'Council Estate Queen' Reflects on Her Roots and Blocking Lee Andrews

FROM humble beginnings come great things, so the saying goes. In the age of the internet, few demonstrate this better than one Council Estate Queen, aka Lily D.

Taylor Swift reveals 'coping mechanism' for dealing with critics

The superstar, 36, looked back on her career in a retrospective conversation for The Icon Sessions on Monday, presented by the Recording Academy's Songwriters & Composers Wing.

The pet I’ll never forget: Ernie the danger dog

He has chased a deer across a dual carriageway, eaten an entire tray of chocolate brownies and jumped head first into a canal. But despite all the worry he brings us, he is extraordinarily lovable

I tested 15 pairs of women's running shoes over five months. These are my favorites for every type of surface and runner

Guardian journalism is independent. We earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more.

‘When I make a sale, I’ll sing a high note’: a day in the life of an opera singing car salesman

Andrew Hiers is trying to start his own opera company. Until then, he’s serenading the parking lot

'Cheese paper' will double the life of your cheddar. We lab-tested nine storage solutions

Guardian journalism is independent. We earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more.

Blind date: ‘There was a mature, polite peck on departure at a busy Manchester Piccadilly station’

Susan, 74, a retired careers adviser, meets Pete, 72, a retired Methodist minister

Soldiers rescue barn owl 70 miles off coast while taking part in 2,000 mile race

Home Alone and Rocky Horror Picture Show star Tim Curry dies aged 80

The controversial story of the North American raccoons wreaking havoc in Germany

Germany's raccoons are loved by some, despised by others. Once alleged to have been introduced by a Nazi commander, many elements of the raccoons' story have been wildly misunderstood.

Chris Watts' secret playbook. Deadly kink and disturbing dating photos

Amanda McMahon at home (photography by James Breeden)

Why Estonians invite strangers into their back gardens each summer

Each summer, home gardens, garages and even bedroom windows across Estonia become temporary cafes open to anyone.

I tested 11 camping chairs to find the most comfortable way to kick back anywhere

Guardian journalism is independent. We earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more.