Primark’s new ‘PE uniform’ £15 Rita Ora trainers leaves shoppers divided

Fashion fans can’t make up their minds about the new Primark trainers

Primark has divided shoppers with new £15 Rita Ora sneakers, as some fashion fans love the ‘cute’ design, but others think they look like ‘PE uniform’. The retailer usually impresses shoppers with its trendy clothing and footwear. However, not everyone is sold on the new Rita Ora Sneakerinas.

Available in black or natural, the shoes are described as ‘mesh ballet trainers with toggle elastics and self-fastening straps.’ Fans of ‘balletcore’, a fashion trend inspired by dancewear, could be pirouetting their way to Primark for the new style. The popular style has taken over the catwalk in recent years, with big-name design houses including Simone Rocha and JW Anderson seemingly drawing inspiration from ballerinas.

As such, Primark’s offering could be perfect for high street shoppers looking to join in with the trend. The product description for the shoes reads: “Step into effortless sport-luxe style with the Rita Ora Sneakerinas — a modern fusion of ballet elegance and athletic ease. These mesh ballet trainers offer comfort, while the toggle elastic detail ensures a secure, customisable fit.

“Self-fastening straps add extra support and a sleek, wrapped look that moves with you. Flexible, and designed for all-day wear, they’re the perfect choice for everything from studio workouts to on-the-go days when you want comfort without compromising style.”

Based on the reaction on social media, the style won’t be for everyone, though. There was a mixed response to the shoes when a shopper named Ellan Mangham posted a TikTok video under the handle @Ellanmangham, starting a debate about the style

Content cannot be displayed without consent

Noticing the similarity between the sneakers and dance shoes, Ellan wrote: “What in the jazz shoe is happening??!” In response to the video, which gained over 200k views and 14k likes, several commenters questioned the design.

Commenting under the post, one viewer thought: “Ermm it’s giving PE uniform,” and a second response said: “It’s giving lost property PE uniform.” A similar comment read: “Anyone remember those plimsols from school?”

Someone else joked: “When you have the gym at eight and a performance of Riverdance at lunch.” A viewer agreed: “These remind of of the little leather shoes my daughter used to wear in Irish dance lol.” Another reply said: “5 6 7 hate,” and someone commented: “I see the vision, but it’s not in the delivery.”

However, several commenters defended the new shoes and praised the look. One fan said they would wear the trainers in the summer months. She explained: “I would wear them for gym in the summer.. definitely!”

Offering their perspective, another fan wrote: “I kinda like them. Sporty vibe but also cute.” A different viewer agreed: “I think they’re cute,” and someone else wrote: “But but but …. I do like them.”

Article continues below

There was more praise from an excited shopper who commented: “Aint gonna lie they’re cute still.” A fan wrote: “Ngl the right person could definitely pull this off. It’s genuinely not the worst thing I’ve seen.”

Emmerdale fans only just realising Paddy actor is married to co-star in real life

Emmerdale’s Dominic Brunt is a soap legend and it turns out he has a very famous wife

Emmerdale’s Paddy Kirk actor Dominic Brunt has a rather famous wife and fans will know who she is.

Dominic has played loveable vet Paddy on the ITV soap since 1997. And it didn’t take him long to become one of the show’s most iconic and adored characters. As Paddy, Dominic has been involved in several big storylines in the Dales too over the years: from the character’s shock affairs to the heartbreaking loss of his child.

And over in the soap recently, Paddy discovered the horrifying truth that his dad Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) had been trafficked and forced to work on a nearby farm, run by evil Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths) and Ray Walters (Joe Absolom).

In Friday’s episode (January 8) the police told Paddy that after they visited the farm, the attic that housed the slaves, was empty, suggesting Bear might have ran away. However, they then wanted Paddy to “expect the worst”.

Away from the soap though, Dominic is happily married and a father to two children. But some fans have recently been left stunned after learning who his wife is. Dominic is married to Joanne Mitchell who is also well known to soap lovers as she has made a number of appearances on Emmerdale and Coronation Street.

Actors Dominic and Joanne met while attending drama school in Bristol. They tied the knot in 2003 and share two sons, Mickey-Joe and Danny Lee. Joanne has starred in several award-winning shows and even appeared in Emmerdale multiple times.

She has played four roles on the show to date, starting with Susan Davies, followed by a midwife named Yeo. Up next were the more challenging roles such as DS Karen Barnborough and most recently Sandra Flaherty, the mother and stepmother of Liv Flaherty (Izzy Steel ) and Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller).

Recently, a photo of Dominic and Joanne made its rounds on an Emmerdale Facebook fan page. Captioned: “Dominic Brunt and his wife Joanne Mitchell,” the snap left plenty of people shocked over their real-life romance.

“Wow I didn’t know he is married to Liv’s mum in real life,” said one person as someone else added: “That’s who that is!” A third fan chimed in: “Fine actor. But I never knew his wife was Liv’s Mum in Emmerdale!” Echoing their thoughts, another person wrote: “So shocked Sandra is his off-screen wife.”

In 2022, Joanne spoke about working with Dominic on Emmerdale, telling Inside Soap: “I haven’t seen Dominic at the studios yet since I’ve been back this time.

It’s fun to be on the same show but I’ve not actually worked with him yet. We haven’t had any scenes together as our characters live separate lives in the village.”

Emmerdale is on ITV1 weeknights at 7pm and ITVX

Article continues below

Strictly’s Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg share emotional baby update in farewell message

Strictly Come Dancing star Dianne Buswell and YouTuber Joe Sugg have shared an emotional farewell with fans before welcoming their first child together

Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell and YouTube star Joe Sugg have shared an emotional update with fans as they prepare to welcome their first child together.

Posting on YouTube, the pair revealed that their latest Vlogmas series will be their last as a duo, with Joe telling viewers that next Christmas will look very different for them as a family of three.

Closing the final instalment of the vlog, Joe became reflective as he thanked fans for their continued support. “That, is it. The end of the vlog and the end of Vlogmas,” he said. “This is two or three years in a row now, I can’t remember, but I just want to say thank you very much to everybody that has watched these vlogs, followed them along, followed the build-up to Christmas Day.”

He went on to describe how meaningful the tradition has been for him, adding: “Thank you very much, it’s been fun. It’s always an absolute joy to do. I love it. Being able to watch back on memories, especially around such a lovely time of year. So, thank you for having interest in it and being a part of your day.”

Joe then hinted at the major life change ahead, telling viewers he expected the year to come to bring something new. “I will see you all in the new year in 2026, which I am predicting is going to be quite a different year to our normal years,” he said, before delivering the heartfelt update. “This is the end of the last Vlogmas that we’ll ever do as a two. This time next year there will be three of us.”

The couple announced their pregnancy in September, sharing a video on Instagram that showed them painting together on a canvas. After several brushstrokes, they revealed a simple illustration of two stick figures holding hands with a smaller figure between them, alongside the date “2026”.

Soundtracked by Sir Elton John’s Tiny Dancer , the post was captioned: “Our little baby boy. We cannot wait to meet you.”

The announcement prompted an outpouring of congratulations from across the Strictly Come Dancing family. Judges Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse, as well as professional dancer Johannes Radebe, were among those sending their well wishes. Fellow dancer Amy Dowden wrote: “Still screaming, dancing and celebrating! So so happy for you both! Magical. Auntie Ames can’t wait.”

Documentary-maker Stacey Dooley, who found love on the show with Kevin Clifton and now shares a daughter called Minnie with him, responded enthusiastically, writing: “YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES.”

Buswell and Sugg first met when they were paired on the 16th series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, later confirming their relationship off the dancefloor. Buswell recently competed in the latest series of the show, having won the glitterball trophy last year alongside comedian Chris McCausland, the programme’s first blind winner.

Article continues below

Fans were quick to share support for the couple on YouTube. One user wrote: “Congratulations Joe on completing Vlogmas. I have really enjoyed watching you and Dianne preparing your little boy’s room and sharing your own memories of childhood.”

Susanna Reid’s flattering GMB shirt dress that ‘fits perfectly’ is now 55% off

Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid is back on our screens in a stunning purple shirt dress that shoppers say ‘fits perfectly’ – and it’s now on sale with £90 off

New Year new me might be the mantra of many in January, but one thing that’s stayed the same is Susanna Reid’s dedication to stylish workwear. The Good Morning Britain presenter has long been known for her impeccable wardrobe, wearing pieces that not only look great on TV, but are wearable enough for the rest of us to copy for the office.

And one of her latest outfits is no exception, with Susanna wearing Hobbs’ Violet Dress during Wednesday’s episode. The fitted shirt dress is an effortless choice for wearing to work, and it’s just been slashed in the January sale by 55%, bringing it down from £159 to just £71.10.

READ MORE: Get Helen Skelton’s £125 ‘cosy and warm’ waterproof winter coat for just £50

READ MORE: Claudia Winkleman’s cosy wool coat from The Traitors is still in stock in all sizes

Huge £90 saving aside, this is a dress that’s well worth snapping up if you spend a lot of time in the office. Its vibrant purple shade brings a pop of colour without being too bold, and the easy, effortless silhouette means it’s comfortable enough to sit at a desk all day whilst still looking smart and put together.

The Violet Dress has a shirt dress design, with a button fastening through the front and a tie waist belt that lets you cinch it in to create a flattering silhouette. It also brings a little bit of a cool factor with utility pockets.

Although it’s a great staple to keep on hand for work, you could also easily wear the Violet Dress for events or occasions, like a day at the races, a wedding or party. It’s also great for wearing all year round; you can layer with tights and even a jumper in winter, or go bare legged in some sandals for the summer.

If you want something a little warmer that’s perfect for autumn and winter, this Brown Cord Balloon Sleeve Montego Midi Dress from Nobody’s Child is £99, but the code EXTRA15 will get you 15% off. If you love a print, we’re also a fan of Roman’s Red Geometric Stretch Midi Shirt Dress (£42) and Boden’s Smocked Jersey Shirt Dress (£119) which are both elegant, stylish and totally office-ready.

However, fans of Susanna’s Violet Dress can still snap it up in all sizes, except a 14 which is currently out of stock. It also comes in both regular and petite lengths for the perfect fit.

Hobbs shoppers have been praising the dress too, with one saying: “Love the dress. It fits perfectly. I really like the colour too.”

Article continues below

Another wrote: “Good colour. Good fit.” However one did mention: “Good quality smart too long.”

Katie Price and JJ ‘split’ after 2 years as she makes telling podcast confession

Katie Price has reportedly split from her boyfriend JJ Slater, just hours after admitting she no longer needs a man in her life.

It’s thought the former glamour model ended the two-year relationship because she couldn’t see a future.

Sources said the problems had become ‘too obvious to ignore’, despite Katie shooting down reports of a break up.

Speaking on the latest episode of her podcast, The Katie Price Show, the star explained how years ago she was “afraid of being on my own” but that was no longer the case.






Katie Price has reportedly split from her boyfriend JJ Slater
(
PA)






Katie began dating JJ - who appeared on the 2023 series of Married At First Sight UK - soon after her split from Carl Woods.


Katie began dating JJ – who appeared on the 2023 series of Married At First Sight UK – soon after her split from Carl Woods.
(
PA)

She said: “Years ago, I was always afraid of being on my own. If I want a man, it’s because I want them.”

A source said Katie had ‘doubts’ for some time over the relationship but hoped things would improve.

A source told the Mail Online: ‘She’s now accepted the relationship will not end with her walking down the aisle for a fourth time.

‘JJ was left disappointed and has already packed his bags and moved back to his home in Essex.

‘He genuinely saw a future with Katie, but it seems she ultimately had a very different outlook.’

Katie began dating JJ – who appeared on the 2023 series of Married At First Sight UK – soon after her split from Carl Woods.






In December, she was forced to deny the pair had parted ways.


In December, she was forced to deny the pair had parted ways.
(
Getty Images for The Cambridge U)






The star recently explained how years ago she was


The star recently explained how years ago she was “afraid of being on my own” but that was no longer the case
(
Getty Images)

In December, she was forced to deny the pair had parted ways.

Katie posed for a photo with JJ’s family on Boxing Day this year, proving she and the reality star were going strong. In a photo obtained by the Sun, mum-of-five Katie could be seen beaming as she wore a cosy, cream-coloured beanie, as she sat among JJ’s nearest and dearest.

Katie admitted in August that they still don’t live together after two years of dating. Following on from more split rumours, OnlyFans star Katie addressed their relationship in an episode of her podcast, The Katie Price Show.

Speaking to her younger sister Sophie, Katie said she was designing her own house and that JJ wasn’t involved in that process. She explained: “People have to realise JJ owns his own house and he owns his flat.

“He rents his flat out and his house is like a new build, like a show home. I can’t remember the last time I went there. He actually has got a good eye.”

  • This is a breaking Showbiz news story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future on Google by simply by clicking this link .


You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , ** Facebook** , YouTube and Threads – or visit The Mirror homepage .
You can sign up forTwitter/X alerts for breaking news here and follow us @‌MirrorCeleb ** for all the latest updates. Or keep up-to-date with your must-see news, features, videos and pictures by following us on Facebook .**

David Bowie’s childhood home to be restored and opened up to the public

David Bowie’s childhood home in South London is set to be restored as it was when he lived there as a child, with a dream of stardom – and opened to the public

The modest terraced house in Bromley, South London where late music legend David Bowie grew up is going to open its doors to music fans across the globe.

The news was revealed on Thursday 9 January – on what would have been Bowie’s 79th birthday – as well as the 10th anniversary of his acclaimed final album, Blackstar. Bowie sadly died just two days after Blackstar was released after a heartbreaking and very private 18-month battle with cancer.

The Heritage of London Trust revealed that they have acquired the terraced home – 4 Plaistow Grove in Bromley – and will recreate the exact interior layout as it was when the young star lived there between the ages of eight and 20.

READ MORE: Victoria Beckham’s ‘smudge-proof’ eyeliner that ‘makes eyes pop’ reduced by 15%

Due to be completed by the tail-end of 2027, the charity organisation explained that the property would be used for creative and skills workshops for young people, acting as a “solid foundation for the next generation” and teaching confidence and communication skills in the arts.

Geoffrey Marsh, who co-curated the Victoria and Albert Museum’s David Bowie Is exhibition, has also been involved in the exciting project and has said: “It was in this small house, particularly in his tiny bedroom, that Bowie evolved from an ordinary suburban schoolboy to the beginnings of an extraordinary international stardom – as he said, ‘I spent so much time in my bedroom‘.”

He added, “‘It really was my entire world. I had books up there, my music up there, my record player. Going from my world upstairs out onto the street, I had to pass through this no-man’s-land of the living room’.”

The Heritage of London Trust’s director Dr. Nicola Stacey said: “David Bowie was a proud Londoner. Even though his career took him all over the world, he always remembered where he came from and the community that supported him as he grew up.

“It’s wonderful to have this opportunity to tell his story and inspire a new generation of young people and it’s really important for the heritage of London to preserve this site. We are thrilled to have already secured a major grant of £500,000 from the Jones Day Foundation towards the project, and hope that people everywhere will want to be involved.”

Marking her legendary husband’s birthday, his widow Iman shared a snap of them together and wrote, “A million feelings, a thousand thoughts. A hundred memories… YOU! Happy Heavenly Birthday.”

His daughter Lexi, 24, also paid her own sweet tribute, posting a throwback photo of herself and her father on his birthday. “Da big 79 today. Happy birthday pops, miss ya!” she wrote. But Lexi also launched a blistering public attack on friends who had failed to text her on her late father’s birthday.

Sharing a selfie with Instagram followers, she wrote: ‘Thank you to all the people I don’t know who wished me condolences, and f**k you to all of my friends who never texted me at all.” She added: “I got 1 text! F**k all y’all.”

Meanwhile, Bowie’s cultural relevance continues to shine bright. Most recently, his iconic track Heroes has had a huge spike in streams after it was the soundtrack to the closing moments of the Stranger Things finale.

Article continues below

The Netflix hit’s co-creator Ross Duffer revealed that the song was chosen on the suggestion of Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harrington on the show and is a singer in his own right under the alias, Djo.