Pop Music

LIAM Gallagher isn’t a fan of sharing his food – just ask Paul Gascoigne.

The Tottenham and England legend told FourFourTwo about snaffling a steak from the Oasis rocker – and it didn’t end well.

Recalling a run-in during the Nineties, Paul said: “I was in a restaurant and a guy said, ‘Liam Gallagher’s over there’.

“I went up to him, he was sitting on his own having a steak.

“He said, ‘F***ing hell sit down mate, how are you doing? Do you want something to eat?’

“I said, ‘No I’m not hungry, I’ll have a drink though’. He went for the drink and I ate his f***ing steak. He went f***ing off at me, going ‘Where’s my f***ing steak, man?’ I went, ‘I’ve ate the c***t.

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“He said, ‘You c***t, I’ll go and get another one’. But he didn’t.

“He came back around the corner with a fire extinguisher, set it off and absolutely slaughtered us with it.”

Tonight, Liam and his brother Noel will kick off the final leg of their Oasis tour in Buenos Aires.

They will play a second show in Argentina’s capital tomorrow before a concert in Santiago, Chile, on November 19 and their final two shows in Sao Paolo in Brazil on November 22 and 23.

Tay note To 1D idol for sale

A handwritten letter from Taylor Swift to Liam Payne supporting his solo career is going up for auction.

She gave the late One Direction singer the note ahead of his performance at Capital’s 2017 Jingle Bell Ball.

Taylor headlined the annual bash at London’s O2 Arena. Liam, who died in October last year, was also on the bill.

The letter reads: “Liam, long time no see.

“I’m so excited for you, you’re crushing it out there.

“I’m obsessed with Bedroom Floor.

“It’s so cool to see you from afar.

“I’m always cheering you on.

“Good luck tonight!”

Speaking on the red carpet at the event eight years ago, Liam revealed Taylor also sent him a “lovely little hamper of new Reputation gear”.

He added: “She’s got very good handwriting if she did write it.”

British auction house Omega Auctions will sell the letter on December 2.

It is expected to fetch between £5,000 and £10,000.

Gabriella Cilmi is back, 12 years after her last album.

She had a string of hits in the late Noughties with Sweet About Me, Warm This Winter and On A Mission.

The Aussie singer, who is name-checked by Ed Sheeran on his 2011 song You Need Me, I Don’t Need You revealed she has been living in the English countryside and is returning to music.

She said on TikTok: “I’m super-excited to announce I’ve recorded a new record.

“We recorded it under the full Harvest Moon and it was a magical experience, going back to basics, playing live.”

Ellie: My break-up torment

Ellie Goulding has opened up about the breakdown of her marriage to Caspar Jopling.

Speaking about her new song Destiny, Ellie said: “I first heard this track when I had recently separated from my husband.

“This was at a really turbulent time for me because I was trying to navigate what felt like a separation of all separations.”

The singer added to NME: “It was a marriage, not just a relationship.

“I didn’t know what else to do other than make music.”

Ellie and Caspar tied the knot in 2019.

They had their son Arthur in 2021, but sadly separated in 2023.

Emeli Sande was joined by acts including Boy George and Ali Campbell of UB40 at a charity gig for victims of Hurricane Melissa.

They played A Concert For Jamaica, at Koko in Camden, London.

DJ Robbo Ranx praised Jamaicans for standing strong after being battered by the storm.

Much of the island is still without water or electricity.

Aussie accused of Ari scare

I was pleased to learn the brain-dead idiot who almost knocked Ariana Grande flying – when he stormed the Wicked: For Good red carpet premiere in Singapore – has been charged by police.

Australian-born Johnson Wen boasted about meeting the pop star at the event, when in actual fact he scared the living daylights out of Ariana.

Ariana was thankfully protected by the one-woman muscle machine that is Cynthia Erivo.

Wen has been charged with being a public nuisance, which is the understatement of the year.

He is known for his d**kish antics and has previously disrupted a Katy Perry concert and the men’s 100m final at the Paris Olympics last year.

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The jail term for being such a deluded berk is anything up to three months.

Sadly, I doubt being locked up would stop him being less of an idiot in future.

THE CHARTS

Taylor Swift bounces back to the top on both the singles and album charts.

It comes five weeks after the release of The Life Of A Showgirl, and following signed copies of the record going on sale online.

Rosalia has the highest new entry on the album chart, going to No4 with Lux.

Singles

1. The Fate Of Ophelia – Taylor Swift
2. Golden – Huntr/x, Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami & Kpop Demon Hunters Cast
3. Where Is My Husband! – Raye
4. Man I Need – Olivia Dean
5. So Easy (To Fall In Love) – Olivia Dean
6. Opalite – Taylor Swift
7. Raindance – Dave & Tems
8. Rein Me In – Sam Fender & Olivia Dean
9. Elizabeth Taylor – Taylor Swift
10. How It’s Done – Golden – Huntr/x, Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami & Kpop Demon Hunters Cast

Albums

1. The Life Of A Showgirl – Taylor Swift
2. The Art Of Loving – Olivia Dean
3. West End Girl – Lily Allen
4. Lux – Rosalia
5. Man’s Best Friend – Sabrina Carpenter
6. The Highlights – The Weeknd
7. +-=÷x Tour Collection – Ed Sheeran
8. The Essential – Michael Jackson
9. 50 Years: Don’t Stop – Fleetwood Mac
10. Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party – Hayley Williams

HE’S a happily married dad of two but Olly Murs is still a lad at heart and he wanted his new album to reflect that fun part of his personality. 

And by laddish, the upbeat singer means a good old-fashioned knees up — the title of his eighth record. 

“There’s always a moment to be a lad, right?” he laughs. “And that’s what this album is about — I’m going back to my roots. 

“This was probably the kind of album that I wanted to launch my career with, but I didn’t.

“For a long time, I was making records for other people, my fans and what I thought they wanted to hear.

“This time I wanted to make an album for me.” 

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I meet the singer at his record label where he’s about to head into an afternoon of rehearsals.  

And, surprisingly, unlike most dads with newborn babies, he’s managed a full night’s sleep.  

“Albert — Alby — is a dream,” he says of his son, born in September. “I’ve had a really good time with him, it’s been lovely.

“I’ve been getting loads of time with him.”

“Cuddles, seeing him grow, that little smile. 

“He’s such a good baby and he sleeps, which is important because I need sleep.

“If sleeping was an Olympic sport, I’d be there. 

“Maybe he takes after me. 

“We’ve been blessed so far after ten weeks. 

“He’s giggling, he doesn’t really cry.  

“He had his vaccines this week which were horrible.

“I had to cancel work yesterday because [his wife] Amelia did it with [daughter] Madi and I never did, so I wanted to be there.  

“Bless him, he wasn’t in a good place, he was proper aggy.

“So, I cancelled a bit of work, which is unlike me, but family comes first.” 

For years, Murs put his career first and everything — and everyone — else came a distant second. 

“Now life is very different,” he tells me.

“Now Amelia and the kids are everything and my career is still there, but I have a different way of looking at life — and I love it.” 

He has no expectations for the new album, which makes the prospect of putting it out even more exciting. 

He says: “I’m out here doing my thing, and if people like it, great. If you don’t, it is what it is.  

“I’m just happy doing my thing. 

“I’ve got to a point where I want to try different things and musically this isn’t too far away from what I’ve done before – it feels authentic to me, and I’m enjoying it.  

“I’ve got to tell myself that more, because there is the other side of me that’s the ego.

“I want a number one, I want that trophy.

“I want that plaque on the wall. And I’ve got to keep that desire, otherwise, what’s the point?

“I want things to matter. Of course, I do. 

“My thing is that I don’t sit in one place.

“My unique selling point is that I can jump on radio or TV and present a show, and at the same time, I can release music and have success and also tour the country.  

Caroline was a good friend and she took her own life. The documentary has come out this week so it’s been difficult. It has brought things back.

Olly on Caroline Flack

“There is a uniqueness with me that I am proud of.” 

Knees Up draws heavily on the ska and pop influences of Madness and The Specials, the bands Murs adored as a kid. 

He says: “When I first started, I was asked to list all the songs I liked if I was to make the best album ever.  

“It was The Specials, Madness, a bit of Stevie Wonder, The Kooks who were my favourite band at the time, Robbie Williams and Paolo Nutini. 

“Save Me, the first song on the album is very Madness and that spearheaded which direction the music went in.

“I feel like it’s Madness meets The Streets, with a bit of Rizzle Kicks.

“This could be an album Heart Skips A Beat fits on.” 

There’s plenty of fun moments on the album.

Still Getting Used To The Ring is a mischievous song about settling into marriage.  

“That song is definitely the cheeky side of me,” laughs Murs.

“It came from a lyric I wrote on my phone.

“Sometimes when I’m writing songs, I will say to co-writers Ed Drewett and James New, ‘If I sing that the Mrs won’t be happy’, but then we’ll write it in a sense that I’m still getting used to being a husband, I’m still getting used to being dad.  

“So, I forget to do the little things and I might not be perfect, but I’m still getting used to the ring.” 

When it comes to choosing a favourite from Knees Up, Murs says Honest is the one he keeps coming back to. 

“Honest for me is every bloke’s nightmare,” he explains.

“It’s about when they walk in from a day at work and they just know that there’s a cloud upon the house. 

“There’s been times when I’ve got home and I just know that Amelia is annoyed about something I’ve done — but I don’t know what that is.  

“The song is about not knowing what you have done wrong.

“That song was fun to write.” 

Cut To The Chase, which Murs jokingly calls “my sexy song”, sees him tapping into a flirtier, more confident vibe. 

He says: “It is about how sometimes in life we are busy and with kids we don’t get any intimacy or moments together.  

“It’s about the cut to the chase which really resonated with me as we are always crossing paths.  

“It is also a fun song to sing and when I played it to Amelia she loved it.  

“She also thinks my fans will love that one, because it’s ‘big bandy’. 

“It’s got the brass and is very old school London with ukulele and banjo in it.  

“Like music from an old gentlemen’s club, or a cool bar with fancy tables. 

“It’s got a very classic feel to it.

“Classic AND classy — you’d never know it was about sex.” 

I’ve done a lot of tours in the last three years and I’ve got married. I’m now on Heart radio station every Saturday with Wrighty [Mark Wright], I’ve written an album and I just think I need a bit of time for me.

Olly on why he might not be doing many gigs for a while

Chin Up, the song that closes the album, carries a more serious tone.  

Murs says: “That’s about mental health and to do with what I went through with some friends in the last year.  

“It’s been a tough year for a lot of my friends who have reached out to me to chat and that song came from that. 

‘Her feelgood vibe’ 

“That song is about encouraging men to speak out and talk. And when we were writing it, we felt it was important to keep your chin up and everything is going to be fine. 

“I went to a charity dads’ club recently for a TV show — it was a Sunday club at a school where all the dads can turn up with their kids once a month and they play games and have a couple of hours together.  

“It’s important, because a lot of dads go to work in the week as of course woman do too, but it’s important for dads to come along and meet other dads and feel like they’ve got a group.  

“One guy was telling me about the positives but also that they’d lost one guy to suicide.

“A dad had taken his own life. And it really hit me.  

“So I’m glad I’ve written that song and hopefully it can help someone.” 

The subject is clearly a personal one for Murs, and it leads him to think about a loss closer to home, that of TV presenter Caroline Flack, who died in 2020.

The documentary Search For The Truth by her mum Christine premiered on Disney+ this week. 

“Caroline was a good friend and she took her own life. The documentary has come out this week so it’s been difficult,” he says, the emotion clear.  

“It has brought things back.

“I try and always remember the positive things with Caz.  

“I don’t try and think too much about the negative stuff, because if I do, I go down a rabbit hole of emotions, and unfortunately, it’s not going to bring her back.

“I just remember her laugh, her jokes and her feelgood vibe.

“I wish she was still here, of course, and it hurts to watch her old shows.” 

A different loss felt by Murs is that of his estranged twin brother Ben, who cut himself off from Murs and his parents when the singer missed Ben’s wedding in 2009 to perform in the live semi-finals of The X Factor. 

‘Always on the go’ 

Murs says: “I’m proud of Ben.

“I don’t see him, but I’m proud of him.  

“There isn’t any bitterness or anger there. 

“I’m just really proud of where my career is, and from what I hear, Ben’s doing great too, and that’s all I care about.  

“We’re older men now, we’re in our 40s, so I’m sure at some point we’ll figure it out.” 

Next month Murs plays a London show to celebrate the new album and he is excited about what might be his only gig in a while. 

He says: “The truth is I don’t even know what I’m doing next year.

“I don’t even know if I’m ever going to tour this album properly.  

“I’m doing this show at Kentish Town Forum and it might even be the only one I do for this album.  

“I’ve done a lot of tours in the last three years and I’ve got married.

“I’m now on Heart radio station every Saturday with Wrighty [Mark Wright], I’ve written an album and I just think I need a bit of time for me.”

“But then I’m always on the go and I like that.

“I don’t know what I’m doing next — I’ve got plans and ideas but I’m just going to see what happens. 

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“I’m going to roll with it.” 

• Knees Up is out on November 21. Olly Murs headlines Kentish Town Forum on December 8. 

KNEES UP  

Olly Murs 

★★★★☆

DUA Lipa helped music boost the UK economy to the tune of £8billion last year. 

The singer — whose hits include New Rules and Levitating — was one of the industry’s biggest money-makers as its contribution to the country’s coffers leapt by five per cent. 

She saw album Radical Optimism debut at No1 in the charts, while dates in Singapore, Japan and Malaysia took export revenues to a new high of £4.8billion. 

Tours from Taylor Swift, Liam Gallagher, Take That and Bruce Springsteen also drove the figures, along with Charli XCX’s global success with album Brat. 

Of the £8billion total — up from £7.6billion in 2023 — £1.49billion came from physical sales, downloads and streaming.  

A record £1.02billion was paid out in songwriting royalties while merchandise sales rose too.  

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The findings are in UK Music’s annual economic report This Is Music 2025.  

It said the industry employs 220,000 people here, but warned growth was slowing down after taking off immediately after the pandemic. 

UK Music’s Chief Executive Tom Kiehl welcomed the figures but issued warning signs amid the challenges faced by the sector. 

He said:  “In recent years UK Music has reported that the music industry has enjoyed double-digit annual growth. 

“That growth has now halved indicates a levelling off of the immediate post-pandemic boost that we experienced, as well as other underlying issues set out in this report.  

“This points to the need for urgent action. If problems are not addressed then future growth cannot be guaranteed.” 

Dua, 30, is in Argentina on tour.  

She shared a snap of her with sister Rina at River Plate’s match against rivals Boco Juniors after two gigs at the Buenos Aires stadium.   

POP icon has posted a massive apology to fans after being forced to pull out of a show at the last minute.

The New Zealand singer, 29, shared a statement on Instagram on Sunday, explaining she had to cancel her scheduled appearance at Luxembourg’s Rockhal after falling sick.

She explained: “Luxembourg, I am so sorry to have to tell you that I came down with ruthless food poisoning last night, and I’m still too sick to play for you today.

“I’ve been resting all day, hoping I’d be well enough, but I can hardly stand up, and you deserve more.”

“My sincerest apologies to anyone inconvenienced or upset by this,” the singer continued. “I can’t tell you how much I was looking forward to it. Our first ever Lux show, first night at Ultrasound EU, our one show with OK Lou, it’s beyond gutting.”

“Please know that if there was any way I could pull it off, I’d be out there. We are actively working with the promoter on rescheduling, so hold on to your tickets for now.

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“Refunds will be offered if the new date’s no good for you. Thank you for your grace tonight. Love, from a very weak girl.”

The tour cancellation comes as Lorde – real name Ella Yelich-O’Connor – kicks off the European leg of her Ultrasound World Tour.

She is scheduled to appear in Paris, France, tonight as scheduled, before making her way over to the UK and Ireland.

The upsetting cancellation comes after Lorde made her triumphant return to music this year by dropping her fourth album, Virgin, back in July.

It was her first release since 2021’s critically acclaimed Solar Power.

Her new release, led by single What Was That?, was so highly anticipated that a surprise set at Glastonbury caused an entire area of Worthy Farm to be shut down as fans dashed to see her at the Woodsies tent.

The album later shot to the top of the album charts, with What Was That peaking at number 11.

She’s also since noted she doesn’t intend to take such a big break again from making music.

The star, who first shot to fame with smash hit Royals at the age of 16, told Variety: “I’m definitely feeling very active and not needing a break from being creative. I’m feeling kind of insatiable, to be honest.

“So I don’t know, but I’ve thrown the gauntlet down that it’s not going to be four years [again], so I’ve gotta keep to that.”

ACTOR Orlando Bloom isn’t scared to have a pop at his ex-fiancée Katy Perry. 

The Lord of the Rings star was at a Halloween bash in a skeleton outfit with a pal who was dressed as the singer. 

US actress Rachel Lynn Matthews, 32, wore a black wig and blue jumpsuit — just as Katy did for her space trip this year. 

Rachel was even pictured kissing the ground, recreating Katy’s actions on her return to Earth in April from the all-female Blue Origin flight. 

Earlier this month The Sun revealed how Pirates of the Caribbean actor Orlando had been using posh cocktail bar The Rex Rooms, on the King’s Road in Chelsea for a series of dates. 

Orlando, 48, and Katy, 41, announced their split in June. 

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Katy, dating former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, 53, details the relationship breakdown in her new single Bandaids. 

Taking to Instagram, Katy said: “To be honest I struggled for months with the idea of putting this song out… even after all these years it can be scary to be vulnerable… but hopefully the lyrics of this song resonate with someone going through what I have been through and maybe they won’t feel so alone and will find the strength to keep going like I have.” 

On the track Katy sings: “Hand to God, I promised, I tried… It’s not what you did, it’s what you didn’t.

“You were there, but you weren’t.” 

A source said: “Orlando and Katy split really amicably and only want the best for each other.

“He has been keeping things low-key but is dating again.

“He’s been on a string of dates in Chelsea and it looks pretty chill, but he’s having fun.

“Right now, he’s keeping it casual.”

TAYLOR Swift has asked model pal Gigi Hadid to be a bridesmaid for her blockbuster marriage to Travis Kelce, a source close to the superstar has told The U.S. Sun. 

The multiple Grammy winning singer and NFL star fiancée are set to tie the knot next summer at a yet-to-be-revealed location. 

FUTURE PLANS

But an insider has confirmed to The U.S. Sun that Taylor wants longtime friend Gigi, 30, to be part of the bridal party. 

It’s understood the pair spoke about the plans during a dinner in New York City on Monday night.

Hadid, according to our source, was “thrilled” as she “wasn’t expecting” to be asked and accepted immediately.

The U.S. Sun also understands fellow pop princess Selena Gomez is also set to be named in the bridal party. 

The insider says the Cruel Summer singer has already finalized a list and plans to tell everyone involved in person to ensure they know exactly what they mean to her. 

“Taylor wants to start the wedding process this way — building her bridesmaid group and getting everyone involved in the preparations, celebrations, and planning,” said the source.

“She wants it to be fun and memorable for everyone, with parties, trips, and time spent together leading up to the big day.”

The global superstar also plans to get advice from Selena, who has already been through a planning process following her wedding with Benny Blanco earlier this year.

She wants tips on food, flowers and any other organizational issues to ensure her special day really is one to remember. 

Taylor was pictured with Hadid in Manhattan, in a rare appearance after taking a step away from the limelight recently.

In light of stalker issues and fears over public safety, she has been seen less in public, and has even been avoiding watching Kelce in action for the Super Bowl chasing Kansas City Chiefs. 

The U.S. Sun revealed last weekend that the couple are now spending a whopping $8 million on security.

The location of the wedding is yet to be confirmed, with the couple contemplating venues in United States and Europe, including their beloved Italy.

CHAPPELL Roan was left gasping in horror when she dropped an F-bomb live on air at the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

The singer, 27, appeared on stage at the glitziest night in the rock and roll calendar in Los Angeles at the Peacock Theatre on Saturday evening.

She was tasked with introducing Cyndi Lauper, who was receiving the honour, but things went from bad to worse for Chappell as she struggled to read the prompter.

The songwriter, who sported a huge headpiece and glittery costume began: “I think we can all agree that the best art comes from the most authentic people.

“When artists stay true to themselves, even when some people say they’re too much, too loud, too eccentric, or all of the above, their honesty becomes their greatest strength.”

At this point, the Good Luck, Babe! singer began to squint as she went silent and attempted to read the prompter.

She then said: “I f**k,” before putting her hand over her mouth, in shock at what she had just said.

The audience began laughing and cheering as she attempted to compose herself after her blunder.

Chappell admitted: “I messed up so bad by refusing to get contacts. Holy cow.”

She attempted to carry on as she was clearly struggling to read what was written and said: “It’s that courage that not only creates incredible art, it gives everyone who experiences the permission to be themselves.

“It opens their hearts, it changes their minds and that is it’s power. Tonight we honor a woman who redefined what a pop star could look like, sound like, sing like and be.”

Putting the faux pas behind her and ending on a high note, Chappell concluded: “A music legend whose authenticity has inspired us for the last four decades with her four octave range and the amazingly fabulous Cyndi Lauper.”

Fans flocked to social media to share their reactions to Chappell’s F-bomb mic drop moment as one joked on Instagram: “Someone get her glasses.”

Another supportive fan commented: “Even with the difficulty to read, the speech was beautiful! @chappellroan is the best thing that happened to the music world lately!”

Somebody else enthused: “Her speech was the best part of the night hands down.”

Yet another said: “She looks like she’s doing some major multi taking with the speech and balancing that thing on her head.”

She made sure all eyes were on her for different reasons also as she a huge skirt made out of newspaper clippings which she paired with a glitzy bralette complete with chain detailing.

As if her look wasn’t dramatic enough, she donned a massive diamond headpiece reminiscent of a chandelier, on her head and opted for her signature heavy make-up with eyeshadow and a red lip.

Chappell has had a phenomenal year after playing her biggest headline show ever in August for 60,000 fans at Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre as part of Summer Sessions.

The two-night shows saw concert-goers attend in their thousands to see the songstress live, a stark difference to her UK debut two years prior, in which she performed for an intimate 600-person crowd in London.

HOLLYWOOD royalty Ariana Grande has arrived in the UK on a whirlwind stay fit for a princess.

The singer and actress flew in from Paris yesterday by private jet ready for the Wicked: For Good premiere in Leicester Square tomorrow.

The pint-sized pop queen touched down at Farnborough airport in Hampshire and was whisked away with her entourage to the five-star Raffles London at the OWO hotel.

I’m told the star, who plays Glinda, has hired six suites at £5,000 each a night for her trip — and chose the stunning building in Whitehall because she can easily enter and exit via the underground car park.

A source said: “Ariana’s team and the production crew from Wicked put their heads together to ensure Ariana is in luxury and comfort and has plenty of privacy.

“She will need plenty of time and space to prepare for her big red-carpet moment with her glamour squad.”

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Ariana is believed to be attending the movie premiere with her boyfriend and Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, having ignored rumours that they have split.

But she will be mostly joined at the hip with British actress Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba.

Production company Universal has splashed out £100,000 on hiring art deco French restaurant Brasserie Zedel in Piccadilly for the after-party, where Ari will let her hair down.

On Friday night, Ariana showed off her hand tattoos at the film’s Paris premiere, and many fans believe the inkings are linked to the movie and her friendship with Cynthia.

She was joined by another co-star, Michelle Yeoh, as she greeted the crowds.

In just over a week’s time, Ariana is due back in America for the film’s premiere in New York.

Ariana was last week forced to miss the Wicked premiere in Brazil due to flight issues.

She had been expecting to walk the red carpet at the Sao Paulo event on Tuesday evening but was forced to get off the plane because of safety issues.

Taking to Instagram to share her disappointment, Ariana said that her team failed to find an alternative arrangement to get her to Sao Paolo in time.

Hopefully her stay in Blighty will be much smoother.

LILY TO CLEAN UP WITH GIRL BRAND

LILY ALLEN is certainly soaking up the success of her latest album, West End Girl.

She released the 14-track record last month following her split from husband David Harbour, who appears in supernatural TV series Stranger Things.

I can reveal Lily, pictured here in her bra enjoying a bubble bath and pulling a funny face for a magazine shoot, has now applied to trademark the name West End Girl ahead of a tour that kicks off in March.

The trademark covers beauty items including cosmetics, fragrances, perfumery, sun cream and shampoo.

It also includes sunglasses, jewellery, bags, clothing, footwear and headgear.

Her album jumped to No2 in the Official Albums Chart this week.

Lily was left devastated when her four-year marriage to American actor David broke down last December.

The couple met on celebrity dating app Raya and moved to New York after tying the knot in 2020.

However, she has since moved back to London with her two daughters from her first marriage.

It comes as the Not Fair singer is gearing up for her 14-date tour in March, which starts at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall.

Fans are begging for more dates after the tour sold out in minutes this week.

If I can’t pin down a ticket, at least I’ll be able to get my hands on some Lily Allen bubble bath instead.

AFRICA A WINTER WONDER LAND

FORMER Love Islander Faye Winter is swapping her beach bag for a backpack to do community and conservation work in Africa.

The reality star, left, who found fame on the ITV2 dating show in 2021, is running a volunteer trip to Zimbabwe this month.

She has already given up the party lifestyle in London to return to her roots in Devon, where she lives with her golden retriever Bonnie and two rescue ponies, Keith and Kevin.

Faye told me: “I was out of my comfort zone living away from the countryside.

“The only thing that kept me going was my guide dog volunteer work. I find it so fulfilling, I’m not a party girl at all.”

Looking back on her life after the show, Faye admits that she wasn’t happy.

She said: “I struggled with the fact it was all about where you were seen.

“It felt materialistic. Giving back is so much more meaningful.”

HOLLY’S HAPPY MEALS

HOLLY WILLOUGHBY is a woman after my own heart when it comes to hangover cures.

The TV presenter said only a McDonald’s can soothe her after too many drinks the night before.

Asked what her go-to recovery meal is, Holly told a magazine: “I want a McDonald’s quarter pounder with cheese and if it hasn’t got a pickle on it, I’m gonna throw it back at you.

“I order extra pickles every time. Then I want skinny fries that are as salty as possible.

“I know some people think McDonald’s makes you feel rotten, but I just love it.

“You can tell how often I go because there are so many selfies of me sat in my car, taken by the drive-thru staff.”

Sounds like Holly is lovin’ it.

SLIMLINE JEN KIDS AROUND

HOLLYOAKS’ Jennifer Metcalfe has revealed the secret to her trim figure – she orders child portions.

The actress, who plays Mercedes McQueen in the Channel 4 soap, said smaller helpings mean she can have more of what she fancies.

During the show’s 30th anniversary celebrations at St George’s Hall in Liverpool, she said: “I eat what I want, when I want – small portions.

“Yesterday, me and my friend were out for five hours.

“We wanted a roast dinner, so I got a child’s portion, then we went to our local Indian and had poppadoms and all of the chutney.

“I have been eating loads recently, but my motto is ‘eat small amounts of everything you want’.”

Jennifer said she has just signed a year’s contract with Hollyoaks, adding: “We are making this 30th year count.”

PARTY OF THE WEEK

Tangle Teezer Festive pop-up, Vinyl Studios, Soho, Tuesday

WHAT WE ATE: Mini burgers, pigs in blankets and pick ’n’ mix sweets.

WHAT WE DRANK: Aperol spritz, Moscow mule and appletini cocktails.

WHO WAS THERE: Molly-Mae Hague’s hairdresser Jack Luckhurst, model Amanda Chrishell, influencer Tyra Baylis and our Emily, pictured with a handsome Santa.

TAYLOR & SABRINA’S HEIGHT ON THE TOWN

IT was the little and large show as chart superstars Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift went on a night out in New York.

Sabrina, who is 5ft, looked glamorous in a white roll-neck jumper and trench coat for the evening in SoHo restaurant.

Meanwhile, 5ft 9in Taylor showed off her long legs in a pleated mini-skirt and polo shirt.

It comes after Sabrina recently collaborated with Taylor on The Life Of A Showgirl track from her album of the same name.

CORKING HAT, LIAM

LIAM GALLAGHER gets into the Aussie spirit as he struts his stuff in a cork hat on tour Down Under.

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The Oasis singer, who is normally known for wearing a bucket hat, was on stage in Melbourne, complete with maracas, as part of the Live ’25 tour with brother Noel.

The band played in Sydney last night and will head to Buenos Aires in Argentina for a show next Saturday.

A HUGE heavy metal band has announced their first UK show in over a decade, after they retired from touring.

The 70s band, who who are best known for We’re Not Gonna Take It and I Wanna Rock, are heading back on the road – and they are heading to the UK.

Formed in New Jersey in the 70s, American rockers Twisted Sister are coming out of tour retirement and making a stop in Wales.

The much-loved band revealed in September they were heading back out on the road again, after nearly a decade of not touring.

Twisted Sister, who are headed up by Dee Snider, have now announced their first UK show which will see them headline the Welsh festival Steelhouse.

Organisers have brought in the legendary heavy metal band to celebrate 15 years of the festival – which next year will take place from July 24 to 26.

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They will take to the stage at the iconic Welsh festival, which is held at the mountainous Hafod-y-Dafal Farm, Aberbeeg, Ebbw Vale.

Speaking about booking Twisted Sister, Steelhouse promoters Max and Mike said: “We thought 15 years was worth celebrating in the biggest possible way.

“And what better way to do that with one of the most iconic names in metal – Twisted f***ing Sister!

“To have them come and celebrate their milestone 50 years with us is an absolute and unbelievable honour.”

The statement ended: “When Dee Snider came and laid waste to Steelhouse a decade ago – and more than any other headliner, fundamentally got what we were trying to do as an independent rock festival – we hoped that perhaps he would one day return with the band he made his name with… In our 15th year and their 50th, this is coming to pass… Twisted Sister on The Mountain is going to be huge!”

Other bands confirmed for Steelhouse 2026 include The Temperance Movement, plus Reef, Alien Ant Farm, Tyketto, Von Hertzen Brothers, Darren Wharton’s Renegade, Mason Hill, Dan Byrne, Luke Morley, Anthony Gomes, King Kraken, Blue Nation and more.

Twisted Sister have only played one live show since 2016, when they temporarily reunited for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2023.

But they announced in September that they would be heading back out on tour.

At the time, the band revealed that their line-up had changed, as longtime bassist Mark Mendoza won’t be on the tour.

Instead, Russell Pzütto, who has played with the band in the past, will be joining for the new shows.

They are going back on tour to celebrate a HUGE milestone in the band’s long career.

“If you’re lucky enough to be in a band that people still want to see after fifty years(!), how can you not answer the call?” lead singer Dee teased.

“In 2026, Twisted F***ing Sister will hit stages around the world because WE STILL WANNA ROCK!!”

THE Love Actually reunion no one saw coming just happened – and it’s still 49 days until Christmas.

My insiders tell me that stars of the seasonal rom-com Martine McCutcheon and Thomas Brodie-Sangster have signed up for Google Pixel’s new festive ad.

They filmed the top-secret project in London yesterday afternoon — 22 years after appearing opposite each other in the 2003 hit film.

A source said: “Nothing says Christmas like Love Actually, and so Google Pixel are bringing a sprinkling of it back to insert some nostalgia into the festive period.

“It’s still such a firm favourite with millions of people, so they tapped up Martine and Thomas for the sweet reunion.

“The ad is going to be packed full of throwbacks — especially because Thomas was only 13 when he was in Love Actually.

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“A whole street in London was transformed into a winter wonderland and Martine and Thomas were in great spirits.

“They’re really happy with how the ad worked out. It’s going to be one people are talking about for a while.”

If you’ve lived under a rock and have never seen Love Actually, it’s one of Richard Curtis’s best films.

Martine plays hapless PA Natalie, swept off her feet by the Prime Minister, played by Hugh Grant.

And Thomas took on the role of sweet, love-stricken Sam, who went all out to impress his teen crush.

Google Pixel isn’t the only brand getting in on the Love Actually nostalgia for their Christmas ad.

Aldi revealed their famous Kevin the Carrot will propose to his sweetheart Katie in their festive offering this year using cue cards — inspired by the scene in the film where Andrew Lincoln’s character Mark professed his love for Juliet, played by Keira Knightley.

Without wanting to be too sentimental, it proves love really is still all around us.

And I’m definitely going to be renting it on Prime Video tonight.

KYLIE MINOGUE used a stocking from the filming of her CBeebies bedtime story last Christmas in the music video for her new festive single Xmas.

The Aussie pop star is celebrating the tenth anniversary of her Christmas album with a new version of the record, Kylie Christmas (Fully Wrapped), which features four new songs.

Speaking to Scott Mills on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show about the video, Kylie said: “Because I was on the road we didn’t get to go so Christmassy.

“I think it was from a CBeebies Christmas story | did and they gave me a Christmas stocking.

“I thought, I have got to take something Christmassy and I think that’s it. That’s the one thing that you may see.

“We didn’t get to do fairy lights. We didn’t get to do paper chains. But in spirit we were very Christmassy.”

JOSH’S TOP DAY WITH SPINAL TAP

JOSH GROBAN was one of a few artists asked to perform with Spinal Tap for their next film, Stonehenge: The Final Finale.

I exclusively revealed the ­parody band had shot a concert alongside Eric Clapton and Shania Twain at the ­landmark in August, and now US star Josh has told me all about taking part.

He said: “Singing with Spinal Tap at Stonehenge – I don’t care how much you’ve done, that’s an experience for anybody. Eric Clapton felt it, Shania Twain felt it.

“Everybody was going, ‘I can’t believe we’re doing this’. I can’t tell you the song but it was ­ridiculous and amazing.”

Josh is returning to the UK on April 1 next year for a date at London’s O2 Arena, with tickets on sale tomorrow.

And on November 14 he will drop his next record, Hidden Gems.

The album is a collection of fans’ favourite tracks not available on streaming platforms.

Speaking after an intimate show in ­London at Union Chapel, Josh says: “These are all songs from my past.

“They’re B-sides and special-editions. I’ve also been working on new music.”

MUMMY’S THE WORD, BRENDAN

BRENDAN FRASER and Rachel Weiz are teaming up again for The Mummy 4, 17 years after the last film in the franchise.

They both starred in 1999’s The Mummy and 2001’s The Mummy Returns, below, but Rachel skipped 2008’s The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor.

Plans for a fourth film were ditched in 2012 before Tom Cruise tried to reboot the series in 2017 with another movie called The Mummy, but it lost millions at the box office.

The original followed treasure hunter Rick (Brendan), who wakes up an ancient Egyptian priest with special powers.

The latest news comes three years after Brendan’s career comeback in The Whale, which landed him a much-deserved Oscar for Best Actor.

YUNG HIT IN TRANS PIC SHOW

YUNGBLUD has provided the soundtrack for a new photography exhibition that tells the stories of 13 trans people from across the UK.

His song Hello Heaven, Hello will be used on screens at Outernet, right outside Tottenham Court Road Tube Station in central London, for the free exhibition called Trans Is Human from November 17.

Yungblud said: “I’m honoured that Hello Heaven, Hello will be a part of this exhibition.

“Trans Is Human is all about celebrating truth, identity and the beauty of being yourself.

“That’s something I’ve always tried to celebrate in everything I do.”

BABYSHAMBLES have returned with their first song in 12 years, Dandy Hooligan.

The band, fronted by Pete Doherty, dropped the track yesterday ahead of the launch of their comeback tour.

Pete said: “It’s a well turned-out, ­elegantly crafted reggae-ska-pop song . . . with a sweet melody to bowl along to with your sharpened walking cane.”

They were back on stage in Hastings last night for a warm-up gig ahead of their tour later this month.

ED’S PERFECT PITCH MEANS ALL KIDS CAN LEARN MUSIC

ED SHEERAN has once again proved he is a voice for good after a successful ­campaign to give all kids access to ­creative subjects at school.

Back in March, the Shape Of You singer wrote to No10 urging the government to look at the critical state of music education – and, incredibly, they’ve listened.

Keir Starmer yesterday heralded Ed’s letter, which was backed by stars including Harry Styles, Stormzy and Annie Lennox, as “powerful”, and told him: “I wanted you to know that your voice has been heard.”

In a letter to Ed which has been shared with me, the PM said: “The review ­places creative ­subjects firmly at the centre.

“We are revitalising arts ­education, strengthening music and drama, and launching a new National ­Centre for Arts And Music Education to support teachers and raise standards.

“We will make sure every child has access to those experiences – from arts and ­culture to nature and civic engagement – so that creativity isn’t a privilege, but a right.”

It is a huge victory for Ed and the Ed Sheeran Foundation, which has ­campaigned for accessible, meaningful education for all young people.

In a statement, Ed said: “I set up the Ed Sheeran Foundation because every child deserves to have access to a meaningful music education, and the chance to experience the joy and confidence that musical expression can bring.

“Shortly after ­setting up my foundation, I wrote an open letter to the Prime Minister about the critical state of music education in the UK and the fact it was slipping through the cracks.

“With the help of the letter and everyone who signed it, I’m happy to say that some of the key points we raised have been recognised by the government, marking the first change to the music ­curriculum in over ten years.”

All power to you, Ed. This is ­brilliant news.

COAT AND TAYLS

TAYLOR SWIFT has gone quiet since dropping her album The Life Of A Showgirl last month, but she re-emerged in New York for a night out with Gigi Hadid on Monday.

The singer wrapped up in a coat and knee-high boots alongside the model who is a long-time friend.

I’m sure they had plenty to catch up on, with a wedding to plan for Taylor, while Gigi’s romance with Bradley Cooper seems to be going from strength to strength after two years together.

Perhaps wedding bells will be ringing for her, too, before long.

JENNIFER LAWRENCE has let slip that she’s co-producing a movie with Emma Stone based on Miss Piggy, being written by US comedian Cole Escola.

Asked on the Las Culturistas podcast whether the actresses will also star in the film, she said: “I think so, we have to.”

On working with Emma for the first time, she added: “It’s f***ed up. It’s dark that we haven’t done a movie together.”

CYNTHIA’S IN GOOD MOOD FOR PREMIERE

CYNTHIA ERIVO was grinning from ear to ear at the premiere of Wicked: For Good, despite the fact her co-star Ariana Grande missed the big launch.

The British actress, who returns as Elphaba in the second flick, wore this quirky, tummy-baring outfit and was joined at the event in Sao Paulo by co-star Jonathan Bailey ahead of the London premiere on Monday.

Hopefully, Ariana will make it over here after a fault with a plane meant she couldn’t get to Brazil in time for Tuesday’s event.

She apologised on Instagram, but was then subjected to vile abuse.

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Later on, she wrote online: “Please don’t wish danger on us.

“It’s a sad state of affairs when fans are so vicious over something so unimportant.”

HER sixth album Brat topped the charts and won her five Brit Awards, but Charli XCX feared her label was going to drop her over it because it is so out there.

In a new interview, she explained: “I think when I was making it, I wasn’t thinking about the response at all.

“I actually made this record being like, ‘OK, I’m just going to do this one for me.

“And maybe I’m going to get dropped by my label and that’s fine’.

“That was kind of the headspace that I was in.

“There’s a lot of luck with timing and the way that culture is moving.

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“I think when I released this record, it’s like people were wanting something that felt very real and messy.

“And I think that’s just the way that culture was swinging.”

Charli previously suggested she was going to have a lengthy break from music following the success of the record, released in June last year, but she has now teased that she’s working on “inherently different” tracks.

The Guess singer continued: “I’m really interested to see what comes next in pop culture, especially in the music space, what people are ­craving.

“I really like to work in contrast. I think whatever I do next will just inherently be different to Brat because that’s what feels natural.

“I’m exploring a lot of stuff with strings at the moment, which I’m really enjoying and I haven’t really worked in that space before.”

And with a series of movies on the way — including Faces Of Death and I Want Your Sex, Charli said she is committed to becoming an actress.

Speaking to Gwyneth Paltrow on her Goop podcast, she said: “I’ve been making music since I was 14.

“And don’t get me wrong, I love making music, but I think there was just a point where I was kind of like, OK, I really need to exercise my creativity in a different way.

“I don’t actually really listen to that much music ever. I never really have.

“But what I am doing is I’m always watching films.”

And Charli also reflected on the prospect of starting a family, having mused on her indecision about ­becoming a mother on her song I Think About It All The Time, which was on the Brat album.

The Brit, who wed The 1975 drummer George Daniel in July, said: “There is, I think, still a bit of stigma perhaps around women who don’t really want to have ­children, you know, and I think for me it’s like I’m always swinging between the two.

“Right now, I’m on the side of, like, actually I’m not sure that that is for me, but that could go back.”

BENSON BACK

BENSON BOONE shook off illness and returned to the stage for a killer sold-out show at London’s O2 Arena.

The American singer had to cancel his gig in Birmingham on Saturday after struggling with his voice but he was on song on Monday when he sailed through tracks including Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else, Young American Heart and Mr Electric Blue along with a cover of Coldplay‘s Sparks.

Welcoming out his friend and photographer McLean Long to the stage armed with a T-shirt cannon, Benson said: “Every night I sing one song that is a cover song.

“I love this song very much, so we’re going to have a friend come out and help us figure out which song we’re singing.”

Another poignant moment in the evening came when Benson performed In The Stars, which he wrote as a tribute to his great-grandmother who died aged 96.

Benson said: “I think the loveliest thing about this song is this is a song about me, about my life.

“My experiences, somebody that I know, something I felt, something I went through, but when you listen to it it’s no longer about me, it’s about you.”

RITA’S A PINK LADY

THERE was no missing Rita Ora in this pink dress at the Music Industry Trusts Awards, but it was Jessie J who stole the show with an amazing rendition of Whitney Houston‘s I Have Nothing.

Speaking at the ceremony on Monday night, Jessie referenced her breast cancer diagnosis and said: “This is one of my favourite songs to sing. There is no hiding in this song. It’s very exposing.

“This year has changed my whole world – my perspective, what battles I’m going to pick.

“You know, death comes knocking at your door and you kind of dance and f***ing kick it away.

“It just changes everything.

““I will say this, I don’t care how old you are or how long you have been doing this, enjoy your f***ing life.

“Be kind to each other.”

Ashley Tabor-King, founder of Global Media, whose radio stations include Heart and Capital, was honoured on the night, with video messages from Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift.

Rita flew in especially from Los Angeles to perform, and Olly Murs was there for a night out after becoming a dad for a second time.

“Albert is nine weeks old now,” Olly said.

“Another one next year? We are happy with two at the moment.

“Who knows, in a few years’ time we will see.

“I have got time next year to spend a bit more time with the family.

“It has been a busy few years.”

KATY HAS A POP AT BLOOM

KATY PERRY is returning with a new single tomorrow and it sounds as though it will hint heavily at her split from Orlando Bloom.

The Roar singer announced the track Bandaids last night, following a tricky year which saw her break-up with the English actor after almost a decade, and start dating ex-Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.

Insiders have claimed she worked on it with top writer and producer Cirkut, who worked on her No1s Part Of Me and Roar, as well as Greg Kurstin, who co-wrote Adele’s heartbreak singles Hello and Easy On Me.

Last night, Katy played the latest show on her Lifetimes tour in Paris, ahead of the end of the 91-show jaunt next month.

I’M imploring the BBC to put cash behind another series of Daisy May Cooper‘s brilliant TV series This Country.

Daisy told Fearne Cotton on her Happy Place podcast: “It’s difficult and we get asked all the time.

“If we got paid enough to do another series, we’d f***ing do it but that’s all it comes down to.”

Tim Davie, sort it out.

OASIS GET ONE OVER TOUTS DOWN UNDER

OASIS have scored another victory over the vile ticket touts – this time in Australia.

Thanks to the Major Events law in Victoria, ­scalpers were shut out of their three sold-out shows there.

The rules in the Australian state means that anyone flogging tickets for more than ten per cent above face value at an event ­protected by the Major Events Act faces a fine of up to £270,000.

In a statement, Noel and Liam Gallagher‘s management team told me: “It’s great to see Victoria’s Major Events declaration doing exactly what it’s meant to – Viagogo can’t list our Melbourne shows – and that’s a huge win for real fans.

“When government and the live industry work together, we can stop large-scale scalping in its tracks.

“We’d love to see other states follow Victoria’s lead so fans everywhere get a fair go.”

The success of the law means that the 180,000 tickets sold for the shows in Victoria went to genuine fans for the right price.

The brothers will play two more shows in Australia this week, with back-to-back sold-out gigs in Sydney on Friday and Saturday, before they take their Oasis Live 25 tour to South America.

COLDPLAY OFF TO CHURCH

IF you missed out on Coldplay tickets earlier this summer then fear not.

The band’s Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland have announced a one-off, intimate show on Wednesday, December 3, in aid of War Child and Crisis.

But it will be even harder to get in than catching one of their ten nights at Wembley, as it will take place at Hackney Church in East London, with a public ballot for 150 pairs of tickets is now open online.

Last year Chris and Jonny’s Hackney Church performance raised £350,000 for charity.

I’m sure kind-hearted fans will dig deep again this year.

ED-ING WHERE IT BEGAN

ED SHEERAN headed back to Dublin for a special ­concert to celebrate his songs which had clocked up more than one billion streams.

And he had plenty to pick from, with the star performing hits including Thinking Out Loud, Castle On The Hill, I See Fire and Galway Girl.

The gig saw the 2,000 fans packed into Industries Hall at the Royal Society Dublin going wild – and I got to join them after my lovely friends at Spotify flew me out on Monday.

Speaking at his Billions Club Live set, Ed said: “The reason I wanted to do it in Dublin is this is the place where I decided I wanted to be a singer- songwriter when I was a kid.

“It’s a special place for me with my family but it’s also a ­special place for me musically.

“I feel like this is where it all began.”

Ed also used his time on stage to remind the crowd that he last headlined Glastonbury back in 2017, which makes me think he’s a sure-fire bet to return to Worthy Farm in 2027 to ­mark ten years.

Watch this space.

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ARIANA GRANDE was forced to miss the world premiere of Wicked: For Good in Brazil last night after a safety issue with her private jet.

She was on board her plane to fly to Sao Paulo yesterday but had to get off when a fault was found, leaving her “beyond devastated” because there was no other way to make the journey in time.

THERE was recently an awkward moment a huge popstar had her microphone the wrong way up.

She was even accused of lip-syncing in an embarrassing on-stage blunder, though some fans have defended her.

Canadian hitmaker Tate McRae, 22, was performing at a recent gig when she crooned into her microphone when it was the wrong way up.

Sparking major lip-syncing accusations, Tate has now been slammed for allegedly miming at her concerts.

Sharing a video of Tate “lip-syncing” on stage, an X account wrote: “Tate McRae caught lipsync during her show.

“Many fans are question if she ever sang live since the beginning of her career.”

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In the video, Tate could be seen dancing a high octane routine.

Flipping her hair backwards and forwards, the superstar rocked out on stage in some very tiny shorts.

Dancing around, Tate then moved her microphone up to her mouth.

Holding the microphone the wrong way up, Tate crooned into the bottom of the handle of the mic.

Tate quickly realised as her backing track played, and turned the mic so it was the right way up.

Ever the professional, the hitmaker then continued with her performance.

Fans have since reacted to the awkward on-stage blunder.

One person penned: “I don’t listen to Tate McRae but she literally started singing when she flipped the mic around, she’s singing over a track.”

Another said: “When she flips the mic around, you can hear her voice. It’s just that a backing track is there. Not lipsyncing.”

A third person added: “As someone who saw her recently in concert, she lip syncs like 80% of the concert because she’s more focused on dancing and theatrics and doesn’t try to hide it.

“The only time she actually sings is when she’s stationary for small periods but there’s always a backtrack no matter.”

While a fourth wrote: “I went to a show. There IS a lot of backing tracks since she dances so much, but she definitely sings live a ton as well. And you can tell when she does.”

And a fifth said: “That’s called a backing track you can clearly hear her singing.”

Tate is known for her hits such a Greedy, You Broke Me First, Sports Car and Revolving Door.

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She often storms stages at music festivals and her own concerts and puts on high energy shows.

Tate is famous for her dance routines and sexy image.

DOWNLOAD festival has landed a Hollywood A-lister to perform at the rock and metal event next summer.

The 2026 line-up was announced this evening and features the surprising actor, as well as three American bands topping the bill.

Download will return to Leicestershire’s Donington Park from June 10 to 14, with The Matrix and John Wick star Keanu Reeves set to play.

The band Dogstar, for which he plays bass, are among a series of acts which have been officially unveiled.

Limp Bizkit will headline the Friday night, followed by Guns N’ Roses on the Saturday.

Linkin Park will close the festival on the Sunday night, marking their first performance at the festival since frontwoman Emily Armstrong was brought in.

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They previously headlined four times between 2004 and 2014 with their original line-up.

And it comes after Linkin Park played a sold out concert at Wembley Stadium in June.

Tickets are already on sale for the 23rd annual festival, which will also feature performances from Pendulum, Trivium, The All-American Rejects, Mastodon and Bush.

Other acts on the line-up include Feeder, Ash, Tom Morello, The Pretty Reckless and Those Damn Crows.

Limp Bizkit’s booking comes just a fortnight after it was revealed that bassist and founding member Sam Rivers had died aged 48.

They paid tribute to him last month when they described him as not “just our bass player” but “the soul in the sound.”

The band said: “From the first note we ever played together, Sam brought a light and a rhythm that could never be replaced.

“His talent was effortless, his presence unforgettable, his heart enormous.”

The full rundown of artists was revealed at a launch event at the Barbican in central London, where guests were entertained by fortune tellers and a string quartet.

GRATEFUL Dead singer Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay has sadly died at the age of 78.

The singer, who made a name for herself in the band in the 70s, was also a backup singer for Elvis Presley and Percy Sledge.

The rocker sadly died on Sunday after a lengthy cancer battle.

A statement was released after she died at Alive Hospice in Nashville.

The statement announced her passing reads, “She was a sweet and warmly beautiful spirit, and all those who knew her are united in loss.

“The family requests privacy at this time of grieving.

“In the words of Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, ‘May the four winds blow her safely home’.”

Fans have already flocked to social media to express their sadness over her tragic passing.

One person on X said, “Donna was awesome. Really sad about this.”

Another penned, “Beautiful and powerful voice, there will never be another Donna Jean.”

A third person added, “So sad to learn of the passing of Donna Jean Godchaux.

“Through most of the 1970s, she made her mark on American music as a singer with the Grateful Dead. May she rest in peace.”

And a fourth said, “RIP Donna Jean Thatcher Godchaux-MacKay.

“Helluva singer who worked with the Grateful Dead & Elvis and put up with a sh**load of misogyny. Tough, special lady.”

LILY Allen has announced she is taking her “revenge album” West End Girl on the road.

Hitting venues across the length and breadth of the UK, here’s everything you need to know so you don’t miss out on her first tour in seven years.

Lily Allen’s latest album West End Girl levels cheating allegations against her ex-husband, Stranger Things star David Harbour.

The couple split in December 2024, with later reports claiming he’d had a three-year affair.

Details of their open marriage and break-up are seemingly laid bare in the new 14-song album.

On October 24, 2025, Lily said in a statement: “I’ve tried to document my life in a new city and the events that led me to where I am in my life now.

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“At the same time, I’ve used shared experiences as the basis for songs which try to delve into why we humans behave as we do, so the record is a mixture of fact and fiction.”

The tour – Lily Allen Performs West End Girl – will see the singer perform the album in its entirety in the order the songs feature on her record.

When is Lily Allen’s 2026 tour? 

Lily Allen’s 2026 West End Girl tour is scheduled to take place throughout March 2026.

The British singer is set to perform her acclaimed fifth studio album at venues, theatres and concert halls across the UK.

This tour marks her first headline shows since her No Shame Tour in 2018-19.

The tour dates and venues for Lily Allen Performs West End Girl UK in March 2026 are:

• March 2: Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall
• March 3: Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall
• March 5: Birmingham, Symphony Hall
• March 7: Sheffield, City Hall
• March 8: Newcastle, City Hall
• March 10: Manchester, Aviva Studios (The Hall)
• March 11: Manchester, Aviva Studios (The Hall)
• March 14: Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall
• March 15: Cambridge, Corn Exchange
• March 17: Bristol, Beacon
• March 18: Cardiff, New Theatre
• March 20: London, Palladium
• March 21: London, Palladium

How can I get tickets for Lily Allen’s 2026 tour?

Tickets go on general sale from 10am GMT Friday, November 7, 2025, via Ticketmaster and LiveNation.

For fans who want to secure tickets before the general release, thankfully there is a presale, taking place from 10am on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

But to access this presale, you will need to register with co:brand before midnight on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Selected venues have already confirmed ticket prices for Lily Allen’s UK tour.

The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall said they start at roughly £40 and go up to around £85.

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Manchester’s Aviva Studios also revealed ticket prices, with the breakdown as follows: £45, £55 and £75.

As of November 3, 2025, the official ticket prices for different sections in every venue are yet to be revealed.

Damon Albarn has opened up about his emotional journey while recording Gorillaz’ upcoming album.

The singer and his bandmate Jamie Hewlett poured the grief of losing their dads into their ninth record, The Mountain, and Damon revealed he scattered his father’s ashes in India while making the collection.

“Both Jamie and I lost our fathers,” Damon said.

“We did two quite amazing, magical trips to India.

“India is a very interesting place to carry grief, because they have a very positive outlook on death.

“England is just really bad at dealing with death.

“In a way, I think this record is in that tradition of celebrating their lives.

“I did things I’d never done before. I swam in the Ganges in Varanasi.

“I watched the bodies being burnt on the banks of the Ganges.

“In England when we cremate a body we don’t even look at the bodies, it’s covered up immediately and then it’s put in the fire, the little curtains close and that’s it.

“On the banks of the Ganges, every family is there with the body wrapped in a shroud and they’re burnt, and it’s going on everywhere. It goes on 24 hours a day and it’s been going on for thousands of years.

“I took my dad’s ashes there and I cast them in the river. It was very beautiful.”

Indian culture helped shape the record — which will be released in March — with the album’s cover art featuring the title in Devanagari, a script used to write the Indian Sanskrit language.

And this time around the pair will not make their famous, animated music videos and instead are creating a one-off production.

Damon added: “We’re making a full eight-minute thing.

“This is why there are no videos at the moment, because it’s serious stuff. It’s really great that Jamie is concentrating on doing one animated thing.

“It’s a big amount of work, any animation. It’s kind of our Achilles’ heel because no other band has to spend that kind of time just to produce one small thing.

“So let’s make it a piece of art in itself and not really rely on it for the promotional aspect of things and let it breathe in its own way.

“I think fans are going to love every aspect of this record.”

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Personally, I cannot wait.

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Jennifer Lawrence put on her poshest frock to party in the Big Apple after promoting her new film, Die My Love.

The Hunger Games star appears alongside Robert Pattinson in the black comedy, out this Friday.

And the pair coordinated their outfits for the New York premiere at the AMC Lincoln Square Theater.

J-Law then changed into a blue gown before heading out for a night on the town with her pals.

The actress has a busy few months coming up. She is starring in and producing upcoming murder-mystery movie The Wives, before kicking off a new project with legendary director Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Jen and Leo are set to play the leads in a terrifying film adaptation of Peter Cameron’s ghost story, What Happens at Night.

She did the chart double last month but Olivia Dean is keeping her feet firmly on the ground.

The singer scored No1s with her album The Art of Loving and single Man I Need, becoming the first British solo female artist to top both charts simultaneously since Adele in 2021.

Asked whether she’s let her success go to her head, she said: “I don’t think so. I feel like I try really hard and think all the time about not becoming a p***k. That would just be horrible.

“I’ve met some and it’s just like, ‘Oh no, it got to you’.”

On how success depends on the people around you, Olivia continued: “A lot of people work really, really hard. It’s really important to recognise that yes, you’ve worked on your skill or your craft, but all the people around you had to believe in it and be there to make it happen as well.

“It takes a village of people to make an album or do a campaign. There’s a lot that people don’t see.”

It sounds like Olivia has a lot of goals in the future, though – including headlining Glastonbury and releasing an album of standards.

On the And The Writer Is… with Ross Golan podcast, Olivia was also asked if she had written a musical yet.

She said: “No, but I would like to in the future. It’s definitely on the bucket list for me.”

Time to say ’ello to Eli

Hot prospect Eli released debut album Stage Girl at the weekend, jam-packed with infectious melodies.

It looks like her label, RCA Records – also home to Britney Spears, P!nk and Shakira – has unearthed another gem.

But her collection of tunes also features references to a battle with her identity, which the American singer has now overcome.

In an exclusive interview, Eli, who is a trans woman, said of her album: “It was made in a flow state.

“But that was after a year or two of complete wits’ end, last straw, end of the rope, repressing everything under the sun as a human being for 20 years of my life.

“I was just like, ‘I need this joy and I need this super-extravagant pop’.”

Part of her journey of discovery is related to listeners in album highlights Girl of Your Dreams and Falsetto, and Eli now hopes that her music will help people to accept those in the queer community.

She explained: “I like the idea that this is going to play in Walmart in Kansas, for the lady who thinks I’m the spawn of Satan.

“And she’s going to be like, ‘Wow, this song is so good’.

“I feel like there is a sort of trickle-down effect of awareness of my humanity and trans humanity in general.”

Eli is already feeling the love following her album release – Mark Ronson, Demi Lovato and Zara Larsson have all voiced their support and her fan base is growing and growing.

Eli added: “I feel so excited by the community I’m existing in in LA right now.

“I feel like everyone is so supportive of each other.

“And it’s so refreshing and so cool.”

Dazzled by Doja

Doja Cat looked a true member of the glitterati as she joined A-listers for a night out.

The rapper sported a sparkly orange dress at the LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles and completed the ensemble with a curly blonde wig in a nod to Marilyn Monroe.

This is not the first time she has gained inspiration from the Hollywood legend. At the 2022 Grammys, she wore a custom-made crystal Versace gown – which took 475 hours to make.

Doja attended the fundraising bash alongside a host of stars, including actresses Demi Moore, Salma Hayek and Cynthia Erivo all of whom dazzled in their ’fits.

Keep sparkling, ladies.

Robyn’s return so sexi

Singer Robyn is planning to drop a new single in the next few weeks, then her ninth album in 2026.

It is seven years since the Swedish-born star put out her last collection, Honey, and an industry insider tells me the new one, with alluring title Sexistential, promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

They said: “Robyn has spent years working on this music and has been really inspired by loads of up-and-coming artists.

“She has worked with some very cool people and all the stops are being pulled out for this to be her biggest record in decades.”

Robyn has joined Gracie Abrams and Charli XCX on stage for surprise performances over the past year.

But by the sounds of it, next year she will likely be performing plenty of big gigs of her own.

Cat Burns opens up about losing her grandad and breaking up with a long-time girlfriend on her new album How to Be Human.

The singer and Celebrity Traitors star told The Sunday Times’ Style mag: “While grieving, a quote that stood out to me was: ‘Grief is just love with no place to go’. That helped guide the message of the album.”

A Brum deal for Benson

Benson Boone is due back on stage tonight at London’s O2 Arena after he was forced to cancel his Birmingham show on Saturday.

The Beautiful Things singer, who is on his American Heart World Tour, told fans he wouldn’t have been able to put on the show at the Utilita Arena due to problems with his voice.

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In a statement, he told fans: “Birmingham I am so so sorry but I will not be able to perform. I have tried everything I can to revive my voice, but I cannot give you the show I’d like to be able to give you with the condition of my throat right now.

“I’m working with my team to find a date to reschedule as soon as possible. I promise I will do everything in my power to make it up to you. I love you guys so much.”

We’re sending you our best, Benson, and we hope you can make the show tonight.