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HE’s got almost 2 million followers on TikTok alone, has an army of A-list celebrity fans and now US comic Corey O’Brien is preparing to invade the UK.

After blowing up on social media post lockdown with his hilarious videos impersonating everyone from Dua Lipa and Justin Timberlake to the Spice Girls– who all shared his clips online – the 34 year-old former dancer’s comedy career has gone from strength to strength.

And next week he’s performing in London for his first ever UK show, much to the delight of both Corey and his legions of British fans.

“I’m a real anglophile,” smiles Corey, as he chats to The Sun from his home in Los Angeles.

“I’m really excited because I feel like my comedy goes across really well with a UK audience.

“I’m unhinged and have no filter, and I feel like you guys really get that. I have no boundaries, I say whatever the f*** I want to say and I think that’s quite a British sense of humour.”

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He may live 6000 miles away from Blighty, but Corey admits he avidly follows UK pop culture – whether it’s binging classic early seasons of Love Island with his former NFL star boyfriend Ryan K Russell (“we stopped having sex at one point because we were so obsessed with watching Hannah Elizabeth) to keeping abreast of every development of the Beckham family feud.

“I am so invested in that drama,” he confesses. “I’m team Posh, of course. If Victoria wants to come to crash my wedding, do a full dance number and make the night all about her, I wouldn’t hate it.

“She could slap me in the face in the middle of my vows and I would probably say thank you. She’s Victoria Beckham. She was my gay awakening.”

Indeed, when Corey impersonated all five Spice Girls for his own take on the iconic Say You’ll Be There video three years ago, he never expected it to get more than three million views and be shared by the legendary pop group’s official social media channels.

“I think I cried when that happened,” he confessed. “It was one of the most amazing things to ever happen. My boyfriend was upstairs at the time and I screeched as if someone was killing me. He was quite concerned.”

It’s not just iconic British girlbands that Corey is obsessed with though – during our chat he happily recounts his favourite moments from various UK Celebrity Big Brother series.

“Oh my god, I’ve watched all of Chris Hughes and JoJo Siwa‘s romance, I can’t get enough of Farrah Abraham‘s fight with Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace and of course Tiffany Pollard’s ‘David’s dead’ moment is my all time favourite,” he laughs.

“I’d love to do Celebrity Big Brother. If any casting people are reading it, get me on there! I’ll get nude if they want me too!”

Anyone who follows Corey on social media will know he’s more than happy to flash his naked buff body – either in the name of comedy or simply for a bit of a thirst trap.

“I’ve not said this publicly before, but I microdose Ozempic,” he confesses when asked about his increasingly toned physique, before admitting to making a big mistake when he started on the fat jabs.

“I ordered some off some random website for like $400 and, believe it or not, I’m not a doctor so I didn’t really understand the dosages,” he deadpans.

“The first time I took it, I shot up a whole month’s worth of it in one go and I didn’t realise. I lost like 12 pounds in a week and it was all muscle that I lost. So yeah, now I just do little microdoses here and there.”

And he’s more than willing to show off some skin when he hits Britain next week.

“I’ll show my nudes on stage, hell, I’ll show them in person for like 20 bucks,” he laughs.

“I need to make some money – the exchange rate is crazy right now!”

Corey O’Brien: Live In London is at the Top Secret Comedy Club in London on Monday February 23. Doors open from 5.30pm.

For tickets, book here

W Dubai Mina Seyahi offers the perfect January escape with guaranteed sunshine, private beach access, and diverse dining

By mid-January, I’d reached that all-too-familiar stage where British winter feels endless and I desperately craved some sunshine. Not the kind that requires a marathon flight and days of jet lag, but somewhere warm, bright and straightforward to reach. Dubai seemed like the obvious answer. It’s among the nearest destinations you can fly to where sunshine is virtually guaranteed, even during the bleakest January days, and after several dreary weeks at home, that alone was enough to convince me.

W Dubai Mina Seyahi, just a 6hr45 direct flight from London followed by a swift 20-minute taxi ride from Dubai airport, turned out to be precisely what I needed. Featuring 318 rooms, it sits right on the beach, offers a vibrant atmosphere without feeling overcrowded and provides plenty of choices depending on your energy levels that day (minimal, in my case).

Some days were spent lounging by the pool with an iced coffee, while others involved venturing out in the evening and embracing the chance to be somewhere that actually feels warm and lively in January.

The rooms

Upon entering my Deluxe Guest Room, I was immediately captivated by how spacious and bright it felt. The modern design is quintessentially W, featuring striking decor and an atmosphere of contemporary luxury, reports OK!. Check-in was effortless, whilst the team members were wonderfully welcoming and attentive. The bed offered exceptional comfort and there’s a well-appointed minibar available if you fancy a tipple.

The bathroom swiftly became my sanctuary, boasting a wet room with an enormous bathtub. The hotel had thoughtfully provided some pampering products for me to enjoy during a relaxing soak. My only recommendation would be to ask for accommodation overlooking the adjacent Westin hotel, as mine directly faced an active building site. Whilst it didn’t spoil my experience, and development work is to be anticipated in Dubai, it did mean the balcony went largely unused.

For those with flexibility in their spending, the Premier Room with ocean views is certainly worth considering, as these are typically situated on higher floors offering spectacular vistas. However, if a Deluxe represents the property’s entry-level option, it still delivered an extraordinarily indulgent experience.

Dining options

A genuine standout of my full board stay was the remarkable range of culinary options available. I was thrilled to discover I could reserve tables at any restaurant as frequently as desired – the property doesn’t push guests towards buffet dining. This thoughtful touch elevated the sense of exclusivity throughout my visit. The W boasts an impressive array of dining venues, ranging from laid-back poolside spots to sophisticated lounges serving creative cocktails and global cuisine.

Guests can explore restaurants across the entire complex, including two adjacent sister properties, ensuring each meal offers a fresh experience. Whether enjoying a leisurely Mediterranean lunch at the Greek restaurant, Fish, sampling sushi-focused fare, or sipping sunset drinks at Ginger Moon, there’s always a vibrant and elegant destination within the resort grounds.

A particular highlight was the Italian restaurant, Bussola, where an unforgettable aubergine-stuffed ravioli with burrata foam left a lasting impression. However, one area for improvement is the limited selection of dishes included without additional charges on restaurant menus. Whilst choice remains decent, some venues require a supplementary fee of around 50AED (approximately £10) for many options.

Regarding drinks, prices are steep. Even soft drinks cost around a tenner each, and bottled water comes at a premium – though complimentary bottles are provided in rooms and two free ones daily at the beach clubs.

An all-inclusive package is available for those who prefer it, but for non-drinkers, paying individually for desired refreshments proves perfectly manageable. The hidden gem I discovered, which has become something of a celebrity haunt, is the W’s rooftop Attiko bar. While it’s not part of meal packages, popping up for an evening cocktail rewards you with sweeping views across Dubai’s marina. What’s more, hotel guests can always secure a table, despite the venue operating a waiting list for external visitors.

Pools and beaches

Days at W Mina Seyahi revolve largely around poolside and beachfront relaxation. The pool spaces felt like their own self-contained paradise, from the striking infinity pool overlooking the water to the calmer sunbed areas perfect for unwinding with a chilled beverage.

The hotel’s private beach is genuinely special – soft golden sand, comfortable loungers and parasols positioned right beside the sea made transitioning between sunshine and shade effortless. Even better, having entry to extra pools at adjacent hotels ensured there was consistently a more peaceful location if one zone became too lively.

Something that added to the hotel’s sense of exclusivity is the sunbed reservation approach. Staff diligently ensure sunbeds remain occupied, preventing guests from dashing down at dawn to claim their preferred location. It’s an excellent arrangement guaranteeing availability whenever you fancy lounging. My top choice was Mare beach club, where the team were wonderful and children aren’t permitted.

Activities

My stay was a delightful blend of lazy poolside days and more active pursuits exploring the hotel’s extensive amenities. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the communal gym facilities (it’s definitely worth a visit– it has everything!) and spa options, while those seeking a slower pace can savour sunset drinks on the rooftop or leisurely strolls along the beachfront.

I indulged in the spa located on the upper floors, which proved to be an absolute sanctuary. I enjoyed a 60-minute aromatherapy massage that was so soothing, I drifted off to sleep.

The spa therapists don’t hustle you out post-treatment either. You’re welcome to linger with a herbal tea in a relaxation room adorned with pink quartz, whilst trying out an LED mask.

What to do nearby

Should you wish to venture beyond the hotel, Dubai’s iconic attractions such as The Walk, Ain Dubai and the marina are all conveniently close, making this an ideal base for exploring more of the city. A brief journey takes you to the promenade of Dubai Marina, offering endless dining, shopping and people-watching opportunities, while the Palm Jumeirah and city highlights like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall are just a quick taxi ride away. Whether you’re here to unwind or explore, you’ve got the best of both worlds right at your doorstep.

Book It

Now is the ideal time to visit, with temperatures ranging in the low to mid twenties; however, the hotel operates all year round. You can reserve a room-only stay from £187 during off-peak times, with prices escalating for bed and breakfast, half board, full board and all-inclusive rates. For exclusive deals and offers, check Marriott’s official website.