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Yearly Archives: 2019

Love Island has faced numerous complaints from body confidence advocates, who point out the show's lack of diversity when it comes to body shapes and sizes.

The smash hit ITV2 reality show has been under pressure over the course of four seasons to include a wider range of body types, and it seems the bosses have finally taken some action.

The Cupid-style show has reportedly cast plus-sized model and mental health advocate Jada Sezer for the upcoming fifth season.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The 30-year-old health campaigner already has achievements under her belt, as the first plus-size model to walk at London Fashion Week. 

She's set to join Tyson Fury's baby bro Tommy in the Spanish villa when the show kicks off on June 3. An inside source spoke to The Sun about the diversity issues which the show has promoted:

"Previous years have been criticised for a lack of diversity among contestants. This year producers are determined to have more variation among the Islanders."

"Jada would be a perfect choice because she is passionate about body positivity- and even appeared on Good Morning Britain in her underwear before running the marathon," they continued.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The stunning size 16 model encourages people to adore their bodies on her podcast, dismissing the idea that a career should be based around your weight.

"This is my natural weight and I’ve been able to make a career from it. If I was to stop liking cake and lost weight then I would probably lose clients because when you get down to a size 14/12 it can be harder to get jobs."

Love Island features contestants with identical, gym-obsessed physiques, which can often lead to controversy given their audience of young women and girls. 

Image: ITV2

The casting announcement has arrived just after an insider revealed that the show will see more variety in terms of the islanders' bodies.

"With everything that’s happened, bosses know that the show will be under intense scrutiny this year so they’ve gone back to see what it is the viewers want, and if there’s anything they can do to make it better."

They continued: "One thing that keeps coming up is the lack of body shape diversity. Viewers want to see girls and boys with bodies they can relate to. Sexy singles come in all shapes and sizes and this is what the viewers will see this year. It’s a really positive move."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The ITV2 series is also bringing in new measures to protect the mental health of contestants after they leave the villa. This was seemingly as a result of the suicides of two former Love Island stars; Mike Thallasitis and Sophie Gradon. 

Other names on the love list for this years' show include; Rochelle Humes' sister Soph Piper, AJ Pritchard's brother Curtis, Big Brother star Lotan Carter, Ted Pullin, Sav Berry, and American model Delilah Belle Hamlin.

Love Island kicks off Monday 3 June on ITV2, we're excited to see the positive vibes that Jada can bring to the show.  

Feature image: Instagram/@jadasezer

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Today, Deep RiverRock, together with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton, announced that every bottle within its PET portfolio will be made from 100 percent recycled PET plastic from June 2019. The move sees Deep RiverRock become the first major water brand distributing across the island of Ireland to produce a 100 percent recycled bottle.

As all Deep RiverRock bottles are already 100 percent recyclable, this new development truly supports the brand’s commitment to protecting the environment and to play a value-adding role in communities.

Deep RiverRock’s investment in recycled PET supports a circular economy, keeping resources in use for as long as possible. The move is estimated to eliminate more than 500 tonnes of virgin plastic from the supply chain over the next three years. Recycled PET bottles are also one of the lowest carbon-dense packaging types to produce within the beverage sector.

When recycled correctly, PET bottles can, and should, have a longer life span and Deep RiverRock is committed to encouraging consumers to recycle all PET bottles. In a bold statement, Deep RiverRock will ‘recycle’ its logo on all bottles with an impactful ‘100% Recycled Bottle’ message front-of-pack. The move aims to inspire more responsible disposal of waste and greater recycling among consumers. It is supported by recycling messages which have already been integrated on the bottle cap and across its TV advertising.

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Multiple sources are reporting that Kendall Jenner and her 22-year-old basketball player boyfriend have called it quits on their relationship.

Page Six are claiming that the pair, who haven't been spotted together since March, have called time on their romance, while People allege that the couple are 'on a break',

The news comes only days after Kendall's Vogue Australia interview was released, where she hinted that marriage could be on the cards in the future. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The 23-year-old model spoke about why she likes to keep her relationship private after seeing the intense level of scrutiny her siblings were subjected to.

Kim, Kylie, Khloe and Kourtney's love lives are constantly in the spotlight, with ruthless vitriol consistently being thrown their way for their choices. 

“I got a glimpse of how my sisters dealt with the attention and it’s cool to learn from that," she started. "For me, a lot of things are very special and very sacred, like my friends and relationships, and I personally think that bringing things into the public makes everything so much messier."

Kendall said in her Vogue cover story when asked about marriage, “Maybe. Definitely not now, but maybe one day." It's looking like Ben Simmons won't be there that day after all…

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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People have claimed that the couple simply fell out of love,according to their source; "They’re on a break. The relationship ran its course. She’s spending time with her friends and back to being in fun mode."

Page Six reported that NBA player Simmons went out partying with his friends and there was "buzz among Ben’s entourage that he and Jenner called it quits last week." They were last seen together at a suburban New Jersey mall in March.

We're guessing Kendall wants to keep the break-up as private as she can.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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She spoke about how, at 23-years-old, it's best to keep things on the down low unless you're certain of the relationship's future.

"A relationship is only meant to be between two people, and the second you make it the world’s business is when it starts messing with the two people mentally. Like once everyone is let in, you’re letting all these opinions into your relationships, and I don’t think that’s fair.”

The pair still follow each other on social media, so perhaps it was amicable?

Feature image: Instagram/@splashnews

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The most colourful event on Ireland's festival calender has just released even more acts for their stellar line-up, as well as the day by day breakdown and day ticket sales.

Love Sensation is being organised by the team who gifted us with Mother and Pride Block Party, purely to create a music festival for the LGBTQ+ community and their many rainbow-themed allies.

Even more hype was generated after some incredible headliners were announced, and artists like Lily Allen, Gossip, Clean Bandit, MØ, Daithí, Naomi Smalls, Kelis and Pillow Queens will be taking to the stage. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Love Sensation have now announced even more acts, and we're overwhelmed by the sheer talent.

With Queen of Ireland Panti Bliss hosting, it's set to be a glittery, energetic extravaganza. Drag is an important aspect of Love Sensation's atmosphere, which prides itself on fun and inclusion.

Names like Le Galaxie, Jenny Greene, Sink the Pink DJs, Shirley Temple Bar, Sing Along Social, Drag Aerobics, Miss Kate, Regina George, Paul Ryder and Phil T Gorgeous have been added to the musical ballot.

Love Sensation will take place at Royal Hospital Kilmainham on the weekend of August 17 and 18. It's the premier event in music for the queer community, so we're not surprised that they've secured such legendary artists to support them.

Summer has never seen such colour, we cannot WAIT for all the Drag Race alumni to blaze a trail on the Irish queer festival stage.

Day tickets are priced at €65.70 (including booking fee) are currently on sale online, as of Wednesday, May 22 at 9am. 

Feature image: MCD

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Now that Game of Thrones is over, we should really find something else to do with our time. Or…we could analyse old clips and cast interviews to discover even more GOT magic.

An Extra TV interview from June 2017 has resurfaced, with Gwendoline Christie (AKA Brienne of Tarth) and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who played the golden handed Jaime Lannister.

The pair are renowned for their hilarious love/hate banter and on-screen chemistry, and the interview is no different.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gwendoline Christie (@gwendolineuniverse) on

Host Mario Lopez asked the pair who they thought would ultimately sit on the Iron Throne, and Gwen was laughed at for her answer even though she PREDICTED THE ACTUAL ENDING.

While Nikolaj gambled and said either Dany or the Night King would be crowned the winner, Gwendoline guessed Bran, saying the writers always go more left-field than everyone expects. We'll be damned; our gal was right.

The final episode has generated controversy, with Daenerys Targaryen going full-on Mad Queen, Jon plunging a dagger through her heart and being banished to the Night's Watch, Drogon melting the throne, Sansa becoming Queen in the North, Arya pulling a Dora the Explora and Bran becoming King of the Six Kingdoms.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Explaining her rationale for choosing the Three-Eyed Raven as future king, Christie responded: "I'm wondering if it might be Bran.

"Just because we keep seeing the world from his perspective, don't we? We keep seeing the visions. So, is he in the future projecting in the past?"

Coster-Waldau, never one to reject challenging his co-star, immediately responded: "No, it doesn't make sense." Brienne's got brains for days, clearly.

Check out Gwen going full psychic on the whole world two years ago:

Feature image: YouTube

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Huge congratulations are in order for former The Only Way Is Essex star Chloe Lewis who has announced she is expecting her first child.

The mum-to-be confirmed the wonderful news on Instagram by sharing a photo of her ultrasound scan.

She also posted a stunning black and white snap of her and partner Danny Flasher. She simply captioned the post: “Half me, half you.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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There’s no doubt the 28-year-old is overjoyed by the pending arrival of her first child. She previously told the Daily Mail about her desire to start a family.

“I’ve always wanted babies and marriage, so I’m sure it’ll be in the near future,” she commented.

Chloe’s friends and former co-stars were quick to congratulate her.

Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan said: “Congratulations darling.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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“Ahhhhhh so excited the news is finally out. So happy for you both, love you lots,” said Lydia Bright.

Montana Brown wrote: “Ahh I’m speechless. Jesus that’s going to be one hot sexy baby.”

“Massive congrats you two! So happy for you!!! Love,” former JLS star Marvin Humes said.

We are delighted for Chloe and Danny. What an exciting time for the couple.

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By Minister Josepha Madigan

As a former family law solicitor I have seen first hand the devastation the current divorce laws cause for people, compounding their heartbreak at an enormously difficult time.

Nobody gets married thinking that one day they will have to legally detangle themselves from their husband or wife.

The shock of finding yourself in that position is difficult enough and I’ve watched as the realisation that it takes four years to even be able to begin the process of legally divorcing sinks in. It’s hard to watch because it just piles on more stress at a time when people need it least.

Not only does it add to the emotional distress and worry, it can also add to the cost for people.

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Very often, to try to regularise their affairs in some way while waiting to be allowed to divorce, couples enter into legal separation agreements or seek a judicial separation. This can double their legal costs.

Experts believe that the separation period can also be extremely difficult for the children of divorcing couples. Children need certainty and stability, and so reducing this period of legal limbo can only be positive for families.

On Friday we are being asked to remove the constitutional requirement that couples whose marriages have broken down completely be separated for four years out of the last five before beginning divorce proceedings. Instead, the Oireachtas will introduce a law reducing that required separation period to two years out of the last three.

Reducing the time period – sometimes referred to as the ‘pause period’ – is a compassionate response to people at a time when they are grieving the loss of their marriage and trying to move on from it in a way that is best for their families.

I’ve often said that a marriage breakdown requires a grieving process. There are a number of stages which separating couples need time and space to work through. That is why the Fine Gael led Government proposed a two year waiting period.

I think the people of Ireland will once again show compassion in a referendum but it’s important that we don’t get complacent about this vote: people need to get out and have their say to deliver this important change.

There hasn’t been as much discussion on radio and TV as in previous referendums and this is largely because with such little opposition, broadcasters are finding it hard to meet balance rules.

But that doesn’t take away from the fact that this is a pressing issue for many people and a yes vote will bring about a small change that will have a big impact.

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We can't quite believe that two years have passed since the harrowing terror attack at Ariana Grande’s Manchester concert. On what should have been a night filled with joy, dancing and happiness, fans were instead left traumatised, horrified and full of fear.

22 innocent people lost their lives at the concert and tributes have been pouring in for those souls who were cruelly killed on the night of May 22, 2017.

Tributes have been pouring in today, the two year anniversary of the attack, and One Last Time singer Ariana Grande has posted a simple but poignant message to those affected by that dreadful night.

The pop star took to her Instagram account to share the bee emoji, which Manchester uses as a symbol of unity.

Last year, the singer penned a heartbreaking open letter about the attack.

She wrote: “I'm writing to you this February 22, 2018. It's been eight months since the attack at our show at the Manchester Arena. It's impossible to know where to start or to know what to say about this part."

"May 22, 2017, will leave me speechless and filled with questions for the rest of my life."

"Music is an escape," she continued. "Music is the safest thing I've ever known. Music—pop music, stan culture—is something that brings people together, introduces them to some of their best friends, and makes them feel like they can be themselves."

"It is comfort. It is fun. It is expression. It is happiness. It is the last thing that would ever harm someone. It is safe."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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"When something so opposite and so poisonous takes place in your world that is supposed to be everything but that…It is shocking and heartbreaking in a way that seems impossible to fully recover from."

"The spirit of the people of Manchester, the families affected by this horrendous tragedy, and my fans around the world have permanently impacted all of us for the rest of our lives. Their love, strength, and unity showed me, my team, my dancers, band, and entire crew not to be defeated."

"To continue during the scariest and saddest of times. To not let hate win. But instead, love as loudly as possible, and to appreciate every moment."

"The people of Manchester were able to change an event that portrayed the worst of humanity into one that portrayed the most beautiful of humanity."

"'Like a handprint on my heart,' she quoted, using her favourite musical Wicked as inspiration;

"I think of Manchester constantly and will carry this with me every day for the rest of my life."

We are thinking of everyone who was affected by the Manchester Arena bombing.

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Kim Kardashian is well and truly living her best life. The make-up mogul has just welcomed her fourth child via surrogate, a son named Psalm, and has been married to Kanye West for five years.

The 38-year-old made her first public appearance since welcoming the adorable baby boy almost two weeks ago, looking gorgeous in a pink, bodycon maxi dress.

She showed off her curvacious figure while at the launch of sister Kylie Jenner's skincare launch in Los Angeles. The mum-of-four supported Kylie's business venture alongside her siblings, all in pink:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Kim announced on Twitter that herself and husband Kanye had met their fourth child on May 10, writing; "He's here and he's perfect."

She later added, "He's also Chicago's twin lol I'm sure he will change a lot but now he looks just like her." The famous couple already are parents to North, aged five, Saint, aged three and 15-month old Chicago.

Baby Psalm was born healthy and weighed 6lbs, 9 ozs, according to TMZ. We can't wait for them to share more photos of their newborn.

Kylie got plenty of familial support for her skincare product launch, looking as glam as ever in a skintight, pink mini-dress.

The 21-year-old billionaire cosmetics guru was joined by Kourtney, Khloe, Kim, Caitlyn Jenner and 'momager' Kris to show off the new goods.

The Instagram Stories were buzzing in Kardashian-land last night, with fans getting a glimpse of the festivities.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Kylie's new walnut scrub has come under fire, with dermatologists claiming walnut is actually damaging for your skin.

We'll see if her new Kylie Skin collection will miss the mark or become a cult classic.

Feature image: Instagram/@kimkardashian

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Anyone who's tasted Wowburger's delicious fast food is about to hear the best news of the day: You can now order Dublin's tastiest burger exclusively on Just Eat, and we are SHAKING with anticipation.

This is not good for our bank balance, but it's a total treat yourself mood and we're oh so grateful for this glorious gift.

Ireland's leading food ordering and delivery service has confirmed an exclusive partnership with everyone's favourite, Wowburger, so you won't have to leave your gaff to taste heaven.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Hungry fans can now choose from a wide range of mouth-watering WOW burgers, delicious free toppings and sides to be delivered straight to your front door, office or…just anywhere, really. We have no shame when it comes to Wowburger.

Named amongst the best burgers in Europe; the fresh Irish beef burger, flavourful WOW Vegi, garlic butter fries, creamy milkshakes and crispy onion rings are also available on Just Eat's menu.

Whether it's a Friday cheat treat, a hangover cure with friends or a workplace pick-me-up- Wowburger will bring the feast to you.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Available seven days a week, Tallaght's branch of Wowburger will be the first to launch on Just Eat, with restaurants in Ranelagh, Parnell Street and Wexford Street also joining the platform over the next few weeks.

Edel Kinane, Commercial Director at Just Eat Ireland expressed her excitement for the new partnership;

“With locally sourced quality produce serving up those big signature flavours, this popular American-inspired diner is the latest addition to our expanding portfolio, which now features over 2,100 restaurants and a choice of over 40 cuisine types.”

Order Wowburger from 12pm on Just Eat's app, seven days a week with just a single tap.

This is absolutely lethal, we're going to have to stage an intervention to separate us from this app…It's too damn tasty.

Feature image: Instagram/@wowburgerirl

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Let's get real for a second; Arya Stark is the Game of Thrones GOAT. No doubt about it. So why shouldn't we expect to be given more badass ninja assassin content from HBO, considering she's a fan fave?

In the series finale, which divided critics and fans alike, Arya told her family that she wouldn't be returning to Winterfell. Instead, she decides to go off the maps, to discover what's "west of Westeros". 

"Nobody knows," she ponders. "That's where all the maps stop. That's where I'm going." Maisie Williams has played the role for a decade, but HBO bosses have since shut down our hopes for a spin-off.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The final shots of the baby Stark sis shows Arya boarding a ship, looking very much in charge. HBO programming president Casey Bloys dashed everyone's hopes in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, and we may cry.

When asked about everyone's favourite ninja getting her very own show, Bloys said;

"Nope, nope, nope. No. Part of it is, I do want this show- this Game of Thrones, Dan and David's show- to be its own thing. I don't want to take characters from this world that they did beautifully and put them off into another world with someone else creating it.

"I want to let it be the artistic piece they've got."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Arya Stark (@aryastark80) on

With three Game of Thrones prequel projects in the works at HBO, this isn't the last we'll be seeing of author George RR Martin's humongous literary world.

"That's one of reasons why I'm not trying to do the same show over," Bloys added.

"George has massive, massive world; there are so many ways in. That's why we're trying to do things that feel distinct- and to not try and re-do the same show. That's probably one of the reasons why, right now, a sequel or picking up any of the other characters doesn't make sense for us."

We see his point, but can't forgive him for depriving us of more iconic scenes surrounding the assassin.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Arya Stark (@aryastark80) on

From her butchering of Walder Frey, stabbing the Night King and banter with the Hound to her Many Faced God training and ruthless attitude; her character has become a cultural icon.

Maise Williams spoke to ET ahead of season eight, and opened up about saying goodbye to the show, where she began working at age 12.

"It was just really emotional. You can start to get yourself so down on everything, being like, 'This is the last time I'm gonna read scripts. This is the last time I'm going to be in this location.' I got to a point where I had to stop doing that, because then I was just going to have a nervous breakdown."

The 22-year-old actress explained that she found herself "putting off" her last scene, where she sails into a new world.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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"I watched so many people wrap and cry. I had to like, stay out of that emotion because there was so much to do- like, some really difficult scenes to do. And then I wrapped and I was emotional," she recalled. "I really did feel numb."

"That's when my numbness came, and then it wasn't until like a week later that I was like- you know when you’re just doing something and then you drop a spoon? I was like , 'Ahhhhhhh!' like, overreacting entirely and I just felt like an insane person a little bit," she added. 

Understandable, seeing as her entire adolescence was spent on a huge set playing a teenaged murderer seeking vengeance for her father's death and family's demise. SOB.

Let's watch some of Arya's most badass moments below to reminisce on her legendary nature, while trying not to cry:

Feature image: Instagram/@aryastark80

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There is a scene in the season one finale of The Bold Type that is one of the most captivating TV moments I’ve ever had the honour of watching. That one scene proved to me that this show is going to make a massive difference for women everywhere.

The empowering show is set at Scarlet magazine and follows the lives of three employees- Jane, Kat and Sutton.

Complicated love lives, financial struggles and health woes, the show is full of gripping content, quite like the magazine the girls work at.

In the past, the magazine world has been portrayed as bitchy and competitive. In the Devil Wears Prada Andie has to put up with the catty and dismissive assistant Emily, as well as her awfully harsh editor Miranda.

In 13 Going on 30, Jennifer Garner’s character Jenna works alongside her supposed ‘best friend’ who ends up sabotaging her and sending her work to a rival publication, just so she can get to the top.

Sex and the City exaggerates the glamour of being a journalist. Carrie writes one column a week, yet manages to afford a lavish apartment in New York, mountains of designer shoes and gallons of cocktails.

The great thing about The Bold Type is it shows the industry in a positive yet honest light. The editor of Scarlet magazine is attentive and caring, but constructive and strong at the same time. She isn’t cruel to her employees or controlling, but supportive in her critique.

The girls' friendship itself is one of the most uplifting things about the show. Forget about the days of catfights and competitiveness, because this show is all about just how wonderful female friendships are. Jane, Kat and Sutton are there for one another come rain or shine. Forever meeting in the fashion closet to discuss their latest dilemmas, the trio’s friendship is a breath of fresh air.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The storylines are serious. They’re problems many of us have faced at some point in our lives. In a mere ten episodes, they managed to highlight topics including getting checked for breast cancer, sexual identity confusion, forbidden love, online trolls, immigration laws, racial abuse, sexual assault and online dating.

The way the show's creators treat their female characters says a lot about how far we’ve come in recent years. The likes of the Me Too movement proved to Hollywood that it is time to listen to women, it is time to respect women and it is time to portray their lives in a truthful way.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The female characters make mistakes, they express their feelings and are ambitious in their careers. They’re real women. They’re you, your best friend, your sister, your work wife. They’re the female characters we’ve needed on our screens for longer than we even realised, until now.

You can watch The Bold Type on Amazon Prime.

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