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Check FAQAbout Donna
Donna Ferguson is an award-winning freelance journalist, specialising in celebrity interviews, personal finance, education and lifestyle pieces for national newspapers. My articles appear regularly in The Guardian, The Observer, The Mail on Sunday and The Sunday Times. I also write for The Times, The Mirror and The Telegraph. My most recent articles are listed on journalisted.com and you can tweet me @DonnaLFerguson.
Feature Stories
Interview (Print / Radio / Podcast)
Fact Checking
Portfolio
Concerns over cultural appropriation in acting are ‘bulls---’, says Rupert Everett
Rupert Everett criticizes concerns over cultural appropriation in acting, labeling them as 'anti-acting' and 'bulls---'. He argues that acting should transcend personal identity, allowing actors to portray diverse roles regardless of their own background. Everett reflects on past acceptance in Hollywood and criticizes current activist influence, citing the controversy over Scarlett Johansson's casting in 'Rub & Tug'. He emphasizes the importance of artistic freedom in casting decisions, advocating for actors to explore varied roles beyond their personal identity.
Groucho Club’s licence suspended while Met investigates serious offence
The Groucho Club in Soho, London, has had its license suspended for 28 days by Westminster City Council following a request from the Metropolitan Police, who are investigating a serious criminal offence allegedly linked to a breach of licensing conditions. The club, known for its celebrity members, will remain closed pending a full hearing before Christmas. The club's chief executive, Elli Jafari, has communicated the closure to members, emphasizing the seriousness with which the club is treating the situation. The investigation is ongoing, and further details have not been disclosed.
Charlie and Lola author Lauren Child: ‘My greatest achievement is adopting my daughter’
Lauren Child, known for her work on 'Charlie and Lola', shares insights into her life, emphasizing the importance of embracing opportunities and finding joy. She reflects on her upbringing in Wiltshire, her passion for art, and the influence of her grandmother. Despite not initially aspiring to be a writer, she uses writing to explore personal anxieties, such as climate change. Child discusses the challenges and fulfillment of adopting her daughter, which she considers her greatest achievement. Her narrative underscores the value of resilience, personal growth, and the pursuit of happiness.
Obscene: Anger after cost of King Charles’s coronation revealed
The coronation of King Charles in May 2023 cost taxpayers at least £72 million, sparking criticism from Republic, an organization advocating for a republic. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport reported the costs, with additional expenses likely incurred by other government bodies. Graham Smith, CEO of Republic, condemned the expenditure as unnecessary and extravagant, especially during a cost of living crisis. The event was described as a significant national celebration, but its financial implications have raised concerns about public spending priorities.
I’m obsessed with a historic shipwreck: it’s murky and dangerous but diving in the Thames, I feel like a detective
The article explores the author's passion for diving to the historic shipwreck of the London in the Thames estuary, a warship that exploded in 1665. The London, a significant historic wreck built by Oliver Cromwell, played a role in the restoration of King Charles II. The author, who has dived to the wreck around 500 times, describes the challenges and discoveries made during these dives, including artefacts and human remains. The shipwreck is under threat due to dredging activities and marine organisms, prompting the author to advocate for its preservation. The narrative highlights the importance of conserving this piece of history, with artefacts being donated to the Southend Central Museum.
Sunday with Steph McGovern: ‘Two Yorkshire puddings. I’m a purist’
Steph McGovern shares her relaxed Sunday routine, emphasizing family time and simple pleasures. She enjoys breakfast in bed with her family, takes her daughter to a gymnastics center, and prefers a traditional Sunday roast with two Yorkshire puddings. Her Sundays have transformed from work-focused to family-oriented, with activities like crafting and dancing to music by Pink, Taylor Swift, and Belinda Carlisle. Evenings are spent unwinding with a film or book after putting her daughter to bed.
Red squirrels ‘to vanish from England’ unless vaccine against squirrelpox funded
Red squirrels in England face extinction unless the government funds a vaccine against squirrelpox, a virus lethal to them but carried by the increasing population of grey squirrels. Conservationists, including Robert Benson from the Penrith and District Red Squirrel Group, emphasize the urgent need for government intervention to control grey squirrel numbers and develop a vaccine. The grey squirrels' ability to breed year-round and digest acorns more efficiently than red squirrels exacerbates the threat. Without action, red squirrels may disappear from England and potentially the entire UK.
Rishi Sunak’s top aides advised against early election, memo reveals
Rishi Sunak's aides, including Isaac Levido and Michael Brooks, advised against an early election, suggesting a strategic delay until autumn to capitalize on improved economic conditions and voter sentiment. The memo highlighted potential risks of a summer election, such as reduced economic optimism and the need to focus on 'wedge' issues. The strategy aimed to strengthen the Conservative Party's position against Labour by leveraging both economic and policy platforms.
Scientists’ experiment is ‘beacon of hope’ for coral reefs on brink of global collapse
An innovative underwater experiment combining 'coral IVF' and fish noise recordings offers hope for restoring coral reefs on the brink of collapse. The global collaboration between scientists aims to significantly increase coral repopulation on degraded reefs, with initial trials in the Maldives. Techniques involve capturing heat-tolerant coral spawn and using fish noises to attract larvae to degraded reefs. The experiment, featured on BBC's 'Our Changing Planet,' highlights the urgent need to address climate change to preserve coral ecosystems. Scientists emphasize the importance of maintaining temperature increases below 1.5C to ensure the success of these restoration efforts.
Train driver who upskirted female passenger avoids jail sentence
A Thameslink train driver, Paolo Barone, was found guilty of voyeurism after taking photos up a woman's skirt while she slept on a train. Despite the crime, he avoided jail, receiving a suspended three-month sentence and a requirement to complete rehabilitation activities. The incident, described as a 'hideous act' by police, led to Barone being placed on the sex offender register for seven years. Govia Thameslink Railway expressed shock and suspended Barone, emphasizing their zero-tolerance policy towards such behavior. The British Transport Police reiterated their commitment to addressing sex offenses on the railway network.
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