In the new issue: Laura Whitmore reflects on what we owe the next generation in her special Hot Press cover story

It is a great privilege to announce our powerful new Hot Press cover – starring the wonderful Laura Whitmore, speaking about what we owe our next generation.

Laura will be back in Ireland to host this year’s Rock Against Homelessness gig in Dublin, on St Patrick’s Day, March 17 – featuring performances from Bob Geldof, Sharon Shannon, Garron Noone and many more. With homeless figures on the rise in Ireland, including many who are children, it is a poignant context in which to consider the meaning and importance of home – including the fundamental right to have a roof over our heads.

Against that troubling backdrop, the broadcaster, author, actor, and podcaster, who has recently turned 40, also addresses the dystopian world we’re in danger of creating for the next generation – with hateful anti-immigrant rhetoric, genocide and rapidly advancing AI presenting major challenges.

“If you have a voice, you should be speaking out,” Laura tells Hot Press – and she goes on to share her personal reflections on pregnancy, parenthood, and her remarkable life and career to date.

As the first Hot Press cover openly celebrating pregnancy, and doing it with a marvellously striking shoot, with Laura wearing all Irish designers, taken by Kathrin Baumbach, it is an historic must-have – and must-read...

Laura Whitmore. Credit: Kathrin Baumbach

Elsewhere in this action-packed issue of Hot Press – available to order now:

As Mumford & Sons unveil their star-studded sixth studio album, Prizefighter – and gear up for a major Marlay Park headliner – we travel over to Berlin to meet with Marcus Mumford and Ted Dwane, and talk country music, confidence, Hozier, Aaron Dessner, CMAT, Trump’s America, and soundtracking anti-ICE videos…

Mumford & Sons. Credit: Conor Cunningham

In a stacked film section, Maggie Gyllenhaal talks to Roe McDermott about her gothic crime drama The Bride!; Baz Luhrmann discusses Epic: Elvis Presley In Concert; and Emerald Fennell chats about Wuthering Heights.

With their stellar new offering Pull Like A Dog about to drop, The Scratch chat with Will Russell about the album's creation, touring with Dropkick Murphys, working with Susan O’Neill and meeting Macca.

As they gear up for a run of Irish shows, Cardinals tell us how Cork, Palestine, Kevin Barry, religion, and the “romantic” accordion have all shaped their debut album, Masquerade.

Back in Dublin for the Bowie Festival 2026, David’s piano man Mike Garson talks about the 40-plus years they worked together, hanging out in Philly with Springsteen, Gary Oldman, and the haunting genius of Blackstar.

As Ailbhe Reddy returns with Kiss Big, the Dublin singer-songwriter discusses signing with US label Don Giovanni, writing her debut novel, and why working on her new album almost inspired her to change her name.

Ailbhe Reddy. Credit: Su Mustecaplioglu

And that's just a taste of what you expect from this captivating new issue – which is en route to shops now, and is available to order online below:

Laura Whitmore Cover Shoot Credits:

Photographer: Kathrin Baumbach
Stylist: Dee Moran
Hair Stylist: Joe Pickering-Taylor
Make Up Artist: Tori Ball
Jumper: Colin Burke from Havana Boutique
Starling Statement Silver Ring: Emer Roberts
Jacket & Skirt: Róisín Pierce
Silver Starling Necklace & Gold Round Halo Stacking Ring: Emer Roberts