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Lydia Spencer-Elliott
Lydia Spencer-Elliott is a Features Writer on The Independent’s Lifestyle desk, covering everything from women’s issues, online trends, dating, film, TV, youth culture, nightlife, food and health. She joined the newspaper in 2024 and was previously Senior Features Writer at Grazia. She has freelanced for titles including The Guardian, Vice, Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Huck, Radio Times, and Refinery 29.
LIFESTYLE FEATURES
Meet the people who think AI is their friend: ‘It’s a slippery slope’
Increasing numbers of people have admitted to talking to ChatGPT like one of their mates online. Lydia Spencer-Elliott explores whether we should heed the bot’s pally advice – or if it’ll come back to bite us
CULTURE FEATURES
The cult of Mr Worldwide: How Pitbull started a global movement
The rapper’s loyal fans rock up to his shows wearing bald caps and aviators in his image. As Pitbull embarks on yet another sold out stadium tour, Lydia Spencer-Elliott investigates his mystifyingly enduring appeal
INTERVIEWS
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Erin Doherty: ‘Online fame doesn’t equate to power’
The shapeshifting ‘Adolescence’ and ‘A Thousand Blows’ actor talks to Lydia Spencer-Elliott about pickpocketing lessons, social media and the art of the one-shot drama
Erin Doherty: ‘Online fame doesn’t equate to power’
The shapeshifting ‘Adolescence’ and ‘A Thousand Blows’ actor talks to Lydia Spencer-Elliott about pickpocketing lessons, social media and the art of the one-shot drama
LIFESTYLE FEATURES
How young people fell back in love with old-school photo booths
100 years on from the photo booth’s invention in 1925, the analogue machines are making a comeback among Millennials and Gen Z. Lydia Spencer-Elliott pulls the curtain back on the romance behind the resurgence
LIFESTYLE FEATURES
My mental health is bad – and it makes me scared to become a mother
Having a baby can be a bigger risk for those with anxiety and depression. Lydia Spencer-Elliott asks the experts if pregnancy is still a good idea – and how women can keep themselves safe
My mental health is bad – and it makes me scared to become a mother
Having a baby can be a bigger risk for those with anxiety and depression. Lydia Spencer-Elliott asks the experts if pregnancy is still a good idea – and how women can keep themselves safe
NEWS FEATURES
Vivienne Westwood’s personal wardrobe goes to auction at Christie’s
Some 200 of the designer’s personal clothing collection will be exhibited at the auction house
Vivienne Westwood’s personal wardrobe goes to auction at Christie’s
Some 200 of the designer’s personal clothing collection will be exhibited at the auction house
NEWS EXCLUSIVES
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GALLERIES
2024’s TV heroes on their unmissable cultural picks of the year
Some of the best stars to grace our televisions this year, from Katherine Parkinson to Lennie James, single out their favourite shows, films, music and cultural moments of the past 12 months
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