A recent comment on breastfeeding by fashion entrepreneur Karen Millen has ignited a heated public response, drawing strong reactions from listeners of Nick Ferrari’s LBC radio show. Millen appeared on Channel 5’s Vanessa show, where she criticized a mother for breastfeeding her three-year-old child. Her remarks were blunt, calling the practice unnecessary and suggesting it reflected selfishness on the mother’s part.
After reconsidering her words, Millen reached out to apologise. A video of her expressing regret was aired, where she sincerely apologised to those she may have offended. Despite this, her comments triggered a wave of online criticism. Social media users—mostly women—condemned her stance in what became a widespread backlash.
Columnist Vanessa Feltz, who hosted the segment, weighed in on the reaction. While she disagreed with Millen’s opinion, she was disturbed by the aggressive tone taken by many online. Feltz, who breastfed her own children, believes decisions about breastfeeding are deeply personal. “If both mother and child are happy and healthy, it’s no one else’s business,” she said.
She reflected on her own breastfeeding journey, stopping when her babies began teething but cherishing those moments of bonding. If given the chance, she said she would have breastfed for longer.
Feltz criticised the online response, describing it as unnecessarily hostile. “Why must we attack another woman for expressing her view—especially when she apologised?” she asked. She acknowledged the emotional weight breastfeeding carries. Some women feel guilt or shame if they struggle with nursing, while others, once successful, may become overzealous in defending it.
Feltz called for more kindness and understanding, urging critics to explain their views calmly instead of engaging in virtual attacks. “Remember the child in your arms. Wouldn’t it be better to respond with love than rage?” she said.
Bob Geldof Still Driven by Passion for Change
Sir Bob Geldof took the spotlight at the musical Just For One Day, which tells the story of Live Aid with humour and heart. Actor Craige Els plays a younger Geldof, capturing his fierce determination and signature outbursts.
Geldof shared a light-hearted moment during the interval, recalling how Els used to impersonate him as a child, to the amusement of his family. After the performance, Geldof addressed the crowd, his passion still evident decades after Live Aid began.
Ten percent of ticket sales are donated to those in need. The musical tells the story of how Geldof refused to ignore suffering and helped raise over £100 million. With appearances from music legends like Queen, David Bowie, and Paul McCartney, the show left the audience inspired.
Annabel Croft Faces Emotional Move After Husband’s Death
Former tennis champion and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Annabel Croft is downsizing her home following the death of her husband, sailor Mel Coleman. Two years after his passing, she is letting go of many of their shared possessions.
Croft remains stoic, saying, “The house has served its purpose.” But for many in similar situations, the emotional toll of parting with treasured items can be intense. Letting go of books, art, and furniture often stirs powerful memories.
Another challenge is finding homes that meet the needs of older couples downsizing. Many want space for grandchildren and socialising, without the burden of maintaining a large property. Yet few developers cater to this market, making the process even more difficult.
Jilly Cooper Teases New Series of Rivals with Trademark Wit
Beloved author Dame Jilly Cooper continues to charm fans at age 88, promoting the upcoming second season of the TV adaptation of her novel Rivals. Known for her wit and warmth, Cooper still delights in a good laugh—and a good quote.
Actor Danny Dyer, who stars in the show, revealed that intimacy coaches were brought in for the sex scenes due to their “inventiveness.” Cooper added her own cheeky comment: “Life is short of joy, and I think sex is heaven.”
She lamented the lack of romance in modern life, blaming exhaustion from busy schedules and gym routines. As always, her remarks were delivered with humour and flair. Fans eagerly await the next round of Rivals.
Winchester College Head Urges Parents to Limit Tech for Children
Elizabeth Stone, head of prestigious Winchester College, recently encouraged parents to take holidays in places with poor mobile signals to help children focus on reading. She wants young readers to spend at least 20 minutes a day with books—but not popular titles like Harry Potter or The Hunger Games, which she likened to “pureed baby food.”
Her remarks sparked debate. Should parents really resort to tech blackouts to foster reading? Vanessa Feltz argues for a more direct approach: set firm boundaries.
“No devices before 2 p.m., none after 9 p.m. Talk at the table. Fill your child’s room with great books,” Feltz suggests. She believes in old-fashioned parenting—being the guide, not the friend.
“Pilot your children boldly,” she urges. “And if all else fails, blame the Wi-Fi.”
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