In a tale that intertwines tragedy with mystery, Julia Wandelt, also known as Julia Faustyna and Julia Wendell, has made headlines with her astonishing claim that she might possibly be Madeleine McCann.
Yes, Wandelt thinks she could be the British girl whose disappearance in 2007 sparked one of the most extensively reported missing person’s cases in history. Madeleine was last seen in her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, while her parents dined nearby.
Wandelt, hailing from Poland, has captivated public attention by stating her belief that she could be the long-lost Madeleine, now an adult. Her story gained further visibility after an appearance on an episode of Dr. Phil, where she awaited DNA test results to confirm her origins.
Despite her efforts to validate her claim, Dr. Fia Johansson, Wandelt’s representative and a psychic medium, informed Radar Online that DNA results confirm Wandelt’s Polish roots, with traces of Lithuanian and Russian ancestry, thereby casting doubt on her claims of being Madeleine.
Wandelt continues to share her narrative, recalling traumatic experiences of being kidnapped and abused.
In a recent appearance on the Break The Ice podcast, she detailed memories of being forcibly taken and described a man who allegedly played a role in her abduction.
Despite these vivid recollections, the response from Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, to Wandelt’s request for a DNA test has been silence, according to her.
Adding to the complexity, the couple who raised Wandelt have reportedly refused to undergo DNA testing, firmly believing they are her biological parents. This refusal has fueled further speculation and discussion among those following her story.
Wandelt herself has expressed frustration over this on social media, responding to inquiries on her Instagram Stories about pursuing additional DNA tests with relatives.
“If the McCanns won’t do DNA is worth trying with the parents who raised you again or relative,” one person commented, as the woman responded: “All of them refuse to do DNA test.”
Dr. Johansson has also chimed in on the familial connections, suggesting uncertainty about Wandelt’s paternal lineage while maintaining confidence that her mother is indeed her biological mother.
Extensive medical records indicate that Wandelt suffered significant injuries as a child, including a skull fracture at the age of eight, which led to a prolonged recovery.
As Wandelt’s story unfolds, it continues to provoke a mix of skepticism and curiosity worldwide. The resolution of her claims—whether affirming her identity as Madeleine McCann or confirming her as a Polish native with no ties to the McCann family—remains to be seen.
The global interest in her case reflects the ongoing hope and heartbreak in the search for Madeleine McCann, a saga that has gripped the world for close to two decades.
Featured image credit: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty
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Georgina Cooper’s cause of death revealed after death at 46 just months after wedding
By stefan armitage
The cause of death for supermodel Georgina Cooper has been revealed following the star’s tragic death at the age of 46.
Earlier this month, Cooper’s former agent, Dean Goodman, revealed that Cooper had passed away just months after she walked down the aisle at her wedding to her husband Nigel at her home in Maidstone, Kent in the summer.
“I can confirm the death of the beauty that was Georgina Cooper,” Goodman said in a statement to the New York Post. “She was a special one, like no other I have ever looked after, she was real… hard to find these days and she will be [sorely] missed by me and the many others that she touched their lives.”
“Seeing the outpouring of love for her is beautiful and shows what a special person she was, a naughty funny soul, and a smile that lit up any room or catwalk,” he added.
Cooper had been vacationing on the Greek island of Kos when she suddenly fell “ill”. According to reports, she was rushed to the island’s main hospital. She had been set to fly back to the UK the following day.
Tragically, she would never return home, as she was airlifted to a better-equipped hospital in Heraklion on Crete as her condition worsened. She reportedly remained there in ICU for five days before her heartbreaking death.
Now, the Daily Mail has reported that Cooper tragically died from cirrhosis of the liver and internal bleeding after her organs failed.
A local coroner informed the publication that no autopsy was required as her “medical history was known”.
A spokesperson for the hospital told MailOnline: “The doctors did what they could but because of her condition there was not much that could be done.
“She died from cirrhosis of the liver and internal bleeding after her organs failed. The coroner ruled there was no need for an autopsy because her medical history was known.
“Her body was moved from the Venizelou Hospital in Heraklion across the city to another facility before being flown back to Britain.”
Cooper’s body was flown back to England several days after she passed away.
Her family is due to lay Cooper to rest at a funeral service next week.
Supermodel Erin O’Connor has been among those paying tribute to Cooper on Instagram, writing: “Gorgeous George… Shocked and devastated to hear you are gone. You were an incredibly kind and funny human being, Georgina. I/we all admired and loved you so much for the warmth, generosity, and gentle mischief you brought to the world.”
“Many years have passed since we (our little 90’s Britannia pack) hung out together during the mad carousel era known as ‘show season’ – but, you ALWAYS stuck out to me for keeping it real and being proud of who you were,” she continued.
“What an almighty life you led… Full of spirit and endless, inspiring humility. You will never be forgotten. Phenomenal woman, wife, daughter, mum, and friend; my thoughts are with your family, especially your beautiful boy. Hugs and condolences to all… RIP brave heart,” she concluded.
Cooper – best known for her gapped front teeth – was spotted by a modeling agency at the age of 13 and appeared in a Bon Jovi music video two years later.
She rose to fame in the 1990s as a part of the ‘Cool Brittania’ movement and walked the catwalk for fashion designer Julien MacDonald in 2000. She went on to become an iconic and instantly recognizable model in the fashion industry.
She retired from modeling after becoming a mother to her son, Sonny.
“I tried to continue modeling, but it broke my heart when I had to leave him for work. I focused on modeling assignments in London, but my life was at a crossroads, and I decided that Sonny came first,” she told The Cultural Omnivore.
She would go on to work as a midwife and then in the hospitality industry.
Cooper is survived by her husband and son.
Our thoughts go out to her family, friends, and loved ones at this time.
Featured image credit: Victor VIRGILE / Getty
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Queen Camilla abruptly pulls out of major event amid ongoing illness
By Asiya Ali
Queen Camilla has canceled her attendance at tonight’s Royal Variety Performance due to an ongoing chest infection.
According to The Sun, the 77-year-old royal is suffering “lingering post-viral symptoms” so doctors have ordered her to rest.
“Following a recent chest infection, the Queen continues to experience some lingering post-viral symptoms, as a result of which doctors have advised that, after a busy week of engagements, Her Majesty should prioritize sufficient rest,” a spokesperson said.
“With great regret, she has therefore withdrawn from attendance at tonight’s Royal Variety Performance,” they added.
Royal sources have informed the publication that Camilla is “naturally disappointed” to miss out on the major event and added that there is no cause for alarm.
King Charles will now be attending the Royal Variety performance alone.
.jpg_oZ0dpn?tr=w-1024,cr-0.0.1024.717&config=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)
This announcement follows a previous report from earlier this month, stating that the Queen was unable to attend the annual opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey due to illness.
At the time, the Palace spokesperson shared: “Following doctors’ guidance to ensure a full recovery from a seasonal chest infection, and to protect others from any potential risk, Her Majesty will not attend this weekend’s Remembrance events.”
“While this is a source of great disappointment to The Queen, she will mark the occasion privately at home and hopes to return to public duties early next week,” they concluded.
The Queen had to cancel her appearance at the Palace’s reception for Olympic and Paralympic athletes, hosted by her husband, and the Gladiators II premiere.
This series of health setbacks for the royal family doesn’t end with Queen Camilla.
It has been a challenging year overall, with both King Charles and his daughter-in-law, Princess Kate, facing their own health battles with unspecified forms of cancer.
The Princess of Wales has finished preventative chemotherapy treatment, while the King has continued to receive treatment as an outpatient since early February.
The Guardian reported that next year, the 76-year-old will return to regular overseas trips, aiming to fly abroad during the spring and autumn,
“We’re now working on a pretty normal-looking full overseas tour program for next year,” a senior palace official said, per the outlet. “Which is a high for us to end on, to know that we can be thinking in those terms, subject to signoff by doctors,” they added.
Featured image credit: Pool / Getty
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Jaguar unveils its new logo… and people aren’t happy
By stefan armitage
Jaguar – the esteemed British car manufacturer synonymous with luxury and the iconic leaping cat logo – has unveiled a radical new look, sparking mixed reactions across social media.
Founded in 1922, the company rolled out its fresh brand identity this Tuesday (19 November), accompanied by a flamboyant social media overhaul and a vibrant marketing campaign.
.jpg_Vb2Nzv?tr=w-1024,cr-0.0.891.584&config=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)
Gone is the familiar growler badge, replaced by a new monogram combining the letters ‘J’ and ‘R,’ while the brand name itself has undergone a typographic transformation to ‘JaGUar,’ featuring an unconventional mix of upper and lower case letters aimed at achieving “visual harmony.”
Over on Instagram, the car manufacturer shared its new rebranding effort with through a video featuring models in brightly colored attire, under the bold tagline “Copy nothing.”
Phrases like “create exuberant”, “live vivid”, “delete ordinary”, and “break moulds” flashed across the screen, signaling Jaguar’s shift towards what they call “Exuberant Modernism.”
However, it’s the absence of the classic leaping jaguar that has left many long-time admirers scratching their heads. The brand assures that the jaguar motif isn’t gone for good; it will now grace a new “strikethrough” lined background.
But the dramatic departure from its traditional imagery has not gone down well with everyone. Social media users expressed their dismay and confusion over the changes.
“Congratulations. You’ve killed a British icon,” one comment reads.
A second mused: “Is this account hacked or something? What happened to prestige? Pace? Luxury? What is all this?”
Another critic commented: “I’ve been a brand designer for 30 years and rarely have I seen such an ill-conceived new graphic identity. This will be taught in design classes for decades as a prime example of what not to do.”
One Instagram user mocked: “An agency somewhere is laughing at how much they charged them for this.”
“Please go back to the old days. This is awful,” another expressed.
“Absolutely shocking that the Jaguar brand has fallen so far,” wrote another.
Despite the backlash, Jaguar’s executives remain undeterred. There is “no Plan B” for the rebrand, which they describe as “fearless”. They believe that the use of primary colors and bold artistic expressions will embed the carmaker’s values deeply into its identity, aligning closely with art and modernism.
Gerry McGovern, Chief Creative Officer, reinforced this direction by citing Jaguar’s founder, Sir William Lyons, who famously said that “a Jaguar should be a copy of nothing.”
McGovern explained: “Our vision for Jaguar today is informed by this philosophy. New Jaguar is a brand built around Exuberant Modernism. It is imaginative, bold and artistic at every touchpoint. It is unique and fearless.”
As part of this sweeping transformation, Jaguar has also paused the sale of its current car models more than a year ago — an intentional move to create a clear distinction between the old and the new as the company transitions to a fully electric lineup.
Managing Director Rawdon Glover views this break as crucial for changing public perceptions and setting the stage for a reinvigorated Jaguar that stands out in the electric vehicle market.
While the rebrand has certainly turned heads, whether it will convert skeptics into believers remains to be seen as Jaguar drives boldly into its electric future.
Featured image credit: NurPhoto/Getty
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Kerri-Anne Donaldson found dead in her home
By Michelle H
Tragedy has struck the vibrant world of television with the tragic news of Kerri-Anne Donaldson’s sudden death at her home in Farnborough, Hampshire, mere days after being discharged from hospital.
The gifted dancer, who once graced the Britain’s Got Talent stage as a semi-finalist with the dynamic dance troupe Kings and Queens in 2014, was just 38 years old.
Kerri-Anne’s remarkable journey on BGT saw her performing alongside talents like Neil and Katya Jones and Kai Widdrington, who all went on to become professional dancers on the beloved series Strictly Come Dancing.
Yet, despite her bright public persona, Kerri-Anne battled profound personal struggles behind the scenes.
Her life took a somber turn when she was found unresponsive at her residence last June, days after a stint in police custody for reasons not disclosed during the Winchester Coroner’s Court inquest, The Sun reports.
The distressing circumstances of her death were compounded by her recent hospitalization in Lyne, Surrey, following a distressing episode where she was initially reported missing.
A pre-inquest review revealed chilling details of her final days, noting that her last known sighting was at 11AM on June 6, before she tragically succumbed to her inner demons.
The official cause of death, as determined by a post-mortem examination, was hanging.
The dance community and her fans alike were left reeling from the news, particularly as her social media posts prior to her passing painted a picture of a woman grappling with intense challenges.
In a poignant message shared last March, Kerri-Anne opened up about the harsh realities shadowing her life, from career setbacks and financial woes to the mental toll of maintaining a facade of perfection.
“My heart hurts and my world has just collapsed around me,” lamented her older sister, Cara Donaldson, in a Facebook post filled with family photos and despair. “My beautiful baby sister is no longer with us and I don’t know how to process it… I love you Kerri, you’re my best friend, we were inseparable and right now I don’t know how to fill the void.”
The dance world, too, mourned the loss of one of its stars. Tributes poured in from figures like former Strictly dancer Joanne Clifton, who remembered Kerri-Anne as a “beautiful dancer” and a “beautiful soul,” and Amy Dowden, who expressed shock and sorrow over the loss of such a “kind soul.”
Neil Jones, a fellow group member, fondly recalled Kerri-Anne not only for her dancing prowess but for her vibrant personality and genuine heart.
“Kerri Anne Donaldson – remember that name and please never forget it because it belongs to a woman who loved to dance, create and perform,” he shared, highlighting her laughter and golden heart.
As the dance community and her loved ones continue to grapple with this immense loss, the scheduled full inquest next year hopes to offer some closure by exploring the complexities surrounding Kerri-Anne’s final days, her struggles, and her enduring legacy in the arts.
Featured image credit: Instagram
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Buckingham Palace reveals Queen Camilla’s beloved dog has died
By Michelle H
Today, Buckingham Palace shared somber news.
The news comes days after Queen Camilla withdrew from engagements after becoming unwell.
On November 5, it was announced that she was battling a chest infection, prompting her to cancel all engagements for the week.
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Now, the palace has announced that Queen Camilla’s cherished rescue dog, Beth, has passed away after battling an untreatable tumor.
The beloved Jack Russell, a fixture by the Queen’s side since her adoption from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in South London in 2011, was put to rest over the weekend, leaving the royal household in mourning.
Beth, known for her spirited appearances alongside Camilla at various royal engagements, was more than just a pet; she was a true companion.
Her joyous presence was felt everywhere from leisurely walks to official duties, and even by the fireside in the quieter moments at home.
The palace spokesman captured the sentiment of many, noting: “A sad farewell to Beth, The Queen’s much-loved companion from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home who brought such joy.”
The loss resonates through the collection of candid photographs and videos shared by the Royal Family today, documenting Beth’s active participation in royal life. Notably, Beth once helped her owner unveil a plaque during the opening of new kennels at Battersea in 2020, cleverly pulling away a curtain with a sausage-tied rope to reveal the commemorative sign—a moment that brought laughter and lightness to official proceedings.
Queen Camilla’s affection for her canine friends is well-known, with both Beth and her fellow Jack Russell, Bluebell, being so dear to her that they were immortalized in goldwork embroidery on her coronation gown. Camilla’s dedication to her dogs was evident in everything from their inclusion in such a significant personal and public moment to the heartwarming scenes of them aiding her in royal duties.
Beth’s story began as a three-month-old unwanted puppy when she was rescued by Battersea, a charity for which Camilla has long served as patron. Her royal owner, demonstrating her commitment to animal welfare, underwent the same adoption process as any other prospective owner, including paying the £105 rehoming fee which covers essential treatments and helps support the charity’s operations.
Reflecting on her pets in a 2020 interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Camilla shared the emotional support they provide: “The nice thing about dogs is you can sit them down, you can have a nice long conversation, you could be cross, you could be sad and they just sit looking at you wagging their tail.”
Beth’s legacy extends beyond her royal companionship; she embodied the joy and unconditional love that pets bring into our lives, reminding us of the profound bond between humans and their animal friends.
