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Robbie Williams reveals plans for huge career change as he compares himself to iconic comedians

HE’S got some time on his hands after pushing back the release of new album Britpop until February.

And after announcing he was planning on opening a luxury hotel in Dubai, Robbie Williams is now working on another madcap idea.

Robbie Williams wants to open ‘a University of Entertainment’Credit: Getty

“I want to open a University of Entertainment,” Robbie, right, revealed. “I did notice nobody else is doing it.”

He said of the inspiration behind his dream school: “I grew up as a vaudevillian. That’s what I am. I am cabaret.

“I spent all of my youth watching my dad do cabaret and watching all of the acts that he would bring off and on stage — and how talented and hard-working they were, and how genuinely funny the funny acts were, and how genuinely amazing the vocalists were.”

Robbie, who left Take That in 1995 before launching his hugely successful solo career, added: “I arrived in 1995, after Take That, I want to be Oasis.

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“I want to be Radiohead. Then, when I opened my mouth and my mind, I came out instead and I’m not cool. And you go, ‘OK, so what am I? Oh, I’m all of these people that I loved — Tommy Cooper, The Two Ronnies and Morecambe and Wise.

‘In a different place’

“The way they made me feel is how I want to make people feel.”

Robbie will be back on stage next year, kicking off a mini-tour in Glasgow on February 4, before playing three more intimate shows in Liverpool, London and Wolverhampton.

And until then, he said he’s going to be busy working on his new plans.

He told the Heretics podcast: “I’ve got so many fingers in so many pies, giving me so much to peruse. My ambition and my want and my need and my desire has not abated. But the oxygen I once had in my career, where I couldn’t miss every time I went to the table, has been taken away from me just because I’m an older pop star now.

“The rise was a long time ago, 1990 till, say, 2010.

“It’s only different as it’s different for everyone else lucky enough to have had my kind of career. I was the most played artist for ten years in a row.

“And, you know, thank you. I’ve had a nice run, but I’m in a different place now.

“And it’s not over. Where does all of that naked ambition and drive go?

“It goes into purpose. It goes into creating.”

If it ever gets off the ground, I’ll make sure to sign up for a night class.

Good friendships in the Mix

THEY may no longer be making music together, but Little Mix are still best of pals.

Pregnant Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock were backstage at the Roundhouse in Camden to support Jade Thirlwall at her gig.

Little Mix have reunited for a backstage snap, pictured Leigh Anne Pinnock with Jade Thirlwall and pregnant Perrie EdwardsCredit: Instagram/leighannepinnock

Leigh-Anne shared this sweet snap of them together, and one of my mates spotted them dancing and singing along to Angel Of My Dreams.

Jade, whose debut album, That’s Showbiz Baby, peaked at No3 when it came out last month, is now preparing to head Stateside in the New Year.

Let’s hope she can do what Little Mix couldn’t and crack America.

Jade kicks off a run of 14 shows in San Diego on January 30.

Fergie up fur reunion

IT looks like Fergie can’t decide if she’s too hot or too cold.

The Black Eyed Peas singer teamed this crop-top with a faux fur jacket as she performed at One Musicfest in Atlanta, Georgia.

Fergie teamed this crop-top with a faux fur jacket as she performed at One MusicfestCredit: Getty

The I Gotta Feeling singer wowed fans at the event in Piedmont Park, belting out some of her biggest hits including amazing 2006 single London Bridge.

Earlier this year, I revealed that Fergie had created a whole new music video for the track in the capital as part of Lena Dunham’s Netflix series, Too Much.

Fergie left the Black Eyed Peas in 2018, but I told you this summer that discussions are under way about a possible reunion with her bandmates Will.i.am, APL.DE.AP and Taboo.

I’d love to see this happen.

Jovi’s got the Midas Tuchel

I TRIED my hardest to make Jon Bon Jovi a Spurs fan when I hung out with him last week, but his legendary PR Alan Edwards – a die-hard Gooner – persuaded him to follow the reds.

Jon was obviously something of a lucky charm as Arsenal managed a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Bon Jovi met England boss Thomas TuchelCredit: Supplied

He later hung out with England boss Thomas Tuchel and Jason Sudeikis.

It was Jon’s first Premier League game and I bet my last quid it’ll be his last given how rubbish Arsenal are.

You should have watched Spurs instead, Jon.

We battered Everton 3-0.

Is Geri in a bad Spice?

THE Spice Girls were all smiles at the launch of Victoria Beckham’s Netflix documentary this month.

But insiders say those grins were more like grimaces once the cameras were off – and the finger of blame is being pointed at Geri Horner.

Geri Halliwell sat apart from her Spice Girls pals at the launch of Victoria Beckham’s Netflix documentary this monthCredit: Splash

A well-placed mole told me that while Mel C and Emma Bunton were together on row D, Geri was placed in a different area with her husband Christian Horner.

And the apparent snub is now the talk of the town.

Our source explained: “All people are still talking about what happened with Geri that night.

“She was seated away from Mel C and Emma, which seems weird given they were there to support Victoria. Inside the party she only seemed to talk to Victoria, too. It all felt rather frosty. No one has seen a photo of the four of them together either.”

Something is definitely up.

Last November, I revealed how Geri was dragging her heels over a new Netflix band biopic.

And last week, The Sun reported the band – completed by Mel B – were planning on implementing a “rule of four”, to allow the show to go ahead even if Geri wasn’t on board.

A telly insider said: “Geri has been dragging her heels for almost a year now and the rest are keen to plough ahead, as next year marks the 30th anniversary of first single Wannabe.”

Get it together, Ginger.

UpBeat

THE BEATLES raked in £31.8million last year – thanks to their “new” final track Now And Then.

With four biopics in the pipeline and a new Disney+ documentary series, The Beatles Anthology, which is starting next month – I reckon this year will also bring even more bumper profits.

Cops get Raye on track

RAYE has revealed the police have found her stolen car – with her songwriting books on the backseat.

The Where Is My Husband! singer was forced to push back her second album after the thieves nicked her motor last year.

Raye has revealed the police have found her stolen carCredit: Getty

But now Raye is busy putting the finishing touches to the record after getting them back.

Appearing on Global’s Big Top 40, Raye, right, said: “It was a rollercoaster journey but what I didn’t tell people is that the police called me two or three months ago and said, ‘We’ve found your car.’

“Not only did they get it back but not one thing had been taken out of the car.

“All my songwriting books were there untouched.

“There was so much important stuff in there and when I was flicking through it I was like, ‘Thank God this has been returned to me’.”

Mark: I still get nervous

MARK RONSON has a load of hits to his name but has admitted he still questions if he’s any good every time he gets into the studio.

On Radio 2’s Tracks Of My Years, which airs all this week on Vernon Kay’s morning show, Mark said: “Every time I get into the studio with somebody for the first time, or even if it’s someone like Dua Lipa, or someone I’ve worked with a lot, it’s that combination of like, before the first day of school meets a blind date, meets every insecurity.

Mark Ronson still questions himselfCredit: Getty

“Am I going to think of an idea? Am I going to be able to deliver?

“I still have that and I know people might be like, ‘That’s ridiculous, you’re good, don’t worry about it’.

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“But I think it’s served me well in my career because it’s always made me work extra hard.

“I wouldn’t know what to do if I fully lost that.”

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How California’s proposed redistricting map compares to your congressional districts

The redistricting plan taking shape in Sacramento and likely headed toward voters in November could shift the Golden State’s political landscape for at least six years and determine which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives after the 2026 midterm elections.

Maps made public Friday afternoon show how California Democrats hope to reconfigure the state’s 52 congressional districts. The plan targets five of California’s nine Republican members of Congress, and is designed to counteract the redistricting efforts in Texas that would favor Republicans.

The state Legislature is expected to place the new map and a constitutional amendment to override the state’s independent redistricting process on a Nov. 4 special election ballot.

Enter your address below or select somewhere on the current map to see how the districts could change.

Congressional District 3 is represented by Kevin Kiley (R). The proposed District 3 would include 546,805 citizens of voting age.

Current: CA-3

Your district is represented by Kevin Kiley (R).

Proposed: CA-3

Your new district would include 546,805 citizens of voting age.

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Sean Greene and Hailey Wang contributed to this report.

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Ryanair cabin baggage changes in full and how it compares to other budget airlines

The budget airline has announced a change to luggage limits for free baggage – which will come into action in just a few weeks – here’s everything you need to know

Ryanair plane
Ryanair has announced a change to its carry-on baggage allowance (Image: Getty Images)

Europe’s biggest budget airline, Ryanair, has revealed a huge change to luggage limits for free baggage, set to be implemented in weeks.

At present, the airline allows a carry-on bag measuring 40 x 25 x 20cm on board at no extra charge, offering a volume of 20 litres. But soon, travellers will be able to pack a little more generously as the new dimensions will change to 40 x 30 x 20cm – effectively increasing the volume to 24 litres.

This increase in the free allowance is a response to an initiative by the European Commission to encourage airlines across Europe to standardise. In a statement, Ryanair confirmed the change and said it would be introduced in time for the summer holidays in a few weeks.

A spokesperson said: “Ryanair’s current free ‘personal bag’ size is 40 x 25 x 20cm. Following the new EU minimum bag size of 40 x 30 x 15cm, Ryanair will increase its max ‘personal bag’ dimensions to 40 x 30 x 20cm, so that Ryanair’s ‘personal bag’ allowance is bigger than the EU standard.

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Ryanair priority and non priority sign at boarding gate
Ryanair will increase its carry-on bag dimensions to 40 x 30 x 20cm(Image: Keith Donegan/Getty Images)

“This change will be implemented over the coming weeks, as our airport bag sizers are adjusted.” The spokesperson confirmed that the expanded luggage limit would be free, reports Belfast Live.

Airlines for Europe (A4E) has been in discussions with the transport commissioner in Brussels, Adina Vălean, about making life simpler for passengers. The organisation says that “all A4E airlines will roll out the guaranteed dimensions and have them in place by the end of the 2025 summer season.”

Ourania Georgoutsakou, the organisation’s managing director, added: “This will align A4E members with the decision of member states made last month and bring more clarity to passengers across Europe. From city-hoppers to family travellers, everyone will benefit from the same clear rule across our members’ networks.”

Despite the new “standardised” baggage dimensions, most airlines are set to carry on with their current practices. British Airways, Jet2, and easyJet already offer allowances that surpass these dimensions.

According to The Independent, an easyJet spokesperson confirmed their dimensions will remain the same, at 45 x 36 x 20cm, giving a maximum volume of 32 litres. British Airways and Jet2 currently offer a slightly similar size of 40 x 30 x 15cm for a small bag that fits underneath the seat in front.

Additionally, British Airways also offers the option of taking a 56 x 45 x 25cm cabin bag onboard for free. As it stands, Ryanair appears to be the only major airline set to make the change.

The adjustment in rules will require recalibration at all airport sizing stations, which means passengers with previously acceptable luggage will now have to shop for new ones.

People walk to board a Ryanair plane heading to Porto in Portugal on the runway of Carcassonne airport in Aude, France
The change will come into force in a matter of weeks(Image: IDRISS BIGOU-GILLES/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)

Last month saw MEPs advocating for airlines to allow two pieces of cabin luggage per passenger. However, airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air staunchly oppose this, citing impracticality.

The EU Parliament’s transport committee has also endorsed an amendment aiming to scrap charges for small carry-on items. Under a prospective new EU regulation, passengers would have the right to carry handbags up to 7kg free of additional fees.

A number of airlines, including Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air, presently charge extra for larger cabin bags intended for the overhead locker as part of their standard fares, with only a small under-seat bag included in the basic ticket price.

Under the proposed policy, passengers would be entitled to one free cabin bag weighing up to 7kg and not exceeding 100cms in size, in addition to a smaller personal item that can fit under the seat. This policy would apply to all flights to and from the EU, including routes between the EU and the UK.

When asked for a comment, Ryanair referred to a statement by Airlines for Europe regarding the EU’s plans, stating: “Airlines for Europe (A4E) today confirmed that its member airlines have started applying the guaranteed set of dimensions of 40 × 30 × 15 cm for the item of cabin baggage that usually is placed under the seat in front- the ‘personal item’- agreed by member states last month.

“The agreement reached on June 5, 2025, sets out the dimensions of the personal item, which passengers can already bring into the cabin at no extra cost. It is defined as an unchecked bag with “dimensions of 40 × 30 × 15 cm”.”

All A4E airlines are set to introduce guaranteed cabin-bag dimensions by the end of the 2025 summer season. Carriers will still have the freedom to allow larger personal items, as many already do.

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