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Fresh blow for Jess Glynne as she splits from music megastar’s label after three years & is managed by 80s boyband star

JESS GLYNNE has called it quits with Jay-Z’s management company Roc Nation.

The move is to wipe the slate clean for 2026.

Brit singer Jess Glynne has called it quits with Jay-Z’s management company Roc NationCredit: Getty

It follows a career blow earlier this year when she split from record label EMI following the release of just one album with them.

I’ve now learned she is no longer being looked after by Roc Nation — who I first revealed she had signed to in 2022 — and her career is now being guided by former Bros bass player Craig Logan.

Jess has teamed up with Logan Media Entertainment, which is run by Craig, who was in the Eighties pop band that had hits inculding When Will I Be Famous?.

It means that she is now on a roster alongside Pink, Dido, Louise and Beverley Knight.

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My music insider said: “Jess hasn’t had the easiest situation in music. She has found it hard to get a team behind her who she feels really gets who she is and what she is aiming for.

“Now she has Craig and his firm, there are fresh ideas coming through thick and fast. Big things are being discussed for the coming months.”

Despite a turbulent time behind the scenes in 2025, Jess has had one of her most successful years thanks to hit Hold My Hand — a decade after it was released.

The song was named TikTok’s UK song of the year, after it was supercharged by the viral Jet2holidays trend.

Jess said: “I always knew there was something special about it. Melodically it’s instantly uplifting and catchy, but at its heart, the lyrics are powerful. They are about connection. The Jet2 campaign has brought a really fun, light-hearted twist to the song, and seeing it become TikTok’s song of 2025 ten years after its release has been incredible.

“It breathed new life into it, and I’m so grateful to see a wave of a new audience now connect with it and learn more about the song, and me. I am incredibly grateful for the journey this song is on.”

There has been more good news lately, with Jess suggesting she is preparing to pop the question to her girlfriend Alex Scott following the football presenter’s stint in I’m A Celeb.

During her career, Jess has scored seven UK No1 singles, although her last one was I’ll Be There in 2018.

But with a new team behind her, she will be giving it everything she’s got to add to that hits tally.

Fit Shaun tour vow

Shaun Ryder wants to get fit ahead of the next Happy Mondays tourCredit: Getty

SHAUN RYDER is preparing to spend the new year whipping himself into shape ahead of the next Happy Mondays tour.

The group will hit the road for 22 dates across March and April.

Shaun tells me in an exclusive chat: “I am determined to get fit for the tour.

“I still get on my bike, and I love swimming. There is a pool at my gym. I do that a few times a week. But my other hip is f***d, and I need it replaced. So I can’t walk like I used to. “I’ve already had one hip replacement. And that f***d up.

“I should have had the other one done ages ago, but I’ve not had time.”

Shaun also vowed to be on his best behaviour on tour, adding: “I think the last time I went out and did any raving was 2000.

“I went and saw Oasis three nights in a row and danced around like a lunatic but I am totally clean now.

“My only addictions are to tea and Haribos. However, I still have two teenage girls at home.

“This means that when I am at home, I am Shaun’s taxi service. It’s f***ing nuts.

“The missus wants me out of the house as quickly as possible. So, you know, it’s like, I have come back from Ireland, and I am going straight out on the road with Black Grape.

“But I have spent the last few days as a taxi driver for the girls.”

The joys of middle age, eh Shaun?

Khloe’s not to be mist

Reality TV star Khloe Kardashian shows off her shapely legs as she promotes her hair mistCredit: TNI Press

THIGH and mighty Khloe Kardashian flashes the flesh as she promotes her hair mist.

And it comes after she denied getting back together with basketball player Tristan Thompson after their split in 2021.

The Kardashians celebrated Christmas with a gingerbread house that was iced with the family members’ names, and fans noticed his was on there.

But she replied: “He’s my children’s father.”

Ashley’s melon boat

Ashley Roberts chews into a watermelon during a luxury getawayCredit: in‌stagram/iamashleyroberts
The Pussycat Dolls star has jetted off with her boyfriend, tattoo artist George RollinsonCredit: in‌stagram/iamashleyroberts

ASHLEY ROBERTS enjoys a slice of the high life as she chomps on a watermelon during a luxury getaway.

The Pussycat Dolls singer wore a bikini top, shades and headscarf as she posed on a yacht in Mauritius.

She has jetted off with her boyfriend, tattoo artist George Rollinson, for a post-Christmas holiday and looks suitably loved up.

Coming back to dreary England in the new year is going to be quite a shock for her.

The singer wore a bikini top, shades and headscarf as she posed on a yacht in MauritiusCredit: in‌stagram/iamashleyroberts

Special for Ricky

RICK ASTLEY has landed his own BBC special, joining Dermot O’Leary for one of his Reel Stories.

They will look back at key moments in his life and career, following in the footsteps of acts including Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue who have previously taken part.

Zoe: My Britpop snogs

Zoe Ball has locked lips with many famous namesCredit: Getty

ZOE BALL has revealed she locked lips with famous names while living life to the full in the hedonistic Nineties.

On her Dig It podcast, she played a game of Snog, Marry, Avoid, and joked: “I did snog and avoid quite a few Britpop stars, none of whom I shall mention now.”

Zoe added: “I would avoid Damon [Albarn] because I can’t talk to him because I go all stupid. Young me would definitely have wanted to snog Liam Gallagher way back in the day.

“He would talk to me and I’d be like, ‘Fair, fair’.

“I don’t think I’d have wanted to marry any of them because I don’t think you should marry or meet your idols, quite frankly.

“But Dave Grohl, however, I would have wanted to marry and snog.”

Me too, Zoe.

Sex pistols are firing with Frank

THE SEX PISTOLS and Frank Carter are planning new music.

The punk band, made up of Glen Matlock, Steve Jones and Paul Cook, have been touring with Frank, who replaced John Lydon as singer.

Now Glen wants the group to get into the studio together.

He said in an exclusive chat: “I’ve got a few ideas. I think Frank has. Steve’s a bit of a, ‘Just go and play’ kind of guy. I think Paul’s sort of on the fence about it, we’ll see. I think we’ve got it in us.”

The Sex Pistols and Frank – whose gigs were branded “karaoke” by bitter John – are also heading on tour again this coming year and have a host of dates in America.

Glen, who has a new documentary out, I Was A Teenage Sex Pistol, said: “We should have been just finishing a two-month American tour, but we had to postpone it because Steve fell over coming out of the Chelsea ground and broke his wrist in three places.

“We’ve had to reschedule everything. We’re going to be busy again.”

Fifth ammendments

Fifth Harmony will make their comeback in 2026Credit: Getty

FIFTH HARMONY will make their comeback in 2026 after a brief reunion at a Jonas Brothers gig.

NORMANI has confirmed the return, eight years after they split up. She will take part with Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane and Lauren Jauregui, but Camila Cabello won’t be back.

Teasing that fans can expect them back, Normani said: “I don’t have loose lips, but yes, 2026 will be one for the books for Fifth Harmony.”

Freedom for Jade

Jade has been given the Freedom of the Borough in South TynesideCredit: instagram/jadethirlwall

ANGEL Of My Dreams singer Jade has become Angel Of The North – after being given the Freedom of the Borough in South Tyneside, where she’s from.

She received the honour alongside the owner of local chippy Colmans.

Jade said on Instagram: “What an honour this was, with my family and friends by my side.

“If you see me walking my cattle around the town, mind ya business.”

Olivia’s loving New Year No1

OLIVIA DEAN looks set to claim the first No1 album of 2026, as The Art Of Loving is rising back up the charts.

The British singer’s album is currently in the lead and is expected to spend a third non- consecutive week in the top spot, although Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend is just behind her.

And another Liv – Olivia Rodrigo – is also back in the charts.

After I told last week that she had split up with her boyfriend, actor Louis Partridge, fans have shown their support by streaming her albums.

Guts has risen to No21, while Sour is now at No22.

Card pass for B’s fit

Cardi B turned up at an American football game in New York dressed like thisCredit: instagram/iamcardib

SOMETHING tells me Cardi B was more focused on turning heads than watching the match as she turned up at an American football game in New York.

Her 1991 outfit is vintage Chanel, while the giant pearl handbag is from its latest line.

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Helen Flanagan sets pulses racing in sexy Christmas lingerie after fresh swipe at ex Scott Sinclair

HELEN Flanagan looked sensational as she stripped to Santa-themed lingerie for a sexy social media post.

The actress’ sizzling snaps, which saw her posing in a plunging lace bodysuit with white fur trim as well as a red camisole with matching thong, came as she teased “Meet the new Santa Clause”.

Helen Flanagan looked sensational as she posed in Christmas Ann Summers lingerieCredit: Instagram/hjgflanagan
The actress, 35, teasingly pulled at a red ribbon on her sparkly camisoleCredit: Instagram/hjgflanagan
The soap star made sure to pen her Christmas listCredit: Instagram/hjgflanagan
She flashed her black suspender stockings as she put a present under her treeCredit: Instagram/hjgflanagan

The Coronation Street alum’s latest Instagram upload comes after her feud with her ex Scott Sinclair escalated.

Recently, she branded her ex a “piece of s**t” as he lived it up in Abu Dhabi, rather than attending their son’s nativity play.

Yet appearing to put their bad blood to one side, she struck a series of looks while donning her racy Ann Summers clobber.

Helen, 35, was seen perched on her bed as she played around with a bow on her semi-sheer top before writing her own list to Father Christmas himself.

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She then hopped over to wrap some presents under her tree in a fir-trim one piece.

The screen star, best-known for playing Corrie’s Rosie Webster, then held two jugs of milk while donning her Christmassy bodysuit before pouring one into a mug emblazoned with the words “Santa’s little helper”.

She finished off the clip by teasingly untying her one-piece and flashing a cheeky smile to the camera.

In her caption, Helen wrote: “Meet the new Santa Clause.”

A fan wrote: “You look stunning.”

Another put: “Well hello gorgeous.”

A third put: “Wow Helen your so beautiful merry Christmas.”

HUGE CLASH

Helen split from her ex-fiancé in 2022 after 13 years together and they share three children Matilda, 10, Delilah, seven, and Charlie, four.

She recently took to her social media pages to praise her mum for her support in raising their brood.

Soap characters who’ve been recast

Soap operas are staple viewing for many people, but even some of the most famous characters have been played by different actors. Here are some examples from over the years.

Coronation Street

  • Tracy Barlow: Kate Ford took on the role of Corrie legend Tracy Barlow in 2002. Before Kate, three other actresses had played Tracy – most notably Dawn Acton from 1988 to 1999.
  • Nick Tilsley: Ben Price has been playing Gail’s oldest child in 2009, but the former Footballers’ Wives star is the third actor to take on the part.
  • Sarah Platt: Although Tina O’Brien debuted as Sarah Platt in 1999, she is the third actress who has played the iconic role of Sarah Platt.
  • David Platt: Completing the line-up of Gail’s children, David was initially played by Thomas Ormson for a decade before Jack P. Shepherd took over.
  • Daniel Osbourne: For almost a decade, the role of Ken Barlow’s son Daniel has been portrayed by actor Rob Mallard. Before Rob joined, two other actors had previously played Daniel.
  • Bethany Platt: Fans know Lucy Fallon as Bethany nowadays but before her, three other actresses had stepped into the character’s shoes.
  • Kirk Sutherland: Before Andy Whyment took on the role of Kirk, he played by an uncredited actor in his very first appearance.
  • Todd Grimshaw: Gareth Pierce stepped into the role of Todd back in 2020, becoming the second performer to play this part.
  • Summer Spellman: Harriet Bibby became the second actress to play Summer, taking over the role from Matilda Freeman in 2020.
  • Ryan Connor: Ryan Prescott currently plays the long-running character, but Ben Thompson and Sol Heras had earlier portrayed the role.

EastEnders

  • Martin Fowler: Although Martin was the first baby born on-screen in EastEnders, he hasn’t always been played by the same person. His current portrayer, James Bye, is the third actor to star as the character.
  • Peter Beale: Seven actors have portrayed Ian Beale’s elder son, with the current actor, Thomas Law, in his second stint as the character.
  • Ben Mitchell: Ben has been played by a total of six actors – with Max Bowden bowing out of the role in March 2024.
  • Bobby Beale: Before Clay Milner Russell, Ian’s younger son had been played by four other actors.
  • Freddie Slater: Bobby’s best mate, Freddie Slater, had been previously played by twins Alex and Tom Kilby before Bobby Brazier took over in 2022.
  • Chelsea Fox: Former Coronation Street actress Zaraah Abrahams took over the role of Chelsea in 2020. The character had been first played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010.
  • Lauren Branning: Jacqueline Jossa took on the role of Lauren in 2010, succeeding Madeline Duggan who’d played her from 2006 to 2010.
  • Johnny Carter: Johnny has been played by three actors since debuting in 2013 – most recently, Charlie Suff has taken on the role.

She is currently starring as The Wicked Queen in a production of Snow White in Liverpool and said her mum, Julia, has practically raised her kids while she treads the boards.

Yet this came after she lashed out at her Bristol Rovers footballer ex Scott after he missed their son Charlie’s nativity play to party at the Formula One.

“You really are a piece of s***,” Helen raged, as she shared Scott’s Instagram post.

“How dare you not turn up to Charlie’s nativity.”

Scott, 36, had posted snaps from his weekend in the United Arab Emirates where he watched Lando Norris secure his maiden Drivers’ Championship title.

“What a weekend-Abu Dhabi F1,” Scott wrote.

He added: “Happy Days, blurry nights..”

Meanwhile Helen posted a snap of her cuddling their son, writing: “Loved Charlie’s nativity. My star, my heartbeat.”

She recently hinted at trouble “co-parenting” with Scott, telling The Sun: “He lives like Somerset and I live in Lancashire. So we live so far away from each other, which is really difficult when you’ve got three young children.

“I hate calling it co-parenting because I don’t really feel like a co-parent to be honest with you anyway.”

She posed in a one piece with a fur trimCredit: Instagram/hjgflanagan
Helen then switched to a lace bodysuit as she held up jugs of milkCredit: Instagram/hjgflanagan
It comes as she is locked in a feud with her ex Scott SinclairCredit: Instagram

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Woke BBC bosses could thwart fresh bid to finally get Fairytale of New York to Christmas No1

WOKE BBC bosses could thwart a fresh bid to finally get Fairytale of New York to the Christmas number one spot – 38 years after it was released.

The corporation’s radio stations refusing to play a newly released ‘live’ version of The Pogues’ Fairytale of New York because it contains the “cheap, lousy f****t” lyric.

A black and white image of a woman sitting at a piano with a man standing nearby and smoke rising from an ashtray.
The BBC is refusing to play a newly released ‘live’ version of The Pogues’ Fairytale of New YorkCredit: Unknown
Kirsty MacColl and Shane MacGowan dancing.
The popular Christmas tune features Kirsty MacColl and Shane MacGowanCredit: Redferns

The track by the Irish rockers, originally released in 1987, is one of several vintage festive tracks that only reached number two in the charts, despite becoming classic anthems

Another example is White Christmas by Wham! which was kept off the number one spot by Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas in 1984.

But fans finally got that to the top spot in 2023.

Fairytale has long been surrounded by controversy because it contains a perceived homophobic slur which has either been removed in some versions or not played at all.

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A music industry insider said: “It feels unfair that this live version which shouldn’t be edited has now been barred from the Beeb’s playlist.

“It’s an authentic performance of a much loved track by a much loved band and this move might be the measure that prevents it from getting to number one at Christmas, which is where it has always deserved to be.”

The original single was only kept from the top spot by Pet shop Boys classic Always On My Mind, which was a high-energy cover version of the Elvis Presley ballad.

Despite always making it into the top ten every Christmas, and featuring in the 2019 festive special of Gavin & Stacey, it’s never made it to number one.

The BBC were approached for comment.

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