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APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.

Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who is worried about how her son might react to rejection in the world of showbusiness – and how it could impact his school work.

Q) My 14-year-old son has attended a theatre class for the past three years, and it has recently brought on board a talent agency to professionally represent those who successfully audition.

The financial gains that could come from him getting industry work are very attractive, and it would look good on his CV (he’s keen to pursue acting as a career), but I’m worried about the rejection he may face, as well as trying to balance auditions with school.

How do I know if it’s right for him?

I worry by not putting him forward, he’ll be at a disadvantage in a competitive industry. Laura, via email

A) First, try not to focus too much on the potential financial gains, as tempting as that may be.

While this opportunity could set your son up for the future, it’s important to prioritise his wellbeing and development at his young age.

Start by having a conversation with him about how he feels. As parents, it’s natural for us to want to encourage our kids to pursue opportunities, but it’s equally important that we ensure it’s something they truly want.

Rejection is a natural part of the acting world and something he will need to grow comfortable with.

Talk to your son about how he might handle it to gauge his resilience, while reassuring him that he has a strong support system in you and your family.

Speak to the drama class teacher to see what support they offer students, plus keep his school informed – they may be able to provide help, such as homework extensions.

Balancing auditions with schoolwork will be a challenge, but it can be managed with planning.

Remember that you know your son best, so keep a conversation open with him so he knows he can confide in you.

• Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last March but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.

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LEO

JULY 23 – AUG 23

 Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings

With Venus so settled in your transformation zone, plus the new relationship light of the new moon, this is your week to go all out for the love you want.

Changing your own approach, in turn can alter how others relate to you.

This time, you can set a date, or deadline, and trust it will be kept.

Single? The person who’s always the group peace-maker can heal your heart. 

DESTINY DAYS  

Monday until Wednesday,  split a daunting task into smaller parts, and get started! 

Review a relationship choice (again) on Friday. 

Reach out to “F” on Saturday.

LUCKY LINKS  

Your second-favourite supermarket.  

A message linked to an “N” workmate.  

The third time in one day you hear a piece of music. 

U IS FOR…UNAPOLOGETIC 

As your success sector starts to look so positive again, you can leave behind any sense of apologising because your ambitions or ideas were not up to some imagined standard. 

The only level you need to set, and meet, from now on is your own. 

So instead o playing safe, you get back to pushing yourself, testing yourself, checking in with yourself, all the way to the top. 

The new moon backs this with enhanced team-building ability. 

Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.

You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

 

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

PISCES

FEB 19 – MAR 20

Read our horoscopes live blog for the latest readings

The way you use words, is unique to you, now Uranus boosts this further. 

So sharing something you write, even in its roughest form, can unseal a creative success door. 

In love, too, you’re in control, able to get your face into a special mind-space, your name topping an elite list. 

A health dream you may have sensed slipping away lately is back in sharp Mercury focus. 

DESTINY DAYS   Channel Monday’s good energy – extend your To Do List. 

Wednesday is negotiations day and on Saturday, you ‘re smart at organising love journeys. 

LUCKY LINKS   A man wearing his hair tied back.  A mobile coffee seller.  

The last name in your mind as you fall asleep. 

U IS FOR…UNFILTERED

You know you have toned down what you want to say or do lately – to spare feelings, or avoid conflict. 

All that ends now with Uranus powering forward and encouraging you to stick to absolute truth, and total openness, even when it might seem easier to stay silent.

In love, unfiltered honesty is what a partner longs for.  

At work, you may rock the boat a bit but you will swim, not sink. 

The new moon backs this process with Pisces ability to share secrets with sensitivity. 

Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.

You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

FROM nailing an interview to getting a pay rise, navigating the career ladder can be tricky.

Follow Karren Brady’s top tips to give your work life a makeover in 2025.

Mark Hayman

Nailing a job interview

Be prepared: It’s key to do your research on the company and the role. Being able to discuss the firm’s values and aims, as well as explaining clearly how you can contribute to those, shows you’re serious and can be an asset.

Have a strong handshake, smile and make eye contact: Small gestures make a big impact and set a positive tone.

Let your personality shine: Relax and be yourself! They want to know who they’ll be working with: your enthusiasm, creativity and energy will make a lasting impression.

Display confidence: Speak with assurance about your skills and experiences. Ahead of the interview, write down three key achievements you want to tell them about.

Be truthful, clear and concise: Stay focused, answer questions thoughtfully, but don’t ramble, and always be honest.

Changing careers

Gain experience: Look for new roles that bring you closer to your desired field. It’s a great way to learn, network and test out whether this is the right move for you.

Network with the right people: Attend events, join groups and connect with like-minded individuals for support. You never know where the right opportunity will come from.

Be resilient: Changing careers takes time. Don’t get discouraged – all your hard work will pay off.

Be open to starting small: Entry-level positions can lead to bigger opportunities and will give you the chance to gain experience in a lower-pressure environment.

Learn constantly: Always be willing to pick up new skills. The more knowledge you gain, the better prepared you’ll be.

Getting a promotion

Know your worth: It’s important to own your achievements and the value you bring – don’t downplay your impact. Throughout the year, write down your professional achievements so that you have a list when it comes to review and promotion time.

Don’t fear being assertive: It’s natural to want to be liked, but speak up about your ambitions, otherwise how is anyone supposed to know you would like more responsibility? Asking for what you deserve is about standing up for your future.

Believe in your abilities: Confidence is everything. Trust that you’re ready for growth and recognition, and be ready to convince your boss of it, too.

Don’t wait for perfection: If you’re ready, go for it! Don’t hold back just because you don’t tick every box. You can grow on the job. After all, if you could do a new job standing on your head, it probably won’t be challenging enough for you.

Be your own advocate: Once you realise you’re your own biggest supporter, everything changes. Embrace your power and claim the recognition you deserve. Share your professional achievements on LinkedIn, and tell your friends and wider network. If you can’t shout about yourself, who will?

Asking for a pay rise

Choose the right moment: Timing is key. Ask for a raise after you’ve achieved a big win or when your value is fresh in your boss’ mind.

Back up your request with results: Use concrete examples of your success: targets met, projects delivered and positive feedback received. Numbers speak volumes when you’re trying to negotiate for more money.

Frame it positively: Position your request as a discussion, not a demand. Use phrases like: “I’d like to talk about my growth and contribution to the team.” Remember that your boss doesn’t have to give you a pay rise, so it’s up to you to try to influence them into making that decision, and being courteous will go a long way.

Practise the conversation: Rehearse your pitch with a trusted friend or family member. Be concise and confident, anticipate questions and practise calm, clear responses.

Don’t be afraid of no: Rejection isn’t personal. If it’s a no, ask for feedback and what you need to do for it to be a yes next time, so that you have something to work towards.

BBC

Dealing with work politics

Address conflicts head-on: Tackle issues with open, face-to-face discussions that start with: “I have noticed that. . .” or: “When this happens, I feel. . .” so the other person doesn’t feel attacked.

Don’t take it personally: Office politics often stem from others’ insecurities. Remove emotion from the issue and focus on the actual problem.

Clarify roles and responsibilities: Many conflicts arise from unclear expectations. Define everyone’s role to prevent misunderstandings.
Set boundaries Be firm and let people know that disruptive behaviour isn’t acceptable.

Be patient: Building trust and resolving issues takes time. Stay consistent and true to yourself.

Avoiding burnout

Break down your goals: Instead of focusing on the long-term, take one step at a time with smaller, more manageable tasks.

Share the load: Divvy up responsibilities among the rest of your team to create space for balance and, if possible, free you up to explore projects that bring you energy.

Prioritise yourself: Take a step back and focus on what brings you joy. Your mental wellbeing should always come first.

Consider a change: Explore new job opportunities. A shift in environment and fresh challenges can reignite your motivation.

Juggling parenting and work

Make space for your home life: Define work hours and family time to maintain balance.

Prioritise tasks: Focus on what’s important, and what’s time-sensitive. Use lists or apps to keep track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Remove the guilt: Not able to do school pick-up every day? It’s OK! You’re doing your best and can’t do everything all the time.

Ask for help: Don’t hesitate to lean on others, – you don’t have to do it all alone. And offer to return the favour when you can, so you build a network of people you can turn to without guilt.

Be flexible: Things won’t always go according to plan. Be prepared to adapt and adjust when needed, whether it’s at work or home.

"I will always love you but I no longer respect you as a man," Trace said of his father on Saturday.

CORONATION Street legend Jack P Shepherd has warned ‘no one is safe’ in his character’s storyline – amid a cast cull.

Jack, 37, has played David Platt ever since joining the ITV soap in 2000.

Rex

ITV

Jack has been playing the popular character since 2000[/caption]

ITV

He addressed the imminent danger posed by the Radcliffe brothers[/caption]

Last year, David made a misstep in stealing dirty money from crime boss Harvey Gaskell (Will Mellor).

When Harvey realised the money was missing, David soon found himself at the baddie’s mercy.

Recently, he was horrified to realise Harvey’s cronies knew who his daughter Lily is.

The tension even leads to his wife Shona (Julia Goulding) being abducted next week.

If that wasn’t enough, the Platts’ home No.8 is set to face a terrifying house fire next month.

With his character’s loved ones in immediate peril, Jack addressed the latest developments in Weatherfield.

He said: “Knowing that no one is safe and they could come after his whole family, he’s panicked and he’s desperate.

“He’s trying to think of ways to pay the money back but it’s a huge lump sum to come up with and he’s bricking it.”

The actor added: “David’s unpredictable, even for soap, you can see where it’s going with certain stories and that it’s not going to end well but you’re not quite sure how he’s going to get out of it or if he’s going to win in the end but hopefully he does.”

Elsewhere, Jack also addressed the threat of the Radcliffe brothers, Logan (Harry Lowbridge) and Matty (Seamus McGoff).

Harvey previously sent the duo after David – to threaten him and get the stolen money back.

Earlier this month, the twisted pair killed their own brother Mason (Luca Toolan) in shocking scenes.

Viewers were stunned as they saw actor Luca bow out after playing the role for 16 months.

Matty was later arrested for his brother murder, after he used Dylan’s (Liam McCheyne) zombie knife to stab him.

Meanwhile, Jack shared an insight on what the duo’s viciousness meant for David moving forward.

He shared: “He’s very worried because the Radcliffe brothers are now known killers and if they’re prepared to do that to their own brother, he knows they’re not going to hesitate once they get the nod to kill him.”

Will the Platts pull through the latest drama in their lives?

Coronation Street airs on ITV1 and ITVX.

ITV

David is no stranger to drama in Coronation Street[/caption]

A HARROWING storyline will soon play out in EastEnders, which comes as FOUR stars make a comeback to the BBC soap opera.

Four EastEnders stars will be making a comeback and reprising their roles in the hit soap for the show’s 40th anniversary.

PA

Jamie Winstone will be playing a young Peggy Mitchell once again[/caption]

PA

Her return comes as Phil battles depression in the soap[/caption]

BBC

BBC

Jaime Winstone is set to reprise the role of Peggy Mitchell as she returns to EastEnders, along with three other actors.

The cast comebacks are for an upcoming episode as part of Phil Mitchell’s ongoing mental health storyline.

Phil’s depression will worsen over the coming weeks, with him set to experience symptoms of psychosis in the form of hallucinations.

When Phil has these hallucinations, he will see scenes from the Mitchell family home in 1985.

In the hallucinations, Jamie Winstone will reprise her role of a young Peggy Mitchell.

Jamie first starred in the soap as a young Peggy in 2022 when the soap aired a special Mitchell flashback episode.

Jamie playing the role of Peggy Mitchell again also comes after she played the role of Barbara Windsor in the hit 2017 movie about the actress.

Joining Jamie making a comeback to the soap is George Russo as Eric Mitchell, Daniel Delaney as a young Phil Mitchell, and Teddy Jay as a young Grant Mitchell.

They will all be returning to reprise their roles after the aforementioned episode which aired in 2022.

As well as the four returning characters and actors, Sam Miles will also be joining the cast to take on the role of a young Nigel Bates. 

PHIL’S PIVOTAL MOMENT

During his hallucinations, Phil will act as a bystander to a pivotal moment from his adolescence.

On her return to the soap as Peggy, Jamie Winstone said: “It was such an honour to be welcomed back to play Peggy Mitchell, she is a dream role for me.

“So to be able to contribute to this iconic family on this major storyline has been such a joyous and emotional journey and I truly hope I have done her justice.”

Chris Clenshaw, the executive producer of EastEnders added: “We are thrilled to welcome back the young Mitchells for these special scenes as we lead up to our 40th anniversary week.

“In 2022 fans and critics alike celebrated Jaime’s portrayal of Peggy, and with Phil’s story, this feels like the perfect time for her to reprise the iconic role – joined once again by George, Daniel, Teddy and now Sam as a young Nigel.

“Flashbacks like these give the audience a unique opportunity to better understand Phil’s mindset and the traumatic events that have led him to his mental health crisis.”

MENTAL HEALTH LINK

EastEnders is working closely with various mental health charities to portray Phil’s depression storyline as accurately as possible.

The soap is working with The Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), and Mind.

BBC

BBC

The storyline will play out amid the 40th anniversary of the soap[/caption]

AFTER 40 years of drama, laughter and tears, we all have a favourite EastEnders character.

Thousands have appeared in the show, from pub landlords to hardmen and the big personalities who never fail to make us smile.

PA

You can now pick your top EastEnders characters in our online poll[/caption]

Love ’em or loathe ’em, they’ve all made their mark.

Now, Sun on Sunday readers can pick their top Walford faces in our online poll.

Vote at thesun.co.uk/eastenders and next week we’ll unveil the nation’s favourites – chosen by you.

BEST DOUBLE ACT

Den and Angie Watts v Mick and Linda Carter

BBC

Den and Angie Watts’ stormy marriage had us laughing and crying[/caption]

WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

Mick and Linda Carter stuck together through thick and thin[/caption]

THEIR stormy marriage had us laughing, crying and gasping with shock but Angie refused to let cheating husband Den go, even during the rockiest of times.

Mick and Linda stuck together through thick and thin and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when the couple renewed their wedding vows in a touching Christmas ceremony at the Queen Vic.

FUNNIEST CHARACTER

Alfie Moon v Dot Cotton

BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Alfie Moon got held up at gunpoint in the shop as he tried to buy condoms[/caption]

PA:Press Association

Dot Cotton had many memorable moments including when she discovered that her special herbal tea was cannabis[/caption]

DOT’S memorable moments include stumbling across porn as she innocently searched the internet for bushes, and discovering that her special herbal tea was actually cannabis. Ooh, I say!

Shane Richie brought perfect comedy timing to the role of Alfie.

Who can forget him getting held up at gunpoint in the shop as he tried to buy condoms?

BEST BAD BOY

Phil Mitchell v Nick Cotton

BBC

Phil Mitchell has committed just about every crime you care to mention[/caption]

handout

Nick Cotton killed war veteran Reg Cox and stabbed landlord Eddie Royle[/caption]

HARDMAN Phil has committed just about every crime you care to mention.

He killed a homeless man, fired a gun at his brother Grant, took part in an armed robbery and tried to murder Dennis Rickman.

Not content with killing war veteran Reg Cox and stabbing landlord Eddie Royle, Nasty Nick tried twice to bump off mum Dot to get his hands on her money.

BEST BAD GIRL

Janine Butcher v Stella Crawford

BBC / Kieron McCarron

Janine Butcher fell out with Pat Butcher, Kat Slater and Laura Beale and killed two husbands[/caption]

BBC

Stella Crawford was one of the soap’s most hated characters[/caption]

WALFORD’S Queen of Evil, Janine fell out with Pat Butcher, Kat Slater and Laura Beale.

She killed two husbands (including pushing Barry off a cliff), tried to kill Ryan Malloy and stabbed Michael Moon.

Stella Crawford was one of the soap’s most hated characters. Jealous of fiancé Phil Mitchell’s son Ben, she cruelly abused him physically and emotionally.

BEST BATTLEAXE

Pat Evans v Pauline Fowler

BBC

Pat Evans’ most notable showdown was with Peggy Mitchell[/caption]

BBC

Pauline Fowler famously feuded with Peggy and Sonia[/caption]

TOUGH-talking Pat could not resist a slanging match with anyone who crossed her, most notably her classic “You bitch!” showdown with Peggy Mitchell.

Overbearing Pauline never held back, famously feuding with Peggy and Sonia, who she described as the “daughter of a scrubber, lesbian, underage mother who gave away her own baby”.

BEST PUB BOSS

Angie Watts v Peggy Mitchell

Getty

Angie Watts was loud and feisty[/caption]

BBC

Peggy Mitchell was famous for telling anyone who upset her to ‘Get outta my pub!’[/caption]

LOUD and feisty, Angie sure had her hands full as the Queen Vic’s first landlady – and the wife of cheating husband Dirty Den.

Famous for telling anyone who upset her to “Get outta my pub!” the formidable Peggy ruled the Queen Vic with a rod of iron, all while trying to keep her two warring sons Phil and Grant in check.

SEXIEST FEMALE

Tiffany Butcher v Lucy Beale

instagram

Tiffany Butcher (played by Maisie Smith) regularly sets social media alight with her bikini snaps[/caption]

Refer to Caption

Lucy Beale (played by Hetti Bywater) sends fans wild[/caption]

TIFFANY is played by Maisie Smith, girlfriend of The Wanted pop star Max George, and she regularly sets social media alight with her sexy bikini snaps.

Hetti Bywater, who plays Lucy, has also showcased her bikini body in social media posts, as well as sending soap fans wild with her glamorous red-carpet looks.

HOTTEST HEART-THROB

Ravi Gulati v Joe Wicks

BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Ravi Gulati’s good looks have won him an army of admirers[/caption]

PA

WHEN he’s not breaking hearts on the soap as bad-boy Ravi, Aaron Thiara is working out. His fit body and good looks have won him an army of admirers.

Paul Nicholls captured the hearts of fans as tormented Joe in the 90s as the pin-up of his era.

He was twice voted TV’s sexiest actor and graced covers of magazines.

HAPPIEST COUPLE

Billy & Honey Mitchell v Ricky & Bianca Butcher

BBC

Billy & Honey Mitchell have been on and off since 2006[/caption]

BBC

Ricky & Bianca Butcher’s romance has captivated fans[/caption]

HONEY and Billy have been on and off since marrying in 2006. They are due to remarry on February 19 – the actual date of the soap’s 40th anniversary.

Ricky and Bianca’s on-off romance captivated fans and, in 1997, one of the biggest-ever audiences of 22million saw them marry.

A spin-off followed – EastEnders: Ricky & Bianca. The pair remarried in 2010.

STRONGEST WOMAN

Cindy Beale v Sharon Watts

BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Cindy Beale has always bounced back[/caption]

BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Sharon Watts takes everything in her stride[/caption]

SCHEMING Cindy looks after No1 and, while the homewrecker has had her heart broken countless times, she always bounces back.

Sharon famously married one Mitchell brother, then had an affair with another.

She takes everything in her stride, including an affair with Keanu, 30 years her junior and becoming a mum again at 50.

PEP Guardiola’s wife Cristina Serra throws marriage split stories into doubt — by stepping out with her wedding ring on.

The mum of three, 52, was seen out and about in Barcelona, with her arm in plaster, days after a separation was reported.

GUSTAVO GONZALEZ

Cristina Serra was seen stepping out with her wedding ring on in Barcelona[/caption]

Reuters

Pep also had his band on at the Etihad for last night’s Prem game against Chelsea[/caption]

The Man City boss, 54, also had his band on at the Etihad for last night’s Prem game against Chelsea.

Pep’s wife has broken her silence following her split from the Manchester City manager to insist she’s “feeling great”.

Cristina looked a picture of happiness as she shopped alone in Barcelona a week after news of the couple’s shock break-up emerged.

She smiled as she was approached by a Spanish reporter in the city centre showing off a stylish look of white trainers and loose-fitting grey trousers with a designer handbag slung over the left shoulder of her cream-coloured coat.

Asked how she was doing, the mum-of-three replied: ‘Perfecta, gracias’ – ‘Perfect, thanks’ in English.

She added: “Everything’s fine” when quizzed again about her frame of mind.

But the pretty brunette opted for silence when she was asked about speculation the cause of their breakup had been Guardiola’s decision to stay at Manchester City and sign a two-year contract extension with his club.

Lorena Vazquez and fellow Spanish journalist Laura Fa, who make up a duo of well-respected showbiz reporters called the Mamarazzis, broke the story of the couple’s split at the start of last week.

Stephen Bunting 2-4 Rob Cross* Bunting has a chance on 103 to try and break the toss. Everything goes wrong ...

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