Latest news with #theRipper
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Dark side of Jack the Ripper tours with guide forced to quit after what she saw
The infamous Jack the Ripper is the name given to the unidentified murderer who gruesomely killed at least five women, predominantly sex workers, in Whitechapel during the autumn of 1888 A former "Jack the Ripper" tour guide has shared the grim reality of London's history and tourism, revealing how she was "screamed" at for "misrepresenting" a victim. Jessica O'Neil, who had a keen interest in the darker aspects of history and tourism, took on the role of a "Jack the Ripper" tour guide back in 2014. The infamous Jack the Ripper is the name given to the unidentified murderer who gruesomely killed at least five women, predominantly sex workers, in the Whitechapel area of London's East End during the autumn of 1888. His heinous acts included mutilating his victims' bodies and excising the internal organs from at least three of them. While the exact number of his victims remains unconfirmed, there are five whom many agree were slain by him: Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes, and Mary Jane Kelly. While studying for her Master's in Heritage Studies, Jessica saw an opportunity to combine her academic pursuits with a part-time job that fit into her evening schedule. A two-hour private tour costs £195, and a three-hour tour up to £275. She would lead groups ranging from "10-40" people through the streets, recounting the horrendous tales, but not all experiences were positive. Jessica felt "uncomfortable" when visitors brought young children, dressed inappropriately, or made light of the tragic stories. Speaking to The Mirror, Jessica expressed her discomfort: "(I felt uncomfortable) when guests brought small children, or dressed up, or laughed at the women's expense. People would treat it as if it were a lark, a silly made-up story, when we were speaking about the real murder of vulnerable women." During one shocking incident, she had to confront a tour guest who was openly committing a sex act. "He was likely counting on me to be too embarrassed to say anything, but nothing like that would", Jessica confessed. However, there was a defining moment that led Jessica to stop conducting the popular Jack the Ripper tours. She was recounting the death of Polly Nichols to tourists, based on what she had read, when she was abruptly yelled at and accused of misrepresenting Polly as a sex worker. Jessica recalled: "I vividly remember standing on what remains of Flower and Dean Street, once home to London's most notorious lodging houses, regaling a group of tourists about the death of poor Polly Nichols. I was misrepresenting her as a sex worker, as that is what I had always been told and had read – though all evidence actually points to her scraping by with odd jobs and sleeping outdoors some nights. "A survival-level sex worker approached my group and began to scream. "You don't care about real women. My friends get murdered and none of you care. But you come here for Jack the Ripper." Some in the group began to get defensive, but I paused and told them – 'she's right." I went back later that night to look for her. "Maybe I wanted to explain that my tour was different – even though it really wasn't – and have her absolve me of the creeping guilt I felt every time I told punters about the horrible things that happened to these women." The English Collective of Prostitutes (ECP) is a grassroots organisation of sex workers and supporters campaigning for the decriminalisation of prostitution, for sex workers' rights and safety. It campaigns against the Jack the Ripper tours, which "glorify the man whilst invisibilsing the women." Spokeswoman for the group, Laura Watson, said: "We think the tours in their present form should be banned because they glorifiy the monster who murdered five women as an exciting tantalising event, whilst invisibilising the victims who were tortured to death. "Sex workers at the time of the ripper and even now are labelled criminals by the laws and this invites discrimination, stigma and a devaluing of our lives. It also hides how we are women like other women working to support ourselves and our families. "But times have changed since the ripper and the growing sex worker led movement for decriminalisation and safety has had an impact so that more and more women in particular are identifying with sex workers, protesting at the ways that our safety is undermined and demanding an end to the criminalisation that blights sex workers' lives." Following this unsettling encounter during the tour, Jessica shifted her focus towards the victims of these heinous crimes. She began questioning the purpose of conducting the Jack the Ripper tours and why there seemed to be no respect for the victims. She added: "The women have been turned into a tourist attraction – their very bodies and physical pain become the draw. Many people don't even realise that Jack the Ripper was a real person – they get this story and Sweeney Todd mixed up." Dr Philip Stone, from the Dark Tourism Institute at the University of Central Lancashire, believes Jack the Ripper has been "allowed to live" while his victims are "largely forgotten." He said: "Jack the Ripper has morphed from villain to almost a celebrity in an age where 'spectacular death' has become a spectacle in consumer society. With ever increasing ways to (re)present the heinous deeds, tour guides are using more imaginative ways to recreate crime sites that have long been obliterated from the London landscape. Today, through 'dark tourism' we are continuingly exposed to the horrors of his killings, yet without reason or motives or, indeed, justice. 'Jack' has been allowed to 'live', yet his victims are largely forgotten. "Forget the villain. Remember the victims. For far too long, tours and narratives of the killings have focused upon the killer. Meanwhile, the female victims have been 'used' as kind of 'props' to showcase his crimes. "The female victims are within 'his' orbit, and this needs to change. The tour guide industry needs to reinterpret the narrative and focus upon the victims. These are women who all had fallen 'on hard times', had families and loved ones, but had one thing in common — they each had the terrible misfortune to meet the same murderer." Jessica, who has made a name for herself on YouTube as " The Museum Guide" with nearly 90,000 followers, now offers guided tours of museums and curiosities, leaving her Jack the Ripper-focused days in the past. She has shifted her focus to learning about the lives of women rather than dwelling on "speculate about a pathetic loser." She concluded: "I personally prefer to learn about the women's lives and their histories rather than speculate about a pathetic loser who had to kill women to achieve any kind of notoriety."
South Wales Argus
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
BBC Outnumbered star secretly married long-term girlfriend
Tyger Drew Honey, who played the role of Jake Brockman on the programme, tied the knot with Fluke Chotphuang who has already changed her surname to Drew Honey on Instagram. The 29-year-old got married to his partner of seven years at a quiet and private ceremony two months ago. According to The Sun, his bride could be seen wearing a stunning white wedding gown. Outnumbered star Tyger Drew Honey says he feels 'blessed' to have taken part in new Jack the Ripper series This comes after the Outnumbered actor announced to fans how "blessed" he was to have taken part in the "wonderful" production of Jack the Ripper: Written in Blood. Taking to instagram, the BBC star said: "Im so very blessed to have been a part of this wonderful production. "To have worked among such a talented cast and crew was a privilege, and the eager journalist Ernest Parke is a character I thoroughly enjoyed playing. Recommended Reading: "Until getting involved in this show I thought I knew most of what there was to know about Jack the Ripper, but I was wrong. "See the gruesome saga from a new perspective, and follow the media frenzy that ultimately created the legend of one of the most famous serial killers of all time." He added that those wanting to watch the show can see all episodes on Now TV and Sky History. Outnumbered ran from 2007 until 2014, with the cast reuniting for various Christmas specials in 2016 and 2024.
Daily Mirror
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
I read every day — these are 10 books I've read since 2020 that I couldn't put down
Reading is such a simple and inexpensive joy but if you're anything like me you sometimes struggle to find the time. Here are the books I've read in the last five years that have really made an impression on me Reading is such a straightforward and affordable pleasure but, if you're anything like me, finding the time can be a challenge. With an array of distractions vying for our attention, from streaming services to mobile gaming and social media, books are now up against competitors we could hardly have envisaged a couple of decades ago. But there are plenty of reasons to choose a book over a screen, whether it's to learn something new, delve into a subject in detail or simply enjoy a story for the escape it offers. Moreover, research suggests that reading can actively boost your health. Studies have demonstrated that reading activates more areas of your brain, strengthening it and enhancing your ability to process information. Reading can also significantly lower your stress levels, with blood pressure and heart rate dropping after just a few minutes of reading, reports the Express. If you can truly enjoy something while subconsciously reaping its benefits, that's the ultimate win-win. With that in mind, I'd like to share my top book recommendations from the past five years. Although not all were first published within this timeframe, most are relatively recent releases — and this curated list blends fiction and non-fiction, with both genres offering unique benefits that contribute to personal growth. If you enjoy these recommendations, please don't hesitate to share your thoughts and your own favourite books in the comments. For more book recommendations, reviews, and news, consider subscribing to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack. 1. Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken (2023) I can confidently say that this book has been a game-changer for me, and judging by the social media communities that have formed around it, thousands of others share my sentiment. In this book, NHS doctor and BBC science presenter Chris van Tulleken delves into the shocking truth about the "food" we consume today, much of which barely deserves the label. The book raises a pressing issue: "Why do we all eat stuff that isn't food... and why can't we stop?" It provides a shocking insight into the fact that a significant portion of our diet in developed Western countries - up to 60% by some accounts - consists of ultra-processed items, distinctly different from what was on our families' tables just a generation or two ago. Dr van Tulleken delves into the chemical processes and industrial components that populate our pantry shelves, paralleling this trend with the skyrocketing rates of obesity. It's an eye-opener and a jaw-dropper rolled into one. Get your copy here. 2. The Five by Hallie Rubenhold, released in 2019 Prepare to be astonished with this exceptional read. You might think you know the story of Jack the Ripper, but unless you've read this book, you'll be unaware of the deep stories of the women he killed. 'The Five' sets the record straight, thanks to the exhaustive research conducted to reconstruct the lives of these five individuals from the 19th century. It restores to them their true identities, backstories, and characters which they have long been denied. These women were more than just names tied to a notorious murderer – they were wives, mothers, or both, who loved and were loved. It's been hailed as "urgent, eloquent, angry and beautifully put together" by critics. 3. Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe, penned in 2021 This book is the result of an almost superhuman level of research. It recounts the story of oxycontin, a legally available drug that triggered an unprecedented opioid abuse epidemic in the United States, and the Sackler family, who created it and are one of America's wealthiest and most secretive families. Through their pharmaceutical company, the Sacklers amassed billions as people became devastatingly addicted to or died from oxycontin. Keefe received "several dozen letters and emails" from lawyers representing the family during his research, demonstrating that it took extraordinary bravery in addition to research. 4. In Memoriam by Alice Winn, 2023 Alice Winn's exquisite writing infuses even more emotion into this heart-wrenching novel about the love between two young men (boys, really) during World War One. She tells the story from the perspectives of both main characters and the reports printed in their school newspaper. In fact, reading an old school newspaper and discovering real tributes from pupils to their brothers and friends who were dying in horrific numbers on battlefields across the Channel inspired Winn to write the story, which she tells in vivid, haunting language. Buy it here. 5. Brooklyn and Long Island by Colm Toibin, 2009 and 2024 The pair of novels trace the journey of Eilis Lacey, who in the 1950s, leaves her Irish hometown for Brooklyn, spurred on by those around her who believe she'll find better opportunities there than in Enniscorthy. This mirrors the real-life experiences of millions who migrated from Europe to the US in the 20th century, never to see their families again. In Brooklyn, Eilis parts ways with her beloved sister and a potential love interest, as she starts afresh in the Big Apple. Fast forward two decades, the sequel sees Eilis' life in Long Island upended by her husband's actions, prompting her return to Ireland and the faces she left behind 20 years ago. Initially planned as a brief visit, Eilis finds herself torn between staying in Ireland or returning to the US as she reconnects with her old circle. Grab your copies of Brooklyn here and Long Island here. 6. How To Win The Premier League by Ian Graham, 2024 This isn't your typical football memoir. While many players and pundits have penned autobiographies, this book offers an insider's perspective from within one of the world's leading football clubs, revealing the intricate details that go into securing victory. Between 2012 and 2023, Graham served as the director of research for Liverpool Football Club, a period during which the club clinched its first league title in three decades. His team utilised extensive data to gain insights into virtually every facet of the game, leading to the recruitment of both Jurgen Klopp and Mohammed Salah. The team also harnessed data to reveal the true effectiveness of set-pieces like corners and free-kicks, and the actual value of possession and home advantage. One particularly captivating segment illustrates the multitude of factors that must align for a player's acquisition to be successful - underscoring the importance of evidence-based selection. 7. The Power of Geography by Tim Marshall, 2021 This book offers an intriguing exploration of how geography has influenced the destiny of nations, the considerations it necessitates, and how it fuels the global rivalries that shape our world, our news headlines, and consequently, our collective fate. For instance, many of us likely seldom consider the Sahel in sub-Saharan Africa. However, its unique circumstances could potentially trigger the next refugee crisis in Europe. Likewise, it's easy to assume that Australia prioritises its relationship with the USA over China - but considering the USA is twice as far away and Australia needs to consider the implications if China decides to exert more influence in the seas to its south (and Australia's north), it's not so simple. The beauty of this book lies in its ability to present complex issues in an easily digestible manner. . 8. The Secret History by Donna Tartt, 1992 Returning to fiction, The Secret History unravels the tale of a group of academically gifted students at a prestigious New England university harbouring a dreadful secret. It's another exquisitely penned piece of fiction (even if the frequent nods to Greek mythology flew right over my head). Despite being the oldest book on this list, it has garnered a fresh wave of followers courtesy of TikTok. Get your hands on it here. 9. Putin's People by Catherine Belton, 2020 Like Empire of Pain and The Five (above), an exceptional level of research has been invested into this book, which explores the rise of Vladimir Putin from his KGB days to becoming one of the most influential figures globally. His ascent includes stints as an agent in Dresden and the deputy mayor of St Petersburg. Throughout each stage, Putin and his network acquired the skills that are now evident in their modus operandi (and in today's headlines), ranging from money laundering and disinformation to blackmail and forming alliances with other infamous organisations. It's a bold piece of work. 10. The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*** by Mark Manson, 2016 The provocative title might lead you to believe this is a guide to nihilism, but it's quite the opposite. Manson's key argument is that individuals should concentrate on life's significant aspects and not fret over trivial matters, while acknowledging that there are certain things in life we must simply endure. Like many self-help books aiming to improve our lives, there is often one fundamental point expanded into several thousand words. However, Manson does so in such a captivating manner that you can't help but continue reading. There's a tale that sticks in my mind: the real-life saga of a guitarist booted from a band during its formative years. This axeman, Dave Mustaine, bounced back by establishing a new band that shifted 20 million records worldwide. Yet, it's said that Dave was never truly content because the group he'd been ousted from evolved into Metallica, one of the most colossal bands in history. It all boils down to how you look at things.
