Latest news with #Enfield
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kim Wilde's not-so-wild life at 64: Kids In America hitmaker adopts healthy diet, is a trained horticulturist and enjoys cold water plunges in far cry from her naked rock star days
She used to tour around the world with Michael Jackson and David Bowie, consumed by a life of hedonism - but Kim Wilde 's life at 64 years old is... not so wild. In a far cry from her naked rock star days, the Kids In America hitmaker has traded the booze and parties for a life of gardening, healthy eating and cold plunges. Speaking to The Sunday Times, Kim spoke about how her life has changed in the years since she was a travelling rock star. Kim trained as a horticulturist at Capel Manor College in Enfield years ago to learn how to make a garden for her children - and was later invited as a celebrity by Channel 4 to act as a designer for their programme Better Gardens. 'After winter I'm desperate for light, so I'll often be found wandering in my garden before 7am — I don't want to miss anything coming back to life,' she said. And recently she's developed a passion for cold plunges, which she takes in her own pool in her specially cultivated garden. Another way Kim's life has changed is her diet, gone are the days of fast food and booze - with the star sober for a decade and adopting a 'healthier' approach to eating. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. She has welcomed in a breakfast of scrambled eggs and spinach with a side of nuts and fruit. And lunch consists of things like hummus, fresh fruit, vegetables and cheese. 'Occasionally M&S sourdough,' she adds. Speaking about her cold plunging, Kim said: 'People say I look good for my age — it's all smoke and mirrors but I do jump in the cold pool in my garden every day with my mate Sue.' It's in stark contrast to her touring days of the eighties and nineties, with the 'post-show hedonism' a thing of the past. However she did regale one of her wildest stories from touring, as she said: 'I once ended up naked in a hotel corridor after a big knees-up: I snuck out of my room in the night and the door shut behind me. 'I had to slink down to the lobby to ask for a spare key, which was mortifying.' Kim's career has been a whirlwind journey through music, TV, and gardening, marked by reinvention and enduring popularity. Her international anthem and debut single, Kids In America was the work of her brother Ricky and dad, original British rock 'n' roller Marty Wilde. It became a defining anthem of the '80s and at one stage she was shifting 60,000 copies a day. She had seven more Top Ten singles in the UK but never a number one, however her reworking of the Motown classic You Keep Me Hangin' On, which topped the US Billboard chart in 1986. During this time she released her self-titled debut album, Kim Wilde, which included hits like Chequered Love and established her as a new pop sensation. She went on to release an array of albums which saw even more success after she released Another Step, which included the global hit You Keep Me Hangin' On - a cover of The Supremes' classic that topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. In 1987 Michael Jackson invited Kim to join him on his Bad tour and open 33 shows across Europe and the UK. She observed a superstar alone in his own universe. Two years after the tour, her own world came crashing down the day after her 30th birthday, when it dawned that her time as a pop phenomenon might be over. After a few years of focusing on her personal life, Kim transitioned to television, becoming a popular presenter and personality in the UK. And in 2000, she discovered a passion for gardening and authored several books. She also became a regular presenter on gardening shows, bringing her knowledge and enthusiasm to a new audience and connecting with her old die-hard fans in a new way. In 2006, she made a successful return to music with the album Never Say Never, which featured reworked versions of her classic hits and new material. This marked a resurgence in her musical career. And in 2021 she released Pop Don't Stop: Greatest Hits, a comprehensive collection of her biggest hits, celebrating her four decades in the music industry. Throughout her career, Kim has remained a beloved figure in pop culture, known for her distinctive voice, style, and ability to adapt to new trends while maintaining her unique identity. In 2022 she revealed she split from and subsequently divorced her husband Hal Fowler in 2021. The singer married writer and actor Hal, 56, in 1996 after the former couple met while appearing in rock opera Tommy. They married within six months of meeting each other and had two children, Harry, now 24, and Rose, now 22, together. A joint statement posted to Kim's Twitter page read: 'Kim Wilde and Hal Fowler wish to announce that they amicably separated by agreement last year and have divorced. 'No third party is involved. They remain on good terms and wish only the best for each other in the next phases of their lives. No further comment or statements will be made.'
Pink Villa
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Odd Jobs to Stardom: 13 South Indian actors who worked as Taxi driver, barber to backstage worker
South cinema and its actors have always resonated with an aura of glitz, glamour, and opulence. These artists have excelled in their craft and reached the pinnacle of success, both metaphorically and objectively. However, did you know that many of these stars came from humble beginnings and started as modest breadwinners? Check out the following actors who had modest starts and did odd jobs before acting. South Indian celebs and their odd jobs 1. Rajinikanth Known for: Jailer, Sivaji, Enthiran, Baashha, Coolie Before fame job: Bus conductor Industry: Tamil Current fame level: Superstar Thalaivar, aka Rajinikanth, needs no introduction. The actor has set a benchmark with a prolific career spanning decades. Before acting, the senior superstar worked as a bus conductor. He served in the Bangalore Transport Service, conducting on bus route 10A. Meanwhile, he continued participating in various plays, which fueled his passion for acting. After achieving success, he once made a surprise visit to the bus depot where he used to work before becoming a legendary actor. 2. Ajith Kumar Known for: Vidaamuyarchi, Good Bad Ugly, Valimai, Vedalam, Billa Before fame job: Apprentice mechanic Industry: Tamil Current fame level: Padma Bhushan awardee Ajith Kumar has carved out a versatile identity for himself. Besides his gifted acting skills, the senior star is also an accomplished motorsports driver, balancing both passions equally. Ajith dropped out of school after class 10 and began working as an apprentice mechanic for Enfield. Given his passion for vehicles, he took to the work in good spirits. After six months, his father encouraged him to take up a white-collar job, which became the first stepping stone toward his acting career. 3. Vijay Sethupathi Known for: Merry Christmas, Ace, Maharaj, Jawan, Naanum Rowdy Dhaan Before fame job: Accountant Industry: Tamil Current fame level: National film award recipient Vijay Sethupathi is undeniably one of the leading stars of Kollywood, consistently raising the bar with every performance. He recently won a National Award for his outstanding contributions to cinema. Before his successful film career, Vijay worked as an accountant in Dubai before returning to India. He then managed the accounts of the theatre group Koothu-P-Pattarai. It was during this period that his passion for acting blossomed, and since then, he has become one of the most sought-after actors in Tamil cinema. 4. Yash Known for: KGF series, Toxic, Mr and Mrs Ramachari, Rocky Before fame job: Backstage worker Industry: Kannada Current fame level: Filmfare award recipient Yash is widely recognized as a powerhouse of talent in Kannada cinema. Before his big break in films, he worked backstage in a theatre group, earning a daily allowance of just Rs. 50. His passion for acting kept him committed to this work, and gradually he began auditioning for roles. He landed smaller projects in telefilms and television serials, which laid a strong foundation for his successful career ahead. 5. Dulquer Salmaan Known for: Lucky Baskhar, Sita Ramam, King of Kotha, Kurup, Mahanati Before fame job: IT worker Industry: Malayalam Current fame level: Kerala State Film award recipient Dulquer Salmaan's modest beginnings include a significant period working in an IT firm in Dubai. Despite holding a corporate management degree and having a full-time job, he found the routine boring and monotonous. Following in his father Mammootty's footsteps, he decided to pursue a career in films. Dulquer left his job and enrolled in an acting school in Mumbai. He made his acting debut in 2012 with the film Second Show. 6. Rishab Shetty Known for: Kantara, Bell Bottom, Mishan Impossible, Hero, Jai Hanuman Before fame job: Taxi driver Industry: Kannada Current fame level: National film award recipient Rishab Shetty is a force to reckon with in the Kannada film industry. The actor, who delivered a massive hit with Kantara, has already won three National Awards in a short span. But did you know that before acting, Rishab worked as a taxi driver and took on various odd jobs like selling water cans, working in real estate, and even hotel work? These jobs helped him earn enough to support himself while he pursued his passion and searched for his big break in films. 7. Suriya Known for: Retro, Kanguva, Jai Bhim, Soorarai Pottru, Ghajini Before fame job: Garment factory worker Industry: Tamil Current fame level: Highest paid Tamil actors Suriya has been one of the most sought-after Tamil actors over the years, earning multiple accolades and a massive fan following across the country. Before his film career took off, Suriya worked for several months in a garment export business, carrying out his job discreetly without revealing that he was the son of renowned actor Sivakumar. He later began auditioning and landed his first role in the 1997 film Nerukku Ner, directed by Mani Ratnam. 8. Sivakarthikeyan Known for: Amaran, Maaveeran, Doctor, Remo, Parasakthi Before fame job: Stand-up comedian Industry: Tamil Current fame level: Kalaimamani award (Highest civilian award in TN) Sivakarthikeyan has firmly established himself as one of the leading actors in Tamil cinema. He has also worked across multiple South Indian languages, becoming one of the most sought-after stars. Before his rise to stardom, SK had humble beginnings, performing mimicry and stand-up comedy right after college. Driven by his passion for films, he often took breaks from studies to audition for reality shows. Today, the actor boasts a string of massive box office hits worth crores and has an impressive slate of upcoming projects. 9. Nani Known for: HIT 3, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, Hi Nanna, Dasara, Jersey Before fame job: Radio jockey Industry: Telugu Current fame level: Highest paid and most popular Telugu actor Nani has won the hearts of millions with his versatility and talent, showcasing true skill and passion for cinema. Before rising as a mainstream actor, Nani worked briefly as a radio jockey for World Space Satellite, a role he landed through a friend. He hosted the popular show Non-Stop with Nani for about a year, quickly gaining a loyal audience. 10. Kamal Haasan Known for: Vikram, Indian 2, Vishwaroopam, Anbe Sivam, Thug Life Before fame job: Barber at a salon Industry: Tamil Current fame level: Padma Bhushan recipient Kamal Haasan's impact on Tamil cinema has set a benchmark for many to admire. The talented senior actor continues to captivate audiences with his work across a career spanning decades. Before his film success, Kamal Haasan once worked as a barber at a salon—an odd job he took up partly to tease his mother. Now, at 70, Kamal Haasan is gearing up for his next big release, Thug Life, an upcoming action thriller. 11. Mohanlal Known for: Merry Christmas, Ace, Maharaj, Jawan, Naanum Rowdy Dhaan Before fame job: Accountant Industry: Tamil Current fame level: Padma Bhushan recipient Mohanlal is undoubtedly an iconic figure in the Malayalam film industry. With a career spanning decades, the senior actor has delivered countless unforgettable box office hits. However, did you know that before entering films, he was a state-level wrestler? Yes, it's true. He pursued wrestling professionally right after college. After winning at the state level, Mohanlal was set to compete in a national wrestling championship in New Delhi but had to withdraw at the last minute due to a film audition scheduled the same day. 12. Mammootty Known for: Agent, Kannur Squad, Turbo, Ozler, Rorschach Before fame job: Practicing lawyer Industry: Malayalam Current fame level: Leading superstar of Malayalam cinema Mammootty is another iconic name in Malayalam cinema, known for a remarkable career spanning decades. He enjoys a massive fan following in Kerala and is one of the most celebrated actors in South Indian cinema. Before entering films, Mammootty was a full-time practicing lawyer. He completed his LLB from Government Law College in Ernakulam and practiced law in the Manjeri area for two years. At the age of 20, he made his film debut with a minor role in Vilkkanundu Swapnangal, released in 1980. 13. Jr NTR Jr NTR is one of the most sought-after Telugu actors today, known for delivering globally acclaimed films like RRR, directed by SS Rajamouli. Before entering films, Tarak was a trained Kuchipudi dancer. He began training in this classical dance form at the age of 13 and perfected it over the years, even performing internationally. However, his passion for films eventually took over, and Jr NTR steadily carved a highly successful career in Telugu cinema. Conclusion Agree or not, none of these notable South actors had fame and stardom served to them on a silver platter. They worked hard, took on odd jobs, and often prioritized survival over their passion for films.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Zen Leaf Dispensary opens new location in Enfield
ENFIELD, Conn. (WWLP) – Zen Leaf Dispensary opened its seventh Connecticut location in Enfield, hosting a grand opening celebration throughout the Memorial Day weekend. The new dispensary is located adjacent to the Enfield Square Mall at 98 Elm Street, arriving just ahead of the Enfield Marketplace redevelopment project. A ceremonial ribbon-cutting was held on Friday to commemorate the addition of a new business in the community. Brick Convention returns to Springfield with stunning LEGO displays Parent company Verano operates six other Zen Leaf locations in Connecticut, as well as the 217,000 square foot CTPharma cultivation and processing facility in Rocky Hill, where a variety of cannabis products are produced for the region. 'We're thrilled to welcome guests at Zen Leaf, and share in the local community's enthusiasm as Enfield prepares to turn the page on an exciting new chapter with the transformational $250 million redevelopment of Enfield Square Mall into Enfield Marketplace,' said George Archos, Verano founder and Chief Executive Officer. 'We are grateful to the entire community, including the village leadership and many organizations we have had the pleasure partnering with as we plant roots for a bright future together in Enfield for years to come.' Throughout the weekend, DJ Bic IC will be spinning tunes at the dispensary for guests to enjoy. On Friday, visitors received complimentary meals from Pangea's Tacos, Burgers and Wraps, and coffee and drinks will be available on Saturday from Travelin' Toms Coffee Truck. To emphasize community support, Verano also donated critical funds to the Thompsonville Fire Department to purchase a year's supply of Narcan to continue providing lifesaving care for local victims of the opioid crisis. Other local organizations are also receiving support from Verano, including Enfield Loaves and Fishes and Enfield Food Shelf. For more information on Zen Leaf Enfield and weekly deals, visit WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Tottenham reveal trophy parade plans
Tottenham have announced plans for a trophy parade to celebrate their Europa League have confirmed the parade, external will take place on Friday, 23 May and is expected to depart Edmonton Green at approximately 17:30 BST and last for approximately 60-90 minutes before finishing in the stadium's service yard on Northumberland Park.A staging area will also be erected above the High Road outside the stadium on Paxton Terrace to receive the players and coaching staff for a presentation of the trophy to fans gathered shortly after the conclusion of the bus parade. Entertainment will begin there from from 15:00 club said: "The time and date have been agreed following close consultation between the club, its football operations, Haringey and Enfield councils, emergency services and transport partners, to ensure the delivery of a safe and enjoyable event for all."
Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Telegraph
This is an assault on the immigration system, judge tells citizenship test fraudster
A judge has said a fraudster who wore 13 wigs to take citizenship tests for migrants committed a 'wholesale assault' on the immigration system. Josephine Maurice, 61, travelled around the country, using a series of disguises and false documents to take the Life in the UK test on behalf of migrants. She pretended to be 13 different people between June 1 2022 and Aug 14 2023, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard. Maurice, a former bus driver of Enfield, north London, was jailed for four years and six months after pleading guilty to 13 counts of fraud, a charge of conspiracy to commit fraud and two counts of possession of another person's identity documents. District Judge Anthony Callaway, sentencing on Tuesday, described Maurice's actions as 'wholesale assault' on the immigration system and said there was a 'clear advantage' to people who wanted to progress towards citizenship without following all the procedures. The Life in the UK test is a requirement for anyone seeking to obtain indefinite leave to remain or naturalisation as a British citizen. According to the Home Office, it consists of 24 questions aimed at 'proving the applicant has sufficient knowledge of British values, history and society'. The judge told Maurice, who appeared via video link: 'You attended test centres fraudulently undertaking Life in the UK tests on behalf of other persons who, naturally, were supposed to and were intended to be there. 'It is clear that the fraud was deliberate and sophisticated and involved the alteration of identity documents, travel documents, false wigs and other matters. 'The geography was varied. You attended in person a variety of centres in London and elsewhere including Stratford, Luton, Hounslow, Reading, Oxford, Nottingham and Milton Keynes.' 'Well-organised' scam Provisional driving licences were found at her home after her arrest earlier this year. Maurice has a previous fraud conviction dating back to August 2015 and 'there are similarities' to the current case as it involved her 'impersonating' someone in order to take a driving theory test, the judge said. Maurice appeared via video link from HMP Bronzefield where she has been a 'model inmate'. Earlier prosecutor Nana Owusuh said it is difficult for investigators to quantify the financial benefits of the 'well-organised' scam or to 'calibrate any gains'. Maurice's defence lawyer, Stephen Akinsanya, described it as 'an unusual case' and told the court that for the 'level of sophistication and planning – the crown has provided no evidence that she is the mastermind of this.' 'Coercion and intimidation' He said: 'This is someone who has found herself involved in something far more serious than she envisioned. She found herself trapped to people she owed a sum of money. 'There are some levels of coercion and intimidation. She was not motivated by personal gain.' Of Maurice, he said: 'Prior to her arrest she was a bus driver with Arriva and looking after her 25-year-old son who was afflicted with schizophrenia.' Mr Akinsanya said: 'She foolishly agreed to help someone and this is where it has landed her – in custody and away from her son who is clearly vulnerable, that's what keeps her awake at night. 'She understands the implications of what she has done and for national security, and the court can treat such matters harshly.'
