The Sedulo Foundation’s annual Colour Ball was a star-studded event that brought together celebrities, supporters and business leaders to raise vital funds for children and young people living in poverty
A galaxy of stars descended on Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel for the Sedulo Foundation’s annual Colour Ball on Thursday night. The event was a gathering of celebrities, supporters and business leaders, all united in their mission to raise crucial funds for children and young people living in poverty.
Claire Sweeney, Coronation Street actress and proud Liverpudlian, took on the role of host for the evening. She was joined by a plethora of famous faces including football legend Jamie Carragher and TV favourites such as Linda Robson, Dr Ranj, Real Housewives of Cheshire stars Seema Malhotra and Leanne Brown, and Nermina Pieters-Mekic.
Fashion guru and DJ Gok Wan led the entertainment, with UK Garage stars Lisa Maffia and Romeo, of So Solid Crew, delivering a roof-raising performance. The event was orchestrated by national advisory firm Sedulo, which boasts offices in Manchester, Liverpool, London, Leeds and Birmingham. The Colour Ball is a fundraising initiative for the firm’s charitable arm, The Sedulo Foundation.
Last year’s ball raised £200,000. This year’s total exceeded that, making it the biggest event yet for the foundation with a huge £223,000 raised on the night.
Since its inception in 2022, the Sedulo Foundation has supported over 2,000 young people. Its initiatives include providing school equipment, sanitary products, and Christmas gifts for those in need, as well as creating employment opportunities for young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Caitlyn Jenner has been left stranded in Israel amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. She had been in Israel for Tel Aviv’s Pride Parade, which was called off today due to ongoing concerns following missile strikes from Iran. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the decathlon icon shared a picture taken at what appears to be her hotel – the image saw dozens of Iranian missiles flying overhead, with smoke rising from the ground.
“‘Quiet’ night in Tel Aviv. Pray for us all. We will prevail. I am happy to stand with Israel today, now more than ever,” she said. The Olympian told a local TV network that she had been in touch with her family, who are in California. Caitlyn said: “I spoke with my daughter Kylie, and she urged me to stay safe. I reassured her.” She went on to add: “Don’t worry, I’ll keep myself safe, and they’ll take care of me.”
On Thursday, the reality star visited Jerusalem’s Western Wall and shared her visit on social media. She said in the caption: “My heart is here, with the beautiful people, in Israel.”
Caitlyn shared a snap from what appears to be her hotel, showing the overhead missiles ( X/@Caitlyn_Jenner)
Five people have since been injured after Iran fired missiles into Tel Aviv, according to medics. Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service, said one person was treated for moderate injuries while four others suffered minor injuries from shrapnel.
Over the past 24 hours, tensions have been escalating in the Middle East after the Israeli military said it had completed a widespread attack on air defences in western Iran. But while Israelis have been cleared to leave air raid shelters, they have been warned to stay close in case of further attacks.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei has claimed that Israel has initiated a war and that “the Iranian nation must be guaranteed that our response will not be half-measured.” He added that Iran will “inflict heavy blows” on Israel. Less than 100 ballistic missiles have been fired into Israel by Iran this evening.
Caitlyn visted Jerusalem’s Western Wall on Thursday, hours before the tensions reached a new level ( X/@Caitlyn_Jenner)
Effie Defrin said that most were intercepted. He said: “There are a limited number of impacts on buildings, some were caused by interception fragments.”
A spokesperson said this morning that it had destroyed dozens of radar installations and surface-to-air missile launchers. Israel had previously carried out “preemptive strikes” on Iran in the early hours of Friday. wth Israeli officials later declaring a state of emergency ahead of their retaliation.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said the ongoing strikes were “concerning” and urged “all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently”, adding that “now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy”.
Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system has been intercepting Iranian missiles ( AP)
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he was “concerned” to learn of the Israeli strikes which targeted the Iranian nuclear programme. Posting on X, he penned: “Stability in the Middle East is vital for global security. I’m concerned to see reports of strikes overnight. Further escalation is a serious threat to peace & stability in the region and in no one’s interest.
“This is a dangerous moment & I urge all parties to show restraint.” Starmer has since chaired an urgent Cobra meeting following the escalating tensions. He also held a phone call with Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
Speaking about their conversation, a Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister was clear that Israel has a right to self-defence and set out the UK’s grave concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme. He reiterated the need for de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution, in the interests of stability in the region.”
Starmer also confirmed the UK did not take part in the strikes but declined to say whether Britain would help Israel if Iran attacks again, as it has before.
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The pair of elegant Salix Flamingo willow trees come in stylish flared black pots
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The pair of topiary willow trees are now on sale(Image: Gardening Express)
For shoppers looking to spruce up their garden or outdoor space, Gardening Express is offering a pair of ‘fast-growing’ Topiary Trees Salix Flamingo with Planters for half price. Originally costing £79.99, the two’elegant’ willow trees are now £39.99 and come complete with tall flared black pots.
The retailer says the trees ‘give a relaxed feel’, making them ideal for patios and decking areas, as well as framing front and back doors. The stunning white and pink leaves stand out against the green stems that are dotted along the slightly drooped branches.
The topiary leaves will thicken year on year and are approximately 90-120cm in size. Once situated in the accompanying pots, they will stand at around 120-150cm.
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Shopping marketplace Yimbly (owned by the Mirror’s parent company Reach Plc) is also selling Plant in a Box Salix Flamingo Trees. These cost £44.95 for two, however they don’t come with any planters.
For gardeners wanting to add more than two trees to their outdoor space, B&Q is selling four Salix Integra Flamingo Trees for £56.95. This set also doesn’t include pots to plant the trees in.
Topiary Trees Salix Flamingo with Planters
£79.99
£39.99
Buy here
Over 50 Gardening Express customers have reviewed the Topiary Trees Salix Flamingo with Planters to date, awarding them an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of five. One happy shopper wrote: “Absolutely delighted with the trees. Arrived sooner than expected and the delivery chap went the extra mile and carried them round the back for me.
“The trees are very healthy and pretty, and were well packaged. They look fabulous in the fluted pots. Very happy customer, I would happily order from Gardening Express again.”
The leaves have a pretty pink and white tint(Image: Gardening Express)
Someone else commented: “Fantastic, beautiful trees delivered in wonderful condition. They look absolutely magnificent bordering our entrance porch.”
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Another said: “The trees arrived in perfect condition. Brilliantly packed and look very stylish in their lovely black pots outside my front door. It’s my first purchase from Gardening Express, but certainly won’t be the last.”
Kylie Minogue has cancelled four of her upcoming shows as she admitted she had “no choice”. The pop star, 56, has just finished the UK leg of her tour and was due to head to Europe.
She shared her upset of falling ill while in the UK as she revealed she has been hit with laryngitis. Kylie told her fans that she is now on voice rest as she gave them the sad update.
The Padam hitmaker said: “Hi Lovers, as some of you may know, a week ago we finished the UK leg of the Tension Tour. I made it over the finish line (yay) but unfortunately have succumbed to a viral infection (Hello laryngitis)
“I’ve tried my best to recover fast to start our next run on Monday but I’m afraid it will take me some days to be well enough to get back on stage and perform the best for you.”
She added: “I’m so, SO sorry! I have no choice but to postpone the shows in Berlin, Lodz, Kaunas and Tallinn as scheduled. Please keep hold of your tickets, we’re doing our very best to reschedule the dates and will update you very soon on that.
“Thank you for understanding – you know I love you all. And I LOVE THIS SHOW! And I’ll miss you next week, and I can’t wait to see you all. Love Kylie xx”
Kylie kicked off her sold-out UK leg of her Tension Tour in March. She was due to perform the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany, on Monday (June 16), before moving on to Poland, Lithuania and Estonia.
The Aussie star is hoping to back on the stage for June 23 at Finland’s Metro Arena.
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Louis Tomlinson has opened up about his former bandmate Harry Styles, admitting he couldn’t be prouder of the global mega-star for ‘taking over the world’
Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
Louis revealed he’s ‘very proud’ of Harry in a rare comment(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Louis Tomlinson has revealed he’s “very proud” of his former bandmate Harry Styles. The two found fame as one-fifth of One Direction back in 2010, after former Pussycat Dolls star Nicole Scherzinger spearheaded the decision to create the band on The X Factor.
Despite finishing the show in third place, the band, consisting of Louis, 33, Harry, 31, Niall Horan, 31, Zayn Malik, 32, and the late Liam Payne, 31, they went on to find fame across the globe and became one of the biggest selling boybands of all time.
For five years, the band toured the globe, racked up countless Number 1 records and dozens of awards before making the decision to start a hiatus. However, just one year later, it emerged that their hiatus had turned into a permanent split.
Soccer Aid star Louis Tomlinson has opened up on his bond with Harry Styles(Image: PA)
But since then, all five members have gone on to carve out successful solo careers. Now, Doncaster-born Louis has silenced speculation that he has become distant from his bandmates as he opened up about his bond with Cheshire’s Harry. Speaking on a new podcast, he said he’s in regular contact.
“I do still know him,” he said on the Yoto Daily Soccer Aid Special podcast. Louis went on to say: “I used to be in a band with him, we’re not in a band anymore so that’s what happens. But yeah, still good friends with him.
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“Still very, very proud of him, taking over the world, definitely.” Fans have since reacted to the sweet admission, with one writing: “Oh God, that’s so cute.” A second went on to add: “My heart just exploded.” “I’m sobbing so f***ng hard. Nobody speak to me. This is the best day ever,” exclaimed a third.
Louis revealed that while he and Harry are no longer bandmates, the pair remain in contact(Image: David Fisher/REX Shutterstock)
Meanwhile, a fourth added: “Today just became the best day of my life.” Since launching their solo careers, Louis has gone on to release two studio albums, Walls, which charted at Number Four in 2020, as well as Faith in the Future, which saw him take Number One in November 2022.
Elsewhere, Harry’s debut album charted at Number One, with his second taking the second spot, and his third solo album, Harry’s House, hitting the top spot across the globe. He’s also bagged an impressive six BRIT Awards and three solo Grammy Awards – despite being nominated nine times.
Louis’ comments come just days before he’ll walk out onto the pitch at Old Trafford as part of Soccer Aid for UNICEF. The musician will play alongside the likes of Tom Grennan, Roman Kemp, Toni Duggan, Jill Scott, Alex Brooker, Angryginge and James Nelson-Joyce.
The group, created by Nicole Scherzinger, became one of the biggest-selling bands of all time(Image: PA)
Speaking about taking part in the match, Louis told TV Week: “It’s the only real opportunity you get to play in a football game of that magnitude if you’re not a professional footballer. So it’s very exciting for a football fan, and coupled with all the good that the charity has done over the past two decades, it’s remarkable really.”
But there’s one moment that sticks out in Louis’s head, playing against Niall in the 2016 game. He said: “I played against my One Direction bandmate Niall Horan in 2016. I’m the kind of guy who will rub it in your face when I win. So I kind of enjoyed having that over Niall for a couple of years!”
Louis’ younger sisters, twins Daisy and Phoebe, will be on hand to offer their support in the stands. Speaking previously to the Mirror, Phoebe, said: “Obviously, with Louis playing, I’ve only attended once, but it was really fun. Super excited, Louis playing just makes it more interesting and a bit more funny as well.”
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Daisy commented: “I wouldn’t say I feel as nervous seeing him play football than sing but I probably should. He sings more than he plays football but I heard he’s been putting in the graft in training so I shouldn’t feel too nervous on the day.”
The match takes place on Sunday 15th of June at Old Trafford, Manchester, and will air on ITV1 and ITVX.
Fans of singer and actress Sabrina Carpenter have been left divided after she shared the cover art for her upcoming album, Man’s Best Friend, which will be released in August
Not everyone is a fan of Sabrina Carpenter’s new album cover(Image: Dia Dipasupil, Getty Images)
When Sabrina Carpenter unveiled her upcoming album’s cover, set for release this summer, it instantly ignited a storm of controversy about its underlying message – but some music fans argue that critics are “missing the point”. The diminutive songstress has carved out a niche with her infectious tunes that cleverly weave satire and societal observations, all delivered in her distinctively bold and risqué pop princess style.
The 26-year-old songbird has been navigating the music scene for more than 10 years, with her first album dropping in 2015. However, it was her fifth studio offering, Emails I Can’t Send, released in 2022, that began turning heads on a larger scale.
Her 2024 hit track, Espresso, fully propelled her into the limelight and secured her position as a pop star. Her sixth album, Short n’ Sweet, soon followed and took the music world by storm – clinching the top spot on the Billboard 200 and earning her a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2025.
Recently, the singer confirmed on Instagram with a duo of pictures that her latest album, Man’s Best Friend, is slated for an August 29 release.
The album cover features Sabrina down on her knees with what seems to be a man’s hand gripping her hair.
Accompanying this is a second photo, which zooms in on a blonde puppy sporting a light blue dog collar adorned with a gold heart, etched with the album’s name.
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Sabrina, pictured on stage at the BRIT Awards in 2025, is known for her playful risqué performance style and lyrics (Image: Samir Hussein, WireImage via Getty Images)
The controversial announcement has raked in more than four million likes so far but it’s sparked a deluge of comments from people upset by Sabrina’s perceived submission in the first image, especially during such a politically tumultuous time for women.
Instagram users flooded the comments with their thoughts. One said: “Love Sabrina – but this picture – why is the man in there like that? It’s not a very empowering image for women.”
Another voiced their confusion: “Explain to me again how this isn’t centering men? How this isn’t catering to the male gaze?”
A third remarked: “Okay – it’s sarcastic? Satire? Art? Symbolism? But what about the men or boys who see this on billboards, on Instagram, in music promos – and consciously or not, internalise that this is what power looks like: a man objectifying a woman. Does that image challenge objectification or reinforce it?”
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TikTok pop culture commentator Holden Smith – who boasts 178,000 followers – labelled the debate over the album artwork “so wild”.
In a widely viewed video, Smith said: “To me, it just felt very ‘Sabrina’. ‘Man’s best friend’ is a dog, a female dog is also called a b***h.
“Sabrina on all fours, with a man pulling her hair, is feeding into that. I believed, in a cheeky way.”
The content creator then addressed some of the extreme reactions and continued: “There are a lot of social media comments saying that this is extremely degrading and that she has set women back hundreds of years and, to me, that is a crazy statement.”
Holden speculated: “Sabrina could also be using the cover to hold a mirror up to the public and say, ‘this is how you guys are saying that you see me, for the male gaze rather than for the female gaze’.”
Smith then said: “I found it extremely interesting that this is the main conversation around her new album. As someone who was the breakout artist of the year last year, who truly got, like, no negative press; this switch up feels kind of crazy – especially when she’s giving us a second album in two years.”
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Holden expressed disappointment that the album announcement wasn’t met with joy, noting it “felt like it should be a crazy happy announcement” rather than sparking intense debate over its cover.