Section: Showbiz:Celebrity

A ONE Direction fan caught up in a Zayn Malik ‘cheating’ scandal has finally spoken out after keeping quiet in 2012.

13 years after a “leaked call” circulated social media, an American fan – who is now a married mother ans successful makeup artist – has claimed that she is the woman who was caught up in the scandal that took place at the height of the band’s popularity.

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In 2012, an audio clip of a man inviting a group of women up to his hotel room went viral.

At the time, fans claimed the man was Zayn, who was dating Perrie Edwards.

Due to the man on the call having a Northern accent and Zayn being from Bradford, fans were convinced it was him.

Another “clue” that left fans thinking the man on the other end of the call was Zayn was because he mentioned a friend called Harry who wanted “booty”.

At the time of the rumours swirling, Zayn did not address them.

But 13 years on, Tricia Corona has claimed she was the woman on the phone and detailed her version of events.

Taking to TikTok to describe meeting Zayn and the rest of the boys at a One Direction event at a Walmart store, she recalled: “We’re standing in line and Zayn’s making eyes at me.”

She then explained how her pals told her to give Zayn her number.

“Like the hoochie that I am – or that I was I should say because I’m a happily married woman now – I wrote my number down and I stuck it right in my bra,” she recalled.

She then claimed that as she reached the front the queue, Zayn said: “I like your jubblies [breasts].”

Tricia then recalled: “I pulled my number right out of my dress, slid it across the table and said ‘if you wanna hang out later – call me’.”

She the alleged that Zayn told bandmate Harry to put the note “in his pocket”.

Tricia then recalled how when she and her pals were driving home, she received a call.

“I answer and you can hear all of them yelling and giggling and talking,” she alleged.

“I say hello and they don’t say anything and hang up,” she went on.

Tricia then claimed that the prank call happened an “absurd amount of times”.

But then she allegedly got a call from Zayn at midnight asking her to join him at his hotel in Philadelphia. 

She agreed and her and her pals drove back.

“He’s calling me every two minutes ‘where are you? How far away are you? You have to be quicker – you have to get here fast because we do have to leave.’

“We finally get to Philly and he calls and he’s like ‘we left, we had to go, I told you. We’re going to New York City why don’t you come meet us there?’.”

Tricia then claimed Louis Tomlinson called her and said: “Don’t shoot the messenger, our tour manager has put his foot down and he says no girls back to the hotel tonight.”

Tricia then explained how she sent Zayn a text saying: “If you want to rebel against your babysitter tonight, let me know and we’ll still come.”

She then alleged that he replied saying: “F**k the babysitter, come anyway.”

Tricia and her friends then drove to New York and arrived at gone 2am.

Zayn allegedly then told hotel staff hat she was their makeup artist so she was allowed to their room.

Tricia claimed that no NDA [nondisclosure agreement] was involved but said her mother had heard the leaked audio and was upset – which is why she never spoke out at the time.

“It was not funny at the time,” she said, adding how Zayn had “his own stuff going on”.

Tricia added: “And yes he is a celebrity and all that but he is still very much a person and I didn’t want to throw him under the bus like that. 

“So you can use your imagination I guess about what happened when I got up there. 

“That’s the story of Crystabel Riley,” she concluded.

The Sun has reached out to Zayn Malik’s representatives for a comment.

Fans of the band, who were familiar with the leaked call from 13 years ago, were quick to react.

One person said: “I’VE BEEN WAITING YEARS TO HEAR STORIES LIKE THIS.”

Another added: “I have been waiting 13 years for this story.”

And a third wrote: “I never thought i’d ever be given this information. what a gift.”

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DUA Lipa proves she is the golden girl of British pop as she soaks up the rays on holiday.

The Hotter Than Hell singer kicked back in a white two-piece with gold earrings and a studded bracelet.

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Dua, who will turn 30 later this month, shared the snaps on social media — but did not reveal where she was.

In another post, she wrote: “Resting meeee bones before I carry on dancing into my 30s!”

Dua recently posted pics from a trip on a boat off the coast of Sicily.

Actor fiancé Callum Turner, 35, was also beaming for a series of loved-up selfies on a day out to Palermo.

Callum has plenty to celebrate as he’s just become the favourite to take on the legendary role of James Bond.

According to new odds from Heart Bingo, it’s thought that Dua’s fiancé is being lined up as the next 007.

The actor claimed the highest share of positive posts with regards to becoming the next Bond.

Following his lead are stars James Norton, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Paul Mescal and former Superman Henry Cavill.

THE exact moment that sparked Princess Andre’s feud with mum Katie Price was captured on camera as the teen made her modelling debut in Ibiza.

The mum and daughter duo, who are often hailed “twins” due to their lookalike appearance, are battling through a tricky patch in their relationship, as exclusively revealed by The Sun.

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Katie, 47, told us she “feels like Brooklyn Beckham” – who is in the midst of a feud with his high-profile family – after being “isolated” by the teen, who has penned a host of influencer deals and bagged her own TV show.

Now scenes for the 18-year-old’s new TV show, The Princess Diaries, show her joining 24 other models on the catwalk in the White Isle.

She opts for a turquoise dress with bra top detail and a flowing skirt after a last minute outfit change which left her feeling anxious.

She toild the camera: “There’s a lot of models here I don’t really fit in.

“I feel really anxious, I can feel my face getting red.”

Yet after being asked to lead the array of models, Princess’ debut was hugely successful.

Her big brother Junior and his girlfriend Jazz were on hand to sip fizz and offer support inn the crowd.

As she wrapped the catwalk she cheered: “I did it i did it, I’m actually really glad I did it.

“It was a lot less intense than I thought.”

Yet at the same time as she was walking the runway, Katie was flashing her bum and new tattoos on the party island.

In a snap shared on EastEnders star Dean Gaffney‘s Instagram page, Katie could be seen partying with the former soap actor.

Standing in between Dean and pal Jamie O’Hara, Katie posed and pouted as the two men beamed.

A source told how the drama then played out between the pair as they were in the same location and said: “This should be a really exciting time for Princess but over the last couple of months her mum has been doing everything she can to take the limelight away from her.

Who is Princess Andre and what’s her job?

Princess Andre born June 29, 2007, is the daughter of Mysterious Girl singer Peter Andre and former glamour model Katie Price.

The pair also welcomed a son while they were together, Junior, born on June 13, 2005.

Katie and Peter then split in early 2009, with their divorce being finalised in October of the same year.

Princess also has six half siblings, four from Katie and two from Peter.

As of June 2024, Princess has an impressive 750,000 followers on her Instagram account, @officialprincess_andre.

Ahead of her 16th birthday, in June 2023, Princess opened up about what she wants to do with her future during a Q&A with fans and followers.

The teen said she is seeking out “financial freedom” through her beauty and fashion brand deals, as well as her own jewellery brand named ‘Sparkle’ by Princess Andre.

“Princess was booked to make her catwalk debut at the opening of the Ibiza Fashion Festival back in June, and what did Katie do?

“She flew out to Ibiza and made sure everyone knew she was there with daily stories and pictures with the likes of Wayne Lineker and Dean Gaffney. It’s embarrassing.”

They added to MailOnline: “What mother wouldn’t want to let their child have their time in the spotlight?

“These latest comments are going to really upset Princess.

“Nothing is private with Katie, it’s all about keeping herself in the limelight.”

Katie’s rep has been contacted for comment.

KATIE’S SNUB

ITV2 bosses reportedly told how Katie could not be a part of the series.

A source told The Sun of the family turmoil and said: “Katie feels isolated and disregarded.

“She loves Princess so much and is supremely proud of the young woman she is becoming.

“Princess told her mum that she needed to distance herself publicly and yet chats to her all the time behind closed doors.

“She feels a bit like Brooklyn Beckham, with no one in the Andre family really speaking to her.”

Katie and Peter started their relationship in 2004 after getting together on I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here!.

They had Junior and Princess during their four-year marriage.

But their relationship fell apart in 2009 and they divorced.

SHOW SNUB

Princess is said to be hoping to show fans a different side to her with her brand new fly-on-the-wall series.

Despite Katie not getting a look-in, the programme will feature her dad and his wife Emily, according to MailOnline.

A source said: “Katie will not be in Princess’s show, the decision has been made and it’s final.

“Princess loves her mum, and they have a great relationship, but the show is all about her work and home life.

“Television bosses were adamant that nothing was to be ‘staged’ to include Katie as it would not be a real and truthful insight into her life.”

STRAINED RELATIONSHIP

It comes after Princess admitted this month she “wishes she had a happier childhood.”

The TikTok star also addressed the “dark times” while she was growing up.

While Princess was too young to really remember her parents together, she has traumatic memories of the breakdown of Katie’s third marriage to Kieran Hayler.

In her new ITV2 series – The Princess Diaries – the teen opens up about her younger years and admits: “I did have a counsellor, I do still see her every now and then.

“But I don’t feel like I can really talk, so I just write everything down in my notes.”

She also revealed the sick messages she gets from men when she reveals her figure on social media – leaving dad Peter shocked.

For his part, he stood by his eldest daughter as they posed in a new snap taken on holiday.

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ROCHELLE Humes appears to have offered an olive branch to Frankie Bridge amid the pair’s feud and Wimbledon snub.

The Sun previously revealed friction behind-the-scenes with This Morning anchor Rochelle, 36, and her The Saturdays co-star Frankie, 36.

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Mum of two Frankie, 36, recently posted a cryptic “you’re dead to me” upload after the pair kept their distance at Wimbledon.

Meanwhile, Rochelle – who was in The Saturdays band with Frankie since 2007 – uploaded an equally thought-provoking message about “choosing partners wisely.”

Frankie’s mystery message was also also posted after her feud with Myleene Klass came to light – after a row over the Hear’Say singer’s “cheating” ex.

We then reported how ITV has stepped in to manage strained relations between Frankie, Rochelle, and Myleene.

Yet now Rochelle has appeared to support Frankie in a rare move, hitting the heart-shaped like button on her recent Instagram upload.

It showed the Loose Women panelist stripping to a patterned bikini as she soaked up the sunshine in the Maldives.

While the pair still follow each other on Instagram, Rochelle’s like is a rare move amid their feud – as they rarely publicly support each others’ posts.

The Up singers haven’t liked each others’ uploads in years, and there have been no likes or comment exchanges between the pair since 2013.

This could mean they were wiped if one of them had blocked the other.

TOUGH TIMES

Recently, The Sun reported how ITV has stepped into manage relations between Frankie, Rochelle, and Myleene.

All three former pop stars now work as Daytime presenters at ITV.

They were all once close, with Loose Women hosts Myleene and Frankie attending Rochelle’s hen do back in 2012.

However, Rochelle and Frankie remained friends with their former bodyguard and Myleene’s ex husband Graham Quinn.

Rochelle even posted snaps with Graham in Ibiza earlier this week.

Marvin and Rochelle Humes Career Highlights

Singers and presenters Marvin and Rochelle Humes have enjoyed successes both together and individually. Here are some of their biggest highlights.

• S Club Junior/S Club 8: Early in her career, Rochelle was a member of this S Club 7 spin-off group. All of the original members were either early teens or younger when joining the band. They disbanded in 2005.
• VS: The brainchild of Blue singer Simon Webbe, a pre-JLS Marvin featured in this group from 2004 to 2005. Although not a member himself, Webbe also managed the band.
• The Saturdays: Rochelle joined the English-Irish girl band in 2007, along with Frankie Bridge, Vanessa White, Una Healy and Mollie King, following auditions. The group began an indefinite hiatus in 2014, although each of the members have moved on to other ventures.
• JLS: After leaving VS, Marvin met Oritsé Williams through mutual friends, forming the beginning of what became JLS. Adding Aston Merrygold and JB Gill, the group famously auditioned for The X-Factor in 2008. JLS finished as runners-up to Alexandra Burke and initially disbanded in 2013. They later reunited from 2020 onwards.
• This Morning: The couple were regular stand-in presenters on the ITV daytime show up until 2015.
• The Voice: Marvin hosted series three through five of The Voice alongside Emma Willis on BBC One. The show later moved to BBC One, without Marvin continuing on.
• The Hit List: Marvin and Rochelle began presenting this music-themed game show in 2019. The programme’s success has seen both civilians and celebrities take part.
• I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!: Marvin participated in the 2023 series of the beloved show. He starred alongside the likes of Josie Gibson, Tony Bellew, Nigel Farage and Fred Sirieix. In the end Sam Thompson was crowned King of the Jungle.

In 2013, soon after Myleene’s divorce from Quinn, guests at the Glamour Women of the Year awards saw her storm over to Frankie after believing she had been blanked.

A source said: “Myleene seemed to take that as Frankie taking sides with Graham because of their working relationship.”

Meanwhile, Frankie and Myleene have not appeared on Loose Women together since an “awkward” episode last December.

Sources said that though they’d rather not be on together, they are professionals and do their best to make things work.

Tensions between the trio could well have heightened after Graham hit back at Myleene this weekend, blasting allegations of his “cheating.”

WIMBLEDON WOE

Frankie and Rochelle snubbed each other at Wimbledon last month, after a 24-year friendship.

Then this week, I’m A Celeb star Frankie shared a TikTok about falling out with a friend.

A caption written over the clip read: “You’re so quiet…

“Thanks, you said something five years ago and I’ve just realised you’re actually dead to me.”

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ACTRESS Zendaya stretches out to show off her new sneaker range — but doesn’t lose her trainer thought.

She teamed up with Swiss sportswear brand On for her Cloudzone Moon footwear with fashion guru Law Roach.

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The 28-year-old also showed off her abs as she posed in a track jacket and matching shorts.

The new shoes are said to be about “balancing standout style with all-day comfort”.

Zendaya, who is engaged to British Spider-Man big screen hero Tom Holland, 29, say: “Movement has always been a part of how I connect with myself, and movement looks different for everyone.”

Meanwhile the apparel collection, features lightweight, breathable materials designed for everyday versatility.

They include a bomber jacket, a bodysuit and a track jacket with matching shorts.

Zendaya is currently in Glasgow, doubling as New York, to shoot Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

It’s amazing her head isn’t spinning.

The blockbuster film, due to be released next year, has generated excitement amongst locals over the last few months.

The eagerly awaited sequel will see Tom reprise his iconic role.

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MYLEENE Klass’ former husband has hit back at the popstar and broadcaster and claimed he’s been banned from seeing his kids.

It comes after the Hear’say hitmaker, 47, candidly opened up on her former husband Graham Quinn’s alleged “cheating” with a fellow celebrity.

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During a recent episode of Paul Carrick Brunson‘s We Need To Talk podcast, Myleene told how she walked in on her then partner, 51, and another woman unzipping each other’s clothes at her birthday party.

The Pure and Simple hitmaker — who wouldn’t divulge the female’s name but said she built her career off a “family brand” — revealed: “I walked in on him with a famous person on my birthday on a balcony. It was in my house.”

Now Graham, with whom she shares two daughters, has clapped back.

Pals of the music manager have suggested she is a “vindictive bully.”

A source told MailOnline: “He thinks she’s a bully.

“They believe it was especially ‘vindictive and calculated’ of Myleene to launch the bombshell broadside on what she would have known was the week of Graham’s 51st birthday.”

The Saturdays hitmaker Rochelle Humes recently posted a snap showing Graham on their family holiday to Ibiza.

PARENTING CLASH

As the cheat claims swirl, Graham’s comments about his parenting with MBE winner Myleene – who scooped her accolade services to women’s health – for have resurfaced.

In lines contained in a historic chat with Fathers4Justice, which have only recently resurfaced, the security manager said Myleene had “actively denied” him access to his two kids.

He suggested he was “banging his head against a brick wall” in his attempts for access.

In the piece Graham, who is based in Ibiza, wrote: “I haven’t seen my kids in years.

“The only exception is when Myleene begrudgingly met me in a car park off the North Circular Road in 2014.

“She lowered the window about three inches and I could see the girls in the back. That was it.

“I’ve thrown so much more money at it [trying to see his daughters] and I can’t afford much more.

“I’ve spent £20,000 and am probably further away from them now than I’ve ever been.

“It’s like banging my head against a brick wall.

“I’ve missed so many birthdays and Christmas days. I’ll never get that back.”

Graham, who married Myleene in 2011 and was with the star until their split in 2013, also opened up on the impact on his mental health.

He told how he was depressed “for years” and sought counselling daily.

In his piece, he added: “I’ve tried to get Myleene to see the light, but she’s not interested.

“She knows how much I love those girls and that it’s destroying me, but she doesn’t care – she’s got them all to herself and loves it.

“I don’t even know where they live any more. I can’t see them and I can’t speak to them on the phone. I’m blocked on Twitter and Instagram, so can’t see photos of them.”

Myleene’s rep had no comment when approached.

CHEAT CLAIMS

Graham and Myleene met when he worked as a security guard for Myleene’s pop group.

They had what was described as a “private, intimate” wedding in Norwich where just 16 family and friends were invited.

In the recent podcast, Myleene recently opened up on the infidelity claims.

She explained of Graham and the unnamed famous face: “It was my party.

“They weren’t having sex, but they were unzipping each other.

“[They said] ‘It’s not what you think’, but it is what I think. It’s the first thing they both said.”

Talking of her reaction she told MAFS expert Paul: “I kicked everybody out of the party, including his mum and dad. They went back to Ireland.

“And his dad said, ‘He doesn’t get it from me’. I was like, ‘OK’. I just remember that being quite a weird thing to say.”

Myleene admitted she struggled to see the woman continuing as normal after the run-in, explaining: “I’ve made peace with that situation now.

“But for a long time, it was very difficult to see their life . . . Not that I would wish that on a family. I don’t know, I feel conflicted.

“But my life literally just broke apart very, very publicly.

“And their life, they’ve managed to continue building a family brand on it and it felt so difficult for a long time. This is the person I caught him with.”

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ASPIRING cook Brooklyn Beckham serves up a crispy-looking spaghetti carbonara.

The 26-year-old, who has fallen out with his parents, David and Victoria, showed off his Italian dish on Instagram.

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Brooklyn was seen chopping up the ingredients and later insisted it was not burnt, saying: “Guanciale has a lot of sugar in, that’s why it’s darker.”

At 15-years old, Brooklyn got a job as a barista in a London coffee shop.

He has since tried his hand as a chef, model and photographer.

He produced his own eight-part series on Facebook called Cookin’ with Brooklyn.

He claimed to have learnt a few tricks from Gordon Ramsay, who is a family friend to the Beckham.

Recently he has set up a charity dog shelter with his wife Nicola Peltz.

He has been in the headlines due to a toxic fallout with his family — laid bare during the festivities for dad David’s milestone birthday.

Meanwhile, footballer David, 50, read a map on a motorbike as part of a photoshoot to promote his eyewear range.

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JACK Osbourne has revealed the touching way tributes left by Ozzy’s fans will be saved, with flowers to be buried at his final resting place.

The late rock legend’s son shared a heartwarming clip to Instagram and explained how hand-written letters, memorabilia, and merch are being “carefully preserved”.

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They were left at the Black Sabbath Bridge after news of Ozzy’s death broke and during his funeral procession through Birmingham last week.

Jack told how every item will be recorded on a digital database and given to the Osbourne family.

A video showed all the tributes laid out in rows, being photographed and logged.

“Here’s how tributes for Ozzy Osbourne are being carefully preserved by Central BID,” read the caption.

“All items from the Black Sabbath Bridge and Navigation St Mural have now been moved to a secure location.

“Every piece is being laid out individually, catalogued and treated with care.

“Our team has been working to respectfully sort the items ensuring they’re preserved in the best possible condition.

“We will be working to create a digital record of every tribute over the next few weeks to be sent to Ozzy’s family.

“The flowers are being mulched and bagged, with the compost to be included at Ozzy’s final resting place.

“Thank you for all of your tributes.”

One emotional fan penned: “Such a beautiful way to respect us fans and allow the family to see how much your Dad was adored.”

Another wrote: “Imagine all the different stories in those letters and cards from people old and young, all over the world all being bought together by one person who had an impact on their lives in some way.”

“That is so awesome, Ozzy touched so many people all over the world. What a wonderful way to acknowledge his fans,” shared a third.

Someone else agreed: “This is amazing and show just how much you loved your dad and also respected his fans. You should all be proud of what you did for his legacy.”

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“Wow and wow what an awesome tribute to your dad. God bless you Jack and your family,” added a fifth.

It comes after Jack paid an emotional tribute to his dad and told how his heart has “hurt too much” to speak out.

Ozzy’s youngest son shared a short video compilation of clips and photographs of himself and his father.

The 39-year-old was seen supporting his mum Sharon and his sisters Kelly, 40, and Aimee, 41, at their dad’s funeral.

He appeared on the American reality TV show The Osbournes as a child alongside his father, sisters and mother.

Jack said: “I haven’t really wanted to post anything since the passing of my father.

“My heart has hurt too much. I’m gonna keep this short because he certainly hated long rambling speeches.

“He was so many things to so many people, but I was so lucky and blessed to be a part of a very small group that got to call him Dad.

“My heart is full of so much sadness and sorrow, but also so much love and gratitude.

“I got 14,501 days with that man and I know that is such a blessing. I think this quote best describes my father.”

The tribute was followed by a quote from Hunter S. Thompson, known for writing Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

It reads: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body… but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow! What a ride!'”

Jack went on to say that the quote from the American author summed up his dad, adding “he lived his life fully.”

Meanwhile Sharon earlier revealed Ozzy’s poignant final words about his fans following his farewell Black Sabbath concert.

She told Pollstar: “It was the first time, I think, that anybody’s gone into retirement and done it, where the show is streamed and it goes to charity.

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“So it’s the first time anybody has said goodnight like that, it’s the perfect way, when you’ve had such a long career, to end it – I never wanted Ozzy to just disappear without some big event.

“He [Ozzy] turned around and he said to me that night, he said, ‘I had no idea that so many people liked me’.”

Last Thursday, an “incredibly emotional” funeral service was held for the rocker, a family friend told The Sun.

The family home was decorated with pictures of Ozzy, and mourners were given a photograph of him to take home.

The singer’s nearest and dearest attended, joining his wife Sharon and his children Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis, his son from his first marriage to Thelma Riley.

His official death certificate lists ‘acute myocardial infarction’ and ‘out of hospital cardiac arrest’ under the cause of death section.

It also listed coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease with autonomic dysfunction as “joint causes” of Ozzy’s death.

The document described his occupation as a “rock legend, songwriter and performer” in a heart-warming nod towards Ozzy.

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FRANKIE Bridge has raised eyebrows after saying “you’re dead to me” in a scathing post after appearing to ‘snub’ former bandmate and friend Rochelle Humes. 

The Loose Women panellist, 36, took to TikTok to share the damning video, showing her sipping on a glass of rosé wine. 

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A caption written over the clip read: “You’re so quiet…

“Thanks, you said something five years ago and I’ve just realised you’re actually dead to me.”

Frankie then added below: “Takes me a while, but once you’re dead you’re dead.” 

The Sun has contacted a representative for Frankie for comment.

Mum-of-two Frankie and presenter Rochelle, 36, shot to fame together at just 12-years-old in pop group S Club Juniors. 

Frankie and Rochelle then joined girlband The Saturdays in 2007, going on to enjoy a string of huge hits including Issues, Ego and What About Us. 

The Saturdays – also made up of Vanessa White, Una Healy and Mollie King – have always insisted their decision to go on indefinite hiatus in 2014 wasn’t down to them falling out. 

Speaking to HELLO! previously, Frankie explained: “We never fell out. We never really officially broke up or anything, so the option [to get back together] has kind of always been there.”

But last month The Sun revealed an apparent ‘feud’ between Frankie and Rochelle, after they gave each other the cold shoulder at Wimbledon. 

As guests of sponsor Evian, the pair were invited to watch the tennis in a suite in the sought-after hydrangea building nearCourtOne.

But while they mingled with other celebrities and guests just yards away from one another – they failed to actually interact with each other.

An insider told The Sun: “It was clear the women were keeping their distance. They sat on opposite sides of the suite and kept to themselves. 

“While Frankie posed for pictures with S Club’s Rachel Stevens, Rochelle took selfies with her husband Marvin and his I’m A Celebrity campmate Sam Thompson.

“It was a shame because having the two girls from The Saturdays together for a mini-reunion was exciting for everyone there.

“Even though they were pleasant to each other when they did brush shoulders, they didn’t spend any extra time together than they had to, in between being amicable while passing each other en route to watch the tennis.”

While Frankie has taken the “never say never” approach to a potential Saturdays return and Una, 43, has admitted several times she’s ready to perform with the girls again, Rochelle previously insisted she “highly doubts” it will happen. 

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MADONNA goes hell for feather — posing in a boa and stockings days before turning 67.

The Queen of Pop also crawled on all fours in jewellery and towering heels for a racy shoot.

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She is working on her 15th studio album — a sequel to 2005’s Confessions on a Dance Floor — which will be her first since 2019’s Madame X.

Madonna is expected to go on hols with boyfriend Akeem Morris, 29, for her birthday next week.

Last year she celebrated in Pompeii.

Other birthdays have included trips to Lisbon and Sicily.

Meanwhile, Madonna has spent the past few years working on a movie about her life.

Actress Julia Garner was lined up to play the Hung Up hitmaker in the film before it appeared to be left on the shelf over two years ago.

Now it seems that plans have been re-imagined with Julia confirming last month she is still lined up to play the iconic popstar in a Netflix miniseries about her life.

Madonna and Julia are working with filmmaker Shawn Levy on the project, which is in the early stages of development.

Confirming that the project was still happening, despite the uncertainty, Julia told the SmartLess podcast: “Yeah, I mean, that’s supposed to still happen.”

However, she did appear to hint that the project may still be far off hitting screens as she affirmed that “anything that’s great, takes time”.

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ANT McPartlin’s ex-wife posted a thinly veiled swipe at I’m A Celebrity host – amid a fallout over their beloved pet dog Hurley.

Strictly make-up artist Lisa Armstrong, 48, shares custody of the 12-year-old chocolate labrador with the ITV star.

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But sources say the ageing pooch is currently in Portugal with Ant as he holidays with wife, Anne-Marie, and their family.

Fuming Lisa posted a video of “My Boy” Hurley on Instagram – before following it up with a photograph of him lying down in the middle of a golf course.

In an dig apparently aimed at Ant she wrote: “And now he’s taken from his mama. Poor old boy…”

Ant jetted off to Portugal last month and has been spotted playing golf with pals and frolicking on the beach.

A source said: “Lisa is worried about Hurley in that kind of heat because of his age.

“They both adore him and have shared custody of him ever since they split up.

“Lisa is concerned about the temperatures in Portugal.”

The pair were married for 11 years before a bitter divorce in 2018.

Hurley now splits his weeks between the pair and was previously chauffeur driven between their addresses.

Ant, who named one of his companies after Hurley, has previously credited the pooch for helping him recover from drink and drug addictions.

In 2017, before splitting from wife Lisa, he pleaded to have visits from the dog while he was in rehab.

Lisa also refers to Hurley as her ‘baby boy’ and regularly posts pictures and videos of him on Instagram.

Hurley first came into their lives in 2013 as they struggled to conceive a child.

Ant, who has since become a dad with Anne-Marie, also owns two Maltipoos, Milo and Bumble.

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AN iconic 70s actress has been spotted looking completely unrecognisable, 47 years after playing a celebrated role that has stood the test of time.

The star, 74, was pictured in New York yesterday running errands while dressed in a pink polo shirt and white shorts, which could be considered an ode to her legendary character.

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She got her big break in Hollywood back in 1978 in a musical romantic comedy film which ended up becoming the highest grossing musical film at the time.

Four years later, she reprised her role for the stand-alone sequel and was the only character to return from the first film.

That’s right, it’s Grease icon Didi Conn! She played Frenchy Facciano as part of the Pink Ladies in the movie and it’s sequel.

The film’s soundtrack album ended 1978 as the second-best-selling album  of the year in the United States, only behind 1977 movie Saturday Night Fever.

It was nominated for several accolades including a nomination for Best Original Song at the Oscars and five nominations at the Golden Globe Awards.

Not only that, but in 2020, Grease was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

Didi previously spoke exclusively to The Sun about her experience of shooting the film and shared some behind the scenes insights.

In one memorable scene of the movie, there’s a dance contest where the cast go wild, dancing the Hand Jive and doing some rather dirty dancing.

While it looked like it would have been fun to film, Didi revealed it was anything but fun.

She expressed: “That actually took a whole week of shooting. And what was really tough about it was that it was the height of summer – my birthday was that week, and the cake they got for me totally melted.

“We were in a real high school in downtown Los Angeles, with no air conditioning, and we had to keep the windows closed because right next door was a pork plant, so you can imagine the smell!”

But it was Summer Nights, the opening number of Grease, that Didi remembered most fondly.

She explained: “I think that’s where we all bonded, and it was so much fun to sing that song and jump all around the table.

“We’d been rehearsing it for weeks beforehand, so the energy was so high when we performed it for real.”

Grease stars remembered

IT has been over 45 years since the release of hit musical film Grease, which began its decades-long tenure of dazzling fans in 1978.

Sadly, including Susan Buckner, five of the much-loved cast have passed away.

On August 8, 2022 it was announced that Olivia Newton-John had passed away aged 73, following a 30 year battle with breast cancer.

After falling ill with pneumonia, Jeff Conaway – Danny’s best pal Kenickie in the movie – sadly passed away in 2011.

The same year, Annette Charles, who played Cha Cha, lost her battle with cancer.

In 1993, Dennis C. Stewart, who played rebel Leo, was diagnosed with HIV and passed away from AIDS in 1994.

After Grease, Didi went on to star in comedy film Almost Summer, fantasy adventure film Thomas and the Magic Railroad and biographical film Frida, based on the life of Frida Kahlo.

In 2019, she flew across the pond to make her debut on British tv screens on the eleventh series of Dancing on Ice.

She was partnered with professional Łukasz Różycki and at the age of 67, was the oldest person to ever compete on the show.

However, she was eliminated in the fourth week after the judges decided to save Saara Aalto and Hamish Gaman after following the skate-off.

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KATIE Price has revealed a pet tragedy after her cat gave birth to “so many” kittens.

The former glamour model, 46, is proud owner of Sphynx cat Doris, and previously made a witty social media post about how their figures were the same.

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Katie welcomed three of the bald cats into her home back in October – despite being blasted by animal charities for doing so.

On her Snapchat page on Friday, the mum of five told how Doris had given birth, and has now revealed she’s swerved a holiday to the Isle of Wight to look after the new litter.

Yet instead of kicking back and relaxing, she is keeping her house cosy with electric blankets and regular feeding patterns for the new arivals.

In a video which showed her in a cream jumper and her dark hair in a straight style, she added the caption “sad news” and four emotional Emoji icons.

In the clip, Katie told her followers there had been a death and said: “An update on the kittens, one unfortunately died.

“That’s the one wrapped in tissue, two hours after we fed it.

“Luckily I’m trying to help the kittens latch on to the mum, two are just about doing it but I’m having to put them on it, because they are so premature.

“As you can see how knackered I am, every two and a half hours through the day and through the night I’m feeding them for the mum.

“She’s a good mum, and then she keeps bringing one to the bed with her, she did that earlier, I think that was a sign to come and look in the box as one had died.”

Katie added: “But that’s good because she trusts us and loves us so thats good.

“So I’ve got two latching on to her now, so thats the update.”

She then panned the camera to new parent Doris, sitting on her bed, as she cooed: “Hey Doris good girl.”

CHARITY BACKLASH

Katie forked out for Doris and two other cats last year.

She showed her affections for the trio, even pushing them around in a pram.

Yet, at the time, she could not escape backlash from charity PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).

They called for the need for an injunction to be put in place, stopping Katie from owning pets completely.

They had previously offered Katie £5,000 to stop buying pets, which she had not responded to. 

PETA UK founder Ingrid Newkirk told The Sun: “If there was a way to file an injunction to stop this serial animal killer, PETA would do so, as this woman doesn’t care about the lives she wastes or listen to vital advice and is still treating live animals like stuffed toys: as disposable.

“If William Hill took totally tasteless bets, the odds would favour those betting on how little time this kitten has on Earth, given the hideous track record of animal deaths in Price’s custody. No one could call it ‘care’.”

The new additions to the family came just a few months after she revealed she had to put down her last “designer” cat, Frog, after being diagnosed with a neurological disease.

She had bought Frog in February for £1,200, naming him in a sweet tribute to her son, Harvey, who loves frogs, but came under fire months later when she shared a video of the pet wrestling with a dog.

Katie had eight pets die in just six years – including four dogs and a horse all getting hit by cars. 

She has also given away pets, including an out-of-control Alsatian called Bear for attacking other animals.

At the beginning of 2024, Katie gave away a puppy called Tank because he ‘no longer looked cute on Instagram’.

She also currently has a pet pug, named Captain, and avidly looks after horses.

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THE SKINT celebrities that are struggling to make ends meet – from Dawn O’Porter to Mischa Barton.

Even if you have made lots of money, it doesn’t always mean you’re not going to run into money problems as these celebrities have found out.

Mischa Barton

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The OC actress Mischa, 39, has had a widely-publicised battle with her former momager, Nuala Barton, over her money.

In July 2015, she even sued her mother, alleging that she lied about how much Mischa was being paid for a film role and pocketed the rest of the cash herself.

She’s also struggled to make mortgage payments on her home in the past, at one point falling five months behind.

Though she eventually sold the Beverly Hills mansion in summer 2016 for $7.05 million reports The BBC.

Dawn O’Porter

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Her husband is one of Hollywood’s biggest comedy actors, but despite this, Dawn O’Porter has revealed she is struggling to make ends meet financially.

The television presenter, 46, who has been married to Bridesmaids actor Chris O’Dowd since 2012, has opened up about her money woes.

She expressed to MailOnline: “I work pay cheque to pay cheque. I’m always broke. My card got declined last week. I’m like, what the f*** is happening? When will this end?”

The Scottish writer and director has had a varied career, presenting several documentaries and shows including BBC’s Super Slim Me and How To Look Good Naked on Channel 4.

Meanwhile, Chris, 45, has starred in some of Hollywood’s biggest productions, including This Is 40, Thor: The Dark World, Gulliver’s Travels and St. Vincent.

The couple have two children, sons Art, 11, and Valentine, who is eight years old.

Lindsay Lohan

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The Parent Trap’s Lindsay Lohan had her bank accounts seized in 2012, for reportedly owing $234,000 in tax.

Lindsay apparently sent her 18-year-old sister to haggle with second hand stores to make some emergency cash from her old clothes.

Ali Lohan went to the vintage clothing store Wasteland to flog the singer’s most valuable designer gear.

Ali was seen arriving at the Los Angeles store with bags bursting with shoes, clothes and accessories.

But she was reportedly shocked when she was offered a lot less than she was expecting.

She tried another tactic to increase the value of the items by listing all the occasions her famous sister had been pictured wearing them.

She went through items including a pair of Chanel pumps and a Balenciaga handbag, saying: “These have to be worth more, Lindsay was photographed wearing them, that has to add value.”

But the manager would not be swayed, and Ali had to settle much lower than she had planned.

Her Scary Movie 5 co-star, Charlie Sheen, gave her $100,000 towards the bill and Lindsay now appears to have her finances under control.

50 Cent

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50 Cent declared himself bankrupt in 2015, but said the move was a ‘strategic’ one, and not because he’d spent all of his money.

He made the decision after he was sued for leaking a sex tape of Lastonia Leviston, who has a child with his rap rival Rick Ross, and didn’t want other people to follow suit.

He told US talk show host Larry King in 2015L “It’s a move that was necessary for me to make at this point.

“So I didn’t allow myself to create that big red and white bulls eye on my back, where I become the person that people consistently come to.”

He still had to pay off debts of more than $22 million, though, with $6 million going to Lastonia for invasion of privacy.

Shane Richie

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Back in 2020, the EastEnders legend said the coronavirus pandemic hit him hard and left him begging friends and family for loans.

Shane revealed how the pandemic and years of daft spending had left him “literally skint.”

At the time he was relying on loans from friends and family, and government help to pay his mortgage.

He told the Mirror at the time: “I was going on tour, doing a TV series and panto but it all got cancelled in March. Now I am literally skint!

“You save for a rainy day but you don’t expect the rainy day to last eight months. Thankfully, I’ve been able to borrow money from mates, my family and the bank.”

He added: “I got rid of my car but only cos I lease a car for my wife for the school run. I can get around on a moped.

“I am alright, I have had a career and if it all finishes tomorrow, so be it. If the worst comes to the worst, I’ll do stand-up or resurrect a musical.”

Shane also revealed that he blew thousands on the strangest things, in particular Planet of the Apes memorabilia.

He said: “It was my favourite show as a boy, I couldn’t resist. It harks back to Christmases when mum and dad couldn’t afford much.”

However, after his stint on I’m a Celeb and back on our screens in EastEnders, we are sure Shane’s finances are in much better order now.

Courtney Love

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In April 2014, Courtney was hit with a $320,000 tax bill, as well as being ordered to pay $96,000 to a fashion designer she defamed on Twitter.

Later that year, the singer told the Sunday Times, “I lost about $27 million.

“I know that’s a lifetime of money to most people, but I’m a big girl, it’s rock ‘n roll, it’s Nirvana money, I had to let it go.

“I make enough to live on, I’m financially solvent, I focus on what I make now.”

And back in 2021 according to official tax records, the Hole lead singer had five outstanding tax debts that have accumulated from 2017 to 2021. 

The iconic artist was hit with three outstanding Internal Revenue Service liens, totaling $1.9 million, while the rest of the debt was owed to the State of California.  

At the time, a clerk at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s office confirmed to The Sun that all of the liens remained outstanding and were unpaid.

Dawn Robinson

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Dawn, found early fame in the ’90s alongside Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, and Maxine Jones for their work as R&B group En Vogue.

With seven Grammy nominations under their belt, the foursome are considered one of the most successful R&B girl groups of the past quarter-century.

But now Dawn has revealed that she’s been living in her car for the past three years.

She has likened it to a “camping trip” that’s helped her feel more “free.”

The singer said in a recent video posted to her YouTube channel: “You guys, for the past three years, I have been living in my car.

“I said it, oh my gosh, it’s out,”

The Grammy nominee explained that she was living with her parents for a while in Las Vegas before the situation became unfavourable.

She eventually moved back to Los Angeles after her manager suggested she move in with him for a bit.

But the home was too small so Dawn ultimately resided in a hotel for eight months before deciding to research “car life.”

Following her search, the singer began living in her car in 2022 and said that she “felt free.”

She added: “I felt free. I felt like I was on a camping trip. It just felt like it was the right thing to do.

“I didn’t regret it. You know, a lot of celebrities have lived in their cars.”

The singer admitted that though the experience is sometimes “scary” she’s learned “what to do in my car and how to do it, like, how to cover my windows and you don’t talk to certain people.”

She explained: “You’re careful of telling people that you’re alone, as a woman especially.”

Her candid confession comes weeks after her former band – En Vogue – announced that they would soon be embarking on a European tour.

Cat Power

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Charlyn Marie “Chan” Marshall, better known by her stage name Cat Power, is an American singer-songwriter.

She spent a lot of her own money on recording 2012 album, Sun.

Then, when it came time to tour Sun, she took to Instagram to share some bad news with fans.

She wrote: “I may have to cancel my European tour due to bankruptcy & my health struggle with angioedema.

“I have not thrown in any towel, I am trying to figure out what best I can do.”

The tour was indeed postponed, with Chan later adding: “The American tour has been wonderful and amazing, and with me being unable to afford to bring my show with full production (which i helped create), to Europe.

“Financially, really dumped a huge additional amount of stress on me as I was and still am fighting trying to get tour support.”

MEL B has shared the first look at her second wedding in Morocco.

The star – aka Scary Spice – tied the knot with hairdresser Rory McPhee, 37, at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on July 5 in a star-studded ceremony.

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However, the only other Spice Girl in attendance on her big day was Emma ‘Baby Spice’ Bunton.

It was previously reported that Mel’s second wedding in Morocco – which she described as “more informal, sexy and beautiful” – would give the other Spice Girls the opportunity to reunite and celebrate their band mates nuptials.

Now Mel, 50, has shared the first snap from her second big day, where she stunned in a strapless sheer gown covered in red beading.

Meanwhile Rory looked dapper in a short white tuxedo jacket, black trousers and bow tie.

The newlyweds beamed and danced in the snap in front of their Moroccan venue, and Mel caption the snap: “We got married!!! Again!

“A wedding so good we keep the celebration going with our closest and dearest in our fav place at @selmanmarrakech [three heart emojis] we had the time of our lives!!”

And it seems Mel C, who had missed the London ceremony, was in attendance as she commented: “What a weekend! So happy we got to share it with you [three heart emojis].”

Mel’s sister Danielle also shared pictures on her Instagram Stories of the celebrations.

OZZY Osbourne has been buried near bat boxes – and it feels “like Ozzy had the last laugh”, a family friend said.

The Black Sabbath legend, who died on July 22 at the age of 76, was laid to rest next to the lake in his Buckinghamshire home on Thursday.

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A family friend told the Mirror: “This was like a classic Ozzy move. The man loved humour and this sure would have tickled him pink knowing how close friends reacted to this bat situation.

“After all those decades caught up in this drama around bats and animal rights groups, here at his final resting place there are bespoke bat boxes to help encourage the animals thrive in the UK countryside.

“It has prompted quite a few laughs and funny ­reactions. It is just like Ozzy had the last laugh.”

They added that the bat boxes – installed in trees by the lake a few years ago – have brought moments of laughter to the grieving family.

One of the most controversial moments of the heavy metal singer’s career came in January 1982, when he famously bit the head off a bat on stage.

Something small and black landed near him on stage during a show at Des Moines’ Veterans Memorial Auditorium.

Believing it was a rubber toy, Ozzy picked it up and bit into it.

In his 2010 autobiography I Am Ozzy, he wrote: “Somebody threw a bat. I just thought it was a rubber bat. And I picked it up and put it in my mouth. I bit into it.

“Immediately, though, something felt wrong. Very wrong,” he added.

Ozzy said he deeply regretted the incident as he had to have daily rabies shots for months.

It remains unclear whether the bat was alive or dead – in a 2006 interview with the BBC, Ozzy described it as a “dead real bat”.

Buckinghamshire – home to many brown long-eared and pipistrelle bats – has recently taken steps to improve bat conservation.

On Thursday, an “incredibly emotional” funeral service was held for the rocker, a family friend told The Sun.

Tents were erected on the 250-acre grounds of the house Ozzy and Sharon bought in 1993, along with a stage where tributes were paid to the rocker.

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The home was decorated with pictures of Ozzy, and mourners were given a photograph of him to take home.

110 of the singer’s nearest and dearest attended, joining his wife Sharon and his children Jack, 39, Kelly, 40, Aimee, 41, and Louis, 50, his son from his first marriage to Thelma Riley.

Stars at the service included Ozzy’s Black Sabbath bandmates, Metallica’s James Hetfield, punk singer Yungblud and Sir Elton John.

Rock icon Marilyn Manson flew in from the US to attend, alongside Ozzy’s guitarist Zakk Wylde and Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor.

The family friend said: “Everyone at the service just wanted to support Sharon and the kids, it has been an awful time.

“Toasts were raised, memories were shared – it was a very fitting goodbye.

“Ozzy wanted his final place of rest to be at home and he is buried at a beautiful point on the lake.

“As well as the ‘Ozzy f***ing Osbourne’ wreath, which made people smile, there was another floral tribute which spelt out ‘Ozzy’ that was placed by the fountain on the lake.

“There was a stage where people including Yungblud, who grew very close to Ozzy in recent years, were set to pay tribute to him.

“The day was incredibly emotional. Pictures of Ozzy were dotted throughout the house and a photograph of him was given to everyone who attended to take home with them.”

Guests were sent a simple black invitation featuring a cross and the words: “In loving memory of Ozzy Osbourne.”

The road leading to the couple’s Buckinghamshire home near Gerrards Cross was closed from 1pm.

Mourners were transported from The Crowne Plaza and The Bull in Gerrards Cross to the house at 2pm, with the service starting at 3pm.

The day before, thousands of fans gathered in the streets of Birmingham to pay tribute to Ozzy.

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A 80s movie bombshell looked unrecognizable after becoming the ‘world’s richest actress’ – despite quitting Hollywood.

The star, now 59, appeared alongside a popular TV actor in a classic 80s film.

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One of her early films, 1981’s Endless Love, was Tom Cruise‘s film debut.

The actress’ most recent regular role on television ended in 2014.

Jami Gertz appeared in 1987 flick The Lost Boys, starring alongside Kiefer Sutherland, who played David.

She played the role of Star, a member of David’s vampire gang, and is a half-vampire after resisting the urge for human blood.

Almost four decades on, Jami looked unrecognisable as she enjoyed lunch in West Hollywood.

The star headed to the San Vicente Bungalows – an exclusive private members club known for its celebrity clientele.

She wore a powder blue shirt, accompanied by white trousers and an orange satchel.

According to MailOnline, Jami is reported to be the “richest actress in the world.”

In 1989, she tied the knot with businessman Tony Ressler – who became a major player in private equity.

The now-64-year-old co-founded Apollo Global Mangement and Ares Management.

Forbes’ prestigious annual list reports Tony is currently credited as being worth $14.2 billion.

Elsewhere, Jami herself is reportedly worth a staggering $12 billion, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Jami and Tony own the Atlanta Hawks basketball team, having acquired it in 2015.

They made the purchase alongside former basketball player Grant Hill.

Meanwhile, Tony was previously a contender to buy Chelsea Football Club.

On television, Jami most recently starred in sci-fi sitcom The Neighbors.

Created by This Is Us boss Dan Fogelman, she portrayed Debbie Weaver.

Her most recent film, romantic comedy I Want You Back, was released in 2022.

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OO-La-la! Spooky Jenna Ortega ruffles more than some feathers in a frilly dress in Paris. 

The US star wore the brown frock for the French premiere of the second series of Netflix hit Wednesday, directed by Tim Burton. 

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The show, based on the daughter from The Addams Family, will return next week after the original run became a ratings hit following its release in 2022. 

On the reception to the first series, Jenna, 22, said: “I’m still very appreciative and grateful.

“We didn’t know that anyone was going to watch the show. 

“You do these things and you don’t know what’s to come, so it was very overwhelming.” 

A former child star, Jenna was catapulted into the A list when Wednesday – viewed 252 million times and counting – launched in 2022.

And by her own refreshingly candid admission, that rapid rise to the top was overwhelming.

“To be quite frank, after the show and trying to figure everything out, I was an unhappy person,” she told Harper’s Bazaar in May.

“After the pressure, the attention – as somebody who’s quite introverted, that was so intense and so scary.”

The eight-month shoot in Romania had been challenging, with Jenna revealing: “I was alone. Never had any hot water. The boilers in two of my apartments were broken, so I always took cold showers.”

At least she’ll be getting a warm welcome from Wednesday fans as the show returns to their screens.

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FOR a housewife who started out charging ten pence for after-school drama lessons, Sylvia Young had an incredible ability to spot raw talent.

The 85-year-old, who died on Wednesday, helped hone the skills of a who’s who of the ­British entertainment industry.

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Among those to have passed the audition to join her theatre school in London were singers Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis, Dua Lipa, Rita Ora and three-quarters of All Saints.

Dua, who has won seven Brit awards and three Grammys, said that she did not know she could sing until a teacher at the Sylvia Young Theatre School told her how good she was.

Actors who attended her classes include Keeley Hawes, Doctor Who’s Matt Smith, Nicholas Hoult, who is in the latest Superman blockbuster, and Emmy-nominated Adolescence and Top Boy star Ashley Walters.

The school was also a conveyor belt for EastEnders stars, with Nick Berry, Letitia Dean, Adam Woodyatt and Dean Gaffney all passing through its doors.

Stage fright

But there were problems along the way. In 1998 one of the drama ­masters was arrested for indecent assault, and the company struggled to survive the Covid shutdown.

The pressures of fame also proved too much for some former pupils, including the late Winehouse and EastEnders’ original Mark Fowler, David Scarboro, who was found at the bottom of cliffs as Beachy Head in East Sussex in 1988.

Sylvia, though, was loved by her former pupils, many of whom paid tribute to the “backstage ­matriarch”.

Keeley Hawes wrote: “I wouldn’t have the career I have today without her help”.

And All Saints singer Nicole ­Appleton commented: “This is going to really affect us all who were lucky enough to be part of her amazing world growing up. What a time, the best memories.”

DJ Tony Blackburn added: “She was a very lovely lady who I had the privilege of knowing for many years. She will be sadly missed.”

Actress Sadie Frost commented online: “What a woman, what a family, what a legacy! Sending everyone so much love and support. She was always so lovely to me.”

And TV and radio presenter Kate Thornton said she “meant so much to so many”.

Sylvia did not boast about the ­success of her students and the school’s website does not mention its incredible roster of ex-pupils.

But it is hard to imagine a single drama teacher ever having as much impact as her. Sylvia’s two daughters, Alison and Frances Ruffelle, who are directors of the theatre school, said: “Our mum was a true visionary.

“She gave young people from all walks of life the chance to pursue their performing arts skills to the highest standard.

“Her rare ability to recognise raw talent and encourage all her students contributed to the richness of today’s theatre and music world, even ­winning herself an Olivier Award along the way.”

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Sylvia made it to the top of the British entertainment industry the hard way.

She was the eldest of nine children born to Abraham Bakal, a tailor’s presser, and housewife Sophie in London’s East End. Born in 1939 just after the outbreak of World War Two she remembered the air raid sirens during the Blitz of the capital.

She was evacuated to a village near Barnsley during the war, only returning home once it was over.

At the local library she was gripped by reading plays and would meet up with friends to perform them.

While still at school she joined a theatre group in North London, but her dreams of treading the boards in the West End were dashed by stage fright.

She said: “I used to lose my voice before every production. When I think about it, they were sort of panic attacks.”

Instead, she married telephone engineer Norman Ruffell in 1961 and stayed at home to look after their two daughters.

When Alison and Frances attended primary school, Sylvia started teaching drama to their fellow pupils. It cost just ten pence and the kids also got a cup of orange squash and a biscuit.

Word spread and when her ­students got the nickname the ­Young-uns, Sylvia decided to adopt the surname Young for business ­purposes.

The first Sylvia Young Theatre School was set up in 1981 in Drury Lane in the heart of London’s theatre district.

Two years later, it moved to a ­former church school in Marylebone in central London, where most of its famous pupils got their start.

Even though it is fee-paying, everyone has to pass an audition — and only one in 25 applicants are successful.

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It costs up to £7,000 per term for full-time students and only has places for 250 pupils aged ten to 16.

There are bursaries and fee reductions for pupils from less well-off backgrounds, plus a Saturday school and part-time classes.

Sylvia was always keen to avoid it being a school for rich kids.

When she took an assembly she would ask pupils, “What mustn’t we be?”, and they would shout back, “Stage school brats”.

Keeping kids level-headed when stardom beckoned was also important for the teacher.

She said: “I offer good training and like to keep the students as individual as possible.

“We develop a lot of confidence and communication skills. Of course they want immediate stardom, but they’re not expecting it. You don’t find notices up here about who’s doing what. It is actually played down tremendously.”

‘Baby Spice was lovely’

A need for discipline even applied to Sylvia’s daughter Frances, who she expelled from the school.

Frances clearly got over it, going on to have a career in musical theatre and representing the United Kingdom in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, finishing tenth.

Those genes were strong, with Frances’ daughter, stage name Eliza Doolittle, having a Top Five hit with Pack Up in 2010.

The ever-rebellious Amy Winehouse, who died in 2011 aged 27 from accidental alcohol poisoning, claimed to have been kicked out, too.

She said: “I was just being a brat and being disruptive and so on. I loved it there, I didn’t have a problem, I just didn’t want to conform.

“And they didn’t like me wearing a nose piercing.”

But Sylvia did not want Amy to leave. She said: “She would upset the academic teachers, except the English teacher who thought she’d be a novelist. She seemed to be just loved. But she was naughty.”

Other singers were clearly inspired by their time at the school, which moved to new premises in Westminster in 2010.

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Dua Lipa, who went to the ­Saturday school from the age of nine, was asked to sing in front of other pupils shortly after joining.

She said, “I was terrified”, but that the vocal coach “was the first person to tell me I could sing”.

Talent scouts and casting agents would put up requests on the notice board at the school. One such ­posting led to Emma Bunton ­joining the Spice Girls.

Of Baby Spice, Sylvia said: “She got away with whatever she could. But she was a lovely, happy-go-lucky individual with a sweet ­singing voice.”

Groups were also formed by ­Sylvia’s ex-pupils.

All Saints singer Melanie Blatt became best friends with Nicole Appleton at Sylvia Young’s and brought her in when her band needed new singers in 1996.

But Melanie was not complimentary about the school, once saying: “I just found the whole thing really up its own arse.”

Casting agents did, however, hold the classes in very high regard.

The professionalism instilled in the students meant that producers from major British TV shows such as EastEnders and Grange Hill kept coming back for more.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of less well-known performers treading the boards of Britain’s stages also have the school’s ethos to thank for their success.

Those achievements were recognised in the 2005 Honours List when Sylvia was awarded an OBE for services to the arts.

Sir Cameron Mackintosh, who has produced shows including Les Miserables and Cats, said: “The show that provided the greatest showcase for the young actors she discovered and nurtured is undoubtedly Oliver! which has featured hundreds of her students over the years.

“Sylvia was a pioneer who became a caring but formidable children’s agent.”

BBC Radio 2’s presenter switch-up has seen the channel lose half a million weekly listeners.

Back in December, former Radio 1 broadcaster Scott Mills, 51, was revealed as Zoe Ball’s replacement as she took a break from the plum presenting spot.

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At the time Zoe, 54 – who had been absent from a handful of shows due to issues off air – told how December 20 would be her last early-morning programme after six years as she chose to “focus on family.”

Listeners were quick to spot three clues she was set to up sticks, including a family tragedy.

She has since returned to the BBC Radio 2 fold with The Zoe Ball Show, which airs every Saturday.

Yet between April and June 2025 the station has lost half a million listeners compared to figures from three months earlier.

Scott took over in January 2025.

Between January and March 2025, 13.11million listeners tuned into the station overall.

Yet during the most recent time period reviewed, this dropped to 12.62million.

Specifically for the Breakfast Show, figures marked 6.45million average weekly listeners from January to March.

Yet between April and June, this has dropped to 6.22million.

ALL CHANGE

Zoe’s last BBC Radio 2 Breakfast show was on Friday, December 20 – with “plenty of fun and shenanigans” ahead of Christmas.

Yet at the time, Zoe said she would remain on BBC Radio 2.

She said: “After six incredible years on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, it’s time for me to step away from the very early mornings and focus on family.”

Telling her listeners about her decision, she said: “I’ve decided it’s time to step away from the early alarm call and start a new chapter.

Zoe Ball’s career so far

Zoe was born in Blackpool and is daughter of the children’s TV presenter Johnny Ball and his wife Julia.

She appeared on television at a young age as part of the studio audience of the Saturday morning children’s show, Saturday Superstore when her father was a guest.

The star began her career in broadcasting as a presenter on the pre-school programme Playdays.

After various behind the scenes roles, she earned a spot as a regular host of Top of the Pops, when she alternated with the likes of Jayne Middlemiss and Jo Whiley.

In 1996, she was chosen to front BBC One‘s saturday morning show Live & Kicking, which led to stints on The Big Breakfast on Channel 4.

But she maintained a huge presence on the radio as she was chosen to be the co-host of BBC Radio 1 Breakfast alongside Kevin Greening in October 1997.

Zoe was later appointed the sole host of the show in a groundbreaking move by the corporation as she was the first female DJ to hold the post.

The presenter chose to leave the station in March 2000 to start a family, where she was succeeded by Sara Cox.

As a mainstream face in TV through the noughties, she hosted a range of huge programmes for ITV, including the Brit Awards in 2002, Extinct in 2006, and both Soapstar Superstar and Grease Is The Word in 2007.

In mid-2002, she returned to radio when she joined Xfm (later known as Radio X), when she was the voice of the weekday drivetime show until December 2003. In 2004, she stood in for Ricky Gervais while he filmed the second series of The Office.

In October 2005, she appeared as a contestant on the third series of Strictly Come Dancing, where she was partnered with Ian Waite, The star impressed viewers with her footwork and the duo waltzed into third place.

In 2011, she returned to the franchise as she took over as the host of the magazine spin-off show, It Takes Two.

She also filled in for Claudia Winkleman on the main show in 2014, when The Traitors star took leave after her daughter suffered serious burn injuries.

After 10 years fronting the show, Zoe announced she was quitting her role on BBC Two in May 2021.

Zoe’s journey in BBC Radio 2 started in 2006 when she fronted specialist documentaries. Over the years she sat in for names such as Dermot O’Leary, Ken Bruce and Chris Evans.

After several shake-ups, she returned to the station on a permanent basis when she took over Dermot’s Saturday afternoon slot between 3pm and 6pm.

In October 2018, Chris Evans moved to Virgin Radio and he personally announced that Zoe would take over his popular slot. She started presenting the breakfast show on 14 January 2019.

“We’ve shared a hell of a lot, the good times, the tough times, there’s been a lot of laughter. And I am going to miss you cats.”

She added she would also miss her colleagues, saying they were “like family to me”.

The early morning presenter added: “But I won’t miss the 4am alarm call, if I’m completely honest.

“You know I love you all to bits.”

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