Barbara Taylor Bradford, the celebrated novelist whose works captivated millions worldwide, has died at the age of 91. Known for her sweeping epic novels, Bradford’s career-defining debut, A Woman of Substance (1979), sold 30 million copies, inspired seven sequels, and was adapted into a TV mini-series that became Channel 4’s most-watched program in 1985.

Over her illustrious career, Bradford wrote 40 novels, including beloved series like Ravenscar, Cavendon, and House of Falconer. Her storytelling, often centered on ambitious and resilient women, resonated deeply with readers.

Charlie Redmayne, CEO of HarperCollins, described Bradford as “a truly exceptional writer whose first book, the international bestseller A Woman of Substance, changed the lives of so many who read it—and still does to this day.”

Lynne Drew, her editor and publisher, praised Bradford’s work ethic and enduring curiosity, saying, “She epitomized the woman of substance she created and was an inspiration for millions of readers and countless writers.”

Bradford’s debut novel, A Woman of Substance, tells the rags-to-riches story of Emma Harte, a maid who rises to become the owner of a major department store. The book’s themes of ambition, perseverance, and empowerment struck a chord, leading to a successful TV adaptation that earned two Emmy nominations and an enduring place in pop culture.

Born in Leeds, England, Barbara Taylor Bradford began her career as a journalist before transitioning to fiction writing. Her novels, characterized by their generational sagas and complex characters, have been translated into over 40 languages and sold more than 90 million copies worldwide.

Bradford’s influence extended beyond literature; she was a beacon of inspiration for women aspiring to break barriers. Her stories of ambition and resilience remain a testament to her belief in the power of determination.

Universal’s Wicked and Paramount’s Gladiator II are off to a dazzling start at the box office, with combined ticket sales expected to surpass $200 million over the weekend, marking a strong kickoff to the holiday movie season.

The highly anticipated adaptation of Wicked has already garnered $19.2 million from advance screenings throughout the week. The film’s preview success includes $2.5 million from Amazon Prime-exclusive Monday showings, $5.7 million across North American theaters on Wednesday, and an additional $11 million from Thursday night previews at around 3,300 venues.

Initially projected to debut at $80 million, Wicked’s opening weekend forecasts have surged to an estimated $120 million to $140 million, with some analysts predicting even greater numbers. The musical adaptation currently holds an impressive 92% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes from over 160 critics and boasts a near-perfect 99% audience satisfaction rating from verified viewers.

Industry experts are optimistic about the films’ impact on the fall box office. Shawn Robbins of Fandango noted, “Wicked and Gladiator II represent the kind of counter-programming audiences have been waiting for, setting the stage for a potentially historic holiday corridor.” With Disney’s Moana 2 slated for release next week, the Thanksgiving movie season is poised to break records.

Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar has taken the music world by storm with the unexpected release of his sixth studio album, GNX. The 12-track project dropped suddenly on Friday at 17:00 GMT via Lamar’s social media channels, sending fans into a frenzy.

The album showcases collaborations with notable artists, including R&B sensation SZA and acclaimed jazz musician Kamasi Washington. GNX follows Lamar’s critically acclaimed 2022 album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers and further solidifies his reputation as one of the most innovative voices in music.

The release comes as Lamar gears up for a landmark performance as the headliner of the Super Bowl halftime show in February, building anticipation for what promises to be a standout event.

GNX also reflects an eventful period in Lamar’s career, marked by his creative evolution and a high-profile feud with Canadian artist Drake that has fueled recent tracks.

With its surprise arrival and star-studded features, GNX is poised to dominate charts and spark widespread discussion, underscoring Kendrick Lamar’s ability to captivate audiences with every move.