Matt Roper

Senior Features Writer

Based inLondon

Topic ExpertiseBrazil, Crime, Real-life stories

Languages SpokenEnglish, Portuguese

AwardsBritish Journalism Awards nominee - Interviewer of the Year

Matt Roper is a Senior Features Writer for the Mirror. Before rejoining the newspaper he worked as a journalist in Brazil, where he set up an NGO working with victims of child prostitution. He is also the author of several books, including his latest, Before The Night Comes

New Pope: Secrets of the Vatican conclave as cardinals elect Pope Francis successor

The secretive Vatican conclave to elect a new pope has begun, as 133 cardinals gather under intense security, ancient rituals and strict rules to choose the successor to Pope Francis.

First-ever vaping study uncovers horrifying dangers including organ failure and dementia

A groundbreaking study suggests vaping may be more harmful than smoking, increasing risks of dementia, heart disease and organ failure due to continuous nicotine intake and toxic chemicals.

Irish I'm A Celebrity star's pandemic booze struggles led to life-changing decision

I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here

Radio 1 DJ Dean McCullough from Co Antrim has revealed the reason why he won't be joining his fellow contestants for a pint at the Jungle Arms during his stint on the ITV show, which airs on Virgin Media in Ireland.

Erik ten Hag: 15 things sacked Manchester United boss might buy with his £15million golden goodbye

Manchester United FC

The former Man United boss will reportedly receive the huge sum in compensation after his dismissal following a miserable start to the season

John Bishop hires 'comedy coach' to get more laughs after nearly quitting stand-up

Not content with the huge success since first picking up a mic 23 years ago which has seen him pack the biggest arenas, the Scouse funnyman says he’s now hired a comedy coach

Chilling 8 words policewoman told her dad's killer when she arrested him 25 years later

A police officer who decided as a young girl she would do anything to catch the killer of her beloved father made sure he knew why he had been caught following his arrest last week

Mystery of man who went to pub toilet and was never seen again finally solved 56 years on

Missing persons

Alfred Swinscoe was missing since he gave his son 10 quid for last orders at a pub in January 1967. A pair of odd socks has finally solved the 56-year mystery.

'I'm a darts walk-on girl - it's not sexist, I can't wait to make a glamorous comeback'

Darts walk-on girls were banned in 2018, but they are finally getting their jobs back. Here Charlotte Wood, a walk-on girl herself, and presenter Emma Woolf debate whether the role is feminist or not

Inside football kidnap gangs after Luis Diaz dad snatched - boycott, murder and ransoms

As Liverpool star Luis Diaz becomes the latest victim, we lift the lid on how abductions of soccer stars' relatives has become a huge industry blighting South America

Mrs Brown actor Brendan O'Carroll explains why he's terrified to dress as her in public

Mrs Brown's Boys

Comedian Brendan O'Carroll reveals behind-the scenes secrets from Mrs Brown's Boys - and why he leaves the character in his dressing room - as hit sitcom get sets for TV return

Sinead O'Connor's haunting last interview reveals trouble and heartache in her own words

Sinead O'Connor

Sky documentary Nothing Compares was to be screened this weekend as an intimate portrait of a living legend but days before its release date, Sinead was found dead at her home in London

Man with 24 personalities cleared of rape - real life story of new Tom Holland drama

Officers had assumed it was a simple open and shut case – but it turned out there would be nothing simple about the tale of Billy Milligan, whose story is told in new Apple TV+ series

'Our songs made us the most sampled band in history - but no one knows who we are'

Concert tickets

Everyone knows their songs - but getting people to name the funk pioneers behind a string of infectious hits might be a tad more difficult

Steeltown Murders - what happened next to real life people behind gripping BBC drama

Geraldine Hughes

The series has been a big hit for BBC. But for everyone involved in the grisly serial killer case, it was not the end of the story

'I rescued Ghetto Kids from the slums and now we've made Britain's Got Talent history'

Britain's Got Talent

Ghetto Kids, a dance troupe aged five to 13, who captivated viewers and judges with their energetic routine, are among 31 children who Daouda has given a home to

Bangles' classic Eternal Flame originally REJECTED by band leaving songwriter 'bereft'

Susanna Hoff, one of the co-founders of The Bangles, recalled her bandmates didn't want the iconic love song on their third album back in the 1980s , leaving her devastated

Liverpool is the perfect city to host Eurovision, says former finalist Sonia

Eurovision Song Contest

After missing out in 1993, the singer dreamed of bringing the competition back to her hometown. And 30 years later, that dream is about to finally come true

What it's like to grow up in care - needing sleepover risk assessment and being labelled naughty

Documentary feature voices of some of the 80,000 children in care system who are rarely allowed to tell people what they feel and think

World Cup heroes, rock spectaculars, and fighting famine - 100 years of Wembley Stadium

Now one of the most famous and best-loved stadia in the world, since being built it has been the stage for some of the country’s most memorable sporting achievements and the century’s defining moments

How Len Goodman went from East End barrow boy to unlikely ballroom dance star

Len Goodman died aged 78 on Saturday but the legendary dancer had been prepared to turn his back on his shoes and retire to the gold course before Strictly was launched

Richard O'Brien brands Rocky Horror Show's popularity 50 years on 'astonishing'

The smash hit musical was originally premiered to 63 people in London in 1973 after Richard O'Brien wrote it for a bit of fun - five decades later it is still reaching new audiences

EastEnders legend Rita Simons' daughter already starring in TV drama aged 16

Aged just 16, Maiya is starring in BBC kids drama Silverpoint, which was nominated for two BAFTAs last year

Paul O'Grady's neighbours speak of star's 'generosity' as they line streets for funeral

Paul O'Grady is being laid to rest at a private funeral service in his adoptive hometown of Aldington, Kent as Paul's husband Andre Portasio invited fans to line the streets of the town

Heartbreaking scenes at Paul O'Grady's funeral as Battersea dogs form guard of honour

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home ambassador Paul O'Grady is being laid to rest at a funeral in Aldington, Kent today after the TV star died age 67 at the end of March

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