Latest news with #Welsh
Metro
8 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Stevie Wonder clears up bizarre rumour that he's not really blind
Stevie Wonder has addressed the bizarre rumors floating around about his blindness, describing his sight issues as a 'blessing'. The 75-year-old opened up about his health while performing in Cardiff last week, during his Love, Light and Song tour – ahead of his electrifying stint at London's BST Hyde Park on Saturday. Appearing on stage in the Welsh capital, the Isn't She Lovely singer took a moment to speak out against claims that he can actually see. 'I must say to all of you, something that I was thinking, 'When did I want to let the world know this?' But I wanted to say it right now,' he began in footage making the sounds on social media. 'You know there have been rumors about me seeing and all that,' he continued, to laughter from the crowd. 'But seriously, you know the truth. 'The truth is, shortly after my birth, I became blind. Now, that was a blessing because it has allowed me to see the world in the vision of truth, of sight. See people in the spirit of them, not how they look. 'Not what color they are, but what color is their spirit?' Stevie was born premature and went blind shortly after – he was diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) at six weeks old, due to too much oxygen in his incubator. According to the Mayo Clinic, this occurs when blood vessels 'swell and grow too much in the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye'. The overgrown vessels can sometimes slowly scar the retina and pull it out of place, causing retinal detachment, which can 'harm vision and cause blindness'. He found his passion for music at an early age and began releasing albums in the 60s, and went on to become one of the best-selling artists in history – thanks to hits including Superstition, Part-Time Lover, I Just Called To Say I Love You and Signed, Sealed, Delivered among many others. Last year, he made a rare comment about his childhood while recording the Wonder of Stevie audiobook series with Wesley Morris and President Barack Obama. 'I was born. Shortly after that, I'm blind,' he said at the time. 'My mother went through the different things, and so my experience with that was deep.' He recalled hearing his mom cry 'every night', until he told her: 'Mama, you shouldn't cry, you're making my head hurt. 'And I said, 'Maybe God has something for me that's bigger than all this'. 'History proved that true.' Stevie has faced scrutiny over his sight many times over the years, with his fellow celebrities making light of the speculation. Appearing on the Kelly Clarkson Show in 2019, Lionel Richie joked: 'I'm going to tell you something – I've been spending my whole life with him thinking, 'He can see, I know he can see.' 'I went to his house. He says, 'Wanna hear a new song? I've got it in the car. Come on, go with me.'' He shared that his pal sat in the driver's seat, 'cranked the car up, put the tape in … and starts driving back down the driveway'. 'I screamed, 'Stevie! What are you doing?' And he said, 'Ah, got you, didn't I?'' More Trending In 2016, Anthony Anderson also unpacked his friendship with Stevie during an appearance on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Questioned on whether he once challenged Stevie to a charity basketball game, the Blackish actor quipped: 'I did… What y'all don't know is, Stevie can see. It's just an act. 'I'm telling you, have him on the show! Put stuff in his way, I bet you he'll step over it.' 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: Bruno Mars says he's 'almost out of debt' after rumoured $50million gambling loss MORE: Horror director reveals why Amazon Prime series star was cut from new 90s reboot MORE: Reese Witherspoon's nickname for her financier boyfriend is so Reese Witherspoon
South Wales Argus
21 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Omid Djalili and Simon Callow filming in Newport City Centre
Cameras were spotted in John Frost square for what seems like the umpteenth time as the production of 'About a Bell' resumed. About a Bell is an independent film about Sami, a Syrian refugee, and Bryony, a young librarian, who embark on a highly personal quest to preserve a bell from a demolished church. Th brains behind the operation Welsh production company Hello Deer have been in the city for around four weeks. With big stars like Christopher Eccleston partaking, they've been attracting a bit of a name for themselves! Film crews in John Frost Square outside Newport Library for the filming of About a Bell (Image: NQ) John Frost Square was swamped from 2pm onwards by clip boards, boom mics and cameras. Alongside this were crowds of intrigued locals. Today's famous faces included a famous comedian and an actor who's starred in productions alongside English heartthrob Hugh Grant. Four Weddings and a Funeral star Simon Callow reading his lines for About a Bell (Image: NQ) Present on set was Simon Callow known for his role as 'Gareth' in Four Weddings and a Funeral and as Tilney, Master of the Revels in the 1998 production of Shakespeare in Love. Callow was seen flicking through his script whilst shaded under a canopy. He was described by one local as 'friendly' but 'busy.' Chelsea comedian Omid Djalili having his makeup touched up on set (Image: NQ) He was joined by Chelsea born comedian Omid Djalili. Djalili a huge name is comedy has done stand up at the Royal Variety. Today (July 14) he was seen outside Newport library walking along what appeared to be 'train tracks.' He was wearing a boiler suite and had his face touched out by a makeup crew now and again. Have you seen anyone famous recently??
Time Out Dubai
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Stereophonics are coming to Dubai: Ticket details, venue and more
One of the UK's most legendary rock bands are coming to Dubai for a one-night-only show. Welsh rockers Stereophonics will take to the stage at Coca-Cola Arena on Wednesday October 29 and tickets are already on sale. With an extensive back catalogue of earworm hits like Have a Nice Day, Dakota and Maybe Tomorrow spanning more than 30 years, it's bound to be one of the biggest concerts of the year. In addition to the classics, expect songs off their latest album Make 'Em Laugh, Make 'Em Cry, Make 'Em Wait. Stereophonics are embarking on an international Stadium Anthems Tour and bringing the noise to Dubai once again. Tickets are priced from Dhs295 and available via Ticketmaster and PlatinumList. Stereophonics in Dubai tickets Ticket prices are split into five different categories, ranging from Dhs295 for general admission to Dhs595 for the diamond tier seating section. Floor standing will also be priced at Dhs295 and is available for anyone over 14 years old. Silver tier seating will be Dhs395 while the gold tier is priced at Dhs495. Can't make this show? Don't worry, there are plenty of other big acts you can get your live music fix with in Dubai and Abu Dhabi later this year – including Franz Ferdinand. From Dhs295. Wed Oct 29. Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk. or Looking for things to do in Dubai? 112 amazing things to do in Dubai in 2025 Everything to tick off your Dubai bucket list The best Saturday brunches in Dubai to try this weekend (whatever your budget) You need to try these brunches at least once Here's how to eat at 12 expensive Dubai restaurants for less Yes, even at the Burj Al Arab
Business News Wales
an hour ago
- Health
- Business News Wales
Inquiry Launched into the 'Growing Crisis' Facing General Practice in Wales
The Senedd's Health and Social Care Committee has launched a major inquiry into the 'growing crisis' facing General Practice (GP) services in Wales. The inquiry aims to deliver practical recommendations to the Welsh Government to secure the future of GP services. The inquiry began with a key evidence session bringing together members of the general practice workforce from across Wales to hear directly about their experiences and insights. A panel of professionals gave evidence to the Committee in a public session. The experiences of GPs, a practice nurse, and practice manager have also been captured to provide first-hand account of the key concerns, including concerns about the funding model, workforce recruitment and retention, and the 'damaging impact' of negative public and political discourse on morale and patient care. Dr James Pink, a GP partner, said flaws in the funding model were damaging services: 'It doesn't really work in Wales. It means we've got a problem in this area where we are the lowest funded health board in the whole of the UK. Clearly our patients are the main people who are most impacted.' An increased workload is placing an unbearable pressure on GPs, said Dr Meilyr Gruffudd: 'I often work in the evening and on days off. Being able to recruit more staff would help… but we can't afford to employ them. The increase in the National Insurance payment is equivalent to the salary of one staff member.' A negative narrative is damaging morale and staff and patient relations, according to John Williams, practice manager and partner, who said: 'There is an unfortunate narrative that GPs are not seeing patients. It impacts staff retention, recruitment and morale, but also lowers patients expectations and makes relationships difficult.' Nia Boughton is a consultant nurse for primary care. Among her priorities is urgent recruitment for a workforce that is nearing retirement. She said: 'I'd like to see investment in the workforce in primary care nursing. 50% of our workforce is over the age of 55. If we don't act quickly now we face a catastrophe.' The Chair of the Senedd's Health and Social Care Committee, Peter Fox MS, said: 'We are embarking on a vital inquiry to uncover the root causes of the pressures facing our GP services. From the video evidence already submitted, it's clear that the service is under significant pressure, leaving us in no doubt about the importance of this inquiry. 'We know the frustrations felt in communities across Wales, and we are determined to listen, scrutinise government action, and recommend solutions that must be acted on without delay. 'We're grateful to the many healthcare professionals joining us today. Their evidence will be central to this inquiry, which will be our priority throughout the Senedd's autumn term.' More evidence sessions with Health Boards, patient representatives and other stakeholders will proceed from September onwards. Evidence gathered will be put to the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Jeremy Miles MS, as they face Committee scrutiny before the inquiry reaches its conclusion. A report containing the Committee's recommendations will be published and presented to the Welsh Government for a response ahead of a debate in the Senedd.
Business News Wales
an hour ago
- Health
- Business News Wales
Welsh Scientists to Develop AI App for Early Detection of Potato Blight
Potato blight, one of the world's most devastating crop diseases, could soon be detected using mobile phones thanks to a new app being developed by Welsh scientists. Spearheaded by a research team at Aberystwyth University, the DeepDetect project aims to develop a mobile phone app that uses artificial intelligence to provide early warnings of diseases in potatoes. Potato crops are highly susceptible to diseases caused by pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, can wipe out entire fields, and lead to enormous costs and food shortages. It is responsible for 20% of potato crop losses and £3.5 billion in economic losses worldwide. Traditionally, disease detection in crops has relied on manual inspection, a method that is time-consuming, expensive, and often subjective. DeepDetect aims to change that by harnessing the power of machine learning to deliver accurate diagnoses directly to farmers' smartphones. Dr Edore Akpokodje, a Lecturer in Computer Science at Aberystwyth University, said: 'Our goal is to empower farmers with a tool which is not only scientifically robust but also practical and easy to use, and which delivers instantaneous, location-specific disease forecasts straight to their phones. By integrating farmer feedback from the outset, we will ensure that this technology is grounded in real-world needs and challenges.' Potatoes are a vital crop globally and in Wales, where over 17,000 hectares are dedicated to potato farming. The project also aims to reduce the environmental and financial burden of widespread preventive spraying, which currently costs Welsh farmers up to £5.27 million annually. Dr Akpokodje added: 'Addressing the challenge of early diagnosis of potato plant disease would boost productivity and reduce costs for farmers, while supporting more sustainable and targeted disease management. By decreasing reliance on pesticides, this approach benefits both the environment and the long-term resilience of the potato industry. The technology also has the potential for wider application across other crops, driving innovation in agricultural practices.' Dr Aiswarya Girija from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University said: 'Potatoes are the fourth most important staple crop globally, and optimal production is essential for a growing global population. Potato blight is therefore not just a farming issue – it's a food security issue. 'As well as threatening the stability of food supplies, potato blight drives up production costs and reliance on environmentally harmful fungicides. The system we plan to develop will be capable of detecting early signs of disease before they become visible to the human eye, allowing for timely and targeted interventions.' The first stage of the DeepDetect project is a comprehensive feasibility study, including market research to understand the limitations of current early warning systems and identify the needs of Welsh farmers. This stage will begin with the project team speaking to stakeholders and members of the public on the Aberystwyth University stand at the Royal Welsh Show. The project team will then create an AI-powered prototype using image datasets of healthy and diseased potato leaves. Once the prototype has been developed, the team will conduct focus groups and workshops with farmers and agronomists to refine the model and ensure usability. The outcomes of this feasibility study, which is funded by the Welsh Government Smart Flexible Innovation Support (SFIS) programme, will lay the groundwork for a national Early Warning System for potato blight, with potential to expand the technology to other crops and regions in the future.
