January 25, 2025 at 13:26 IST Fleeing abusive spouses and alcoholics, two women in Gorakhpur married each other, vowing to ...
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Tired of alcoholic husbands and domestic violence, two women in UP marry each other
Everyone said to leave my man when he was jailed for 19 years – we married behind bars but had to wait to consummate it
MELODY Lorenzo, 35, works in the public sector and lives in California with her husband Anthony, 36.
“Waiting for the prison bus to arrive, my heart was racing. After 19 years behind bars, my husband was finally coming home.
Anthony and I met in 2001, when we were 12 and 13. He was my best friend’s cousin and we’d hang out in the park and chat.
We were just kids, but I was drawn to him and we became boyfriend and girlfriend.
Then, in 2005, our young love faced a crisis I couldn’t have imagined. Anthony, then 16, was in a car with a friend who opened fire on a group of gang members. It was a classic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Despite the fact he hadn’t pulled the trigger, Anthony was charged with attempted murder and gang-related offences, and was sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison.
I was just 15 and deeply shocked that my boyfriend had been caught up in something so dark.
Family and friends said I shouldn’t put my life on hold until his release.
And Anthony told me I needed to walk away, too, but I knew I loved him and that him being behind bars wasn’t going to change how I felt.
Resolving to stay together for as long as it took for him to be released, we kept our relationship alive with daily calls and letters.
As soon as I learned to drive, I’d spend every weekend driving up to 11 hours to visit him. Seeing him in handcuffs behind glass was so painful.
It took him time to adjust to his new ‘home’. He began to focus on improving himself, taking education classes and joining self-help programmes. I was proud of him.
For the first three years, our visits were behind glass with no physical contact. Later, when he moved to a different prison, we were allowed brief contact – just a hug or kiss at the beginning and end of each visit.
Bewildered family and friends couldn’t understand why I was still with him. I didn’t care what people thought, though.
Bewildered family and friends couldn’t understand why I was still with him
I loved him. At the start of 2009, when I was 20, Anthony proposed, and I said yes without hesitation.
It required reams of paperwork to get permission from the state, but on April 11, a registrar officiated the short ceremony in a room in the prison.
I wore a simple white dress, while Anthony had to wear his prison uniform, and we had a few friends as witnesses.
Obviously, it wasn’t the wedding I’d dreamed of, but it wasn’t about having my dream day, it was about solidifying our commitment. When we were pronounced ‘husband and wife’, my heart felt so full.
We were allowed to have a few photos taken, but then I had to go home – there was no party, no consummating our marriage.
However, from then on, we were allowed conjugal visits every few months, where we could be alone and intimate.
Those private moments meant everything and they helped us keep the vows we’d made.
Standing by Anthony all those years was tough in ways nobody I knew could understand.
Prison life is isolating, even for those on the outside. I went to weddings and watched other couples live their lives. But I never considered another relationship.
Finally, in January 2024, after numerous delays and setbacks, Anthony was released. Right up until I saw him stepping off the prison bus, I could scarcely believe it was happening.
I had to wait in my car, but when he opened the door and got inside, we just held one another tightly. I felt like I was dreaming.
Life outside has been a whirlwind of new experiences for Anthony. He’d never used a smartphone, and busy places felt overwhelming at first.
Our journey has been a difficult one, but it has made us stronger and more grateful for every day together
We’ve had to find our own normality and routine as a couple, despite the fact we’ve been married for 15 years.
Now, we’re planning our ‘real’ wedding in Hawaii this April, and I’m pregnant with our first child. After all the years of waiting, it’s surreal to think we’ll soon be parents.
We love to go for walks and talk about the future without the shadow of prison looming over us. Our journey has been a difficult one, but it has made us stronger and more grateful for every day together.”
- Follow @Lifeasanthomelo on Instagram.
BTW
Men make up 96% of the prison population in the UK.*
Conjugal visits are not permitted in UK prisons.
Horoscope today, January 26, 2025: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg
OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.
Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.
ARIES
March 21 to April 20
Taking a truer look at friendships is easier this week. As Mercury guides you, you can ask for what you really need.
The new moon lights up new bonds and someone special moves in to fill a vacancy.
Cash ideas may seem out of the ordinary but, as Uranus spins direct, you have personal money magic.
TAURUS
April 21 to May 21
If you’ve struggled to see a clear future for yourself, this can change as Uranus resumes a positive path in your star space.
Holding ideas back is not sensible, so express everything with your unique spin – reactions can surprise you.
Love is full of Venus forgiveness with a firm backbone of Saturn strength.
Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
GEMINI
May 22 to June 21
Instead of lots of different options, Mercury helps you hone in on the right journey at the right time.
The moment you see it, you will sense it is time to book it, so do go with this inner feeling.
You also have a new moon lighting up new horizons.
In love terms, this opens your heart to an unlikely passion pick.
Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
CANCER
June 22 to July 22
Feeling you don’t understand those around you has been a factor of Uranus’ retrograde.
As this ends, you start to connect in meaningful ways but only because you want to, not because you feel you should.
In love? Venus mixes new feelings into a delayed ticket for two.
Single? The One wears active clothing.
Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
LEO
July 23 to August 23
With Venus so settled in your transformation zone, this is your week to go all-out for love.
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 is always the group peace-maker can heal your heart.
Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Most read in The Irish Sun
VIRGO
August 24 to September 22
Your career chart combines make-waves Pluto with make-progress Mercury and the make-heat sun this week, so don’t delay that key chat any longer.
The right people may have entered your life at what feels like the wrong time but you can make it work.
A routine trip takes an unexpected but welcome direction.
Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
LIBRA
September 23 to October 23
The way you take vague creative ideas and get them market-ready is one element of Mercury’s chart effect.
You also have a clear vision for a family and how to make it grow in positive ways.
With Uranus’ positive power in your transformation chart, acting on a design or style impulse can set changes in motion.
Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
List of 12 star signs
The traditional dates used by Mystic Meg for each sign are below.
- Capricorn: December 22 – January 20
- Aquarius: January 21 – February 18
- Pisces: February 19 – March 20
- Aries: March 21 – April 20
- Taurus: April 21 – May 21
- Gemini: May 22 – June 21
- Cancer: June 22 – July 22
- Leo: July 23 – August 23
- Virgo: August 24 – September 22
- Libra: September 23 – October 23
- Scorpio: October 24 – November 22
- Sagittarius: November 23 – December 21
SCORPIO
October 24 to November 22
A new moon of new family plans marks out a set of must-dos – first in line is accepting that a group may need to change to move forward.
Efforts to keep everything the same are draining your energy.
In love? Venus goes deep, then deeper, and connections are super-sincere.
Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
SAGITTARIUS
November 23 to December 21
Various communication breakthroughs can make this a week of wonderful words.
Say only what is necessary and try not to embroider a simple truth too much.
Your working world has the invention abilities of Uranus back up to full, helping you see a way to transform your job into your dream career.
Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
CAPRICORN
December 22 to January 20
Your passion chart is open and reaching out – doubts or fears that have held you back before can fade.
Saying big words first can lead to a response far better than you hope.
Meanwhile, a new moon of cash-confidence scraps plans and substitutes something richer, and focused on the future.
Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
AQUARIUS
January 21 to February 18
A bold new Mercury viewpoint that backs practical solutions, rather than endless talking, takes hold – plus a new moon of infinite possibilities.
The only mistake you can make is to underestimate yourself.
As for love, knowing who you are in private as well as in public unlocks new levels of passion.
Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
PISCES
February 19 to March 20
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 with your name topping an elite list.
Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
My son has a chance to get into acting, but I am worried about how he’ll react to rejection
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.
Leo weekly horoscope: What your star sign has in store for January 26 – February 1
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.
Sign up for the Mystic Meg newsletter.
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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.
Horoscope traits
What does your star sign mean for you?
Aries – The best and worst characteristics of the head of the zodiac
Aquarius – The traits you need to know for the air sign
Capricorn – What does this star sign mean for your personality?
Cancer – The key traits for the sign include a keen love of food
Gemini – The traits to be aware of for the sign with a symbol of twins
Leo – The best and worst characteristics of the fire sign
Libra – What does the seventh star sign mean for your personality?
Pisces – The key traits for the sign include an interest in the arts
Sagittarius – The traits you need to know for the fire sign
Scorpio – What does this star sign mean for your personality?
Taurus – The best and worst characteristics of the earth sign
Virgo – The key traits for the sign include loyalty and kindness
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.
Pisces weekly horoscope: What your star sign has in store for January 26 – February 2
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.
Most read in Fabulous
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.
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EastEnders cast shock as FOUR stars return for harrowing storyline
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.
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.
EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Coming up this year…
Ross Kemp – Kemp will reprise his role as Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp’s storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.
Other aspects of the 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
“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.
Jack P Shepherd warns ‘no one is safe’ in Coronation Street twist amid cast cull
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.
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.
EastEnders at 40: Vote for your favourite Walford faces with our poll to celebrate those who make you smile
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.