Latest news with #AllStars
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘I feel so blessed': Inside Demi Lee Moore's baby shower
Demi and her husband Barthlo Visagie, are expecting their first child. Singer and songwriter Demi Lee Moore celebrated her forthcoming baby with a luxurious shower this past weekend. The soft blue and white-hued event was held at the De Harte venue in Onderstepoort, Pretoria. The baby shower follows Demi's announcement in April that she and her husband, Barthlo Visagie, are expecting their first child, a baby boy. Taking to Instagram, Demi expressed her gratitude to those close to her for making the day so special. 'I just realised once again how important it is to surround yourself with the right people. Thank you for a very special day. Thank you for your love, care and prayers for me and Bart, as well as our dearest miracle that is on the way. I feel so blessed to be able to call you my heart people,' she wrote. ALSO READ: 22 weeks and glowing: Rugby WAG Marise Pollard shows off baby bump [Pics] More than a decade of bliss Demi and Barthlo's love story began in 2014 when they met at a music store where Barthlo worked. 'I went to buy my first guitar. He walked up, and I saw his red All Stars first. I happened to be wearing my pink All Stars, and that was the first thing we noticed about each other,' Demi previously shared. The couple got engaged in December 2020. Sharing the news on Instagram, Demi said it was the best day of her life. 'You have conquered my whole heart, with your generous nature, your gentle humanity and your abundance of love for me. I love you, my angel,' she added. NOW READ: Londie London sues Minnie Ntuli over reunion showdown, demands public apology video
New York Times
11 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Do Tigers have what it takes in second half to win it all?
DETROIT — In the first half of the MLB season, the Detroit Tigers sought to gain respect, to prove last fall was no fluke, to assert themselves as one of baseball's best teams and overall organizations. Mission accomplished. In MLB's second half, the team with the league's best record (59-38) faces a task that might be even more challenging. With respect comes expectations. With winning comes pressure. With six All-Stars, an elite starting pitcher, and the chances to fortify weaknesses at the trade deadline, there is an opportunity for the Tigers to do something they have not done in a long time. Advertisement The Tigers have not won a World Series since 1984. They have not appeared in one since 2012. Play like the Tigers did in the first half, and the tenor of every conversation changes. The lens through which we view this team alters. Here, then, is a sampling of the biggest Tigers storylines as we return from the All-Star break: The Tigers entered the break with a 5.18 bullpen ERA since June 1. That ranks 26th in the league. For the entire season, the bullpen ranks dead last in whiff rate. The takeaway here? The bullpen isn't good enough to win a championship without some combination of external additions and internal improvements. This could be the defining issue of the Tigers' second half. The Tigers will likely add a leverage reliever — perhaps more than one — at the trade deadline. Aroldis Chapman and David Bednar are two trendy names. However, the next two weeks could also go a long way in determining who buys, sells and what pitchers end up being available. The trade market for relief pitching will also be competitive. There are only a select few teams with genuine championship aspirations, while many teams hope to remain in wild-card contention. The potential for a small number of sellers might mean prices will be at a premium. That's only one more reason to remember the Tigers made the playoffs last year, mainly because of unprecedented internal additions and developments that helped them create baseball's best pitching staff in August and September. The ideal path forward probably doesn't involve Tyler Holton or Tommy Kahnle recapturing their form. Instead, it requires someone like Dylan Smith or Tyler Owens to emerge as a gem or a recognizable name coming to Detroit and locking down the ninth inning. Ideally, it's some combination of all three. Advertisement So much has gone right for the Tigers this season. At the All-Star Game in Atlanta, multiple agents chuckled at the surreal sight of the Tigers having six representatives and the best record in baseball. In the second half, some of these positive developments will be put to the test. Just a small sampling: Can Javier Báez continue his terrific turnaround? So far, he's weathered every potential downturn. Even since June 1, Báez is hitting .278 with a solid .748 OPS. Likely to play far more shortstop from now to the end of the season, the Tigers need Báez to remain productive. Zach McKinstry's unexpected All-Star season also has few signs of being a mirage. Although his average exit velocity ranks in the bottom sixth percentile of MLB hitters, his launch-angle sweet spot percentage — the percentage of time he hits a ball with an ideal launch angle between 8 and 32 degrees — is one of the best rates. McKinstry entered the break on another tear, with a 1.031 OPS in 12 July games. Spencer Torkelson also remains a huge X-factor for the Tigers. His 21 home runs and 59 RBIs have made for terrific middle-of-the-order production, but his batting average over his past 34 games is only .226. Torkelson has maintained good batted-ball metrics all season, making a strong case that he might continue to rake in the second half. In the first half, only five MLB teams scored more runs than the Tigers. The team's overall run differential of plus-87 — even with that shoddy bullpen performance — ranks third in MLB behind only the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees. The Tigers were never built to live by the long ball, but it's worth noting the last team to win the World Series without ranking in the top four in home runs was the 2019 Washington Nationals. The Tigers currently rank eighth with 124 home runs. Advertisement From now to season's end, the Tigers have to be hoping Parker Meadows and Matt Vierling can find their groove after missing much of the season with injuries. Assuming Kerry Carpenter comes back quickly from his hamstring injury, roster spots are at a premium. The Tigers could seek to add another right-handed bat (even though Jahmai Jones has a .957 OPS in his first 48 plate appearances). However, one thing we don't know: How badly does the Tigers' front office feel the team needs to add offense? Would they deem it worth paying for a slugger like Arizona's Eugenio Suárez? Keep in mind that other teams, such as the Yankees, might be eyeing Suárez, too. It will be fascinating to see whether the Tigers stick with what they have and keep playing lineup roulette, or if their trade-deadline desires will transcend the pitching staff. (Top photo of Javier Báez: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Coronation Street Kirk actor reveals real voice as stunned fans admit 'not expecting that'
Coronation Street actor Andy Whyment, who has played Kirk Sutherland on the ITV soap since 2000, has a secret singing talent that has left fans gobsmacked Corrie 's very own Andy Whyment, better known as Kirk Sutherland, has left fans utterly amazed with his extraordinary hidden talent. Andy has been a household name since he strolled onto the Corrie set in 2000 as the affable brother of Maria Connor, played by Samia Longchambon. He quickly earned his place in the hearts of viewers nationwide. Famous for quirky catchphrases and endearing charm, Kirk has been pivotal in several high-octane plots over his years on the show. His love life alone has seen a whirlwind of action, from a tumultuous connection with Fiz Brown, portrayed by Jennie McAlpine, to a heartfelt but ill-fated romance with Beth Tinker, enacted by Lisa George. Just last month, soap fans watched in horror as Kirk was left reeling from the death of his stepson and mate Craig Tinker (Colson Smith), who met his end at the hands of villain Mick Michaelis (Joe Layton), reports Leicestershire Live. But it's not just acting chops that Andy has up his sleeve; offscreen, he's wowed his online following with his singing prowess. A TikTok video capturing Andy belting out Kings Of Leon's "Use Somebody" went viral, showcasing his sensational singing voice. Fans didn't hold back their shock, with one commenting: "What a voice! Didn't know he could saaaang!" while another admitted: "When I tell u I had to pick my jaw back up off the floor when I realised that's Kirky." Fans and co-stars were wowed by the unexpected vocal talent of Coronation Street's Andy Whyment, with one admirer commenting: "His voice is amazing." Another social media user expressed surprise, writing: "I was not expecting that!" and a third supporter added praise saying, "Go on lads.. got some vocals didn't expect that kirky lad." Andy Whyment isn't just known for his role in Coronation Street; he's also an alum of The Royle Family, Heartbeat, and Cracker. Andy took on the jungle challenge in I'm A Celeb back in 2019 and made a return for the All Stars edition in 2023. Away from the limelight, Andy cherishes family life with his wife Nicola, tying the knot in 2007. The couple have two children together, and Andy has often spoken affectionately about his "gorgeous" wife, joking that he's "punching above my weight for years". Andy proudly states that he and Nicola are a perfect match, boasting they "never argue" and "get on so well".
Sunday World
13 hours ago
- Sunday World
Assault case camogie star gets ‘dream' prison officer job after almost being jailed herself
Champion Ashling goes from almost being in prison to now working in one A GAA All-Star has achieved her life-long dream of enrolling as a prison officer recruit – six years after her goal was almost shattered by a court case in which she pleaded guilty to two counts of assault. Seven times All-Ireland-winning inter-county camogie star Ashling Thompson took up duties as a recruit prison officer earlier this month – just a month after she openly discussed the case on a podcast in which she described the incident as the second time in her life she had hit 'rock bottom.' Sources said, as Thompson (35) was allowed escape a conviction for the assaults on condition she paid €6,000 to her victims and to charity, this meant she avoided a conviction and was able to pass the Irish Prison Service's stringent Garda vetting and security clearance checks. Speaking on the 'The Comeback' podcast with Brenda Dennehy last May, Thompson said her goal had always been to gain employment in justice system. Ashling won four All-Irelands with Cork 'I went to college and I first wanted to do something in sport but then I went away from that and armed response and the guards was the next thing. 'I don't think armed response was a thing at the time but it was always the Guards or something around special forces, a prison officer. It was always around that kind of work that I really wanted to do. 'So I ended up going to the college and doing an entrance course for the Guards and then unfortunately around that time I had a serious enough car accident.' The accident Thompson spoke of occurred when she was 22 years of age. During the podcast, Thompson spoke openly of her mental health difficulties, issues with substance abuse, her experience of coercive control, the suicide of a boyfriend and of how sport and camogie helped get her through her difficulties. She clocked up numerous honours, including four All-Irelands with Cork, three club All-Irelands with Milford, and two All Stars, and became an advocate for mental health. However, in February 2018, Thompson assaulted two women in a pub, an incident she described as her 'second rock bottom.' The incidents at the Secret Garden, Rearden's, Washington Street, Cork occurred after a day when the 29-year-old left her home in Charleville, County Cork, at 8am played a match in Offaly, returned to Cork and drank alcohol that night without having had food during the day. Thompson entered pleas of guilty to charges of assaulting Aoife O'Flaherty and Jennifer Coakley on February 25, 2018, at Secret Garden, Rearden's, Washington Street, Cork. All-Star Ashling Thompson Imposing sentence, Judge Con O'Leary said he would allow Thompson avoid a criminal on her undertaking to pay €6,000 to family refuge charities and to cover witness expenses. Speaking of the assaults and court case, she told 'The Comeback' podcast: 'I was up in court in an assault case … It was after a game … there was a lot of drink I wasn't convicted or anything … It was definitely a rock bottom for me. My understanding now of why I lost control is going back to that previous time with the car crash and the boyfriend and … those moments in my life. '
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Love Island's Samie shows ex Sam what he's missing as she strips off to thong bikini to show off incredible tan
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOVE Island beauty Samie Elishi stripped to a thong bikini as she soaked up the sunshine after her split with Sam Thompson. The All Stars alum, who we exclusively revealed had called time with the Made In Chelsea star in June, has jetted to Bali following a girls getaway to Ibiza. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Samie Elishi sizzled as she posed in a barley there bikini in Bali Credit: Instagram 6 She flashed her bum in the daring two piece Credit: Instagram 6 Samie, 25, stretched out on a day bed Credit: Instagram Samie, 25, who parted ways with Sam, 32, on good terms, chose tropical print swimwear with a matching wrap for her time on the day-beds. She pulled on a pair of sunglasses and styled her brunette hair into ringlets in a half-up do. The reality TV star went make-up free for her series of sizzling snaps posted to Instagram, which saw her sprawled out on all fours. She struck a series of sassy looks perched in front of a mirror on the outdoor furniture before collapsing into a fit of giggles. She gave a cheeky glimpse of her derriere as she posed with her rear facing the camera before ruffling her locks as she smiled. Samie tagged her Bali location and captioned the images with the quip: "Natural habitat." Earlier this month, the content creator and influencer posed for a series of Instagram selfies as she headed to Ibiza shortly after her split was revealed. GOOD TERMS? E4 star Sam recently broke his silence on coming face to face with ex Samie at a recent event. The pair were seen hanging out at Shoreditch House in London last week for a REHAB hair event - just weeks after breaking up. Opening up about their night out, he said: "I'm going to be honest with you, really lovely. And yeah, actually, just spent a lot of time having a chat, having a chinwag just such an epic chat." Sam Thompson breaks silence on bumping into ex Samie Elishi after pair are spotted at event He joked that Samie actually cared more about Pete than him, adding: "She loves you. She did ask about you. She seemed to care more about you than me really." Sam then rubbished claims they went home together, continuing: "It was a lovely moment actually just sort of saying 'hello'." PARTING WAYS Sam was first pictured snogging Samie and holding her face as they smooched outside Olivia Attwood's 34th birthday bash. They were also snapped walking arm in arm afterwards and he tenderly placed a hand on her waist. While the pair didn't share their relationship on social media, Sam did praise Samie on his podcast, Staying Relevant with pal Pete Wicks. Grilled by his best mate, he was relatively tight-lipped but said: "What I will say though, really awesome chick. You met her that night. Really, really lovely. Super down to earth, super nice, beautiful, obviously." Samie, meanwhile, opened up about the romance last month during an appearance on the We Talk To The Dead podcast. Last week, The Sun exclusively revealed the pair had decided to go their separate ways weeks after first being spotted together on a cosy date. A source close to the former couple said: "It was a mutual thing and there is no bad blood between them. "They both just have really busy schedules, particularly Sam who has been non-stop recently, and it was really hard to make it work. They're still good mates. "It's a shame but sometimes things just don't work out." Hints of trouble between the pair were first raised after Sam was cagey when quizzed about Samie while promoting his Soccer Aid challenge for Unicef earlier this month. Asked if she would be there to support him, Sam told MailOnline: "I feel like… this is so much more than who I'm dating or hooking up with. "And I feel like it would take away from what it is going on. You know what I mean?" Sam began dating Samie after splitting with Zara McDermott late last year. 6 She uploaded the snaps to her Instagram page Credit: Instagram 6 Samie and Sam Thompson split last month Credit: Rex
