Latest news with #Eros
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Secret Dorset: Family links twin statues cast 100 years apart
Every day, in London's Piccadilly Circus, thousands of people pass a world-famous statue of a winged god, toppling forward after firing an arrow from his widely known as Eros, the statue, which tops the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, actually represents Anteros - Eros's brother in Greek was erected in 1893 to commemorate the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, Anthony Ashley-Cooper, a politician credited with improving the lives of Victorian 100 miles (161km) away, at the family's estate in Dorset, an identical - but much lesser known - Anteros points back towards its likeness in London. Radio Solent's Steve Harris went to St Giles House in Wimborne to see it and find out more about its origins. "It's mistaken for Eros because he's a winged god with an arrow, but Eros is representing love and passion and romance," said Nick Ashley-Cooper, the 12th Earl of Shaftesbury."Aphrodite realised he was uncontrolled and wild so Anteros, who was Eros's brother, was the balancing force."It's a really beautiful statue."Sculptor Sir Alfred Gilbert was commissioned to create the statue in honour of Lord Shaftesbury's Victorian ancestor, who was known for his work to restrict child labour and replace it with original statue has been removed multiple times for repairs and the entire fountain has even been repositioned. Metallurgist Simon Clarke, from Eastleigh in Hampshire, was involved in its restoration in the 1990s, when it was fractured by a football fan swinging on its said: "It was the first major aluminium sculpture back in the 1890s so it's quite unusual."When Gilbert was commissioned to produce the sculpture, aluminium could not be mass produced. It was like a semi-precious metal."Gilbert decided he wanted a light statue - all the Victorian statues around London were dark, cast in bronze or iron. "He wanted something that would stand out." In the 1980s, the Fine Art Society created a set of 10 replicas of Anteros."This is number 10," said Lord Shaftesbury at the family's Dorset estate."There was no assumption that one would come here. "At that time, St Giles was in a period of abandonment and falling down."Someone involved knew this one needed a home so we were put in touch. "To have such a proud family memorial was an amazing opportunity." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Metro
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Netflix movie racks up over 33 million views – but not everyone is convinced
Sophie-May Williams Published May 21, 2025 3:23pm Link is copied Comments If your idea of a perfect film involves ex-cons, James Bond-esque stunts and a 'will they or won't they' romantic line, Netflix's 'Bad Influence' might be for you. The 2025 Spanish movie, originally titled Mala influencia, has been a hit for the platform since its release earlier this month, racking up 33.2 million views. But such figures have not only catapulted it to number one on Netflix's most-watched films chart in the non-English section, it has also taken the lead by almost eight million views, ahead of Exterritorial (Picture: Netflix) So, what's all the fuss about? Based on a Wattpad story, a website where people can read and submit fiction, Bad Influence follows the unlikely duo of wealthy school girl and socialite, Reese, and the troubled orphaned ex-con, Eros. When Reese experiences a stalker, her father, Bruce, hires Eros to be her bodyguard - much to the teen's initial dismay (Picture: Netflix) Not to give too much away (and what you can already discern from the trailer), Reese tries to distance herself from Eros, worried that his presence is going to affect her popularity. Eros isn't the biggest fan of the set-up either, asking Reese if she really thinks his goal in life is to follow her everywhere (Picture: Netflix) However, as the film progresses - and the pair spend more time together - Reese can't ignore her feelings for Eros, despite her telling him his 'bad boy' persona is outdated. The chemistry is also obvious to Eros, too. But due to their differing backgrounds, and the fact that Eros was hired to protect Reese, not fall in love with her, will their relationship withstand the challenges they face? (Picture: Netflix) Even though Bad Influence is one of Netflix's trending films, its reviews aren't as positive. OnRotten Tomatoes, a review aggregation site, people criticised 'poorly' written characters, and thought the chemistry between Reese and Eros, played by Eléa Rochera and Alberto Olmo, could have been better. Others said the 'poor dubbing that often plagues foreign films' was partly to blame (Picture: Netflix) 'Paper thin plot line,' one person said, adding that the 'ending defies logic.' Another dubbed it as 'mediocre', suggesting that it could have been better if Eros's backstory was more prevalent. They said: 'I wish it was more intense and exciting but it came out simple. Recommend it to anyone who has nothing to watch.' On X, a different user suggested the film didn't hit the mark because the original story 'wasn't the literary work of the century to have the best adaptation' (Picture: Netflix) However, they said that 'what Netflix did with the movie is hair-raising.' Another viewer loved the movie just for Olmo, while someone else said that Mirela Balić's performance as Peyton was 'great'.They added that they wished her role had been bigger (Picture: Getty Images) For the against camp, another Rotten Tomatoes user said: 'It was like a puzzle with pieces from all different types of puzzles that just didn't fit at all. The storyline just wasn't strong, the characters [were] not properly developed & [there was] no great chemistry. It's like it tried to be a movie similar to some other great ones but it just severely missed the mark. Very disappointing' (Picture: Getty Images) Another viewer described it as a 'stereotypical romance movie,' featuring a 'bad boy and the good girl.' They continued: 'I felt the two main characters didn't have chemistry at all, and their interactions were lacklustre at most. It's a cheesy movie to watch with your girlfriends over take out and a bottle of wine and pretty much make fun of it the whole time. Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.' And finally - to end on a positive note - someone else penned: 'Good films make people happy. As a young woman, this film makes my day!' Have you seen this movie? Let us know your thoughts in the comments (Picture: Getty Images)
Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Eurovision 2025 star forced to follow strict rules after joining cult
This year's host of the Eurovision Song Contest, Michelle Hunziker, may be a hugely successful actress, but her life was once very different after joining a strict cult A huge Eurovision Song Contest 2025 star had a very dramatic life after joining a cult. Michelle Hunziker is one of the presenters for this year's competition, with the live final kicking off in just a matter of hours. But while the 48-year-old is a hugely successful actress, her life is very different to how she once lived. T his year, Michelle will join Hazel Brugger and Sandra Struder as they host the 69th final of the song contest held in Basel, Switzerland. The Swiss trio will deliver the results of each country across the globe as the UK's act, Remember Monday, attempts to change the trajectory of the UK's scoring following a string of rough years. While Michelle will no doubt be dressed in full glamour for the final, she once had to follow a string of very strict rules after marrying her first husband, Italian pop singer Eros. The pair tied the knot in 1998 and went on to welcome their daughter, Aurora, 28. Sadly, their relationship came to an end in 2002. During her first marriage, Michelle joined a sect called Warriors of Light. Those in the sect had a strict lifestyle and had to follow a vegan diet. They also had to refrain from drinking alcohol, smoking, having sex or masturbating. Michelle was just 20 when she joined the Warriors of Light group after meeting a therapist named Clelia. Michelle and Clelia became close after she helped her husband, Eros, overcome sickness after suffering from a sore throat. Speaking about her experience in her 2018 memoir, A Seemingly Perfect Life, Michelle wrote: "'Before the meetings we had to shower and put on white clothes. "We always had to take off our shoes on the threshold. Then we had to wash our hands again and sit in circles on the sofas or cross-legged on the floor before starting the sessions of lying down or meditating." She went on to write: "According to Clelia, sexuality was an animalistic instinct and therefore dirty and low. "We had to lift that instinct to a higher level, sublimate it, and turn it into inner energy." Just five years after joining, Michelle left the group at the age of 25. It was claimed in 2018 that Michelle blamed her divorce from Eros on the cult, which had allegedly attempted to convince her that he was a bad influence and had allegedly attempted to isolate her from her family. Michelle will be joined on stage by former Eurovision entry Sandra Studer, who made her big break in 1991, performing under the stage name Sandra Simó. Her song Canzone Per Te landed her in fifth place overall and she went on to forge a successful media career. The mother-of-four became a popular presenter on German and Swiss TV, appearing on programmes like Takito and Swiss Award. Sandra also kept up her singing, appearing in musicals like Sister Act and Spamalot. Sandra married Luka Müller in 1998 and the couple have four children together. She said she was "thrilled" to be back on the music competition as a host, posting a photo earlier this year showing her posing with her co-hosts Hazel and Michelle. She wrote: "So thrilled! Thank you @eurovision for this incredible opportunity to be part of such a special journey. I can't wait to celebrate the ESC stage with all of you!" Swiss-American comedian, poet and presenter, Hazel completes the presenting trio. The mother-of-two was born in San Diego, California and has a Swiss father and German mother. The family made the move to Zurich, Switzerland and from 17, she started performing slam poetry. The comedian found mainstream fame when she appeared on German satirical news programme heute-show, before going on to tour her stand-up show Tropical, which landed on Netflix in 2020. The description of her programme reads: "In this stand-up special, comedian Hazel Brugger offers her breezy takes on unruly geese, chatty gynaecologists, German bank loans and more." The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final airs at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Metro
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Who's hosting Eurovision 2025? What you need to know about Michelle Hunziker
The legendary singing competition, which started in 1956, sees 26 European countries entering their best musical talent for a shot at glory. The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is upon us. The eccentric extravaganza's 69th edition is being held tonight in Basel, Switzerland. An audience of 160 million is expected to tune in for the sensory overload at the St. Jakobshalle Arena, where proceedings will be led by Michelle Hunziker. The glamorous 48-year-old is a former model who has been presenting on TV for 30 years. But what was her life like before Eurovision? Michelle was born in the Sorengo region of Switzerland, which shares a border with Italy to the south. She landed her first presenting job in 1996 at the age of 19, hosting shows on Italian TV channels, before acting in a series of Italian films. Through the late 90s, Michelle pivoted back towards presenting as a co-host and reporter, but did land a role as the voice of Gloria in the Italian dub of Madagascar. From there, she has continued to present on both Italian and Swiss TV and spent 2019 to 2021 as the main host of reality competition All Together Now. From 1998, Michelle Hunziker was married to Italian singer Eros Ramazzotti. At the time of their wedding, Michelle was 21 and Eros was 35. She acquired Italian citizenship through their marriage. The couple have a daughter – 28-year-old Aurora – but separated in 2002, finalising their divorce in 2009. In 2013, Michelle revealed she was engaged to Tomaso Trussardi, an heir to the esteemed Trussardi fashion house, which specialises in leather goods and perfumes. They married in one year later. They divorced in 2022 but share two children, Sole, 12, and 10-year-old Celeste. In 2017, Michelle confessed that she felt her 2002 split from Eros had been caused by a sect she joined in 2001 called Warriors of Light. She claimed they persuaded her into believing that Eros was a bad influence. The Warriors of Light, based near Bolzano, a secluded mountainous area of northern Italy, promote a militant Catholic lifestyle and recommend celibacy and a vegan lifestyle. Michelle will be hosting the Eurovision final alongside the two presenters who have led coverage of the semi-finals, Swiss comedian and TV host Hazel Brugger. Sandra had previously represented Switzerland at Eurovision 1991, finishing in fifth place, 28 points behind Sweden's winner that year, Carola. More Trending Michelle will bring almost 30 years of hosting experience to the final. The UK's hopes rest with vocal trio Remember Monday, whose ambitious and super-fun song What the Hell Just Happened? is aiming to land the UK's best finish since Sam Ryder in 2022. View More » Watch the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 on BBC One, Saturday at 8pm. 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: How do you vote in the Eurovision final and how much does it cost? MORE: 7 shows Eurovision haters can watch tonight if they can't face the music MORE: Remember Monday won't win Eurovision tonight – but they've proved the UK can
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mala Influencia (Bad Influence, 2025) ending explained: Who was stalking Reese and did she end up together with Eros?
Mala Influencia (Bad Influence, 2025) ending explained: Chloe Wallace's Mala Influencia, or Bad Influence in English (not to be mistaken for the 1990 film of the same name), premiered on Netflix on May 9. The film may be messy, over-the-top, and far from subtle, but it sure knows how to keep viewers hooked until the very end. With twists involving secret pasts, revenge, and a tangled web of guilt and grief, the ending leaves a lot to unpack. Here's what really happened in the final act of Netflix's new romantic thriller. Mala Influencia (Bad Influence, 2025) synopsis Mala Influencia, which marks Chloe Wallace's directorial debut, is based on a Wattpad story. Set in Spain, it follows Reese Russell (Eléa Rochera), the rebellious daughter of a wealthy businessman, and Eros (Alberto Olmo), a mysterious ex-convict hired to be her bodyguard after a stalker begins threatening her. While it begins as an arrangement against her wish, Reese soon finds herself drawn to Eros. It soon turns into a complicated romance as the two grow closer, despite warnings and secrets lurking in the background. As Eros dives deeper into Reese's life, he uncovers disturbing truths linking their pasts. Mala Influencia (Bad Influence, 2025) ending explained: Here's all you need to know Who was stalking Reese? From the start, Mala Influencia teases the idea that Reese is being watched. The initial suspect is her ex-boyfriend Raul, who has plenty of reasons to hold a grudge. He has clearly not moved on and always finds reasons to belittle Reese while also being a little too obsessed with her. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Raul is a red herring. His alibi checks out, and the real threat has been hiding in plain sight. The stalker turns out to be Peyton, Eros's close friend, who had been posing as someone else the entire time. While she told Eros she had a job in a bar, she was actually working as a cleaner at Reese's school, giving her easy access to monitor her target. Why did Peyton kill Bruce? Peyton's motives are rooted in her past. Her mother worked at Bruce's restaurant and died in the same tragic fire that killed Eros' parents. The incident was caused by inadequate safety measures at the restaurant, something Bruce had quietly tried to atone for by supporting Eros financially over the years. But for Peyton, there was no closure, and all she desired was revenge. By inserting herself into Reese's life, Peyton hoped to bring Bruce's world crashing down, just like her own had years ago. Whether she ever intended to seriously harm Reese is left ambiguous, but her obsession with revenge ultimately spirals out of control. The big confrontation and Bruce's death As Eros uncovers the painful truth about his parents' deaths and Bruce's role in it, he also realises Peyton is behind the threats. He tries to talk her down, urging her to choose forgiveness over vengeance. But Peyton refuses to let go of her anger. In a devastating moment, she shoots Bruce dead. In a shocking turn, it's revealed that Reese's mother also passed away in the same deadly fire, and her father lied to her all these years. Reese is left to mourn the loss of her father, despite their difficult relationship, she loved him. Did Reese and Eros get their happily ever after? In the final scenes, Eros and Reese try to move forward. Reese gets accepted into a dance company, and Eros joins her on stage in a quiet, redemptive moment. The film closes with a sense of closure, suggesting that even after so much pain and chaos, there's room for healing and hope.
