Archive May 12, 2025

Adam Anderson, one half of the Manchester based duo, will not be appearing at Hurts’ upcoming ‘Happiness’ anniversary shows this summer so that he can focus on his wellbeing

A rock star has made the difficult decision to withdraw from all his performances for the remainder of the year. Manchester-based band, Hurts, is set to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their debut album this summer with a series of shows, including a significant gig at the O2 Academy Brixton in London on May 22.

However, Adam Anderson of Hurts will not be participating in the duo’s upcoming ‘Happiness’ anniversary shows, choosing instead to concentrate on his mental health and well-being.

In an Instagram post, Anderson shared: “As many of you know I’ve been struggling with my mental health for years now. Sadly, due to my ongoing recovery, I have taken the very difficult decision to sit out all forthcoming HURTS shows this year and focus solely on my well-being.”

“It hasn’t been an easy decision, but it’s the right thing for me to do at this time.” He expressed his gratitude towards his bandmate, saying: “I want to express my love and gratitude to Theo for his understanding and supporting me in making this decision. All shows will go ahead as planned with Theo taking centre stage and I couldn’t be happier that they’re taking place.”

Anderson also apologised to fans, stating: “You’ve supported me as an individual and the band for so many years and I have never taken it for granted. I don’t want anyone to worry about me. I am doing my best to recover with a good support system around me and I look forward to getting better.”

His fans were quick to respond with messages of support, with one saying: “Adam, take care of yourself! We love you very much and wish you a speedy recovery!!! We are waiting for you!” chimed in another fan.

“Thank you for your honest words and you don’t need to apologise, your health is the most important thing. We will celebrate and support Theo and the band at the concerts celebrating the anniversary of your wonderful album. And we will meet again.”

A third supporter added: “Thank you so much for your honesty, Adam! Your music has helped me and many others through some dark times and I think many of us can at least grasp what it is like to struggle with mental health. It’s even more important now that you know that you did not disappoint us.”

“We all want you to get better and are looking forward to seeing you again on the stage sometime in the future when you feel ready. Take care, Adam! x.”

Theo Hutchcraft responded with his own Instagram post, saying: “I completely understand and respect his decision to step back from the live performances for health reasons.”

“As many of you know I’ve been struggling with my mental health for years now. Adam and I have built this band together and he’s given everything to it over the last 15 years, We’re lifelong friends and partners.”

“I’ll be taking to the stage alongside the incredible Hurts band, who have been with us from the beginning. We’ll be sure to bring the vision to life and make it a summer to remember. Whether you’re in the front row or watching from afar. Love you mate x”.

Hurts are an English musical duo who have released five studio albums: Happiness (2010), Exile (2013), Surrender (2015), Desire (2017) and Faith (2020). Their first two albums both reached the top 10 in several countries.

Music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has appeared in New York City court as the opening statements to his trial were read out to the jurors as he denies the claims made against him

A court has heard that Sean Diddy Combs used violence and threats to coerce women into drug-fueled sexual encounters that he recorded. The music mogul’s highly anticipated trial started in New York City today as opening statements were read out to the jury.

The 55-year-old is accused of a number of serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex ­trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution.

He has continued to deny all allegations against him since he was charged and put behind bars last year, with his multiple bail pleas rejected.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson told the jury: “This is Sean Combs. During this trial you are going to hear about 20 years of the defendant’s crimes.”

She said the crimes included kidnapping, arson, drugs, sex crimes, bribery and obstruction.

Prosecutors said Combs coerced women into drugged-up group sexual encounters he called “freak offs,” “wild king nights” or “hotel nights,” then kept them in line by choking, hitting, kicking and dragging them, often by the hair.

Johnson said Combs once kidnapped an employee at gunpoint to help find his former girlfriend, the R&B singer Cassie. When he did, he “beat her brutally, kicking her in the back and flinging her around like a rag doll.”

Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura, is expected to testify. Combs told Cassie that if she defied him again, he would release recordings of her having sex with a male escort, “souvenirs of the most humiliating nights of her life,” Johnson said.

That was “just the tip of the iceberg,” Johnson said, telling jurors that Cassie was far from the only woman Combs beat and sexually exploited.

The prosecutor said last year Combs brutally beat another woman – identified only as Jane.

Combs’ lawyer Teny Geragos said the trial is a misguided overreach by prosecutors trying to turn consenting sex between adults into a prostitution and sex trafficking case.

“Sean Combs is a complicated man. But this is not a complicated case. This case is about love, jealousy, infidelity and money,” Geragos told the jury of eight men and four women.

“There has been a tremendous amount of noise around this case over the past year. It is time to cancel that noise.”

Geragos told the court that Combs’ violent outbursts, often fuelled by alcohol, jealousy and drugs, might have warranted domestic violence charges, but not sex trafficking and racketeering counts.

She told jurors they might think Combs’ is a “jerk” and might not condone his “kinky sex.” Geragos added: “He’s not charged with being mean. He’s not charged with being a jerk.”

The 12 jurors were sworn in following a delay due to concerns that some might drop out over the weekend if the panel was finalised on Friday as originally planned.

Combs’s defence team had requested the delay, but prosecutors had opposed the postponement. Prospective jurors were asked if they were familiar with several celebrities who may come up during the trial.

They were asked about their knowledge of Michael B. Jordan, Mike Myers, Kid Cudi, and Kanye West. It is unclear if the celebrities will be called to testify, and they have not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Federal prosecutors in New York alleged Combs “abused, threatened and coerced women” into long, drug-fuelled orgies with male prostitutes he called “freak offs” and even threatened them into silence.

The indictment against him stated: “After Freak Offs, Combs and the victims typically received IV fluids to recover from the physical exertion and drug use.”

He pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution charges, which is five counts in all.

Combs’ defence attorneys, including Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, have claimed his sexual encounters have all been consensual and said the rapper is a swinger who sometimes invited people into his bedroom.

If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999

Actor Heather Peace has announced she’s been diagnosed with breast cancer. The EastEnders cast member has shared with fans that she’s had chemotherapy and surgery since she received the news months ago.

Heather, 49 – who plays Eve Panesar-Unwin on the BBC show – opened up about the diagnosis in a post on Instagram this evening. It included footage of her trying on a wig in a dressing room and she referenced losing hair at one point.

Alongside the video, she wrote about the diagnosis and shared that she finished chemotherapy earlier today. She said her life has been “forever changed” by her experience and expressed gratitude for the support she’s had.

Heather wrote: “This video is an important part of my recent journey, which I wanted to share with you. It’s been about the #TeamEffort here @bbceastenders. I needed a wig fitting. I’ve been on quite a road for many months now.”

She continued in the caption of the post: “I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of October. Since then I’ve undergone surgery and recovery over the Christmas period and today my chemotherapy journey ended.”

Writing about that experience, she said: “I woke up this morning and it was like the end of the London Marathon; I’d turned onto The Mall and could see the giant clock & the finish line. To conclude – I’ve just picked up my medal.”

She added: “But I’m forever changed. During this time I’ve narrowed my world. I’ve had the most precious time with my wife Ellie and our 3 girls; Annie, Jessie & Lola. Just trying to appreciate every moment of them. I’ve stayed still.

“I’ve found joy in the simplest of things. Interactions with others have felt honest and real because I’ve had no capacity for small talk. It has felt like such a personal shift. There have been so many positives.”

Heather went on to express gratitude to those who have supported her, writing: “Thank you to the whole EE team for going above & beyond. Particularly our amazing makeup team. And to Alex Rouss for the original wig & Linda for the spot on cut. I’ve felt totally supported by you all.

“Thank you to all of the friends in my local community who’ve been there for me and my family at the drop of a hat (you know who you are). Thank you to the NHS. You are wonderful, skilled people. You treated me efficiently. You gave me dignity and showed me kindness. It’s so appreciated.”

The actor concluded: “Life feels very different now and it’s wonderful. I will continue to cherish and be grateful for all I am blessed with. I feel very lucky. With love, Heather.”

Heather’s co-stars instantly rushed to the comment section of her upload, with Lacey Turned penning: “My superhero!! Love you always mate.” Balvinda Sopal added three heart emojis. Meanwhile, Denise Fox actress Diane Parish penned: “Tough and courageously vulnerable. That makes a true warrior. Admire you more than you could know. We got you all the way!”

Kellie Bright typed: “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…. WARRIOR WOMAN!!!! Love the bones of you.” Emma Barton, who plays Honey Mitchell said: “Love you so much, you beautiful, strong, mental, brave lady… You’re frigging Ace!!!”

Amy Mitchell actress Ellie Dadd gushed: “Such an amazing person inside and out, truly inspirational.” Navin Chowdhry, who played Nish Panesar commented: “All the love in the world Heather. You are glowing. And what a magical team to have by your side.”

The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.

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