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Spectator
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Spectator
A lament for the lads' mags
Do you remember the lads' mags? I do because I worked on them for years. FHM, Maxim, all those gloriously disreputable titles. I helped dream up the captions, the gags, the gonzo reportage, the phwoar-heavy covers. I also remember how they were reviled. Condemned by broadsheets, feminists, academics. Accused of objectifying girls, toxifying masculinity and encouraging men to enjoy cold lager, bare breasts and football gossip. Yet here's the thing. When I contrast the world of lads' mags with today's bleak digital landscape, of AI smut and OnlyFans subscriptions, of performers mechanically coupling with a thousand men, cheered on by Insta-bots, the old magazines, even if sometimes crude or clumsy, seem almost noble. Paragons of playfulness and wit. Of joyful, communal, slightly sozzled eroticism. They were printed on paper, for one thing. You had to buy them, take them to a till, perhaps even smuggle them past a disapproving girlfriend. Then you'd read them on the bus or in the pub, or pass them round your mates, chuckling over absurd sex-advice columns – especially Grub Smith's 'Laboratory of Love'. And they were funny. In the early years, before the suits turned everything into clickbait, we made sure we amused. We borrowed from Private Eye, from Viz, from Monty Python. The best mags also had proper journalists doing proper journalism: gun-runners in Guangdong, acid casualties in Ibiza. Put it another way – the lads' mags had a kind of courage, even an intellectual curiosity. Sometimes, if you were lucky, they got you to invent a ridiculous phrase that would last forever. Or at least they did for me. It was the late 1990s and FHM was peaking. At its best, the magazine sold nearly a million copies a month. We were carefully producing the first-ever list of The 100 Sexiest Women in the World (which became an annual standard). My job was to write the captions. One hundred pithy, smutty, funny lines beneath a hundred photos of impossibly attractive women. Sounds easy? You try it – without using ChatGPT. Try writing a hundred unique ways of saying 'she's hot' without repeating yourself or getting sacked. Around no. 34, I was delirious. Around no. 50, the editor physically locked me in his office and refused to let me out until the job was done. Then, somewhere around no. 73, I hit a wall. I was staring at a Danish starlet with smoky eyes and a definite air of sexual availability, of 'come hither' and 'I'm ready'. Falteringly, I typed: 'You can tell she's wetter than…' And there I stopped. Wetter than what? Heavy rain? Dublin in December? Then came the lightning bolt: 'Wetter than an otter's pocket.' There it was: a perfect smutty phrase. Rude, but somehow innocent. Suggestive, but oddly poetic. It had internal rhyme and a ribald hint of biology. What does an otter keep in his pocket? His lunch. Work it out. Then, years later, something odd happened. I started hearing my phrase. From a football pundit describing an Anfield pitch. Then a weather girl. Some bloke on local radio. Then it cropped up on pub signs, in band names, in poems. Even, to my alarm, in the title of a Penguin children's book (er, guys). Curious, I contacted the editors of Viz's Profanisaurus, keepers of the English language's smuttiest corners. Had I pinched it unconsciously? 'We can find no earlier usage,' they graciously replied. 'Looks like it's yours.' It's not much of a literary legacy, I'll admit. But it proves my point: however daft, however filthy, that kind of writing came from somewhere real. From a shared humour, shared culture, shared sense of sly British mischief. It was a Carry On wink, not a deracinated leer. Compare that with today. Porn is infinite and industrial. AI generates fake nudes of real women and OnlyFans monetises isolation. Meanwhile bedrooms grow quieter, intimacy becomes a memory. And incels slowly lose their minds, in darkness. It sounds odd to write this, but I believe that the lads' mag era – so often dismissed as crass and sexist – was a kind of funny, smutty Golden Age. And now we are in the Age of Loneliness.
Wales Online
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
James Haskell's major body transformation as he makes Chloe Madeley split admission
James Haskell's major body transformation as he makes Chloe Madeley split admission The England international has been putting in the hours in the gym James Haskell and Chloe Madeley pictured in 2022 (Image: 2022 Max Mumby/Indigo ) Former England international James Haskell has undergone a major body transformation. The ex-flanker, who won 77 caps for his country, has been rehabbing from a shoulder injury and going through a difficult period personally, following his separation from ex-wife Chloe Madeley and the recent passing of his father. It seems the DJ and podcaster has been channelling his efforts into his exercise regime, with Haskell juggling his numerous other exploits with a fitness plan to get into incredible shape. Posting on Instagram, he explained that his injury - sustained during a gaffe filming his rugby podcast - had made things more challenging. "When Sarah @roarfitnessgirl first mentioned doing something with ROAR, I jumped at the chance," he wrote. "I knew their reputation for delivering serious body transformations and I was ready for the challenge. "Working with James and the team took it to another level. I'd done shoots before FHM, Gay Times, Attitude, GQ but never trained for them. I'd just wandered in off the pitch. This time, I wanted to see how lean I could really get. I'd just turned 40 it all lined up perfectly. Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below "Injury midway through (yes, tore a bicep off the bone), DJ sets in Monaco, Wales and Exmouth, no carbs, late nights, dad duties it was full-on. "But I loved every bit of it. ROAR @roarfitnessldn built a plan around me my goals, my injuries, my madness. They kept me focused, challenged me, and saw me through. "If you want serious results and a team that knows exactly how to get you there ROAR is the one. Can't wait to take on the next challenge. Let's see how far we can go. @jamescastlemason." Haskell recently revealed one of the main reasons why his marriage with Chloe broke down. The pair split in 2023 after five years of wedlock. Drinking was a big factor, Haskell admitted. "If I put more time into my marriage than I did Guinness, then I wouldn't be divorced now," he confessed to MailOnline while at Pub in the Park festival in west London. "It's one of those things in life where some things don't work out, but I have so much love for my daughter and Chloe. It's teamwork." "What we all forget is when you have children and a marriage finishes, it's all about the kids," he added. "Chloe and I are amazing co-parents. Our priority is always Bodhi." Chloe previously refused to delve into the reasons for their separation, saying she wanted to protect Bodhi from the "dark and painful experiences" she went through. Speaking to The Sun, she said: "When you tell people that you are divorcing, everyone sees it as such a negative thing," before clarifying: "They say: 'This is going to be so hard for you.' And, yes, it is, but the hardest bit was when we were married." Article continues below She also revealed that "the last year of the marriage was awful" adding: "It was so dark, painful, and one of the worst periods of my life. It's a good thing we ended it."
Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Rangers fans shocked to discover who Russell Martin's VERY recognisable girlfriend is - as new boss signs three-year deal at Ibrox
Rangers fans have expressed shock after finding out who Russell Martin's former topless model girlfriend Lucy Pinder is. The former Scotland international defender signed a three-year contract at Ibrox just a week after a US-based consortium completed a takeover of the Glaswegian club. The 39-year-old had a short stint at Rangers as a player in 2018 and moves to Scotland for his first job after being sacked by Southampton in December with the club languishing in the Premier League 's bottom spot. Martin led the Saints to Championship promotion the previous season and enjoyed succesful spells at Swansea and MK Dons. The Rangers ownership labelled him the 'standout choice' to take charge after a long recruitment process to replace Philippe Clement - with former captain Barry Ferguson leading the team since February. Amid the initial fanfare over his appointment, some Rangers supporters took to social media to share their surprise after discovering who his partner is. 'How the f*** am I just now discovering Lucy Pinder,' one wrote on X. 'I still live in Scotland and I don't have a clue who she is,' another added. But others were fully aware of the former glamour model. 'Where have you been,' one fan replied to the tweet. 'Your having a laugh aren't you mate,' another replied. Pinder, 41, was at the height of her fame in the mid-2000s during the era of lads' mags such as FHM, Nuts and Loaded. She appeared topless in Nuts Magazine was ranked on FHM's '100 Sexiest Women in the World'. She also featured on Soccer AM, albeit fully clothed, and later entered the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2009. One Rangers fan took to social media to express his shock at finding out who Lucy Pinder was Pinder was discovered as a model on Bournemouth beach in 2003, at the age of 19, when she was working as a secretary. She is a life-long Southampton supporter, but will be cheering on her husband from Ibrox rather than St Mary's next season. Martin and Pinder went public with their relationship in August last year as she shared a picture of them together in Brighton, where Martin was receiving an honorary degree. Martin's relationship with Pinder follows the breakdown of his marriage to Jasmine, with whom he shares three children and who he previously hailed as a 'supermum'.
Daily Mirror
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rangers boss Russell Martin's eye-catching girlfriend is page 3 icon Lucy Pinder
Russell Martin has been named as Rangers' new head coach and the former Southampton boss could be bringing his girlfriend, former glamour model Lucy Pinder, to Glasgow Rangers have finally ended their long search for a manager by announcing the appointment of Russell Martin. The Scottish giants sacked Philippe Clement in February, with Martin now stepping in as head coach in the hope of restoring the club to glory. Martin, who had a short loan spell at Rangers as a player, signed a three-year contract on Thursday to kick off a fresh era at Ibrox. It comes just after a US-based consortium, led by Andrew Cavenagh and the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers, completed a takeover of the club last week. The former Scotland defender, 39, last managed Southampton, who he guided to Premier League promotion before being sacked last December. And as he looks towards what he'll hope will be a more successful spell, he could be joined in Glasgow by his glamorous partner - former lads' mag favourite Lucy Pinder. He was previously married to bodybuilder Jasmine Martin, with whom he has three children, but they parted ways in 2023. Russell and Lucy went public with their relationship last August as she shared a sweet snap of them in Brighton, where Martin was receiving an honorary degree in his hometown. And via the Record, here's everything we know about the latest Rangers WAG... Glamour model Pinder was a regular in magazines such as FHM, Nuts and Loaded in the early 2000s. She appeared topless in Nuts Magazine and was listed on FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" on several occasions. In 2007 she placed 92nd, in 2006 she was 35th and in 2005, she made the top 20, placing 16th. Also in 2007, Ralph Magazine honoured her with the title of "the best boobs in the world". Pinder appeared as a contestant on a 'WAGS and Glamour Girls" edition of The Weakest Link in September 2007. TV and film She entered the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2009 along with stars such as Ulrika Johnson, La Toya Jackson, Tina Malone, Tommy Sheridan and Coolio. But she was the first to be evicted on day eight. Pinder became well known among football fans too, regularly joining the crew on Soccer AM while wearing her Southampton top. In 2012, she traded reality TV for movies and tried her hand at acting, playing her first supporting role in the comedy horror Strippers vs Werewolves. She starred in Age of Kill alongside Martin Kemp in 2015, as well as supernatural thrillers Suburban Fairytale and Fanged Up. Pinder even ventured into Bollywood films with an appearance in the action drama film Waarrior Savitri in 2016. The glamour model then secured a part in American film Sharknado 5: Global Swarming in 2017. Her most recent gig came in 2023, where she played Louise in Nightmare on 34th Street. Relationship history Back in 2016, reports claimed she was seeing Captain America actor Chris Evans, with rumours swirling that she was totally "smitten" with the Marvel star. Though their relationship was never officially confirmed, Pinder and Evans were spotted enjoying a Disneyland day out in January 2015. She was also romantically linked to 'Vikings' star Elijah Rowen in 2019 after being spotted looking cosy together at the British Photography Awards. In August this year, Pinder shared snaps of her and current boyfriend Martin in Brighton together on her Instagram story, confirming their relationship. She's a diehard Southampton fan and the pair are said to be a match made in heaven. The Sun reported a source to have said at the time: "She is a regular face at Southampton functions and is always around the club as a diehard fan. Over the weeks and months their friendship grew into something more. They're a match made in heaven — or at least in Southampton. They're mad for each other.' Podcast In 2019, Pinder launched 'Smashing Sundays', a podcast she co-hosts with her flatmate Beth Granville. The podcast is described as: "Lucy Pinder (model and actress) and Beth Granville (comedy writer and actress), talk about the quintessential British Sunday. "Finding themselves single in their mid 30s after decade long relationships meant the end of the weekend had the potential to be rather a lonely affair; until they made the decision to move in together and make their Sunday's smashing. "With a different guest comedian, actor or musician each week, they discuss their most awful and most smashing Sunday's to date: they range from staying in bed all day eating toast wondering what on earth to do with the rest of their lives to dating disasters to going to a sleepover at Hampton Court getting merry on mead." However, while the podcast is still listed in Pinder's Instagram bio, there haven't been any new episodes released since 2022. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Record
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Meet Russell Martin's glamour WAG as star tipped to become Rangers boss prepares to check in
Famous 90s pin up Lucy Pinder could be coming to Glasgow. Rangers fans have been eager to know who their next manager will be since the search for a new boss was launched at the end of February. Now, the name on everyone's lips is former Southampton manager Russell Martin who sees himself tipped for one of the top roles in Scottish football. The man Rangers want to be their next manager comes off the back of a spell with Southampton that saw him achieve the highs of promotion to the Premier League – as well as the lows of being sacked while rock bottom of the table. With Martin, 39, it is more than fair to say that fans could be in for an interesting ride. After a brief loan spell at Rangers in 2018 during his playing career, he's no stranger to the game north of the border. And if he does head to Glasgow, he could be bringing along his glamorous other half, who many fans will recognise as Martin is currently dating former lads' mag icon Lucy Pinder. Previously, he was married to bodybuilder Jasmine Martin, who he shares three children with, but they went their separate ways in 2023. Russell and Lucy went public with their relationship in August, as Lucy shared a sweet snap of them in Brighton, where Martin was receiving an honorary degree in his hometown. Here's everything we know about the potential latest Rangers WAG... Glamour model Pinder was a regular in magazines such as FHM, Nuts and Loaded in the early 2000s. She appeared topless in Nuts Magazine and frequented FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list on several occasions. In 2007 she was 92nd, in 2006 she was 35th and in she made the top 20, placing 16th. Also in 2007, she was voted "the best boobs in the world" by Ralph Magazine. TV & Film In September 2007, Pinder appeared as a contestant on a 'WAGS and Glamour Girls' edition of The Weakest Link. Lucy appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2009, alongside Ulrika Johnson, La Toya Jackson, Tina Malone, Tommy Sheridan and Coolio, however she was the first housemate evicted on day eight. She also appeared regularly on Soccer AM, where she sported a Southhampton top. In 2012, Lucy traded reality TV for movies and turned her hand to acting where she played her first supporting role in the comedy horror Strippers vs Werewolves. She starred in the Age of Kill with Martin Kemp in 2015, and supernatural thrillers Suburban Fairytale and Fanged Up. In 2016, she then made her Bollywood debut with the action drama film Waarrior Savitri. The glamour model then had a small role in the American film Sharknado 5: Global Swarming in 2017. Her most recent role was in 2023, where she played Louise in Nightmare on 34th Street. Relationship history In 2016, Lucy was reportedly dating Captain America actor Chris Evans, with one newspaper claiming she was "smitten" with the Marvel star. Although their relationship was never confirmed, Pinder was spotted enjoying a day date with Evans at Disneyland in January 2015. She was also linked to Vikings actor Elijah Rowen in 2019 after they were spotted looking cosy together at the British Photography Awards. In August this year, Lucy shared snaps of her and Martin in Brighton together on her Instagram story, confirming their relationship. Lucy is a diehard Southhampton fan and the pair are said to be a match made in heaven. A source told The Sun: "She is a regular face at Southampton functions and is always around the club as a die-hard fan. Over the weeks and months their friendship grew into something more. They're a match made in heaven — or at least in Southampton. They're mad for each other.' Podcast In 2019, Lucy launched a podcast called Smashing Sundays. She presents the show with her flatmate Beth Granville. The description reads: "Lucy Pinder (model and actress) and Beth Granville (comedy writer and actress), talk about the quintessential British Sunday. Finding themselves single in their mid 30s after decade long relationships meant the end of the weekend had the potential to be rather a lonely affair; until they made the decision to move in together and make their Sunday's smashing. "With a different guest comedian, actor or musician each week, they discuss their most awful and most smashing Sunday's to date: they range from staying in bed all day eating toast wondering what on earth to do with the rest of their lives to dating disasters to going to a sleepover at Hampton Court getting merry on mead." The podcast hasn't released any new episodes since 2022, despite it still being in Lucy's Instagram bio. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
