18 hours agoBlogsComments Off on Beloved radio star dies in hospital after four decades on air as devastated colleagues pay tribute to ‘force of nature’
A MUCH loved radio star tragically passed away in hospital after four decades on air.
Simon Marlow, who had worked for the British Forces Broadcasting Service since 2007, sadly died in London on Friday.
He initially started as a freelance presenter before taking on permanent roles in production and management across multiple locations.
Ben Chapman, CEO of BFBS, said: “Simon was always a bright force of nature in any setting… He made a difference.”
“We send our heartfelt condolences to Simon’s family and friends… and to his team in Northern Ireland, his many listeners and colleagues across the BFBS world.”
18 hours agoBlogsComments Off on Wimbledon 2025 LIVE RESULTS: Boulter in deciding set NOW after Raducanu THROUGH and Alcaraz wins five-set thriller
WIMBLEDON is underway at the All England Club – Katie Boulter in a deciding set RIGHT NOW!
Emma Raducanu started her tournament with a straight sets win over 17-year-old Brit Mimi Xu on Court One, while Katie Boulter is in action hoping to pull off a huge shock against World No9 Paul Badosa.
18 hours agoBlogsComments Off on Wimbledon star bursts in to tears as she suffers shock 6-0 6-0 defeat in first round
YULIA PUTINTSEVA burst into tears as she suffered a brutal 6-0 6-0 defeat to Amanda Anisimova at Wimbledon.
The Kazakh star reached the fourth round in SW19 last year, even dumping out then-world No1 Iga Swiatek in the process.
BBCYulia Putintseva cried into her towel[/caption]
BBCThe Kazakh was trailing 6-0 5-0 at the time[/caption]
BBCAmanda Anisimova and Putintseva shared a brief handshake[/caption]
Her Wimbledon stay was to be a much shorter one this time around, as she fell to Anisimova in just 45 minutes without winning a game.
During the changeover at 6-0 5-0, Putintseva cried into her towel.
Anisimova, 23, was ruthless from there, winning the next game to complete the drubbing.
The pair then engaged in a brusque handshake before Putintseva swiftly left the court.
Anisimova won 51 points to Putintseva’s paltry total of 21.
The American also struck 18 winners to 10 unforced errors.
Her opponent, meanwhile, hit just ONE winner throughout the entire contest, in addition to 14 unforced errors.
Anisimova, seeded 13th at this year’s Championships, will face Renata Zarazua in round two on Wednesday.
18 hours agoBlogsComments Off on North Korean tyrant Kim Jong-un weeps over coffins of troops he sent to die in Putin’s meatgrinder war in Ukraine
KIM Jong-un wept as he watched himself back draping flags over the coffins of North Korean troops he sent to die on Putin’s front-line in Ukraine.
Around 12,000 North Koreans were shipped over to fight for Russia – but they were ill-prepared for the battlefield and many were decimated.
ReutersKim Jong-un teared up as he watched back himself laying the North Korean flag over soldiers’ coffins[/caption]
XThe coffins are thought to contain the bodies of North Koreans killed while fighting for Russia in Ukraine[/caption]
AFPKim enters the ceremony with his daughter Kim Ju-ae, right, and Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, left[/caption]
Kim hosted a ceremony which remembered the soldiers taken out by Zelensky’s brave army – and things got emotional for the tyrant.
Thousands of North Koreans stood to attention in the vast auditorium, with Kim in the front row.
Images of Kim draping the North Korean flag over soldiers’ coffins were broadcast on a giant screen at the front while a huge orchestra played emotional music.
Women in long dresses sang passionately and there was even a harp player stationed on the stage.
Kim draped flags over at least six coffins, and could be seen resting his hands on them in reflection.
Watching the scenes back, the dictator’s eyes shone with emotion.
Other members of the audience – which reportedly included North Korean and Russian soldiers – were also visibly moved.
The state-run Korea Central News Agency hailed the gala for reaffirming the “ties of friendship and the genuine internationalist obligation between the peoples and armies of the two countries that were forged at the cost of blood.
The event was attended by Russia’s culture minster Olga Lyubimov, who was visiting the Hermit Kingdom to mark the first anniversary of the strategic partnership treaty.
Signed last June by Putin and Kim, it included a mutual defence pact – guaranteeing they will protect one another.
The treaty is believed to have majorly ramped up co-operation between the nations.
Moscow is understood to be providing Pyongyang with vital military technology – including blueprints for missile guidance systems and air defence weapons.
And after months of speculation, the leaders finally admitted that North Korean troops had fought for Russia.
Kim’s men were first reported to be in Russia back in October, and the following month there was strong evidence of them on the battlefield.
XKim seemed moved by the sacrifices of his troops[/caption]
EPAThe military ceremony was a pompous affair complete with a choir and orchestra[/caption]
AFPThe event marked a year since North Korea and Russia signed a mutual defence agreement[/caption]
They fought alongside Putin’s men mainly in the Kursk region – an area of Russia which Ukraine took in a surprise incursion.
Thousands of the North Koreans died, with analysts suggesting they were not prepared for the modern style of drone warfare.
However, it was admitted that the Korean soldiers were ultimately instrumental in Russia winning back the land in March this year.
As the rotten partnership blooms, North Korea is expected to send another 6,000 troops over to Russia later this summer.
The military assistance has been slammed by concerned nations, including South Korea and Japan.
Officials in Seoul have raised concerns that it violates UN sanctions on North Korea.
AFPKim and the Russian minister had much to chat about[/caption]
18 hours agoBlogsComments Off on Barbie Forteza and Jak Roberto Reconnected At GMA Event Months After Split
After some time apart, Barbie Forteza and Jak Roberto met again. During the GMA Beyond 75 event, former lovers Barbie Forteza and Jak Roberto met each other and exchanged pleasantries. “Beyond 75: The GMA Network 75th Anniversary Special” rolled out its red carpet over the weekend and gathered hundreds of stars for a single event. ... Read more
18 hours agoBlogsComments Off on Hollywood A-lister goes public with stunning new girlfriend at Glastonbury months after split from ‘professional witch’
SPIDER-MAN star Andrew Garfield has caught a new woman in his web – American actress Monica Barbaro.
The pair went public with their romance at Glastonbury and were seen holding hands and kissing as they watched sets across Worthy Farm.
Shutterstock EditorialAndrew Garfield went public with his new girlfriend at Glastonbury[/caption]
GettyAndrew is dating stunning actress Monica Barbaro[/caption]
Andrew and Monica have been pictured a few times since January but insiders now confirm that the pair are an “official couple” and “happily dating.”
One VIP guest, who saw them on Friday and Saturday, told me: “Andrew and Monica are the real deal.
“They were in the posh teepee tents on site and spent a lot of time in and out of the VIP area, as well as out around the farm.
“On Friday she was posing for some pictures in the VIP area and he stood quite a distance away but looked really proud.
“By Saturday they were holding hands and kissing and cuddling.
“They both seemed really happy and were singing along to Gracie Abrams during her set.
“Andrew had been single since last year, when he split from Dr Kate Tomas, who describes herself as a “professional witch”.
At the time those close to the couple said Andrew fell for Kate — who offers readings, spiritual mentorship, consulting and masterclasses — because she was “very different from other women he’s dated” in the past.
They weren’t kidding. Andrew has been linked to celebrities including Phoebe Dynevor, Emma Stone, Rita Ora and Alyssa Miller.
So he’s definitely returned to type with Monica, the actress who landed her breakthrough Hollywood role with 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick.
She also appeared as singer Joan Baez alongside Timothee Chalamet in A Complete Unknown, which earned her an Oscar nod in the Best Supporting Actress category.
My Spidey senses tell me Andrew’s on to a winner here.
PAUL AND GRACIE FIND THEIR GUIDING LIGHT. . . AT 3.30AM
GLADIATOR actor Paul Mescal was the last man standing – albeit held upright by his singer girlfriend Gracie Abrams.
The loved-up couple were seen making the 25-minute walk back from dance mecca Block9 to their campsite at 3.30am yesterday morning, after hitting it hard all weekend.
Paul Mescal was the last man standing at Glasto albeit held upright by his singer girlfriend Gracie AbramsSuppliedThe couple found a bloke with a red light on his head who could lead the waySuppliedGettyPaul and Gracie were also seen watching Olivia Rodrigo[/caption]
GettyGracie performed on The Other Stage on Friday[/caption]
And they made sure they stayed on the right track, despite looking slightly worse for wear, by finding a bloke with a red light on his head who could lead the way.
A source said: “Paul and Gracie made sure they went out with a bang.
They were partying hard in Block9 until 3.30am and then decided to call it a night.
“They were having to hold each other up during the walk back.
“But in a genius move, they hired a man with a red light to walk ahead of them so they had something to follow all the way back to their campsite.”
Earlier in the evening, the couple were seen watching Olivia Rodrigo’s headline set on the Pyramid Stage, with Gracie even getting up on Paul’s shoulders.
Elsewhere, former Doctor Who actor Matt Smith and model Cara Delevingne partied until 3am at NYC Downlow.
Meanwhile, Mel C admitted she was knackered and called it a night at 2am after changing into an on-brand Adidas tracksuit.
Better call her Snorey Spice.
ALICE ACE IT
WOLF ALICE were one of my surprise highlights when they took to the Other Stage for a golden hour slot on Sunday evening.
Frontwoman Ellie Rowsell, dressed in white shorts and a matching top with blue stars, delivered a brilliant set that drew a huge crowd.
AFPWolf Alice were a highlight of Glastonbury[/caption]
As well as smashing their anthemic new single Bloom Baby Bloom, they had the crowd in the palm of their hands with a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams.
ANDY’S GIRL PARTY PALS
ANDY CARROLL didn’t waste any time finding some new female friends, after his missus Lou Teasdale ditched the dirt and dust of Worthy Farm for a hotel.
Onlookers spotted the former England footballer watching The Prodigy on Sunday with two glamorous women and his pals.
Andy Carroll found new female friends after Lou Teasdale ditched GlastonburySuppliedAndy was spotted watching The Prodigy on Sunday with two glamorous women and his palssuppliedAndy was spotted at Worthy Farm all weekendSuppliedLou was only seen on site on Friday and Saturday
Andy draped his arms around both of them as they walked to and from the stage.
One reveller told me: “Andy was still living his best life even when Lou wasn’t there.
“He walked out to The Other Stage with a pretty blonde woman and put his arms around her as they headed there from the VIP area.
“It’s amazing he watched any of the set because he was talking to her almost non-stop when they played.
“Before the end of the set, he went and got a round of drinks for them all and the blonde woman joined him at the bar.
“On the way back into VIP, he was with a brunette and walked with his arm around her neck.
“He looked like he was having the time of his life.”
We’re pretty sure the hangover yesterday was as brutal as ours.
Andy, who started dating Lou after he split from his wife, ex Towie star Billi Mucklow, was spotted at Worthy Farm all weekend.
Meanwhile, make-up artist Lou was only seen on site on Friday and Saturday.
She shared photographs of herself sunbathing at Babington House, a posh members’ only club which is 30 minutes away from the festival.
I’m not surprised she fancied dipping her toes in the pool, given how hot it was down there this year.
Bizbit
HOLLYWOOD star Glen Powell put a few noses out of joint when he pushed through the crowd to get a prime spot for Charli XCX’s show.
Minutes before she started, fans were shocked to see the Maverick: Top Gun actor making his way to the front on Saturday, despite plenty of others having staked a claim on their spot over an hour earlier.
MIGHTY MYLES
MY favourite set this year was the brilliant Myles Smith – who I grabbed for a selfie and a chat, below, following his performance on the Woodsies stage.
He was euphoric after his show, above, and it’s not surprising given the size of the crowd, which spilled out of the huge tent and deep into the field surrounding it.
APMyles Smith was a Glastonbury stand-out[/caption]
Myles is fast becoming a megastar, and after graduating to the Woodsies from the BBC Introducing Stage last year, I think massive things lie ahead for him.
I was at London’s O2 Arena in March when he picked up the Brit Award Rising Star gong, telling fans he used to play to 50 people before he got his big break.
Bring on Glastonbury 2027, where I think Myles will be moved on to an even bigger stage.
He made a brave return when he performed to well over 100,000 fans on the Pyramid Stage on Friday.
AFPLewis Capaldi is heading out on tour[/caption]
Lewis has now revealed he will go on a ten-date tour across the country, starting at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena on September 7.
The pre-sale will begin at 9am next Tuesday, while tickets go on general sale on July 10. I’m sure they’ll sell out quickly.
Lewis, who has been on a two-year break from music since his 2023 Glasto performance, where he struggled with anxiety, returned with emotional new single Survive.
Now he’s on course to score his sixth No1 this Friday.
Well deserved indeed.
HOT ROD OFF THE BOOZE
OLIVIA RODRIGO pledged her allegiance to the flag when she wore Union Jack hotpants for a spellbinding headline slot on Sunday night.
But despite claiming on stage one of her favourite things about Blighty is that “no one judges you for having a pint at noon”, I’ve learned she was one of a handful of sober ravers at the festival.
GettyOlivia Rodrigo wore Union Jack hotpants for a spellbinding headline slot on Sunday night[/caption]
BBCOlivia brought out The Cure’s Robert Smith[/caption]
EPAOlivia had a booze-free backstage area so she was in tip-top shape for the performance[/caption]
I can reveal that Olivia, who was joined by The Cure’s Robert Smith during her stonking set, had a booze-free backstage area so she was in tip-top shape for the performance.
She wasn’t the only one who still had fun while avoiding the bottle, as Radio 2’s Zoe Ball and TV presenter Davina McCall, who have both been sober for years, raved late into the night.
We spotted Davina and her long-term boyfriend Michael Douglas snogging like a couple of teenagers on the dancefloor of one backstage bar, before finally calling it a night at 2.45am on Sunday morning.
Meanwhile, Zoe stuck to water and was seen dancing along to a remix of Duran Duran’s Girls On Film well into the early hours.
Judging by my hangover yesterday, perhaps I should try this when Glastonbury returns in 2027.
NO ENTRY FOR ALEXA AT VIP BAR
ALEXA CHUNG may be a top model, but that didn’t stop her from appearing to be refused entry to a VIP bar at the festival.
18 hours agoBlogsComments Off on I was abandoned by my mum an hour after I was born – 24 years on I’ve tracked down my dad & have a message for mum
DISCOVERED in a Surrey multi-story car park in 2001, she was famously known as the ‘Baby In Pink’.
Sarah Meyer’s story first appeared on ITV’s This Morning 24 years ago and made her first appearance today.
Sarah Meyer’s story first appeared on ITV’s This Morning 24 years ago and made her first appearance todayITVShe was abandoned by her birth mother[/caption]
ITVPolice officer Wendy appeared on This Morning holding Sarah[/caption]
Found wrapped in a pink towel, her story captivated viewers.
More than two decades later, Sarah returned to This Morning to provide a significant life update to hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard.
She shared details of her adoption, with footage showing her being cared for by former hosts Judy Finnigan and Richard Madeley during her initial appearance.
In the clip, Judy, then 57, held Sarah and told viewers: “This little sprog was abandoned in a multi-story carpark. She was barely an hour old, weighing just 7lbs.”
After watching the tape back, Sarah said: “It was crazy seeing that again and being back here. It’s insane, full circle. I’ve been able to find my birth parents.
“My foster parents have always kept me informed about my past, and done it the right way.
“My backstory – they’ve shown me the clips and newspapers. I’ve always had my identity and history, that’s the way it should be. Any questions I’ve had, they answered.”
Sarah continued: “I’m proud of my story. I wanted to find out what is out there but also wanted to show who is out there that I’ve had a good life.
“I understand they’d also have the question of where am I now – I wanted to show them that I’m okay and give them that reassurance. I’m at peace with it and they can put it to bed.
“My birth mother thanked everyone for looking after me in a letter.
“The amount of gratitude of the people who stepped up to be my family is immense, they don’t get enough gratitude. Nobody thanks them.
“They are the start of the family for those people, Wendy was the start of my family.”
Sarah originally appeared on This Morning in 2001, as she was being held by a police officer called Wendy.
Speaking to Cat and Ben today, Sarah described her birth father explaining how “insane” it is that they are “so alike.”
We put Sarah’s DNA across the four being genealogical sites
Ariel Bruce, the lead researcher from Long Lost Family
She added: “My dad didn’t even know that I existed. The way he welcomed me into his family was insane. My nan worked in the hospital I was brought into.”
Speaking about her birth mother’s absence, Sarah said: “The door is open for my birth mother and always will be.
“I’ve had 24 years to process my story. My mum has had a much shorter amount of time to process it. Life is complex.”
As the interview with Cat and Ben came to the end, a video of Richard Madeley speaking from his garden was played.
The TV presenter, 69, said: “What an end to an incredible story. We were so passionate about trying to find your family for you.
“Huge congratulations from Judy and from me. Have a great rest of your life and lots of love.”
Davina McCall presents the Long Lost Family show on ITVITVPolice went on to This Morning to appeal for help to track down her family[/caption]
ITVSarah Meyer was left in a multistory carpark in 2001 and appeared on the ITV show’s sofa as a newborn in a bid for police to trace her parents[/caption]
Sarah was joined on the sofa by Ariel Bruce, the lead researcher from Long Lost Family who used Sarah’s DNA to finally get her answers on her birth parents.
Ariel Bruce, Long Lost Family’s lead researcher, joined Sarah on the sofa. Bruce, who utilized Sarah’s DNA, was instrumental in providing answers about her birth parents.
Speaking about her journey, Ariel said: “Sarah trusted us with her search and that’s the beginning. I’m very grateful to do this sort of work.
“We put Sarah’s DNA across the four being genealogical sites.
“We use a combination of those connection and conventional genealogy to build a forensic narrative.
“It’s a mixture of science, good luck and detective work. It’s only the beginning of the story though.
“Having contact is just the beginning of a lifelong journey.”
How can you make a blended family work?
THERE are an increasing amount of blended families making it work around the world, with some of them even taking that extra step and living together.
And in a post on the Supernanny website, clinical psychologist Dr Victoria Samuel has revealed her three of her top tips to make a blended family work and to avoid common blended family pitfalls.
Prepare for intense feelings
“For a new blended family to be formed, a breakdown of an original family must happen, so it’s normal for children to experience intense and sometimes overwhelming feelings: anger, disappointment, sadness, grief, guilt, worry and insecurity,” she said.
“When parents remarry or move in with a new partner who has children from a pre-existing marriage, a child faces further threats to his sense of stability.”
To help this process, ensure you accept and listen to all your children’s feelings “without judgement or suggesting immediate solutions”, and “convey an acceptance of their experiences with concern and empathy”.
Agree parenting roles
“It’s absolutely crucial to show a united front,” Dr Victoria said.
“The younger family members need to know that rules will be consistently and fairly applied, by both adults, to all children in the family.”
In a bid to put across a “consistent approach”, take the time to “openly discuss your parenting values with your new partner”.
“Talk about those taken-for-granted beliefs you have about family life: what behaviour you expect and what you won’t tolerate,” she added.
Push a problem-solving approach
“A great way of avoiding simmering resentment is to arrange regular family meetings,” Dr Victoria suggested.
“Take it in turns to chair the meeting and avoid interruptions and shouting with the pass the stone technique: to be allowed to talk at the meeting, the ‘stone’ (a pen or apple or whatever you have to hand!) has to be in the speaker’s hands.
“There is only one stone, so only one person talks at once.”
18 hours agoBlogsComments Off on I partied with celebs at Glasto & caught Harry Styles snogging mystery girl – this is what VIP area is REALLY like
THE clock is ticking towards 2.30am on Sunday, and I’m standing in a VIP boozer at Glastonbury watching Davina McCall throwing shapes on the dancefloor.
She was having the time of her life with her pals and partner Michael Douglas – who all had far more energy than I did at that time of night.
Harry Styles shared a passionate kiss with a mystery woman at GlastonburyThe SunThe Sun’s Amir Razavi caught Harry on camera – after enjoying drinks in the VIP bars with the likes of Davina McCallAfter a weekend of boozing with the stars, Amir is home recoveringThe SunPop superstar Harry arriving at the Worthy Farm festival[/caption]
TV presenter Davina went unnoticed by other revellers, as did the even more famous man who was dancing just a few feet away from them – pop superstar Harry Styles.
Although that may be because he was tucked away wearing a grey jumper with his shades on, locking lips for 12 seconds with a frizzy-haired young woman.
I captured the passionate moment on camera after my colleague and I spotted former One Direction singer Harry, 31, shuffling into the bar moments earlier.
They had arrived separately but seemed to already be well-acquainted.
Might this have been going on for longer, or was it just a Glastonbury romance? Time will tell.
I saw them holding hands as they made their way to the dancefloor, where they partied discreetly with the music pumping, before kissing and then going their separate ways for the evening.
The bar itself – the name of which I’ll keep a secret – is full of bright lights while the dance area is just a tiny, dark room.
It has a cool vibe and is one of the most popular haunts among celebs. Most importantly, it has plenty of booze and good tunes to keep them going.
There are certainly more luxurious VIP areas on Worthy Farm, though, and all of them are swarming with A-listers.
I’m fortunate enough to get access to these places through my job.
And one of the things that strikes me most about this weird and wonderful festival is that so many of those stars can party all day and night without even being spotted.
Even when it is supermodel Cara Delevingne, who was walking around Silvers Bar in the hospitality area in a Robbie Williams-inspired bright red Adidas tracksuit on Sunday night.
Or Hollywood star Paul Mescal and his American singer girlfriend Gracie Abrams – who performed on the Other Stage on Friday – out raving in one tent in the early hours.
There was one moment when I was sitting on a bench outside Silvers Bar, sipping a cider and people watching, when I turned around to see Davina and her pals had perched themselves alongside me.
Many celebs will stop for selfies with fans, some won’t.
I had actually bumped into Harry on Friday evening, chatting away to lots of people and shaking their hands.
I thought I would ask him for a quick selfie to add to the Glastonbury scrapbook.
He replied, in the most polite tone: “Do you mind if we don’t?”
Harry then asked for my name and shook my hand before continuing with his evening.
It was only a very brief encounter, but he was one of the most well-mannered and charming celebs I have met.
You can see why fans – and no doubt the woman he was kissing – adore him. He has got it all: the looks, the style, the talent and personality.
This was Harry’s first time at Glastonbury, but hopefully it will not be his last.
Next year is a fallow year, so roll on 2027. Hopefully I’ll have recovered by then.
Harry was spotted kissing the glamorous woman in a VIP areaThe SunPaul and Gracie were seen embracing after her set and partied until 3amDaisy Edgar-Jones was seen watching Gracie Abrams at GlastonburyGettyMarco Capaldo and Lily Allen seen on day two at Glasto[/caption]
18 hours agoBlogsComments Off on Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend Ashlyn Castro shares never-before-seen pictures and videos of loved-up couple in sweet post
JUDE BELLINGHAM’s girlfriend Ashlyn Castro gave a rare and romantic glimpse into their relationship for his 22nd birthday.
The England midfielder and the 27-year-old Californian model have given little away about their life together… until now.
