Archive December 29, 2025

Ex-Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall couldn’t contain her pride as she received a huge honour in her native north east, but she admitted she had one wish on the special day

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Former Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall enjoyed a bittersweet moment as she received a prestigious accolade. The singer, 33, revealed her pride at being given the Freedom of the Borough in her hometown, calling it the “highest honour my hometown can bestow”.

However, she admitted she wished her grandparents and great aunt could have been by her side with the rest of her family to mark the achievement. The FUFN songstress took to Instagram to share her delight at the accolade.

Sharing a number of snaps from the occasion, which took place on December 17 during a ceremony at South Shields Town Hall, she also penned a lengthy statement. It showcased her pride as she was given the honour with another member of the South Tyneside community.

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She wrote: “I’m so proud to come from South Tyneside and couldn’t be happier to receive this alongside South Shields legend Richard Ord MBE – owner of @colmansfishandchips.”

Praising the chip shop owner before getting into her own honour, she said: “The Colmans family have been so kind and supportive of me over the years. You couldn’t meet a more generous and deserving candidate for this award.

” On my way to the event from London to South Shields, I wrote down a little something from the heart about how much it means to me to be a Sand Dancer.

“I was very nervous as I don’t really enjoy public speaking, but looking around the room, I reminded myself I was surrounded by people I love and who got me to where I am today”.

And she went on to say: “What an honour this was, with my family and friends all by my side – my only wish was that my grandparents and great aunt could have been there, all dressed up, celebrating together. Maybe they were”.

She then thanked those who made the day possible before joking: “If you see me walking my cattle around the town, mind ya business. Much love, your Honorary Freewoman Of The Borough x”

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Among those praising her in the comments section was Andi Oliver, who wrote: “Awwww Jadey!!! Incredible xxxx” She also posted emojis of flames and love hearts.

Jade has never shied away from her North East roots and made history in the summer as she made an emotional return to her native North East with a powerful and intimate performance for BBC Proms. The former Little Mix star admitted she had gone “full circle” as she took to the stage at Gateshead’s The Glasshouse International Centre for Music.

It marked her first welcome home as a solo artist over a decade after catapulting to fame on The X Factor. It was the first time the Proms had been filmed for television outside of London.

Former X Factor contestant Rylan Clark sparked a backlash in August when he shared controversial views about immigration. Hic comments sparked fury – and even generated hundreds of Ofcom complaints.

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Rylan Clark has made light of his ‘cancellation’ after swearing in front of large groups of children. The TV star suffered a slip-up while on stage in a pantomime over the weekend – but quickly recovered by mocking his own misfortune.

The 37-year-old former X Factor contestant sparked a backlash earlier this year when he took a stance against illegal migration while presenting live on ITV’s This Morning. The TV star’s comments divided opinions, with some viewers slamming him for his views, while some even went as far as complaining to Ofcom.

In recent weeks, Rylan has been starring on stage as a Fairy Godfather in a production of Cinderella at Southend Cliffs Pavilion in Essex. The cast includes former Lorraine correspondent and recent Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ross King, who plays Buttons.

READ MORE: ‘Salon quality’ press-on nails has shoppers ‘absolutely delighted and shocked’READ MORE: This Morning Ofcom complaints spiral to 702 as fury over Rylan rant rages on

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According to the Daily Mail, during one on-stage appearance, Rylan accidentally swore in front of a sold-out crowd, which included dozens of children in the audience. Quickly correcting himself, the TV star made light of the situation – joking he would be “cancelled for the second time in a year.” The Mirror has contacted Rylan’s representatives for comment.

Rylan’s comment is a clear reference to the scandal he ignited back in August when he spoke out against illegal immigration while on live TV. The reality star claimed that some people who make their way to the UK by crossing the Channel on small boats are given preferential treatment.

Acknowledging that many migrants enter the UK via legal routes and establish themselves as part of society, he began: “This country is built on immigration. Legal immigration — a lot of the nurses, the doctors that have saved my mum’s life have come over here from other countries. They’re living a great life, they’re paying into this tax system, they’re helping this country thrive.”

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But he went on to suggest there was “something wrong” with the way some that land on UK soil appear to be fast-tracked to comfortable living arrangements. He said: “I find it absolutely insane that all these people are risking their lives coming across the Channel. And when they get here, it does seem, and I think this is why a lot of Labour voters as well are saying there’s something wrong, it feels like, ‘Welcome, come on in’.

“That’s the narrative we’re being fed. Here’s the iPad. Here’s the NHS in reception of your hotel. Here’s three meals a day. Here’s a games room in the hotel. Have a lovely time and welcome. And then there’s people who have lived here all their lives who are struggling?”

He went on: “The money that is costing us, the amount of people that are in this country that we have no idea who they are, what they’ve done, what they’re capable of, and clearly we see a lot of it in the press.”

And he added: “How can it be that if I turn up at Heathrow Airport as a British citizen and I’ve left my passport in Spain, I’ve got to stand at that airport and won’t be let in. But if I arrive on a boat from Calais, I get taken to a four-star hotel?”

After his comments provoked furious debate online, Ryland followed up his discussion with a further statement – released via Instagram Stories. He wrote: “You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes. You can support trans people and have the utmost respect for women. You can be heterosexual and still support gay rights. This list continues. Stop with this putting everyone in a box and maybe have conversations instead of shouting on Twitter.”

It was not enough for some fans, however, who decided to lodge complaints with Ofcom instead. It was reported that This Morning received over 700 Ofcom complaints about his comments.

An Ofcom spokesperson previously told The Independent: “We’re assessing these complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.”

The two men who were among the two killed in the Anthony Joshua crash have been buried in condolences. In Makun, Nigeria, heavyweight boxing superstar Joshua was involved in a car accident that resulted in the death of two people.

Around 11am on Monday, an incident occurred along a busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway highway. In a Lexus jeep collided with a stationary truck, which Joshua recently defeated Jake Paul in the ring.

Joshua was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries after being removed from the scene. Police have since confirmed that two people tragically passed away in the incident. Joshua’s team confirmed that Sina Ghami, the strength and conditioning coach and Kevin Lateef Ayodele, the personal trainer, passed away.

Following a road traffic accident earlier today in Lagos, Nigeria, Sina Ghami and Kevin “Laf” Ayodele’s death was confirmed by them in a statement. Both Anthony’s team and Anthony’s close friends made a significant contribution.

We respectfully request that the families at this time process this truly shocking and devastating news in order to have privacy. Anthony was taken to the hospital for treatment and checks after suffering injuries in the accident. He is now stable and will remain there for observation. At this time, no additional details will be made available.

Following the depressing news, Shannon Courtenay shared a heartfelt message on social media. The boxer wrote, “RIP Sina & Latz,” on her Instagram Stories. Two excellent men.

“Life really is too short, we’re all having fun in Miami last week, but today your]sic] gone,” you say. In this terrible situation, may the Lord look over their loved ones.

She concluded, “This is tonight, hold your loved ones extra tight.” You never know what will come your way. At the end of her post, Shannon added a broken love heart emoji.

Rak Su’s Myles Stephenson also made a tribute on the social media platform. sharing an image of Ayodele, who swore, “My brother. I’ll miss it when you talk to your partner.

Joshua is conscious and has communicated with his family, according to a statement from the Ogun state government. They added that Anthony Joshua and another traveler were immediately taken to a specialized medical facility in Lagos.

Doctors have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any immediate medical attention at this time following thorough clinical evaluations. A full medical team has been assembled, and we will continue to closely follow them.

Additionally, they continued, “An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident have also commenced. Joshua was one of five adult males who were involved in the collision, according to a statement from road safety officials in Nigeria.

A Lexus Jeep involved in the incident was later identified as “being suspected of traveling “above the legal prescribed speed limit,” according to the Federal Road Safety Corps in Nigeria. They claim that the vehicle lost control during “an overtaking maneuver” and collided with a truck by the side of the road.

Following the tragedy, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the president of Nigeria, also made a statement. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said, “This enormous tragedy casts a deep shadow on this season.

As you deal with this tragic incident’s emotional weight, I feel for you and your family. You have always exhibited unwavering love for our country, discipline, and courage as a sportsman. These characteristics have given you a sense of pride in the country.

In this agonizing time, I ask for strength, wisdom, and grace for you. May God speed up your recovery and restraint for the departed’s souls.

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