BALD

BEARS? Check. Bald eagles? Check. Humpback whales? Check. Sea lions? Check. And world’s scariest ziprider? Ch . . . erm, not quite.

It wasn’t for want of trying. For the benefit of Sun readers I was yet again ready to face my deep-rooted fear of heights and hurtle 5,500ft down a mountain at 65mph. On a flimsy wire.

But, alas, the weather conspired against us.

I was on a tour of Alaska with Celebrity Cruises and the terrifying ziprider was one of the main attractions at our first port of call, Icy Strait Point.

Nestled next to the tiny fishing town of Hoonah (population 900), Icy Strait Point is now a fixture on the cruise circuit in this part of the world.

It boasts wildlife, scenery, a VERY steep cable car ride up the mountain, before an even steeper ride down on the aforementioned ziprider.

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Luckily, the wildlife did not let us down even if the weather did.

Heading out into the bay with enthusiastic marine mammal expert Lauryn, it wasn’t long before we were trailing alongside a pod of orcas, including an adorable calf.

Soon, a majestic humpback whale joined in the fun off the port side, repeatedly spouting and giving us a show of its giant tail.

Then, over on the shore, Lauryn spotted movement . . .  bears!

We watched in amazement as a mama bear and her two cubs plodded through their natural habitat, foraging on the shore.

Attenborough documentaries won’t cut it after this.

My one regret in that moment was not having invested in a better phone or camera before the trip so that I could bring home pictures to do the experience justice. Don’t make my mistake, explorers!

Back on land, and with the ziprider still closed, we refuelled at Lil Gen’s Mini Donuts.

This Salvation Army-run hut raises funds to help the tiny Alaskan community survive the winter months, when it’s too cold for cruise tourists to stop by and spend their money in the assortment of gift shops.

Check out the killer whale sculpture by American artist Wyland in the town’s harbour, by the way — apparently the seals find it so realistic that they’re now too scared to come to the shore!

Whales, seals and sea lions were regular sights from the deck of Celebrity’ Cruises’ newly refurbished Solstice, which took me on my week-long round trip from Vancouver.

The ship has seen improvements from bow to stern, including refreshed cabins and the creation of bougie new panoramic staterooms, if you have cash to splash.

A buzzy new sports and games bar, The Parlor, acts as a focal point for meeting before and after dinner at any of the vessel’s 11 restaurants.

I challenge you to name a board game they don’t have in that bar.

It’s also worth mentioning the flawless wi-fi passengers enjoy throughout the cruise, thanks to its use of Starlink.

I’ve been on cruises where connecting to the internet or video-calling home can be a painful experience, but not on here.

Staff were unfailingly friendly and helpful, as you’d expect, and were quick to find alternative excursions on shore when the weather interfered with plans.

As well as a multitude of wildlife-watching tours, there was everything from husky sledding atop a glacier and seaplane rides to wild fishing and, in Ketchikan, a live lumberjack show.

On another of our stops, Alaska’s state capital Juneau, a main street packed with gift shops, treats, stuffed animals and beer ended with a taste of the freshest, tastiest crab I’ve ever encountered at Tracy’s King Crab Shack, right on the dockside. And as you might imagine, the salmon in Alaska is a different class.

Which is why all the bears and sea lions look so darn healthy.

On one of the cruise’s sea days, the Solstice went for a breathtaking pass by the Hubbard Glacier.

The captain kindly swung the boat slowly through 360 degrees so everyone could get a good look at the mind-blowing scene from either the warmth of their cabin or out on the sleet-lashed deck.

With a face six miles wide and 400ft tall, the tidewater glacier is actively advancing rather than shrinking, and the cruise ships that pass by have to keep a safe distance due to the regular “calving” of building-size chunks of ice into the ocean.

All along the journey up from Vancouver and back again, the mist-shrouded and snow-topped mountains were awe-inspiring — but again sold horribly short by my everyday iPhone.

Which makes me think, I need to start planning what I need to buy for my return trip.

Mobile phone with MUCH better zoom? Check.

Big-boy pants for the big-boy ziprider? Erm . . .  let’s see nearer the time.

PITBULL proved to the world what a smooth operator he is by getting together the biggest crowd of baldies.

He set a Guinness World Record at his Hyde Park gig when 22,141 fans put on  bald caps — and then described the moment as “priceless”.

The London audience also turned out in white shirts and aviator sunglasses to emulate Mr Worldwide’s trademark look — and our Emily was one of them.

With the phenomenal demand for tickets, Pitbull also broke the record for the highest- recorded attendance for a BST Hyde Park show, with 69,999 fans.

Walking out on to the Great Oak Stage on Friday, he said: “It is hard for me to say I am speechless, but all I can think of right now is knowing what my family went through in order to be someone free.

“As an immigrant family out of Cuba, to be able to pursue my dream and be on a stage like this and represent with all the baldies around the world, this is priceless.

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“There is no way I could say thank you, there are no words to say what I feel right now.”

Pitbull, real name Armando Christian Perez, was handed his certificate by Radio 1’s Greg James and presenter Jack Remmington backstage before the show.

He said: “To all the baldies — like I said before, without you all, there is no Pitbull, no movement, no revolution.”

Of setting the records, he said: “It is not a surprise because hard work pays off and the harder I work, the luckier I get. What a blessing it is to be here in Hyde Park.”

In true style, Pitbull swigged from a bottle of his $24 Voli 305 vodka made in his home city Miami, to get into the party mood.

He was joined on stage by Kesha who rose to fame after featuring on Pitbull’s 2013 track Timber.

She said: “This record changed both of our lives, Pit.”

Meanwhile, Pitbull got into the spirit of the World Cup as he played Oasis track Wonderwall to the thousands of baldies, after the track was adopted by Three Lions fans.

He said: “I thought, ‘What was the best way to represent you all?’. A good friend of mine said, ‘I think you should do this record’.”

During a two- hour set, Pitbull was also joined on stage by rapper Lil Jon for tracks Gasolina and Damn I Love Miami.

He ended the show with Time Of Our Lives featuring Ne-Yo, in which he raps: “Every day above ground is a great day.”

For his legion of fans, Friday July 10 in Hyde Park will be a night to remember.

JAMES’ RETURN TO UK

AMERICAN great James Taylor is returning to the UK for the first time in four years.

The You’ve Got a Friend singer, who has sold more than 100million records worldwide, will play London’s O2 with his All-Star band on Thursday, July 23.

James told last week that he was invited to Taylor and Travis Kelce’s wedding at Madison Square Garden in New York last week.

However, James was unable to attend because of his annual tradition of performing at Tanglewood Music Festival in Massachusetts.

LIL JOHN: FAN LOVE LIKE MJ

US rapper Lil Jon has likened Pitbull’s fan following to that of Michael Jackson.

The bald caps reminded him of MJ devotees wearing the famous single glove.

Chatting to Biz on Sunday’s Emily backstage in Hyde Park, he said: “This is Michael Jackson-style stuff.

“I remember in the Eighties when people wanted the glove or the jacket.

“That is when you have transcended normal music and you have gone into pop culture, when people want to dress up like you.”

The rapper, real name Jonathan H. Smith, suffered a tragedy in February when his son Nathan, 27, was found dead in a pond.

Lil Jon revealed that he now wears a smoky quartz stone, said to provide emotional stability, around his neck as a tribute to his boy.

PETER’S KO’D BY TYSON

FATHER-of-the bride Tyson Fury proved a real knockout for Peter Andre.

The former world boxing champ went out of his way to put Pete at ease before he performed at daughter Venezuala’s recent wedding.

The Mysterious Girl singer said: “I chatted to Tyson for about an hour and he made me feel very welcome. I wasn’t just the performer.”

However, Peter enjoyed the gig so much that he is open to singing at more weddings.

He added: “It was such a happy occasion, I love weddings.”

Meanwhile, Peter is needed back on stage as he performs at Mamma Mia! The Party at The O2 in London. He will be playing Nikos until later this month.

Pete said: “It’s been amazing to vibe off the audience every night, and the set is incredible. It really feels like I’m in Greece. My kids have come to see me. I’m hoping they are getting more into Abba.”

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DECEMBER 10 have the backing of Take That.

Cruz, Hendrik, Sean, John, Josh, Danny and Nicolas performed at Capital’s Summertime Ball last month and had a letter from the boyband legends. John said: “We opened it together.”

Hendrik added: “They kept it short and sweet saying, ‘Good luck boys, enjoy it’.”

Niall Horan also offered support to the boys, who released their debut EP On Your Side on Friday.

Sean said: “He said he still gets nervous. To know someone like Niall is also bricking it is a good thing.”

IT is said Victoria Beckham lives off a diet of grilled fish and steamed vegetables, but the Spice Girl-turned-businesswoman has now trademarked a range of cookware in the States.

Could the fashionista be out to give Jamie Oliver a run for his money?

Posh has filed paperwork for a name against a range of food and drink items including shot glasses, cake tins, cookie jars and sandwich boxes.

I have heard she likes a tequila.

But don’t go binning your Le Creuset pans just yet, as a source close to her tells me: “Victoria is protecting her categories. Nothing imminent is in the works.”

The beauty of Zen

ODYSSEY goddess Zendaya is heading on an exciting journey of her own by going into the beauty business.

The actress –  who plays Athena in Christopher Nolan’s new epic fantasy film – might even rival Gwyneth Paltrow’s wellness brand Goop one day.

She has filed Zendaya trademarks in the UK and the States for beauty and hair products, as well as social media and website services. A source said:

“Zendaya is an incredible actress and now she is set to make waves in the beauty industry.”

The new venture comes as her husband, Spider-Man actor Tom Holland, has launched premium booze-free beer brand Bero.

Zendaya was ruffling feathers when she stepped out in this revealing Louis Vuitton frilly gown for the Odyssey movie premiere held in Paris this week.

And as power couples go, it certainly looks like Tom and Zendaya are the ones to watch. 

OLIVIA ATTWOOD has her perfectly manicured fingers in so many pies, I’m struggling to keep up.

As well as her TV shows, podcast and various brand deals, the former Love Islander is now launching her own cocktail in a tin.

She hinted at the project earlier this year when she had the name of the drink tattooed on to her arm. Savano comes in three mixes – Hot Honey Margarita, Caipirinha and Moscow Mule – and is distributed by drinks firm Babco.

Olivia said the tipple is “a really exciting new chapter”, adding: “I’ve been teasing it for a little while so I can’t wait for everyone to finally try it.”

KATIE Price’s husband Lee Andrews has confessed he’s going bald – and blamed his thinning hair on prison food. 

Lee recently spent time in Dubai’s notorious Al Awir jail where he was held over unpaid debts. 

In a new social media clip, the conman told followers he will be exposing “60 people from the celeb world” who have been talking bad about him recently. 

During the video, Lee pointed to his head and showed off a bald spot before saying: “I’m going bald. What the f**k?”

Sighing, he added: “Prison food.” 

One celebrity who has made her feelings about Lee very clear is Vogue Williams. 

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Calling out Lee’s recent debunked claims he’s adopted Katie’s five children and landed a part in EastEnders, she said: “He’s saying he’s adopting the kids now. 

“He is actually one of those people that I look at and I’m like, ‘erghhhhh’.”

Vogue continued: “He’s taking the p**s out of everybody.

“This is why I have such a problem with it, I’ve likened it to being really stupid.

“He’s trying to make people seem stupid and think that we actually believe his b******t and I can’t bear it.

“I feel like he doesn’t even have two brain cells to rub together, that’s how I feel about him and I hate being dragged down to his level.”

TV presenter Melanie Sykes has shown off her completely bald head – just days after opening up on her hair loss.

The star, 55, has been battling alopecia and days ago claimed that she was now “two-thirds bald”.

But taking to Instagram this morning, Mel showed that she had no hair left at all.

The telly star flashed a smile in the selfie that she simply captioned as: “Loss + Gain = Life.”

Her brave new post comes amid Mel’s honesty about her recent health issues and the impact to has taken on her.

She previously explained how the autoimmune condition has progressed over time and had left her with noticeable bald patches across her head.

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Mel first opened up about facing life with alopecia last year.

She told how she was in “so much pain” after spending much of it unwell.

She said: “I’ve got an autoimmune condition, I am losing my hair, I keep having crazy inflammation all over and I am working on healing.

“In the last three months, I’ve done a meditation teacher training course.

“I was too ill to finish it like. The last two days of it I couldn’t do.

“It’s meditation teacher training, I don’t necessarily want to teach, but I can do…

“Mostly I’ve been living a very, very very spiritual existence.

“I’m two-thirds bald, really. Every time I say I’m bald I laugh, I don’t know why… Thank god I can laugh.”

Last month, Melanie revealed that her hair had been coming out “really quickly”, after losing hair for more than a year.

She explained to fans how she has been trying on wigs, with her now ditching head scarves because she is keen to “get some hair”.

A pair of nesting bald eagles has been spotted in Los Angeles County, according to a recent Instagram post from the L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation.

In the video posted Friday, the two eagles are perched on a high tree branch in an undisclosed location. Native nesting birds, like bald eagles, are protected under federal law, and disturbing active nests can “disrupt breeding and impact their success,” the department said in the post.

The department did not immediately respond to a request Sunday for comment about where the eagles took up refuge.

Southern California residents should give nesting birds plenty of space and avoid lingering near nest sites, the post said.

If possible, residents should hold off on tree trimming or vegetation clearing during nesting season. Dogs should also remain leashed and under control around trees and shrubs where birds may be nesting, and residents also should not fly drones near wildlife.

If a nestling is in distress, the department said to contact the San Dimas Raptor Rescue Center for advice at (626) 559-5732.