Sugababes’ Keisha Buchanan ‘beaten’ by footballer ex as he ‘controlled her diet and money’

A court has heard how Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan was left needing physiotherapy after her footballer ex-boyfriend had allegedly beaten her during their relationship

Keisha Buchanan went to the police in December last year(Image: Getty Images)

Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan was allegedly beaten by her ex-boyfriend, which left her needing medical help. The Jungle songstress dated former Kenya and Luton Town player Taiwo Leo Atieno, 39, between 2015 and 2018. But Atieno is accused of a “course of conduct over a ten-year period” towards Keisha, who went to the police in December 2024.

It was during this time that Buchanan, 40, had reunited with her former bandmates, Mutya Buena and Siobhán Donaghy, as the band fought to regain control of the name. But a court has heard that while Keisha remained in the public eye, she was secretly suffering during an abusive relationship.

Atieno is said to have assaulted her on three occasions, one so severely that it left her requiring physiotherapy treatment. One incident saw Keisha suffer a sharp pain to her lower back – which she described as feeling as though she had been kicked.

The footballer is also accused of controlling her letters, her finances, what the singer ate and how she presented herself to people outside of the home. He also stands accused of harassing her after she called off their relationship and breached a court order which was put in place to prevent him from contacting her.

Taiwo Leo Atieno has been accused of beating his former partner, Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan
Taiwo Leo Atieno has been accused of beating his former partner, Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan(Image: wikimedia commons)

During a hearing at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, Prosecutor Edward Kalber said: “The offending is severe in its nature and has caused problems for the defendant, both psychological and physical.”

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He added: “The complainant states that while she lived with the defendant, she wasn’t allowed to open her own letters or sort out her finances.

“The complainant would have to ask for money whenever she wanted it.” It was later heard that Atieno would get frustrated if Keisha wore certain things. Kalber continued: “The defendant would get annoyed if the complainant wore red lipstick. He berated her and called her trashy, and told her she looked like a prostitute whenever she wore this.

“This then fed into her dietary issues, due to the defendant controlling what she was allowed to eat.” The footballer is also accused of not allowing Keisha to watch TV.

Two alleged assaults on Keisha took place in the defendant’s bedroom, with another taking place in the front room of the property. He allegedly grabbed her around the neck, punched her on the arm and then struck her back.

One alleged attack left her experiencing a sharp pain which felt like a kick to her lower back, and she later required physiotherapy due to the alleged incident. Keisha also claims that Atieno controlled her use of the shower while the pair were living together and she was only allowed to go to the gym at “certain times”.

Despite Keisha blocking Atieno after they split, it’s claimed he later sent her emails and is accused of harassment over the course of three years. He also allegedly demanded £25,000 from the musician.

Currently, the footballer of Kennington, southwest London, is being remanded in custody. He appeared in the dock on Thursday, wearing cream trousers and a blue top. He indicated not guilty pleas to all four charges made against him.

The case is due to be dealt with later this afternoon by Deputy District Judge Clare Boichot.

For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk

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Lorraine Kelly and Price William lead stars celebrating David Attenborough as he turns 99

David Attenborough is being celebrated by fans, including some celebrities, for his 99th birthday today, with tributes having been paid following the launch of his new film Ocean

David Attenborough has been met with tributes for his 99th birthday(Image: Getty Images)

Celebrities are among those who have paid tribute to David Attenborough for his 99th birthday. The broadcaster, who has received acclaim over the course of his decades-long career, is being celebrated this week.

David, who turns 99 today, is being celebrated by fans amid the special occasion. It comes following the release of the natural historian’s new film Ocean, which explores how the Earth’s “vast, interconnected waterways can be restored”. He’s said to be campaigning for change over industrial fishing.

Lorraine Kelly, 65, is among those who have paid tribute to the biologist for his birthday. The ITV presenter – who is recovering from surgery at the moment – took to Instagram with a photo of David sat beside her in a TV studio.

She wrote in the accompanying caption: “Happy 99th birthday Sir David – a giant of a man. The best of us. Total legend. I’m honoured to have met you.” Lorraine included a series of hashtags, including teasing that he is a “hero” in one of them.

BBC journalist Amol Rajan, 41, also marked the occasion on the platform. The University Challenge host shared photos of David – whose work includes the Life series – and described him as the “greatest living Briton” in the caption.

Amol wrote yesterday: “In a few hours time, David Attenborough will be 99. Aside from being the greatest living Briton, the best broadcaster of all time, the most influential advocate for Nature ever, and the most mesmerising voice of them all, the boy from Leicester – who celebrated his 19th birthday on VE Day – has done more for public understanding of Science than anyone since Charles Darwin.

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“Cherish him! Savour the fact that you share this precious blue marble, dangling in the infinite darkness, with someone who has fought so hard and so long to preserve it. Grief teaches us many lessons; one of the most vital is that you must not wait until it’s too late before registering your gratitude or servicing your moral debts. I have written to Sir David to say thank you, though we have met only once and briefly. What an astonishing man; what an inspirational life. And by his own account, he’s certainly not done yet.”

David Attenborough in a blue shirt among plants.
David Attenborough is celebrating his 99th birthday today amid the release of his new film Ocean(Image: Getty Images)

Amol has since posted on David’s birthday itself. He wrote on his Instagram Story earlier: “Happy 99th birthday, Sir David Attenborough.” Referencing the BBC’s mission, he added: “Long may you inform, educate and entertain us.”

The BBC itself has celebrated David’s birthday, which promoting his work with the broadcaster. It said in a post on Facebook: “Happy 99th birthday, Sir David Attenborough! There’s no one else like you.”

The RSPB wrote on Instagram: “Here’s to a man who has dedicated his life to conserving and understanding our natural world, and educating us all in the process. Sir David, thank you for your decades of devotion to our planet’s wonders and wildlife.”

Prince William, 42, issued a message over the occasion too. A post signed off by him read: “As he turns 99 today, in his new film, Sir David has once again reminded us of the need to protect natural habitats – this time those beneath the ocean. He has dedicated his life to ensuring we understand the realities of what mankind is doing to the planet. However hard hitting his message is, Sir David always leaves us with a sense of hope and optimism that all is not lost and this film is no different. We must act together, with urgency, to restore our oceans. Happy Birthday, David. W.”

David Attenborough and Prince William, both in dark suits, sat laughing beside each other in 2019.
Prince William is among those who have paid tribute to the renowned broadcaster for the occasion(Image: UK Press via Getty Images)

A number of celebrities paid tribute in a piece for the Guardian, in which 99 people to share how he has inspired them. Among them was actor Kate Winslet, 49, who said: “[David] remains, for me, an integral part of how things used to be.”

She added: “Our more plentiful oceans, our verdant, bulging rainforests, full of species that thrived before their natural habitats came under such serious threat. […] In a declining world when we desperately need compassionate anchors, David is that anchor for so many, showing us depths and beauty that won’t be with us forever, forming a picture for future generations of just how vital it is to stay educated, to stay curious.”

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Lorraine Kelly and Price William lead stars celebrating David Attenborough as he turns 99

David Attenborough is being celebrated by fans, including some celebrities, for his 99th birthday today, with tributes having been paid following the launch of his new film Ocean

David Attenborough has been met with tributes for his 99th birthday(Image: Getty Images)

Celebrities are among those who have paid tribute to David Attenborough for his 99th birthday. The broadcaster, who has received acclaim over the course of his decades-long career, is being celebrated this week.

David, who turns 99 today, is being celebrated by fans amid the special occasion. It comes following the release of the natural historian’s new film Ocean, which explores how the Earth’s “vast, interconnected waterways can be restored”. He’s said to be campaigning for change over industrial fishing.

Lorraine Kelly, 65, is among those who have paid tribute to the biologist for his birthday. The ITV presenter – who is recovering from surgery at the moment – took to Instagram with a photo of David sat beside her in a TV studio.

She wrote in the accompanying caption: “Happy 99th birthday Sir David – a giant of a man. The best of us. Total legend. I’m honoured to have met you.” Lorraine included a series of hashtags, including teasing that he is a “hero” in one of them.

BBC journalist Amol Rajan, 41, also marked the occasion on the platform. The University Challenge host shared photos of David – whose work includes the Life series – and described him as the “greatest living Briton” in the caption.

Amol wrote yesterday: “In a few hours time, David Attenborough will be 99. Aside from being the greatest living Briton, the best broadcaster of all time, the most influential advocate for Nature ever, and the most mesmerising voice of them all, the boy from Leicester – who celebrated his 19th birthday on VE Day – has done more for public understanding of Science than anyone since Charles Darwin.

Article continues below

“Cherish him! Savour the fact that you share this precious blue marble, dangling in the infinite darkness, with someone who has fought so hard and so long to preserve it. Grief teaches us many lessons; one of the most vital is that you must not wait until it’s too late before registering your gratitude or servicing your moral debts. I have written to Sir David to say thank you, though we have met only once and briefly. What an astonishing man; what an inspirational life. And by his own account, he’s certainly not done yet.”

David Attenborough in a blue shirt among plants.
David Attenborough is celebrating his 99th birthday today amid the release of his new film Ocean(Image: Getty Images)

Amol has since posted on David’s birthday itself. He wrote on his Instagram Story earlier: “Happy 99th birthday, Sir David Attenborough.” Referencing the BBC’s mission, he added: “Long may you inform, educate and entertain us.”

The BBC itself has celebrated David’s birthday, which promoting his work with the broadcaster. It said in a post on Facebook: “Happy 99th birthday, Sir David Attenborough! There’s no one else like you.”

The RSPB wrote on Instagram: “Here’s to a man who has dedicated his life to conserving and understanding our natural world, and educating us all in the process. Sir David, thank you for your decades of devotion to our planet’s wonders and wildlife.”

Prince William, 42, issued a message over the occasion too. A post signed off by him read: “As he turns 99 today, in his new film, Sir David has once again reminded us of the need to protect natural habitats – this time those beneath the ocean. He has dedicated his life to ensuring we understand the realities of what mankind is doing to the planet. However hard hitting his message is, Sir David always leaves us with a sense of hope and optimism that all is not lost and this film is no different. We must act together, with urgency, to restore our oceans. Happy Birthday, David. W.”

David Attenborough and Prince William, both in dark suits, sat laughing beside each other in 2019.
Prince William is among those who have paid tribute to the renowned broadcaster for the occasion(Image: UK Press via Getty Images)

A number of celebrities paid tribute in a piece for the Guardian, in which 99 people to share how he has inspired them. Among them was actor Kate Winslet, 49, who said: “[David] remains, for me, an integral part of how things used to be.”

She added: “Our more plentiful oceans, our verdant, bulging rainforests, full of species that thrived before their natural habitats came under such serious threat. […] In a declining world when we desperately need compassionate anchors, David is that anchor for so many, showing us depths and beauty that won’t be with us forever, forming a picture for future generations of just how vital it is to stay educated, to stay curious.”

Article continues below

BREAKING: The Who retiring as Pete Townsend says ‘Everyone needs to know the truth’

Rock band The Who have announced they are retiring from touring after 60 years after one last set of dates. Pete Townshend said at a London press conference to announce the tour: “Everyone needs to know the truth…. I can’t lie…. I am not crazy about touring”.

They are playing 16 shows in North America, and insiders hope they will later come to Europe, including dates in the UK. The show is called The Song Is Over, which is also the name of their new single. Speaking on video link, Roger Daltrey added: “It will have to come to an end one day”.

He said: “IPete (Townshend) is still playing great guitar, the music’s still got the vitality that suits it, because it’s something about the way Pete’s music is written, the way it’s shaped, the sentiment behind it, it doesn’t seem to age like a lot of rock music does”. Roger added: “Us out there performing for the last time is a thank you for fans”.

This is a breaking showbiz news story. 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.

BREAKING: The Who retiring as Pete Townsend says ‘Everyone needs to know the truth’

Rock band The Who have announced they are retiring from touring after 60 years after one last set of dates. Pete Townshend said at a London press conference to announce the tour: “Everyone needs to know the truth…. I can’t lie…. I am not crazy about touring”.

They are playing 16 shows in North America, and insiders hope they will later come to Europe, including dates in the UK. The show is called The Song Is Over, which is also the name of their new single. Speaking on video link, Roger Daltrey added: “It will have to come to an end one day”.

He said: “IPete (Townshend) is still playing great guitar, the music’s still got the vitality that suits it, because it’s something about the way Pete’s music is written, the way it’s shaped, the sentiment behind it, it doesn’t seem to age like a lot of rock music does”. Roger added: “Us out there performing for the last time is a thank you for fans”.

This is a breaking showbiz news story. 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.

Foreo’s LED device that ‘instantly lifts’ and makes the skin ‘look younger’ gets £68 price cut

If you’ve been dealing with lacklustre skin, you’re in luck as Amazon’s tech sale has discounted the price of Foreo’s LED gadget that ‘instantly lifts’ and targets dullness by £68

This Foreo device is now less than £250 in Amazon’s tech sale(Image: Amazon)

Amazon has slashed the price of hundreds of pieces of tech this week, and we’ve spotted a few beauty gadgets worth splurging on. One in particular is Foreo’s Ufo Full Facial Led Face Mask Treatment.

If you love the idea of a pro-level facial without leaving your sofa, this clever little gadget is about to become your new skincare go-to.

And the best part is that it’s currently got a £68 price cut. It was initially priced at over £200, and is now £141 in Amazon’s limited-time offer.

This device is like your own mini facialist, combining warming, cooling, and T-Sonic massage tech with LED light therapy to rejuvenate your skin in just a couple of minutes. It’s designed to boost glow and target everything from dullness to fine lines.

READ MORE: Panasonic’s ‘better than GHD and Dyson’ folding hair dryer that’s perfect for travel has 58% off

READ MORE: So easy to use’ cordless 3-in-1 strimmer that ‘saves time’ cutting the grass gets 20% off

FOREO LED Face mask
Boost glow, reduce fine lines and rejuvenate the skin with this handy device(Image: Amazon)

Shoppers have been praising this high-tech mask especially for its ability to provide professional results for a fraction of the price. One happy shopper wrote: “I’m more than happy with my UFO. It makes my face brighter and younger. Massive bonus is that I can do it at home and don’t have to spend thousands for attending professional cosmetic procedures.”

A second added: “So I thought this was such a hyped up product – until I tried it. Yes, it’s expensive, however the app is really helpful and I do my treatment twice in a row because there is a lot of leftover serum on the sheet mask. My skin looks amazing, like I just had a professional facial. Amazing!”

One of its selling points is that the device only takes 90 seconds, which is perfect for those who don’t have much time to spare. However, this was a criticism for a few who view a face mask as an act of self-care and something to dedicate time to. One reviewer wrote: “I wish this treatment lasted longer, as I would really enjoy lying back with this treatment for at least 10 minutes. The 90 seconds is over so quickly.”

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Another LED device we love is teh the Silk’n LED Facial Mask, £160. This mask is all about convenience and simplicity, making it perfect for those who want serious results without a complicated setup.