sweet

Pixie Lott gives birth to second child as she shares sweet first look at baby boy

PIXIE Lott has given birth to her second child with Oliver Cheshire.

The All About Tonight singer, 34, announced the happy news on her Instagram on Thursday.

Pixie Lott has given birth to her second childCredit: Refer to source
Pixie and husband Oliver Cheshire shared the exiting news with their fans on ThursdayCredit: Instagram
The singer shared a sweet clip of her newborn’s fingers and toesCredit: Instagram

Pixie posted a sweet video of her newborn baby boy and wrote: “He’s here,” with a blue heart emoji.

The clip showed her newborn’s little feet and hands for the first time.

Pixie’s close celebrity pals were quick to congratulate the star.

Gaby Roslin wrote: “Ahhh huge congratulations to you beautiful and your whole family. Big love.”

HOT TO TOT

Pixie Lott to perform on stage 3 weeks after giving birth to second child


incredible

Pixie Lott dances at nearly seven months pregnant as she wears showgirl outfit

AJ Odudu posted: “Awww CONGRATULATIONS.”

Earlier this year, the singer revealed she and husband Oliver were expecting their second child.

The couple are already parents to son Albert, who was born in October 2023.

Previously, Pixie and Oliver only revealed their son’s name a month after his birth when they celebrated his christening.

In August, Pixie revealed the due date for her second baby in an exclusive chat with The Sun.

The pregnant star revealed she’d been given the green light to keep performing for “as long as it feels good”.

She shared: “I think the last gig [Flackstock, Aug 8] is going to be four weeks before the due date.

“So yeah, I think it’s going to be fine.

“I did it last time and I’ve checked with the doc and he said that it’s fine to keep doing it as long as you feel good.

“So hopefully, I mean that last show, four weeks, I don’t know how long… Woo! [laughs].”

Meanwhile, Pixie had made the surprise announcement during her performance Mighty Hoopla.

While belting out her hits, she told the crowd: “I’m having another baby!”

The songstress announced she was pregnant again in JuneCredit: Instagram

Source link

Harper Lee’s ‘Land of Sweet Forever’ review: Collection adds to legacy

Book Review

The Land of Sweet Forever

By Harper Lee
Harper: 224 pages, $30

If you buy books linked on our site, The Times may earn a commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookstores.Book Review

Fortunately for avid bibliophiles, Harper Lee was an inveterate pack rat. Born in rural Monroeville, Ala., in 1926, the author of “To Kill a Mockingbird” — whose first name is Nelle, her grandmother Ellen’s name spelled backward — spent much of her adult life in Manhattan after moving there in 1949.

First, she lived in a cold-water flat on the Upper East Side (subsisting on peanut butter sandwiches and meager bookstore and airline ticket agent salaries); then in a room in a Midtown hotel where Edith Wharton and Mark Twain once resided; a third-floor York Avenue walk-up ($20 a month for five years, where “Go Set a Watchman” and “To Kill a Mockingbird” were written); and, finally four decades at 433 E. 82nd St. There, amid “piles of her correspondence and practically every pay stub, telephone bill and canceled check ever issued to her, were notebooks and manuscripts” and eight previously unpublished early short stories and eight once-published essays and magazine articles. Those writings, discovered in her New York City apartment after she died in her Alabama hometown nine years ago, have been gathered into the welcome hybrid compendium “The Land of Sweet Forever.”

"The Land of Sweet Forever" by Harper Lee

The short stories take up the first half of the collection, but it’s an unusual selection in the second half, “Essays and Miscellaneous Pieces,” that may reveal as much about the burgeoning author as the fictional juvenilia. In a contribution to “The Artists’ & Writers’ Cookbook” (1961), along with entries by Lillian Hellman, William Styron and Marianne Moore, Lee offered a one-page recipe for crackling bread, complete with the authorial observation, “some historians say by which alone fell the Confederacy.” The opening instruction is, “First, catch your pig.” After that, the ingredients (water-ground white meal, salt, baking powder, egg, milk) and directions might just as well function as an analogy for the process of writing and editing a manuscript.

In her introduction, Lee’s appointed biographer Casey Cep observes that it “takes enormous patience and unerring instincts to refine a scrap of story into something … keen and moving.” Lee admits to being “more of a rewriter than a writer.” In a 1950 letter to one of her sisters, she outlines her typical writing day, working through at least three drafts:

From around noon, work on the first draft. By dinnertime, I’ve usually put my idea down. I then stop for a sandwich or a full meal, depending on whether I’ve got to think more about the story or just finish it. After dinner, I work on a second draft, which involves sometimes tearing the story up and putting it together again in an entirely different way, or just keeping at it until everything is like I want it. Then I retype it on white paper, conforming to rules of manuscript preparation, and run out & mail it. That sounds simple, but sometimes I have worked through the night on one; usually I end up around two or three in the morning.

It’s all rather like testing, perfecting a recipe. If the product was these eight short stories, then “yes, chef” has baked a perfect loaf.

Each story illuminates Lee’s quintessential talents as the “balladeer of small-town culture” and the chronicler of city life. They display narrative skills, an acute ear for dialogue (especially the vernacular), development of fully rounded characters and vivid descriptions of settings. They also introduce subjects and significant themes — family, friendship, moral compass — that reappear in her nonfiction and novels.

Country life imposes restrictions on childhood characters in the first three stories. In “The Water Tank” anxious 12-year-old Abby Henderson, reacting to schoolyard rumors, believes she’s pregnant because she hugged a boy whose pants were unbuttoned. Anti-authoritarian first grader Dody (one of Harper’s nicknames) in “The Binoculars” is chastised for not tracing but writing her name on the blackboard. Early glimpses of “Mockingbird’s” Scout and Atticus Finch appear in the amusing “The Pinking Shears” when third grader “little Jean Louie” (without the later “s”) undermines gender rules when she whacks off a rambunctious minister’s daughter’s lengthy locks.

In New York City, where “sooner or later you meet everybody you ever knew on Fifth Avenue,” urban stress leads to a shocking monologue with an incendiary conclusion about feuding neighbors in “A Roomful of Kibble,” a frivolous kind of parlor game involving movie titles in “The Viewer and the Viewed,” and a humorous parking incident when one friend agrees to help another with lighting for a fashion show in “This Is Show Business?”

The closing title short story, “The Land of Sweet Forever,” adeptly merges locations and themes. It opens with a satirical nod to Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”: “It is a truth generally acknowledged by the citizens of Maycomb, Ala., that a single woman in possession of little else but a good knowledge of English social history must be in want of someone to talk to.” When adult Jean Louise (now with the “s”) leaves the city for home, she has a hilarious church encounter with someone she hadn’t seen since they were children, 21-year-old Talbert Wade, now with the taint of three years as an economics major at Northwestern University and a patina full of Europe, looking “suspiciously as if he had returned from a tour and had picked up a Brooks Brothers suit on the way home.” Together, they are trying to understand why the doxology, always sung “in one way and one way only” suddenly has been “pepped up” with an energetic organ accompaniment. Before it’s resolved there is an amusing anecdote about a cow obituary in verse and a concluding bow to Voltaire’s “Candide” when Jean Louise concedes that “all things happen for the best in this, the best of all possible worlds.” The story is a resounding example of Lee’s scintillating sense of wry humor.

Big themes of love, family and friendship recur in the eight previously published essays and articles (from 1961 to 2006) that appeared in Vogue, McCall’s, an American Film Institute program (about Gregory Peck), a Book of the Month Club newsletter (on the “little boy next door” Truman Capote and “In Cold Blood”), Alabama History and Heritage Festival, and O, the Oprah Magazine (a letter about the joy of learning to read). In addition to the crackling bread recipe that serves as a fingerpost to Lee’s writing process, the standout essay “Christmas to Me” details how she received a generous gift that changed her life, allowing her to become an accomplished, published writer. In 1956, best friends, lyricist-composer Michael Brown and his wife, Joy, surprised her with an envelope on the tree with a note, “You have one year off from your job to write whatever you please. Merry Christmas.” That meant $100 every month, covering more than five times her rent.

Juvenilia is tricky. It can be evanescent, exposing weaknesses or revealing strengths and talent. “The Land of Sweet Forever” reinforces Lee’s indelible voice, contributing a rewarding addition and resource to the slim canon of her literary legacy.

The recipe for crackling bread:

First, catch your pig. Then ship it to the abattoir nearest you. Bake what they send back. Remove the solid fat and throw the rest away. Fry fat, drain off liquid grease, and combine the residue (called “cracklings”) with:

1 ½ cups water-ground white meal
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg
1 cup milk

Bake in very hot oven until brown (about 15 minutes).

Result: one pan crackling bread serving 6. Total cost: about $250, depending upon size of pig. Some historians say by this recipe alone fell the Confederacy.

Papinchak, a former English professor, is a freelance book critic in Los Angeles. He has also contributed interviews to Bon Appetit.

Source link

Cruz Beckham pays sweet tribute to older girlfriend Jackie Apostel on her milestone birthday 

CRUZ Beckham has paid a sweet tribute to girlfriend Jackie Apostel to celebrate her milestone birthday.

The 20-year-old was performing with his band in Birmingham last night, where he paid tribute to his older partner.

Cruz delivered a massive chocolate cake to JackieCredit: instagram/cruzbeckham
The pair celebrated backstage in BirminghamCredit: instagram/cruzbeckham
The youngest Beckham boy dedicated a sweet songCredit: Instagram/libbyyadams

Jackie, who’s just turned 30, was watching from the crowd as her friend filmed the adorable moment unfold.

Cruz has been doing secret sets all around the UK, including a gig wearing his dad David’s football shirt.

“Someone… very close to me. It’s her birthday. Erm, I wrote this song about them,” he said on stage on Saturday night.

As the camera pans to Jackie, she says, “I’m going to cry, that’s so…”

read more on the beckhams

HAPPY FAMILIES

Victoria Beckham calls Cruz’s girlfriend Jackie the ‘sweetest, kindest soul’


CLASSY CLAPBACK

Cruz Beckham’s girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, hits back at age gap abuse

The youngest Beckham boy also shared a gushing tribute on his Instagram, uploading happy snaps alongside Jackie.

“Happy birthday @jackieapostel. Another time around the globe, I love you baby,” he wrote alongside a childhood snap of his partner.

“@jackieapostel I love you to the moon and back.”

The festivities appeared to continue backstage, with Jackie sharing videos as Cruz put on a mini party for his girlfriend.

Surrounded by birthday balloons, she posed for a mirror selfie as Cruz is seen in the background organising a cake.

Another angle shows the giant chocolate tray surrounded by candles as the singer hand-delivered the sweet treat.

It comes after Cruz’s parents, Victoria and David Beckham, also shared birthday messages for Jackie’s special day.

Taking to her Instagram, Posh Spice wrote: “To the sweetest, kindest, most beautiful soul. We all love you soooo much.”

Tagging Jackie in the Story post, she uploaded a series of slides with pictures of them both at various glitzy events.

“Happy birthday, we hope you have an amazing day and can’t wait to celebrate with you,” she added alongside a snap of Jackie and Cruz.

Victoria added: “We all love you @jackie.apostel.”

David also uploaded a couple of pics of the pair on his Instagram.

“Happy birthday to a very special person inside and out,” he said.

“Thank you for making my son the best version of himself.”

The couple faced cruel trolling for their age gap. Cruz, who turns 21 next year, met Jackie at Glastonbury Festival and they began dating in June 2024.

The pair made their love Instagram official back in October that year, coming under fire for their near decade-long age gap.

SHOP TO IT

Shoppers race to grab kitchen set scanning for just £6 with huge £50 off


MURDER PROBE

‘Murdered’ businessman found dead inside his own home just weeks after wife

“Why is a 29-year-old dating a 20. That’s just weird. I’m talking about Jackie dating Cruz,” a troll penned on social media.

At the time, Jackie wrote back, “Because he’s kind, funny, smart, caring, driven, mature, talented, loyal, and also quite handsome.”

Cruz shared a sweet birthday message on his StoryCredit: Instagram
Jackie appeared to love his tribute on stageCredit: Instagram/libbyyadams
He also uploaded a cute childhood snap of JackieCredit: Instagram
Cruz and Jackie have a 10-year age gap right nowCredit: Getty

Source link

Emotional moment JoJo Siwa breaks down in tears live on stage as boyfriend Chris Hughes pays sweet tribute to his ‘love’

AN EMOTIONAL JoJo Siwa was seen breaking down in tears live on stage after paying tribute to her boyfriend Chris Hughes.

The Celebrity Big Brother star, 22, has been on the road hitting venues across Britain, with her last show last night.

JoJo Siwa became emotional on stage at her last gig of the tourCredit: Tiktok
The star became overwhelmed and choked up as she sang one of her songsCredit: Tiktok
JoJo is currently loved up with Chris HughesCredit: Instagram / chrishughesofficial

At her last gig of the tour, JoJo appeared to become overwhelmed.

The Dance Moms star broke down in tears as she took to the stage for the final show of her Infinity Heart Tour.

In a video shared by a fan on TikTok, JoJo was seen welling up during her performance of Back To That Girl.

She then told the audience at the Klub Proxima in Warsaw, that she doesn’t usually get “so emotional”.

ON THE ROAD

JoJo Siwa told me all about intimate moments with Chris Hughes on tour bus


ON THE ROAD

JoJo Siwa opens up about life on the road – & one thing she can’t tour without

Continuing, JoJo said: “It’s been a while since I’ve done what I love which is being on stage being in front of you.

“And, most of you won’t really care, but today’s the last day of this tour.

“You don’t have to pretend you care, you came here because I’m in your city, you didn’t come here because it’s the last one.

“We’re all sobbing right now. But, it just, just to anybody who A, is in this building, B, came to any of these shows, or C, whether it be a good comment or a bad comment, left a comment, hit a like, watched a video, anyone who supported anything just a big massive thank you.”

An emotional JoJo then added: “I finally had myself pulled together and then I saw all these hearts in here.

“That caught me off guard that was good!’

The star’s emotional moment on stage followed a heartfelt Instagram post where JoJo paid a tribute to everyone on her tour who had supported her, which included Chris who has been cheering her on at the side of the stage.

She wrote: “I’ll definitely have a lot more to say once I’ve gathered some thoughts, but tonight is the final show on the Infinity Heart Tour and I am incredibly emotional.

“The amount of work that has gone into creating the show from choreographing it myself to all the creative direction to actually executing it on stage, the show represents who I want to be as a person and the artist that I wanna be in this lifetime, and it’s translated so well to the crowd and hearing your reviews that have been so positive, it just makes me flood with happiness and gratitude.

“Thank you so much for all the love on this tour, to everyone who showed up to the concerts, and to everyone who supported from the distance online.

“Means so very much.”

The US singer is on a tour around the UK and EuropeCredit: Getty

Chris then thrilled fans when he wrote in the comments: “Smashed it my love.”

The pair met on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year and have been smitten ever since.

JoJo recently insisted she is not straight amid her romance with Chris and questions surrounding her sexuality.

The YouTuber has refused to put a label on her identity after falling for the former Love Island star inside the CBB house.

Prior to entering the house, JoJo was loved up with non-binary influencer Kath Ebbs but ended their romance to pursue things with Chris.

Now, she has given a candid insight into the negative reactions and “extreme amount of hate” for being currently “in a hetero relationship”.

The dancer and singer opened up in a radio interview on Sirius XM’s Smith Sisters Live.

JoJo said: “From the very, very, very beginning of our relationship. He said, ‘So you can be anything you want. I just love you. I don’t want you to change. I just love you.’

“And I don’t know, I think we got to see on episode two of Big Brother, he was the only person in fact that stood up for me right away.

OMAZE-ING

I went from council flat to winning £4m house… But this is why I’m selling up


BOTTOMS UP

Wetherspoons reveals opening dates of 5 new pubs starting next week

“That shows who he is as a straight white male that shows the kind of person he is to stand up for the young 22-year-old queer person in the house.”

JoJo appeared to be referring to when Chris defended her amid a homophobic remark from actor Mickey Rourke inside the house.

JoJo and Chris fell in love on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this yearCredit: ITV

Source link

Strictly’s pregnant Dianne shows off bump in first live show as she makes sweet baby admission

Dancer Dianne Buswell announced she was expecting her first child with partner Joe Sugg earlier this month as she performed her first dance with Stefan Dennis on Saturday night

Strictly Come Dancing kicked off it’s first couples dances on last night’s show (Saturday 27 September) and one particular person who was glowing was pregnant dancer Dianne Buswell. She and her celebrity partner Stefan Dennis took to the dancefloor to perform a Foxtrot to the Neighbours theme song as she showed off her growing baby bump.

The Aussie native, 36, announced her pregnancy with partner Joe Sugg earlier this month and despite questions being raised about whether she would be able to still compete, Dianne proved she can do it all as she showed off her pregnancy glow.

For her performance, she wore a flowy blue dress with flower detailing and a v-neck, which perfectly held her growing baby bump. The pair received a score of 22 from the judges, putting them in eighth place on leaderboard out of the 15 contestants.

Dianne’s pregnancy didn’t go unmentioned on the live show as her co-stars flocked to congratulate her and make her feel special. Following their performance, host Tess Daly exclaimed: “Dianne, we can not let you leave the floor without saying congratulations.”

She responded gleefully: “Thank you so much! “That’s why we’re in blue tonight,” she laughed before saying: “Not really, but lets pretend!”

READ MORE: First Strictly Come Dancing star to be axed ‘exposed’ but it’s not who you thinkREAD MORE: Strictly star says ‘this changes everything’ as results show shake-up confirmed

As she and Stefan made their way upstairs, Claudia Winkleman decided to throw her an impromptu baby shower. Pro dancer Neil Jones came out wearing an animal costume and she was presented with balloons, a teddy bear and some cupcakes.

Fans flocked to X to compliment the mum-to-be during the live show as one person gushed: “Dianne’s baby bump awwwww,” Another fan said: “Dianne’s baby bump. So happy for Dianne and Joe. They met on Strictly 7 years ago and now a baby is on the way.”

Somebody else commented: “Stefan and Dianne were incredible and Dianne looked so beautiful! And her little bump showing,” while a fourth added: “Love this when the #strictly cast congratulated Dianne on her baby news, she is going to be an amazing mum.”

Her baby bump television debut comes after vile trolls complained about seeing her pregnant on the show. One troll in particular wrote on social media: “I don’t want to see her dance being pregnant, it’s already feeling uncomfortable and she’s only starting to show. It’s really not appropriate.”

Dianne posted it on her Instagram story and responded: “”I can’t believe in 2025 things like this are still being said.”

Her fans rushed to her defence, with one writing: “Saw @diannebuswell’s story and just had to say something. Her dancing pregnant in Strictly this year is nothing short of beautiful and magical. Women’s bodies are INCREDIBLE and I don’t actually think people realise that.

“This will show all of those people who believe this weird twisted notion that women should hide away when they’re carrying a baby that women are capable of much more & can do anything.

“You’re inspirational and incredible. We as a family cannot wait to watch you doing what you love and were born to do again every weekend. And we will be cheering you on as always beautiful.” Dianne reposted the comment with a series of happy crying and heart emojis.

She makes history as the first ever dancer to be pregnant while competing on the BBC One show.

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .



Source link

Strictly stars who met on show reveal wedding plans – and sweet reason why they’ve pushed it back

STRICTLY alum Gemma Atkinson has just shared an update about when she will tie the knot with her fiancé, Gorka Marquez.

The pair met on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2017.

Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Márquez smiling on a beach.

5

Gemma and Gorka have been dating since 2018Credit: Instagram
Maisie Smith sitting with Max George on a patio chair outdoors.

5

The duo met in 2017 as Strictly Come Dancing cast-matesCredit: Instagram
Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez with their two children.

5

They’re now engaged and share two childrenCredit: instagram/glouiseatkinson

But funnily enough Gemma, 40, and Gorka, 35, weren’t actually coupled up during their time on the show.

Their relationship blossomed off-screen, with the duo beginning to officially date in 2018.

They got engaged three years later and now share a son and a daughter – Mia, five, and son Thiago, two.

After years of being engaged, Gemma has revealed why the couple have been waiting so long to walk down the aisle – and why they plan to wait even longer.

Read Strictly Come Dancing

In an interview Gemma said: “We’ve toyed about doing it in Spain so his [Gorka’s] family can come.

“We’ve even thought about doing it in a registry office or a hotel in Manchester, just the two of us, and then have a big party after.”

But what the lovebirds have settled on couldn’t be sweeter or more thoughtful.

“I think now we want to wait until Thiago is a bit older, so maybe next year or the year after, as he’s only two.

“If he’s a bit older, he could be involved in it, which would be really nice.”

Back in 2022 Gemma announced that herself and Gorka had to postpone their previously-planned wedding.

Strictly’s Gorka Marquez breaks down in tears as he pays tribute to Gemma Aktinson as he leaves her and their kids for weeks

The cancellation came about due to incredibly busy schedules on both ends, with Gorka busy as a professional dancer and Gemma as a radio host.

The pair were also wishing to prioritise trying for another baby instead of splashing out on a lavish event.

The wedding update comes only months after Gemma and Gorka found out that their reality TV show Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind The Lens had not been renewed for a third season on Apple TV.

It was devastating news for the couple, as the show had performed really well.

Gemma Atkinson showing her baby bump with Gorka Márquez leaning his head on it.

5

They’re waiting to tie the knot so their youngest child can participate in the dayCredit: Instagram
Gorka Marquez and Gemma Atkinson smiling on a red carpet.

5

They weren’t dance partners during their Strictly daysCredit: PA

Source link

Sabrina Carpenter is still dealing with it on ‘Man’s Best Friend’

Pop superstardom, it turns out, did absolutely nothing to improve Sabrina Carpenter’s love life.

That’s the thrust of the singer’s shrewd and tangy “Man’s Best Friend,” which dropped Thursday night, just a year after last summer’s chart-topping “Short n’ Sweet.” The earlier album, which spun off a pair of smash singles in “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” went on to be certified triple platinum and to win two Grammy Awards — more than enough to transform Carpenter, now 26, from a former Disney kid into the latest (and horniest) member of pop’s A list.

Yet all that success seems only to have attracted more of the losers she sang about last time. Here she’s dealing with a smooth talker doling out empty promises, a crybaby who can’t decide what he wants, even a guy so fixated on self-betterment that he’s lost interest in the bedroom.

“He’s busy, he’s working, he doesn’t have time for me,” she trills exasperatedly in “My Man on Willpower,” “My slutty pajamas not tempting him in the least.”

It’s a veritable gallery of rogues, this LP, not least the dude in the dark suit pictured on the cover of “Man’s Best Friend” with a hank of Carpenter’s blond hair in his fist as she kneels before him. The image inspired an instant controversy when she unveiled it in June, with critics accusing her of propping up dangerous ideas about the submission of women in the age of the tradwife.

Responded the singer in a CBS News interview that aired Friday: “Y’all need to get out more.”

Indeed, to take the album artwork at face value is to miss the whole point of Sabrina Carpenter, which is not just lampooning a prudish instinct — of course she’s in on the joke — but demonstrating the limits of a dating scene — of an entire social power structure — in which this is what a girl at the top has to work with.

“I like my boys playing hard to get / And I like my men all incompetent,” she sings in the LP’s opener and lead single, “Manchild.” She swears she’s not choosing them — that they keep choosing her. Then she punctuates the claim by batting her fake eyelashes and rhyming “Amen” with a flirty “Hey, men.”

As with “Short n’ Sweet,” Carpenter made “Man’s Best Friend” with a tight crew of accomplices — Jack Antonoff, John Ryan and Amy Allen, plus a bunch of tasty studio players — and once again they get a sound that combines the hooky splendor of ’70s-era AM-radio pop (think ELO, Wings and especially ABBA) with touches of country and dance music.

“Tears,” in which Carpenter lusts after a guy capable of putting together a chair from IKEA, is a pillowy disco thumper with echoes of KC and the Sunshine Band’s “That’s the Way (I Like It)”; “Nobody’s Son” puts starchy palm-court strings over a bouncy reggae groove. Carpenter’s singing plays like an actor’s sizzle reel, by turns winsome, sneering, bubbly and resigned; in the twangy “Go Go Juice” alone — it’s about a woman who’s woken up at 10 a.m. and opted to spend the day drunk-dialing exes — she runs through every emotional gradient separating determination from shame.

Song for song — line for line, really — “Man’s Best Friend” isn’t quite as sharp as “Short n’ Sweet,” which offered the rare thrill of a young artist coming into her own on her sixth studio album. Occasionally, you can sense Carpenter reaching for a memeable lyric, as in the many gags about wetness in “Tears”; “When Did You Get Hot?,” meanwhile, feels like something Ariana Grande abandoned after workshopping for a minute.

When she’s on, though, she’s on: “Goodbye” is a dazzling orchestral-pop number in which she gives the boot to a hot-and-cold lover — “Arrivederci, au revoir / Forgive my French, but f— you, ta-ta” — and “House Tour” a winking sex romp whose thwacking drums and rubbery funk bass call to mind Paula Abdul’s “Opposites Attract.” (After Doja Cat’s Antonoff-produced “Jealous Type,” might this signal a coming Abdul-aissance?)

Near the end of the album, Carpenter dials down the comedy for “Don’t Worry I’ll Make You Worry,” a sad and shimmery ballad about the thin line between love and war. “Silent treatment and humbling your ass / Well, that’s some of my best work,” she sings over strummed acoustic guitar before promising oh so sweetly to “leave you feeling like a shell of a man.”

If you can’t join ’em, beat ’em.

Source link

Married At First Sight star gives birth to baby girl and reveals very sweet name with photo of newborn

MARRIED At First Sight star Rozz Darlington has given birth to her first child with partner Jordan Morris.

The new mum shared the happy news with her fans on social media today, posting a photo of the adorable newborn.

New parents holding their newborn baby in a hospital bed.

2

MAFS star Rozz Darlington has given birth to her first child with her partner
Newborn baby wearing a pink hat and white outfit.

2

The new parents welcomed a baby girl who they have called Arabella

Rozz was seen holding the small tot in her arms while lying on her hospital bed.

Her boyfriend Jordan looked over the moon as they both smiled for a photo with their little daughter, who they sweetly name Arabella.

They shared a series of snaps of their baby girl wearing a white baby grow, a pink beanie hat and wrapped in a yellow blanket.

There was also a close-up photo of her baby feet and another photo of doting dad Jordan.

The new parents shared the photos on Instagram and wrote: “A baby Girl!!! Arabella Morris – Darlington has arrived! 8th August weighing 6lb 10! We are totally in love.”

Rozz’s fellow MAFS co-stars were quick to share their congratulations to the pair.

Ella Morgan wrote: “My bestie is a mummy!!! She’s beautiful! I can’t wait to meet her!!! Love you! So proud of you both.”

Jay Howard posted: “I’m in love!! Obsessed with her 😍 I’m so proud of you Rozz well done babe she’s adorable. I can’t wait for a snuggle.”

Tasha Jay commented: “I’ve been crying since this morning. So so happy for you both and so proud of you! Can’t wait to give my little strawberry the biggest cuddle. Aunty Tasha loves you angel.”

E4 bride Rozz stunned fans when she revealed her surprise pregnancy earlier this year.

Fans were convinced she had dropped a huge hint that she was expecting a girl at her baby shower in June.

Sharing a collection of snaps from the baby shower, Ella added the eyebrow-raising caption: “Our Baby Spice is having a mini Baby Spice @rozzdarlington @ellamorganc @itstashajayxx @jay_howard the Spice Girls reunited .. + 1!”

However, she did go onto add a hashtag reading “boy or girl” which could be to throw people off the scent.

Picking up on the hint, one fan said in the comments: “Is this confirmation Baby Spice is a pink one?!”

Rozz was married to hunky Thomas Kriaras during her time on the show but their union came to an emotional end.

Following the programme, Rozz moved on with Jordan and went public with their relationship in June of last year.

Looking stunning at her baby shower, Rozz showed off her baby bump in a gorgeous yellow gown.

Her co-stars held onto her baby bump in one snap before she was seen posing with Jordan who sweetly planted a kiss on her cheek as part of the celebrations.

Rozz went all out for the day with a balloon wall being the centre of attention for the party.

She also had an elaborate flower display as well as a cake that appeared to read “baby M-D” in icing on the top.

Source link

Bobby Brazier calls dad Jeff a ‘rock’ in sweet Father’s Day post after brother Freddy makes rehab U-turn

BOBBY Brazier has called his dad Jeff a ‘rock’ in a sweet Father Day’s post – after his brother Freddy’s rehab U-turn.

The EastEnders star, 22, and younger sibling Freddy, 20, are sons of Jeff Brazier and the late Jade Goody.

Bobby Brazier at the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour launch in Birmingham.

4

Bobby Brazier shared a sweet Father’s Day message on InstagramCredit: Rex
Three brothers standing on a beach at sunset.  "My dad's a rock."

4

He called dad Jeff “a rock” alongside a family snapCredit: Instagram
Freddie Brazier at the Jurassic World: The Experience launch party.

4

Freddy recently made a U-turn on entering rehabCredit: Getty

Taking to Instagram, Bobby shared a photo of himself, Jeff and Freddy stood on a beach, looking out towards the ocean.

With the three having their arms around each other in the snap, he captioned: “My dads a rock.”

It comes as Freddy made a shock U-turn on plans to enter rehab – just days after admitting he’s been hooked on smoking since the age of 12.

The Celebrity Race Across The World alum shared a dramatic change of heart on Instagram over the weekend.

Read more on Bobby Brazier

Posting a black and white throwback of himself as a child, Freddy wrote: “You know what I don’t need rehab! I just need a holiday with a good group of boys or a retreat.”

Freddy stunned followers when he opened up about a long-standing smoking addiction and a desire to make peace with his dad after a tense family rift.

The 20-year-old, revealed he wanted to get help in Spain for cannabis, saying he “wants a healthy relationship with his dad”.

In a heartfelt post, he said: “I want to be clean so I can life happily and have healthy relationships with people and be there for all of my family rather then feeling like I’m in the middle and have to choose a side.”

Freddy also shared hopes of mending things with his famous father, saying: “I want to play football and take up boxing. I want to be happy and be in a healthy relationship and have a healthy relationship with my Nana and my father.”

Elsewhere, elder son Bobby has “become a Hare Krishna” and is “seeking solace” in rituals following mum Jade’s death.

Freddy Brazier reunites with dad Jeff before heading to rehab in Spain amid concern over gran’s ‘harmful’ influence

The former Strictly finalist has become a regular at the Hare Krishna temple in Soho, where he takes part in communal prayers, chants mantras and helps prepare meals.

Friends say Bobby’s interest in spirituality has grown over the past year and is helping him process the lasting impact of losing his mum to cervical cancer in 2009, when he was just five.

A volunteer at the temple told MailOnline: “He’s here every Saturday without fail. He joins our kitchen session, learns the prayers – this isn’t a gimmick.”

A family friend added: “Bobby had a difficult life. His mum dying left a mark on him, as it would.

“Hare Krishna is somewhere he seeks solace. It might seem strange, but for him, it works.”

Last year, The Sun published images of Bobby joining in cha-cha-chanting at a Hare Krishna gathering on Oxford Street, where he was even seen handing out leaflets.

Bobby said of the movement: “I’ve had the blessing of meeting some incredible devotees who have really taken me under the wing and been really merciful upon me.

“And they are just the most beautiful, happy, content, smart, intelligent people.”

The young actor will also soon be leaving his EastEnders role as Freddie Slater.

Inside Bobby Brazier’s burgeoning TV career

Bobby Brazier has risen through the ranks to become a well known face on British TV.

As the son of Jade Goody and Jeff Brazier, he has been well-known amongst the public from a young age.

Bobby first embarked on a showbiz career when he was just 16-years old when he started modelling.

The star made his catwalk debut in 2020 at Milan Fashion Week, but it wasn’t long before he had his eyes on a TV career.

He shot to prominence in 2022 when he was cast as Freddie Slater in EastEnders.

The incredibly acting skills displayed on screen earned him the National Television Award in the ‘Rising Star’ category.

His famous dad was in tears as Bobby accepted the award on stage in front of the likes of Holly Willoughby and Alison Hammond.

It wasn’t long before BBC bosses wanted him to take part in the 21st series of Strictly Come Dancing.

He clearly impressed the viewers with his dancing skills as he made the grand final and was a runner-up.

Since then, viewers were delighted when he returned to his role in the long-running BBC One soap.

An EastEnders spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that Bobby Brazier will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future.”

A telly insider revealed: “Bosses had a meeting with Bobby only recently as they had a plan in mind for a storyline, and it just so ­happened that Bobby was also thinking that now was the right time to look for other opportunities outside the show.

“The timing of the decision worked for both, but his final scenes are not for a while yet.

“The character has had a great run, but the time is now right for Bobby to look for other opportunities, and for EastEnders to wave goodbye to Freddie Slater.”

Bobby Brazier and Jeff Brazier at the Loose Women TV show.

4

Bobby with TV presenter dad JeffCredit: Rex

Source link

McVitie’s unveils new Jaffa Cake flavour ‘with a twist’… and fans are divided over sweet treat

MCVITIES has rolled out a new flavour of Jaffa Cakes and shoppers are divided.

The brand has launched plenty of alternatives to the classic orange over the years, but this one has been accused of taking the biscuit.

Two Jaffa Cakes.

2

Jaffa Cakes come in a variety of flavours, including raspberry and cherry
Package of McVitie's Jaffa Cakes Hot Honey.

2

Jaffa Cakes have a brand new flavour and it’s caused a stir

Jaffa Cakes have jumped on the Hot Honey trend and have unveiled the first-ever ‘swicy’ flavour.

In case you are not yet familiar with the term, ‘swicy’ is used to describe foods that are both sweet and spicy.

The new flavour combines the sweetness of honey with a chilli kick, which is sandwiched between the signature crackly dark chocolate and the famous sponge cake.

The controversial hot cakes are exclusively on sale at Asda stores nationwide for £1.50 for a box of 10.

They will be rolled out to other retailers from the end of July.

Over on Facebook, the Hot Honey snacks have caused a stir, and some fans have bees in their bonnets.

“I love Hot Honey and I love Jaffa Cakes but I think this will be a miss,” one wrote.

“Not a chance mate,” added another.

One person suggested: “They will do everything but not a white chocolate Jaffa Cake.”

But not everyone was against the latest addition.

SWEET TOOTH ‘A tangy twist’, cry fans over 85p packs of Jaffa Cakes in a unique flavour

“I am definitely intrigued,” a Facebook user wrote.

“Oh might have to try these,” agreed a second, while another echoed: “That sounds like an acquired taste.”

On Dansway Gifts and Bargain UK’s Facebook post, followers tagged friends to share the news.

Some added heart-eye emojis to the comment section.

Jessica Woolfrey, Marketing Manager for Jaffa Cakes, says: “At Jaffa Cakes, we’re known for doing things a little differently.

“As the only cake in the biscuit aisle, it makes sense that our newest flavour brings an unexpected twist.

“We’re super excited to introduce Hot Honey Flavour to the Jaffa Cakes family – tapping into the viral ‘swicy’ trend with a perfectly balanced sweet-meets-heat flavour.”

Last year, the brand unveiled another unusual flavour based on retro childhood sweets.

The Cola Bottle flavour was the first ever non-fruit flavour since the first Jaffa Cake was made in 1927.

It had a similar response from snackers, who either loved or hated them.

McVities has also rolled out raspberry and cherry flavours – which have both gone down well with customers.

Source link

Hungry elephant munches on sweet rice cakes and chicken’s eggs after barging into grocery store in Thailand

SHOPPERS find there’s an elephant in the room — as a peckish pachyderm helps ­himself to grub at a grocery store.

The 25-year-old male munched on sweet rice cakes and chicken’s eggs after barging into the shop in Thailand on Monday.

Elephant stuck in a supermarket.

4

A hungry elephant helps ­himself to grub at a grocery storeCredit: Taro Media via ViralPress
Elephant stuck in a small shop.

4

The large mammal got wedged under the low ceilingCredit: Taro Media via ViralPress

Even getting wedged under the low ceiling did not stop him as he searched the aisles for treats — without a shopping list, as elephants never forget.

Shopkeeper Khamploy Gakaew eventually took him to tusk, ushering the wild animal out of her store.

She said: “This was the first time an elephant had visited the store. I hope he doesn’t come back.

“I was worried about the damage he could cause.

“He ate sweet, crispy rice cakes and chicken eggs before walking out.

“I was surprised to see it eating sweet food, as elephants usually search for something salty.”

She added: “We see elephants occasionally, and they will bother street food vendors for food. But this was unusual.”

Scientists stunned after elephant showers herself with a water hose – but footage also catches a cheeky ‘prank’
Elephant stuck in a supermarket.

4

The 25-year-old male munched on sweet rice cakes and chicken’s eggs in ThailandCredit: Taro Media via ViralPress
Elephant stuck in a supermarket.

4

Elephant sightings like these are rareCredit: Taro Media via ViralPress

Source link

JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes drive fans wild with intimate backstage video as her mum captures sweet moment on camera

JOJO SIWA and Chris Hughes have driven fans wild with an intimate backstage moment as her mum captures sweet moment on camera.

The pop star, 22, who just performed two shows in London, gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at her pre-show routine—with Chris, 32, right by her side.

JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes embracing backstage.

8

JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes drive fans wild with intimate backstage videoCredit: Instagram
JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes backstage.

8

JoJo’s mum captured sweet moment on cameraCredit: Instagram
JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes backstage; a woman puts a bracelet on JoJo Siwa's wrist.

8

The pop star gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at her pre-show routineCredit: Instagram
JoJo Siwa sitting on the floor in a split.

8

The clip shows JoJo warming up before being joined backstage by ChrisCredit: Instagram
JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes backstage; Siwa holds a water bottle.

8

The pair were filmed hugging each other, holding hands and putting bracelets on each otherCredit: Instagram

In a post to TikTok JoJo gave fans an inside look into her pre-show routine, the former Big Brother star was seen in the video warming up and spending time with her dancers. 

JoJo captioned the post: “Pre show is always my favorite hour. Just pure chaos and love and energy warming up. What a beautiful perfect 2 shows in London this week wow.”

The clip showed JoJo getting ready before being joined backstage by her new beau Chris.

The singer is shown stretching whilst the camera pans to Chris who cheekily chimes “Stretch it off then” as he walks into the room.

The pair were later filmed by mum Jessalyn hugging each other, holding hands and putting bracelets on each other. 

Former Love Islander Chris also learnt her hit song Karma and is videoed singing the lyrics alongside her. 

Fans rushed to the comments, gushing over the pair’s sweet on-camera moment.

One user penned: “Chris is the biggest green flag ive ever seen, u two are the cutest (red heart emoji)”

Another chimed: “The way his hand stays on her leg after she gets off his lap.”

“Sweet christopher being JoJo’s number1 fan” added a third. 

Watch as JoJo Siwa makes Chris Hughes blush with cute tribute as he proudly watches her perform in London

“Chris singing your lyrics Love ittttt!” wrote a fourth.

JoJo recently sent fans wild at her London gigs this week after she told them onstage she had “never felt so ­special and so loved”.

She also went on to change the lyrics of Bette Davis Eyes to “Chris Hughes’ eyes” as he looked on, giddy and red-faced at a music venue in Shoreditch.

Chris could not attend the second of her two-night run there — but JoJo didn’t miss her moment to shout out to him, singing to his orange beanie which she had placed in the crowd.

It comes after Chris made the 12-hour flight from the UK to Mexico to support JoJo as she performed to fans in Mexico City.

He later posted cosy snaps of them together online.

The two were then spotted kissing while straddling a lilo at an adults-only hotel during a loved-up getaway there.

When JoJo later returned to London the pair had a emotional reunion at Heathrow airport as JoJo flew in from Los Angeles — Chris greeting her with a large bouquet of red roses.

Jojo Siwa and Chris Hughes holding hands at an airport with luggage.

8

When JoJo returned to London for her shows this week the pair had a emotional reunion at Heathrow airportCredit: Instagram
Jojo Siwa and Chris Hughes kissing in a pool.

8

The two were recently spotted kissing while straddling a lilo at an adults-only hotel in Mexico
JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes sitting close together.

8

Chris made a 12-hour flight from the UK to Mexico to support JoJo as she performed to fans in Mexico CityCredit: itsjojosiwa/Instagram

Source link

Pregnant Vick Hope shares new snaps of her growing bump after sweet reveal

PREGNANT Vick Hope showed off her growing baby bump after she revealed she’s expecting her first child.

The Radio 1 presenter and husband Calvin Harris, who tied the knot on their Ibiza farm in 2023, will become parents later this year.

Pregnant Vick Hope and Calvin Harris on Instagram.

6

Vick Hope put her baby bump on display while holidaying with her family and friendsCredit: Instagram/vicknhope
Pregnant Vick Hope and Calvin Harris announce pregnancy on Instagram.

6

The Radio 1 star was seen adoringly glancing at her growing stomachCredit: Instagram/vicknhope
Three women playing paddle tennis. One woman is pregnant.

6

The TV star slightly covered her bump with two racquetsCredit: Instagram/vicknhope

Vick, 35, shared a photo of her in an orange bikini and an oversized white shirt, with her bump peaking through.

The radio presenter and international DJ Calvin enjoyed a baby shower with her friends and family in Ibiza a few weeks ago.

Vick was also seen staring adoringly at her growing stomach while wearing a flowy turquoise green summer dress.

In another snap, the Strictly star opted for a patterned bikini top and a pair of blue shorts as she hit some balls on the court.

She flashed a big smile and held two racquets in her hand, which slightly covered her bump.

Vick captioned the post: “Touching grass lately: Friends, family, farmyard animals.”

Many fans were quick to share gushing messages of congratulations.

One wrote: “Looking fabulous. This era suits you.”

A second posted: “Beautiful mama to be.”

Watch as Vick Hope cradles ‘baby bump’ in new video

Calvin and Vick have a stunning 138-acre organic farm in Ibiza, known as Terra Masia.

The Spanish estate produces fruit, vegetables, eggs, and wine, and represents Harris’s shift from jet-set lifestyle to a more rural affair.

A source told The Sun in 2022: “Calvin employs an expert team, including farmers and chefs, but he’s also hands-on, regularly getting involved in planting and other farm activities. He’s truly passionate about the project.”

They also have a 10-acre estate in the Cotswolds, which Calvin purchased for £3.6m in 2019.

Over the last few years a bespoke new mansion has been built on the Oxfordshire site which will become the family’s primary residence.

Architect Ben Pentreath, a favourite of the royals, designed the property which will be completed this year.

A source told the Mail: ” There’s no expense spared and it’s going to be amazing.”

Vick shared her happy baby news live on Radio 1 today, telling Jamie Laing: “I should probably also say this is my final week before I go on maternity leave.”

Jamie told her: “You’re an amazing friend, an amazing person, and you’re just going to be an amazing mum,.”

She replied: “Oh, thank you.”

Vick and Calvin’s love story was a longtime coming, with its origins going back to 2007, when Calvin was in his ‘Acceptable in the ‘80s’ era.

He had a crush on BBC star Vick, but when he worked up the courage to ask her out, she rejected him.

She told You Magazine: “It’s something that we laughed about on our first proper date… 

“We still laugh about it now.” 

Vick later confessed on Capital Radio: “I went off with either Scouting for Girls or The Wombats. I don’t know which. 

“I thought they were going to be bigger, but no, it turns out Calvin Harris was going to turn into an Adonis.”

Despite Calvin’s failed attempt at a date in the mid 2000s, he did eventually get the girl. 

The couple made their first official outing at The Chelsea Flower Show in May 2022. 

People couldn’t help but notice a sparkling diamond sitting on Vick’s ring finger – just five months after they got together.

They married in September 2023 at Hulne Priory, Alnwick, Northumberland

During the ceremony, the pair shared their personal vows and listened to poems. 

Nile Rodgers and Chic kicked off the reception with Luther Vandross’ 1981 hit Never Too Much, which was followed by songs by MadonnaBeyoncéPharrell Williams and David Bowie.

Shirtless man holding a rooster.

6

Calvin and Vick have a stunning 138-acre organic farm in Ibiza, known as Terra MasiaCredit: Instagram/vicknhope
Group of people relaxing by a pool.

6

The couple appeared to enjoy a baby shower with her friends and familyCredit: Instagram/vicknhope
Group of people seated at an outdoor table.

6

They were seen having a meal with their loved onesCredit: Instagram/vicknhope

Source link