Adam Anderson, one half of the Manchester based duo, will not be appearing at Hurts’ upcoming ‘Happiness’ anniversary shows this summer so that he can focus on his wellbeing
Theo Hutchcraft and Adam Anderson of Hurts
A rock star has made the difficult decision to withdraw from all his performances for the remainder of the year. Manchester-based band, Hurts, is set to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their debut album this summer with a series of shows, including a significant gig at the O2 Academy Brixton in London on May 22.
However, Adam Anderson of Hurts will not be participating in the duo’s upcoming ‘Happiness’ anniversary shows, choosing instead to concentrate on his mental health and well-being.
In an Instagram post, Anderson shared: “As many of you know I’ve been struggling with my mental health for years now. Sadly, due to my ongoing recovery, I have taken the very difficult decision to sit out all forthcoming HURTS shows this year and focus solely on my well-being.”
“It hasn’t been an easy decision, but it’s the right thing for me to do at this time.” He expressed his gratitude towards his bandmate, saying: “I want to express my love and gratitude to Theo for his understanding and supporting me in making this decision. All shows will go ahead as planned with Theo taking centre stage and I couldn’t be happier that they’re taking place.”
Adam Anderson of Hurts will not be participating in the duo’s upcoming anniversary shows
Anderson also apologised to fans, stating: “You’ve supported me as an individual and the band for so many years and I have never taken it for granted. I don’t want anyone to worry about me. I am doing my best to recover with a good support system around me and I look forward to getting better.”
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His fans were quick to respond with messages of support, with one saying: “Adam, take care of yourself! We love you very much and wish you a speedy recovery!!! We are waiting for you!” chimed in another fan.
“Thank you for your honest words and you don’t need to apologise, your health is the most important thing. We will celebrate and support Theo and the band at the concerts celebrating the anniversary of your wonderful album. And we will meet again.”
A third supporter added: “Thank you so much for your honesty, Adam! Your music has helped me and many others through some dark times and I think many of us can at least grasp what it is like to struggle with mental health. It’s even more important now that you know that you did not disappoint us.”
“We all want you to get better and are looking forward to seeing you again on the stage sometime in the future when you feel ready. Take care, Adam! x.”
Adam is concentrating on his mental health and wellbeing(Image: We Love TV)
Theo Hutchcraft responded with his own Instagram post, saying: “I completely understand and respect his decision to step back from the live performances for health reasons.”
“As many of you know I’ve been struggling with my mental health for years now. Adam and I have built this band together and he’s given everything to it over the last 15 years, We’re lifelong friends and partners.”
“I’ll be taking to the stage alongside the incredible Hurts band, who have been with us from the beginning. We’ll be sure to bring the vision to life and make it a summer to remember. Whether you’re in the front row or watching from afar. Love you mate x”.
Hurts are an English musical duo who have released five studio albums: Happiness (2010), Exile (2013), Surrender (2015), Desire (2017) and Faith (2020). Their first two albums both reached the top 10 in several countries.
Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Muyiwa Ademola, has called on the Federal Government to offer more financial and structural support to the movie industry.
He said a lack of funding was holding the industry back, despite its creative strength.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Rubin Minds, Ademola said Nollywood’s strength lies in its originality — a quality that continues to define its identity across generations.
“We still have that spark — our stories are original, and that’s our strength. That’s what made the industry what it is today. I always tell my peers, ‘Let’s stick to our authentic, original storytelling style,’” he said.
Speaking on the challenges filmmakers face, Ademola decried the lack of accessible funding and the bureaucratic stress involved in producing films in Nigeria.
“It’s a very big industry, and the government needs to do better. Movies here are personal projects. Abroad, you put your concept together, present it, and get funding.
“But here, it’s so stressful. You need to know someone who will take you to someone else, and so on. And in the process, your work of art can get doctored. That pressure shouldn’t exist,” he said.
READ ALSO: [AMVCA 2025 Awards:] Full List Of Winners As Lateef Adedimeji’s Lisabi Clinches Prizes
The 54-year-old actor argued that government intervention could revolutionise the filmmaking process and attract investors to the sector.
“We need funding, grants, and more cinemas. Especially community cinemas — places that can encourage people to invest in filmmaking because they’re confident about returns. Right now, it’s a whole lot of stress.
“We need systems and policies that make the process easier. Investors should be able to come in, and the government should create an enabling environment for that,” the filmmaker stated.
Asked whether Nollywood has reached its full potential, especially compared to countries like South Korea, the actor admitted that more work needed to be done.
“Nollywood has come a long way, but we’re still growing. Look at South Korea — they’ve made a massive global impact. What we need is more government support. My ‘Ori Rebirth’ was purely a product of perseverance and personal sacrifice. That’s not how it should be.”
“In other countries, you present your concept and get funded. Here, you need referrals and face hurdles that dilute your original vision. The government must support the industry structurally,” he said.
Reflecting on the recent Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), Ademola praised the platform for uplifting standards in the industry.
“It was amazing. The AMVCA has raised the bar. Everyone wants their production to be showcased and rewarded there. It’s beautiful to see colleagues like Femi Adebayo, Lateef Adedimeji, and even Hakeem, who worked on my movie ‘Ori’ as the makeup artist, winning. He’s been winning for seven years straight. It motivates you as a filmmaker.”
On the evolution of Nollywood from Video Home System (VHS) tapes to streaming platforms, the actor highlighted YouTube’s rise among Gen Zs as a key platform and warned not to sacrifice quality for reach.
Music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has appeared in New York City court as the opening statements to his trial were read out to the jurors as he denies the claims made against him
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial has begun(Image: Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP)
A court has heard that Sean Diddy Combs used violence and threats to coerce women into drug-fueled sexual encounters that he recorded. The music mogul’s highly anticipated trial started in New York City today as opening statements were read out to the jury.
The 55-year-old is accused of a number of serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution.
He has continued to deny all allegations against him since he was charged and put behind bars last year, with his multiple bail pleas rejected.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson told the jury: “This is Sean Combs. During this trial you are going to hear about 20 years of the defendant’s crimes.”
Diddy’s family attended the courthouse(Image: AP)
She said the crimes included kidnapping, arson, drugs, sex crimes, bribery and obstruction.
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Prosecutors said Combs coerced women into drugged-up group sexual encounters he called “freak offs,” “wild king nights” or “hotel nights,” then kept them in line by choking, hitting, kicking and dragging them, often by the hair.
Johnson said Combs once kidnapped an employee at gunpoint to help find his former girlfriend, the R&B singer Cassie. When he did, he “beat her brutally, kicking her in the back and flinging her around like a rag doll.”
Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura, is expected to testify. Combs told Cassie that if she defied him again, he would release recordings of her having sex with a male escort, “souvenirs of the most humiliating nights of her life,” Johnson said.
That was “just the tip of the iceberg,” Johnson said, telling jurors that Cassie was far from the only woman Combs beat and sexually exploited.
The prosecutor said last year Combs brutally beat another woman – identified only as Jane.
Combs’ lawyer Teny Geragos said the trial is a misguided overreach by prosecutors trying to turn consenting sex between adults into a prostitution and sex trafficking case.
“Sean Combs is a complicated man. But this is not a complicated case. This case is about love, jealousy, infidelity and money,” Geragos told the jury of eight men and four women.
“There has been a tremendous amount of noise around this case over the past year. It is time to cancel that noise.”
Geragos told the court that Combs’ violent outbursts, often fuelled by alcohol, jealousy and drugs, might have warranted domestic violence charges, but not sex trafficking and racketeering counts.
She told jurors they might think Combs’ is a “jerk” and might not condone his “kinky sex.” Geragos added: “He’s not charged with being mean. He’s not charged with being a jerk.”
The 12 jurors were sworn in following a delay due to concerns that some might drop out over the weekend if the panel was finalised on Friday as originally planned.
Combs’s defence team had requested the delay, but prosecutors had opposed the postponement. Prospective jurors were asked if they were familiar with several celebrities who may come up during the trial.
They were asked about their knowledge of Michael B. Jordan, Mike Myers, Kid Cudi, and Kanye West. It is unclear if the celebrities will be called to testify, and they have not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Federal prosecutors in New York alleged Combs “abused, threatened and coerced women” into long, drug-fuelled orgies with male prostitutes he called “freak offs” and even threatened them into silence.
The indictment against him stated: “After Freak Offs, Combs and the victims typically received IV fluids to recover from the physical exertion and drug use.”
He pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution charges, which is five counts in all.
Combs’ defence attorneys, including Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, have claimed his sexual encounters have all been consensual and said the rapper is a swinger who sometimes invited people into his bedroom.
If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
Actor Heather Peace has announced she’s been diagnosed with breast cancer. The EastEnders cast member has shared with fans that she’s had chemotherapy and surgery since she received the news months ago.
Heather, 49 – who plays Eve Panesar-Unwin on the BBC show – opened up about the diagnosis in a post on Instagram this evening. It included footage of her trying on a wig in a dressing room and she referenced losing hair at one point.
Alongside the video, she wrote about the diagnosis and shared that she finished chemotherapy earlier today. She said her life has been “forever changed” by her experience and expressed gratitude for the support she’s had.
Heather wrote: “This video is an important part of my recent journey, which I wanted to share with you. It’s been about the #TeamEffort here @bbceastenders. I needed a wig fitting. I’ve been on quite a road for many months now.”
She continued in the caption of the post: “I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of October. Since then I’ve undergone surgery and recovery over the Christmas period and today my chemotherapy journey ended.”
Heather Peace (centre) has announced that she was diagnosed with cancer last year ( heatherpeaceofficial/Instagram)
Writing about that experience, she said: “I woke up this morning and it was like the end of the London Marathon; I’d turned onto The Mall and could see the giant clock & the finish line. To conclude – I’ve just picked up my medal.”
She added: “But I’m forever changed. During this time I’ve narrowed my world. I’ve had the most precious time with my wife Ellie and our 3 girls; Annie, Jessie & Lola. Just trying to appreciate every moment of them. I’ve stayed still.
“I’ve found joy in the simplest of things. Interactions with others have felt honest and real because I’ve had no capacity for small talk. It has felt like such a personal shift. There have been so many positives.”
The actor shared the news alongside footage of herself trying on a wig behind-the-scenes at EastEnders ( heatherpeaceofficial/Instagram)
Heather went on to express gratitude to those who have supported her, writing: “Thank you to the whole EE team for going above & beyond. Particularly our amazing makeup team. And to Alex Rouss for the original wig & Linda for the spot on cut. I’ve felt totally supported by you all.
“Thank you to all of the friends in my local community who’ve been there for me and my family at the drop of a hat (you know who you are). Thank you to the NHS. You are wonderful, skilled people. You treated me efficiently. You gave me dignity and showed me kindness. It’s so appreciated.”
The actor concluded: “Life feels very different now and it’s wonderful. I will continue to cherish and be grateful for all I am blessed with. I feel very lucky. With love, Heather.”
Heather’s co-stars instantly rushed to the comment section of her upload, with Lacey Turned penning: “My superhero!! Love you always mate.” Balvinda Sopal added three heart emojis. Meanwhile, Denise Fox actress Diane Parish penned: “Tough and courageously vulnerable. That makes a true warrior. Admire you more than you could know. We got you all the way!”
Kellie Bright typed: “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…. WARRIOR WOMAN!!!! Love the bones of you.” Emma Barton, who plays Honey Mitchell said: “Love you so much, you beautiful, strong, mental, brave lady… You’re frigging Ace!!!”
Amy Mitchell actress Ellie Dadd gushed: “Such an amazing person inside and out, truly inspirational.” Navin Chowdhry, who played Nish Panesar commented: “All the love in the world Heather. You are glowing. And what a magical team to have by your side.”
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.
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Heart FM radio host Amanda reignited her long-standing clash with Holly Willoughby last week when she suggested the former This Morning star wasn’t a “proper presenter” – but she’s not the only celebrity she’s got into a fight with
Amanda called one celebrity “bitter and pathetic” but got an earful back(Image: Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock)
Amanda Holden is at it again. Amanda, 54, took a sly dig at former This Morning host Holly Willoughby, 44, live on air while presenting her Heart FM radio show.
Co-host Jamie Theakston teased Amanda about the possibility of her new Netflix dating series Cheat: Unfinished Business being renewed for a new series. Amanda said she “didn’t know for sure”. Jamie then cheekily remarked: “What are they suggesting, they getting Holly Willoughby?” Amanda replied “No, they want a proper presenter.” Ouch. “You’re going to be in trouble,” scolded Jamie – but the damage was done.
Not that Amanda will likely be cringing. It’s not the first time she’s made a swipe at Holly, who stepped down from This Morning in 2023. She’s also got a bit of history with Holly’s co-host Phillip Schofield… and a whole load of other celebrities too. Here we look at Amanda’s knack at getting into ugly spats – and who won…
Holly Willoughby
Amanda and Holly have reportedly been at loggerheads for quite some time, starting from 2014 when Amanda joined the This Morning team after Holly went on maternity leave.
After the Phillip Schofield scandal when Holly’s co-host was suddenly dropped from the show in 2023, Amanda was accused of throwing shade at Holly in an Instagramvideo. Returning to her presenting duties after Phillip’s exit, Holly started her broadcast in a heartfelt manner, saying: “Right, deep breath. Firstly, are you OK? I hope so.”
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Amanda and Holly in 2012 – before they fell out
Not long after, Amanda used her social media to flaunt a chic white jumpsuit in a video. She began: “Hello, it is Tuesday. Are you OK?”.
With a grin, she added: “I’m wearing this gorgeous white jumpsuit. It’s been in my wardrobe for ages and I’ve been dying to wear it because the weather’s got better and I can.”
But Amanda later said reports of a feud between her and Holly were ‘utter rubbish’. But in 2022, Amanda threw another punch after Holly and Phil received a huge backlash over claims they ‘queue jumped’ to see the Queen lying in state.
In a clip she shared on her Instagram account she told how David Beckham had waited his turn like everyone else, saying “Good on him” before letting out a laugh and pulling a playful face.
WINNER: AMANDA
Phillip Schofield
Amanda and Phillip once got on well, hosting awards together and co-hosting This Morning while Holly was on maternity leave in 2014.
But that seemed to sour in 2018, when Amanda was tipped to replace Holly on This Morning while she temporarily took over from Ant McPartlin on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Phillip allegedly played a hand in hiring The Saturdays’ Rochelle Humes instead – reportedly leaving Amanda furious. Phillip said the claims were “hurtful and wildly untrue”.
But several months on in 2019, Amanda made her feelings clear when she took a swipe at Phil during a radio quiz on Heart Breakfast. When asked what she wouldn’t want to discover in her house, she jested: “Spiders, flies and Phillip Schofield.”
READ MORE: Dermot Murnaghan mocks ex newsreader colleagues over advert he’d ‘never do’
Amanda and Schofe once got on(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
She added that she had once invited Phil for a coffee to discuss matters in 2019 but never received a reply.
Phillip shot back, saying in an interview that Amanda “has a faulty edit button and she forgets she’s on the telly, which is enormously endearing and funny, but occasionally quite scary.”
Later, she said she had reached out to Phillip for a heart-to-heart over coffee, but claimed he didn’t respond. She also posted a bicep curl emoji on Instagram after Schofield stepped down from This Morning, which was interpreted by many as a celebratory gesture.
WINNER: AMANDA
Katie Price
Katie Price sparked her own beef with Amanda after the glamour model cheekily displayed a photoshopped picture of her face on top of Amanda’s among the Britain’s Got Talent judging line-up.
Katie, 45, was on stage at her live podcast show last May when she pulled the stunt and she even admitted: ” Amanda won’t like that, will she?”
Katie has tried to provoke Amanda on podcasts(Image: Youtube)
A few months later, she took another swipe at the radio host when she snub’s Amanda’s racy outfit choices she has become famous for.
During her appearance on Lewis Raymond’s podcast Life Reclaimed, she quickly adjusted her boobs, prompting Lewis to joke: “Oh she’s getting the out”. Katie replied: “I’m not… I’ve got nipple covers on, I’m not doing an Amanda Holden because I don’t like that look.”
This time, though, Amanda has maintained a dignified silence and has so far refused to hit back. This time, ignoring the provocation and resisting the temptation to answer the former glamour model back seems to have been the best strategy.
WINNER: AMANDA
And the one she couldn’t win…Sharon Osbourne
Amanda’s feud with Sharon kicked off last April when she branded her “bitter and pathetic” for the way she talked about X Factor boss Simon Cowell during her stint on Celebrity Big Brother.
“I hated seeing certain people in a reality show dissing Simon – he’s the person who’s given them all the chances, given them a lot of money and a lifestyle they probably wouldn’t have had,” Amanda raged in an interview.
She added: “It’s bitter and pathetic. It was like Cinderella with her two sisters in the background – just stabby, stabby, stabby.”
Sharon hit back, telling the radio host in an acid-tongued post on X: “The bottom line, Amanda, is, that you’ll never be in my league, and you’ve picked on the wrong ugly stepsister.”
Amanda and Sharon in 2014 – before things got ugly(Image: Joanne Davidson/REX/Shutterstock)
She went on: “The truth is, you don’t know me, Amanda. You know nothing about my history in the music industry, my achievements, the artists I have worked with, the shows that I’ve produced, and my global celebrity.”
“Unlike you, the brand of Sharon Osbourne is known worldwide.”
Sharon went on to flaunt her wealth and luxurious lifestyle as she quipped: ‘Our worlds are totally different. I have been blessed with an amazing lifestyle throughout my entire life.
‘Before you were born, I was living in a mansion in Beverly Hills and continue to do so today and continue to have my country estate in England as well. But there is something you should know. I never discuss money, lifestyle or positions of power. I find it to be classless and crude.”
Perhaps sensing she had met her match, Amanda replied, rather sheepishly, through her spokesperson: “Amanda is aware of Sharon’s incredible career but, just like her, Amanda will always defend those close to her,” she said.
WINNER: SHARON
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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs made his feelings clear after spotting his children and supporters in the public gallery of a New York City courthouse for the first day of his trial
Diddy’s trial has started in New York City(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs responded after spotting his children sitting in the gallery of a New York City courthouse. The disgraced music mogul’s trial, which has been dubbed America’s celebrity trial of the century, got underway in the eastern city as prosecutors attempt to prove that he turned his career and fame into a racketeering enterprise.
Diddy’s family, including the mother of his six children, attended the court hearing on day one. Testimonies are set to take place today after lawyers delivered their opening statements. Appearing in the dock, Diddy, 55, wore a white sweater and, with his formerly jet-black hair now almost completely grey, entered the courtroom shortly before 9 a.m., hugging lawyers, before he turned and responded to those supporting him, giving a thumbs up to supporters seated in wooden court benches behind him.
Prior to the hearing starting, a line to get into the courthouse stretched all the way down the block. Combs’ mother and some of his children were escorted past the crowd and brought straight into the building.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs continues to deny all allegations against him(Image: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
Combs, who strongly denies all allegations against him has has pleaded not guilty to charges including one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian is presiding over the case, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey is the lead prosecutor. Marc Agnifilo is representing Diddy throughout the trial. The first witness for the case is set to testify following an hour-long lunch break.
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Diddy’s family appeared at the court to offer their support(Image: GC Images)
Among those expected to testify are Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura and a security guard at a Los Angeles hotel where Diddy was seen assaulting Cassie in 2016. The jury, made up of 12 men and six women, has also been selected. The case will open after the judge explains the law as it relates to the trial, as well as incidentals, including a breakfast which will be provided to them.
“Anything you’ve seen or heard outside the courtroom is not evidence,” the judge told the jurors, who have been granted anonymity. “It must be disregarded.” Last week, Diddy’s defence team had requested a delay of selection until today following concerns that members of the jury may drop out if they had been chosen on Friday.
The music mogul now looks very different with grey hair(Image: AP)
The rapper believes the jury will clear him of the damning allegations made agaist him, with the 12 people on the jury set to hear shocking evidence that could potentially put the star away for life. Federal prosecutors in New York alleged Combs “abused, threatened and coerced women” into long, drug-fuelled orgies with male prostitutes he called “freak offs” and even threatened them into silence.
The indictment against him stated: “After Freak Offs, Combs and the victims typically received IV fluids to recover from the physical exertion and drug use.” Meanwhile, his defence attorneys, including Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, has claimed his sexual encounters have all been consensual and said the rapper is a swinger who sometimes invited people into his bedroom.
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The hearing is expected to show recordings of alleged Freak Offs, which Combs has argued were consensual.
* If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
