Pop Music

Brit music legend, 70, ‘admitted to hospital’ with mystery illness as he reschedules gigs last-minute

A BRIT music legend, 70, has been ‘admitted to hospital’ with a mystery illness as he reschedules gigs last-minute.

Bruce Foxton – the bassist and backing vocalist of The Jam – was set to play a gig in Kidderminster on Friday evening.

A Brit music legend, 70, has been ‘admitted to hospital’ with a mystery illness as he reschedules gigs last-minute Credit: Splash
Bruce Foxton was a member of The Jam Credit: Rex

But in a post on social media, it was revealed Bruce had fallen ill and would have to reschedule the performance.

The post by AGMP Concerts read: “Due to illness, the Bruce Foxton concerts this weekend are being rearranged.

“Tonight’s concert in Kidderminster has now been cancelled. Tomorrow’s Lincoln show (Saturday 27th June) has moved to Friday 15th January 2027.

“Thanks for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you in the new year.”

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Bruce had to cancel a performance in Kidderminster on Friday evening and reschedule one set for Saturday after falling ill Credit: Rex
The Jam had a whole host of hits in the late 70s and early 80s Credit: Getty

Meanwhile another post on X from a fan claimed: “Bruce’s show in Kidderminster tonight has been cancelled and not rescheduled due to the fact he has been admitted into hospital.

“Let’s hope it’s not too serious for this absolute legend.”

Bruce’s fans were quick to comment, with one writing: “Get well soon Bruce. Take a break sir, we’d prefer a happy healthy retired Bruce than a pushing himself to the limit to the detriment of his health Bruce.”

Another added: “Sending u my love Legend…TIME2RELAX NOW U WORKED YOUR A*** OFF….We have memories Bruce..enjoy your life now..we all love u and now time to enjoy your memories xx.”

A third commented: “Get well quickly Bruce. Such a great bass player, seen him in The Jam, Stiff Little Fingers and of course From The Jam.”

Bruce first came to prominence in the 1970s in The Jam before pursuing a solo career when the band broke up.

In 1990 he joined Stiff Little Fingers and was with the band until 2007, before he joined Rick Buckler and members of his tribute band, the Gift, to tour under the name From the Jam.

The Sun Online has reached out to a representative for Bruce for comment.

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When you go through personal things the news becomes annoying noise, says Muse’s Matt Bellamy

AFTER years of writing about politics, technology and the chaos of the modern world, Matt Bellamy wanted something different for Muse’s tenth album.

“The theme was to get back into mystery a little bit,” he says. “The mysteries of the universe, mysteries of spirituality and returning to the rawness of the unknown.”

Matt, Chris and Dom are back with their tenth album, The Wow! Signal Credit: Supplied
The veteran band in a photo shoot for their new album Credit: Tim Saccenti

Inspired by the 1977 Wow! Signal — an unexplained radio signal from space once seen as possible evidence of alien intelligence — and a turbulent period in his personal life, the record finds Bellamy searching for meaning on both a cosmic and personal level.

“I’ve turned completely apolitical,” he admits. “It’s weird when you go through things in your personal life — the news just becomes an annoying noise.

“When your life’s going great, you get drawn into the news and what’s going on in the world.

“But when you’re actually going through something yourself, the news and politics just become a headache.

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“I’m a little bit gloriously out of touch. I’ve normally been so in touch, my finger’s always been on the pulse, and a lot of the albums I’ve made talk about the rise of populism. But this album and my life for the last year-and-a-half has been different.”

Bellamy has split from US model Elle Evans, his wife of six years, who he quietly separated from in October 2025.

“I’ve been through a separation involving two young kids,” he says carefully.

“I can’t really talk about the reasons behind it, but it was not your normal run-of-the-mill situation. I became a full-time single parent for a period of eight months.

“She’s doing a lot better now and she’s getting better, but it was an unusual situation to go through. It made writing the album so much easier.

“It’s hard to talk about what’s behind the album because I don’t throw people under the bus. And I don’t want my kids to grow up reading stuff.”

Bellamy, 48, is in London for band rehearsals and when we meet, he’s just back from the gym in a bid to shape up for the tour.

“I’m not that old,” he laughs. “But I met Mick Jagger at a party and I went straight in on the fitness. I was, like, ‘What is your secret?!’ He said when he was in his 30s, he started working out a few weeks before a tour.

The record finds frontman Bellamy searching for meaning on both a cosmic and personal level Credit: Getty – Contributor
Dominic Howard, Matthew Bellamy and Chris Wolstenholme in London Credit: Getty Images – Getty

“By the time he got to his 40s, he was working out for the same length as the tour.

“If it was a three-month tour, he’d work out for three months before. And by the time he got to his 50s, he was just working out all the time, all year round.”

The 1977 Wow! Signal fascinates Bellamy because it remains unexplained and happened around the time the band members were born.

“The Wow! Signal is probably, to this day, still the most interesting signal that’s ever been seen in space,” he explains.

“It happened in 1977, which is basically within 12 months of all the band being born.

“Chris [Wolstenholme] and I were born in 1978 and Dom [Howard] in 1977, so I just thought it was funny that this little Wow! Signal appeared around the time we came into this world.

“I think this album was really me letting go a little bit and engaging with the unknown.

“What is this thing inside me, or all of us, that wants to not be alone? I don’t mean with a partner or friends. I mean this thing in the universe. At the moment, we appear to be so alone, and we have this drive, which you see through religion and science.

“Behind all of it, we just don’t want to be alone.”

That search drew Bellamy back to one of his formative influences.

“I grew up watching Contact, the Jodie Foster film from the 90s,” he says. “I used to read Carl Sagan’s books and that film really stayed with me.”

It has also led him into the world of AI.

He adds: “I’ve spent time in the tech world, in California’s Silicon Valley and the Bay Area, and I had some involvement in that world.

“I went to a private talk where Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI) was talking off the record about his thoughts on AI.

“I saw (Meta CEO Mark) Zuckerberg talking about it, too, and I was interested in what they were saying.

“When you really hear them, they know they’re ushering in an intelligence which is beyond us. They start to see it as, ‘Well, we’re just kind of messengers bringing in this thing that is going to be more intelligent than us’.”

Matt, pictured performing at Reading festival, was brought back to one of his formative influences for the album Credit: Getty
The new album also explores artificial intelligence Credit: Getty – Contributor

Bellamy says he enjoys asking AI philosophical questions — and that is where Hexagons began.

“That’s actually my favourite thing to do with AI, and where I got the idea for Hexagons,” he says. “And again, I think that is part of the same human condition.

“Whether it be religion, looking for aliens in space or trying to bring in artificial intelligence, it’s kind of all the same thing.”

Epic, organ-led Be With You was the first song that made the album’s direction clear.

“You can look at it as a love song, or you can look at it as a religious song, almost,” he says.

“I’m not a religious person, but I decided to play the song on a church organ.

“I went to the biggest church organ in Los Angeles, so the song was recorded in this church-like setting.

“I liked the idea that it could be perceived as searching for alien life, or searching for alien intelligence of some kind, or God. That was the first song that felt right, lyrically and musically.

“There are a lot of personal elements in the album that are quite unusual for me.”

Bellamy says the album came from a difficult period, but that made the music flow.

“This was actually the easiest album for me to write and make for 15-plus years,” he says.

“Space Debris is probably the biggest reveal of what I went through, especially lyrically at the end,” he says.

“It’s the rawest moment of explaining what really happened over the last year. I like using space analogies — space debris, things breaking up and falling apart in gravity — to describe the chaos and feeling in your life.

“It also fits the theme of connecting this search into outer space for a higher power with the chaos and feeling in your own life.

“I hope the fans don’t ask me to play that one live.”

If Space Debris is the album’s rawest confession, Bellamy says it also opened the door to bigger questions running through the record.

“What I went through threw me off into the unknown,” he explains.

“When things go wrong in your life, that’s when you’re most likely to seek meaning or search for answers.

“In my case, it was a blend between religious thought, alien intelligence and AI.

“I don’t know what it is, but you’re searching for this higher power to guide you, or to give you answers.

“Music became my catharsis. It became my way to understand my situation.

“Making this album gave me flashbacks to these periods where music was my everything.

“It wasn’t something I had to do to pay the bills. It wasn’t something I had to do for the record label. It was something that I had to do for myself.

“That’s why I think this album is probably, since the 2000s anyway, the most raw, emotionally raw and honest album I’ve done.”

Bellamy says despite the personal nature of the album, Chris and Dom were central to every song.

“I’ve always been in charge of the lyrics, and I’m the leader in terms of the concepts,” he says.

“But musically, this is the most equal album we’ve had for a long time.”

The Wow! Signal includes some of the best tracks Muse have made in years.

Cryogen has already been compared to early Muse, while Shimmering Scars shows off the vulnerability in Bellamy’s voice.

“Cryogen is deliberately Muse from 2001,” he says.

With Shimmering Scars, he explains: “I felt like I needed to do five or six takes, so we could edit the best bits in.

“But producer Dan Lancaster was, like, ‘Nah, let it be raw, let it be weird.’

“To me, it sounded a bit off — not quite what I wanted it to be. But he was, like, ‘No, that’s the whole point. That sounds a little bit raw’.

“This is the first album where we said, ‘Let’s give Dan a go at producing it’. The last two albums were self-produced, so it was nice to hand the reins to someone else.

“He did a great job keeping us towards that more raw, vulnerable state in the performances.”

Bellamy believes AI is pushing younger listeners back towards authenticity.

“My stepson with Kate [Hudson], Ryder, is 22 and he’s just graduated from NYU,” he says. “Then Bing is 14, and I’ve got the two little ones as well.

“Having a boy who’s 22 and a boy who’s 14 means I get a real sense of what’s going on in their generation.

“I think that generation is turning away from pop, hip-hop and dance a little bit. They’re seeking raw, chaotic-sounding music.

“I think the reason why is because that generation is drowned by AI. AI is dominating everything they do, from schoolwork to music and the arts.

“I could be wrong but from what I sense from them, they’re gravitating towards what they know to be real.”

Recent single Nightshift Superstar was the band wanting to go French disco.

“I love Daft Punk, Justice and ABBA,” Bellamy says. “I went to see ABBA’s show and I loved it. They’re some of the best songs ever written. So after that and seeing Justice in Paris, I was, like, ‘How do we do that? Let’s just go there’.

“The song has a late-70s feel but with a more cutting-edge tone associated with modern dance music.

“But the good thing about it is that it really is us playing.”

One surprise on The Wow! Signal is Hush — a collaboration with pop star Ellie Goulding.

“Ellie was in the studio next-door, working with Marshmello on something,” says the singer.

“We have known each other for years and always wanted to try and do something together.

“Muse fans will read online that we’ve done a song with Ellie Goulding and think it’s going to be a pop song.

“But it’s got one of the biggest, heaviest riffs we’ve done in a long time. To me, it sounds a bit like New Born or something from 2001.

“The verses get a little bit poppy, I guess, but the main riff is pretty hard rock, so I thought it was quite fun to get Ellie’s voice over that kind of heaviness.

“I think it’ll be a nice surprise.”

Bellamy says the song came together by chance.

“This was an experiment,” he says. “It’s the only song on the album that really involves multiple writers.

“Ellie popped her head in towards the end of the day, at about 11pm, and went, ‘Hey, what are you guys up to?’ We played the song and she said, ‘Oh, can I sing on it?’ We tweaked the lyrics and turned it into a duet.

“It came completely by chance. It wasn’t planned to be a collaboration.”

Bellamy says the reaction from Muse fans to the new songs has “been the best we’ve had for at least 15 years” and he’s looking forward to getting back on the road following their special Brixton Academy show in April to launch the album.

The show marked Muse’s first appearance at the venue in 25 years, just before the release of Origin of Symmetry.

“I didn’t realise it had been so long,” Bellamy says.

“I remember the last time we played there, it was around the second album and I was so nervous because it was the biggest show Muse had ever done.

“We got to debut Be With You for the first time, and we had a great time.”

Visually, Bellamy says the full Wow! Signal world will come to life properly when Muse return to Europe in November.

“The American tour starts with what I’d call a medium-level production,” he says.

“But when we come to Europe, including London and Manchester in November, that’s when we’re going to ramp it up to a really sophisticated production.

“I think there’ll be a lot of geometry, a lot of hexagons, shapes and lasers, and strange, interesting visuals.

“Hopefully we’ll build the spaceship you see on the album cover in the arena.”

  • The album The Wow! Signal is out today.

The Wow! Signal

Muse’s tenth album The Wow! Signal is out now

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Huge Brit pop star heartbreakingly reveals partner’s miscarriage

A HUGE Brit pop star has revealed his partner has suffered a devastating miscarriage.

Chart-topping British dance artist James Hype and his music artist partner Tita Lau shared their devastation after revealing their unborn baby has died just months into the pregnancy.

Chart-topping British dance artist James Hype and his music partner Tita have suffered a devastating miscarriage Credit: instagram/@jameshype
James first hit the UK music scene back in 2017 when his song More Than Friends became a smash hit Credit: AFP

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday afternoon, Tita shared a black and white snap of them hugging and wrote alongside it: “This week we thought we’d be sharing the happiest news of our lives. Sadly, life had a different plan for us.

“For the last two years, we’ve been trying for a baby. It hasn’t been easy, especially because James and I hardly see each other.

“We’d started planning our IVF journey & had meetings with multiple doctors. But just before we were due to begin, something felt different…
I can’t really explain it, I bought a pregnancy test & called James literally 1000s of miles apart…Positive.”

She then shared how they went through a range of emotions before heading for their first scan and hearing the baby’s heartbeat.

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Tita is also a DJ and praised James in her update on what had happened Credit: instagram/@jameshype
The couple have been together for six years Credit: instagram/@jameshype

Tita, who also tours the world as a DJ, added: “Keeping it a secret was so hard, especially while touring. The first trimester is literally no joke!”

But a few weeks later, Tita said she felt “something wasn’t right” and went to get checked at another scan and “That’s when our hearts broke.”

She continued: “We were told I’d had what’s called a missed miscarriage, most likely caused by chromosomal abnormalities. My body still believed it was pregnant, but our baby had stopped developing.

“I don’t think a day has gone by that I haven’t cried. I didn’t know what happened next. It’s not something I’d ever thought about, but the next day, I had surgery & just like that, everything we’d been dreaming about was over.”

She then paid tribute to her husband, saying: “I’m still recovering, both physically & emotionally & I know James is too. I honestly don’t know how I would have gone through this week without you. This has been the hardest thing we’ve experienced together.”

James then commented underneath the post: “Proud of you for sharing this. Believe that everything will work out the way it should.”

The couple recently celebrated their sixth anniversary together.

James first hit the UK music scene back in 2017 when his song More Than Friends became a smash hit.

He has since had hit songs with global artists such as Craig David, Kim Petras and Pia Mia. 

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Noughties pop star unrecognisable 23 years after controversial hit as he braves the rain at UK festival

A NOUGHTIES pop star looks unrecognisable 23 years after his controversial hit, as he braved the rain at a UK festival.

This US singer, now 54, shot to fame in a quirky Detroit rock band – but can you guess who he is?

Can you guess who this noughties star is? Credit: TikTok/ @academymusicgroup
The singer’s band shot to fame over 20 years ago – seen here in the 90s Credit: Getty

The star in question is Dick Valentine, who is known for the band Electric Six, which he founded with friends from high school.

The band launched into the spotlight in the early noughties, and were known for their controversial song Gay Bar.

The tune was released in June 2003, and lead singer Dick, who’s real name is Tyler Spencer, has now revealed how he came up with the song.

Speaking in the rain at Download Festival, he told the Academy Music Group: “The real story, I was in a rock and roll bar. Okay, and so there’s ambient noise, there are people talking, there are drinks clinking.

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Dick Valentine from Electric Six talked about how he came up with their controversial song, Gay Bar Credit: TikTok/ @academymusicgroup
Electric Six are back on tour – seen here as they look now Credit: instagram

“In the background, on the jukebox, right, you’re hearing the song that they’re playing in the jukebox, but you can’t quite make out the lyrics.

“The song on the jukebox was Girl You Want by Devo, where the lyrics are, ‘She’s just a girl, just a girl, girl you want.’

“Those are the lyrics, those are the actual lyrics.”

Continuing with his story, Dick said: “But I thought he was saying, ‘She’s just a girl, just a girl in a gay bar.’

Dick and his band had a huge amount of success in the noughties Credit: Getty
Electric Six continue to perform live and are currently on a UK tour Credit: Getty

“And so I started singing that, and my friend was like, ‘No, no, no, what are you singing?’

“So then I’ve got this lyric now about a girl in a gay bar, right, I’ve got this, and it hasn’t been used, so now this is mine.

“So that was the genesis of it. It was just a misheard lyric in a pub, and it worked out really well for me!”

When Gay Bar was released over twenty years ago, the track certainly caused a stir.

While the song and music video got a lot of airplay the lyrics mentioning the Iraq war, which was ongoing at the time, were edited because they were perceived to have been offensive at the time.

Meanwhile, Electric Six shot to fame with their first single, Danger! High Voltage, which soared to No. 2 in the UK charts.

Along with Dick, the original line-up included Cory Martin on drums, Anthony Selph on lead guitar, Joe Frezza on rhythm guitar, and Steve Nawara on bass.

Over the years the band has experienced various changes in members, but Dick has always remained at the helm.

Electric Six continue to perform, and are currently on tour right now in the UK.

Electric Six Tour Dates 2026

This is where you can catch Electric Six on tour in the UK this year:

  • June 21: Portsmouth – The Gaiety
  • June 23: Preston – 53 Degrees
  • June 24: Wrexham – The Live Rooms
  • June 28: London – The 100 Club
  • Nov 23: Cottingham – The Civic Hall
  • Nov 24: York – The Crescent
  • Nov 25: Manchester – Club AcademyNov 27: Belfast – The Limelight
  • Nov 28: Edinburgh – The Queen’s Hall
  • Nov 29: Glasgow – QMU
  • Dec 01: Birmingham – O2 Academy
  • Dec 02: Leeds – O2 Academy
  • Dec 03: Liverpool – O2 Academy
  • Dec 04: Bristol – O2 Academy
  • Dec 05: London – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
  • Dec 06: Brighton – Concorde 2



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Emotional Myles Smith reveals he was physically abused by his dad when he was 13 in heartbreaking debut album

MYLES Smith reveals he was physically abused by his father in his heartbreaking debut album My Mess, My Heart, My Life. 

The Luton-born star, who was raised by his mother Deborah, recalls his difficult childhood in emotional tracks My Mess and Grandma’s House. 

Myles Smith’s debut album My Mess, My Heart, My Life, delivers a powerful and honest record inspired by pain and life’s struggle Credit: Getty
Heaven is sure to become a live staple for Myles, who has more than proven he can go up against the greats when it comes to writing about love and loss Credit: Splash

Not since Lewis Capaldi’s astonishing 2019 album Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent have I heard a more impressive and honest debut record, with Myles pouring his truth into the 15-track album. 

Created over the past three years, as Myles’ career went stellar thanks to his 2024 runaway hit Stargazing, the star takes his fans back to his beginnings. 

Lead track My Mess reduced me to tears as Myles regaled his relationship with his father against a backdrop of an upbeat, acoustic guitar. 

He sings, “I was born into a fractured family, where a word can start a war. 

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“Lost my tongue, when I spoke my peace, yeah he grabbed my shirt and he bruised my cheek. 

“Sad a man had to go toe to toe with a boy thirteen.” 

Emotion-packed Grandma’s House, where Myles, 28, recalls finding his safe space as his mum Deborah worked to make ends meet, is packed with emotion and reflection. 

On the track he sings: “Take me back to my Grandma’s place. 

“I was 7 years old when I learnt how to cook, and 10 when I started to sing. 

“Oh she’d bring me to church, and she’d cover my ears, when my Dad would scream horrible things.” 

Myles’ signature acoustic guitar underpins every track, with Hate You untangling the realities of navigating love and Sertraline seeing Myles exploring mental health and complexities surrounding it. 

This is an album for the brokenhearted and the hopeful, with the beautifully worded Lifetime and the dreamy vocals on Heaven – which is my favourite song on the record – seemingly bringing Myles’ the happy ending he’s been searching for. 

Over the past two years, Myles has grown in prominence – winning the Brit Awards Rising Star gong as well as earning an Ivor Novello Award for Stargazing. 

To date Myles has amassed over 4.7billion streams worldwide and is one of our country’s most exciting new stars. 

Opening up about the record, Myles said the album was born out of “therapy notes, old memories, relationships, insecurities, heartbreaks, mistakes and all the moments that shaped me.” 

The latter half of the album moves towards a positive note, with Nice To Meet You and Gold showing Myles coming out on the other side. 

Myles said: “It was important to end the album, and particularly this project on a high. 

“I feel like I always try to mirror my music with my live shows and my live shows are always about taking people on an emotional journey and then sending you home happy. 

“It is that sense of hope which lingers on as Gold closes the album. 

“Even though I may appear miserable for a lot of this album, I genuinely always walk with hope and I walk with joy at the end of the day.” 

Heaven, mark my words, will become a live show staple for Myles, who with My Mess, My Heart, My Life has more than proven he can hold up against the greats when it comes to writing songs about love and loss. 

★★★★★

Lotts of stars at V&A

It was all-white on the night for Pixie Lott at the V&A Museum’s summer party Credit: Getty
Maya Jama also chose white to impress Credit: Getty
Jessie Ware sang live at the bash Credit: Getty

It was all-white on the night for Maya Jama and Pixie Lott as they stood out in these dresses at the V&A Museum’s summer party.

They were joined at the bash by model Leomie Anderson, in an open white suit with gold jewellery, Ellie Goulding sporting a blazer dress, and Sir Mick Jagger with his fiancee Melanie Hamrick.

Once inside the museum, in London’s South Kensington, guests got the chance to schmooze around the exhibits, while Jessie Ware sang live in a sequin gown.

With tickets flying for her autumn tour, they were lucky to see her.

But access to the fundraiser, for those who did pay, cost £3,999. That is one expensive night out.

Ellie Goulding was sporting a blazer dress Credit: Getty
Model Leomie Anderson wore an open white suit with gold jewellery Credit: Getty

KAISER CHIEFS frontman Ricky Wilson will play Teen Angel in Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical.   

The show is being put on by Secret Cinema from July to September at Evolution London in Battersea Park. 

Singer Ricky Wilson will play Teen Angel in Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical Credit: Getty

Ricky, left, said: “At school I was in Grease. I was not yet the pop sensation I am today and I only really wanted to do it because I fancied the girl who played Frenchie,  

“I was Doody, so this is my chance to show everyone I should’ve got a bigger part.  

“I don’t believe anyone from that production is now a professional singer – so in short, I win.” 


Sian’s up for toy techover

Capital Breakfast’s Jordan North and Sian Welby, above, have landed roles in Toy Story 5 Credit: Getty

You will hear some surprisingly familiar voices in Toy Story 5 if you head to the cinema this weekend – as Capital Breakfast’s Jordan North and Sian Welby have landed roles.

They voice a garden gnome and inflatable flamingo in the long-awaited Pixar sequel, and mum-of-one Sian has high hopes for its impact.

Speaking about the film, which is about tech replacing toys, Sian, right, said: “I do think it’s going to start a massive conversation about screen time.

“It made me want to smash every bit of tech in my house and just get out in the grass and play all the games that I did growing up.

“I think a lot of us are going to watch it and feel guilt. It’s sad we have to grow up so fast because there’s so much magic when you’re younger.”


Best-selling novel One Day is coming to the West End as a musical.

The David Nicholls love story – which has previously been adapted for both the big and small screen – will premiere at London’s Garrick Theatre on November 17, following shows in Edinburgh earlier this year.

Tissues and jazz hands at the ready.


MNEK is back in reverse

MNEK is releasing his first album for eight years Credit: Maja Smiejkowska

MNEK is returning with his first album in eight years.

The singer has today released the single Reverse!!, which samples Lethal Bizzle’s Pow! (Forward) and will be on his Bulldozer record this autumn.

Also out now is Jax Jones’ Pulling Me Back, Tiny Habits’ Anything He Was featuring Matty Healy from The 1975 and Grow Down by Luca George.

Ahead of his opening night in Jesus Christ Super-star in London, Sam Ryder has released What’s The Buzz.

And to support England’s World Cup efforts, Kerry Katona has re-recorded Atomic Kitten’s Whole Again as Home Again to raise cash for kids in care.

She said: “Even if you think it’s s***, please download it so we can give back.”

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Teddy Swims opens up on reality of fame as he admits he’s glad global success didn’t come until his 30s

TEDDY SWIMS says he is glad he was 30 years old before achieving global success – otherwise he could have gone off the rails.

The US star, whose single Lose Control sent his profile rocketing in 2023, said he doesn’t understand how younger stars like Benson Boone have coped with their early fame.

Teddy Swims says he is glad he was 30 years old before achieving global success – otherwise he could have gone off the rails Credit: Getty
Teddy said he doesn’t understand how younger stars like Benson Boone have coped with their early fame Credit: Getty

Teddy explained: “He’s crushing it at, like, 23. If they would have gave me that at 23, I would have sent that straight up my nose.

“Thank God it happened to me at the time it did and I’m capable of understanding this and taking it seriously.

“I’d have probably been so terrible about it. I’d have spun out immediately if I’d been given that at such a young age.”

Since then though, Teddy’s had further hits with The Door and Bad Dreams, but doesn’t let success get to his head.

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He said: “I try not to hang up my diamond or platinum records in my house, because I feel like I’ll just be looking at them and be like, ‘My best days are behind me,’ or something.

“So I try just to keep my head down and keep rocking.”

Asked if they’re in storage, he confessed: “A lot of them I’ve given to my family on Christmas. It saves me a little money there too.

“You know, my aunt’s got The Door gold record from a year ago.”

A real beauty spot, Maya

Maya Jama is clearly feline fine as she turns up the heat in a skimpy leopard-print mini dress Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Maya flaunted her curves in a tiny bikini Credit: Instagram

MAYA JAMA is clearly feline fine as she turns up the heat in a skimpy leopard-print mini dress.

The Love Island host sizzled as she fronted the dating show’s ITV2 spin-off Aftersun in the slinky number.

Maya, who previously dated grime star Stormzy, split from her Manchester City footballer boyfriend Ruben Dias in April after 18 months together.

But she clearly isn’t moping around, and has been on holiday in Ibiza, where she flaunted her curves in a tiny bikini.

Maya said of the break-up: “I’m an all-or-nothing girl, I don’t casually date, so yes, I will love loudly or not at all – and if it ends, it ends. I decided a long time ago not to base my life decisions on public opinions.”

Sounds like she’s got the dating game sussed.


Jack Whitehall has apologised to Becky Hill Credit: Getty
Jack called her a ‘Wetherspoons Whitney’ Credit: Getty

JACK WHITEHALL has apologised to Becky Hill for calling her a “Wetherspoons Whitney”, claiming the pair “had a chuckle” about his dig – despite her writing diss track Daddy’s Range Rover about him.

I revealed last month how Becky has penned the song all about him making her the butt of a joke while he hosted the 2024 Brits.

Jack says: “I think my biggest surprise is it’s taken so long for some- one to write a diss track about me. I apologised when I saw her.”

Becky doesn’t sound like she sees the funny side, however – blasting the “privately educated nepo baby”.

Jesy’s hol of a look

Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson celebrated her 35th birthday pondering what is coming next for her
Perrie Edwards got married to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in Portugal over the weekend Credit: Refer to Caption

LITTLE MIX singer Jesy Nelson celebrated her 35th birthday pondering what is coming next for her.

Holidaying with friends, she mused: “Whatever will chapter 35 bring?”

Well, it is unlikely to bring a reunion with her estranged former bandmates.

Jesy was not a guest at Perrie Edwards’ wedding to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in Portugal over the weekend, after Perrie said Jesy made her “blood boil” by claiming she felt unsupported during a mental health crisis.

Whatever comes next, it’s going to be a page-turner.

LEAH LETS LOOSE IN IBIZA

Leah Williamson made the most of her break from the game by enjoying a wild girls’ trip to Ibiza Credit: Getty

ENGLAND women’s football captain Leah Williamson made the most of her break from the game by enjoying a wild girls’ trip to Ibiza.

I’m told the Arsenal player let her hair down at the White Isle’s most legendary club Pikes last week.

Then on Friday night she let loose at Calvin Harris’ residency at superclub Ushuaia, where she partied with pals and her model girlfriend Elle Smith.

One onlooker told me: “Leah was ­having a great time doing shots with her mates – she was really ­living her best life.”

A calf injury meant she was ruled out of the last Lionesses squad, and it sounds like she is still feeling the effects as Leah wasn’t dancing as much as her mates.

But I reckon a blow-out in Ibiza might be just what she needs before getting her head back in the game.


FRESH off a collaboration with Ed Sheeran, Martin Garrix has teamed up with Madonna.

The Dutch DJ debuted Bizarre, one of the tracks from Madge’s highly anticipated Confessions II album, during a New York party.

From the clip I’ve heard, it sounds like an absolute beast.


ASTON: MY BOY’S READY TO HAVE BITE AT POP STARDOM

Aston Merrygold and son Grayson Jax Credit: Instagram
The JLS star with the children’s book Credit: Supplied

JLS star Aston Merrygold reckons he could have the next Justin Bieber on his hands in the form of his talented eldest son.

He revealed that eight-year-old Grayson Jax is already showing serious star potential.

The Beat Again singer said: “My oldest is full-on – he’s ready, he wants to do everything. He’s so much better than I ever was. Little Justin Bieber on the way.”

While fans wait to see if another Merrygold is about to hit the charts, Aston is juggling life as a musician with being a hands-on dad to his three children and setting a good example.

The singer has teamed up with Bupa Dental Care to launch the kids’ story and audiobook The ­Dentist’s Apprentice, aimed at ­helping youngsters overcome fears over check-ups on their teeth.

Aston said: “The whole premise is about trying to get rid of dental anxiety that young people have.

“Having all that pent-up anxious energy is not healthy for anyone. The dentist is about check-ups, it’s about prevention.”

Aston will soon be back on the road with JLS for their UK tour.

They are playing eight more shows, ending in Derby on August 29.

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Olivia Rodrigo has looked at love from both sides now

What to do after writing some of this century’s most devastating songs about the torment of breaking up? Write some of this century’s most devastating songs about the ecstasy of getting together.

With her first two albums — 2021’s Grammy-winning “Sour” and 2023’s triple-platinum “Guts” — Olivia Rodrigo proved herself to be perhaps the most gifted of the many chroniclers of Gen Z romance to emerge in Taylor Swift’s wake. She could convey the hot sting of betrayal, as in her smash debut single, “Drivers License”; she could channel the injustice of watching an ex somehow carry on, as in “Good 4 U”; she could deliver a sick burn like somebody handing out Halloween candy, as in “Get Him Back!” (Because it deserves remembering: “He had an ego and a temper and a wandering eye / He said he’s six-foot-two, and I’m like, ‘Dude, nice try.’”)

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Yet on her thrilling third LP, “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love,” Rodrigo, 23, turns to the pleasure that comes before the pain — and, in a feat very few in pop music are ever able to pull off, ends up with a number of first-flush-of-love songs as potent as any breakup tune.

She opens the album with “Drop Dead,” in which she compares a guy in line for the bathroom at a bar to an “angel on the walls of Versailles” — an early sign of how high the emotional ceiling is here. In “Stupid Song” she cycles through a series of metaphors to describe her lovesickness — she’s a car without a brake, she’s a heart made of melting wax — before finding a simpler but infinitely more vivid way of getting her point across: “You should feel how I feel when somebody says your name.” (Chills.)

“Maggots for Brains” is a song about how useless she becomes “when my baby goes away,” and let’s just take a second to savor the fact that Rodrigo is putting that title into the world less than four years after she was still a working Disney kid. The album’s next tune, “U + Me = <3,” is its high point: a euphoric promise of devotion that sounds like Sixpence None the Richer reborn as a Midwestern emo band. It’s got two young lovers carving their names into car seat leather, and it’s got a girl trying to impress her boyfriend’s older sister with her cynical humor and her taste in yacht rock.

More important, it’s got these lines of pure poetry: “They say modern love’s a cruel endeavor / And to that I say, F— it, whatever.” Kurt Cobain would be proud.

Working with her longtime producer, Dan Nigro, Rodrigo has expanded her stylistic palette to accommodate these new emotions; “You Seem Pretty Sad” pulls in chiming folk-rock and synthed-up new wave and even has a gorgeous wine-bar piano ballad, “Less,” that might put the scare in Rodrigo’s pal Laufey.

The cover of Olivia Rodrigo's new album.

The cover of Olivia Rodrigo’s new album.

(Geffen Records)

The album is structured to trace the arc of a relationship, which means that the second half dips into the heartbreak we’re used to getting from Rodrigo. But she’s writing about familiar scenarios with new wisdom, drawing sophisticated conclusions about why people in love do the things they do (and don’t do the things they don’t).

In “The Cure,” which rides a strummed acoustic-guitar pattern that strongly recalls Smashing Pumpkins’ “Disarm,” she realizes a boyfriend can’t fix what’s broken inside her; “Begged” examines the limits of one partner’s willingness to look past the failings of the other. After hearing these songs, the happier ones at the beginning of the album reveal bits of shadow that Rodrigo has built into them to presage what’s to come — to presage what always comes.

It’s fitting, then, that Robert Smith of the Cure — perhaps pop’s most jubilant gloommeister — hovers over this LP like a patron saint: nodded to in “The Cure,” of course, but also “Drop Dead,” where Rodrigo name-checks the Cure’s classic “Just Like Heaven.” Smith himself turns up in “What’s Wrong With Me” for a duet with Rodrigo in which the two learn to accept that love, in the end, might be what kills them.

“My head is spinning and my stomach is sick,” they sing, and neither sounds like they’d have it any other way.

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Sia, 50, looks totally different as she ditches her signature wig and steps out barefaced at LA farmer’s market

SIA has been spotted looking totally different after she ditched her signature wig and stepped out makeup-free at an LA farmer’s market.

In photos obtained by The U.S. Sun, Sia was seen out and about with her two-year-old, Somersault Wonder.

Singer songwriter, Sia, stepped out to a farmer’s market in LA looking totally different Credit: BackGrid
Sia went makeup free (and wig free) for the Sunday outing Credit: BackGrid

The Elastic Heart singer wore a pink baseball cap and an oversized trench coat as she strolled through the market picking out produce on Sunday, June 7.

The singer and songwriter is known for wearing elaborate wigs, which would obscure most of her face, for a large part of her career.

The 50-year-old has been intensely private, so when she filed for divorce from her husband, Daniel Bernard, last year, fans were surprised to learn she had also quietly welcomed her son, Somersault.

The couple tied the knot in December 2023 in Italy and ended the marriage just 26 months later.

NICE TO SIA

Pop singer Sia, 49, holds hands with Netflix star, 28, after cosy dinner date

Sia Furler performs in her signature wig at the 2016 Panorama NYC Festival Credit: Getty
Sia became known for her elaborate wigs which obscure most of her face Credit: Getty

The documents cite “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split.

The exes have been caught in a nasty custody battle, with Daniel requesting full custody of Somersault.

According to documents reported by Page Six, Daniel, whose an oncologist, claimed he was the “only safe and reliable parent.”

He also called Sia a “serious and immediate danger” to their child.

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“Sia is an unfit and unreliable parent struggling with substance abuse and addiction, rendering her incapable of providing safe or stable care for Summi,” he claimed in the papers.

The judge denied Daniel’s request for full custody and ordered the pair to continue with their previous custody agreement.

Sia has two other sons whom she adopted in 2019 as they were about to age out of the foster care system.

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Watch the chaotic moment US hitmaker repeatedly slips and stumbles on stage at Summertime Ball as fans voice concern

FANS of a huge US hitmaker have voiced their concern after the star repeatedly slipped and stumbled on stage at the Summertime Ball.

Yesterday, 80,000 revellers descended on Wembley Stadium for Capital’s annual festival – but there was one singer who got everyone talking

Fans were left concerned for Stephen Sanchez after his chaotic Summertime Ball performance Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The star stepped out on stage and immediately almost fell over Credit: TikTok/ @_floss._

A video of Stephen Sanchez has emerged and shows the star’s chaotic performance at the Summertime Ball.

Taking to the stage the flamboyant star was dressed in a peach suit.

But as The Until I Found You hitmaker started to perform, he was seen slipping and sliding everywhere.

At one point Stephen looked like he was about to fall off the stage, as he tried to regain his balance.

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The singer was seen slipping around on stage Credit: TikTok/ @_floss._
The star almost fell over several times Credit: TikTok/ @_floss._

However, in the end he just ripped off his shoes and carried on dancing.

Sharing the video, TikToker @_floss_ wrote over the top of the clip: “The stage was really out to get Stephen Sanchez.”

Floss’s followers rushed to comment, with one saying: “Honestly at the end when he slid into stairs I just thought he had broken his toes!”

Another added: “Be careful Stephen!”

This one said: “This is a bad health and safety hazard! But he handled it so well.”

Meanwhile, Stephen wasn’t the only one to suffer on stage.

Fellow US star Jason Derulo was left red-faced as he slipped on stairs and fell over during his Capital Summertime Ball performance.

The singer took a stumble on stage when he slipped down some stairs while walking down onto the stage.

However, the US singer-songwriter styled it out in his usual fashion and appeared to be unhurt, telling the crowd: “I survived!”

Keeping his cool, he took a moment kneeling and put his finger in the air while he gathered his composure.



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Madonna premieres new music video shot in a TOILET featuring celeb pals including Kate Moss and Benedict Cumberbatch

MADONNA has landed a host of A-listers to feature in cameos on her new music film.

Last night the Queen of Pop premiered the 13-minute Confessions II — featuring Hollywood’s Benedict Cumberbatch, supermodel Kate Moss and several other celebrities.

Madonna has landed a host of A-listers to feature in cameos on her new music film Credit: YouTube
Kate Moss in the 13-minute Confessions II Credit: YouTube

The film features six songs from her upcoming album.

During the one unreleased track, Danceteria, the singer slinks through a bathroom where Chelsea football aces Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro are at the urinal, while Richard E. Grant, Gwendoline Christie, Shygirl, Kate and Benedict rave in the toilet disco.

Sabrina Carpenter, who teamed up with Madge on the record’s lead single, the recently released Bring Your Love, also has a starring role.

Julia Garner, who was cast as Madonna in a yet-to-be-filmed biopic, appears in a scene where Madge flies over the crowd.

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The superstar’s ­daughter, Lourdes Leon, is in there too.

Other new tracks in the film are I Feel So Free, Good For The Soul, One Step Away and Read My Lips.

I first told in March how the superstar had enlisted her showbiz pals to be part of a four-day shoot at a West London studio for the video — and now she has proved it was worth the wait.

Her Confessions II collection is set to be released on July 3 — 21 years after her original Confessions On A Dancefloor album came out.

Madonna and Benedict Cumberbatch rave in the toilet disco Credit: YouTube
Sabrina Carpenter, who teamed up with Madge on the record’s lead single, the recently released Bring Your Love, also has a starring role Credit: YouTube
Footballers Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro are in the video Credit: YouTube
Cole and Joao at the urinals Credit: YouTube

I revealed at the weekend that she is now eyeing up plans for potential concerts to celebrate the record’s release — but you are unlikely to see her follow in other stars’ footsteps with a Las Vegas residency.

Name-checking a state-of-the-art 20,000-capacity arena in Paradise,

Nevada, she said, during a Q&A: “Sphere seems cool, but I don’t want to wake up and look at Vegas every day.”

And she’s ready for fans to ditch their phones at any future gigs. She added: “Put your phones down, go out, and connect with people.

Gwendoline Christie taking a peak in the toilets Credit: YouTube
Julia Garner, who was cast as Madonna in a yet-to-be-filmed biopic, appears in a scene where Madge flies over the crowd Credit: YouTube
Richard E. Grant makes an appearance Credit: YouTube
The superstar’s ­daughter, Lourdes Leon, is in there too Credit: YouTube

ABBA have hatched a scheme to take Mamma Mia! The Party to Manchester after it proved a hit in ­Stockholm and London.

Plans for a new entertainment venue next to the city’s Etihad Stadium have been recommended for approval by council planners.

The three-storey venue, set to be built beside Man City’s new North Stand and close to the Co-op Live, would offer a theatrical dining experience for up to 600 guests.

City have teamed up with entertainment giant Pophouse – founded by Abba’s Bjorn Ulvaeus – for the project, with bosses saying the city’s rich music heritage made it the perfect home for the production.

Pophouse chief executive Jessica Koravos said: “Manchester is known for its innovation in music and entertainment and we cannot think of anywhere better to bring one of the world’s most ­popular and ground breaking theatrical productions.”


TRAITOR STEPHEN’S MUSICAL

Stephen Libby has penned a musical that he hopes to bring to the West End in the not-too-distant future Credit: Getty

TRAITORS winner Stephen Libby fancies himself as the next Andrew Lloyd Webber.

I can reveal the Scottish fashionista has penned a musical that he hopes to bring to the West End in the not-too-distant future.

A source said: “Stephen has the musical all written and ready to go.

“He has always dreamed of his work making it to the West End.

“With The Traitors opening so many doors – both financially and in terms of connections – he feels like the time could be now.

“He’s been having various meetings and things are looking promising.”

Stephen and fellow Traitors winner Rachel Duffy split the hit BBC show’s £95,750 prize money earlier this year.

Since then he has been a regular on the showbiz circuit in London and even landed an ad hoc hosting job on ITV’s This Morning.


NIALL HORAN is on course to catch up with his One Direction bandmate Harry Styles this ­week by scoring his third No1 album.

The Irish singer released Dinner Party on Friday and it is ­currently in the lead to top the charts, after Sir Paul McCartney claimed pole position last week with The Boys Of ­Dungeon Lane.


ACE THEO TACKLES TOXICITY

Theo Walcott is getting into the World Cup spirit despite hanging up his footie boots Credit: PA

FORMER England ace Theo Walcott is getting into the World Cup spirit despite hanging up his footie boots.

The Arsenal legend has teamed up with EE to front its new Yes Boys campaign.

The initiative aims to shine a light on the negative online influences shaping boys’ attitudes both on and off the pitch.

It comes as new data reveals 42 per cent of boys aged 11 to 16 encounter outdated phrases like “men shouldn’t show emotion” and “boys need to toughen up” every week.

Progress has been made over the years, but clearly there is still a long way to go.


DOLLS ASH: MY DANCE TRAUMA

Ashley Roberts has admitted she was so burned out when the group split in 2010 that even seeing people dance would make her cry Credit: Instagram

PUSSYCAT DOLLS star Ashley Roberts has admitted she was so burned out when the group split in 2010 that even seeing people dance would make her cry.

The girls were known for their intense, choreographed routines but Ashley couldn’t bear to bust any moves after the break-up because of the trauma wrapped up in the group’s original run.

She said: “It was absolutely heartbreaking. I couldn’t even actually watch dancing because I would just be bursting into tears.

“When it first became my job, I was like, ‘Well, this is epic’.

“But then it got wrapped up in this bubble of a major pop group that was a global success.

“I got a bit on the other side and I was like, ‘Well, who am I actually outside of this, right?’

“I just felt very lost, very disconnected to the one thing that actually made me feel like it was like the essence of life to me.

“I just didn’t really recognise myself.

“And it was a really, really tough time.”

Thankfully Ashley has since healed herself, as well as her relationship with performing, and has reunited with Nicole Scherzinger and Kimberly Wyatt for a tour here this autumn.

On how she feels to be back, she told Fearne Cotton on her Happy Place podcast: “Everybody’s like, ‘No, you’re in shape – you got this’.

“I’m like, ‘No, this is a whole other beast’.

“It’s like running a marathon in heels.

“We’re like, ‘Screw it’. You never know when we’re going to be able to do this again.

“We’ve got to just do it – we’ve got to say yes and just go for it.”

Swissh look, Sam

Sam Smith mixed business with glamour by pairing a shirt and tie with an eye-catching gold corset Credit: ©MJF Anoush Abrar

SAM SMITH mixed business with glamour by pairing a shirt and tie with an eye-catching gold corset.

The Stay With Me singer’s snap has been released for the first time as part of a book called The Elegance Of Time, celebrating the 60th edition of Switzerland’s Montreux Jazz Festival.

Sam played at the event – held annually near Lake Geneva – in 2023, and this photo, along with 150 other intimate portraits of artists including Raye, Lionel Richie, Benson Boone and Pulp, will be included in the book, which is out tomorrow.


BBC bosses splashed out on therapy for UK Eurovision act Look Mum No Computer after he came last in the contest and was ridiculed online.

The performer, whose real name is Sam Battle, said the fallout from his quirky entry Eins, Zwei, Drei is ongoing, so he is still seeing a counsellor.

Sam told The Euro Trip podcast: “There was some sort of therapy stuff. The BBC got me a therapist, which is amazing.

“I’ve never really had one before. They were very accommodating. In fact, I’ve still got the therapist because obviously the fallout is another thing. They don’t just leave you.”

Now Sam reckons the only way forward for the UK at Eurovision is to send a hard rock band.

He said: “We went for ‘very good sensible pop songs’ and then for something ‘a little bit left field’. Still didn’t quite work.

“My tip? Metal. Do we have anything to lose?”

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Sugababes’ Keisha Buchanan reveals she was ‘KIDNAPPED’ from school and missed doing her GCSEs

SUGABABES singer Keisha Buchanan has revealed that she was KIDNAPPED from school – shortly before achieving her first hit with the band.

The 41-year-old singer first joined the group at the tender age of 13 and they signed their first record contract in 1998.

Sugababes singer Keisha has revealed she was kidnapped at 16 years old Credit: Livelaughlukepod/YouTube
The star was preparing to make her Sugababes debut as well as sit her GCSEs at the time of the incident Credit: Getty

But the singer has now revealed how she was kidnapped in 2000 – shortly before the band’s debut single Overload hit the UK top 10.

Keisha revealed that she was taken by a man from school for several hours before she was returned home.

The scary incident caused her parents to decide it was no longer safe for the star to go to school, resulting in her missing her GCSEs.

Keisha, who won The Masked Singer earlier this year, made the confession on the Live, Laugh, Luke podcast.

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The star revealed that she was kept captive for a number of hours Credit: Getty
The singer has been performing with the band for 28 years Credit: Getty

The Push The Button hitmaker said: “I had like this incident right before my GCSEs where I was kidnapped.

“So, because it was quite a traumatic experience, my parents were, like, ‘yeah, so we’re going to do a different type of education.’

“So I kind of finished like my education, but I just couldn’t do my GCSEs.”

Keisha had been preparing to debut with the Sugababes at the time and had already left school to focus on music but had briefly returned in order to sit her GCSEs just before they released their first single at the time of the incident.

In the interview, she revealed that she wasn’t able to share more details of the scary incident as she planned to tell the full story in her impending autobiography.

Keisha did add: “I was basically taken after school by someone.

“I think I just sort of blocked it and then had to just get back into, you know, promotion of our first single.”

Keisha revealed how she was held captive for a number of hours – an experience that left her seeking therapy from the age of 16.

The Sugababes – which also comprised of Mutya Buena and Siobhan Donaghyreleased their first song Overload in early September 2000 with Keisha having been expected to sit her GCSEs in May and June of the same year.

Elsewhere, she confessed that only Siobhan ultimately ended up being accepted back into school for the exams after all three originally left in order to record their debut album, One Touch, over the course of two years.

Despite at first claiming her parents pulled her out of school as a result of the terrifying kidnapping incident, Keisha then appeared to suggest the school had refused to re-enroll her for examinations anyway.

She said: “We ended up leaving school. Siobhan went back to school to take her GCSEs and they accepted her back.

“When Mutya and I tried to get back, they were so rude.

“They were like, ‘Oh no, no, no, you’re not coming back. Like you guys thought you were going to be these pop stars. Let’s see what’s going to happen.’

“So they wouldn’t accept us back.”

Keisha further stated that she discussed the kidnapping ordeal in very early promotional interviews for their debut single but has since kept it out of public view and intends to tell the lengthy story in her own memoir.

The popstar is the longest serving member of the band and has been involved in nearly all of their musical releases.

She was famously sacked from the group in 2009 amid disagreements between the members at the time.

Original stars Siobhan and Mutya had both previously left in 2001 and 2005.

They were replaced by Heidi Range and Amelle Berrebah who worked with Keisha until September 2009.

Their record label that opted to replace her with Eurovision star Jade Ewen for their 2010 album, Sweet 7.

Jade re-recorded Keisha’s parts for the record but the final line-up formation ended up splitting after their flop 2011 single, Freedom.

Keisha then reunited with Siobhan and Mutya in 2012 and released their first single as a reunited trio in 2013, Flatline.

Amid a legal war, they eventually gained back the rights to using the name Sugababes in 2019 with the original trio having been performing ever since including a sell-out arena tour, countless festival appearances and two well-received Glastonbury sets.

They released three new singles last year – Jungle, Weeds and Shook – amid a rumoured new album expected later this year.

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Inside Dua Lipa and Callum Turner’s incredible Italian wedding with TWO designer dresses and Elton John performance

DUA Lipa partied with friends until 6am at the finale of her three-day Sicilian wedding after Elton John sang and played piano for her ceremony.

The Be The One singer, 30, downed Negronis, drank champagne, smoked cigarettes and snogged new husband Callum Turner, 36, through the night, insiders said.

DUA Lipa partied with friends until 6am at the finale of her three-day Sicilian wedding after Elton John sang and played piano for her ceremony Credit: Nick Edwards for dailymail.co.uk
The Be The One singer, 30, downed Negronis, drank champagne, smoked cigarettes and snogged new husband Callum Turner, 36, through the night, insiders said Credit: BackGrid

But The Sun can reveal security downed two drones by jamming their signals after they flew over the party, causing a huge security scare for the A-Lister guests.

We can also reveal she wore two dresses over the course of the night, both believed to have been designed by Donatella Versace.

Both dresses were white and floor length, and described by onlookers as “glittering”.

Dua, who wore her hair down, had a long train for her wedding ceremony, but slipped into a more comfortable one so she could dance at the afterparty.

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A spectacular 10-minute fireworks display wowed guests at the ceremony, with music playing into the night Credit: The Sun
Guests wept earlier in a hugely emotional moment as Sir Elton John serenaded Dua by playing piano and singing Your Song Credit: Reuters
Dua Lipa was seen with designer Donatella Versace during the wedding festivities following her marriage to actor Callum Turner Credit: Reuters
Singer Dua Lipa danced with her husband, actor Callum Turner, during wedding festivities following their marriage Credit: Reuters

Guests wept earlier in a hugely emotional moment as Sir Elton John serenaded Dua by playing piano and singing Your Song.

But a source told The Sun there were concerns for the Rocket Man legend, who was visibly struggling with his eyesight and appeared frail as he had to be supported by two men holding him.

A source told The Sun: “He had a person on each arm to guide him because he couldn’t see but he played the piano so well.”

They were then treated to a wedding feast which included a catalan lobster salad, tuna, and pasta with lobster.

Not everyone was happy about the closures in the old town for Dua Lipa’s party Credit: Andrew Styczynski – Commissioned by The Sun
Sir Elton John was accompanied by husband David Furnish as they left Palermo in a private jet just after 12.30pm local time today Credit: Andrew Styczynski
The happy couple said their vows in an outdoor ceremony at Villa Valguarnera, in Bagheria Credit: instagram
Guests were treated to a wedding feast which included a catalan lobster salad, tuna, and pasta with lobster Credit: Reuters

Guests also had cannoli – Sicilian sweet pastry treats.

Sir Elton John left after the dinner, around the same time as Versace left too.

An Albanian community group based in Palermo also danced at the reception for Dua as bands played live music to guests whose cheers could be heard from the neighbouring streets.

Kosovo-Albanian singer Besnik Qaka and his band performed inside the venue in the evening.

A spectacular ten-minute firework display wowed guests at 11.30pm, before they moved inside the Villa Valguarnera for the afterparty. DJs played music including discotech.

A huge security presence threw a ring of steel around the event, and staff all signed NDAs and had to hand their phones in at 11am and did not get it back again until they left in the early hours.

Dua and Callum Said I Do in the Garden before the reception began.

Guests sat on wicker chairs adorned with white ribbon and gifted hand-embroidered white handkerchiefs with ‘Stay Mad with Me Forever’ on them in red.

They also got a white cotton bag with a red ‘D and C’ on the chair, which was filled with biodegradable confetti.

Elton, 79, who flew in by private jet for the ceremony, and Dua are close friends after they collaborated on the track Cold Heart in 2021.

Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace, 71, was also at the wedding, held in the grounds of the 18th-century Villa Valguarnera in Bagheria, and is believed to have designed Dua’s dress.

Yesterday’s service followed an official one at Old Marylebone Town Hall in central London last week.

A-list guests in Sicily included Brit actor Joe Alwyn, American actress Grace Gummer and her husband DJ Mark Ronson, and pop star Charli XCX and her husband George Daniel, the drummer with The 1975.

Some guests were understood to have signed non-disclosure agreements to protect the privacy of the star-studded three-day celebrations, which kicked off on Friday.

A ring of steel surrounded the venue with metal barriers erected along the roads leading to it.

The villa, which featured in the opening credits of HBO drama The White Lotus 2, is widely considered one of the most historically and culturally significant villas in Sicily.

One Kiss singer Dua, who has an estimated net worth of £150million, and Callum hired the venue for a reported £86,000.

It was once a Mafia hideout but has since been taken on by 76-year-old Italian author and translator Vittoria Alliata di Villafranca, the Princess of Valguarnera, who still lives in the estate.

A huge floral installation of white peonies, hyacinth and lily of the valley from a local florist served as the backdrop for the couple’s vows in the striking courtyard.

Meanwhile the grand entrance to the villa was adorned with purple bougainvillea flowers — a defining feature of Sicily.

Dua is understood to have walked down the aisle with her dad and manager Dukagjin through the courtyard. Pale wooden chairs draped with a cream ribbon were arranged for 200 guests in a semicircle for the ceremony.

Wedding favours included white hankerchiefs embroidered in red with “Stay mad with me forever” and there was also a photo booth.

Guests arrived in chauffer-driven cars and were served wine and popcorn while waiting for the ceremony to commence.

The ceremony was followed by a traditional Sicilian menu from chef Tony Lo Coco’s Michelin-starred Bagheria restaurant I Pupi.

Guests then partied into the night with an outdoor DJ set.

Dua and Callum — who is among the favourites to be the next James Bond — are staying in a £6,000-anight suite at the five-star 19th Century Palazzo Villa Igiea in nearby Palermo.

They are reported to have reserved two floors of the hotel and are staying in the Donna Franca Suite with the private terrace offering panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

They also shut down two city centre squares in Palermo for the first of three days of parties.

Last week The Sun revealed that Dua paid £5,000 to residents who live around the area to thank them.

But she was criticised by locals who stuck up posters accusing the singer of making their public space a “living room for the rich”. Others said: “Palermo is not for rent.”

Sir Elton John left Palermo in a private jet just after 12.30pm local time today.

The music legend, 79, was accompanied by husband David Furnish, 63, who took a photo of the singer with ground staff.

The £24,000 private jet headed towards Farnborough, near his home in Windsor. Elton was a blue tracksuit while David wore a yellow suit.

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Tension grows between Beatles biopic stars Barry Keoghan and Paul Mescal as filming gets underway

THE friction between Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr in 1970 will be brought to life in the upcoming Beatles biopic.

But I can reveal there is tension among the two actors playing the pop legends, too.

Cast from left: Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison Credit: PA
Paul Mescal as Paul and Barry Keoghan as Ringo

Oscar-nominated Barry Keoghan is playing drummer Ringo, alongside Gladiator II star Paul Mescal as Macca.

Sources on the set of the film, directed by Sam Mendes and due for release in 2028, have noticed that the relationship between the two Irish actors has become strained.

One said: “Barry has been rubbing people up the wrong way.

“His timekeeping is not always up to scratch and he often references that he is a parent — despite not living with his son.

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“He also brings his brother Eric on set as his assistant, which doesn’t always bring out the best in his character.

“Barry is professional and can bring out the best in any script.

“But he can test the boundaries off-camera.”

Paul and Ringo, the last surviving members of the band, clashed in 1970, shortly before the group split in April that year.

Paul was preparing to release his first solo album, McCartney, just a few weeks before The Beatles album Let It Be was due to come out.

His bandmates wrote him a letter asking him to delay it, and Ringo hand-delivered it to Paul’s home in London.

Paul, who is now close friends with Ringo, later admitted it was the only time he threw someone out of his house.

The new screen project is a series of four biographical films based on the lives and careers of each member of The Beatles.

Joseph Quinn is George Harrison in the movie Credit: �2026 CTMG, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
Harris Dickinson is John Lennon in the new film

The four intersecting biopics, written by James Bond screenwriter Jez Butterworth, will tell the story of the group from their humble beginnings in Liverpool to becoming the biggest band on the planet.

Stranger Things’ Joseph Quinn will portray George Harrison and Harris Dickinson stars as John Lennon.

Earlier this week, Harris and co-star Paul went to the Primavera Sound festival in Barcelona, where they were filming.

Of the four films, Mendes explained: “Each one is told from the particular perspective of just one of the guys. This is a chance to understand them a little more deeply.”

Even so, it sounds like there’s another meaty story behind the camera.

Reza’s sharpe move

Reza Amiri-Garroussi and Bella Sharpe have got back together Credit: Channel 4

MADE In Chelsea couple Reza Amiri-Garroussi and Bella Sharpe have got back together.

The pair, who first dated in 2024, have been spotted together in London.

It comes as Reza’s ex Ruby Adler announced her engagement to multi-millionaire Luxe Listings Sydney star Gavin Rubinstein after just a year of dating.

An insider said: “Reza and Bella split due to the pressures of filming Made In Chelsea. But now they’re taking a break from the show, they’ve reconnected.

“Reza always wanted to give the relationship another chance. With Ruby out of the picture, there’s nothing to stop them.”

Hopefully it’ll be second time lucky for these two.

CHLOE’S PRICE IS RIGHT

TOWIE’s Chloe Brockett is dating a new fella Credit: Louis Wood

TOWIE’S CHLOE BROCKETT is dating a new man – her co-star’s ex.

I can reveal the reality star is courting Essex lad Daniel Price, who used to romance Yazmin Oukhellou.

Chloe recently split with Love Island champ Jack Fincham.

A source said: “Chloe and Daniel have kept their relationship quiet. They are enjoying getting to know each other. He treats her well and she is happy.”

It’s not the first time Yasmin and Chloe have shared the same taste in men after they both had trysts with James Lock.

Small world . . .  

BEBE AND JASON ON THE BALL

Bebe Rexha belted out hits in a denim corset teamed with a fluffy pink cardie Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Jason Derulo ripped his shirt off to bust out some signature moves Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Derulo performing on stage at Capital’s Summertime Ball Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Lola Young was back on fine form as she sang her anthem Messy and expressed her gratitude to the crowd for their support Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

POP’S finest didn’t let the relentless rain dampen their spirits yesterday as they took to the stage to perform for Capital FM’s Summertime ball at London’s Wembley Stadium.

Bebe Rexha belted out hits in a denim corset teamed with a fluffy pink cardie, Jason Derulo ripped his shirt off to bust out some signature moves, and superstar DJ Fatboy Slim got fans dancing.

Lola Young was back on fine form as she sang her anthem Messy and expressed her gratitude to the crowd for their support.

Opening up about her sobriety on the socials this week, she wrote: “Sometimes I feel like I am grieving an old version of myself that I have chosen to let go of. Even though I chose a path that is better and safer, there are days where it still all feels wrong.”

 HOPEFULS GIVE XTINA ROLE A BURL

From left: Natalia Jacques, Gracie O’Brien and Cecilia Petrush Credit: Supplied
Producer Christina Aguilera and writer and director Steven Antin Credit: Maja Smiejkowska

CHRISTINA AGUILERA has cast three young stars to share the lead role in her upcoming production of Burlesque The Musical.

British newcomers Natalia Jacques and Gracie O’Brien will portray Ali, the waitress-turned-dancer played by Christina in the 2010 movie.

American Cecilia Petrush will also star in the role.

Writer and director Steven Antin said: “When Christina brought Ali to life in the film, she created something truly iconic.

“Bringing Burlesque from screen to stage is about honouring that legacy. These three exceptional actresses step into those heels not to imitate Christina, but to continue the legacy she began.”

Burlesque The Musical returns to London this September at the new West End venue The Arts At Marble Arch.

Netflix boosts brand

Netflix has added rape- accused Russell Brand’s hit film St Trinian’s on to the streaming service Credit: Getty

NETFLIX has added rape- accused Russell Brand’s hit film St Trinian’s on to the streaming service.

The actor and comedian starred in the 2007 movie about rebellious schoolgirls alongside Colin Firth and Rupert Everett.

Netflix added the flick under “comedies” last month.

Brand starred as crook Flash Harry who taught the schoolgirls about “the seven laws of crime”.

He is accused of three rapes, three sex assaults and an indecent assault on six women from 1999 to 2009.

His trial at Southwark Crown Court is due to start in October and is expected to take up to eight weeks.

The former TV and radio presenter denies all charges against him.

Rupert, who played headmistress Camilla Fritton in the film, claimed Brand behaved “perfectly well” on set.

He said: “There were a lot of beautiful women on St Trinian’s and there was never any scandal to do with Russell Brand.”

Sean sis: it’s real deal

LOVE Island star Sean Fitzgerald has uncovered a perfect match in Lola Deal, according to his sister.

Gaelic footballer Sean, who is in a couple with former police detective Lola, sealed their romance with a kiss at the villa in Majorca earlier this week.

The hunk’s sister Katie revealed: “I absolutely adore Lola.

“She is gorgeous, so sweet, kind, and the smile she puts on Sean’s face is really nice to see.

“As of right now in the villa, I think Lola is best suited to him.”

She said of her brother: “I would just like to see more of his goofy side that we all see at home.”

JEANIE IS OUT FOR B*WITCHED

Irish girl group B*Witched from left: Lindsay Armaou, Edele Lynch, Keavy Lynch and Sinead O’Carroll Credit: Alamy
They have revealed that the outfits in their 1998 hit video C’est La Vie were not actually planned Credit: 2018 Lorne Thomson

THEY rose to fame in the late Nineties wearing double denim – but Irish pop band B*Witched have revealed that the outfits in their 1998 hit video C’est La Vie were not actually planned.

Twin sisters Edele and Keavy Lynch, who supported their brother Shane and his Boyzone bandmates last night, sat down with Biz on Sunday’s Emily ahead of their performance at London’s Emirates Stadium.

Edele said: “The day before we were doing the C’est La Vie video, our clothes got stolen from the record company and they never knew where they went.

“So in a panic they ended up going to Levi’s in the morning to just grab some clothes.”

She added: “I still have my outfit from the 1998 tour and I still fit into it. I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing at this point. My eldest daughter borrows stuff all the time and I’m always coming across it.

“In the winter she wears this white fluffy jacket which I wore for the To You I Belong video.”

The twins, along with bandmates Sinead O’Carroll and Lindsay Armmaou, released their single Firefly on Friday ahead of an EP in August – but as they gear up for their 30th anniversary, they don’t plan on hanging up their jeans any time soon.

Edele explained: “We’ve realised that if we turn up without denim, we might as well not sing.”

Asked about the possibility of being in a campaign with Levi’s, the singer said: “I think they are missing a trick.”

KATE’S SEACRET TALENT

Kate Moss Watercolour is being auctioned to raise funds for Doodle Drop For Coral, a new campaign led by Project Zero Credit: Supplied
Kate has made her debut as an artist this week by unveiling her first watercolour for sale Credit: Getty

KATE MOSS has made her debut as an artist this week by unveiling her first watercolour for sale.

The supermodel painted a green and blue seahorse, left, which is being shown alongside new pieces by Rolling Stone bandmates Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards, Hollywood actress Sharon Stone and Guns N’ Roses legend Slash.

The collection is being auctioned online to raise funds for Doodle Drop For Coral, a new campaign led by Project Zero, the ocean conservation charity co-founded by Ronnie’s son TYRONE WOOD.

Kate has signed her seahorse by hand, writing: “Love, Kate Moss”, alongside a tiny heart.

The current bid stands at £285.

A nude portrait of Kate was painted by the late British artist Lucian Freud in 2002. It sold for £3.5million.

Tyrone told me: “Kate’s seahorse is one of those pieces that makes you smile.”


Nigella Lawson has revealed the secret ingredient she tucks into that keeps her skin looking young and plump Credit: Shutterstock

NIGELLA LAWSON has revealed the secret ingredient she tucks into that keeps her skin looking young and plump.

The Great British Bake Off judge, left, said: “I’m a great believer in butter. I just eat what I want.

“I’m not punish-ing myself trying to look like a model. I just waddle over and enjoy myself.”

Speaking at London’s Japanese restaurant Nobu, Nigella insisted she will not jump on the tweakment bandwagon, adding: “Cosmetic work is a tyranny. I just think there’s no point.”

Remind me to include a tub of Lurpak on my shopping list.

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Ed Sheeran slapped with raft of eco-friendly rules by council in bid to build rehearsal space near ‘Sheeranville’ estate

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Aerial view of a rural village surrounded by fields, Image 2 shows Ed Sheeran looking at the camera and smiling, wearing a pink shirt

ED Sheeran has been dealt another blow in his ongoing struggle to build a rehearsal space near his mega estate “Sheeranville”.

The Shape of You singer faces painfully slow construction on his new rehearsal studio due to eco-rules.

Ed’s new rehearsal space is being held back by protected newts living nearby Credit: Deadline via Getty Images
The rehearsal space is set to be near his 16-acre ‘Sheeranville’ estate (pictured) Credit: SplashNews.com

Builders having to begin construction by hand because of the prescence of endangered newts.

And they will be given special “toolbox talks” on what to do if they come across the tiny 15cm critters.

Planning bosses say the tiny 15cm critters could be disturbed by his plans to knock down a historic but dilapidated barn and turn it into a personal rehearsal space.

Council chiefs said the measures were normal for any countryside development – and not “unreasonable”.

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Ed’s builders will have to use hand tools instead of machinery, remove all debris by hand.

The popstar’s problems with amphibians date back as far as 2018 0 when protected great crested newts were found near his Suffolk estate.

Planning permission for the project was granted, but with a string of conditions to protect the species.

Sheeran bought the £1million farm in 20245 – which included a 19th century dilapidated piggery.

Mid-Suffolk Council have forced the pop-star to put a range of measures in place to protect the newts Credit: sandra standbridge
Each builder will be given a “tool box talk” explaining how to protect the newts Credit: Laszlo Bokor

The brick and wood debris will also be entirely removed by hand to stop the newts from accessing it.

The ‘Great Crested Newt Method Statement’ filed with Mid-Suffolk District Council states: “The removal of any debris e.g. rubble, wood, will be undertaken by hand as far as possible, and with care, checking beneath all removed items for newts.

“Careful use of machinery will be necessary to lift large debris and to remove the existing concrete building base, with the area beneath checked for the presence of GCN as each section is lifted.”

The method statement also gives a time limit restricting project work to March, April and May when most newts will be in ponds away from construction.

Other eco measures Ed’s having to put in place include creating a “species rich, flowering lawn” with 19 different species of flowers.

Plus he’s got to plant 12 fruit trees, two bat boxes and a triple-house sparrow tower.

A spokesperson for Mid-Suffolk District Council told The Sun: “This is certainly NOT a case of any unreasonable ‘eco-friendly measures’ being demanded by our council – simply normal requirements that would be expected of any countryside developers.”

They explained there had been no conflict between Ed Sheeran and the council at any stage and that he had not complained about the restrictions.


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Dua Lipa pays out £5,000 to residents in Italian city as a thank you after closures for her wedding sparked fury

ANGRY Sicilian locals hit out at Dua Lipa after two city piazzas were cordoned off for the singer’s wedding bash this weekend.

On Thursday cops tore down posters protesting “Palermo is not for rent” and “Our square is not your living room”.

Dua Lipa paid £5,000 to residents in Palermo to say thank you for taking over their streets Credit: Nick Edwards
Dua married husband Callum Turner in a lavish wedding on the Italian island of Sicily Credit: BackGrid
Pop icon Dua and actor Callum were joined by fellow celebs as they celebrated their wedding Credit: BackGrid
Sicilian locals plastered posters around the city expressing their unhappiness with Dua Credit: Andrew Styczynski

But yesterday morning graffiti had also appeared on walls in the picturesque Piazza Croce dei Vespri.

The square and adjoining Piazza Sant’Anna have been sealed off for the first of three days of celebrations as One Kiss star Dua, 30, and actor Callum Turner, 36, mark their nuptials.

They officially married in London last weekend before flying to Italy this week.

Guests including singer Charli XCX and music producer Mark Ronson were in Palermo for drinks last night.

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Yesterday, it emerged Dua has paid £5,000 to residents.

The gesture is understood to compensate locals whose apartments overlook the area for parking problems.

But a marble column in the centre had last night not been cleaned of old foul-mouthed graffiti complaining of an unpaid debt.

A source said: “It doesn’t really match the idyllic love story vibe that Dua seems to be going for.”

Plainclothes officers removed posters from the graffiti-laden wall Credit: Andrew Styczynski
Streets were closed off for Dua and Callum’s wedding Credit: Andrew Styczynski
Dua and Callum held an official wedding in London last weekend Credit: Ray Collins

Dua, Callum and guests have been staying at the five star Villa Igiea hotel overlooking Palermo’s marina.

The couple got a huge cheer and applause as they arrived at their party last night, with Dua dazzling in a halterneck backless dress.

Callum wore a casual suit and could not resist giving his new wife a cheeky squeeze of her bum, left.

The square was decked out with classic Italian cars and an outdoor cocktail bar.

Earlier, police moved on locals in Piazza Sant’Anna.

One resident said of the cops’ action: “It all seems a bit over the top.

“We just wanted to see Dua Lipa and wish her well.”

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Mystery as Busted star James Bourne’s Instagram disappears six months after he pulled out of band tour with illness

BUSTED star James Bourne has become centre to quite the mystery as it’s been revealed his Instagram account has disappeared.

This comes just six months after he pulled out of the band’s huge tour with a serious illness.

James Bourne pulled out of the Busted and McFly tour 6 months ago as a result of a serious illness Credit: Getty
The singer-songwriter’s Instagram profile appears to have disappeared Credit: Instagram
Busted stars (L-R) Charlie Simpson, James Bourne and Matt Willis shot to fame in 2002 Credit: Getty
James Bourne revealed back in April that he would be getting major surgery to extend his life expectancy Credit: Getty

When fans click through to scroll his profile, it’s completely gone.

It shows a blank white page with the words, “Sorry this page isn’t available.

“The link you followed may be broken, or the page may have been removed.”

This message usually pops up when Instagram has removed the account or the account holder has deleted their page.

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James pulled out of the group’s tour alongside their pals McFly last September, just hours before they were due on stage.

The 42-year-old confessed he would not be tearing up the stage with the rest of his band –  Charlie Simpson and Matt Willis.

He cited the reason for pulling out as “health” problems and said he “hoped to come back further down the line”.

James said in his statement: “The VS tour kicks off tomorrow night in Birmingham and as excited as I’ve been all year for this tour to begin, I’m really sorry to say that over the last 8 days it has become clear that I am not in good enough health to play these shows.

“There’s a lot of information I still don’t have about my condition but my bandmates, management and I are unanimous in deciding that I should focus on medical stuff for now.”

None of the boys wanted to let fans down and so they decided to push ahead with a replacement on guitar.

Bassist Matt told the Birmingham crowd: “You may have noticed our best friend is not here tonight. James Bourne is really f***ing sick and we love him and we miss him.

“This is the first show we’ve ever played without him and it’s really weird but we’re going to do the best we can.

“This happened really fast, y’know, health is wealth.”

The remaining Busted stars explained to their fans that they’d asked James if they should continue and he agreed saying, “you totally should.”

Back in April James opened up to Busted fans, sharing he was having a major surgery in the hopes it would extend his life expectancy.

“Hopefully [the surgery will] make me well enough to come back to what I love the most which is touring and making music. It really sucks to be out of the game,” admitted James on his Instagram story.

The singer, who shot to fame when Busted arrived on the pop scene in 2002 with What I Go To School For, is yet to reveal what illness he is battling.

Busted confirmed their split in an emotional press conference on January 13, 2005.

However they thrilled fans when they got back together ten years later, and have been going strong ever since.

The group have continued to rack up hit after hit.

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Ben Ofoedu reveals toxic claims about his 17 years with Vanessa Feltz

HE is the nineties pop star who finally found his happily ever after.

But for Phats & Small singer Ben Ofoedu, the road to marital bliss was paved with a painful history of what he now describes as mental abuse and emasculation by former partner Vanessa Feltz. Something which friends of the Channel 5 presenter vehemently deny.

Ben Ofoedu says he is finally ready to tell his side of the story after years of headlines surrounding his bitter split from Vanessa Feltz Credit: Rex
Ben and Vanessa were together for 17 years before their dramatic break-up played out publicly Credit: Getty

A year on from his lavish £100,000 Cumbrian wedding to aesthetics entrepreneur Vanessa Brown – affectionately dubbed Vanessa 2.0 by the man himself – the 53-year-old musician is practically glowing.

He is happier, healthier, and four stone lighter. But behind his beaming smile and the tales of his idyllic new life, there lies a darker, turbulent history that he is only just now ready to reveal to the world.

In a searingly honest new interview with The Sun, Ben has opened up about the toxic reality of his 17-year relationship with television and radio veteran Vanessa Feltz, making explosive allegations about the profound psychological toll of their high-profile romance.

While the collapse of his engagement to the Channel 5 presenter in 2023 was highly publicised following his admitted infidelity, Ben claims the public has only ever heard half the story. Now, after intense therapy and finding true love, he is shedding light on what really went on behind closed doors.

Ben and Vanessa Brown tied the knot in a lavish £100K ceremony last year Credit: Alexandria French Photography
The star says marrying the aesthetics entrepreneur has transformed his life Credit: Instagram

Through his recent charitable endeavours with his new bride, the singer has found himself reflecting heavily on his own past.

“We do a lot of charity stuff for victims of abuse, and you come across a lot of men in these situations,” Ben explains.

“Men who’ve been mentally abused, not so much physically. People think abuse means physical, but you can be abused mentally.

“Everything from emasculation to being told you’re not good enough. It’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

When asked if this observation stems from his own personal experience with his famous ex-fiancée, Ben doesn’t flinch.

“Yeah, oh yeah, without a doubt,” he states firmly. “Emasculation, people referring to you as not being able to read, down-talking you, a constant barrage of insults. People don’t have to look too far to see where it came from.”

The trauma, he reveals, is deep-seated, creeping up on him over the course of almost two decades.

He recalls: “When I was out of it. When you’re in it, it’s so subtle, so gradual that you don’t quite see it happening, you don’t quite know. You question everything and ask, ‘Why did that happen? Why did I feel like that?’ When someone professional starts going through it with you, you can see the patterns and stuff like that. Yeah, I had therapy after that.”

Today, Ben refuses to even utter his ex’s name, a stark indicator of the deep freeze between the former couple.

“There is only one Vanessa,” he declares, referring lovingly to his new bride. “I don’t know that other lady. And I definitely don’t know her from the comments she’s said. I don’t know that lady anymore.”

He confirms that he has no contact with the 64-year-old broadcaster, nor does he have any desire to ever cross paths with her again.

He insists: “No, not at all, and I really wouldn’t want to. I’ve got nothing to do with her, I want nothing to do with her. People are in your life for a season, a reason, or a lifetime, and she was there for a season. It was a long season, but it was maybe a bit too long.”

The fallout from the split undeniably damaged his public reputation, painting him squarely as the villain of the piece.

But Ben is deeply critical of how his former flame handled the break-up.

“The truth is, I’m kind of a musician, and that’s kind of what it is, it’s only tied to her until something else happens and there’s a new story being written, it’s the past really, that’s what that is.

“I’ve not really much to say for her. I think she was completely classless the way she dealt with things, it’s not my sort of person, I don’t know her anymore, I don’t recognise her.”

Addressing the fallout and the damage to his reputation, Ben remains philosophical.

Ben and Vanessa split in 2023 following his admitted infidelity Credit: Getty – Contributor
TV star Vanessa previously spoke openly about the heartbreak of the split — but now Ben insists there was ‘another side’ to the story Credit: Getty

“Yes, completely. The great thing that happened was I got to know who my friends were,” he admits.

“I understand the general public doesn’t know me personally, but my wedding was a great testimony of the people who know me and the friends that I had, the people who really knew me. You reap what you sow; that’s all I can say. You reap what you sow. It doesn’t take a genius to see what’s going on.”

When pressed on the cheating scandal that ultimately torpedoed the relationship, Ben is defensive, taking a swipe at how his ex monetised the pain.

“Now about the infidelity, I never said that it was the way to do things,” he explains.

“For Vanessa, that was her story, and she used it and monetised it, and when it’s not working for her, she moved on to something else. I wouldn’t monetise a real relationship that had real problems. I think to tell the media that it’s over before you tell the person is not… I don’t know many situations that do that.”

When asked if his new wife worries about his history of being unfaithful, Ben is quick to shut down the narrative that he is a serial cheat.

He told me: “I don’t know if doing it once is a history, I don’t know if that constitutes a history of it. She made me look worse than I was, and it garnered a lot more attention. I don’t know if once is a history, that’s what I will say about that. There’s never been any conversation about that at all.”

He also casts doubt on whether his previous 16-year engagement was ever destined for the altar at all, bluntly suggesting the intention to actually tie the knot was not there “from the other side”.

He also has a brutal theory as to why his ex has failed to find lasting romance since their bitter split.

“I mean, I don’t know if I would want to be with a lady who’d want to discuss every single detail of their private life,” he said.

“I think how men saw me come out of that situation, they think, ‘No thanks, not for me’.”

But Ben is finally ready to reclaim his narrative. He is currently putting the finishing touches on his own autobiography, playfully titled Turnaround: Memoirs of an Ageing Boy Bander, which he hopes will hit the shelves this December.

“I’ve been writing it. I was going to put it out last year, but there were a few parts I missed out when I read through; I need to give the full context. Everything’s in the book; it’s about turnaround moments in my life, good and bad. That period of my life.”

“But it’s nice for people to see the actual context and how we got together and what happened behind closed doors, you’ve only heard her side of the story,” he adds, taking a thinly veiled swipe at his ex’s memoirs.

“I didn’t respond to anything she said in her book, and obviously it didn’t do very well, that’s the thing. I’m not doing it for that. I talk about my musical journey, it brings me up to the current day, and what a happy relationship can be like.”

He confirms no lawyers have had to get involved with his manuscript: “No, I won’t mention her name. She cleverly didn’t mention mine, she called me OHW [One Hit Wonder], but people will know.”

Asked if the book will definitely hit shelves this year, he says: “Aiming for December, but I don’t know. It’s not quite finished, I need to type two more chapters, making sure everything is real and really happened, making sure. We’re hoping for December, that’s what we’re pushing towards.”

The contrast between his turbulent past and his blissful present truly couldn’t be starker. Ben is buzzing with energy as he discusses his 30-year-old wife, Vanessa Brown.

The couple, who married after a whirlwind romance, are utterly inseparable.

“I found myself again, I am buzzing,” he says. “Every day is happy, we got together, and within six months we were married, when you know you know.”

He has strong advice for others when it comes to love, formed by the fire of his past mistakes.

“These long drawn-out engagements, unless you’ve got a couple of kids and are waiting to afford the wedding, I think they’re pointless,” he says.

“You’re engaged to be married, not to be engaged. I don’t think that works, and that’s just from experience. If you meet someone, within six months, you pretty much know whether you’ll get married or not. Don’t carry on the relationship more than six months if you’re not sure you want to spend the rest of your life with that person.”

He also revealed that the couple are actively trying for a baby.

“Hopefully, by the end of the year, that’s what we’re trying to do. If Vanessa fell pregnant late this year, that would be amazing news; that’s why we’re travelling and doing all the things couples do before they have kids.

“We want as many as God provides. I come from a big family, and I know what it’s like to have brothers and sisters. I always loved that growing up.”

For Ben Ofoedu, the dark days of his past are now firmly in the rearview mirror.

He insists that with Vanessa 2.0 by his side, a tell-all book on the way, and exciting baby plans for the couple, his life is now complete.

Representatives for Vanessa Feltz were contacted for comment.

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70s child star Foster Sylvers dies at 64 after devastating fight with cancer as heartbroken family pays tribute

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Foster Sylvers

FOSTER Sylvers, child star and member of a family R&B group, has tragically died.

The standout singer from the 1970s ensemble was just 64 years old.

Foster Sylvers
Foster Sylvers from The Sylvers has passed away following a battle with cancer Credit: Getty
Foster Sylvers
His brother Leon confirmed he died in hospice Credit: Getty

His brother, Leon Sylvers III, confirmed his death following a battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, TMZ reported.

The star died in hospice.

Leon said further updates would come from their sister, Pat Sylvers.

Following the announcement of his death, Foster’s daughter Erin posted a touching tribute to social media.

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“Rest well, Daddy,” she wrote.

“I love you so much.”

Her heartbreaking post to Facebook was accompanied by a photograph of the pair together.

Foster rose to fame during the 1970s when he performed alongside his family in their band The Sylvers.

The group had a string of hits including Fool’s Paradise, Boogie Fever and Hot Line.

Foster performed with his siblings James, Edmund, Ricky and Angie.

And he played the bass and supported artists including Dynasty and Evelyn “Champaign” King, as well as releasing solo music.

His brother Edmund died in 2004 from lung cancer.

Their other brother Christopher – who was their youngest sibling – died in 1985 when he was just 18 years old from hepatitis.

The remaining Sylvers siblings are Olympia, Leon, Charmaine and James.

They formed the original quartet known as Little Angels, alongside Joseph, Ricky, Angie and Pat.

Over their careers, the group of siblings released 10 albums, all issued during the 1970s, and were regularly compared to the Jackson family.

Foster was just 10 years old when he recorded his first solo project in 1973.

Due to his considerable popularity, he went on to appear on multiple television programmes, including American Bandstand and Soul Train.

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Dua Lipa and Callum Turner officially married as pair tie the knot during intimate ceremony in London

DUA Lipa and Callum Turner tied the knot today during an intimate ceremony attended by a handful of friends and family.

The superstar singer and Hollywood actor exchanged vows at Old Marylebone Town Hall this afternoon, watched on by close friends and family.

Dua Lipa and Callum Turner are officially married Credit: Ray Collins
The stunning couple looked incredible as they departed the registry office Credit: Nick Miao

Dua, 29, stunned in a white hat, dress and gloves hand in hand with newly wedded husband, 35-year-old Callum, wearing a navy suit and tie.

Eight friends and family stood on both sides of the stairs at Marylebone Registry and tossed confetti as the beaming couple headed into a black cab.

It was a low-key affair making them legally man and wife ahead of their second wedding – a lavish three-day event in Sicily.

The London registry office spot is a favourite amongst celebrities, with Sir Paul McCartney and Liam Gallagher both married there twice.

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GLITTERY GODDESS

Dua Lipa looks sensational as she strips down to glittering purple bikini

Dua was glowing as she held her new husband’s hand after they said ‘I do’ Credit: Ray Collins
The new couple’s loved one showered them with confetti as they walked down the steps Credit: Ray Collins

The Sun this week revealed how the A-list couple were planning a star-studded bash on the Italian island, kicking off on Thursday.

Showbiz pals including singers Charli XCX and Tove Lo are on the guestlist.
There are even whispers that Sir Elton John, who Dua collaborated with on the 2021 song Cold Heart, could perform.

Inspired by pal Charli, insiders say the ceremony will be a massive, luxurious affair.

“They have rented out multiple huge venues for the multi-event extravaganza,” said a source.

Fashion designer Simon Porte Jacquemus, the man behind the label Jacquemus, is believed to have created at least one of the dresses Dua, 30, will wear for her wedding celebrations.

The Sun first revealed James Bond contender Callum, 36, had popped the question to New Rules singer Dua in December 2024 after just a year of dating, and she confirmed the news in an interview with British Vogue last June.

Dua, who completed her 81-date, £100million-grossing Radical Optimism Tour in December, said at the time: “I want to finish my tour – Callum’s shooting, so we’re just enjoying this period.

“I’ve never been someone who’s really thought about a wedding, or dreamt about what kind of bride I would be. All of a sudden I’m like, ‘Oh, what would I wear?’.

“This decision to grow old together, to see a life and just be best friends forever – it’s a really special feeling.”

The singer also revealed Callum had her engagement ring made especially for her, after discussing it with her sister Rina, who is expected to be a bridesmaid along with her best friends.

“It’s very exciting,” said Dua. “I’m obsessed with it. It’s so me. It’s nice to know the person that you’re going to spend the rest of your life with knows you very well.”

Just like friend Charli, Dua chose a legal ceremony at a UK registry office before jetting off to have an overseas bash.

Brat singer Charli married The 1975 drummer George Daniel at Hackney Town Hall last summer wearing a Vivienne Westwood mini-dress before saying ‘I do’ again in the picturesque coastal village of Scopello, Sicily.

Old Marylebone Town Hall in central London is a favourite amongst celebrities, with Davina McCall getting hitched to her hairdresser husband Michael Douglas there earlier this year.

Sir Paul McCartney was a big fan, marrying his first wife Linda there in 1969, then holding his third wedding to Nancy Shevell there in 2011.

Oasis singer Liam Gallagher did the same, tying the knot to Patsy Kensit there in 2011, then singer Nicole Appleton in 2001.

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TikTok rapper reveals he’s son of huge 90s boyband star

A TIKTOK rapper has shocked fans when he revealed he is the son of a huge 90s boyband star.

The cheeky lad didn’t hold back as he roasted his famous father for his “s*** music” as he poked fun at him at one of his gigs.

TikTok rapper Phoenix JD has revealed he has a famous 90s boyband star dad Credit: Tiktok/@ph0enixjd
The social media star poked fun at his dad in a new video Credit: Tiktok/@ph0enixjd

The rising TikTok star in question is Phoenix JD, who is the son of James ‘Spike’ Dawbarn, 51, from 90s’ boyband, 911.

In a new post this week, the young rapper shared a video from backstage at one of his dad’s gigs.

In the clip, Phoenix was seen mocking his dad as he rehearsed with 911 bandmates Lee Brennan, 52, and Jimmy Constable, 54, who are supporting Blue on their tour.

Addressing his followers, Spike’s cheeky son said: “There’s their little soundcheck. I don’t know why they need to do a soundcheck, still sound s**t!”

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Phoenix’s dad is Spike Dawbarn (right) of the boyband 911 – seen here with Jimmy Constable, and Lee Brennan in 1996 Credit: Getty
Phoenix poked fun at his dad’s music. Spike seen here in 2024 Credit: BBC

“But yeah, and then this is them on stage. There’s me dad on the right.”

Poking fun at Spike, he said: “Thankfully, I don’t get my musical ability from him, you know, I’ve got a bit about me.

“I hope he doesn’t see this now. He’ll kill me.

“But hey, this is him at 51 still trying to do back flips – and nearly decked it.

Spike’s son said he only went to the gig ‘to see Blue’ who his dad’s band were supporting Credit: Tiktok/@ph0enixjd
911 were one of the biggest boybands of the 90s Credit: Getty

“I would’ve flipping loved it if he decked it.”

Phoenix also added he only went to the gig “to see Blue”.

Fans of 911 from back in the day went wild for the video, with one joking: “Oi your dad was a legend to us fossils!!”

Another quipped: “Lmfao! The way your roasting your dad! I’ll have you know 14-year-old me loved your dad’s band!”

The boyband’s fans rushed to their defence Credit: Getty

This fan said: “I was obsessed with 911 still love them now! You’ve got your dad’s humour!”

Meanwhile, along with Lee and Jimmy, Phoenix’s dad Spike had a huge amount of fame in the 90s.

The band formed in 1995 when Jimmy met Spike whilst working as a dancer on the show The Hitman and Her.

The trio sold out arenas thanks to their hits like Bootyshakin’ and A Little Bit More.

911’s epic success

911 were an English boyband made up of Lee Brennan, Jimmy Constable and Simon ‘Spike’ Dawbarn

In their five years together, 911 had 10 UK top 10 singles, including Bootyshakin’.

They sold 10 million singles and six million albums around the world.

They split in February 2000, but reunited in 2013 for a special world tour and now continue to perform together.

Spike previously looked back on his time in the trio and joked that he was “treated like Harry Potter at the Dursley’s house”.

Appearing on the BBC’s Boyband Forever doc, the star spoke about his bizarre living arrangements when the band were in their heyday.

“Jimmy got one bedroom, Lee got another bedroom and I was in the cupboard like Harry Potter,” he explained.

“On a mattress, in a cupboard. It’s literally where you’d just throw a load of coats in there.”

“And I just didn’t care to be honest, I wasn’t bothered,” he laughed.

In their early days, the band would tour schools across the country and perform for students.

“I used to come in, press play, do your singing and dancing routines, do your bit then load yourself back in the van and go to the next school,” he said.

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Rolling Stones plot 5-night residency in 2027 after abandoning UK & European tour plan because star ‘couldn’t commit’

THEY are set to release their new album Foreign Tongues in July — and it seems The Rolling Stones could also be heading to foreign shores.

After abandoning plans to hit the road on a UK and European tour this summer, I can reveal that Start Me Up hitmakers Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood are now looking into playing five nights in Buenos Aires, Argentina, next year.

The Rolling Stones could be heading to foreign shores Credit: Getty
From left: Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger and Bill Wyman Credit: Getty

A source told me: “The band are discussing options for a residency.

“They love the thrill of doing a huge stadium tour around the globe, but the physical demands are immense.

“A residency would mean they can still bring their best to the fans, without the toll that comes with travelling.”

This summer would have been the rockers’ first string of live performances since their Hackney Diamonds tour in the States in 2024 — which sold almost one million tickets.

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A US music critic has said that Keith told bandmates Mick and Ronnie he couldn’t commit to their UK and European trek’s planned shows.

The band will release their new 14-track album on July 10 after recording it at Metropolis Studios in Chiswick, West London, over four intense weeks.

It features a cover of the song You Know I’m No Good by Amy Winehouse, who Mick performed with at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2007, four years before she died aged 27.

The track Hit Me In The Head includes old recordings in LA with the late Stones drummer Charlie Watts, who died in 2021, aged 80.

In April, the band released album track Rough And Twisted on vinyl under pseudonym, The Cockroaches.

Earlier this month, at the launch in New York, Mick confirmed the newrecord spans a number of genres, saying: “We have the ability to do ballads, country and dance music.”

He added: “It’s not stuck in one ­particular style.”

I can’t wait to hear it.

FROM 10 TO THE ONE

Influencer Tallulah Metcalfe Credit: Instagram
Danny Bretherton is dating influencer Tallulah Credit: Instagram

DECEMBER 10 are the latest Gen-Z heartthrobs ­– but Danny Bretherton is set to break fans’ hearts, as I can reveal he is dating influencer Tallulah Metcalfe.

The singer has even introduced her to his family in Chorley, Lancs.

A source said: “Danny has been spending lots of time with Tallulah. He is very family-orientated so taking her to meet his family was a big deal.”

This month, Tallulah shared a TikTok of her and Danny dancing in the street to his band’s song Infinity (123), captioned: “Look who I bumped into.”

Seems Danny has a new No1.

BIOPIC BOYLE

Susan Boyle is working on a biopic, I have heard Credit: Michael Schofield

SUSAN BOYLE is working on a biopic, I have heard.

The film will chart her rise to global fame from her humble beginnings in Scotland to appearing on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009.

It comes as the singer is planning a comeback with new music.

A source confirmed: “Susan is working on a film and is hoping that a streamer will snap it up.”

I wonder who SuBo, above, has in mind to play her?

Raising awareness

Roxy Horner is turning her hand to documentaries Credit: Getty

ROXY HORNER is turning her hand to documentaries.

The model, who married comic Jack Whitehall last month, is believed to be in talks with a company to make a film about living with Type 1 diabetes, which she was diagnosed with in 2021.

A source said: “Roxy has been amazing at raising awareness of living with the chronic condition.

“She now wants to delve deeper and speak to experts.”

Shakira’s miami mini break

Shakira looked her very zest as she stepped out in a bright orange outfit Credit: BackGrid

SHAKIRA looked her very zest as she stepped out in a bright orange outfit.

The Colombian singer flaunted her toned legs in a mini dress at Miami Swim Week.

She was attending an event on Thursday for her haircare brand Isima.

We’ll soon be humming Shakira’s track Dai Dai, the official anthem for the 2026 Fifa World Cup that she made with Burna Boy.

KELLY SET FOR MIGHTY COMEBACK

Kelly Osbourne is preparing for her first performance since dad Ozzy died last year Credit: Instagram/kellyosbourne

KELLY OSBOURNE is preparing for her first performance since dad Ozzy died last year.

The TV presenter and singer will join headliners Scissor Sisters at Mighty Hoopla festival in South London’s Brockwell Park today.

A source said: “Kelly is excited to get back on stage and doing it with the Scissor Sisters is a huge honour.”

Black Sabbath legend Ozzy passed away last July, with Kelly and her mum Sharon Osbourne honouring him at The Brit Awards.

Kelly and Sharon accepted the Lifetime Achievement gong for Ozzy at Manchester’s Co-Op Live arena in February.

Speaking to Biz on Sunday’s Emily at the ceremony, Kelly said: “A Lifetime Achievement award is such an honour, I couldn’t think of anyone else more deserving.

“It’s bittersweet.”

I am sure Ozzy would be proud of Kelly today.

Heidi hi, Nat & Nic

Nicole Appleton and Natalie Appleton attend the Mighty Hoopla in Brockwell Park, London

HALF of All Saints performed as Appleton at the Mighty Hoopla yesterday.

Nicole and Natalie Appleton took to the stage at the festival in Brockwell Park, South East London, in their typical cool girl style of tracksuits.

Nicole said: “Guys, you have to realise it’s been quite a long time that Nat and I have sung as Appleton.

“But we are so emotional that it’s our first festival.”

Nicole, left, and Natalie, right, were joined by their pal and ex-Sugababes member Heidi Range, centre, for a surprise performance.

Gene, Nicole’s son with ex Liam Gallagher, watched from the side of the stage along with Nat’s hubby, Liam Howlett from The Prodigy.

The duo release Ready To Begin next month, and their Appleton EP will be out in September.

Welcome back, ladies.

It’s go for pro with ex

Professor Green is back with his ex Karima McAdams Credit: Getty
Karima shared an Instagram snap of the lad with Pro Green – real name Stephen Manderson – referring to the chart star as her ‘partner’ Credit: Instagram

HE failed to find The One on Channel 4’s Celebs Go Dating, but it seems Professor Green is back with his ex Karima McAdams.

I am told the couple who have five-year-old son Slimane, have been taking things slowly after their split in 2024.

Karima shared an Instagram snap of the lad with Pro Green – real name Stephen Manderson – referring to the chart star as her “partner”.

Explaining her little boy had a suspected wrist fracture after falling from a zipwire, she said: “Son is coming back in plaster and partner medium rare.”
Looks like the rapper is back in the game . . . 

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I visited the new Virgin Atlantic destination set to be huge with historic palaces, dance classes and £2.50 beers

WE’VE all gone a little K-razy – with Brits obsessed with K-pop, K-drama and K-beauty.

So it’s no wonder Virgin Atlantic chose to launch new direct flights to South Korea’s cool capital Seoul.

The Buddha statue at Bongeunsa Temple looks across at Seoul’s modern skyscrapers Credit: Getty
Women in traditional Hanboks in Bukchon Hanok, Seoul Credit: Getty

From the music legends BTS and Netflix hits KPop Demon Hunters and Squid Game to the latest in advanced skin treatments, would my first trip live up to the hype?

After a whistlestop three days, I can ­definitely say yes — it was all I thought it would be and so much more.

The journey from Incheon International Airport to the city centre was eye-opening as we rattled along a highway next to the great expanse of the Han River that splits the city into its historic northern half and glitzy southern districts.

In the shadows of the countless skyscraper apartment blocks, locals gather on the riverfront’s parks, walking trails and cycling paths.

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And this high-tech capital of endless high rises and neon-lit streets is also home to ancient palaces and surprisingly tranquil green spaces.

Locals and tourists alike flock to the five grand Joseon-era palaces and if you wear a Hanbok — the traditional Korean clothing — admission to them all is free.

While it may seem a little odd to us, embracing the traditional garb is actively encouraged and there are plenty of boutique rental shops surrounding the palace district that will, for a small fee, dress you head to toe in the brightly coloured garments and even braid your hair.

With little time to waste, we went straight from the plane to the palaces.

Top tip: plan your days carefully.

The ­magnificent main palace, Gyeongbokgung, is closed on Tuesdays, while the nearby ­Changdeokgung shuts its gates on Mondays.

We spent time wandering Changdeokgung’s ancient courtyards — just make sure to book ahead if you want to see its famous, tranquil Secret Garden.

Next morning, it was time to shake off the jetlag and embrace modern Seoul with a K-Pop dance class in the city’s university ­district.

Our incredibly patient instructor walked us through a routine to the Saja Boys’ hit Soda Pop, from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters.

The 90-minute session was an absolute blast, and even someone with two left feet like me could just about pick up the moves — albeit I was a few beats behind the music!

More modern-day Korean fun came next with a visit to one of the flagship Olive Young K-beauty stores in the Myeong-dong shopping district.

You’ll find smaller stores on almost every street corner here, packed with Korean beauty products from floor to ceiling.

A hands statue near COEX shopping centre is tribute to Psy’s 2012 hit Gangnam Style Credit: Supplied
A feline friend rests at the Roof Cat Me cafe Credit: Supplied

The trick is to do your research before you go — it can be overwhelming looking at the overflowing aisles but you can score amazing bargains, with some products just a third of the price you’d pay in the UK.

Next up was another Korean trend that has taken social media by storm — colour analysis.

Stepping into a deliberately all-white room, your personal stylist will assess the colours that suit your skin tone best.

While I am sure the colours picked for me suited the Korean aesthetic — you’ll rarely see very bright tones on locals strolling streets by day or night — I felt they missed the mark.

After my colour analysis, we stumbled across the Roof Cat Me cafe which, as a feline fan, was a must.

The £10 entry fee included unlimited drinks for the humans — and the chance to chill next to some of the most beautiful pedigrees, all of whom appeared extremely happy with their spotlessly clean, custom-built hangout.

What surprised me the most was the great value — and warm welcome — we got everywhere we went.

While the efficient metro system costs just 80p per journey, it was also very easy to grab an Uber — and journeys were a fraction of the price we’d pay in the UK.

Download the Naver app to get around though, as Google and Apple maps are limited to public transport routes.

Food and drink was also very reasonable.

Local beers cost just £2.50 and you can even enjoy unlimited beef Korean barbecue for around £15.

And what’s more important, even at night I felt completely safe on the buzzing streets of bars, clubs and restaurants.

The Sun’s Lisa Minot trying a Korean trend that has taken social media by storm – the colour analysis Credit: Supplied
Lisa at the Changdeokgung Palace, which has a popular garden Credit: Supplied

There is none of the edgier atmosphere you can get in big cities.

We ticked one last thing off the bucket list with a trip to the Gangnam southern district — known for its upscale shopping and nightlife made famous by the original smash-hit song from Psy.

There was just time to pose under the giant Psy hands statue outside the COEX mall before it was back to the airport and I was boarding my Virgin Atlantic flight home to London.

My feet were tired but my skin was glowing.

Seoul is a dizzying, delightful mix of old and new — and it more than lives up to the hype.

GO: SEOUL

GETTING THERE: Virgin Atlantic flies daily from Heathrow to Seoul with fares from £889 return.

See virginatlantic.com.

STAYING THERE: Rooms at the Mondrian Seoul Itaewon are from £130 per night.

For details see mondrianhotels.com.

OUT & ABOUT: Real K-Pop Dance class is close to Hongik University, £37.50, realkpopdance.com.

Colour analysis at Colorize Seoul, Myeong-dong and Gangnam, £68, colorizestore.cafe24.com.

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