Archive July 2, 2025

Singer worried over going blind as she’s stuck in UK with famous pals amid health issue

American singer Monica Martin was left stuck in the UK after experiencing issues with her sight recently, with her supported by actor Jameela Jamil and musician James Blake

Monica Martin shared last week that she had experience issues with her sight whilst on tour in the UK(Image: @monicamartin/Instagram)

Singer-songwriter Monica Martin has described her experience with sight loss as “disorienting and scary”. She opened up about her health just days ago and revealed at the time that she was stuck the UK as a result of the situation.

Monica, who is based in the US, shared that she had ended up in hospital after an “ocular migraine slowly turned into” her left eye “going blind”. She’s said to have been supported by actor Jameela Jamil, 39, and musician James Blake, 36, in A&E whilst in London ahead of a concert last month.

She said on Instagram last week that it had “been one of the scariest times”. Monica announced in the same post that she wouldn’t be able to open for the band Lake Street Dive at the Troubadour back in Los Angeles on June 25.

Monica, who has collaborated on music with the likes of Ben Barnes in recent years, shared a series of photos in the post, including of her sporting an eye patch. One showed her beside couple Jameela and James in a waiting room.

Monica Martin, sporting a black eye patch on one eye, sat by James Blake and Jameela Jamil in a selfie taken in a hospital waiting room.
Monica Martin (left) revealed last week that she had been supported by pals James Blake (centre) and Jameela Jamil (right) whilst experiencing issues with her sight(Image: @monicamartin/Instagram)

She wrote in her post last Wednesday: “UPDATE: NOT OPENING FOR LAKE STREET DIVE TONIGHT! What I thought was just an intense and painful ocular migraine slowly turned into my left eye going blind, I was advised to not fly home. So alas, I can’t open for the best people/ friends/musicians tonight for a sold out benefit at troubadour which blows a**.

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” It’s now been 15 days both colorblind and a black hazy cellophane type feel on the left side and ANYWAY it’s been very disorienting and scary. Most of my little health woes are from me being clumsy as hell and snapping something: an ankle in softball, an ankle from dumb shoes, an ankle from giving a piggyback ride to a much larger person as a display of strength. My ankles are toast btw. This is why I don’t like writing captions omg long ting brev, thank you for letting me be myself. “

Monica continued in her post:” Been one of the scariest times but my best friends are taking care of me and also are hilarious and also after MUCH ADO have met an angel ophthalmologist, Dr. Shaman Dolly, god forbid you ever need to find him, London, I must let you know his name. “

The singer, who performed with James at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall on June 20, added:” London show, you were all so sweet and caring to me when and I lost it and wept on stage smdh,]Jameela] came to the stage and literally turned herself into a weighted blanket and held me and told me it’s gonna be ok. No thanks to lexapro btw. “

Monica Martin, in a black top and red baseball hat, stood in front of a property with a tree outside it.
The singer-songwriter shared the news with fans just days ago and said that it had been ‘one of the scariest times’(Image: @monicamartin/Instagram)

She added: “I’m on the way to get an MRI in an uber and unsure why no one likes using their car fan in uk/eu. and I’ve gotten ct scans and bloodwork and yada yada literally 7 trips to hospitals now. Anyway. I’m incredibly lucky.

“My heart is heavy waiting on a prognosis, but my a** is heavier, and my resilience is alarming actually, and the lore disrespectfully deepens, and I’m getting the sense more people want to smash when I’m wearing my eyepatch- or, I’m pulling it off. Thank you, London”.

She then thanked pals Jameela and James for getting her “sweets and savouries”. Monica also expressed gratitude to Lake Street Dive for “being the best cuties”, adding that she was being replaced by the band Dawes. She said: “So I’m double p***ed bc I want to see this show real fuggin bad ok bye pulling up to get SCANNED”.

Jameela was among those who reacted to the post last week. Teasing over their experience, the Good Place star wrote in the comments section of her pal Monica’s post: “What a glamorous day in A and E. Snacks were 10/10 tho”.

Monica has yet to post an update on her health on her Instagram grid. Just four days ago though, she was seen sporting an eye patch whilst singing alongside Citizen Papes in a video shared on the platform by the latter artist.

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Singer worried over going blind as she’s stuck in UK with famous pals amid health issue

American singer Monica Martin was left stuck in the UK after experiencing issues with her sight recently, with her supported by actor Jameela Jamil and musician James Blake

Monica Martin shared last week that she had experience issues with her sight whilst on tour in the UK(Image: @monicamartin/Instagram)

Singer-songwriter Monica Martin has described her experience with sight loss as “disorienting and scary”. She opened up about her health just days ago and revealed at the time that she was stuck the UK as a result of the situation.

Monica, who is based in the US, shared that she had ended up in hospital after an “ocular migraine slowly turned into” her left eye “going blind”. She’s said to have been supported by actor Jameela Jamil, 39, and musician James Blake, 36, in A&E whilst in London ahead of a concert last month.

She said on Instagram last week that it had “been one of the scariest times”. Monica announced in the same post that she wouldn’t be able to open for the band Lake Street Dive at the Troubadour back in Los Angeles on June 25.

Monica, who has collaborated on music with the likes of Ben Barnes in recent years, shared a series of photos in the post, including of her sporting an eye patch. One showed her beside couple Jameela and James in a waiting room.

Monica Martin, sporting a black eye patch on one eye, sat by James Blake and Jameela Jamil in a selfie taken in a hospital waiting room.
Monica Martin (left) revealed last week that she had been supported by pals James Blake (centre) and Jameela Jamil (right) whilst experiencing issues with her sight(Image: @monicamartin/Instagram)

She wrote in her post last Wednesday: “UPDATE: NOT OPENING FOR LAKE STREET DIVE TONIGHT! What I thought was just an intense and painful ocular migraine slowly turned into my left eye going blind, I was advised to not fly home. So alas, I can’t open for the best people/ friends/musicians tonight for a sold out benefit at troubadour which blows a**.

Article continues below

“It’s now been 15 days both colorblind and a black hazy cellophane type feel on the left side and ANYWAY it’s been very disorienting and scary. Most of my little health woes are from me being clumsy as hell and snapping something: an ankle in softball, an ankle from dumb shoes, an ankle from giving a piggyback ride to a much larger person as a display of strength. My ankles are toast btw. This is why I don’t like writing captions omg long ting brev; thank you for letting me be myself.”

Monica continued in her post: “Been one of the scariest times but my best friends are taking care of me and also are hilarious and also after MUCH ADO have met an angel ophthalmologist, Dr.Shaman Dolly, god forbid you ever need to find him, London, I must let you know his name.”

The singer, who performed with James at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall on June 20, added: “London show; you were all so sweet and caring to me when and I lost it and wept on stage smdh, [Jameela] came to the stage and literally turned herself into a weighted blanket and held me and told me it’s gonna be ok. No thanks to lexapro btw.”

Monica Martin, in a black top and red baseball hat, stood in front of a property with a tree outside it.
The singer-songwriter shared the news with fans just days ago and said that it had been ‘one of the scariest times’(Image: @monicamartin/Instagram)

She added: “I’m on the way to get an MRI in an uber and unsure why no one likes using their car fan in uk/eu. and I’ve gotten ct scans and bloodwork and yada yada literally 7 trips to hospitals now. Anyway. I’m incredibly lucky.

“My heart is heavy waiting on a prognosis, but my a** is heavier, and my resilience is alarming actually, and the lore disrespectfully deepens, and I’m getting the sense more people want to smash when I’m wearing my eyepatch- or, I’m pulling it off. Thank you, London.”

She then thanked pals Jameela and James for getting her “sweets and savouries”. Monica also expressed gratitude to Lake Street Dive for “being the best cuties,” adding that she was being replaced by the band Dawes. She said: “So I’m double p***ed bc I want to see this show real fuggin bad ok bye pulling up to get SCANNED.”

Jameela was among those who reacted to the post last week. Teasing over their experience, the Good Place star wrote in the comments section of her pal Monica’s post: “What a glamorous day in A and E. Snacks were 10/10 tho.”

Monica has yet to post an update on her health on her Instagram grid. Just four days ago though, she was seen sporting an eye patch whilst singing alongside Citizen Papes in a video shared on the platform by the latter artist.

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Mirror’s Daily Digest – five stories you might have missed today

In this Wednesday’s Mirror Daily Digest, we’ve rounded up the day’s top stories you might have missed – from an opinion piece on the Wimbledon heat to Princess Kate’s first public appearance since she pulled out of Royal Ascot

Matthew Young was forced to take action as he braved the heat(Image: Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)

Welcome to the Mirror’s Daily Digest, where we’ll be pulling together all the best stories of the day from our News, Royal, Sport teams and more. This Wednesday, we’re featuring everything from an opinion piece on Wimbledon’s sweltering temperatures through to the Princess of Wales’ appearance at a cancer wellbeing centre.

We’ve also got the results of the Mirror’s Brexit survey, which came on the ninth anniversary of the day the UK voted to leave the EU, and the ‘leaked’ Oasis setlist ahead of their first live show on Friday.

‘ I’ve covered Wimbledon for 10 years but never experienced anything like this ‘

Matthew Young was forced to take action as he braved the heat
Matthew Young was forced to take action as he braved the heat(Image: Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)

It’s officially Wimbledon season, and the Mirror’s Matthew Young braved the soaring temperatures to see the action in SW19. It comes as crowds struggle to cope in the swelting conditions, with one person fainting on the famous grounds.

Matthew checked out just how uncomfortable it was to watch a match under the sun, as he wrote: “Walking from the shadows and up the steps into Court Two felt like entering a sauna, as I settled down to attempt to follow Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti and Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili battle it out under the scorching sun.

” Along with the smell of suncream, hundreds of hats, wafting fans and lines of umbrellas were the only repellants as crowds watched the pair somehow run around in the baking sunshine. “

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“I have covered Wimbledon for the past 10 years and can barely recall it being this hot. Its hottest day in history was 35.7C on July 1 2015. The Met Office said at 2.10pm that Kew Gardens recorded a temperature of 34.2C degrees,” Matthew added.

Read the full story here.

Oasis reunion setlist ‘ leaked ‘ in full as band leave out one major hit

Liam and Noel Gallagher
Liam and Noel Gallagher are just days away from their Oasis reunion

Liam and Noel Gallagher will finally reunite on stage at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Friday – and the highly-anticipated setlist has reportedly been ‘leaked’. The legendary brothers will take to the stage for the first time in over a decade, marking the start of their sell-out tour.

Oasis have already arrived in Cardiff to put together the finishing touches and fans close by say they have heard the setlist in full. Earlier in the week, those close to the stadium heard Cigarettes and Alcohol blasting out of the stadium.

They were also treated to hits Some Might Say and F****n’ In The Bushes. According to one fan on Reddit, Oasis are set to play a lengthy 24 song setlist.

The user revealed the rehearsal setlist, which can give fans a clue as to what may appear at the live shows. They claimed the setlist kicks off with an intro of F****n ‘ in the Bushes then Hello, Acquiesce, Morning Glory followed by Some Might Say.

Read the full story here.

‘ I gambled my student loan on video games – it didn’t turn out how I expected ‘

Man on phone
A student gambling addict opens up over their battle with addiction

In other news, a 23-year-old university student has opened up about their harrowing journey with an online gambling addiction, which began with playing video games as a 12-year-old.

Niks Kolosnicins was thousands of pounds in debt, severely isolated and trapped in a vicious addictive cycle of online gambling. He said it started off with something many kids and teens engage in every day. “I got into gambling through playing video games.

“Basically you have things called loot boxes”, he continues, “which are quite integrated within the game. So I opened a few loot boxes, which is very normal for kids who play that game, everybody does it”.

He was then able to use those items that he bought in blind boxes to sell on an online market and gamble on unregulated websites that “don’t have any age verification”. He explains: “Even though it’s not real money, technically, it’s like an in game currency that you’re basically gambling, but it’s very easy to convert those items back into real money”.

Read the full story here.

Brexit a ‘ disaster ‘ that ‘ ruined the country ‘ – referendum ‘ should be repeated ‘

Boris Johnson gives a thumbs up gesture after signing the Brexit trade deal with the EU
Mirror readers have slammed the European Union referendum(Image: Getty Images)

Mirror readers have slammed Brexit as a ‘complete disaster’ that ‘ruined most of the country’ in a poll marking nine years since the UK voted to leave the EU. The vote – which signalled the UK’s intention to leave the European Union – ultimately ended a 47-year relationship with the political and economic bloc.

We asked readers to give their opinions on Brexit, with over 25, 000 people voting in the poll. In response to the question ‘ do you think Brexit has failed? ‘, an overwhelming 71% (18, 565) voted yes, slamming the referendum as a ‘ disaster’, while just 29% (7, 520) voted no.

Similarly, in response to the question ‘ do you feel better off since Brexit? ‘, 78% (20, 072) said no, while just 22% (20, 072) said yes. We also asked ‘ should there be a second Brexit referendum? ‘ and ‘ would you like to rejoin the EU? ‘ – responses in both sections backed yes, with 66% (17, 129) and 68% (17, 572) respectively.

Read the full story here.

Kate admits ‘ everyone expects you to be better ‘ in brave cancer admission

The Princess of Wales during a visit to Colchester Hospital in Essex today
The Princess of Wales during a visit to Colchester Hospital in Essex today (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The Princess of Wales has made her first public appearance since she pulled out of Royal Ascot, where she opened up about finishing cancer treatment. Kate met fellow patients at a cancer wellbeing centre at Colchester Hospital, helping to plant roses in a garden designed to help visitors find peace.

She talked about the expectation that when treatment has finished that patients “crack on, get back to normal”. Speaking to patients and volunteers inside the centre, she said: “There is a whole phase when you finish your treatment, everybody expects you to be better – go! But that’s not the case at all”.

She said: “You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment. Treatment’s done, then it’s like ‘ I can crack on, get back to normal ‘ but actually the phase afterwards is really difficult. You’re not necessarily under the clinical team any longer but you’re not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to”.

Read the full story here.

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READ MORE: Wimbledon’s best dressed celebrities including Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘picnic print’ midi dress

Spain’s Bonmati ‘eager’ to play after meningitis scare

Getty Images

Aitana Bonmati is “so eager” to play in Spain’s opening Euro 2025 match against Portugal despite being treated for viral meningitis just days ago, says head coach Montse Tome.

However, Bonmati remains a doubt for Thursday’s game after Tome warned against rushing the two-time Ballon d’Or winner back to action too soon.

“We have to slow her down”, said Tome, who guided Spain to the inaugural Women’s Nations League title in 2024.

“She’s so eager – we have to hold her back a bit. Her health is the first and most important thing”.

Midfielder Bonmati, 27, was only discharged from hospital on Sunday but trained with the world champions on Wednesday before the game in Bern, Switzerland.

Tome said: “According to the medical staff, her progress is positive.

” Health comes first, and she’s been able to complete all the tasks required. “

Two days after being discharged from hospital, Bonmati was pictured on an exercise bike after joining up with the rest of the Spain squad in Lausanne.

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord and can be serious if not treated quickly.

Spain midfielder  Aitana Bonmati in hospital where she received treatment for viral meningitis Aitana Bonmati

Bonmati ‘ euphoric ‘ to be at Euro 2025

Bonmati is one of the biggest stars of the women’s game.

She has scored 30 goals in 78 appearances for Spain and was named player of the tournament at the 2023 World Cup.

A product of Barcelona’s youth set-up, Bonmati has won six domestic league titles and has been involved in three Champions League triumphs.

” She’s euphoric, happy, and of course we’ll see her tomorrow and give her a big hug, “midfielder Patricia Guijarro said on Wednesday about Bonmati’s return.

” Above all, she’s happy to be here. “

If Bonmati does not feature against Portugal (20: 00 BST kick-off), she could play in Spain’s second Group B game which is against Belgium.

That takes place in Thun on Monday, 7 July (17: 00 BST kick-off).

Related topics

  • UEFA Women’s EURO
  • Football
  • Women’s Football

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs convicted on two of five counts in sex abuse trial

A jury in the United States has found musician Sean “Diddy” Combs guilty of prostitution-related offences but cleared him of more serious charges after a federal criminal trial.

Combs, a celebrated figures in hip hop music, was convicted on Wednesday of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking.

The verdict culminates seven weeks of trial in which two of the music mogul’s former girlfriends – singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and a second woman referred to as “Jane” – testified that Combs physically and sexually abused them.

The jury’s decision also represents a partial win for the former billionaire known for elevating hip hop in US culture, through his work with artists like Notorious BIG and Usher.

After the jury read its verdict, defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo asked US District Judge Arun Subramanian to release Combs on bail.

“This is his first conviction and it’s a prostitution offence, and so he should be released on appropriate conditions,” Agnifilo said. Subramanian will determine Combs’ sentence at a later date.

The acquittals on the sex trafficking counts mean he will avoid a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence. He could have faced life in prison if he were convicted of sex trafficking or racketeering conspiracy.

Prosecutors say that, for two decades, Combs used his business empire to force his romantic partners to take part in drug-fuelled, days-long sexual performances with male sex workers in hotel rooms. These performances were sometimes referred to as “freak-offs”.

During raids of Combs’s homes, authorities found drugs and 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant that he would use in the performances, prosecutors said.

Combs, 55, had pleaded not guilty to all five counts. His lawyers acknowledged that the Bad Boy Records founder, once famed for hosting lavish parties, was at times violent in his domestic relationships.

But they argued the sexual activity described by prosecutors was consensual.

The musician has previously faced a number of civil lawsuits accusing him of abuse. Ventura, for example, sued Combs in November 2023 for sex trafficking.

Combs, also known throughout his career as Puff Daddy and P Diddy, settled with Ventura for $20m. He has denied all wrongdoing.

At the trial, jurors saw surveillance footage from 2016 showing Combs kicking and dragging Ventura in the hallway of an InterContinental hotel in Los Angeles, where she said she was trying to leave a “freak-off”.

Jane later testified that Combs, in June 2024, attacked her and directed her to perform oral sex on a male entertainer, even though she told him she did not want to. That alleged attack took place a month after Combs apologised on social media for his 2016 attack on Ventura, footage of which had been broadcast on CNN.

“The defendant used power, violence and fear to get what he wanted,” prosecutor Christy Slavik said in her closing argument on June 26. “He doesn’t take no for an answer.”

Combs’s defence lawyers argued that, while he may have committed domestic violence in the context of volatile romantic partnerships, his conduct did not amount to sex trafficking.

His defence team said Ventura and Jane were strong, independent women who voluntarily took part in the sexual performances because they wanted to please Combs.

They also suggested that Ventura and Jane were retrospectively accusing Combs of forcing their participation in the performances because they were jealous he was seeing other women.

Both women testified they spent time with Combs and took part in sexual performances after he beat them.

“If he was charged with domestic violence, we wouldn’t all be here,” defence lawyer Agnifilo said in his closing argument on June 27. “He did not do the things he’s charged with.”

Ventura’s lawyer Doug Wigdor, meanwhile, praised his client’s courage to speak up, saying she “paved the way” for Combs’s conviction.

“By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice,” Wigdor said in a statement.

Separately, the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York published remarks underscoring the lasting impact of sexual violence.

EastEnders legend stuns fans as they make surprise appearance in another TV drama

Fans of the BBC soap EastEnders were left doing a double take after spotting one particular Walford favourite making an unexpected TV appearance in another drama

EastEnders’ Elaine Peacock might be ruling the Queen Vic but fans were shocked to spot her solving crimes in a rival ITV drama.
EastEnders’ Elaine Peacock might be ruling the Queen Vic but fans were shocked to spot her solving crimes in a rival ITV drama.(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

EastEnders fans have been left stunned after iconic character Elaine Peacock was spotted appearing in rival ITV drama.

Fans were left doing a double take after spotting a Walford favourite in an unexpected TV appearance. Harriet Thorpe, 68 best known as feisty landlady Elaine Peacock, surprised viewers when she popped up in a repeat episode of Midsomer Murders.

The 2021 cameo didn’t go unnoticed, with one eagle-eyed fan writing on Reddit: “Elaine in Midsomer Murders,” alongside a snap of the actress rocking a floral kaftan and colourful necklace, in a similar flamboyant style as the Queen Vic’s landlady Elaine. Another joked: “It seems she has a consistent costume department.”

While Thorpe only joined EastEnders in 2023, she’s no stranger to screens, having starred in Absolutely Fabulous, Calendar Girls, The Brittas Empire and twice in Midsomer Murders. She first appeared in 2006 episode titled Dance with the Dead before returning for 2021’s The Stitcher Society.

Fans say Elaine is almost unrecognisable (Image: ITV)

And Harriet’s not the only EastEnders favourite have overlapped from Albert Square for another televised drama.

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Lacey Turner, aka Stacey Slater, also made a chilling appearance in Bedlam, while Shaun Dooley – who popped up in EastEnders back in the day as Tom Stuart – has since been spotted in everything from Silent Witness to Broadchurch.

Even Jake Wood, best known as scheming Max Branning, has dabbled in dark dramas, once appearing in an episode of The Bill before his soap days took off. While the actor who plays Max’s brother Jack Branning, Scott Maslen, had a long stint in The Bill before heading over to Walford.

favourite to swap Albert Square for a murder mystery.
Elaine isn’t the only favourite to swap Albert Square for a murder mystery.(Image: CREDIT LINE: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

But, back in the square Elaine is centre of the programme after breaking off with her ex, George last week after she admitted to sleeping with another man after spotting George with his ex-wife Cindy Beale – which sent her into a downward spiral.

In the wake of her divorce, which is quickly turning bitter, Elaine collapsed twice on the show which later followed to her spending time in the hospital when she found out she had suffered a heart attack – which left her agreeing to sell the pub with Linda. Elaine’s passionate marriage to George only lasted a year.

Just last year, Elaine and George had made headlines when exclusive snaps of the couple’s nuptials were released. The lavish wedding scene saw a large chunk of the EastEnders cast descend on a church in Bushey, near the studios, to film what was dubbed the soap wedding of the year.

 “The BBC have clearly pushed the boat out for the wedding.
“The BBC have clearly pushed the boat out for the wedding.”(Image: BBC)

Elaine dazzled in a gold gown while George wore a sand-coloured suit to match his best man Johnny Carter. Anna and Gina Knight, played by Francesca Henry and Molly Rainford, were spotted in dark green bridesmaid dresses and their on-screen mum Cindy Beale, aka Michelle Collins, also turned up in full funeral black alongside Ian Beale legend Adam Woodyatt.

A source at the time said: “The BBC have clearly pushed the boat out for the wedding. These days it’s unheard of for even the big soap weddings to have large amounts of the cast filming on location but bosses have made it work.”

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