Category Entertainment News

The African Union (AU), in collaboration with the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), has announced Lagos, Nigeria, as the host city for the 2025 edition of the music awards.

The announcement was made at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by the Head of Culture at the African Union, Angela Martins. 

The awards ceremony, along with side events, including the vibrant Music Village Festival, is scheduled to take place from November 25 to 30, 2025.

Martins describes this year’s theme, “Unstoppable Africa,” and the choice of Lagos as its host, as a reflection of the vibrancy, brilliance, and dream of modern African music, which the city represents.

“Music is not merely sound, it is a strategy. From Dar es Salaam to Acrra and other parts of the world, music flows like a river through our culture, and it connects, heals, and moves us forward,” Martins said, explaining the AU’s enduring partnership with AFRIMA.

The AFRIMA 2025 calendar starts with a call for entries on May 20, inviting submissions from African artists across the continent and the diaspora. 

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Artists can submit works across various categories and genres as part of this celebration of musical excellence, an initiative aligned with the AU’s Agenda 2063, which champions culture as a driver of development in Africa.

AFRIMA has served as a powerful platform for cultural exchange and continental integration.

AFRIMA’s President, Mike Dada, reiterated this mission, saying that AFRIMA is a rallying point to further integrate the continent. 

“This is to ensure we have an enduring platform called AFRIMA to be used as a rallying platform to integrate the continent, for peace, job creation, and for telling our own stories,” Dada said.

The road to AFRIMA 2025 will also include events in other African countries, including Morocco, Tanzania, and Côte d’Ivoire, and will also make stops in London, UK, and Paris in France.

Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had in April declared the state’s readiness to host Africa and the world for the 2025 edition of the AFRIMA.

Speaking when he received a high-powered delegation from the African Union and the AFRIMA International Committee in his office, Sanwo-Olu stated that Lagos’ acceptance to host AFRIMA 2025 aligned with his administration’s vision to make the creative and tourism industry a major pillar of the state’s development drive.

The governor said, “One of the key pillars of our administration’s development agenda is the creative industry. Since I took office, we’ve been intentional about building a vibrant creative ecosystem supporting film, music, fashion, photography, and cultural tourism.

Nancy Birtwhistle, an author and regular figure on ITV’s This Morning, shared her advice on Instagram

Flies can be a nuisance to deal with, especially when they buzz around the house during summer. But one expert believes their lesser-known hack may keep them at bay – and it’s surprisingly straightforward.

Nancy Birtwhistle, an author and regular figure on ITV’s This Morning, shared her ideas on Instagram this week. All you need are egg cups plus two ingredients you probably have lurking in the cupboard.

“Keeping the flies out,” she said, standing in her kitchen. “Two egg cups, lemons. Cloves, stick them in [to the lemons].” Nancy panned the camera down to show herself placing individual cloves into each segment of a halved lemon.

The 2014 Great British Bake Off winner continued: “Insects hate the smell of cloves, not too fussed about lemon, whereas we love the smell. I keep one in my pantry [and I] keep flies away from my houseplants.”

She popped another lemon into a squeezer and went on: “Or use your lemon [first and] add your cloves.” Nancy certainly isn’t alone in using this trick.

Citrus fruits have long been used as natural insect deterrents in various cultures. Recent research suggests this may be due to the fruits’ phytochemicals, including limonene, citronellol, and citral, which produce scents that may be off-putting to unwanted houseguests.

However, it’s crucial to note this isn’t a foolproof method. Another study, which explored using lemon oil and other aromatic products to repel spiders, found that they did not affect them.

While its scientists, therefore, classed its spider-repelling properties as bogus, they did acknowledge that its use had been referenced in more than one million Google hits. And for flies, at least, Nancy’s followers also claimed the trick worked.

Amidst a wave of comments, one fan wrote: “My goodness it works. It’s a beautiful day so my doors are open. They’re flying in and within seconds flying out. Thank you.” Meanwhile, another added: “My fruit flies gone! Just like that! Thank you.”

While flies are annoying, they also pose a potential health hazard, especially when buzzing around food. Species like fruit flies are not only attracted to your dinner, but also take a liking to faeces, rotting products and manure.

This means they may carry a wealth of bacteria as a result, including Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can make you very ill. Previous advice from Pest UK has warned: “They like to live, feed, and breed in warm, damp spaces such as drains, cleaning cloths, mops and buckets, waste disposals, bins, or anywhere there is ripe, rotting, decayed fruit or empty beer and wine bottles and food tins.

“An adult female fruit fly can lay up to 2,000 eggs on the surface of anything that’s moist and rotting. Within 30 hours, tiny maggots hatch and start to eat the decayed food. Within two days, they’re all grown up and ready to mate, too.”

Cooling blankets have gone viral as the perfect way to stay cool during the heatwave – and Oodie have just released a load of new colours and patterns that are stylish and practical

If you’re looking for a solution to the rising temperatures this spring heatwave, look no further than Oodie’s range of cooling blankets. The newly available Oodie Cooling Blanket, thanks to its lightweight composition, is ideal for those seeking the comfort of a blanket without overheating.

The Cooling Blanket is a fantastic addition for warm evenings at home or even for taking on summer holidays. Available in both single and queen sizes, it accommodates all bed dimensions, so it’s a great choice whether you’re looking to stay cool as you doze off or if you’d like to curl up in its chilled embrace while relaxing on summer afternoons.

Furthermore, Oodie has just released a range of new colours and patterns, ensuring that style need not be sacrificed for functionality and comfort.

READ MORE: Skechers slip-on trainers with anti-sweat foot cooling technology hit under £45 in spring sale

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Now available in a trendy leopard-print design, dusty blue waves, bright pink check or lilac pastel waves, as well as the original plain blue, purple and grey, the Oodie Cooling Blanket is up for grabs from £99.

This cooling blanket promises to offer superior comfort for those who tend to overheat while they snooze, aiming to manage body temps and maintain coolness. The blankets are made from breathable, moisture-wicking fibres and claim to absorb excess body heat while helping to regulate the body temperature, feeling two to five degrees cooler than the person actually is.

Reviews for the Oodie Cooling Blanket on Trustpilot are glowing, with one shopper saying: “The new cooling blanket is absolutely amazing. The material is so soft and cool to the touch. It’s perfect for a hot night. You still have the feeling of a blanket, but it keeps you cool.”

Unfortunately, one customer wasn’t fully satisfied with their purchase, explaining: “The Oodie cooling blanket is also very comforting. I bought a single and then a Queen size. My only criticism is that they are smaller than expected.”

However, another pleased purchaser shared: “After suffering with menopause for six years, to finally find an item of clothing that is cooling and comfortable is a lifesaver. Just helps so much.”

Cool to the touch and soft on your skin, the Oodie Cooling Blankets are perfect for reducing heat and moisture for refreshing, year-round comfort, especially useful now as the spring heatwave seems to be here to stay. With summer fast approaching, these lightweight, chic and comfy blankets promise to keep you cool no matter the rising temperatures outside.

Silentnight sells a similar Restore Cooling Throw, which is lightweight and perfect for various home uses. It currently has £10 off, bringing the price down to £35.

Selena Gomez uses viral Korean beauty brand Dr Althea’s 345 moisturiser to prep her skin before red carpet appearances, and not only is it finally available in the UK, but it’s on sale

Whilst every red carpet appearance has us swooning over a celeb’s makeup, the real unsung hero is almost always their skincare prep. As every good beauty lover knows, your skincare is half the battle when it comes to achieving a flawless makeup look, helping create a smooth, hydrated canvas for products to be applied to.

Selena Gomez is no stranger to some knockout red carpet glam, and her makeup artist. Hung Vanngo, recently revealed that he preps her skin using Dr Althea’s 345 Relief Cream, £32.99, the cult favourite Korean moisturiser. The moisturiser has gone viral on TikTok with over 18 million views, but wasn’t available to use here in the UK – until now.

READ MORE: Liz Hurley-approved Estee Lauder skincare set has 3 full-size products for £100 instead of £250

READ MORE: Korean cushion foundations with ‘magic’ results are going viral – but does Tirtir’s work?

The viral moisturiser is now finally stocked on Amazon, so UK shoppers can try it for themselves to see if it really does live up to the hype. And to make it even better, the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream is already on sale, slashed from its usual price of £35.99 to £30.50.

Considering she has her own beauty line with Rare Beauty, the fact Selena is more than happy to use the 345 Relief Cream for big events like red carpets is definitely a strong testament to its effectiveness. Although it can be used as a regular moisturiser underneath makeup, it’s also a great soothing step in your evening skincare routine.

Each use gives your skin some deep hydration, as well as calming irritation or sensitivity. It also strengthens your skin barrier, and does it all without clogging your pores which can cause acne and breakouts.

It contains a blend of niacinamide and plant extracts, which reduce dark spots and blemishes whilst creating a more even, clear and radiant complexion. It also contains ceramide NP and hyaluronic acid for that intense hydration boost and provides some added nutrients to your skin.

Weleda Skin Food is also a top celebrity pick with similar results, with everyone from Victoria Beckham to Rihanna and Adele using it as part of their skincare routines. However some people aren’t as keen on its thick, heavy consistency, which is why the Weleda Skin Food Light (£15.95) has become more popular, thanks to its lighter, silkier formula.

Skin + Me’s Soothe + Smooth Rich Moisturiser (£21.99) is also a great alternative, containing shea butter, glycerin and hyaluronic acid to calm, soothe and hydrate tight, sensitive skin. However Selena’s go-to Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream has gone viral for a reason, and now it’s finally available in the UK it’ll no doubt be the top of most skincare fanatics shopping lists.

The Duke is all but estranged from the Royal Family – and his decision to give another bombshell interview has once again highlighted one of their major concerns

Prince Harry recently spoke of his desire to make amends with his family – but his decision to give yet another bombshell interview has only served to widen the gulf, an insider has revealed.

Harry has come under fire for remarks he made to the BBC, in which he divulged: “I don’t know how much longer my father has, he won’t speak to me because of this security stuff. It would be nice to reconcile.” He also suggested the King could have changed the outcome of his security case, claiming it felt like an “establishment stitch up”.

Now an insider has revealed why a reconciliation with the royals is unlikely to happen. “There is zero trust,” the source told HELLO!. “The family feels that private conversations with Harry are not possible.”

READ MORE: Prince Harry’s ‘shock over going too far’ with King bombshell as he ‘faces consequences’

A former friend added. “He needs the world to forgive him. His family have never bent on their stance, which is that he should not take up issues in public.

Even a source sympathetic to the Duke, told the publication: “It’s taken its toll. He sees things everywhere, he picks battles with everybody and that’s tiring. You can’t live in permanent battle mode. You’re a 40-year-old man. You’ve got to stop fighting the world.”

Harry spoke to the BBC shortly after losing his legal challenge with the Home Office over the levels of security he and his family are entitled to when in the UK. Buckingham Palace released a rare statement after the interview: “All of these issues have been examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts, with the same conclusion reached on each occasion.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Harry said: “I don’t know how much longer my father has – he won’t speak to me because of this security stuff but it would be nice to reconcile.”

READ MORE: Prince Harry’s friends left ‘disgusted’ by comments on King Charles’ health

He added that “some members of my family will never forgive me” for writing his memoir Spare, and went on to say: “It would be nice to have that reconciliation part now. If they don’t want that, that’s entirely up to them.”

Harry further described his court defeat as a “good old-fashioned establishment stitch up” and blamed the Royal Household for influencing the decision to reduce his security.

His approach has once again been criticised by experts. David Yelland, a former newspaper editor and current public relations advisor, has since pinpointed three key errors made by the Duke in the interview.

Firstly, he noted that Harry “went in hot”, saying: “You never go into an interview hot with your blood up. You have to be cool, and he wasn’t cool. You can see it in his body language and what he said.”

Secondly, Mr Yelland pointed out that the Duke “was not prepared because he thought he was going to win” the case. “And then the third mistake, which he made probably because he was angry and he did expect to win, is that he volunteered what has become an uncontrollable global news story,” he said, referring to speculation prompted by Harry about the King’s health. “This interview didn’t need to be like this,” Mr Yelland told the Express. “It could have been so much better, or maybe it didn’t need to happen at all, now.”

READ MORE: Prince William’s friend gives brutal verdict on Prince Harry after BBC interview

Harry and Meghan relocated to California in 2020 after stepping back from their roles as senior working royals. The couple has since built a new life in Montecito, California, with their children. But Harry has continued to fight a legal battle over the loss of publicly funded police protection when he visits the U.K. — a decision made by the government’s Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) following his royal exit.

Hollyoaks is now aimed at everyone, but back in the day it revolved around a core cast of seven teenage characters – and those teens are now all grown up and have very different lives

Back when Hollyoaks first hit screens on Channel 4 in 1995, it made an instant impression on viewers. In contrast to other soaps, the show was aimed at teens and young adults – with all the drama that goes with the age group.

Hollyoaks instantly dived into the world of its young cast, and was even criticised for the amount of drinking shown on screen as its college student crew unveiled a world of partying and love triangles in Chester. At the same time, the show was praised for tackling hard storylines, including drug addiction, murder, and mental health issues.

In contrast to its huge cast now, Hollyoaks kicked off with just 15 faces to follow, seven of whom were teens leading the story. Many of the attractive bunch became household names as the soap racked up plenty of awards, but while some have risen in the world of showbiz, others have taken unbelievably different paths. Here’s a look at what the original seven are doing today, 30 years after making history…

Will Mellor

Laid back Jack-the-Lad Jambo was one of the most popular original characters in the soap, which actor Will joined when he was 19. The star appeared in the show for three years before moving to Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps in 2001.

Will is now 49, and remains a successful actor. The Yorkshire native has starred in major hits such as Broadchurch and Line of Duty – proving he can do drama just as well as soaps and sitcoms. In 2021, he also joined Coronation Street as drugs gangster Harvey Gaskell, spending nearly two years in the role. Most recently, he worked on the show Mr Bates vs The Post Office, and also snagged a role in The Teacher.

Away from acting, Will switched things up with a stint on Strictly Come Dancing, finishing 11th in 2022. He’s also the co-host of Will & Ralf Should Know Better, which sees him and his Two Pints of Lager co-star Ralf Little travelling around and undertaking hilarious new activities.

Despite moving on, Will – who shares children Jayden and Renee with dancer Michelle McSween – made it clear that he still loves his past on the soap. Earlier this year, he admitted: “I am so grateful to Hollyoaks. I’ll always be in debt to that show. It was the show that changed my life.”

Nick Pickard

Nick has played Tony Hutchinson since Hollyoaks began, with his character experiencing testicular cancer and being stabbed and held hostage by serial killer Breda McQueen during that time. In 2017, the actor won the British Soap Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Nick, 49, originally only signed up for 26 episodes on the soap, but told Digital Spy he hopes it goes on for ‘as long as it can’. “I love the show and love the people more than anything – they’re like my family,” he said.

In 2023, the star joined the cast of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, calling the opportunity to enter the jungle an ‘opportunity of a lifetime’. He was the fourth campmate to be voted out, with the reality contest won by Made In Chelsea’s Sam Thompson.

Nick enjoyed a year long relationship with his former Hollyoaks co-star Joanna Taylor, who played Geri Hudson, back in 2001. He is now in a long term relationship with girlfriend Sarah Corrin with a grown up daughter, Ellie.

Jeremy Edwards

Like Will, Jeremy played his character Kurt Benson for three years, which saw the wannabe rock star experience a turbulent love life and a long-running feud with villain Rob Hawthorne. Later on, heartbroken viewers believed Kurt had been killed in a jet ski accident abroad, but the character had actually been on the run – and in 2020 he returned to the village on his motorbike, leaving his pal Tony reeling in shock.

Actor Jeremy said the pandemic had made his show comeback after 21 years difficult. “I was supposed to be there for six months to a year but Covid impacted that massively,” he said. “There was so many restrictions with filming that I couldn’t go near anyone and I only had one storyline.”

After his original stint on the show, Jeremy played student nurse Danny Shaughnessy in Holby City and appeared on reality shows including The X Factor: Celebrity, and Celebrity Big Brother. The actor was engaged to S Club 7 singer Rachel Stevens but married Lydia Metz in 2009, going onto have children Scarlett and Theodore.

Acting jobs drying up in lockdown saw the 54-year-old parting ways with his agent and he is now working as a drama teacher, saying he ‘never enjoyed being famous’. “There are so many reasons why you can be out of work and I thought, this is so unpredictable and I have a family,” he told The Sun. “I thought I’ve got thirty years of experience here, what am I doing?”

Lisa Williamson

Dawn was the first member of the long-running Cunningham family to appear on Hollyoaks and was at the centre of many hard-hitting storylines, including an unwanted teenage pregnancy after sleeping with her best friend Ruth’s dad Jack. Actress Lisa appeared on the show for two years and went onto star in Dream Team and Siren’s Bay.

After years on screen, the performer turned largely to voice acting on commercial adverts, and also started a career as a very successful published author too. Her debut novel The Art of Being Normal was a bestseller which won the 2017 Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for best older fiction.

Shebah Ronay

Described as the Hollyoaks poster girl, Natasha Anderson was the first character to die in the show when her drink was spiked with an ecstasy pill. The storyline came a year after the real-life death of Leah Betts, who died after taking ecstasy on her 18th birthday.

Shebah, 53, went onto appear in 1998 film Things We Do for Love before moving to a career in modelling, presenting, and journalism. She is married to artist Jonathan Yeo, with whom she shares two children, and often acts as muse for her husband’s artworks.

Yasmin Bannerman

Restaurant owner Maddie Parker was a background character for two years before an intense storyline involving her stalker ex propelled her to the forefront. Yasmin left the show after two years, and has racked up plenty of other acting credits since then.

The star’s first role after leaving the soap was in Red Dwarf, followed by a recurring role as Jessica in the cult series Cold Feet, in which her character had an affair with married posh financier David. She also snagged a main role in Merseybeat.

Since then, Jessica has appeared in episodes of several shows, including Doctor Who, Torchwood, Holby City, and Life on Mars. Her last role was in Casualty in 2009, suggesting she might now be done with acting for good.

Brett O’Brien

Free-loving Louise Taylor was Dawn and Natasha’s best friend, claiming to see the latter’s ghost after her passing. The short lived character left Hollyoaks after just eight months when she fell in love with hippy traveller Tree.