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X Factor winner Leona Lewis to be made an OBE at Windsor Castle

X Factor winner Leona Lewis to be made an OBE at Windsor Castle

Rhyl Journal16-07-2025
X Factor winner Lewis will be made an OBE for services to music and charity.
Ex-Labour politician Dame Patricia Hewitt, who as health secretary pushed forward the ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces, will be made a Dame Commander of the British Empire (DCB).
Former Conservative schools minister Sir Nick Gibb will receive a knighthood.
Presenter and singer Myleene Klass, a former member of the group Hear'Say and runner-up in the 2006 series of I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, will be made an MBE for services to women's health, miscarriage awareness and charity.
Lewis, 40, won the third series of The X Factor in 2006 and went on to achieve success with singles including Bleeding Love, Run and Better In Time.
The British singer-songwriter from Islington, north London, became a seven-time Brit award nominee and was nominated three times for a Grammy award.
She has also carried out charity work with a number of organisations including the Prince's Trust, the Teenage Cancer Trust and WWF.
Dame Patricia, previously the chairwoman of NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, is being honoured for services to healthcare transformation.
The former MP for Leicester West served as health secretary, trade and industry secretary and minister for women during Tony Blair's government.
The Australian-born politician stepped down from cabinet in June 2007 when Gordon Brown took over as prime minister.
Sir Nick was first elected as Conservative MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton in 1997 and was first appointed as school standards minister in 2010, before being removed from the post two years later.
He was brought back as minister for school standards in 2014 and remained in the role until the reshuffle in September 2021 when he was sacked by then prime minister Boris Johnson.
The veteran schools minister, who is being honoured for services to education, returned to the Department for Education (DfE) in October 2022 and stepped down from Government in 2023.
During his tenure he oversaw curriculum and exam reforms and was an advocate of phonics as a method of teaching children to read.
Klass, 47, has campaigned for paid bereavement leave to be extended to those who experience a miscarriage.
The mother of three suffered four miscarriages and has spoken openly about the psychological effects of baby loss on women.
She is an ambassador for the pregnancy and baby charity Tommy's and fronted the Bafta-nominated documentary Myleene Klass: Miscarriage And Me in 2021, in which she met women around the UK to hear their experiences.
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Jade Thirlwall makes history at BBC Proms as she pays tearful tribute to North East icon
Jade Thirlwall makes history at BBC Proms as she pays tearful tribute to North East icon

Daily Mirror

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mirror

Jade Thirlwall makes history at BBC Proms as she pays tearful tribute to North East icon

Former Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall put on a show to remember as she returned back to her North East roots to make BBC Proms history Jade Thirlwall made an emotional return to her native North East with a powerful and intimate performance for BBC Proms. The former Little Mix star, 32, admitted she had gone "full circle" as she took to the stage at Gateshead's exquisite venue, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, on Friday night. ‌ It marked the South Shields star's first welcome home as a solo artist over a decade after catapulting to fame after her X Factor success. And the show she put on for her adoring fans was nothing short of spectacular. ‌ After being introduced to the stage by Radio 1's Greg James, Jade gave the crowd a show to remember on the history-making occasion. Accompanied throughout by the immensely talented Royal Northern Sonfonia, who were superbly orchestrated by Robert Ames, Jade's tunes had an added twist to them. ‌ She mixed things up with an entertaining blend of her own songs, beautiful covers and medleys to boot. Oh, and of course one of her favourite Little Mix numbers, too, which was made all the more special to her thanks to the orchestra. The venue on the banks of the River Tyne provided the perfect backdrop for Jade's powerful vocals to reverberate. AS well as her own huge tracks such as Plastic Box, FUFN, and Angel of My Dreams, the talented vocalist impressed with covered songs that meant a lot to her. ‌ After starting with Madonna's Frozen, she then treated the crowd one of her top three Little Mix numbers. Expressing how she had "waited years for this moment" she belted out Sweet Melody with the backing help of the sinfonia. Perhaps the performance of the night soon followed, though, before she dedicated a Clubland medley to her brother Karl, who was in attendance. Paying tribute to the "King of the North," Jade produced a flawless and spine tingling performance of Sam Fender's Remember My Name. The emotional number had fans in tears before Jade teared up while explaining the sentimental meaning behind her choice. With her voice breaking, she revealed the song had been played at a friend's funeral just weeks ago. ‌ The candid confession was met with huge support from the crowd, some of who shouted out to gush over their "Angel of the North". In between the tunes, Jade continued to shower praise on her north east roots at every given opportunity - including her love of homemade mince and dumplings. And the down to earth interactions saw her happily respond to outbursts of adoration from the crowd as she sipped on her tea. ‌ And she also had time for one last surprise at the end of the night - but insisted phones were put away to treasure the moment and keep the surprise in tact. Let's just say fans are in for a real treat! While the concert was being broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 on the night and will go out again on BBC Radio 1 on Sunday, it marked the first time the Proms had been filmed for television outside of London. The occasion on the night began with those in the bar area treated to an upbeat DJ set by DJ Becky Woodcock, before Middlesbrough's Finn Forster impressed with a warm-up performance on stage. Showcasing his vocal talents, Finn wouldn't have looked out of place headlining his own show on the night, with his dulcet tones and clever songwriting gripping the audience with his stripped back acoustic performance. ‌ But it was far from the only occasion on offer for the Proms in the region. The night marked four days of live music across the North East for the BBC Proms. Special performances, including Jade's, reflect on a region on the rise musically and culturally at the Glasshouse in Gateshead. And there was also a first as newly crowned Music City Sunderland also held its very first BBC Proms gig at The Fire Station on Thursday. Tonight, however, reinforced Jade's hugely powerful vocal range as she dominated the solo performance and had those watching in the palm of her hands. A fiercely passionate display that peeled back the layers to show an artist proudly returning to her roots. And she also found the time to urge the powers that be to ensure funding is available for the arts on a stage she first graced as a novice aged 15.

My girlfriend says she's in Witness Protection due to a bombshell past
My girlfriend says she's in Witness Protection due to a bombshell past

Metro

time2 hours ago

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My girlfriend says she's in Witness Protection due to a bombshell past

When does a traumatic past stop sounding tragic and start to sound made up? That's what this week's reader is trying to figure out. His girlfriend has told him stories of abuse, cancer, living under a fake name, and even claimed to be homeless at one point. It seems like every week there's a new drama. His friends are urging him to face the fact that her tales might not be true. But he's clinging onto the hope that she's an honest person. Read the advice below, but before you go, make sure to read last week's dilemma, where a reader found out her husband is cheating – despite her doing everything for him. For the last 16 months I've been 'seeing' a gorgeous girl I'm really keen on, who lives the other end of the country. We met when she was in my town on business and immediately hit it off. We message and facetime frequently, but our relationship is mostly on-line. This has been complicated by the fact that she has regular cancer treatment, so is often not available to talk to me or see me, as her treatment is tiring and debilitating. Bit by bit she has told me her backstory, which is horrific – if it's true. She told me she was abused by a paedophile ring as a child, with the full cooperation of her mother. She has since testified against the perpetrators and as a result of that, she's in the Witness Protection Programme, which means she can only tell me her 'new' name, not her real birth name. She also told me she has a young son but he's had to go into care, because she ended up living in her car when a previous boyfriend kicked her out (he was cheating) and that her son has been abused in the care home. She also told me that his best friend had died by suicide. I could go on. X Factor icon Diana Vickers and Metro's dating expert Alice Giddings dive into your wildest sex, love, and dating dilemmas – every Tuesday. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch on YouTube. And be sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. You can also join the fun on our WhatsApp Group Chat here – share your dilemmas and Diana and Alice may just give you a call. It feels like every time I talk to her there's another drama. She has stressed multiple times that everything she tells me is confidential, but I've confided in a few friends who think it's all fantasy nonsense. So far, she hasn't asked me for any money, and I really want to believe that she's a truthful and honest person. It's just the regularity of the bad news that has me asking questions. I've had to edit your email as it was so long and full of your girlfriend's breathtaking stories, it would have taken up at least three of my columns in its full form. I hate to be cynical, but the sheer volume of terrible things that have befallen this woman leave me in no doubt that your friends are right with their description of 'fantasy nonsense'. Let's just examine a couple of things she's told you, beginning with the fact that she's supposedly in the Witness Protection Programme – and yet has willingly shared this highly confidential information. Does that ring true to you? By the way, in this country it's referred to as the UK Protected Persons Service (UKPPS), so I wonder whether she's just been watching too many American detective films. Then there's the story about her living in her car, while she supposedly has cancer. There is so much support for cancer sufferers in this country, I find this tale impossible to believe. Anyway, where were her UKPPS support workers in her hour of need? Fantasists like this are rare and you've been unlucky, but you've been gullible too. Maybe you are so desperate for commitment that you've slightly lost sight of common sense. You say she hasn't asked you for money, but she might eventually; on the other hand, it may just be about power, and the 'fun' of manipulating your emotions. More Trending My advice is to end things with her and look for a real relationship with someone who lives closer. Adopt a more sceptical approach next time you hear wild stories, and listen to your friends. They have your best interests at heart. Laura is a counsellor and columnist. View More » Got a sex and dating dilemma? To get expert advice, send your problem to Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: My date was going well until my braces got stuck… down there MORE: I uncovered my husband's dirty secret while he was in a coma MORE: Our boss let us spend the day visiting porn sites in the name of research

00s pop star reveals pain of fame forcing him 'back into the closet'
00s pop star reveals pain of fame forcing him 'back into the closet'

Metro

time2 hours ago

  • Metro

00s pop star reveals pain of fame forcing him 'back into the closet'

Noughties music star Noel Sullivan has revealed the struggles he was secretly facing behind the scenes at the height of his fame in one of the country's favourite pop bands. Now aged 44, the Welsh singer rose to popularity in Hear'Say in 2001, having been created on the talent show Popstars. Along with bandmates Myleene Klass, Kym Marsh, Suzanne Shaw, and Danny Foster, he broke chart records with their debut single, Pure and Simple, which remains just as catchy today. However, away from the bright lights of stardom, Noel was battling with having to stay quiet about who he truly was. Just 19 at the time he was thrust into the spotlight, Noel has said he was forbidden from discussing his sexuality, feeling as though he had been 'chucked back into the closet'. It wasn't until 2017 that he publicly came out as gay when he announced he had married his partner. Speaking to Heat magazine, he shared: 'It was really mad. It was a lifetime ago. I can look back at it with fond memories now, but it took a while to sort through the damage.' With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! 'But I'm here, and I survived,' he declared proudly. The performer reflected on his late teens and early twenties, which ought to have been the time he could 'explore who [he] is'. 'To be boxed back up and chucked back in the closet was a damaging experience for me; it took a lot of time to find some resolution to that and not feel guilty or shameful because of it.' Noel is now in a happy marriage with husband James and often shares an insight into their relationship with social media snaps. On his birthday several years ago, he also reminisced on his pop band days and how he sank into 'depression' when he was unable to come out. He wrote: 'As a 19 year old, I was told to shut up about my sexuality. If I wanted a career, I had to be something else. Silent. It ruined me. 'No one was held accountable for the years of depression and self abuse that followed. It got to the point where I felt like I couldn't speak out anymore because my time in the spotlight had passed and I assumed no one would care. 'It was a turbulent time but I took solace in my family and in theatre. Without the crazy, beautiful, supportive and talented people I worked with, lived with and performed for, I could never have found myself.' 'After years of self doubt I finally feel free to say what I need to,' Noel concluded. 'Free to let go of the past, free to love myself. But most importantly, free to love. Thank you [sic]'. While Noel now enjoys a much quieter, slower-paced life, he hasn't turned his back on entertainment completely. A lover of theatre, he previously appeared in productions of Fame, Love Shack, and What a Feeling, as well as playing male lead Danny Zuko in Grease on the West End in the late 2000s. Noel also had a cameo in Gavin and Stacey, starred as Galileo Figaro in the UK tour of We Will Rock You, and shared the role of Tick/Mitzi with Jason Donovan in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. In more recent years, he's popped up in BBC's Call the Midwife Christmas special and played Oscar Baxter in Doctors. As for Hear'Say, their glittering success was short-lived. Things started going downhill in January 2002, when Kym left due to conflicts with Noel and Myleene. She was replaced by former Boom! member Johnny Shentall, and they released just one single, Lovin' is Easy, as part of this lineup. In October 2002, Hear'Say announced they would be breaking up, having failed to make a commercial splash with their latest music. At the time, they cited 'abuse from the public' as the main reason for the split, while its members went on to achieve success individually. Kym, 49, enjoyed a solo career and famously starred as Michelle Connor in Coronation Street, has hosted Morning Live, and also starred in Waterloo Road. More Trending Danny, 46, has had a quieter career, but performs as part of his own soul and Motown group, Danny Foster & The Big Soul Corporation, and also auditioned for The Voice. Suzanne, 43, is an established West End performer, won series 3 of Dancing On Ice and took part in the All Stars series, and played Eve Jenson in Emmerdale. Finally, Myleene, 47, was an iconic I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! campmate in 2006, and went on to win the All Stars series in 2023. She also presents on TV and radio, and was awarded an MBE this year for her women's health campaigning. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: What I Own: At 22 and 23, we bought a run-down London four-bed for £910,000 MORE: EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite reveals her son, 17, is transgender MORE: Netflix viewers rush to watch 'absorbing' reboot of beloved Scottish crime drama

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