Latest news with #Exclusive
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Jessie J, 37, reveals she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will undergo surgery in days
JESSIE J has revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will undergo surgery in days. The 37-year-old's shock revelation comes just a month after the release of her songs "No Secrets" and "Living My Best Life". Advertisement In an emotional post on Instagram she told fans: "I was diagnosed with early breast cancer." She added: "Cancer sucks in any form, but I'm holding on to the word 'early." The singer said she would be undergoing surgery after performing at the Summertime Ball in London on June 15. "It's a very dramatic way to get a boob job," she joked. Advertisement Read more on Showbiz She said: "One, because, selfishly, I do not talk about it enough. "I'm not processing it because I'm working so hard. I also know how much sharing in the past has helped me with other people giving me their love and support and also their own stories. I'm an open book." The Grammy nominee, who also shared her ADHD and OCD diagnoses with fans earlier this year, added that she hoped to show solidarity with other cancer patients. Advertisement Most read in Showbiz Exclusive Exclusive She said: "It breaks my heart that so many people are going through so much similar and worse—that's the bit that kills me." Referring to her latest tracks "No Secrets" and "Living my Best Life" she said "you can't make it up" - explaining she had no idea about her diagnosis at Her post read: "No (more) Secrets and is it too soon to do a remix called 'Living my breast life'? All jokes aside (You know it's one of the ways I get through hard times) This last 2 months have been so amazing, and having this go on along side it on the sideline's has given me the most incredible perspective. BUT… Your girl needs a hug. Advertisement "Also not getting massive tits. Or am I? No no… I must stop joking." 1 Jessie J announced to fans she has been diagnoses with breast cancer Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Brookside legend swaps soaps to join huge BBC show – and has already filmed his first scenes
A BROOKSIDE legend has swapped soaps to join a huge BBC show - and already filmed his first scenes. The iconic Liverpool-set soap aired on Channel 4 from 1982 until ending in 2003. Advertisement 4 Michael Starke is well-known as "Sinbad" Sweeney on Brookside Credit: PA:Press Association 4 He starred in the Channel 4 soap for 16 years Credit: Mersey Television 4 Michael has now signed up for a role in Casualty Credit: BBC Michael Starke, 67, played Thomas "Sinbad" Sweeney for a 16-year stint. The actor has signed up to play a role in BBC medical drama Casualty. He has already filmed his first scenes on the long-running programme. Nicola Bolton Management, who represent Michael, wrote on Instagram: " Our MICHAEL STARKE @michael_starke_ has been busy down in Cardiff filming on @bbccasualtyofficial @bbc #casualty." Advertisement Read more on Brookside However, it's not the first time he has ventured into other major soap operas. Michael joined the cast of Coronation Street in 2007 - playing Jerry Morton , the patriarch of a new family. Viewers may recall his character opened up a kebab shop upon moving to the cobbles. The Morton clan were short-lived and he left the ITV soap after 18 months. Advertisement Most read in Soaps Exclusive Exclusive Michael has also made appearances in Hollyoaks as a taxi driver named Benny. It comes as another Brookside alum revealed Brookside child star from one of soap's most controversial storylines EVER unrecognisable after swapping acting for DJ career Soap hunk Philip Olivier is best known for his role as Brookside's Timothy "Tinhead" O'Leary. He is a managing director of Advertisement Philip has successfully transitioned into an entrepreneurial role as the owner and has gained a 5-star rating on The 44-year-old is also a proud dad of five children. The star also revealed that the locals still call him 'Tinhead' when he's out and about in Liverpool . He said: "When I'm going around the city and around the world, people are still calling me Tinhead. Advertisement "When I started when I was 15, I never would have thought I'd be 42 and people still call me Tinhead." 4 Michael left Brookside in 2000 - and made appearances in other popular shows Credit: Mersey Television
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ben Wang Describes the 'Brutal' Audition Process for 'Karate Kid: Legends' (Exclusive)
Ben Wang Describes the 'Brutal' Audition Process for 'Karate Kid: Legends' (Exclusive) originally appeared on Parade. In November 2023, Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio appeared in a video launching a global casting call to find the next Karate Kid. Macchio, who played Daniel LaRusso in the original 1984 iteration of The Karate Kid and Chan, who plays kung fu master Mr. Han in the 2010 reboot, would be joining forces to unify the franchise with a new young lead. Only four months later in February 2024 after an intense worldwide search, Sony Pictures announced that American Born Chinese star Ben Wang had nabbed the role of Li Fong, the latest titular martial artist. While chatting with Parade, Wang describes the nearly two-month-long audition process as "brutal and terrifying." The casting journey required "like seven different tapes and meetings and meetings," according to Wang. "They were thorough because they were really specific about what they wanted, and so it's a long, hard process and there was a martial arts section. I'm really happy, and I feel lucky that what they wanted was me." After all his hard work, Wang found out he'd got the role in about as unglamorous a way as possible. "I was at my home, at my abode," he remembers. "I think i got the call when I was in the bathroom, and then I shifted it to somewhere with better lighting." 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 While Chan and Macchio were not actively involved with the scouting process, they're both thrilled that Wang ended up earning the part. "When you see the movie, it is truly the choice of one," Macchio says. "I did see the screen test, and then I watched a little bit of American Born Chinese, and you saw the pieces of his humor and likability, but more so when working with him on the set, everything really came [together]." Chan, who has been working with martial artists on screen for decades, was a bit tougher to impress. "I got the video too," he remembers. "Videos all same. You know, they spin around, they do some martial arts. Why this guy? They already choose for me. 'That's Ben Wang. He will be the karate kid.' I just wondering, 'Why him?' But my stunt team, they call me, 'Wow! The young guy is so clever. Whatever we teach him, he learned so fast.' Okay, everybody learns fast." It wasn't until Chan started working with Wang on set that he became impressed with Wang. "Not on the screen, behind the scene, I was taking a rest," Chan says, recalling the moment he warmed up to Wang. "He was on the corner, still practicing. I said, 'That young kid, good.'" Forever the jokester, Chan then adds, "When he fought with me, then 'Yeah, not as good as me, but good.'" "I'm really happy with that assessment," Wang replies laughing. Related: Of course Macchio and Chan have years of experience in the business and couldn't help but share some advice with the newcomer. "Just be yourself," Macchio remembers telling Wang. "This character, the protagonist in this universe of these Karate Kid films: it's the essence of genuine truth of character. So the more Ben that is infused in Li Fong, the more we believe him on this ride. That's how I portrayed it back in the day, and I see the same thing in him." Chan says he didn't need to give any acting advice to Wang, but "only when the action sequence coming, I maybe a little trick, little secret things I taught him." Individualized lessons from Jackie Chan is certainly what every marital artist dreams of. Chan, however, is now waiting for the favor to be returned. "He learned everything," Chan says of Wang. "You spent three months to learn everything from me. Pay me!" Ben Wang Describes the 'Brutal' Audition Process for 'Karate Kid: Legends' (Exclusive) first appeared on Parade on May 30, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Irish Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Love Island bosses line up glamorous makeup artist as bombshell to turn heads in new series
LOVE Island bosses have reportedly signed up a hot blonde bombshell to enter this year's villa and cause some trouble. As Maya Jama and co prepare to pull out all the stops for the most scandalous series of Advertisement 6 Lucy is reportedly set to enter the villa 6 The 20-year-old is believed to be a bombshell on this year's show Among them, according to DailyMail, is Lucy Quinn, a 20-year-old make-up artist from Liverpool who is set to enter as a bombshell during the show's run. A They added that she was 'fiery and doesn't take any nonsense' but hopes the series will land her the perfect man. Lucy's involvement comes after The Sun exclusively revealed Advertisement READ MORE LOVE ISLAND The 6ft 5in Londoner was described as a 'man mountain'. Maya and co will kick off the new series next month and will announce launch details any day now. To kick off the excitement, bosses have The teaser from 'Love Island HQ' shows TV presenter Advertisement Most read in Love Island Exclusive Exclusive It comes after fans were convinced that there's been a secret shake-up to the show, just weeks before the new series. Fans are patiently awaiting the arrival of the new summer series, but as of yet there have been no promos hinting at the start date. Love Island host Maya Jama looks stunning in backless dress as she parties with pals As a result, Love Island fans have speculated that there's been a big shake-up, and that the start date has actually been pushed back and may be starting on Monday, June 9th. Despite an online rumour to the contrary, it's been confirmed that Advertisement 6 The young star is said to 'not take any nonsense' when it comes to men Credit: Instagram / Lucy Quinn 6 Maya Jama is ready for business in the new teaser Credit: ITV 6 Aaron is also among the line-up list 6 The teaser showed Maya hard at work in the Love Island boardroom Advertisement
India Today
22-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
‘Pakistan is a failed state,' Says Asaduddin Owaisi
In an India Today Global Exclusive, Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi speaks out on India's diplomatic offensive following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. In an unfiltered and wide-ranging interview, Owaisi slams the global community's double standards on terrorism, calls out Pakistan's growing military overreach, and urges stronger neighborhood engagement. He defends India's foreign secretary amid online abuse, backs the multi-party outreach missions abroad, and warns that terrorism, left unchecked, is a regional cancer. As India dispatches delegations to key world capitals, Owaisi's message is clear: the world can no longer look Question:Let's begin with your decision to join the Centre in this drive. What made you decide to be part of this all-party delegation that is going to go to world capitals? You're going to a few very critical countries for India. Asaduddin Owaisi:Well, you see, the Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs had spoken to me and told me that the Government of India is going to send various delegations to different parts of the world, and he wanted me to be part of this delegation, so I accepted reason I accepted is that we are going to present a strong case against our neighbour who has indulged in terrorism for years and years. This has nothing to do with the political differences we have — and will continue to have — but this is a matter of an external threat to our country, especially in light of what happened: the gruesome massacre in Pahalgam and the subsequent developments, wherein our country targeted nine terrorist was the only reason — to put forward a strong case against Pakistan and the terrorist organisations which are patronised and supported by Pakistan — so that the world knows not only about Pahalgam, but also the numerous incidents of terrorism perpetrated by terrorist organisations from Pakistan in we have to bring to the attention of the world that despite the IMF putting conditions on its recent loan sanction, there is a great chance of that money being misused by the Pakistani government, and that could be used against India in promoting terrorism be having our briefing — because I'm part of Group One — our briefing will be done on the 23rd. So more information will be given to us, and that would also be yes, the first batch has begun its all-party delegation journey to some parts, but the countries you are going to — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Algeria — are very critical and very important for India, especially in terms of projection when it comes to Pakistan being an Islamic is that really going to work in countries like Saudi Arabia? The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs was actually in India and went to Pakistan — a lot of conversation on de-escalation. In such a scenario, how are you going to present India's case on why there is a need at this time not to show neutrality but to take a side?advertisementAsaduddin Owaisi:Well, as far as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is concerned, we have a strategic relationship with the all these four countries — three of which you mentioned — we have a huge number of Indians living there, sending a substantial amount of foreign exchange to our — we have a historical relationship with them. Kuwait — also the must understand that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has really helped us in stopping terrorism in India by ensuring that all these wanted people who were living in that part of the world were handed over, arrested — or whatever you call is also a huge investment being done by the Kingdom in India. We have been buying oil from them. So, I think we have a great opportunity when an all-party delegation goes — first to Bahrain, then Kuwait, then the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and then to far as I know, all these countries are against any form of terrorism. They have a strict policy that they will never tolerate any terrorist activities. On that point, I think India and these countries are the good relationships we have developed over the years with these respective countries, I'm sure this all-party delegation — which I'm part of, headed by my good friend Jay Panda, and with all the respective honourable MPs — will be able to put forward, in a very convincing way, the stance of our government and our is in the interest not only of South Asia but of the whole world that terrorism comes to an end, because no country in the world would like to see any sort of destabilisation in India — when we are a huge economic market for various countries. So it is in the interest of the world that the terrorism being perpetrated and promoted by Pakistan comes to an Well, obviously, I see the composition of the delegations. It's very clear that there is also a projection over here — a deliberate attempt by the central government to show unity and diversity. Your take on how that gives India an upper edge, an advantage over Pakistan, which is also going to send delegations in a similar manner?advertisementAsaduddin Owaisi:Well, I beg to differ with you. I don't want my country to be hyphenated with a failed nation. The diversity and pluralism of our great country are reflected in the Indian Constitution. The Indian Constitution itself celebrates diversity, promotes pluralism, promotes equality. So, I let Pakistan do whatever they want — a country which has taken an IMF loan 28 times since it became a failed country in the projection — I see the composition of the delegation really shows that a lot of effort was made to ensure that there is a projection of unity and diversity, at a time when Pakistan is also trying to do the same — sending delegations to various countries — but theirs will be more homogeneous rather than as diverse as India's delegation Owaisi:I think the less we talk about Pakistan, the better. I don't want India to be hyphenated with Pakistan. Since 1947, Pakistan has been troubling India, trying to destabilise India. They have promoted various terrorist fact of the matter is that the Indian Constitution celebrates pluralism and diversity. The Indian Constitution clearly says that India, as a nation, as a country, has no religion, and we celebrate all the neighbouring country is a failed state. It was formed on the basis of a religion, but they have used that religion to promote terrorist activities. They have not understood the religion of Islam properly, and that is why you see various terrorist organisations — at one point of time, Pakistan was the headquarters of all the major terrorist organisations that were troubling various countries in the Pakistan can do whatever they want, but there is no equivalence with what India is and what India will do in the countries that all the honourable MPs will be going to — they also know for a fact that India is on a much higher pedestal than this neighbouring country. Our economy is, what, 7–8 times stronger than the neighbouring country?A country which has taken an IMF loan 28 times — the world understands what Pakistan has been doing with their own country, with their own I think it is high time that our government ensures that Pakistan is once again put back into the FATF grey list. That will be one of the best ways of ensuring that money is not given to these terrorists and that terrorism is not promoted in that's a very important point you make — that the Centre should be making that effort of getting Pakistan back on the grey list of the said that — and we will talk about the international community because there has been a rather disappointing projection in terms of the positioning of the international community on the issue — but before that: copycat syndrome. What would you call it?We make statements — Pakistan does the same. We hold press conferences — Pakistan does the same. And now we're sending all-party delegations — so Shahbaz Sharif has appointed Bilawal Bhutto to do the he secure very high-level meetings, what would that mean for India and India's position when it comes to the international community?Asaduddin Owaisi:You know, the person who's going to head the neighbouring country's delegation — whatever it's comprised of — I mean, his mother was killed by an act of it's most unfortunate that a son who lost his mother to terrorists does not empathise with what India is suffering — has been suffering for many the agenda we have will continue to be put forward to the various countries we'll be visiting. And I'm sure, Inshallah, from the messaging point of view, from a convincing point of view, from ensuring that the world understands in a clearer way that Pakistan deliberately indulges in promoting terrorism in India —The whole purpose is to destabilise India, to create differences between two communities. And Pakistan wrongly uses the name of is a religion whose Prophet, Muhammad, gave the main message to end terrorism. So here you have a country which was partitioned in the name of a religion and formed on the basis of their own country, they are bombing Baloch people. They are bombing Iranian border posts. They are firing at Afghan border posts — which are all Muslim countries, Iran and Afghanistan — and that is why you see the Taliban government outrightly condemning what are also beginning to understand the importance and the value of having India as a good neighbour — or of having good relations with a pertinent point you make when you say that Bilawal personally has suffered an act of terrorism — and yet, Pakistan fails to understand the gravity of what it does to its cannot choose our neighbours. But then again, going back in history, former and late Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, also took the decision to send an all-party the Leader of the Opposition back then led the delegation — that was Harkishan Singh Surjeet. Is the government now taking a leaf out of the Narasimha Rao playbook?Asaduddin Owaisi:Not only the Congress government headed by Mr. Rao, but also the government headed by Dr. Manmohan Singh sent you know, let us not look at this from the prism of political differences. Political differences are necessary to ensure and strengthen democracy — and they will continue.I am a bitter opponent of the BJP, and I will continue to be a bitter opponent of the BJP. But this is not a question of political differences. This is a question of someone threatening the integrity of our country, someone deliberately slaughtering Indian nationals by asking them their for India to become a strong country — of course, we want good relations with our neighbours. But as you rightly said, we cannot change our we cannot trust our neighbour — which is called for the progress of India, for India to be strengthened, and to realise the dream of our founding fathers, it is very important that at this point of time, all political parties have come together and are part of this delegation which is going to different terrorism been weaponised in geopolitics?Look at the countries. Look at the reactions. There was condemnation for Pahalgam, but no specific position or stand for India — not even from DC, where India has invested so fact, if anything, they've done a lot of damage to the conversations that took we're looking at Pakistan — with at least three countries standing by it: China, a very important country, a superpower, an emerging superpower; Turkey, aNATO country; and none of our allies have really stood by us. They only called for de-escalation at a time when India said, "We're only hitting Pakistan. Should they hit us, we'll hit them harder. Should they stop, we'll stop."Is that a disappointing stance? And is that the reason why India needed to do this — this exercise of sending delegations to various countries?Asaduddin Owaisi:I agree with what you have said. You know, we have a good relationship with the U.S. — we had that nuclear what really worried me was that we could not include the terrorist organisation TRF in the Security Council resolution. That — you know — I was quite worried and surprised that we could not include the name of that terrorist organisation in the Security Council I still feel that our government, our diplomats, are quite capable, and they must ensure that the United States designates TRF as a foreign terrorist is very important for the United Kingdom and their own Treasury to designate TRF as a terrorist must impress upon China also that this is not good for the whole region. And of course, we have our own neighbouring allies — they should also be impressed upon. So, all in all, I feel that a lot of work has to be done on that particular front, and I'm sure the government is looking into I totally agree with you — the countries which are supporting Pakistan have come out very clearly and categorically said that they'll be supporting there is room for improvement. Let us hope that the government understands this and takes it up at the highest level with these respective saying there's a lot of politics back home — there's a lot of politics we've seen, and I have to ask you a lot of politics happening here in the country with regard to the operation SindoorWill this politics impact the outcome of what the all-party delegation intends to do with countries abroad? Because they are watching what's happening in watching the actions being taken. They're watching the bitter words that are being exchanged between the ruling dispensation and the opposition — between the ruling party and the opposition is that going to have an impact on the outcome?Asaduddin Owaisi:I don't think it will have an impact because, you see, despite whatever has been said by different political parties —Unlike the countries which are supporting Pakistan — our neighbour — they cannot tolerate have our own differences, but despite that, those political parties have sent their respective Honourable MPs as part of the in itself sends out a clear message — that as far as terrorism is concerned, as far as this neighbouring country which is sponsoring terrorism is concerned, all of us are as the Foreign Secretary — you must remember that during his first briefing, he said that we have a very vibrant democracy in despite what has been said, the political parties have sent their MPs in this lastly, you know — I cannot speak on behalf of those political parties — but yes, we will be asking questions of our government at the right must ensure that those four terrorists who massacred Indians at Pahalgam — justice should be done to terrorists should be caught, or whatever it is — they should be there are some important questions which the country wants to know. I'm sure all of us — including my party — will be asking the just two more questions before I let you go — because you mentioned the Foreign were one of the first who came out in his defence. He's one of the brightest we have, but the kind of trolling, the kind of treatment that was meted out to the Foreign Secretary of India was not just disappointing, but shameful — just for having come out and conveyed the message of the central government or Owaisi:You know, what really surprised me was that the Foreign Minister should have condemned it. But later on, the IAS officers and various government organisations did condemn it. But this is not the way to treat the Foreign Secretary. This is not the way to troll someone — and you're attacking his family. Day in and day out, we see — I mean, I'm sure you cover international relations, you also cover the press conferences which are held at 4 a.m., 10 a.m. — so you know that the Foreign Secretary post in our country is a very, very important post. Especially in the light of what has happened at this point in time — someone indulging in this kind of personal have the right to disagree. Disagree — who's stopping you from disagreeing? But to attack his family — what has the family got to do with it?At the end of the day, you see, in our Constitution, the Foreign Secretary or the government is part of the executive, which is the ruling whatever the ruling party decides as a policy decision — that will be said by various government officers, whether it's the Foreign Secretary, the Home Secretary, or any Additional Secretary of any end of the day, if you have a grievance — take it to the government. But why attack an officer? Why attack his family? That is highly condemnable. That should not have happened. And no one should tolerate am looking at the countries that delegations are being sent to — some very important ones. But I do see a glaring miss over here, and that's the all the 'Neighbourhood First' policy that India has been carrying out and talking about for the past decade — the neighbourhood seems to have been given a we do have a very difficult relationship with most of our neighbours — but isn't it important to have that neighbourhood outreach at this point in time, when we're having the most difficult time with our immediate neighbour, Pakistan?Asaduddin Owaisi:Yes, yes — very important. We should have very good relationships with our neighbours — though I must say, we must exclude Pakistan from — the Taliban government — I know has openly condemned the attack. Bangladesh — what is worrying for us is that, according to media reports (subject to correction), ISI is a regular visitor in Bangladesh. Nepal is there. Sri Lanka is I'm sure the government knows about this. And it is in the interest of our neighbouring countries that India remains a stronger country. Because one must remember — terrorism is like a cancer. It can spread anywhere. And terrorism itself doesn't differentiate between countries. They can do anything. So, hopefully, they'll realise what India has been suffering for so many I'm sure that, in the coming months, more should be done — will be done — to have a stronger and more vibrant relationship with our South Asian and neighbouring now have not one but two Field Marshals in Pakistan. Asim Munir has declared himself — if I may say so boldly — to be a Field Marshal after Ayub a very rare instance — even Pervez Musharraf had not gone this your reading of this, and is that also going to be part of the conversation when you're part of the delegation to the countries that you're going to visit?Asaduddin Owaisi: Well, you know, to answer in short — I've heard a topmost officer of the government say that every country has an army, but the Pakistani Army has a had there been a position higher than Field Marshal, I'm sure Mr. Munir would have aspired to that as well. They can do anything. It's a joke, basically. They have a civilian government over there, and a man is going to retire — and then he says, 'Oh, I want this post.' And the civilian government bends down, falls at his feet, and says, 'Yes, Your Exalted Highness, Your Exhausted Highness — please take whatever you want.' Must Watch
