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.

Zayn Malik paid a heartfelt tribute to his late former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne during a performance at the O2 Academy Leeds on Saturday night. At the end of his show, Malik held up a sign that read, “Love you bro,” accompanied by Payne’s name and birth and death years. The message, shared widely on social media, concluded with a pink heart.

The tribute followed an emotionally charged month for Malik, whose tour has faced delays in the wake of Payne’s passing. The Leeds concert saw Malik perform hits such as Pillowtalk and My Woman. Fans had speculated that Malik would address Payne’s loss during the show, and his poignant gesture left the audience moved.

Payne tragically died at age 31 last month after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina. His funeral took place on Wednesday in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, attended by family, friends, and all four of his former bandmates—Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik. Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, and his former partner Cheryl, with whom he shares a son, were also present.

Malik has postponed several tour dates, both in the UK and the US, citing the “heartbreaking loss” of Payne. Two Edinburgh shows, originally scheduled for 20 and 21 November, have been moved to 8 and 9 December, respectively. Malik assured fans that all tickets for the original dates would remain valid.

Similarly, Malik delayed the US leg of his Stairway to the Sky Tour, which had been set to begin in San Francisco, followed by stops in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and New York. Rescheduled US dates are planned for January, with tickets remaining valid.

“Love you all and thank you for your understanding,” Malik shared with fans on social media.

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.