Strictly star Nicola Adams, 42, splits from girlfriend Ella Baig, 27, after seven years together

Former boxing champion Nicola Adams has split from her partner of seven years. The pugilist, 42, and OnlyFans model Ella Baig, 27, have separated, with a spokesperson praising the former couple’s journey. Nicola and Ella share two-year-old son Taylor Nate, who was born via IVF using one of former Strictly star Nicola’s eggs.

A spokesperson for Nicola said: “Nicola and Ella have shared an incredible journey together, full of love, growth, and resilience. After much thoughtful reflection and important therapy work, they have made the difficult decision to separate”.

They continued to tell The Sun: “Their priority remains their son, Taylor, and they are committed to co-parenting with love and respect”.

Nicola and Ella were together for seven years (Getty Images)

And a source told the publication that the couple had even gone through couple’s therapy in a bid to save their relationship. The insider close to Nicola and Ella claimed the duo had tried to make it work for the sake of their son, but were unable to do so. They are thought to have came to the conclusion a split was in everyone’s best interests.

The source added: “They still have a lot of love for each other, and great memories, but are focused on being brilliant co-parents”.

The former couple first decided they were going to try to start a family in 2020, two years after they met on a night out. At the time, they began IVF treatment and used an egg fertilised via a sperm donor who looked like Ella.

Ella carried their child, before giving birth a month before her due date. Following his birth, Nicola spoke to Vogue magazine about how there was a lack of parenting books for same-sex families.

She said: “The information is out there but we really had to dig for it”.

The couple were forced to deny they had secretly tied the knot in November 2022. Rumours started to swirl at the time that they’d got hitched in Mexico.

The former Olympian and Ella managed to confuse their online followers after posting a rather formal photo. The romantic image of the pair suited and booted snap sent followers on Instagram into overdrive.

Indeed, the pair were at a wedding – but it wasn’t theirs.

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Idris Elba ‘top of Labour’s wish list’ to succeed Sadiq Kahn as London Mayor candidate

Labour insiders are reportedly considering Idris Elba as a potential candidate for London Mayor, citing his influence and commitment to social issues

Idris Elba set to drastic career change as Labour set eyes on actor for top job

Idris Elba is reportedly being considered as a potential candidate for London Mayor, with Labour party insiders identifying the actor as their preferred choice to replace Sadiq Khan. Best known for his role in Luther, the 52-year-old has long been an advocate for social change, particularly in tackling knife crime.

Having worked closely with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on youth violence initiatives, his involvement in politics has steadily grown, making him an intriguing prospect for City Hall. A senior Labour source revealed: “Idris has star appeal, but he is also a thoughtful political campaigner. Labour has a choice – we can try to elevate a party insider, or we can support someone already widely known who aligns with our values. Idris would be at the very top of our wish list.”

Born and raised in Hackney, East London, Elba has remained deeply connected to his roots and has used his platform to raise awareness about societal issues, particularly gang violence and youth crime. He has been vocal about the need for intervention at a community level, recently calling for measures such as blunting the tips of knives to reduce fatal stabbings.

Idris Elba is reportedly being considered as a potential candidate for London Mayor
Idris Elba is reportedly being considered as a potential candidate for London Mayor(Image: BBC / 22 Summers)

His documentary, Idris Elba: A Year of Knife Crime, delves into the harsh realities of the UK’s knife crime epidemic, featuring interviews with young offenders, victims ‘ families, and policymakers, including Starmer and even the King.

Reflecting on his time visiting a young offenders ‘ institution, Elba shared his eye-opening experience. “The big thing that I learned is that these young people aren’t the ‘ big and scary ‘ figures they’re often portrayed as. They’re still developing, still trying to find their way – it’s sad. It just felt like they were locked up and forgotten about, as if we’ve turned our backs on them”.

Elba also believes tech companies need to take more responsibility for their role in spreading harmful content that influences youth violence. He called for greater regulation, saying: “We don’t like knives, so we’re not going to tolerate you advertising knives to young people. We don’t like bullying, we don’t like violent content—this can be managed in a society where democracy leads. There needs to be accountability”.

Khan is expected to step down ahead of the next mayoral election
Khan is expected to step down ahead of the next mayoral election(Image: Getty Images)
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While Elba’s entry into politics remains speculative, Labour insiders continue to discuss his potential as a candidate. Although some acknowledge that convincing him to run would be a challenge, his influence and popularity could make him a formidable contender.

With Khan expected to step down ahead of the next mayoral election, likely in 2028, the question remains – could Idris Elba trade Hollywood for City Hall? The Mirror has approached Idris’ representatives for comment on this story.

Paloma Faith given sad ultimatum from music boss after kissing Black man in video

Singing sensation Paloma Faith revealed a shocking encounter with a music executive during her efforts to break into the U. S. market

Paloma Faith told she’d never succeed in US after kissing Black man in video

Paloma Faith has opened up about a disturbing encounter she had while trying to break into the U.S. music scene, revealing the insensitive remarks made by an industry executive. The executive, who was African American, reportedly told her she would never find success in America unless she re-shot her music video for Only Love Can Hurt Like This, because it showed her kissing a Black man.

Paloma, 43, recounted the experience on her Mad, Sad &amp, Bad podcast, explaining that the love interest in the video was a close friend from Uganda who had an inspiring story of overcoming adversity as a refugee.

She shared how the opportunity to meet with a top record executive in America seemed like a huge career moment. “I was flown over in business class and asked, ‘ Do you want to break America with this song? ‘ Of course, I said yes”, she recalled.

However, things took a troubling turn when she was told the video needed to be reshot due to the racial dynamic in the romantic scene. “They said, ‘ You can’t have someone that white with someone that Black – America won’t buy it, ‘” Paloma revealed. Shocked by these comments, she responded, “I can’t believe you’re saying this to me, especially as an African American”.

 Paloma was brutally trolled because of the video
Paloma was brutally trolled because of the video

Despite the executive’s insistence that “this is business”, Paloma stood her ground. “I told him, ‘ I’m not willing to do this kind of business, ‘” she shared. The situation ended with Paloma being sent back to the UK on a standard flight in what she described as an act of “pettiness” on their part.

The story was shared on social media, quickly gaining traction, with fans flooding Paloma with messages of support for standing by her principles. Her hit Only Love Can Hurt Like This was released in 2014 as part of her A Perfect Contradiction album, and despite refusing to change the video, the song became her highest-charting single in the UK, peaking at number six and later being certified 3x Platinum.

Paloma, a Hackney native, has since built a loyal following in the U.S., where her artistic integrity has been embraced. Recently, she made headlines again with a pointed remark at the 2025 Brit Awards about U.S. politics, taking a jab at Donald Trump and his supporters.

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“Some people are getting it wrong—thank you to the voters of America”, she said. “And some people are getting it absolutely bloody right, and that person is Charli XCX”. Her witty and bold comment earned cheers and applause from the London crowd and further solidified her reputation for speaking her mind.

Basic Instinct star who featured in iconic scene dies as family pay tribute

Actor Denis Arndt has died at the age of 86 his family have confirmed. The star was best known for the iconic interrogation scene in Basic Instinct. He also featured on hit shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Supernatural and LA Law.

In an emotional statement, his family said: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our dad, Denis Leroy Arndt. He died peacefully in his bed in his beloved cabin home of almost 50 years in Ashland, Oregon, he wouldn’t have had it any other way”.

They continued: “” The year he was born, 1939, the Wizard of Oz came out showing the first movie in color after Dorothy found Oz. That was like Dad’s life. It started out in black and white and blossomed into a life of color, brilliance, daring adventure, and passion. And it was also a little bit trippy, like Oz. “

Denis in Basic Instinct (TriStar Pictures)

Fans took to social media to pay tribute to the star following news of his death. William Duffy, who worked with the star, wrote on Twitter/X:” RIP Denis Arndt. — So enjoyed working with you years ago in Thailand on “SNIPER 3” – as your partner in crime. Condolences to your lovely bride, Magee. “

Another user wrote:” Another prolific character actor now belongs to the Ages. Denis Arndt played loyal Lt. Phillip Walker opposite Michael Douglas ‘ mercurial Det. Nick Curran in BASIC INSTINCT (1992). RIP… “A third added:” Sad news in Hollywood: Denis Arndt, the iconic actor who famously interrogated Sharon Stone in ‘ Basic Instinct’, has passed away at 86. His memorable performances will be missed. “

Prior to his acting, Denis earned a Purple Heart and Commendation Medal as a United States Army helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War.

In his acting career, he landed his most acclaimed role as Alex Priest in the play Heisenberg.

Denis is survived by his wife of 45 years, Magee Downey, and their three children, Bryce, McKenna, and Tanner. He also has four other children from a previous marriage.

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Ant McPartlin makes cheeky Britain’s Got Talent joke as he skips this week’s episode

Ant McPartlin may be appearing on our screens for the latest edition of Britain’s Got Talent, but the Geordie presenter won’t be watching it from home. Instead, he joined his beloved Newcastle United on their historic trophy parade after the club won it’s first domestic trophy in 70 years.

Presenters Ant and Declan Donnelly joined the cup-winning team on the open top bus as they paraded the city to celebrate the Carabao Cup win.

Hundreds of thousands lined the streets to watch the journey as they headed from St James ‘ Park to the Town Moor, where a further 150, 000 fans had tickets to watch the players lift the cup once more.

Ant and Dec led the proceedings at Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup parade (PA)

After the TV stars had spoke to match winners Dan Burn and Alexander Isak, as well as manager Eddie Howe, the Geordie duo told fans to get ready for a spectacular drone show in the city skies. But before the show began, Ant joked: “But, if you’re all here watching this, who’s at home watching Britain’s Got Talent”.

Moments earlier, the presenters had tried to ask club captain Bruno Guimarães to stop swearing as he continued to take the microphone for a singalong. However, the request fell on deaf ears as the ecstatic Brazilian couldn’t help himself as he serenaded his adoring crowd.

Prior to the parade getting under way, Ant and Dec took to Instagram to share their excitement about the day ahead. Ant was heard shouting “let’s get ready to rumble” in reference to the pair’s hit single as PJ and Duncan, in a clip posted to the social media channels.

In another post Dec said: “Well, we’re about to start the parade. I don’t know how we’ve sneaked on here, how have we done this? We just followed the team on and we’re on the parade”.

Ant and Dec
The pair were on the team’s bus parade (Newcastle United via Getty Image)

Ant then began to chant “ole, ole, ole, ole”, while in another clip the pair could be seen overlooking fans as the bus passed the club’s St James ‘ Park ground.

A post to the social media platform also showed a picture of the pair lifting the trophy formerly known as the League Cup, which was the team’s first major honour in 70 years.

The duo were also spotted prior to the bus journey getting swarmed by loyal toon fans. They were happy to pose for snaps with the fans as the momentous day got under way, bringing the city to a standstill.

The pair are best known for presenting ITV talent show Britain’s Got Talent, and the channel’s reality TV series I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, after beginning their careers as child actors on CBBC drama Byker Grove. However, the make no efforts to hide their ties to their hometown club.

They regularly take aim at the club’s rival neighbours Sunderland in cheeky jibes on I’m A Celebrity.

In this week’s Britain’s Got Talent, the judges were left in awe of an armless drummer. Cornel Hrisca-Munn showcased his superb percussion skills with a rock routine which had everyone on their feet in Blackpool.

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Ben Stiller won wife back after three-year separation after chance arrangement

Severance director Ben Stiller, who is a guest on tonight’s Jonathan Ross Show, revealed how he won his wife, Christine Taylor, back after they were separated for three years

Ben Stiller won wife back after three-year separation after chance arrangement(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Ben Stiller revealed how he won his wife, Christine Taylor, back after they were separated for three years. In 2017, they took a few years apart after 17 long years of marriage and welcoming their two children – Ella, 22, and Quinlin, 19 – but soon fell in love all again after a chance arrangement.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Ben moved in with Christine for the sake of their two children. In a new interview, the 59-year-old actor explained how spending a few years apart helped rekindle their relationship.

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“When we separated, it was just having space to see what our relationship was, what my life felt like when we weren’t in that relationship, how much I loved our family unit”, he said.

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Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor
The couple were separated for three years before they reunited(Image: PA)

Speaking to The New York Times, the 59-year-old explained: “It was like three or four years that we weren’t together but we always were connected. In my mind, I never didn’t want us to be together.

” I don’t know where Christine was, you’d have to ask her, but COVID put us all together in the same house. “He went on to reveal they were” actually together “again after almost one year of living together.

Back in 2022, Ben told Esquire how the reconciliation was ‘ unexpected ‘ but ‘ wonderful ‘ He said:” We were separated and got back together and we’re happy about that. “

Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor
They moved in together amid the coronavirus pandemic and grew closer again(Image: Getty Images North America)

” It’s been really wonderful for all of us. Unexpected, and one of the things that came out of the pandemic. “He went on to explain how his views on marriage changed over the years and used an analogy using horseback riding.

The Severance director said:” A few years ago, I realized I don’t like horseback riding. If there’s an opportunity to go horseback riding, I’m probably not going to do it. Now, I like horses! I think they’re beautiful. I like petting them.

“I like watching people ride horses, I like watching my kids ride horses. I just don’t really love riding horses. And once you know that, it just saves a lot of energy.

” So, yeah, I think we have a respect for the ways that we’re similar and the ways we’re different. And I think accepting that, you can really appreciate someone more because you’re not trying to get them to change for you. Once you accept that, you save a lot of energy. “

When the couple first separated, Ben and Christine released a statement and said they would try to remain friends”. With tremendous love and respect for each other and the 18 years we spent together as a couple, we have made the decision to separate, “they said.

” Our priority will continue to be raising our children as devoted parents and the closest of friends. We kindly ask that the media respect our privacy at this time. “

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