Category Entertainment News

Former One Direction singer Niall Horan is an avid golfer, and has described the emotional response he had 10 years ago when the iconic Rory McIlroy asked him to be his caddie at the Masters

Musician and former One Direction star Niall Horan joked he nearly burst into tears when Rory McIlroy asked him to carry his bag at the Masters. The Irish singer is renowned for his passion for golf and holds membership at Wentworth, the host of the BMW PGA Championship.

Competing at the Surrey venue this week, where Horan has participated in Pro-Am events on multiple occasions, has been none other than reigning Masters champion McIlroy.

The pair have met previously, and during Horan’s peak years with One Direction, a message from McIlroy asking whether he’d serve as the Northern Irishman’s caddie at the Masters’ annual Par-3 contest nearly moved him to tears.

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Speaking on the Fore Play podcast in 2023, Horan revealed details about McIlroy’s request, which arrived almost a decade earlier. Horan said: “He just texted me like a week before. He said do you fancy carrying the bag for the Par-3.

“I was like, let me start crying. The old Irish thing has this connection. I guess, sure, and we have got a lot of mutual friends beforehand and we knew each other quite well.”

Sadly for Horan, the experience concluded in relative catastrophe. After serving as McIlroy’s caddie for the majority of the round, he was permitted a shot on the ninth and final hole, but dragged it into the water.

To compound his troubles, he then dramatically toppled over on the same hole. He told reporters at the time: “My right arm got stuck on my chest and I pulled it across and it wound up in the drink on the very left. Any other day I would have found the green but there’s a lot of pressure out there.

“It’s very different,” added a 21-year-old Horan. “I do perform to a lot of people but I’m performing to their parents today. It’s a very different crowd.”

Horan has returned to the legendary Augusta National numerous times since this mishap, even playing the course occasionally. Earlier this year, speaking before the competition that McIlroy went on to win, Horan revealed his passion for golf and the Masters.

“When I was very young. Watching Tiger [Woods] win here [at Augusta] multiple times was a big help, Sunday red here at Augusta with those big roars through the TV,” he told The Masters Tournament.

“Being from Ireland was a big help with some great players with [Paul] McGinley and [Padraig] Harrington. Once you’re in, you’re in,” he continued.

“I have fortunately played this course on multiple occasions. I have birdied 13 a couple of times, which is exactly what you want to do when you’re down there. When I’m here I don’t really care how I play, but just happy to walk around and take in the history.

“I always say do you remember when Bubba [Watson] hit that shot from the trees on 10 or Phil [Mickelson] hit that crazy shot from the trees on 13. That never gets old. But there was a moment that was unreal one day. We were coming up No. 8. Me and a friend of mine had hit the second shot left into the trees there.

Elton John has sent social media into overdrive, after sharing a series of pictures which left many believing the singer had been hospitalised – however, not all was as it seemed

Sir Elton John sparked panic among his devoted fanbase on Friday after sharing a photograph of himself seemingly bedridden in hospital, draped in a glittering cast. However, it was all just to publicise his appearance in the upcoming Spinal Tap II sequel.

The 78-year-old music legend uploaded a series of images to Instagram showing him apparently incapacitated in a hospital gown, sporting rhinestone-encrusted leg casts and a neck brace, whilst surrounded by floral arrangements and fellow cast members.

The pictures prompted numerous supporters to assume John had been admitted to hospital, with messages flooding in expressing hopes for his swift recovery.

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“Get better soon with the Favor of God, Sir Elton John,” penned one concerned follower.

A second fan commented: “Sending you love. Your music got me through a lot of dark times.”, reports the Mirror US.

However, John made it clear in his caption that the entire scenario was fabricated for promotional purposes.

“Rocked too hard… ended up in a cast! Backstage with Spinal Tap,” he explained.

“The new film, Spinal Tap II, and album are out today, featuring me on ‘Listen To The Flower People’ and ‘Stonehenge.’ Thanks for having me be a part of it!”

The upload also featured behind-the-scenes clips revealing camera monitors, a film set, and footage of the sparkling casts being removed, confirming the hospital environment was merely part of the production.

The original photograph deceived thousands of viewers. Certain supporters confessed they were briefly petrified.

“ELTON DON’T SCARE US LIKE THAT,” declared one response.

Another remarked: “Scared me for a minute there. So glad you’re ok.”

Meanwhile, other followers grasped the prank straight away. “That’s just the Majesty of Rock!” the official Spinal Tap account commented, quoting a line from the film.

The 1984 mockumentary, This Is Spinal Tap, directed by Rob Reiner, parodied rock band culture through fictional characters and manufactured behind-the-scenes chaos.

The follow-up, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, chronicles the band members reuniting for one last performance after being separated for 15 years.

The soundtrack features numerous original compositions, including tracks with John’s involvement.

Both the film and album became available on Friday. John, who recently concluded his farewell tour, has appeared publicly on several occasions in recent months but hadn’t previously revealed his appearance in the production.

By Friday evening, the post had garnered over 210,000 likes.

Lewis Capaldi’s relationship history includes him having once dated Paige Turley, who years later went on to win Love Island, and he’s more recently been linked to an actor

Singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi rose to fame six year ago with the release of his chart-topping song Someone You Loved. Since then he’s attracted some attention over his relationships, as well as through his career achievements.

Lewis, now 28, released his debut album, Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent, in 2019 and his career has since led to him performing at Glastonbury. He returned to the festival in June after performing on stage for the first time in two years earlier this year after taking a break from music.

He’s now preparing to embark on a new tour and will be seen on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show tonight. Amid his comeback, we’ve taken a look at his personal life, which he’s previously admitted does sometimes inspire his music.

Paige Turley

Lewis had a brief relationship with Paige Turley, now 28, who years later appeared on Love Island, after reportedly meeting at college in Motherwell. He told the Edge NZ in 2020 that they met at 18 but were 19 when they “started going out,” before then splitting up aged 20. He said at the time: “It was very amicable the split.”

Speaking about his debut album, Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent, he told the Scottish Sun in 2019 that it was about someone who he dated for a year and half before she “left” him. He said that the album was about that and he also shared that he had “loved” her.

There has been speculation that Someone You Loved was written about Paige, though he’s denied that. Lewis has said that the song is about his late grandmother and was written after her death as a late addition to the album.

Whilst collecting the Song of the Year award for it at the BRIT Awards in 2020, he teased: “A lot of people think this song is about my ex-girlfriend, who you can now see every night on Love Island, but it’s actually about my grandmother who has sadly passed away a few years ago and I hope to God that ITV don’t contact her to be on a reality dating TV show.”

Lewis however is said to have revealed that Hold Me While You Wait, another single from the same album, was written about Paige. According to the Scottish Sun, Lewis said about the song at a gig in 2020: “You think it’s going well, and the lady has different ideas. She thinks it’s going horribly.”

He suggested that she then left and he was “quite sad about it” and then wrote the album. Lewis teased that she then ends up going on Love Island but expressed hope that she would win the ITV2 show, adding that he wasn’t “bitter”.

Paige later won Love Island with Finn Tapp, whom she later split from. After winning, she told the Mirror that Lewis had congratulated her. She said: “We’re still friends. We dropped a couple of messages after Love Island just congratulating each other, but that’s been it since.”

More recently, Paige suggested earlier this year that they have remained on good terms. She spoke about Lewis following his decision to take a break from music to focus on his mental and physical health, amid learning to adjust to the impact of having been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome.

She told the Sun in January that she saw him a couple of months prior at a mutual friend’s party, adding that Lewis was doing “much better in himself”. Paige said at the time that it was “really nice to see him” and that he’s “doing well”.

Paige said that seeing him in a “low place” had been “difficult” and suggested that her ex has been “so under pressure” due to the success of his career. She added: “But I’ll say he really does seem like he’s in a much better place now.”

Catherine Halliday

Lewis was linked to student Catherine Halliday back in 2020. They were said to be dating in February that year after having reportedly been introduced through mutual friends at the start of the year. Speaking about an apparent date in Glasgow, a source told the Sun that they were “being very flirty” and “seemed to be having fun,” adding that they were “laughing and joking a lot”.

However, it was reported in September that year that they had parted ways after dating for seven months, with the apparent romance said to have been unable to survive through lockdown. A source told the Sun that Lewis had “no hard feelings” towards Catherine and that they were “still amicable” but thought it was “best” to end their relationship.

The source added that Lewis was facing opportunities in his career so it wasn’t the “right time to settle down”. They said that he was wishing her “the best” and had “fond memories” of them dating each other.

Ellie MacDowall

Lewis is believed to have begun a romance with actor Ellie MacDowall towards the end of 2022. They appeared to confirm the relationship in 2023 and Lewis reportedly “couldn’t keep his hands off” her whilst at the BRIT Awards.

He later gushed about his partner in an interview on BBC Radio 2 in April that year. Lewis said at the time: “I have a girlfriend and that’s going really well. I am [a] happy chappy. She’s a lovely lady. I feel good about everything.”

More recently, in March last year, they were spotted out on a stroll together. It was reported at the time that it marked the first time that Lewis and Ellie, who portrayed Jennifer Grant in the ITVX miniseries Archie in 2023, had been seen together in 10 months.

It was then reported in August last year that they had decided to split up after less than two years together. They were said to have made a “mutual” decision to end the relationship at some point but reportedly remained friends.

A source told the Sun: “Lewis and Ellie had some long conversations and decided it was best for them to end things. It was a mutual decision.” The source added: “They are still friends and have been talking, so all is not lost.”

Ellie was said to be based in Edinburgh, whilst Lewis lived in London, with the source saying that it had been “hard for them to see each other”. The source said it “just wasn’t to be” but that the pair had a “wonderful time” together.

Clare Balding and her wife Alice Arnold have been appearing on Celebrity Gogglebox together since 2021 and the BBC Sport presenter has issued a warning to her partner

Clare Balding issued a heads-up to spouse Alice Arnold when they began featuring on Celebrity Gogglebox as a duo. The BBC Sport host and her other half started gracing the popular Channel 4 programme in 2021.

Whilst Clare has remained a familiar face for more than three decades, joining the BBC’s Royal Ascot presenting squad in 1995, Alice has predominantly worked behind the microphone in radio. Nevertheless, Clare reveals Alice has proved a massive hit amongst Gogglebox fans.

Clare confesses she finds it “very easy” to pause and have a natter with folk on the street, be it discussing Crufts, Wimbledon, or the Paralympics, reports Wales Online. Yet this aspect of celebrity life is something Alice is currently having to “get used to”.

Speaking on the Gaby Roslin podcast, Clare revealed: “What I quite enjoy is that because Alice and I do Gogglebox together the reaction now is, ‘Oh we love you on Gogglebox and your wife’s so funny’, and I go, ‘She’s much funnier than me’, and they go, ‘Yeah she is’.

“I quite enjoy that. Alice is having to get used to being recognised because for years she has been on the radio, whether it’s Radio 4 or now Mellow Magic, but not a recognised face, so she now has to get used to that and I go, ‘You’ve got to smile at people, be nice to people’.”

Clare explains Alice possesses a “much shorter attention span” and less tolerance than herself.

She acknowledges that Alice will sometimes feel as though she “doesn’t want to talk” to members of the public, which stands in sharp contrast to Clare’s approach. Clare has previously disclosed that she and Alice were “cautious” about allowing the Gogglebox cameras into their home.

However, she acknowledged it presented an excellent opportunity to showcase an older same-sex couple in their domestic setting.

In a 2021 interview with the Metro, she explained: “We’ve been together for nearly 20 years now and it’s still rare to see older same-sex couples, sitting at home, watching telly like everyone else.

“I’m a believer in being yourself, happy and relaxed, and am quietly proud because that’s a strong message for adults and parents.

“I know people say this isn’t an issue these days but it is and there are still some communities and areas where there’s an element of shame attached to being gay or having a child who is. I wanted to show that, ‘Look, it’s nothing, there’s no issue here.’ Gogglebox was a good way of doing that.”

Clare and Alice first crossed paths in 1999 whilst both were employed by the BBC.

Their friendship developed before romance flourished in 2002.

The couple entered into a civil partnership in 2006 before exchanging vows in an intimate wedding ceremony in 2015.

Skincare shoppers can currently score three full-sized cult-favourite L’Oreal products worth £76 for the whoppingly reduced price of £23 thanks to this money-saving offer

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READ MORE: Shoppers can claim £245 worth of ‘legendary’ beauty products for £37 with this offer

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Soap queen Jacqueline Jossa tells us she is living her best life after turning 30, as she admits she has stopped ‘living for other people’ and finally ‘loves herself’ now

If anyone knows about the perils of the daily “mum juggle”, it’s Jacqueline Jossa. The EastEnders actress has two daughters, Ella, nine, and Mia, six, with her husband, ex-TOWIE star Dan Osbourne, and says that without her trusted network of close friends and family, she’d seriously struggle to keep all the plates spinning.

“It really takes a village to raise a family and I have a village around me,” says Jac, 32. “My husband is incredible. He also works and is very busy, so when we’re juggling, we’re usually juggling together. Luckily my mum is incredible too, and so is Dan’s dad, so we have a lot of help and support.”

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The mum-of-two’s harmonious homelife comes after a period of turmoil which saw her sell her £2 million Essex home amid rumours she and Dan, 33, had split. But in April the couple put on a united front while on what was described as a “make or break” holiday in Mexico, before going on to celebrate their eighth wedding anniversary at London’s Pan Pacific hotel in June.

Now, life seems to be back on an even keel. “My kids have moved school a couple of times and for the kids, that’s so scary,” admits Jac. “I’ve also been so nervous. But Mia wants to join three new groups at school and it’s great for them to get involved in different clubs and make new friends.”

Jac says Ella and Mia have very distinct personalities, with her youngest already following in her sports-mad father’s footsteps. “Mia has been asking me for ages about joining football sessions,” smiles Jac. “Obviously her dad loves it and so does Teddy [Dan’s 11-year-old son from a previous relationship].”

While Ella is also sporty and has Dan’s “quick and dry” sense of humour, Jac says Mia has inherited her “sass” and is “really into the dramatic side of things”. So would the actress be happy if she followed in her footsteps and ended up on a top TV show?

“I want my kids to do whatever they want to do,” she explains. “I started to act when I was 17 and I’ve had a really incredible time doing this job. I also know the business, so if they wanted to go into it, I would help them and protect them every step of the way. At the same time, if one of them wants to be a dentist, we’ll support that too!”

As to who is the strictest parent, Jac says she’s probably less likely to give in to the kids’ demands than Dan. “When it comes to who is good cop, and who is bad cop, it really depends on the situation,” she admits. “We are usually on this same page, which I think is good, although that said, they do probably go to their daddy afterwards as he’s more likely to say yes.”

Last month the family enjoyed a sun-soaked holiday in Spain, giving Jac a rare period of respite before heading back to work on EastEnders, where she plays alcoholic mum, Lauren Branning. The star made a sensational return to the Square in 2024 following a six year break, and has recently been emboiled in some of the soap’s most explosive storylines – including taking in her delinquent brother, Oscar, and giving birth to visually-impaired son, Jimmy.

But despite her high profile, the former I’m A Celebrity winner says her daughters are unfazed by their mum’s celebrity status. “I still don’t think our kids know anything – and they don’t know any different,” she explains. “Everything goes over their heads in a really beautiful way.

“But of course it’s lovely to go away on family holidays and we always make sure they know how lucky we are and that we appreciate what we have. They’ve just started getting pocket money and that really helps at home. They’ve been making their beds and doing a few jobs, too.”

Despite having kids at a young age – Ella came along when Jac was just 22 – the star says she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I don’t think there’s a perfect time to have kids,” she reasons. “I was 21 when I found out I was pregnant and I don’t think there’s a right or wrong time.

“Me and Dan were young parents, but we didn’t struggle. Again, the ‘village’ helped. That has always been the case for me – I’ve always had amazing friends and family around me.”

Even so, when you’re as well-known as Jacqueline, casually making new friends at the school gates surely can’t be a breeze? “I think I find it as easy and as difficult as anyone else,” she laughs. “Just because I play a character on the telly doesn’t mean that I’m the first one to say hello – sometimes I can be thinking of things to say next, or wondering what to bring up.

“But I have a couple of mum friends from the school gates, so if I’m ever running late I can drop a quick text or call them and know that the kids will be taken care of and I can just go and pick them up from their house.”

Earlier this year, Jac revealed she had lost weight after cutting out snacking and nibbling on the kids’ leftovers. And while she tells OK! she has ‘fallen off the wagon” in recent weeks, she is enjoying exercise as much as ever. “The gym has become an actual fun part of my life, which I thought it would never ever do,” says Jac. “I love it now.”

But burning calories is less to do with how she looks and more about feeling her best. “It’s not totally about vanity for me,” she explains. “In previous times where I have tried to lose weight and yo-yo-ed a bit, it has been about vanity and doing it for the wrong reasons. Now, it’s about staying happy and healthy.”

The star has made no secret of the fact she has struggled with body image issues, once telling OK! that she “was obsessed with reading forums and negative things” about her looks. Today, she gives the trolls a wide berth.

“I think I have a really good balance on social media,” she says. “I feel like I’m the best version of myself. I’m confident and I just want that for my kids as well.

“I’m also good at living in the present now – and I haven’t always been. I don’t know if that’s because I’m older, but it’s like I hit 30 and just stopped living for other people. I love myself now – and I don’t have to prove myself to anyone.”

Jacqueline Jossa teams up with McDonald’s Fun Football and McCafé® to help parents connect on the sidelines while kids enjoy free football sessions. The nationwide programme is open to all children aged 5–11, with sign-ups now live at mcdonaldsfunfootball.co.uk/funfootball.