Elaine Paige has admitted she was addicted to ‘dreadful’ sleeping pills during her years on the stage and lived on them for years.

The English singer and actress, 78, said that after a show she would feel ‘wired’ until the early hours of the morning and was left struggling to sleep.

She has confessed she relied on the sleeping tablets to help her get some rest and she only managed to kick the habit during the pandemic.

Speaking to The Sunday Times magazine about the bad habit, she said: ‘I go to sleep but seem to wake up after four hours. For many years in the theatre I lived on sleeping pills, otherwise you’re wired until 2am after a show. 

‘I called it my Judy Garland syndrome. They’re dreadful things to become addicted to, which I was. But since the pandemic I’ve managed to get off them and will not take one again. 

‘I say to myself that even if I don’t sleep well, I’ll be fine the next day. I’m not ready to take afternoon naps yet.’

These days, Elaine has moved away from performing on stage and has spent the past 21 years presenting Elaine Paige on Sunday on BBC Radio 2.

However, it does hark back to her thespian days as she talks about musical theatre, plays records and interviews people from the industry.

Elaine also just released her new album, Miscellaneous Paige, in July.

She told the publication she hadn’t performed since the first COVID lockdown and missed both the community and the creative side of performing.

In June 2025, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to music and charity. This year, she received a Special Award at the Olivier Awards recognising her contribution to theatre.

When she was 29 in 1978, Elaine was cast as the original West End Eva Perón in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Evita. 

The role transformed her from an experienced supporting performer into a major musical-theatre star.

Other memorable roles include Grizabella in Cats, Florence Vassy in Chess and Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. 

Other memorable roles include Grizabella in Cats (pictured in 1981), Florence Vassy in Chess and Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard.

Despite her huge career success, Elaine previously revealed her height is her biggest insecurity because she feels her 4ft 11in stature has often caused her to be ‘overlooked’.

The West End star admitted she is ‘terribly shy’ and self-conscious about her height, and said it is something she has suffered from since she was a young girl.

She revealed that she feels her diminutive frame has caused her to be constantly ‘overlooked’ in the acting business.

Speaking in an interview with this week’s Radio Times, she said: ‘I’m not even five foot tall and I felt – and still do on some occasions – that no one takes any notice of you because you’re living life down here and a lot of the time ‘down here’ you get overlooked, literally.

‘This is all part and parcel of this insecurity, if you like, and terrible shyness because you’re not the same as everybody else and I was patronised a lot as a young girl.’ 

Elaine can trace the insecurity back to her childhood when her dream of becoming a professional tennis player was ‘crushed’ by her headmistress who told her: ‘But Elaine, dear, you can’t even see over the net.’

In June 2025, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to music and charitY

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‘I’ve never forgotten it because in one sentence that woman devastated my dream. I was absolutely crushed,’ she said. 

However, she believes playing the role of Evita in the West End show ‘saved’ her as Eva Perón was only five foot five herself. 

She reminisced on the opening night of Evita in 1978 when she received a nine-minute standing ovation, a life-changing moment which she says she remembers ‘so clearly’.

‘I did cry because it was completely and utterly overwhelming and I knew at that moment that my life had changed for ever, which it did,’ she said.

Elaine won the Laurence Olivier Award for Performance of the Year for the role and it elevated her to stardom.

A fisherman was rescued alive after spending more than two weeks trapped in an underwater sinkhole.

Erasto Crisanto Valdez, 31, disappeared on July 23 while fishing with his father in a cenote, a natural sinkhole, in San Francisco La Paz, Mexico.

It was only after an international effort 15 days later on August 7 that Mr Valdez was rescued from the sinkhole. 

Six days after he went missing, rescuers found a harpoon Mr Valdez had been carrying at a depth of around 65m (213ft).

And some 15 days after he first went missing, rescuers found the fisherman in a cave with an air pocket more than 100m (328ft) below the surface.

Explorers from Mexico, Germany, the US and the Dominican Republic had joined the effort to save him.

Mexican explorer Carlos Jimenez said the rescue was a ‘miracle’.

‘We were prepared to find his body,’ he said, adding: ‘But God had other plans.’

Six days after he went missing, rescuers found a harpoon Mr Valdez had been carrying at a depth of around 65m (213ft)

Mr Valdez was brought back to the surface on a stretcher and was suffering from severe dehydration and malnutrition after more than a fortnight without food.

He was taken to hospital in his home town of Uxpanapa by ambulance.

Speaking to NMás, Mr Valdez said: ‘Thank you God for giving me another opportunity at life and letting me see my kids and family again. It was a miracle – an unbelievable miracle.’ 

Mr Valdez told Mexican officials that he became trapped after pursuing a robalo, or common snook, that he was trying to catch.  When he tried to return, he could no longer find the way out. 

‘I remained in shock because I couldn’t find the exit,’ he reportedly said after the rescue. ‘It was a lapse of time that was cut off, as if time had stopped.’

The man’s father unsuccessfully tried to find him before seeking help. 

The search was conducted by relatives, nearby locals, civil-protection divers and later Mexican Navy divers and international explorers.

Mr Valdez was formally reported missing on July 26. Four days later, authorities announced that the initial specialist phase was over, but a wider search would continue.

It was only after an international effort 15 days later that Mr Valdez was rescued from the sinkhole

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The cave Mr Valdez became trapped in was unexplored, with poor visibility and sharp rocks that jutted out, making the rescue effort particularly challenging.

Experienced American cave-diver Harry Gust, who participated in the search, told Divernet that the search for Mr Valdez was presented to him as a body recovery mission.

About 75 minutes into his first dive, Mr Gust found a spare air tank about 100 meters (328ft) inside the cave, he told the outlet.

That gave an indication of the route Mr Valdez may have taken, but provided no indication that he might still be alive. 

The next day, Mr Gust returned to the spot where he found the air tank and found ‘a large dry cave,’ he told Divernet. 

The diver called out asking if someone was there, then heard Mr Valdez reply: ‘Yes!’ 

The man had been trapped in the cave for the past 15 days waiting to be rescued. ‘I could not see him but assured him that I was coming back for him with more help,’ Mr Gust said. 

Mr Gust returned with another diver, and they gave Mr Valdez a breathing apparatus connected to an air tank. 

They then transported the severely dehydrated and malnourished man 100 meters underwater through the darkness back to the surface of the cenote. 

It is believed Mr Valdez was able to survive because of a river flowing out of the dry cave that he was able to drink from, according to Mr Gust. 

Mr Valdez said that while languishing in the darkness, all he did was drink, pray and sleep. He had lost all sense of time and said he thought he had only been trapped for about three days.  

The star of ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville’ has died at age 36, her agent has confirmed, with her family issuing a statement to ask for privacy after they navigate their shock loss

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Heroes and Nashville star Hayden Panettiere has died, her representative confirmed to ABC News. She was 36 years old.

A statement from Panettiere’s father was shared with the American news network, asking for privacy as the Panettiere family navigates their grief.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen,” her father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement.

The details around her death are unknown.

In addition to Heroes and Nashville, Panettiere’s acting credits include the films I Love You, Beth Cooper, Scream 4 and Scream VI, and the TV movie Amanda Knox.

Actress Hayden Panettiere has tragically died at the age of 36.

Panettiere, known for her roles on the hit NBC series Heroes and musical drama Nashville, was remembered as ‘an incredible light and a force of nature.’ She leaves behind an 11-year-old daughter.

Representatives for the former child star announced on Sunday: ‘It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. 

‘She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her – and to the millions who watched her onscreen.’ 

Her cause of death was not immediately clear.

But law enforcement sources have confirmed to TMZ that police responded to an incident involving the actress and an investigation is ongoing.

Sources also told the outlet that Panettiere had been recently complaining of back pain and that her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, flew from Los Angeles to see her just one day before her tragic passing.

The Hollywood star earned multiple award nominations across her career, most notably while playing cheerleader Claire Bennet on Heroes and Juliette Barnes on Nashville.

She also appeared in the Scream franchise as Kirby Reed, and lent her voice to the video game Until Dawn. 

The tragic news comes just months after her memoir, This is Me, became a New York Times bestseller. 

The tragic news comes just months after her memoir, This is Me, became a New York Times bestseller

Panettiere is remembered for her roles as Claire Bennet on the hit NBC series Heroes

In the book, Panettiere described how she contended with fame and handled the difficulties in her life. 

She had relinquished custody of her daughter to her ex, former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko, while struggling with postpartum depression in 2018. 

Panettiere first started acting at just 11 months old when she appeared on screen in a commercial.

Her full-time acting career then began in 1994 when she played Sarah Roberts in the ABC soap opera One Life to Live until 1997. She then played Lizzie Spaulding in the CBS soap opera Guiding Light from 1996 to 2000.

For her role on Pixar’s A Bug’s Life, she was nominated for a Young Artist Award and Grammy Award, making her the fifth-youngest nominee for a Grammy. 

Her other credits include Remember the Titans, Ally McBeal, Racing Stripes, Ice Princess and I Love You, Beth Cooper. 

Panettiere also recorded a number of songs for the films and television programs she was in, including My Hero is You for the Disney Channel film Tiger Cruise and I Fly for the Disney film Ice Princess, which she co-starred in with the late Michelle Trachtenberg. 

Panettiere started out as a child star, with her first acting gig at just 11 months old

Panettiere leaves behind an 11-year-old daughter with ex Wladimir Klitschko

She played Juliette Barnes on the ABC show Nashville, releasing a number of her own songs

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Her first single not associated with an acting role, the reggae-infused Wake Up Call, was digitally released on August 5, 2008.

Clothing brand Candie’s announced it was premiering an ad campaign for the single in late July of that year, and provided additional promotion for the song with a television ad and a music video starring Sebastian Stan, who played Panettiere’s brother in The Architect.

More recently, Panettiere has come out as bisexual.

‘It’s sad that I had to wait till I was 36 years old to share that part of me, but better late than never, right?’ the Nashville alum told Us Weekly in May.

‘I’ve chosen to share it with the world, I’m comfortable saying I’m bisexual. I’m comfortable to confidently say that, yes, I am bisexual. I said it!’

Despite having little privacy due to ‘paparazzi always outside waiting for me,’ Panettiere still managed to secretly date women, whom she preferred to men from ‘a very, very young age.’

‘[I was] much more into women,’ the two-time Golden Globe nominee said.

‘But, yeah, I have explored it, but I don’t think I ever had the courage, because I hadn’t shared this with anybody. 

‘I didn’t really have the courage to throw myself fully, emotionally into it, because then if I did fall in love, that wasn’t something that I wanted to ever have to hide. I didn’t feel confident enough, and I was too afraid to really let that part of me explore that part of me.’

This is a breaking news story.  

The supermarket is slashing the price of bread, milk and eggs by up to 85% for customers ordering groceries through Uber Eats.

The offer runs for 24 hours only on Monday, August 17, with shoppers able to grab:

• Co-op White Toastie Loaf 800g – 15p, down from 90p
• Co-op British Medium Free-Range Eggs 6s – 30p, down from £2.10
• Co-op Fresh Semi-Skimmed Milk 4 Pints – 30p, down from £2

Co-op is slashng the price of eggs to 30p (Image: Co-op)

That means shoppers can pick up all three staples for just 75p, although delivery and service fees are not included.

The deal is available through participating Co-op stores on Uber Eats, while stocks last.

Kate McCrae, Co-op Retail Director, said: “For 24 hours only, we’re making it even easier for shoppers to pick up everyday essentials at an incredibly low price, with the added convenience of having them delivered straight to their door through Uber Eats.

“A loaf of bread, four pints of milk and a box of eggs for just 75p is an offer that speaks for itself.”

Co-op is cutting the price of bread, milk and eggs to as little as 15p for 24 hours, with shoppers able to get all three essentials for 75p. (Image: Co-op)

“We’re experts in rapid delivery here at Co-op and we’re proud to combine this expertise with the very best own-brand products and great-value offers, to keep customers stocked-up round the clock, whatever their needs.”

Fresh fruit and veg also half price every Monday

The one-day essentials deal comes alongside Co-op’s ongoing Fresh Mondays promotion on Uber Eats.

Every Monday, customers can get 50% off selected fresh fruit and vegetables, giving shoppers another chance to cut the cost of their weekly shop.

Examples include:

• Co-op Hand Picked Blackberries 150g – £1.63, down from £3.25
• Co-op Strawberries 300g – £1.48, down from £2.95
• Pink Lady Apples 4 pack – £1.43, down from £2.85
• Co-op Seedless Mixed Grapes 450g – £1.40, down from £2.80
• Co-op Hand Picked Raspberries 150g – £1.35, down from £2.70
• Co-op Irresistible Exceptionally Sweet Cherry Tomatoes – £1.35, down from £2.70
• Co-op Irresistible Vine Ripened Baby Plum Tomatoes – £1.35, down from £2.70
• Albert Bartlett Home Grown Potatoes 2kg – £1.35, down from £2.70
• Co-op Asparagus 250g – £1.30, down from £2.60
• Co-op Sweet Peppers 3 pack – £1.23, down from £2.45

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Co-op members can also access exclusive member prices on Uber Eats, including offers on the retailer’s Aldi Price Match range.

Orders can be delivered through Uber Eats from participating Co-op stores, with delivery costs starting at 79p and some orders arriving in as little as 30 minutes.

The 75p essentials offer is available on Monday, August 17 only, and is limited to one of each item per order and is subject to availability and participating stores.

Delivery and service fees apply.

What’s the cheapest you’ve seen bread, eggs and milk for? Tell us in the comments below.

Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in Heroes, Nashville, and the Scream franchise, has died aged 36.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” Panettiere’s representative said in a statement to ABC News. “She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”

The Independent has reached out to her representatives for comment.

Panettiere became one of the most recognisable young actors on American television after being cast as cheerleader Claire Bennet in the NBC superhero drama Heroes, which ran from 2006 to 2010. She later played country singer Juliette Barnes in Nashville, a role that earned her two Golden Globe nominations.

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Cute beach huts line this stunning beach

While Cambridgeshire isn’t lucky to have beaches, it is within easy reach of beach destinations. The neighbouring borders of Suffolk and Norfolk are home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in the country.

Some offer a peaceful day out, while others offer a more fast-paced trip out. One beach in Suffolk offers a quieter trip, but still has lots on offer to enjoy.

The “attractive” seaside town of Felixstowe is full of family-friendly spots that make for a perfect summer’s day out. It is also within easy reach of Cambridge as it’s an hour and 25-minute drive.

The four-mile long beach is made up of sand and shingle. It’s also home to a “picturesque” promenade that is lined with cute beach huts, some of which people can hire.

On the Suffolk Coast website, it says: “South beach has all you need for a fun, family day out, with amusements, cafes, shops selling buckets and spaces and kiosks selling ice creams and snacks.”

The stretch of beach is also award-winning, after it won a Blue Flag and Seaside award in 2025. This award recognises high standards of beach management and water quality.

The beach is also an ideal good one to swim in, as long as it is done safely. For pet owners, Felixstowe beach is also dog friendly.

Dogs are allowed on some parts of the beach, however parts where they aren’t allowed include parts of the Landguard Coastal Nature Reserve. For the kids (and also adults) there are lots of “traditional” amusements to try and win some prizes.

Whether it’s the 2p machines or grabbers, the machine you want will guarantee be in Felixstowe.

It had been left there by a member of the public

Police have shared an update after a suspicious “package” was left on a desk at a Peterborough hospital. Police attended Peterborough City Hospital at around 4.10pm (Friday August 14) after they were called to reports of an “incident”.

They found that a package had been left on a desk by a member of the public. It then emerged that when police checked the package, it was a medical advice.

This morning (August 16) Cambridgeshire Police said a “package had been left on a desk by a member of the public. When opened and checked by police it turned out to be a medical device.”

Fire services have confirmed that they were alerted about the incident on Friday, but were not required to respond. The North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust was also contacted for comment.

The Met Office has given its forecast for the week beginning Monday, August 17

It is set to be a wet start to the week as temperatures begin to drop into the mid-teens across Northern Ireland.

The Met Office has given its forecast for the week beginning, Monday, August 17, saying there will be grey skies to beginning thee morning ahead of downpours in the afternoon with temperatures reaching highs of 19 degrees.

The overcast skies are set to continue into Tuesday, August 18, with the forecaster saying that it will be a cloudy morning with the possibility of rain showers in a few places. However the sun is set to appear later in the day alongside further spells of rain in places.

Wednesday, August 19, is predicted to see sunnier skies, but the risk of rain will be there throughout the day with temperatures reaching 18 degrees. This weather is set to continue into Thursday, August 20, with sunny spells and rain showers forecast throughout the day.

The Met Office outlook for Monday said: “Cloudy with some patchy light rain and drizzle in the morning. Outbreaks of rain will become more extensive through the afternoon, turning persistent and occasionally heavier later on. Maximum temperature 18 °C.”

It continued: “A showery outlook with some brighter conditions too, feeling fresher with northerly winds developing later on Wednesday and Thursday.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Venus and Jupiter form a bountiful bond today. Make sure to enjoy all that these two generous planets have to offer.

Pisces, Aquarius and Capricorn, your connections will blossom if you turn your attention where it is needed. Don’t bury your head in the sand.

Set your sights on what you long for, as now is the time to see your goals through. Stay focused and channel your energy positively.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Monday August 17, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

The two planets of fortune in astrology, Venus and Jupiter, forge a tremendous angle to one another this week, and some genuine serendipity could come your way, Aries. If there is someone you are drawn to, the feeling really could be mutual. However, today can also be excellent to structure any developing creative ideas you have, in a solid and lasting way.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Where you live and how, are likely very important to you just now, Taurus. You can also find yourself craving harmony, whether it is at work or at home. This could see you tidying, painting, or decorating, or if you are a maker or enjoy a craft, your flair can flourish. Catching up with a friend or family member and sharing news can also prove uplifting later on.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Your happy knack for swift and fun communication is being polished by the planets just now. Yet the chances are it’s not just your quick wit and fast pivots that can capture people’s imagination, but your ideas too, which can sparkle with possibility. And with your guide, Mercury supported by steady Saturn, some truly meaningful conversations can be had.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

A warm exchange with someone close could add a sense of security. If you are someone with a love of gardening or home cooking, an earthy side of life can call to you. The next six months are a fine time to get more from your resources, but equally, if you are business-minded, Mercury’s link to Saturn today can see you make some savvy long-term moves.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

With the Sun lighting up your sign and Jupiter combining so beautifully with the glam Venus, your natural warmth and enthusiasm radiate out ever brighter. Whether in love, friendship or business, people are likely to respond positively, which can add to your sense of bliss. Yet you can also hone an idea into a sharper plan, especially if you are starting a new project.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Although you may prefer to keep your plans to yourself for now, there is every reason to feel quietly optimistic. Behind the scenes, conversations or in-depth research can show up an opportunity worth exploring. Mercury, your ruler, also blends inspiration with discipline, making this an excellent time to organise paperwork or review finances, which can prove rewarding.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Venus, your ruling planet, teams up gloriously with the expansive Jupiter, making this one of those days when good company can lift your spirits enormously. Invitations, networking or simply spending time with like-minded people can prove rewarding. Equally, a conversation with a partner or a confidant could help shape an exciting concept into a more solid, workable plan.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Your determination is one of your greatest strengths, but you don’t always readily seek the limelight. However, if you can push through any reservations, key goals and ambitions can gain traction, and your ability to structure plans in a precise, workable way is strong. Also know that someone influential may be pulling some strings behind the scenes to assist you.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

As you know better than most, Archer, adventure comes in many forms, and today it may begin with an inspiring conversation or fresh perspective. Your ruler, the go-getting Jupiter, forges a fine link with Venus, which can encourage your love of travel or broaden your horizons in some way. Friendships forged around shared interests can be particularly uplifting.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

You have a cluster of planetary players in a fine alignment for long-term financial hopes or deepening connections. With Venus adding extra pizzazz to your public profile, business meetings could prove auspicious. Yet at the root of your chart is your guide Saturn, which, although bringing a cautious note to proceedings, offers a reassuringly realistic influence.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Relationships are very much in focus, with generous Jupiter and graceful Venus encouraging cooperation and mutual understanding. Whether discussing business, romance or family matters, people are likely to appreciate your willingness to listen as much as your originality. Mind, your traditional ruler Saturn also plays his part, with people appreciating your sincerity.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

The little things you do today could make a surprising difference. Jupiter and Venus add warmth to working relationships, while Mercury’s practical influence will help you stay focused. Venus can also bring a sultry dimension to a developing or discreet connection. For now, you may prefer to keep this private, but with passion intensifying, this may be tested.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of August here.

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