Latest news with #LittleMix
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Jade Thirlwall leads thousands of people in anti-JK Rowling chant at LGBTQ+ festival Might Hoopla as she shows solidarity with trans people
Jade Thirlwall has lead thousands of people in an anti-JK Rowling chant at an LGBTQ + festival. The former Little Mix star, 32, known professionally as JADE, performed at Mighty Hoopla in London on Saturday. And during her performance, she sang one of her new songs FUFN (F*** You For Now) - using it to take aim at the Harry Potter author. 'Transphobes,' JADE shouted, as the crowd replied: 'F*** you'. She then turned attention to the writer, yelling ' JK Rowling ' to which the crowd chanted again: 'F*** you'. A festival-goer shared the clip online with the caption: 'Jade, the legend you are!!!' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. JK has denied being transphobic, but she previously said she would 'happily' go to jail for misgendering a trans person rather than referring to them by their preferred pronouns. She is also using the new Harry Potter series to fund organisations dedicated to removing trans rights, with her 'Women's Fund' website saying it will offer financial support to those fighting trans inclusion 'in the workplace, in public life, and in protected female spaces'. The author made her first controversial comments about trans people six years ago, and has long claimed their inclusion in spaces such as bathrooms is a threat to women. On Sunday, JK made her feelings known as she shared an article and pulled out a quote which said: 'Nothing I can say about the violent, fetishistic narcissism at the heart of trans activism is half as persuasive as what trans activists say themselves.' Showing she agreed with the message, JK wrote: 'This, by @HJoyceGender, is [bullseye emoji].' And earlier this month, JK took to social media to state that 'nobody sane believes, or has ever believed, that humans can change sex, or that binary sex isn't a material fact'. The comments followed last month's Supreme Court ruling that in the 2010 Equality Act, the definition of the term 'women' relates only to biological women. The decision was hailed by gender-critical campaigners as a major victory, with the Harry Potter author saying it would protect 'the rights of women and girls across the UK'. Meanwhile JADE has a long history of showing support for the LGBTQ+ community, winning a Gay Times allyship award in 2021. She has also been nominated for a Celebrity Ally Award at the 2025 LGBT Awards, with her boyfriend Jordan Stephens also receiving a nod in the category. The award was previously won by actor David Tennant in 2024. Recently, JADE signed an open letter pledging solidarity with the trans community following the recent UK Supreme Court ruling, alongside her former bandmates Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Perrie Edwards. Other British artists to sign included Charli XCX, Florence Welch and Dua Lipa. Just days ago, JADE used her BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend performance to make a statement about her allyship as she wore a dress in the trans pride flag colours. JADE's relationship with Rizzle Kicks star Jordan began through their passion for social justice, with the pair making their public debut at the Black Trans Lives Matter march in 2020. She recently said she has been warned about career backlash for speaking out on issues she is passionate about. Speaking to Stylist magazine recently, JADE said: 'I have been warned there could be consequences for speaking out about things like Palestine, but these are basic human rights. 'We're seeing an attack on the trans community, and I have a very big LGBTQ+ fanbase. 'I can't sit back and not be vocal about defending that community. I'm happy to pay the consequences if it means doing the right thing.' It comes weeks after JADE announced the release date of her hugely anticipated debut solo album 'THAT'S SHOWBIZ BABY!' - and it's closer than you think. She also revealed she will be going on her first ever solo tour of the UK and Ireland, in exciting news for fans. The record will be released on September 12 and sees Jade work with a variety of A list collaborators on the project including Mike Sabath, Lostboy, Cirkut, RAYE and Pablo Bowman. In her Instagram post the singer also dropped the dates for her 'THAT'S SHOWBIZ BABY! – THE TOUR'. JADE will hit the road in October and November of this year visiting Dublin, Belfast, Brighton, Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, Birmingham and Newcastle, before finishing at London's prestigious Roundhouse.
Daily Mail
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Dannii Minogue makes a surprise appearance to announce guest headliner Jade as the former Little Mix singer commands attention in a Diana Ross inspired cow-print outfit
made a surprise appearance to announce guest headliner Jade as she headlined at Mighty Hoopla on Saturday evening. The former Little Mix singer commanded attention in a Diana Ross inspired cow-print outfit as she took to the stage for an incredible performance. The Australian singer, 53, who is the sister of Kylie Minogue, showed her support for the IT Girl hitmaker, 32, as she introduced her solo set. Taking to the stage in London's Brockwell Park Gardens, Dannii looked incredible as she graced the audience in a chic white blazer and matching high-waisted trousers. For her special appearance, she layered her jacket over a white lace bodysuit and styled her highlighted tresses into loose curls. She opted for a full glam makeup for the evening as she sported a bright red lip and a bronze smoky eye look. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Ahead of her emergence, Dannii took to her social media to shared that she had never been to the festival before. Taking to her Instagram Stories, she said: 'I've heard a lot about Mighty Hoopla and I've never been here until now. 'Today is the day and so I might just go check it out okay ciao.' The video then panned to Dannii walking out on stage before blowing kisses to a very excited-sounding crowd. After being introduced, Dannii quipped: 'Okay I know who you are here for. She was in one of the biggest girl pop groups ever, give it up for Jade.' Bounding on one leg to get the crowds excited, Dannii ran off stage to make way for the guest headliner. Taking to the stage, Jade wowed her devoted fans as she channeled her inner Diana Ross and a wore a black and white cow-print jump suit. She paired her flared one-piece, complete with tassel sleeves, with a matching cowboy hat and a silk red scarf. Her country-inspired look was completed with a low-hanging white belt and platform heels. Jade's outfit looked almost identical to one worn by Dianna in 1969 for an episode of NBC's G.I.T. (Getting It Together) on Broadway. The main difference between the two saw Diana sport a gold scarf and wore leather gloves instead of an off-the-shoulder one-piece. The show was also known as Diana Ross and The Supremes and The Temptations on Broadway as was produced by Motown Productions and saw the two groups performing primarily to Broadway showtunes. Last weekend Jade dropped a major hint about a Little Mix reunion as she performed her 'first ever solo show' at BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend in Liverpool. During her set on the New Music Stage, Jade hinted that there will be a future reunion for the girl band as she changed the lyrics to one of their songs. The hitmaker belted out Little Mix's 2018 hit Wasabi and as she sang the famous line, 'I bet they gonna break up', Jade confirmed that the band are only on 'hiatus'. She shouted: 'It's a hiatus!' Elsewhere in the show, Jade performed an incredible medley of Little Mix songs including Shout Out To My Ex , Sweet Melody, Woman Like Me and Touch. She went on to gush over the cheering crowd that she is 'grateful' for the band and admitted she 'wouldn't be here' without them. The Angel Of My Dreams singer said: 'Guys do you remember I was in a girl band, oh gosh you're still going, I just want to say I love the Little Mix girls with all my heart. 'I'm so so grateful to the girls. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be here today on my own. So shout out Little Mix!' Before discussing her former band, Jade kicked off her show by revealing she wanted it to be 'extra special' as it was her first solo gig. She told the crowd: 'Liverpool how we feeling tonight, guys I forgot what this feels like its been so long. 'This is my first ever solo show. I promise I wouldn't want to be anywhere else or with anyone else tonight, wow this is incredible. 'OK because it is my first show I want it to be extra special and a night I'll never forget'.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Actor Luke Evans on reaching 'dark place' and growing up gay as part of Jehovah's Witness community
Actor Luke Evans on reaching 'dark place' and growing up gay as part of Jehovah's Witness community 'Even at your darkest moments, there's still hope. You can still be okay' Welsh actor and singer Luke Evans opened up about his tough childhood in the BBC's Alison Hammond's Big Weekend (Image: BBC ) Hollywood actor Luke Evans has spoken about reaching a "dark place" during his teenage years when he was experiencing difficulties growing up as gay and being a member of the Jehovah's Witness community. In the third episode of the brand new BBC series, Alison Hammond's Big Weekend, the beloved presenter, Alison Hammond, got to spend some time with Luke, who has starred in a number of big Hollywood blockbusters such as The Hobbit franchise, The Girl on the Train, and the 2017 film adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. While on the programme, the Welsh actor and singer opened up about his tough childhood. He candidly spoke about his experience of bullying and conflict between his homosexuality and religion, to the extent where he reached a "dark place" and contemplated suicide. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . With each episode, Alison spends a weekend with various stars, including Little Mix's Perrie Edwards and comedian Jimmy Carr. This week, the Great British Bake Off presenter was spending the weekend with Luke Evans in his hometown of Aberbargoed. Throughout the episode, the actor had spoken candidly about his upbringing, including when he had gone through a very difficult time. While travelling in the car, Alison wanted to delve deeper into Luke's upbringing, and the two spoke about the actor being brought up as a Jehovah's Witness. Jehovah's Witnesses reject homosexuality. The actor explained that he understood he would be expelled from the community if he came out, which would also have implications on his family. Alison Hammond met up with Luke's parents, Yvonne and David, at their home in Aberbargoed (Image: BBC ) "I knew I was different, I didn't know I was gay," he explained. "I just knew I was different from the ages of 7, 8, 9, you know, very young." He continued: "I also didn't have anyone outside the religion to be able to confide in or ask what was wrong. "I've been baptised in the religion and that meant if I chose to be openly gay, I would be cut-off from everyone and everything I knew." Luke admitted that the experience was "very complicated" and "very confusing". He said: "I felt very, very isolated." Luke Evans was raised as an only child but wished he had siblings (Image: BBC ) Alison then asked if he had reached a "dark place", to which Luke replied with: "Oh god, yeah. My teenage years, when it was clear in my mind who I was, and I was just… I had no-one to talk to. "It was a very difficult position, place to be. Yeah, I contemplated suicide for sure." He continued: "It was not a nice place to be, especially at that young age. But something stopped me." "What do you think stopped you?" Alison asked. "Well," he began. "I think because I thought, what am I missing out on if I do this? "What life have I got that I haven't discovered yet that I have to live? And I think it was, like, needing to know what my life would be like once all of this was over." Where to get mental health help and support Below are some of the helplines and websites that can help you: Samaritans operates a free 24-hour phone service every day of the year. Just call 116 123 to speak to someone if you need help. Alternatively, if you prefer to write down how you're feeling or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans: jo@ PAPYRUS offers trained advisers to provide support to young people experiencing thoughts of suicide and anyone concerned for a young person. Call HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141 Text: 07860 039 967 or Email: pat@ Mind is a mental health charity that provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Among its useful support and information pages, mind shares 'ways to help yourself cope in a crisis' here In another part of the episode, the actor also spoke of the bullying he faced as a child. While making their way to his hometown, Luke explained that he was an only child but that he always wanted a sibling. He said: "I did want to have a sibling because I was bullied really badly, so I always see my friends who had big brothers and big sisters in school, and they'd always look out for them, and I didn't have anyone like that.' Luke then described the bullying as "horrible". He added: 'But I knew it would be over at some point because I was going to leave school. "I had absolutely no intention of staying on. "So yeah, I left home at 16." Luke spoke candidly about his childhood, specifically the bullying he faced and the difficulties of growing up as gay and being a member of the Jehovah's Witness community (Image: BBC ) When asked if he hadn't been bullied, would he have been a different person, he replied: "I probably would have been a different child. "I would have done A-Levels and possibly have had better grades, but by the time I was like 14, 15, I was just like get me out, get me out". He continued: "All I wanted to do was get a job." As they made their way through Aberbargoed, the actor agreed that it was a "nice" feeling returning to his beloved hometown in Caerphilly borough. "I'm not somebody to hang on to the negative things that have happened to me in life," he said. "Good memories make you feel way better than bad ones." A bit later, the two met up with Luke's parents, Yvonne and David, who offered Alison some Welsh cakes. When asked what he was like as a young boy, his mum Yvonne explained he was a "full house". She continued: "The minute he was born, and came home from the hospital, it was like 'oh!'." She then added: "But you were full of fun because the house was always full of friends. "And the front room was sort of separate, and the laughter that used to come out of that room. It was wonderful, wasn't it?" Luke then showed Alison where his old room used to be, which was now the spare bedroom. As the two sat on the bed and looked out through the window to the valley, Luke discussed his childhood even further. "Were you quite an awkward kid?" Alison asked him. "Yes, I don't think I was very comfortable in my own skin," he replied. "I was a skinny little kid too". He continued: "I think because I was bullied, you can start thinking you are the problem. "And I think I definitely went through that. You know, I wasn't very confident as a kid "The confidence came as a teenager. As soon as I left school, actually. But school was not a pleasant place". The actor also agreed that he faced a challenging time due to not being able to talk about the fact that he was gay. "I didn't speak to anyone until I was 14 and I went to a psychologist because I wanted to ask them what was… - because I had no-one to talk to. "And she offered me a 14-week course at £200 a session, at like 14. And I went, 'no, no, no, I need help today'. And she said, 'well, I can't help you'." Following the candid conversation with Luke, in which he spoke about contemplating suicide, Alison said: "It was definitely an emotional moment." She continued: "Even at your darkest moments, there's still hope. You can still be okay. "I mean, thank God that he held on, because he has brought so many people so much joy purely by just being himself." Article continues below You can watch Alison Hammond's Big Weekend at 8.20pm on Friday evenings on BBC One or all episodes are now available on BBC iPlayer.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Emmerdale fans only just realising where they've seen Billy star Jay Kontzle
Many people only know Jay Kontzie from his role in Emmerdale, but fans may not be aware that has been on our screens for many years now, and his career didn't start with the soap Jay Kontzle is currently best known for playing Billy Fletcher in Emmerdale, where he is now a fan favourite. However, long before he was tangled up in dramatic soap storylines from dodging punches in the illegal boxing rings or his young son's leukaemia diagnosis, he was belting out tunes on national TV, which found him with Simon Cowell's stamp of approval. Many fans haven't been able to connect the dots, but he was a member of The Mend, a Manchester-based group formed in 2008 by the former Take That manager Nigel Martin-Smith. They first appeared on TV on The X Factor in 2011. However, their stint quickly came to an end when, at boot camp, producers discovered they had a management deal, which is against the rules. But they decided to give it another try the following year, this time auditioning for Britain's Got Talent. During their performance, a young Jay said, 'We've all got problems at home, but we'll keep doing music until we can sort them out.' They performed a part-rapped, part-sung cover of Otis Redding's Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay, blowing the audience away—and Cowell, too. 'I'm very happy you auditioned. I like you a lot,' he told them. The Mend made it all the way to the final, eventually finishing in seventh place. The group later supported Little Mix on their 2013 DNA tour, which helped them gain a solid teenage fanbase. In 2015, the group decided to call it quits. While reflecting on that chapter of his life, he told Cheshire Live, "Being part of The Mend was a huge life experience for me and some of the best times of my life.' "Obviously, being on tour and performing live on TV gave me so much experience, but as we grew older, we realised that as a boy band that catered for teenagers, we couldn't keep re-inventing ourselves." Although he rubbed shoulders with music royalty over the years, he admits the music industry wasn't for him. While he did enjoy the performing side, there was a side he didn't enjoy. "The best thing about being in a band was the insight I got into the industry,' he told Inside Soap. "We worked with people at the top of their game, like Simon Cowell. But in the end, the business side of music put me off. It was an experience! I don't really talk about it now because I've kind of moved on." And he decided to take a different route, after he was tipped off by a casting session by his friend Hollyoaks star Jamie Lomas in 2018, where he landed the part of Billy Fletcher - a reformed bad boy who turned into a doting Husband to Dawn. Viewers love the couple, but recent episodes have seen Billy hiding some major secrets - including the fact that he's risking his life in illegal fights to support his family. But this isn't his first explosive - including a wedding ambushed by serial killer Meena Jutla, and the heartbreak of their son Evan's illness. However his career started outside the Dingle Family, his acting credits include Fresh Meat with Jack Whitehall, a role in Diana and I, a cheeky Moonpig advert, and behind-the-scenes work on the films Underwater and Bring Back My Bonnie. Despite the different career avenues he has gone, this career seems to be exactly where he's meant to be. "It wasn't until I went that everything fell into place and the role really suited me. It's been a very busy and exciting time since then, and I am very happy," he said
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Swifties, Robbie fans and music lovers - Foxfest at Conifox just got even bigger!
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend this August as Edinburgh's Conifox Adventure Park brings you FoxFest 2025 – and it's shaping up to be the biggest and best yet! Mark your calendars for Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August and prepare for two days packed with live music, top-class entertainment and fun for the whole family. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Calling all Swifties—live out your wildest dreams as the ultimate Taylor Swift tribute act takes the stage on both days. It's time to shake it off and sing along to all your favourite hits! Adding even more star power to the line-up, organisers are thrilled to announce a high-energy Robbie Williams tribute will take to the stage on Sunday. With classic anthems like Angels, Rock DJ, and Let Me Entertain You, it's set to be an unmissable performance for Robbie fans of all ages. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad FoxFest 2025 brings together the best in tribute music, live shows, and family entertainment. From massive pop tunes, to mesmerising magic to hands-in-the-air singalongs, don't miss out on the ultimate summer celebration! #FoxFest What's in Store at FoxFest 2025? Saturday 2nd August Totally Taylor – Taylor Swift Tribute Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran Tribute Sweet like Sabrina - Sabrina Carpenter Tribute Steptastic – A tribute to pop icons Steps Songs from Musicals Live Dizzy O Dare – The Giant Balloon Show The World's Tallest Bubbleologist Sunday 3rd August FoxFest crowd Totally Taylor – Taylor Swift Tribute Liam as Robbie - Robbie Williams Tribute A Tribute to Pink Little Mix Magic – The ultimate tribute to Little Mix Disney Sing-Along – A magical musical journey for all ages Dizzy O Dare – The Giant Balloon Show Magic Gareth – A spellbinding magical performance And that's not all! Festival goers can also enjoy all the exciting activities that Conifox Adventure Park has to offer, including access to the outdoor Adventure Park, delicious food stalls, refreshing drinks, and an onsite funfair with rides and face painting (additional cost applies). Event Details Location: Conifox Adventure Park, Kirkliston, Edinburgh Conifox Adventure Park, Kirkliston, Edinburgh Dates: Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd August Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd August Doors Open: 9:30 AM 9:30 AM Hosted by: Mark Martin Mark Martin Get Ready for an Unmissable Weekend! Conifox Managing Director James Gammell said: 'FoxFest is all about creating unforgettable moments for families. We're bringing together some of the UK's best tribute performers, spectacular live acts, and entertainment that everyone can enjoy. It's going to be a fantastic weekend full of music, laughter, and magic, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back!' General sale ticket prices are £14.95 per adult, £19.95 per child (2-16 years), £11.75 per toddler (12-24 months), babies go free! For the latest updates, full lineups, and ticket information, visit
