Category Entertainment News

Britain’s Got Talent’s Connie Talbot, who melted hearts as a six year old in the show’s first series, has grown up to be quite the sensation. The now-24 year old from Sutton Coldfield, who once brought the judges to tears with her angelic voice, boasts an impressive following of over 307, 000 fans – a a far cry from her debut on BGT back in 2007. In a recent Instagram post, Connie looks stunning as she poses in a black swimsuit, bathed in warm sunlight as she appears to be on holiday.

She’s best known for her stunning performance of Over the Rainbow from The Wizard Of Oz, which left Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Piers Morgan in awe during the final. Connie was neck and neck with opera singer Paul Potts to win the title. Simon Cowell had nothing but praise for Connie, calling her “pure magic” and even suggesting he’d help her make “£1 million-plus this year”. Despite having no professional training, Connie’s initial audition won over the judges and garnered international media attention.

Post-BGT fame saw Connie release her first album, Over the Rainbow, which sold 250, 000 copies and charted at number 35 in the UK, while topping the charts in Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan. She followed up with a Christmas album and two more albums by 2012. Connie made a comeback on BGT in 2019 for The Champions series, although she didn’t reach the final. She later took part in America’s Got Talent: The Champions where she performed the single live on stage.

Connie – who last year revealed her stalker hell – continues her singing career and released an EP, Growing Pains, in August 2023. Another track, Wonderland Skies, Connie’s take on a Christmas single, was released last December. And she recently told fans she’s going out on tour with the US cover band, Boyce Avenue. Posting to Instagram alongside a beautiful rendition of the ABBA hit Slipping Through My Fingers, she said: “A friendly reminder that I’m proudly supporting @boyceavenue on their Europe tour. I am so excited don’t let tickets slip through your fingers … (dad joke) they’re in my bio can’t wait to see you there”.

Fans thronged to support her latest venture, with one person saying: “Amazing, you’re each day with the most beautiful, perfectly wonderful voice. Another said:” This is one of my favourite ABBA songs and you have done an amazing cover of this beautiful song, love it!! Keep up the good work, you’re fantastic at what you do. “A third added:” Can’t wait to see you in Manchester and Oxford! “

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman died of natural causes about a week after his wife’s death, a medical examiner said Friday, ending more than a week of mystery surrounding the death of one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.

The bodies of “The French Connection” star and his wife were found on February 26 in their home in New Mexico after emergency services were called to their property.

“The cause of death for Mr. Gene Hackman, aged 95 years, is hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor”, Heather Jarrell, the chief medical examiner for the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, told reporters.

“The cause of death for Miss Betsy Hackman, aged 65 years, is hantavirus, pulmonary syndrome. The manner of death is natural”.

Neither body showed any sign of trauma, nor any indication of carbon monoxide poisoning, which had been an initial suggestion.

Hantavirus presents as a flu-like disease, with symptoms including fever, muscle aches, cough, sometimes vomiting and diarrhea that can progress to shortness of breath and cardiac or heart failure and lung failure, Jarrell said.

“This occurs after a one- to eight-week exposure to excrement from a particular mouse species that carries hantavirus”.

Jarrell said data from Hackman’s pacemaker showed its last activity over a week before his body was found when maintenance workers were unable to access the couple’s sprawling Santa Fe property.

“Based on this information, it is reasonable to conclude that Mr. Hackman probably died around February 18. Based on the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that Miss Hackman passed away first, with February 11 being the last time that she was going to be alive”, said Jarrell.

First responders found the door unlocked and open, and pills scattered next to Betsy Hackman’s body, which was in the bathroom.

Gene Hackman’s body was found in another room, fully clothed, with sunglasses nearby, indicating a sudden fall.

Investigators suggested it could be the case that the elder Hackman had not realized his wife was dead in the bathroom, given his advanced age and neurodegenerative disease.

“He was in an advanced state of Alzheimer’s, and it’s quite possible that he was not aware that she was deceased”, the medical examiner said.

A Hackman family spokesperson had previously denied reports of his Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to the deceased couple, a dog was found dead in the bathroom, and two other healthy dogs were at the house.

Along with the autopsies, the investigation had focussed on piecing together a timeline of the couple’s last days, which detectives said had been complicated by their low profile and their preference for privacy.

Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, &nbsp, was credited for intense performances inspired by his troubled upbringing, notching up dozens of movie credits extending into his 70s.

He is perhaps best known as vulgar New York cop Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in the 1971 crime thriller “The French Connection” — for which he won an Oscar for best actor.

Nikita Kuzmin has confirmed that the dreaded Strictly Come Dancing curse isn’t an issue in his relationship, admitting that his girlfriend, Lauren Jaine, “knows it’s just a job” for him. The professional dancer joined the BBC show in 2021 and, like many in the competition, has had his fair share of romance rumours.

But as it comes up to his two-year anniversary with model Lauren, Nikita says he doesn’t let his work get in the way of his love life. “I think it can be difficult for anyone who isn’t a dancer to understand, but she knows it’s just a job. We don’t really think about it in a romantic way – it’s just part of what we do. And if there was ever an issue, we’d talk about it and just sort it out”, says Nikita, who admits he hopes to propose to his girlfriend one day as they have ‘ spoken ‘ about the future.

The dancer also shares that Lauren is always in his corner when it comes to support. “I’m really lucky to have a supportive family and girlfriend. I always call my mum on my way home, and when I get back, I have Lauren waiting for me. We make time for each other. Last night, after a 12-hour rehearsal, we watched Iron Man. We’re going through the entire Marvel series”!

Nikita made his love life ‘ Instagram official ‘ in October 2023, with a sweet photo montage featuring model and Durham University alumna Lauren. The couple has reportedly been dating since early 2023, and Lauren, who is signed with First Model Management, has often shown support for Nikita at the Strictly live shows.

As their romance was made public, a source told The Sun: “Nikita and Lauren have been dating for months and seem to have an amazing connection. The pair have tried to keep their romance under the radar but they have been attending events together and are really enjoying each other’s company”. They added: “His Strictly co-stars also think they are a great match and are rooting for the pair”.

Nikita is feeling extra grateful for having Lauren in his life as he juggles personal life with his tour, Midnight Dancer, which is currently going around the UK and Ireland. Admitting it’s taken it out of him, Nikita said: “]The tour is going] Great! Not gonna lie, my body is shattered but the show is in a great place, I’m really happy with it. During rehearsals we were doing 12-hour days. It was exhausting, but when you’re creating something special, it’s worth it”.

An investigation into the deaths of Gene Hackman, wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog Zena remains open, police have revealed.

Oscar-winning actor Gene, 95, his classical pianist wife Betsy, 65, and one of their three dogs were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico mansion on February 26. The cause of death of Gene and Betsy was revealed by chief medical examiner Dr Heather Jarrell in an ‘ unprecedented ‘ press conference on Friday.

In the lead up to Dr Jarrell sharing the cause of death, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza opened the press conference and revealed the investigation remains open as the police await results of more examinations into their investigation.

He said in the press conference: “Zena, the deceased dog, has been taken for a necropsy at the veterinary diagnostic services and we’ll be awaiting those results”. A necropsy is a post-mortem examination performed on an animal.

Sheriff Mendoza later added: “Cell phone information and the cell phone data is pending, we’re working with state police to get the information from those phones but our investigation shows all the last communication and activity from Ms Arakawa was on February 11”.

While taking questions towards the end of the conference Sheriff Mendoza revealed he hopes the mobile phones will shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths. When asked if police know if Betsy was feeling ill in the lead up to her death, Sheriff Mendoza said: “We’re going through some of the communications and I think the cell phones may have some indications of that prior to the 11th but, as of this moment, I don’t have any information that she was indicating that she was feeling ill during any communication”.

While answering another question he added: “We consider this an open investigation until we close the loopholes of the cell phones, until we finish out the necropsy results of the canine and other loose ends that we need to tie up but I think we’re pretty close with the timeline”.

In a details-filled press conference, Dr Jarrell explained that Betsy most likely died first, while Gene had died a week later – with his pacemaker recording information on February 18. The last known activities of Betsy were determined to take place on February 11 when she was last seen alive.

The medical expert revealed: “The cause of death for Miss Betsy Hackman, aged 65 years, is hantavirus, pulmonary syndrome. The manner of death is natural, autopsy, examination and full body post mortem, CT demonstrated no findings of trauma, internally or externally, with microscopic findings consistent with Coronavirus pulmonary syndrome”.

Dr Jarrell explained that no trace of COVID 19 or influenza was found within Betsy. She added: “Testing for carbon monoxide was negative. There were no other significant natural disease findings. Pills present on scene, or thyroid medication, which were being taken as prescribed and is not currently a concern for a contributory cause of death”.

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At just 27, Nikita Kuzmin is taking the dance world by storm, from dazzling audiences on Strictly Come Dancing to his first solo tour. But behind the sequins and the razzmatazz, there’s an old head on young shoulders as the Ukrainian-born pro tells us about staying true to himself – whether that’s embracing nerves or standing by his artistic choices despite criticism, which he faced on Strictly with his same-sex partner Layton Williams.

Away from the dance floor, Nikita shares his life with his model girlfriend Lauren Jaine, 23, who keeps him grounded amidst the whirlwind of rehearsals and performances. Between 12-hour practice days, the couple find time for each other in their fast-paced lives thanks to Marvel movie marathons and fun days out. And now, as he embarks on his first solo tour, Nikita opens up to OK! about his “superpower” and what the future holds…

Hey, Nikita! You’re so busy with the solo tour – how are you balancing your personal lie and dancing?

I’m really lucky to have a supportive family and girlfriend. I always call my mum on my way home, and when I get back, I have Lauren waiting for me. We make time for each other. Last night, after a 12-hour rehearsal, we watched Iron Man. We’re going through the entire Marvel series!

You and Lauren have been together for almost two years. Have you talked about marriage or starting a family?

Yeah, we’ve definitely talked about the future. I hope one day she’ll say yes! We just saw a video of a wedding in South Africa and got emotional watching it. So, why not?

What do date nights look like?

Well, we both love adventures – random road trips, hikes, exploring new places in London. But honestly, 99% of the time we’re at home watching Modern Family. It’s not about what we do, it’s about just being together and respecting each other’s space.

As a dancer, you get up close and personal with partners. Does Lauren ever get jealous?

I think it can be difficult for anyone who isn’t a dancer to understand, but she knows it’s just a job. We don’t really think about it in a romantic way – it’s just part of what we do. And if there was ever an issue, we’d talk about it and just sort it out.

How is your Midnight Dancer tour going?

Great! Not gonna lie, my body is shattered but the show is in a great place, I’m really happy with it. During rehearsals we were doing 12-hour days. It was exhausting, but when you’re creating something special, it’s worth it.

We’ve seen you dance with your glucose monitor on your arm – how do you cope with your diabetes?

It’s overwhelming sometimes, but I see it as my superpower. It makes me more responsible and aware of my body. If I can inspire even one person by showing them it’s possible to dance with diabetes, then I’ve done my job.

Who would be your dream partner to dance with?

TV chef Gordon Ramsay. But I think Victoria Beckham would be cool too.

You were on Celebrity Big Brother last year. What made you want to take part in it?

It was completely random. I watched a similar show as a kid and one day I just told my agent, “I want to do Big Brother”. The next day, I had a call and the day after, I signed the contract.

Did it match your expectations?

Not at all! I thought it would be easy. Just walking around a house and sleeping? Turns out, it was really hard. I’m a very private person, so not having personal space drains my energy fast. But that’s what the show is designed to do – it creates tension.

Did you make friends in the house?

Yes, I love Bradley]Riches], Marisha]Wallace] and Colson]Smith]. They’re coming to see my show. And Sharona – Shazza]Osbourne]!

Speaking of Strictly, what’s been your most memorable moment?

My first dance with Tilly]Ramsay] meant a lot, but also the Moulin Rouge paso doble with Layton. We finally got a perfect 40 after weeks of pushing ourselves creatively. I was exhausted, but when Craig]Revel Horwood] gave us a 10, I was like, “OK, that was worth it”.

What challenges did you and Layton face together?

The biggest challenge was staying true to ourselves, despite criticism. Like when Layton wore a skirt and heels – we stood by that decision 100%. We knew some people wouldn’t like it, but it mattered. We had each other’s backs, no matter what.

If you could do another reality show, which would it be?

I’m A Celebrity would be fun, or Race Across The World – I love travelling. Also, MasterChef!

What’s one thing about fame that you find difficult?

Privacy. I love my job, but I also love just being a regular person. It took me years to find a balance, but I have my ways now, such as being surrounded by loved ones and focusing on what is important.

Midnight Dancer is currently touring the UK and Ireland. For tickets, visit nikitalive. co. uk

Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy are just like all parents when it comes to technology, with the latter admitting she struggles to strike a balance when it comes to allowing their brood screen time. In an exclusive interview, Abbey – who shares four children, Sophia, who is 14 this week, Liberty, nine, Johnny, seven, and Jack, five, with her husband – says she’d like for her children to have ‘ zero ‘ time on mobile phones, but knows that’s an ‘ unrealistic wish’.

Detailing how she and former footballer Peter patrol their usage, she explained: “I’d have them on zero screen time if I could, but that’s unrealistic. You just have to do whatever you can to keep your kids safe. We’re very open with our kids. We all talk about everything.

” Sophia’s a teenager now, and she can’t be the only one at school without a phone. But she plays two or three hours of tennis a day, so she’s not on her phone much. She’s an incredible tennis player. I’m not forcing her, she loves it. She’s a girl on a mission. “

Abbey and Pete have been together for almost two decades, beginning their relationship in 2006. And with such a long-lasting relationship, they’ve got clear roles in the house when it comes to their parenting technique”. Pete’s good cop and I’m bad cop, “she reveals”. I’m the one going, ‘ Do your homework, eat your veg, ‘ and Pete’s like, ‘ Let’s play, kids! ‘ which can be annoying but… it works.

“Our kids are very good, though. They’ve all got distinct personalities but they’re all easy-going. That’s not to say family life isn’t chaotic – it’s totally chaotic! There’s absolutely nothing chilled about the Crouch household, but we wouldn’t have it any other way”.

As for her own endeavours, Abbey is eager to chat about the gorgeous new clothing range she has created for F&amp, F, joking that she’s “channelling her Western era”. She says, “Think Isabel Marant, double denim, those incredible studded belts that were big in the 90s, long skirts. We’re going back in time”. There’s a lot of linen, beautiful trench coats, Miu Miu-esque cargo jackets. It’s a fabulous collection, and every single piece is one I want to wear, and do wear.

“It’s affordable, too. When you’re busy and you’ve got kids, you’re often last on the list, aren’t you? But if you can go and do your food shop and grab an amazing outfit at the same time, which is great quality, on-trend and makes you feel fantastic, it’s a win-win”.