M&S is the nation's go-to for bras, so when it comes to swimwear you know you're getting the same care and support in their swimsuits as you do their underwear. This scalloped edge cossie comes in white, black, red and blue, however the blue has now gone, but is supportive on the bust and made with thick neoprene so gives you an ultra smooth silhouette. I have this in black and it's amazing, I've been dying to get hold of it in white but my size, 10, never seems to be in stores. So act fast because it's very popular. Swimsuit, £35 THE VIRAL FLATS These bow-tied ballet pumps went viral earlier on in the season for their designer look. They're almost sold out in red and cream with some sizes still available, but the black is wide open. With M&S you know you're getting a comfortable shoe with longevity so they're an investment even if they are under £30. Paired with jeans, light dresses of skirts, their tie and ruched detailing make them standout from the rest of the pumps on the high street. Shoes, £29.50 This stunning dress wouldn't look out of place hanging on the rails of a designer shop. In pretty pastel pink with intricate sequin and bead detailing and Broderie Anglaise it's a statement dress without a loud colour or garish print. It also has a peek-a-boo back tied with a statin ribbon for the perfect luxury finish and a knee high slit makes it a must have for summer. Suitable for sipping cocktails at sundown on holiday or for weddings its one of those dresses you'll wear year after year. Dress, £129 THE BEYONCE BAG Beyonce landed on UK soil last week for her Cowboy Carter tour and has send the demand for all things cowboy soaring. Cowhide inspired accessories have been a huge trend this year and aren't going anywhere. This stylish shoulder bag ticks all the boxes with a faux-hair finish and leather adjustable strap which means you can have it sitting on your shoulder or across your body for raving away at festivals hands free this summer. This is bound to sell out as M&S have already tagged it online as 'popular' so act fast. Bag, £89 THE ESSENTIAL SHIRT I don't know about you but for summer I want a shirt that can be worn over swimwear for when I'm away as well as one that can be worn in the evenings on holiday and in the UK. This shirt does all of that. It's already sold out in four sizes but with its shell embroidered print in white sticking on black cotton it's easy to see why. This would look so stylish sipping some rose pool side, or even with a baggy pair of jeans a slip-ons in the UK. For £55 in breathable linen, I'm sold. Shirt, £55 THE TRAVEL TROUSERS 18 Looking for the perfect travel trousers? Look no further. This striped pair of linen trousers are as comfortable as they are stylish. Even though their linen they look like they're cotton trousers with all the same detailing such as back pockets and tie waist with a wide leg silhouette. M&S did have another pair of linen trousers from earlier in the season that are now sold out in every size, but personally, I prefer this elevated style that you can wear everywhere. 18 Trousers, £45 Why Everyone Is Loving M&S Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale revealed to Fabulous why M&S is the shop of the moment. She explained: 'M&S has really pulled it out of the bag this season, there is so much good product to be excited about. 'A brand once known for its 'frumpy fashion' that notion is long gone with it now being one of the leading high street stores for womenswear. 'Its handbag range in particular is super strong with them selling 170% vs plan, with lots more designer dupes for just a fraction of the price. 'The brand is now also the #1 for style perceptions, compared to the #3 spot it had last year, this comes from a really strong design team focused on modernising the brand, not only taking into consideration how the pieces look, but how easy they are to wear also. 'Price is also a big factor with you being able to get many good quality pieces all for under £30. 'After having a sneak peak of the upcoming collection there are so many more amazing pieces that are dropping over the next few months to keep your eyes on. 'Think leopard print dresses, colourful co-ords, embroidered boho jackets, plus lots of swimwear and amazing accessories, as well as great wardrobe staples that will last year on year.'


Scotsman
14 hours ago
- Scotsman
Parklife 2025: Could these acts join this year's performers for a secret appearance?
Our round up of murmurings from Reddit and social media ahead of this year's Parklife event in Manchester. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Could Charli XCX be joined by New Zealand royalty at Heaton Park, or could a French dynamic duo collaborate with her once again? Who could be one of the DJs in the VIP stage and could they become the next UK prime minister? Here are your last minute-rumours ahead of Parklife 2025 this weekend in Manchester Forget Glastonbury Festival rumours for one week (please!), as we look to the more immediate future: Parklife 2025 in Manchester this week. While there's still guesswork involved who might be Patchwork and who else might fill those TBA slots at Worthy Farm, things seem a little less speculative when it comes to this weekend's event at Heaton Park, with the full timetable now available through the official Parklife app. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad That doesn't mean there won't be any surprises this year, though. Instead of solely looking at secret sets, we've taken a look through Reddit and the depths of social media to see who people think might make a guest appearance at Parklife this year. Be it Lorde or French house icons teaming up with a 'brat,' or a guerrilla gig potentially before or after what will be an incredibly lively set, here's five rumours currently doing the rounds before festival-goers converge on Manchester this weekend Last minute Parklife 2025 rumours From who could guest with Charli XCX to who might play a guerrilla gig this weekend; here's a round up of the last minute rumours for Parklife 2025. | Getty Images Will Lorde or Air join Charli XCX this weekend? There has been increased speculation that New Zealand musician Lorde could make a surprise appearance during Charli XCX's set. The singer, on the brink of releasing her brand new album, Virgin, has featured regularly alongside Charli XCX in recent months, thanks to their stunning collaborative effort Girl, So Confusing . Lorde was even seen on stage during both of the BRAT performer's Coachella 2025 sets in April. Given their recent proximity and obvious chemistry, a repeat performance in Manchester is high on many fans' wish lists. Lorde is due to play a full UK tour in November 2025, but a quick pop-up this weekend isn't out of the question for a collaborator. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But could an appearance by French dance giants Air be on the cards too? Charli XCX famously performed with the duo in Paris during their June 8, 2025 show. With Air's next tour date taking place in Dublin on June 17, 2025 – just two days after Parklife – a quick journey across the Irish Sea could certainly be in order for a surprise cameo. Who could perform alongside 50 Cent as he returns to the United Kingdom? Though wishful thinking means some hope either Eminem or Dr. Dre makes an appearance at Parklife 2025, there are still members of 50 Cent's G-Unit who could make the trip to appear on stage with him. The name Tony Yayo frequently gets mentioned, owing to him being the most consistent member of G-Unit alongside 50 Cent and having regularly appeared with the rapper. However, some think another core member, Lloyd Banks , could also be a guest during the set. Neither artist currently has independent tour dates scheduled, and if Fiddy is bringing any of the crew, those two names are highly probable. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Could Jora Smith bring on a who's who of UK rap icons? Jorja Smith's soulful R&B often blends seamlessly with the UK's vibrant rap and grime scenes. Fans are hoping she might invite some of her esteemed collaborators to share the stage. A top contender is Loyle Carner , with whom she released the acclaimed Loose Ends, and a joint performance would be a smooth and well-received addition to her set. What's more, there's significant buzz around AJ Tracey . The pair just reunited for their brand new single Crush in February 2025, and their chemistry is undeniable – a surprise live rendition of this fresh track would send the crowd wild. While a cameo from giants like Stormzy would be truly monumental, such high-profile appearances are often closely guarded secrets, and a full "who's who" might be as wishful as some of the wildest 50 Cent reunion rumours. However, with Jorja's extensive network of influential UK artists, her set remains a hotbed for potential unexpected collaborations. With a history of guerrilla gigs, will Loopdaddy take to the streets of Manchester? One of the highlights I'll be missing out on could potentially sneak a set on the streets of Manchester this weekend. We're talking about Loopdaddy himself, Marc Rebillet. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Given his official festival slot at Parklife in Manchester, it wouldn't be out of character for the incredibly fun producer to set up a quick, unannounced performance in a public space before or after his main set. Perhaps a quick gig at Victoria or Piccadilly Station could be something fans traveling to the event might spot? Guest DJs on the VIP Stage; is Andy Burnham about to spin the decks? Official Parklife information often explicitly mentions 'VIP DJs and special guests playing on the VIP stage, which is separate from the rest of the festival.' There's also the new Backstage Ticket which grants 'on-stage access at The Hangar stage' and access to 'exclusive VIP area with luxury loos, charging points, and a street food market and VIP cocktail bar.' While not a 'secret' headliner per se, this does pose a unique opportunity for some very important people to step into the DJ booth and lay on some tunes for those with the privilege to be there – and of all the names we've mentioned, why not add Andy Burnham as one of those potential guest DJs? Known for his own occasional DJ sets at local venues, it's not entirely out of the question for Burnham to pop up for a quick, unannounced turn on the decks. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was well-known in Auckland for getting behind the decks before standing in front of the world as the then-leader of Aotearoa Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Do you have an event you'd like to share with us? You can now promote your What's On stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.


Scotsman
14 hours ago
- Scotsman
Parklife 2025: Could these acts join this year's performers for a secret appearance?
Our round up of murmurings from Reddit and social media ahead of this year's Parklife event in Manchester. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Could Charli XCX be joined by New Zealand royalty at Heaton Park, or could a French dynamic duo collaborate with her once again? Who could be one of the DJs in the VIP stage and could they become the next UK prime minister? Here are your last minute-rumours ahead of Parklife 2025 this weekend in Manchester Forget Glastonbury Festival rumours for one week (please!), as we look to the more immediate future: Parklife 2025 in Manchester this week. While there's still guesswork involved who might be Patchwork and who else might fill those TBA slots at Worthy Farm, things seem a little less speculative when it comes to this weekend's event at Heaton Park, with the full timetable now available through the official Parklife app. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad That doesn't mean there won't be any surprises this year, though. Instead of solely looking at secret sets, we've taken a look through Reddit and the depths of social media to see who people think might make a guest appearance at Parklife this year. Be it Lorde or French house icons teaming up with a 'brat,' or a guerrilla gig potentially before or after what will be an incredibly lively set, here's five rumours currently doing the rounds before festival-goers converge on Manchester this weekend Last minute Parklife 2025 rumours From who could guest with Charli XCX to who might play a guerrilla gig this weekend; here's a round up of the last minute rumours for Parklife 2025. | Getty Images Will Lorde or Air join Charli XCX this weekend? There has been increased speculation that New Zealand musician Lorde could make a surprise appearance during Charli XCX's set. The singer, on the brink of releasing her brand new album, Virgin, has featured regularly alongside Charli XCX in recent months, thanks to their stunning collaborative effort Girl, So Confusing . Lorde was even seen on stage during both of the BRAT performer's Coachella 2025 sets in April. Given their recent proximity and obvious chemistry, a repeat performance in Manchester is high on many fans' wish lists. Lorde is due to play a full UK tour in November 2025, but a quick pop-up this weekend isn't out of the question for a collaborator. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But could an appearance by French dance giants Air be on the cards too? Charli XCX famously performed with the duo in Paris during their June 8, 2025 show. With Air's next tour date taking place in Dublin on June 17, 2025 – just two days after Parklife – a quick journey across the Irish Sea could certainly be in order for a surprise cameo. Who could perform alongside 50 Cent as he returns to the United Kingdom? Though wishful thinking means some hope either Eminem or Dr. Dre makes an appearance at Parklife 2025, there are still members of 50 Cent's G-Unit who could make the trip to appear on stage with him. The name Tony Yayo frequently gets mentioned, owing to him being the most consistent member of G-Unit alongside 50 Cent and having regularly appeared with the rapper. However, some think another core member, Lloyd Banks , could also be a guest during the set. Neither artist currently has independent tour dates scheduled, and if Fiddy is bringing any of the crew, those two names are highly probable. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Could Jora Smith bring on a who's who of UK rap icons? Jorja Smith's soulful R&B often blends seamlessly with the UK's vibrant rap and grime scenes. Fans are hoping she might invite some of her esteemed collaborators to share the stage. A top contender is Loyle Carner , with whom she released the acclaimed Loose Ends, and a joint performance would be a smooth and well-received addition to her set. What's more, there's significant buzz around AJ Tracey . The pair just reunited for their brand new single Crush in February 2025, and their chemistry is undeniable – a surprise live rendition of this fresh track would send the crowd wild. While a cameo from giants like Stormzy would be truly monumental, such high-profile appearances are often closely guarded secrets, and a full "who's who" might be as wishful as some of the wildest 50 Cent reunion rumours. However, with Jorja's extensive network of influential UK artists, her set remains a hotbed for potential unexpected collaborations. With a history of guerrilla gigs, will Loopdaddy take to the streets of Manchester? One of the highlights I'll be missing out on could potentially sneak a set on the streets of Manchester this weekend. We're talking about Loopdaddy himself, Marc Rebillet. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Given his official festival slot at Parklife in Manchester, it wouldn't be out of character for the incredibly fun producer to set up a quick, unannounced performance in a public space before or after his main set. Perhaps a quick gig at Victoria or Piccadilly Station could be something fans traveling to the event might spot? Guest DJs on the VIP Stage; is Andy Burnham about to spin the decks? Official Parklife information often explicitly mentions 'VIP DJs and special guests playing on the VIP stage, which is separate from the rest of the festival.' There's also the new Backstage Ticket which grants 'on-stage access at The Hangar stage' and access to 'exclusive VIP area with luxury loos, charging points, and a street food market and VIP cocktail bar.' While not a 'secret' headliner per se, this does pose a unique opportunity for some very important people to step into the DJ booth and lay on some tunes for those with the privilege to be there – and of all the names we've mentioned, why not add Andy Burnham as one of those potential guest DJs? Known for his own occasional DJ sets at local venues, it's not entirely out of the question for Burnham to pop up for a quick, unannounced turn on the decks. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was well-known in Auckland for getting behind the decks before standing in front of the world as the then-leader of Aotearoa Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad