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Whitney Houston’s tragic death

Whitney Houston’s tragic death

Pop icon Whitney Houston, 48, was found dead in a bath tub with her face under water at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday afternoon.

Sources told US entertainment website TMZ that Houston’s stylist, hairdresser and two bodyguards became worried about the singer, because she had been in the bathroom for more than an hour and needed to get ready for the pre-Grammy awards party.

When the hairdresser went to check on her she found her in the bathtub with her face below the water.

Houston’s bodyguards immediately pulled her out and attempted CPR, but when paramedics arrived on the scene soon after she was pronounced dead.

Initial reports suggested that Houston had drowned after falling unconscious, but police have reportedly found evidence of drug use.

Law enforcement officials have reportedly told the TMZ that Houston could have had a heart attack caused by an adverse reaction to her meds found in her room including ibuprofuen (a painkiller) and Xanax (an anti-depressant).

An autopsy has been performed, but police investigations are continuing.

Meanwhile, Houston’s 18-year-old daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown was rushed to an LA hospital on Monday, reportedly suffering anxiety while her father Bobbi Brown broke down in tears at a performance on Saturday night after hearing the news of his ex-wife’s death.

Brown shouted “I love you, Whitney!” and blew a kiss to the sky, Us Magazine reported.

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Devoted husband sends a love letter for his wife to Woman’s Day

Devoted husband sends a love letter for his wife to Woman's Day

When Todd Hobson asked us to help out his sick wife, he was in for a surprise of his own.

It’s a letter written directly from the heart. The simple, touching words of a vulnerable husband and father wishing to do something special for his beloved, cancer-stricken wife. “I’m desperate to help my darling wife find herself,” Todd Hobson, 44, wrote to Woman’s Day from his home in rural Tasmania.

“What I’m asking for is help with a makeover. With our limited funds, I can’t just say to her, ‘Here, baby, spend some money to find out who you are now, buy some new clothes to make you feel like a woman again’. She’s a selfless, beautiful person and I’d be forever grateful if you could help her.” The emotion-charged message spoke volumes about the sort of man he is – one with an overwhelming love for his suffering wife, Samantha, and a doting father to the two-year-old girl the couple had been so desperate to conceive.

“We planned our future on our four-hectare property,” recalls Todd, an engineer who builds racing cars. “But as the weeks got closer to the arrival of our precious baby girl, Sam was diagnosed with breast cancer at 30 weeks. Five cancers in the one breast. “Our sweet daughter, Arwen, was born premature and, after only three days, Sam had to have both her breasts removed.

She couldn’t even hold our child – the heartbreak in her eyes was often unbearable. “So I became the primary carer, nurse, mother and father. But I had to return to work, leaving Sam at home to cope with the side effects of chemotherapy, the loss of her womanhood, and a newborn angel to look after. But not once did she complain.” Then, no sooner had Sam recovered from breast cancer, than she and Arwen were involved in a horrific car crash. But all she wanted was for Arwen to be rescued.

Read more about the Hobson family’s incredible story, see all the before and after pictures of Sam’s make-over and find out how Sam surprised Todd in this week’s Woman’s Day, on sale February 13, 2012.

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NRL cougar Charmyne Palavi becomes a grandmother

NRL cougar Charmyne Palavi becomes a grandmother

She famously dated young footballers, but now the blonde beauty is smitten by a far younger bloke – her first grandchild.

When Charmyne Palavi pushes newborn Xavier in his stroller along the streets of Brisbane, she is aware people assume he’s her bub. After all, it was only a year ago she was in India undergoing IVF treatment with her then-husband Michael Browne, in a desperate bid to give him the biological child he craved.

But a lot can happen in a year. Today, the beauty salon owner known as the “NRL Cougar” for dating a string of young rugby players is 40, separated from Michael, 24, dating a 22-year-old, and now, a grandmother. Xavier’s mum is 17-year-old Jesse, the eldest of Charmyne’s three kids, and is the result of a “happy accident” with her security guard boyfriend Jeremy Vyner, 21. Charmyne admits the fact her daughter was even having sex was a shock – never mind that she was pregnant at just 16.

“I don’t think it’s hit me yet, the whole grandmother thing, as most people think the baby is mine when they see me with him,” she says, cradling the bub. “I spend a lot of time with him, as Jesse, Jeremy and Xavier all live with me. Jesse is feeling tired a lot, but I can live with very little sleep, so I take him off her hands. I just love him.” Charmyne was there to help Jesse through the labour – not that the teenager needed it.

“When I had my kids [Jesse, Bella, 13, and Levi, 9] you had to literally beg for an epidural, but Jesse had a few harsh contractions and was given one virtually straight away. I was like, ‘No, that’s not fair!’ I didn’t want her to think birth is a walk in the park. In the end, Jesse slept through most of the labour or was on Facebook, while Jeremy played on his iPad.”

Read more about Charmyne’s new life as a grandmother in this week’s Woman’s Day, on sale February 13, 2012.

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Kate and William’s kidnap terror

Kate and William's kidnap terror

Fears for the safety of Prince William and his wife are at an all-time high as the pair’s security is labelled ‘incompetent’.

As royal security experts warn of a terrifying new threat on the lives of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, the strain is showing in the dark circles under Kate’s eyes. Stepping out with her bodyguard for a three-hour hair appointment and a spot of grocery shopping – her first public outing since her husband left for his tour of duty on February 4 – Kate’s fragile appearance makes it clear she is missing her prince.

But, more than simply being lovesick, sources close to the duchess tell Woman’s Day that Kate is terrified her beloved Wills will be killed on his dangerous six-week tour with the Royal Air Force in the distant Falkland Islands. Publicly, the 30-year-old duchess has put on a brave face, declaring, “My job is to support my husband.” But privately, we’re told she is losing sleep over the increasing tension in Argentina and the countless death threats William, 29, has received from those outraged at the prince’s presence on the islands on the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War.

“I hope your helicopter crashes and you die frozen in the sea,” is just one of the many hateful messages wishing death upon William in revenge for the 649 Argentinians killed in the war. Even the country’s president, Cristina Fernandez, has inflamed passions, describing the prince’s tour as the actions of a “coarse and decadent colonial power”.

Now, in news that is certain to shock the palace even further, experts on royal security have revealed that the protection surrounding both Kate and William is inadequate – and both their lives are in real danger. Speaking exclusively to Woman’s Day, Chris Rose, a former personal protection officer to Prince Charles, explains, “The problem is that William and Kate face all the same threats that the royal family have always endured – Irish terrorists, unstable stalkers, kidnappers, etc, but now there are terrifying new threats, like al-Qaeda and even Argentine terrorists.”

Find out more about why William and Kate are being watched over in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale February 13, 2012.

Your say: Do you think Prince William did the right thing by going to the Falklands? Tell us in the comments box below.

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Nicole and Tom’s war over Isabella

Nicole and Tom's war over Isabella

The furious actress hits LA to demand a meeting with her ex-husband over their daughter’s looming marriage to Eddie Frencher.

It should be one of the happiest times of her life, but the upcoming wedding of her eldest daughter has turned into an emotional battlefield for Nicole Kidman. Last week her ex-husband, Tom Cruise, reportedly told the Aussie actress that, because she’s not a Scientologist, she won’t be welcome at Isabella’s big day.

Now, after 11 years of watching from afar as Isabella, 19, and her brother Connor, 17, are raised as devotees of the controversial religion, Nicole has declared war, moving her family into a home just 10 minutes away from Tom’s Beverly Hills mansion as she prepares to fight tooth and nail to stop being cut out of her oldest children’s lives. Relocating her and husband Keith Urban’s two young daughters, Sunday, 3, and Faith, 1, from the rural utopia of their Nashville farm to the bright lights of LA is a decision Nicole hasn’t taken lightly, insiders say.

“Nic is heartbroken that it has come to this, but she won’t let Tom erase her from Bella’s life,” reveals one close friend. “They adopted her and Connor together, and Nicole loved her the same way she loves Sunday and Faith. “In the years since the divorce, Nicole has tried to keep that special bond with Bella by having her come down to Australia and by flying her out to Tennessee, but Tom has made it harder and harder.

“Now she is going to make damn sure that Bella isn’t being brainwashed and pressured into a marriage she isn’t ready for, just because Tom wants her to marry some Scientology protégé – even though he thinks it would be wonderful for Bella.” Alarming new details about Isabella’s boyfriend, 23-year-old Eddie Frencher, have surfaced, including claims that he is seen as a “prophet” by Tom and senior Scientologists.

Read our exclusive interview with a former Scientologist who has met both Tom and the organisation’s leader, David Miscavige, and reveals the true extent of the battle Nicole now faces in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale February 13, 2012.

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Best-dressed at the BAFTAs

Meryl Streep finally pulled something fantastic out of her red carpet closet for the BAFTA Awards last night. See the best and worst gowns here.
BAFTAs red carpet 2012

Meryl Streep was a double winner at the BAFTA awards, taking home the best actress trophy as well as the unofficial frock award.

The 62-year-old actress looked stunning in a daring corseted black Vivienne Westwood gown, and seemed to realise she had hit the fashion nail on its proverbial head, grinning broadly as she walked down the red carpet.

Meryl triumphed inside as well, winning the top actress prize for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady.

Here are the best and worst gowns from the 2012 BAFTAs.

Penelope Cruz, Michelle Williams, Meryl Streep and Christina Ricci.

Penelope Cruz in Armani Prive.

Just days after his Wimbledon finals match against Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray faced a much more agreeable opponent – his girlfriend Kim Sears.

Andy honed his racket skills in a friendly game against brunette beauty Kim on a stunning beach in the Bahamas, where they are currently holidaying.

Kim, 25, looked beautiful in a tropical print cover-up, while Andy, 26, showed off his muscular physique in blue board shorts.

There are rumours Andy will use the romantic setting to propose to Kim, who he has been dating for seven years.

Meryl Streep bared her cleavage in Vivienne Westwood.

Michelle Williams in a bespoke H&M design.

Michelle Williams in a bespoke H&M design.

*The Help’s* Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer.

The Help’s Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer.

Tilda Swinton in Celine.

*Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy* star Gary Oldman and his wife.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy star Gary Oldman and his wife.

Christina Ricci in Givenchy couture.

Colin Firth and his wife Livia Giuggioli.

Judi Dench.

Melissa George in Victoria Beckham.

*The Help* star Jessica Chastain in Oscar de la Renta.

The Help star Jessica Chastain in Oscar de la Renta.

George Clooney.

Christina Hendricks in Vivienne Westwood.

Helena Bonham Carter.

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Whitney Houston’s life in pictures

Whitney Houston was found dead in a bathtub aged just 48. These pictures chart the troubled star's life.
Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston was found dead in her Los Angeles hotel room on Sunday, after nearly 25 troubled years in the spotlight.

The cause of the 48-year-old’s death is not yet known, but she had long-term problems with drug and alcohol abuse.

These pictures chart Whitney’s life from her teen years as a fashion model to the giddy heights of her singing career and crushing lows of her relationship with Bobby Brown.

Whitney is survived by her daughter with Bobby Brown, Bobbi Kristina, who is 18 years old.

Whitney as a child.

Whitney started performing in nightclubs aged 14.

Whitney worked as a teen model in the early 1980s.

Whitney in 1987.

A young Whitney in 1988.

Glory days: Whitney in concert in 1991.

Whitney’s rendition of ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ at the 1991 superbowl was an instant classic.

Whitney starred in *The Bodyguard*, which featured her signature song ‘I Will Always Love You’.

Whitney starred in The Bodyguard, which featured her signature song ‘I Will Always Love You’.

Whitney married singer Bobby Brown in 1992.

Whitney, Bobby and their daughter Bobbi Kristina in 1995.

Whitney and Bobby looking worse for wear in 2000.

Whitney greets Bobby as he is released from jail in 2000.

Whitney’s thin frame sparked drug abuse fears in 2001.

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Whitney giving her famous ‘crack is whack’ rant on *Good Morning America* in 2002.

Whitney giving her famous ‘crack is whack’ rant on Good Morning America in 2002.

Whitney and Bobby’s tumultuous marriage came to an end in 2007.

Whitney looking happy post-divorce in 2007.

Whitney reportedly began abusing alcohol again in 2009.

Whitney with Bobbi Kristina shortly after she was released from rehab in 2011.

Whitney told Oprah Winfrey she and Bobby regularly used rock cocaine.

Whitney performing at the 2011 Grammy Awards.

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Whitney Houston’s life in pictures

Whitney Houston was clearly a true pop icon.

Whitney Houston was clearly a true pop icon.

With more than 170 million combined album, singles and videos sold worldwide, Whitney Houston was clearly a true pop icon.

The Grammy Award winning singer and actress, who was most successful during the mid-1980s to the late 1990s, starred in a number of hit movies including The Bodyguard and Waiting to Exhale and influenced generations of young singers.

Despite her success, she had a history of drug and alcohol use and once said “The biggest devil is me. I’m either my best friend or my worst enemy.”

Click through the gallery to take a look back at her life in pictures.

A young Whitney with her mother Cissy Houston.

Whitney Houston performing in 1960.

Houston was brought up around great singers including her godmother, Aretha Franklin.

She is the only artist to chart seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits.

Houston has won six Grammys. Her first was in 1986 for her hit Saving All My Love for You.

Houston has been romantically linked to a number of celebrities including Eddie Murphy.

Houston with Michael Jackson at the United Negro College Fund.

Houston performs in the mid-80s.

Houston at the 21st annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Ceremony.

Houston met Bobby Brown in 1989, after dating three years the pair married in 1992.

Houston’s single “I will always love you” became the best-selling single by a female artist.

Houston in her hit movie The Bodyguard.

Houston influenced a number of stars including Mariah Carey.

Houston became known for her drug use and has admitted to using cocaine.

Whitney pictured with her daughter Bobbi Kristina Houston Brown.

Houston had recently finished production on her movie Sparkle before her tragic death.

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Naomi Watts to play Princess Diana

Naomi Watts to play Princess Diana

Naomi Watts has signed on to play Princess Diana in a new film about the tragic royal.

Naomi, 43, will star in upcoming biopic Caught In Flight, which focuses on the last two years of Diana’s life.

Film critics have expressed doubt about Naomi’s casting in the project, but the actress says she is up to the ‘challenge’ of playing Diana.

In pictures: Kate Middleton shines at first solo public engagement

“It is such an honour to be able to play this iconic role,” Naomi says. “Princess Diana was loved across the world, and I look forward to rising to the challenge of playing her on screen.”

Jessica Chastain — who is nominated for an Oscar for her role in The Help — was originally linked to the film but reportedly lost out to Naomi at the last minute.

Caught In Flight will be directed by Oscar nominee Oliver Hirschbiegel and filming is scheduled to begin in the UK next year.

It won’t be the only Diana movie in cinemas in 2013 — two other biopic projects are reportedly in the works.

Closely Guarded Secret will be based on the book of the same name written by Diana’s bodyguard Ken Wharfe.

It will chart Diana’s life in the lead-up to her much-publicised divorce from Prince Charles.

Another film, simply titled Diana is also planned, but it is not known what parts of the princess’ life it will cover.

In pictures: Queen Elizabeth – Sixty years on the throne

Naomi was born in Britain and moved to Australia when she was 14 years old. She now lives in New York with her husband Liev Schreiber and their sons Alexander, four, and Samuel, three.

Your say: Do you think Naomi is a good choice to play Princess Diana?

Video: Princess Diana at 50

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Top gun: Harry graduates head of his class

Top gun: Prince Harry graduates head of his class

Prince Harry and his brother Prince William in their RAF flight uniforms.

Prince Harry has graduated from ‘Top Gun’ flight school at the top of his class.

The 27-year-old royal maverick was presented with a special award for excellence at a dinner on Wednesday night.

In pictures: The evolution of Prince Harry

It was one of just two prizes awarded to Harry’s class of more than 20 Apache attack helicopter pilots as they celebrated the end of their intensive 18-month training program.

The prince — who is known at Captain Wales by his colleagues — is now a fully-qualified pilot who is eligible for operational duties.

Harry served on the front line in Afghanistan’s Helmand province for 10 weeks in 2008 and has frequently spoken of his desire to return to war.

He was furious when he was forced to leave Afghanistan after a media blackout protecting his whereabouts collapsed.

Harry will now be based at an army air field in Wattisham, eastern England. He will join 16 Air Assault Brigade but details of any future deployments are unknown.

In pictures: Brotherly love – William and Harry

Harry and his older brother William are both helicopter pilots in the RAF — but while William saves lives working for a Search and Rescue unit, Harry is likely to lead missions that kill people.

Video: Harry travels to California for the last two months of his Apache training

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