Archive May 31, 2025

What did we learn from Andreatta’s first game as Scotland head coach?

By in News, Sports News
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Canavan, Amy
Hampden Park, Scotland: BBC Sport Scotland

“I believe I now have a good understanding of where we are at.”

The first words Melissa Andreatta everuttered following her Scotland debut resulted in a defeat and relegation to Nations League B.

When questioned about whether that baseline was higher or lower than she had anticipated, the Australian responded, “I’m not sure, if I’m honest.”

It had to be lower in the first half.

Austria, who left Hampden with all three deserved points thanks to Julia Hickelsberger’s front-poster flick just after the hour mark, had the best performance.

Manuela Zinsberger in the Austria goal had been merely a spectator basking in the Hampden glow up until that point and for ten minutes thereafter.

Some fight and finesse were brought about by a flurry of changes, but as Scotland’s player of the match and champion shooter Lee Gibson once more declared it was “too little, too late.”

This was never going to be a quick fix or overnight fix. It will take some time to transition.

Scotland has a lot of scars.

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The Scots have had a gloomy few months thanks to Andreatta’s introduction.

They have lost their first four games of the year since their Euro 2025 play-off heartache in Helsinki last year, conceding 13 goals in the process. Six were compared to Germany in Wolfsburg. In 15 minutes, five.

The discussion centered on the former Matildas assistant’s departure from the game the morning after the scudding, along with captain Rachel Corsie’s pending retirement.

The impact of that night’s at the Volkswagen Arena was tense, but the group was devastated by the incident.

The touches were intense. Poor passing was done. The opposition box was treated like a lava pool. Fear was the only thing that was absent.

Leanne Crichton, a former Scotland midfielder, called their performance “fragmented,” and Andreatta claimed that their previous four Group A1 games left them with “a little of a hangover.”

Seven games without a win now, with one more game against the Netherlands, the world’s 10th-ranked team, scheduled for Tuesday before a four-month break.

The head coach insists the “belief” is present despite the fact that it is a long summer to consider, possibly eight games and 11 months without a win.

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The kids are fine.

The next generation stood tall on a night when Rachel Corsie, a veteran defender, was the subject of so much attention.

The 35-year-old was the first of five second-half substitutions, and the young people who came after him carried the ship forward while the wise old head stabilized a rocky ship.

Mia McAulay, the Scots’ opening scorer at Hampden in Sunday’s Scottish Cup final, gave the Scots the width, imagination, and spark they were looking for.

She joined Martha Thomas, who had made her debut in Kathleen McGovern, who Andreatta described as “holding her own” in Hibernian.

The 22-year-old, who had a fantastic personal year with the SWPL champions, did a power of running on her debut outing, but Emma Watson, 19, rose off the bench to offer authority and calmness.

The head coach continued, “Being so young, that’s the promising and positive thing: their willingness to take the information and carry out their player duties for the team.”

Andreatta is completely at ease.

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Andreatta smiled sincerely as she said there was plenty to look forward to.

She has fully immersed herself in the culture, cuisine, and coaching she has received over the past four weeks in these waters.

As the season came to an end, the Australian watched the Australian win her fair share of SWPL games, and she also watched last week’s Scottish Cup final closely. Between times, Irn-Bru and Cullen skinks have occasionally been gorged.

Although these things may seem trivial, there is a commitment to and respect for the country and their role that hasn’t always been there.

The 46-year-old was aware of the sizeable task she was taking on, but she wants to prove she hasn’t gotten too far.

When asked what she learned from her first encounter with the hot seat, she responded, “I’ve learned that I really believe in this group and what it will take to help this team realize their potential and advance to a whole new level.”

The key is, in my opinion, that the outcome doesn’t change or discredit that belief at all.

related subjects

  • Women’s Football Team of Scotland
  • Scottish Women’s Football
  • Scottish Football
  • Football

Divided Israel faces internal unrest amid escalating Gaza conflict

By in News, World News

Israeli society is becoming more divided as Israel’s devastating conflict with Gaza continues, which has been advanced by a prime minister who demands that the goal of complete military victory be achieved.

Supporters of the war have increased their pressure on continuing regardless of the cost in terms of humanitarian, political, or diplomatic relief as Israeli peace activists and antiwar groups have increased their efforts over the past few weeks.

Members of the military have written open letters in opposition to the political motivations behind the ongoing conflict in Gaza, or claim that the most recent offensive, which has been systematically razing Gaza, poses a threat to Israeli prisoners who are still being held in Palestinian hands.

Israel’s universities and colleges have received another open letter, with its signatories focusing on Palestinian suffering, which has been a occurrence since the war started in October 2023.

As a result of a mix of pro-peace sentiment and more prevalent anger at the government’s handling of the war, there are instances where Israelis war effort is hampered by the active participation of the country’s youth.

In response to mounting international accusations of genocide, the war’s critics claim that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has grown dependent on the extreme right to sustain his coalition and that the opposition is too cowardly to support him.

powerful far right

It is important to avoid conflating the Palestinian people’s growing domestic animosities with the Israeli government’s war-fighting policies.

Nearly 50% of Jewish Israeli respondents support what they described as the “mass killing” of civilians in Israeli-occupied areas, according to a recent poll, and 82 percent of them still want to see Gaza cleared of its Palestinian population.

And on Monday, thousands of Israelis rioted through the occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, chanting “death to Arabs” and attacking anyone who appeared to be Palestinian or defending them under the direction of the country’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Bezalel Smotrich, the ultranationalist finance minister, made an address to the “Jerusalem Day” march crowd, who has vehemently pushed for the annexation of the West Bank and the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

Smotrich posed the questions to the audience, “Are we afraid of victory?” and “Are we afraid of the word “occupation”? ” The audience reacted with a resounding “no” in response to the criticism that some Israeli media outlets have given them as “revellers.”

Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli diplomat, told Al Jazeera, “There is a cohort of the extreme right who feel vindicated by a year and a half of war.” They believe that their argument that “if you blink, you lose, if you pause, you lose, if you waver, you lose has been proven.

growing dissention

Voices of dissident voices have risen in frequency as the Israeli assault on Gaza has grown more intense. More than 54 000 Palestinians have been killed in the past. More than 1, 000 presently serving and retired pilots wrote an open letter in April to object to a war that they claimed served “political and personal interests” rather than security. Following these letters are further correspondence and an organized campaign to persuade young Israelis to decline to serve in the military.

The leader of Israel’s left-wing Democrats Party, Yair Golan, who initially supported the war and held a hardline position against allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, may have noticed the wind was blowing as he launched a stark broadside against the conflict earlier this month, claiming that Israel was at risk of becoming a “pariah state” that killed “babies as a hobby” while giving itself the aim of “expelling populations”

Some people applauded the former army major-general’s comments, but others criticized them. Golan was heckled and called a traitor by far-right audience members while speaking at a conference in southern Israel, where security led him before being escorted off the premises.

Cassif’s repeated condemnation of how Israel treats Palestinians has long sparked outrage in the mainstream of Israeli society.

According to Cassif, who has been the only Israeli lawmaker to oppose the war since it began, “there have always been threats against me.” “I have no way of walking down my own street.” Before October 7, I was attacked twice, and things have gotten worse.

“But not just me,” I said. He said that all peace activists face physical harm and threat, and that hostage-carrying families face the same threat of harm from these bigots.

Cassif criticized the finance minister and his supporters, saying that “many people are realizing that this government and even the mainstream opposition aren’t fighting a war for security reasons or even even to recover the hostages.”

He cited prominent politicians opposed to the prime minister, who didn’t dare criticize it [the war] and Netanyahu, who had manipulated it for his own ends, and said that “This has been allowed by people like]Benny] Gantz, [Yair] Lapid, and]Yoav] Gallant.”

Ayelet Ben-Yishai, an associate professor at the University of Haifa, one of the signatories to the academics’ open letter criticizing the war, echoed Cassif’s remarks.

She told Al Jazeera, “The opposition has nothing. They do and say nothing, which is understandable given that it’s difficult to argue for a complex future. Between Smotrich and his followers managing the war and the occupation is all that they have left us with. That is it. What kind of future does that represent?

a legacy of Israel

Many members of the opposition and the government have previously held senior positions in the army, supporting Palestinians through their continued support of the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory.

Golan, the head of the Democrats Party, was previously criticized by the army in 2007 for repeatedly using Palestinian civilians as human shields.

Professor at Tel Aviv University Yehouda Shenhav-Shahrabani described the political conflicts that are taking place in Israel as “a conflict between two Zionist elites over who is the greater fascist in various forms.”

He compared Israel’s traditional military and governing elites, many of whom might say they were liberal and democratic, and were originally from central and eastern Europe, to the Ashkenazi Jews, who settled Israel, imposed the occupation, and killed thousands. Or you have [the current religious Zionists, like Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, who the former Ashkenazi elite now denies being fascists.

You can’t just go back and forth about this. Shenhav-Shahrabani said, “I don’t buy into that.” It “goes further.” The genocide in Gaza is not being witnessed by either side.

The level of attacks being protested against has increased as has the level of the international and domestic resistance.

Nearly 4, 000 Palestinians have died, many of them children, since Israel unilaterally ended a ceasefire in March. International organizations, including the UN, have been cautioned that what remains of the city’s depressed enclave have been subjected to famine because of a siege that wasimposed on the area on March 2.

Israel’s actions in the West Bank have also increased as has its aggression against Gaza. As it builds its own military network there, the Israeli army has reportedly occupied and levelled large portions of the occupied territory under the guise of yet another military operation, causing the country’s alleged 40 000 residents to flee.

Israel Katz announced the establishment of another 22 Israeli settlements on Thursday in violation of international law along with Smotrich, who has significant control over the West Bank.

Few people were surprised by Smotrich’s announcement. The far-right minister, who is a settler on Palestinian land, has previously stated openly that he intends to annexe the West Bank. He even ordered preparations in advance of US President Donald Trump’s inauguration, in which case he anticipated to be in favor. Additionally, he added that Gaza will be “totally destroyed” and that its residents will be relocated to a remote area along the Egyptian border.

Little of Shenhav-Shahrabani’s was surprising.

90s pop star ‘broken by addiction’ warns celebs to be ‘very afraid’ over tell-all exposé

By in Entertainment News, News

Kavana, a former 90s pop star and contestant for Celebrity Big Brother, has been open about his battles with addiction, but he has also promised to be open about his early years.

Pop star Anthony Kavanagh cautioned celebrities against being “very afraid” of his upcoming autobiography. The now-47-year-old singer, who used the stage name Kavana for a number of hits, threatened to make the announcement prior to the release of his explosive memoir, Pop Scars, which he claims will tell everyone about his fame-related experiences.

Since appearing on the cover of teen pop magazines like Smash Hits as a young-faced 20-year-old, the singer has been open about his battles with addiction.

READ MORE: Pop Idol star Rik Waller unrecognisable with brand-new career 24 years later

Nineties pop sensation Anthony Kavanagh warned celebs to be ‘very afraid’ over his upcoming autobiography(Image: Getty)

Last year, he candidly shared on Instagram a before-and-after photo that illustrated his journey from a dark place last year to a successful recovery, along with an encouraging caption for his fans: “Recovery is possible.”

He described how drastically different he looked in comparison to when he was at a low ebb two and a half years earlier and explained how he had taken steps to seek help.

Kavana
Anthony candidly shared a before-and-after photo that illustrated his journey from a dark place to a successful recovery(Image: Anthony Kavanagh/Instagram)

Leaving a powerful comment with his images, he said: “On #addictionawarenessweek I want to make anyone struggling aware that recovery is possible. 20 months ago I was lost, broken and hopeless. Ask for help, I’m so glad I did.”

Former Bad Boys Inc. singer Matthew Pateman declared, “Proud of you,” while Steps’ H Watkins chimed in with a sincere, “Proud friend,” and Lee Brennan of 911 added, “Superstar.”

Kavana
Kavana had a string of hits including I Can Make You Feel Good, Crazy Chance and MFEO(Image: Getty Images)

But with the release of the book , some of his friends and acquaintances in the industry could be in for a shock. Back in 2017, Anthony spoke to Attitude magazine and promised that he’d write a revealing memoir about his time in the music industry, to lift the lid on the wild goings on of the seemingly-innocent 90s pop scene.

He stated to the publication, “I’m very excited about it. I’ll save the autobiography for when I’m older because it’s more of a memoir. It’ll be warts [and all] and will give a sense of what was going on in the 90s and when I moved to Hollywood to live. Most people wouldn’t be aware of some truly outrageous tales. Yes, there should be a lot of fear.

Grease Is The Word, Anthony Kavanagh
He was a finalist on the TV competition Grease Is the Word (Image: Ken McKay/Rex Features)

The former idol, who recently promoted the book on his Instagram page, seems excited about what’s in store for him. He continued, “Can’t believe I’m saying this, but I actually wrote a book,” along with a photo of its cover that showed an image of Kavana at the height of his success. like I do for myself, just like adults do. What happens after gaining fame is covered in POP SCARS, which also includes 90s pop.

Pop Scars
Pop Scars is said to cover everything 90s pop, including what happens after fame.

And he continued, “It’s about how not to iron a white Kappa tracksuit,” and how teenage fame, loss, addiction, and hope are discussed. You can choose whether it’s described as “Laugh out loud, jaw-dropping, and heartfelt,” or not. Bring me along for the ride. To come, more news. The underdog should have access to this.

After his pop career ended, Anthony stayed in the spotlight, going on to star in Hollyoaks: In The City in 2006, before becoming a finalist on the TV competition Grease Is the Word in 2007, auditioning for The Voice on ITV and finishing seventh on Celebrity Big Brother in 2015. He later revealed a 12-month stalking hell.

Anthony Kavanagh
Anthony was evicted from the Big Brother house(Image: Getty)

He also came out as gay in 2014, revealing a past secret romance with Stephen Gately from Boyzone. But his addiction battle followed, with Anthony previously confessing he felt “guilty and sick” for relapsing, saying: “Ok. I think it’s important for me to be transparent about my recovery. I relapsed after 100 days of sobriety. I feel guilty and sick and I hate myself after letting the people I love down. I thought I knew better. I have to start again.”

Continue reading the article.

Anthony Kavanagh’s Pop Scars was published by Bonnier Books on July 17th.

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Wuka’s flattering and tummy-smoothing period swimsuit holds up to three tampons worth

By in Entertainment News, News

A smooth, supportive fit that sculpts your figure has been made available in a brand-new line of vintage swimsuits by Wuka.

We may link to affiliate links in this article, but we will make money off of any purchases we make. more information

Wuka’s new period swimsuits are perfect for holiday(Image: Wuka)

You’ve booked the hotel, are packing, and then suddenly you learn that your period is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Period swimwear is here to save the day if the idea of swimming while donning tampons makes you feel dreadful or has made you feel like you spent a week relaxing on the sun instead of the water.

Making the most of your trip is simple with Wuka’s new line of period swimsuits, which are the ideal solution for leaks. The new Period Two-Tone Swimsuit is extremely absorbent, holding up to 15ml, which is the same as three tampons or two day pads, so you don’t have to change or check for leaks frequently while you’re in the pool.

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The £49.99 Period Two-Tone Swimsuit will keep you warm throughout a full day spent in and out of the water, stopping leaks while you’re sunbathing or taking a stroll along the beach, even though tampons can be uncomfortable (and need to be changed more frequently than usual). The Wuka swimsuit is ideal for light bladder leaks and moderate periods.

Wuka period swimsuit
The swimsuit has a figure sculpting fit(Image: Wuka )

Additionally, it eliminates the equivalent of 200 disposable period products over the course of its useful life, which helps to reduce waste as well. You can reduce your impact on the environment by wearing a swimsuit that has been sustainably designed as well.

The Wuka swimsuit also aids in preventing leaks and discomfort while also ensuring that you are at your most comfortable and self-assured while wearing it. It has a racerback cut that moves with you, and it’s made of sculpting fabric that contours and holds you in, giving you more support for bloated, painful tummies as well.

The only real drawback is that they need to be washed between uses (as is the case with all period swimsuits and knickers). Before putting them in a cold wash with no detergent or fabric softener, you must first rinse them with cold water. If you know you’ll be on your period the entire time on vacation, you’ll need to pack a few swimsuits with you.

Wuka period swimsuit
You don’t need to worry about leaks whilst swimming(Image: Wuka )

Next’s Black Midi Waist Period Bikini Bottoms cost £18 and can hold two to three tampons in every use for anyone looking for a straightforward addition to their swimwear for period days. You can buy a few pairs of mid-rise pants to wear all week because they have a comfortable mid-rise waist and provide some extra coverage on cloudy days.

Modibodi also offers a wide selection of period swimwear, including swimsuits and bikinis in a variety of colors and cuts. A teen range is available to those who are just beginning their period to give them a little more security and confidence.

Continue reading the article.

There are also plenty of other swimming options, both for adults and teens, at the Wuka site. If you want some extra pair of swim shorts to take with you, you can mix and match them with your existing ones, including block colors, all-black designs, and classic swim shorts and briefs. You can choose the right flow weight from the XS to XXL size to fit your needs.

Dani Dyer and Jarrod Bowen’s fairytale romance – from cheeky chant to blended brood

By in Entertainment News, News

Today, Daniel Dyer and Jarrod Bowen will exchange vows in a small ceremony that will be attended by only 50 guests in a Bridgerton-inspired wedding.

(Image: )

The romance between Dani Dyer and Jarrod Bowen has a fairytale feel to it, and their wedding is scheduled for today.

In a traditional Bridgerton-inspired wedding in the English countryside today, former Love Island star Dani, 28, is set to say “I do to West Ham captain, 28,” and walk down the aisle. The celebrity couple has invited only 50 guests to celebrate their big day with them, making the occasion a low-key affair.

The couple’s twins Summer and Star, both two, will play flower girls while Dani’s father, Danny Dyer, who plays the actor, will walk his daughter down the aisle. Santiago, Dani’s son from her previous romance with Sammy Kimmence, will be page boy at the same time as Arty, the star’s brother.

Similar to their romance, the day’s details have a storybook-like quality.

Dani shot to fame on Love Island and went public with her relationship with her footballer boyfriend in December 2021. Since then, they’ve been serving up serious couple goals on social media. The pair are now proud parents to twin girls, and Dani has previously gushed that she “can’t stop smiling” around her beautiful family. We’ve delved into their adorable love story, from their first meeting to their cosy Essex abode as the couple make their vows to one another today…

Beginning of the romance between Dani and Jarrod

Dani and Jarrod kept the start of their romance hidden from the public eye
Dani and Jarrod kept the start of their romance hidden from the public eye(Image: Dani Dyer/Instagram)

Speculation about their romance started after Jarrod was seen leaving Dani’s Essex house in October 2021, dressed casually in a grey hoodie and driving his Mercedes. Shortly after Jarrod’s departure, Dani stepped out in her gym gear.

Dani showed her followers a photo of her romantic getaway with the football player the following month. The posh hotel treated her to a stunning array of red roses, and they opened the evening with some bubbly. At the conclusion of 2021, they officially began dating.

Family life

In an unexpected twist early in 2023, Dani and Jarrod shared the joyful news that they were expecting twins. On May 25, the proud mum introduced her little ones to the world with an adorable snap of the newborns.

The twins were photographed wearing matching hats and clothing while cosied up together in their hospital cot. She later revealed that the parents had chosen Summer and Star as their names.

In response to a fan’s curiosity about the name choices, Dani explained that Jarrod had always preferred the name Summer, making it an “easy decision” while Star had always been a beloved name since his youth. The reality TV star is also the mother of Santiago, who she shares with Sammy Kimmence, her ex-boyfriend.

The family’s status as a blended family will be confirmed by Dani and Jarrod’s wedding. Dani, a former Love Islander, has previously expressed gushing about Jarrod’s acceptance of Santi’s stepfather role. She previously stated, “He]Jarrod is always so good. When he came into our lives, Santi was only eight months old, and I knew then that he was the one.” Because I worry and he’s not like that, I want to be as relaxed as Jarrod, because he’s so laid-back.

Cheeky football chants

West Ham’s Bowen has inspired one that is undoubtedly inappropriate for work, and the chants in the game can occasionally get a little bit cheeky. Bowen quickly won over the fans, especially after scoring the decisive goal that gave the Hammers the Europa Conference League after leaving Hull City for West Ham in February 2020 for a reportedly £22 million.

The supporters have concocted a chant for him, set to the tune of Freed From Desire, which delves quite personally into his relationship with Dani Dyer. Surprisingly, Dani’s dad, Danny Dyer, a staunch West Ham fan himself, finds the chant rather charming.

Before releasing the lyrics, “When he scores, and he does score a lot, [the fans chant]: “Bowen’s on fire and he’s s***ing Dani Dyer!” he revealed on The Jonathan Ross Show: “There is a chant, which I think is quite sweet.” ‘. When they’re singing it and jumping around, I’ve been there. Is that incorrect?

WAG status

Dani has embraced her role as a WAG
Dani has embraced her role as a WAG(Image: Getty Images)

Dani has traveled extensively throughout Germany to support Jarrod during the UEFA Euro tournament in 2024. Jarrod’s footie career has been greatly supported by Dani. The Love Island star, who brought her children along to watch Jarrod’s games, has since remarked that it’s unquestionably “worth it” despite being “challenged with kids.”

When asked how she and her twins handled the flights to see Bowen, she responded, “I’m exhausted now, haha, but it’s all worth it and I’ve been flying backward and forward.” Some of my trips have been taken by other people. It’s difficult to travel with young children because they have everything they need and didn’t nap once while traveling. They didn’t like taking nap outdoors (they were terrible), but everything was okay with them and they saw Jarrod, which was lovely.

She continued, “It has been difficult… I’m currently dating a desperate man and looking forward to having him back.

Danny Dyer’s seal of approval

Danny has made no secret that he is a huge supporter of their romance
Danny has made no secret that he is a huge supporter of their romance(Image: Getty Images for BAFTA)

EastEnders star Danny Dyer has been vocal about his staunch support of Dani’s romance Jarrod – which is greatly helped by his role as the captain of Danny’s beloved team West Ham.

Danny gushed about Dani and Jarrod’s engagement and described his role on the big day during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show in February of this year. He said, “I don’t like the idea of giving your daughter away.” However, give your daughter to the West Ham captain if you’re going to give her away! It’s amazing”.

Clearly a Hammers fan, Danny piled on the praise for his soon-to-be son-in-law, opening up about how he had been extremely emotional when fiancé Jarrod asked for Dani’s hand. The East Londoner complimented Jarrod, calling him a “very humble, brilliant, beautiful man who worships the ground she walks on,” recalling how he had called to “ask for the hand in marriage” which brought him “on the verge of tears”. He joked: “I was trying to be the hard man of course”.

The actor explained how he requested his own father-in-law’s consent when he proposed to his wife Joanne, explaining how the age-old custom had a significant impact on him. In order to be fair, Danny described how he “went round there,” but didn’t “think he was a huge fan of]his.” To be honest, I was a little t**t.

Continue reading the article.

Pop Idol star Rik Waller unrecognisable with brand-new career 24 years later

By in Entertainment News, News

One of the breakout performers on the first season of Pop Idol in 2001, Rick Waller, left, and his singing career is now unrecognizable.

Pop Idol, one of the early noughties’ biggest telly sensations, only ran for two series but launched the careers of Gareth Gates and Will Young as well as Michelle McManus. It also catapulted Kent-born crooner Rik Waller to fame, who was a hot favourite to win the inaugural series of the reality singing competition. Back in 2001, a then 20 year old Rik wowed judges Simon Cowell, Pete Waterman, Nicki Chapman and Neil Fox with his stellar vocal prowess, securing a spot in the final ten. However, the singer’s journey was cut short due to a bout of laryngitis.

He did have some chart success with his rendition of Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You, which reached number six on the UK singles chart. He later released a cover of Something Inside (So Strong), and he signed a record deal with EMI, which is said to be worth around $ 400,000.

READ MORE: Britain’s Got Talent judge taking to stage for first time to perform in live final

Pop Idol catapulted Rik Waller to fame(Image: Press Association)

Rik, 44, has appeared in various UK reality shows, including Celebrity Fit Club. Around this point, he left his record company, EMI, and he formed a band that signed with Red Admiral Records.

However, they canceled a planned tour and split up after disappointing ticket sales. Rik last appeared on Never Mind The Buzzcocks in February 2007 and made a comeback appearance on television in February 2007.

Rik Waller
Rik appeared on Celebrity Fit Club(Image: No Name)

The singer’s voice was rumored to have lost its ability to sing songs after sustaining vocal damage, which in 2007 caused him to confess: “I can’t rely on it for 100% of my income. Talent doesn’t always pay off in the eyes of two people I have to consider right now.

Amidst a whirlwind romance, he found love with a Pagan woman and the pair were reportedly sketching out plans for a Pagan wedding ceremony. But their union came to an end amid whispers she had influenced Rik’s decision to step away from the limelight. In 2019 he went on to say he was ‘gutted’ that his fellow Pop Idol contestant, Michelle McManus, was married, writing on Facebook: “Gutted that Michelle McManus is married, but she looked gorgeous and wishing her all the best.”

Rik Waller
He also starred on a Channel 5 show, Back To Reality(Image: Press Association)

In a candid conversation with the Daily Mail in 2013, Rik described the harsh reality of job searching as: “The most demoralizing thing I’ve ever had to do was stand in line at the Job Centre and be applauded as a failure.”

It’s an incredible stab in the back when you lose the ability to carry out your job that you’ve always done.

Rik continued, “I don’t make a lot of effort to talk to the press these days; it can be more trouble than it’s worth.”

He acknowledged that he could find solace in simpler things, saying, “I don’t know how anyone can be truly unhappy if you have food on the table and a roof over your head.”

Rik Waller
Rik now lives in Leicester and is an exam invigilator(Image: SWNS Group)

The chart-topping days of 2014 were distant memories for Rik, who had reconnected with his people and moved back in with them. While also dabbling in the disco beats of his Dad’s mobile karaoke and disco venture, he secured a gig as a secondary school exam invigilator under the name Richard.

Continue reading the article.

According to his Facebook page, the former singer is still an exam invigilator and lives in Leicester.

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