You can watch the interview above and listen to Joan's edition of the podcast below..
SHOOTING STAR UNWRAPPED - DAME JOAN COLLINS
Dolly Parton’s marriage advice
Iwill miss Dolly Parton; one who truly deserves the title of ‘icon’. I met her a few times but the most memorable was in 1984 when I attended the premiere of her movie Rhinestone. I went by myself, which is unusual for me, but I had just told my then husband that I wanted a divorce after years of misery and verbal abuse. During the red-carpet ‘trek’ and photo shoot, Dolly noticed I looked a bit tear-stained and asked me if I was OK. When I told her that, despite being so unhappily married, it was still hard to adjust to life by myself, Dolly patted me on the shoulder and quipped: ‘Don’t worry, honey, husbands are like buses. If you wait long enough another one will come along.’ Dear Dolly, so wise. And in my case, so right.
As this long hot summer comes to a rainy end, I think back to those dog days when even walking brought on a Victorian swoon. We were in our house in the south of France for the horrible heat of July and August. During these months, we had cleverly invited approximately 30 or so family, friends and business acquaintances either to stay for a few days or to visit for lunch or dinner. We love them all, but after eight solid weeks of breakfast, lunch and dinner sit-downs, small talk and gossip, our heads were swimming. Besides, the sound of the cicadas rubbing their hands together almost drowned out all conversation, so the phrase ‘What did you say?’ was my most frequent contribution to the proceedings. It took a good two weeks to recover, not least from the extreme heat, which frankly I’m not accustomed to. Friends say to me: ‘Oh, but you’ve lived in LA for so many years, surely you must be used to the heat?’ The main difference this summer was the taxing humidity, which saps one’s breath. The continental heat we have been experiencing is quite unlike the dry California heat.
Another great icon who just died was Gloria Steinem. Ms Steinem was the leading light of my generation for women’s rights. She revealed the double standard to which so many women were exposed in the mid-20th century and made headlines by going undercover as a Playboy ‘bunny’ into Hugh Hefner’s fabled club. His magazine was the ultimate guide to exhibiting women in sexually explicit pictorials. ‘Ah, but!’ I hear you say. ‘You, Joan Collins, posed for Playboy yourself, did you not?’ Yes, I admit I did. But I had complete control of the content, I was photographed by the legendary George Hurrell and I was paid a huge amount of money.
For me, coming from a generation of actresses who were expected to pose for pin-up photos, Gloria’s essay about her time at the Playboy mansion and the sexual demands made of the bunnies, which skirted the edge of the law, was a revelation to such a degree that Hefner changed their working conditions. Gloria went on to become a beacon of enlightenment for women’s rights and never ceased to voice how women were used and abused by men. Women today owe Gloria Steinem so much.
I used to love travelling by plane and I would be filled with excitement and anticipation before a trip. Not any more. Today plane travel is hell – even to the continent, which used to be so easy. Our last trip from Nice to Heathrow took ten hours, thanks to flight delays, air traffic controller issues, red tape and the endless queues at immigration. ‘Take off your hat, your sunglasses, your jewellery, your shoes, your coat.’ I half-expected a Peter Sellers Pink Panther moment, where the person demanding these items would then take them and saunter away with a cheery wave and a ‘thank you’.
And after the Via Crucis of security comes the new customs and immigration palaver. Bad enough that you had to have a photo taken sans maquillage and with the flush of having to take off the above referenced items and put them back on in a hurry because the person behind you is breathing down your neck. Now you also have to place your fingers on an undoubtedly slimy green pad which always gives you a red ‘error’ signal on one of the fingers, no matter how much you adjust your hand pressure. Not only is this required on arrival, but also on departure. At least in America they only do it when you arrive. They couldn’t care less who you are or where you’re going when you leave.
 |
| (C) Dave Benett |
 |
| Joan with Zandra Rhodes |
 |
| Joan with Katherine Jenkins (c) Dave Benett |
 |
| Joan & Percy arriving in style! |
M&S will today join the official London Fashion Week schedule with a “see now, buy now” show marking 100 years of M&S fashion. Designed by its in-house teams, the collection combines references to its heritage with a contemporary design approach and reflects the progress made in M&S Fashion’s style credentials.
A century after M&S began selling clothing in 1926, the show will bring together womenswear and menswear designed by its team of 116 in-house designers. Drawing on pieces, prints and insights from the M&S Archive, the collection reflects the place M&S has had in British wardrobes for a century and shows how archive references have informed products designed for customers today.
The show links M&S’s fashion heritage with the transformation under way across the business. Its “see now, buy now” approach gives customers immediate access to the collection across digital channels. Customers will also be able to stream and shop the show through M&S.com at 6pm GMT, with additional content available across M&S digital and social channels.
M&S is reinvesting for growth and transforming its fashion business with an ambition to double online sales profitably. Investment in the supply chain, technology and digital channels underpins the strategy.
BUILDING THE NEXT CHAPTER OF M&S FASHION
The show comes as M&S continues to reshape its Fashion business. In FY26, M&S held 10.2% of the Fashion market and recorded a five percentage-point year-on-year increase in style perceptions, with womenswear achieving its highest recorded score. M&S is also ranked first for perceptions of quality and value across all age groups. The next phase is focused on converting that progress into sustainable growth by modernising the supply chain, improving data and digital capability, and investing in stores. M&S is also broadening its appeal, with 16% year-on-year growth in the number of under-35s shopping with the brand, while continuing to serve customers across all age groups.
TAKING BRITISH DESIGN GLOBAL
While the collection is rooted in M&S’ British heritage, the collection will reach customers around the world.
The full collection will be available through M&S’ 46 direct-to-consumer websites, while customers across the UK and Ireland will be able to shop it online and through ten flagship stores, including locations in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow and Dublin.
M&S is also extending the reach of the show through its partnership with Zalando.
The show will be streamed on Zalando's Live Hub across France, Germany, the Netherlands and Poland, reaching a potential audience which is double the size of M&S's current loyal customer base across its global markets. Customers in those markets will be able to shop featured products through Zalando and register as M&S Brand Followers, to be updated on new collections and campaigns.
The activity builds on M&S’ partnership with ZEOS, Zalando’s B2B logistics and fulfilment business, which supports M&S direct-to-consumer operations in continental Europe through access to a European fulfilment network and a single stock pool.
Stuart Machin, Chief Executive at M&S, said: “We started selling fashion 100 years ago with our first products being everyday essentials - from poplin jumpers and pleated dresses to socks and sleepwear. We added more categories and more fashion and M&S became known for bringing style to the high street - always with brilliant quality and value.
“Our transformation is building the business we want to be tomorrow, but it starts with our heritage: 'Protect the magic, Modernise the rest' means protecting what has made M&S special for 100 years and putting fantastic products at the heart of everything we do. Our first London Fashion Week collection is designed around that DNA; fashion that is stylish but wearable, made with outstanding quality and always value for money.
This is a collection built on our heritage but brought bang up to date. From our tan leather borg jacket inspired by a heritage St Michael design to our black tuxedo suit and crisp white shirt like the ones worn by Christy Turlington for M&S in the '90s. In menswear, our dry-wax car coat, Japanese selvedge denim, heritage-check outerwear and 1980s style velvet tailoring are inspired by our archive but designed for today."
John Lyttle, Managing Director of Fashion, Home & Beauty at M&S, said: “The show reflects the progress we have made, but it is not an end point. There is much more to do as we continue to invest in our stores, modernise our supply chain and strengthen our data and digital capability. Our ambition is to serve customers better, grow online profitably and build a Fashion, Home and Beauty business for the next 100 years and beyond”
 |
| Joan with Karen Sugarman (c) Karen Sugarman |
BID ON JOAN'S VALENTINO MINAUDIERE HERE!
 |
Shooting Star has launched its first-ever podcast, Shooting Star Unwrapped, bringing together some of the UK’s best-loved names from entertainment, music and television in candid conversations that support families facing the unimaginable.
Hosted by Shooting Star’s Executive Vice-President, Karen Sugarman MBE, the fortnightly series aims to shine a light on the vital work of children’s hospices while offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the lives, careers and personal experiences of celebrity guests.
The first series features an impressive line-up including Dame Joan Collins DBE, Michael Ball OBE, Brenda Blethyn OBE, Tony Hadley MBE, Philip Glenister MBE, Don Black and Julian Clary.
Launching today with two episodes, the podcast opens with Dame Joan Collins in what is believed to be her first-ever podcast interview. A long-standing Vice-President of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, Dame Joan reflects on her extraordinary career, her family life, her friendship with Karen Sugarman, and her commitment to supporting children and families cared for by the charity.
Episode two sees Michael Ball OBE share stories from a remarkable career spanning musical theatre, broadcasting and live performance, while discussing the importance of giving back and his long association with Shooting Star.
A unique feature of Shooting Star Unwrapped sees every guest bring along their favourite treat to enjoy over a cup of tea. These simple moments spark memories, laughter and personal stories that listeners may never have heard before.
To coincide with the podcast launch, Shooting Star has also unveiled a special Virtual Charity Shop auction. Each guest has donated an exclusive item, ranging from Dame Joan Collins’ Valentino clutch bag, gifted to her by Valentino himself, to VIP experiences with Michael Ball and Tony Hadley.
The auction runs from 15 September until 15 December 2026, with new items released alongside each episode. Funds raised will help ensure the charity can continue providing specialist care, therapies, nursing support and bereavement services to families with a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition.
Karen Sugarman MBE said:
“I am proud to mark 40 years in cancer and palliative care and incredibly honoured to host Shooting Star Unwrapped. I hope this podcast will highlight the importance of the hospice movement. The work of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is vital and we need to be there to support and care for families going through the most unimaginable circumstances now and long into the future.”
The first series is sponsored by Jet2 and is available now on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
 |
| (c) Dave Benett |
 |
| Joan & Percy with Amanda (c) Dave Benett |
 |
| Joan & Percy with Rosie Nixon (c) Richard Young |
For more details and where to listen, click link below!
All celebrities including Joan have donated fabulous items to be auctioned off, to raise funds..
Joan has donated an item form her personal collection, a fabulous Valentino evening clutch bag..
From her early days on screen to her iconic presence in television and film, Collins cultivated an image defined by confidence and sophistication. Her signature aesthetic—structured silhouettes, opulent fabrics, and impeccable tailoring—remains a masterclass in classic Hollywood allure. Yet beyond the visual, it is her unwavering self-assurance that elevates her presence. She does not simply wear fashion; she commands it.
In recent years, Collins has seamlessly extended her creative voice into writing, offering readers an intimate glimpse into a life shaped by artistry, ambition, and reinvention. Her works reflect a sharp wit and keen observational eye, revealing the complexities behind a public persona often defined by glamour alone. Through storytelling, she reclaims her narrative, presenting a multidimensional portrait that resonates with modern audiences.
What makes Joan Collins particularly relevant in today’s fashion landscape is her refusal to conform to fleeting trends. Instead, she champions individuality and timelessness—values increasingly cherished in an industry driven by constant change. Her style philosophy encourages a return to authenticity, where personal expression outweighs seasonal dictates.
Moreover, Collins stands as a powerful symbol of longevity in an often youth-obsessed culture. She challenges conventional notions of age in fashion, demonstrating that elegance evolves rather than fades. Her continued presence on red carpets and in cultural conversations serves as a reminder that sophistication is not bound by time, but refined by experience.
In a world that frequently prioritizes the new, Joan Collins offers something far more compelling: continuity. She bridges the golden age of Hollywood with the contemporary moment, inspiring a new generation to embrace confidence, cultivate personal style, and celebrate the enduring power of reinvention.
Photos: Fadil Berisha Photography
@fadilberishaphotography
https://www.fadilberisha.com/
The airings below are based on a generic national schedule. Times and dates can vary by TV provider.
Everyone is a suspect when a murder occurs at the country estate of a true-crime TV star.
Everyone is a suspect when a murder occurs at the country estate of a true-crime TV star.
You can now catch Joan's latest film release A Murder Between Friends on Lifetime Channel Premiering Friday Aug 14th with an encore screening on Sat 15th.. Also available on Streaming..
Relative Values
 |
I remember India when she was a tiny little girl, always full of joie de vivre, the life and soul. She was a particular favourite of my sister, Jackie, who was her grandmother. Jackie absolutely adored her and took her everywhere — shopping, to the cinema, to Hawaii.
Geographically, India and I were not close at all. Most of the time I lived in England or the south of France and she lived in LA. But there has never been any kind of uneasiness between us. She and I have always gotten along really well. As for me being famous, well, she didn’t care. I don’t think that children care whether you’re an actress or the prime minister.
Since Jackie died, which was almost 11 years ago, we’ve become much closer. Before Covid I was doing a tour of my one-woman show and India came with me. She was wonderful.
India is the only one in the family who has followed me into this industry. Why nobody else? Because they’re smart. They realise how tough the profession is. It’s not just getting dressed and going on red carpets, you know. It’s a tough business. You have to have a carapace the size of a whale to survive rejection, people saying horrible things about you, the lack of care.
 |
| Joan with India in A Murder Between Friends |
I did warn her about the pitfalls in this industry. I’d been taught about them by my father, Joe Collins, a theatrical agent, and how dangerous it can be for young girls and how you have to be on your marks, get set, get out of there! He said that if a man behaved wrongly with me, the best thing to do was laugh at them. I became an expert laugher. And if that doesn’t work, he said, a knee to the nether regions. You read about the Harvey Weinsteins and people like that, but it’s not just showbiz, it’s everywhere. Not that I’m against men, because I’m not. But some men, they just feel it’s their divine right.
I also warned India that most actors are out of work most of the time. I myself hadn’t worked for ten months before our film. I left England at the age of 20 for Hollywood and did whatever I could — film, theatre, TV. It was a living. People say I’ve not been in very good films. Well, I was supporting three children, the breadwinner. I’ve always thought of myself as a jobbing actor and took what I could to keep my children fed and watered.
We talk a lot, India and I, intimate things too. With men, if she’s nursing a broken heart I tell her that they are like buses — if she waits long enough, another one will come along. We’re very close. She’s like a daughter to me.
I grew up between the UK and America, and I’ve always been very close to my family. Joan is my great-aunt, but she doesn’t like “great” very much, so we just say aunt. Both Joan and Jackie were always unbelievably well put together, glamorous at all times. Even on an off-day, Joan is immaculate. The way that both of them navigated the world, and speaking to men in general, is something I’ve definitely taken on. The power they would wield in a room was extraordinary to watch.
There was a period of Joan and Jackie not being particularly close with one another, but over the past few years, I’ve spent a lot of time with Joan. When I’m with her, I feel close to my grandmother.
 |
| Jackie with grand daughters including India collecting her OBE |
Joan has always had an effect on people. When I was at school and teachers found out we were related, they were gobsmacked: “Joan Collins is your aunt?!” I tended to downplay it. When I went to drama school, the teachers had no idea who I was. One day, one said that a scene I was doing had “something very Joan Collins about it”. My friends started laughing.
I remember watching Dynasty as a child and being struck by seeing my relative playing that character on screen, how poised she was, how incredible she looked. It must have set something off in me because I’m the only one in the family who has pursued acting.
When I was young I also tried to read a couple of my grandmother’s books but found it quite difficult. Why? Because within the first few pages there would be an in-depth sex scene. So I waited until I was older. In the years since I’ve actually narrated a lot of her audiobooks. That was interesting!
Having someone famous in the family is, I’d say, quite difficult. Absolutely, there are doors that are opened and there’s a certain level of privilege, but sometimes it feels as if you have even more to prove. You have to be better. If you look at a lot of the kids in Hollywood with famous parents, they tend to be really, really good. They kind of have to be. Once that door is open, you’re very much on your own.
I remember on the first day of shooting this film with Joan, doing the read-through, I think quite a few people in the cast were probably sitting there thinking, she has gotten this because of who her aunt is. I’m sure the producers were also a little bit “Oh my God!” when Joan first suggested me, but we did a Zoom reading and it went really well. I threw myself into it.
My first day on set with Joan was terrifying, though. The most nervous I’ve been. I was shaking! But she is such a giving actress, so approachable, normal and lovely. It was incredible to work with her, an amazing experience.
She has always been very good with advice, always warning me of the dangers of the industry. She knows how hard it can be. I’ve seen her in periods of struggling, of not working, but she always handles things so well. She has this inner strength.
I see her every couple of weeks for dinner and feel that we can talk about anything. She has more energy at her age than I have at 32. She’ll be out five nights in a row having dinners with friends. I don’t know what she’s running on, but she is definitely an extrovert.
I think that is what keeps her going. You should see her walk into a restaurant. People are completely starstruck. It’s charisma — at the highest level.
A Murder Between Friends is available on digital platforms now
 |
| Joan with Alex Jones, Ronan Kemp and fellow guest Adrian Lester |
