It's been a shocking news week. The monstrous murder by terrorist group IS of American journalist Steven Sotloff (with a warning that British aid worker David Haines will be next) shook us all to the core. And the brutal beheading of an 82 year-old grandmother in a North London street - while not being linked to terrorism - has brought the savagery of such atrocities even closer to home.
Meanwhile, we were stunned by the heavy-handed approach of the authorities over the jailing of the desperate parents of five year old Aysha King, who was being treated for a brain tumour at Southampton Hospital. When reports first surfaced it seemed as if the family had irresponsibly gone on the run. But once the facts came out a very different picture emerged. The Kings weren't convinced that conventional radiation treatment was the right option for their child and said that despite offering to pay for the special proton beam therapy they wanted him to have, they weren't listened to by NHS doctors. They felt they had no option but to take matters into their own hands. What parent wouldn't do anything within their power to save their child? In next week's Closer magazine (out Tuesday) we speak to another mother who has been through a very similar situation and we think you'll find her perspective fascinating.
We were so sad to hear about the death of legendary comedian Joan Rivers. Our news editor Katie Banks was in LA last week and interviewed Joan just 48 hours before she fell into a coma following routine throat surgery. Katie loved her and was visibly shaken when the news came in. She's written a great tribute piece online and her poignant interview will be in the mag next week.
Thankfully there were some lighter moments. JLS' Oritse Williams shared the first picture of his newborn son and Peter Andre tweeted a rare pic of cute daughter Amelia. And we loved the round up of funniest comments heard in delivery rooms. My personal favourite was the mum who was so out of it that when shown her daughter, she bellowed 'that's not mine. Take it to lost and found!'
This weekend there's some great telly to look forward to: Celeb Big Brother continues to be compelling viewing, X Factor will keep us glued to our screens on Saturday and Sunday nights and Strictly Come Dancing waltzes onto the box on Sunday too with a glittering line up. Whatever you're doing, have a great weekend,
Lisa