Stir caused by opera character's sexual identity shows society still mired in paranoia.

Jane Shepherdson changed the way women shop and has been dubbed the most important person in fashion.

Research has revealed the naked mole rat has a genome similar to that of a human.

The world's leading credit ratings agencies have been threatened with tighter regulation and break-up by some of Europe's most powerful politicians.

Lily Allen feels "protected" by her local church.

I've just used one of the European budget airlines for the first time, and found it very good.

Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland, is the perfect place for a full Christmas experience with snow, elves and the jolly man himself.

Mary Lambie spent last Christmas lugging her three young children to Lapland to meet the "real" Mr Claus.

Advice on what to see in Paris and where to stay in France's Champagne region.

At 67, French screen legend Catherine Deneuve embodies the essence of growing old gracefully. Helen Barlow surveys the life and loves of the star and talks to her about her new film, a feminist comedy.

Anniversary edition of niche hatch eagerly awaited

An Italian study backs up Alasdair Thompson's claim that women take more sick leave due to their periods, but experts say the reasons behind gender-related pay inequality go much deeper.

Ultra-luxury carmaker teams up with Toyota to produce a surprising runabout for urban drivers.