Behind these Doors: As heard on Radio 4 Book of the Week

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As chief inspector of prisons, the late Sir David Ramsbotham was raising the alarm about “ filthy, overcrowded prisons” as long ago as the 1990s. His warnings ruffled so many feathers in the Home Office that his contract was allowed to expire early. Out now: a powerful and affecting look at prison and the devastating impact it can have*'A true, compassionate and honest account of what it is to work in our prisons.' Dr Gwen Adshead, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Devil You Know'A vivid, unsentimental insight into a world that needs to be seen . . . a powerful reminder of how far we are from rehabilitating our prisons.' The Observer'A superb, compelling book . . . powerful.' Daily Mail'This is a beautifully written account about hope and optimism, of humanity, realism, resilience and the complexity of people.' Professor David Wilson__________'The men I have worked with and the staff I've worked alongside over the last ten years in prison have taught me strength, compassion, courage, and fundamentally, the need to talk, the need to share and the need to tell these stories. Things intensified as the years went on. And yet, because I’d always believed in the work I did, all of this seemed, if not surmountable, then at least possible to somehow tolerate. If you get this job right, it is a huge privilege. The impact and influence a prison officer can have is profound. But I found myself becoming increasingly disillusioned with what I was doing. Veronica Mars star Paul Karmiryan MARRIES Stella Mayilyan! Actor ties knot with partner in romantic Cancun ceremony

Louis Theroux reveals he's considering a major step to 'continue his career' after losing his eyebrows to a health condition Alex South — a brave young woman who became a prison officer — endured danger, misery and near-despair, and has written a superb, compelling book about these experiences. Everyone should read it. It is not what you might expect. Angela Scanlon breaks her silence on her 'premature' Strictly Come Dancing exit as she admits she can't stop crying: 'Feels like it's been cut short' Behind These Doors is a vividly honest interrogation of what it is like to live and work in the UK prison system. The individuals Alex South introduces us to are, for the most part, living on the margins of society and the impact of the cycles of violence that so often accompany those lives is clear to see. Natalie and Zafar Rushdie are expecting their second child! Singer shares excitement at having 'positive' things to look forward toOlivia Culpo models a long white dress as she heads to bridal shops in Beverly Hills before her wedding to NFL star Christian McCaffrey And an Observer investigation today reveals a sharply deteriorating picture across the prison system, with three-quarters of jails in England and Wales now having unsatisfactory standards in at least one respect. More than a third were deemed to be insufficiently safe. Leaving your beauty routine out in the cold? Three beauty experts on the skin, hair and nail tips they're giving their celebrity clients this winter

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This is what South loved about being a PO. Many prisoners have no reliable relationships or mentors in their lives. One told her that he was 12 when his dad took him on his first armed robbery. So a good PO could be that first positive role model.

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Jennifer Ellison, 40, flaunts her toned figure in a white bikini in Turkey after revealing she's ditched dieting and is finally happy with her weight Love Island star Chloe Burrows pays tribute to her late friend after his sudden death: 'Love and miss you every day!' Grace Dent's brutal comments slamming I'm A Celebrity as 'puerile televised constipation' resurface after she quits the reality show In my first years, I loved the job so much and part of me was scared to admit that I didn’t any more. The most scary times weren’t even frightening when they were happening. You’ve got your adrenaline and you just have to deal with it. Afterwards, I’d begin to feel it.’ I’d joined because I wanted to make a difference but I reached the point where I didn’t feel I could any more.’South often thinks about the embattled colleagues she has left behind, saying the conditions in which officers are required to work would stun the public.