Category Entertainment News

Just hours after meeting King Charles, who gave her MBE, Dina Asher-Smith staged a glittery celebration surrounded by her closest friends, including Alex Scott.

Dina Asher-Smith celebrated her MBE in style. Britain’s fastest female sprinter was presented the award by King Charles on Tuesday after jetting in for the ceremony from Texas, where she has been training.

However, the 29-year-old celebrated on Tuesday night with Olympian Denise Lewis and her celebrity pal Alex Scott. In a green dress, Asher-Smith maintained her sophisticated appearance. The Olympian finished her look with a pair of pointy shoes with a patent red leather-like sole.

Her glossy raven tresses were styled onto her shoulder in tight, curly curls elsewhere. In Knightsbridge, west London’s opulent neighborhood, Dina hosted her lavish bash at Sale e Pepe, where she hosted her exclusive bash.

At the glittery event, former Lioness Alex’s ex-girlfriend Jess Glynne joined her at the former Lioness Alex’s glitzy event. With the football pundit opting for a sweater with black and white stripes, Alex kept her look classy and sophisticated. With a striking black leather jacket and an orange-toned pair of sunglasses, knitmaker Jess braved the chilly evenings.

“For me, it is a very powerful emblem of what you do on the track, being inspiring to other people and also having repercussions and positive influence far beyond the world of sport,” Dina said on Wednesday looking at her medal.

She continued, “I just wanted to run faster when I first started to run.” I had no idea where I would be going. I didn’t anticipate that it would transport me to the Olympics, give me records, or anything similar.

It is, in my opinion, a testament to the virtues of sport, hard work, persistence, and dedication. It’s about the power of hard work, just like it’s with everyone who has received this present. It’s nice to be recognized for your outstanding work. It means a lot to be recognized by your country in this way, said Asher-Smith, who is a native of Orpington, Kent.

It was a wonderful day because the King is really funny and charming, and the castle is amazing. Dina told the Monarch, “Of course, you invited me, so I wasn’t going to miss this and this is such an honor,” and Charles was “amazed” that Dina had jetted to Windsor from Texas.

Asher-Smith said she was “really excited” that Austin, Texas will host her outdoor season’s 4x400m relay race on Sunday. We still have a lot of time to wrap up our season, she continued. Next week, I’ll be running in Jamaica. For the World Championships, I am undoubtedly in a fantastic position. The season is really coming to an end. This weekend will kick off my outdoor season.

After failing to reach the 100-meter final at the Paris Olympics, she was left cursing herself. She followed that with strong late-season performance at the Diamond League, where she competed against former US sprint champions Julien Alfred and Sha’Carri Richardson. She also set a season-best 10.88 seconds record for winning in Switzerland, just outside of her 10.83 seconds British record. The athlete, who was just 13 years old, set records at a young age by running a 39.16 in the 300-meter race.

She completed her successful Olympic run at the Rio 2016 Games, where she placed fifth in the 200-meter and bronzed as a part of the 4×100-meter relay, after working as a kit-bag carrier at the London 2012 Olympics. Despite breaking her foot five months prior, Dina won 4x100m silver at the 2017 World Championships in London.

She became the first British woman to win the sprint treble at a major championships with victories in the 100, 200, and 4×100 relay at the 2018 European Athletics Championships in Berlin. At the 2019 World Championships, she also won silver in the 100-meter race.

James Arthur has endured a rocky career following his X Factor win after controversial comments saw the star’s fans and radio stations turn against him

Former X Factor star James Arthur’s career has been rocky to say the least, but the singer has climbed his way back to the top.

The 37-year-old star is ready to take to the Royal Albert Hall stage for tonight’s Teenage Cancer Trust gig. But it was almost so very different for the musician from Middlesbrough. In 2013, he admitted he had been an “idiot” following a homophobia row. It came a year after he won the ninth season of ITV talent contest The X Factor.

After his debut single, a cover of Shontelle’s Impossible, was released by Syco Music and went straight in at number one on the UK Singles Chart, the future looked bright for James. However, he almost lost it all following the controversial comments.

James had been forced to cancel tour dates at the time due to being diagnosed with “acute exhaustion”. However, he provoked huge antagonism when he responded to jibes from underground rapper Micky Worthless, by calling him a “f***ing queer” in a rap. James also used the words “scrubber”, “peasant” and “motherf**ker” to insult the up and coming musician, with Lucy Spraggan later sharing a bitter text exchange between the pair.

Critics immediately launched an online petition to demand the singer was removed from an upcoming X Factor line-up. The petition gathered more than 9,000 signatures, and some fans even requested refunds on his album – which all served to send James into depression at the time.

He also quickly apologised, saying: “I’m extremely disappointed in myself for being so naïve with the diss track I made. I assure you homophobia is something I do not believe in.”

A year later, as he was trying to rebuild his career, his single Get Down failed to enter the UK’s top 40. He went on to have a massive go at his PR team before taking aim at Simon Cowell. In a shocking final fall from grace, James was the fired by a seething Simon.

He decided to keep his head down and, in 2016, James admitted he had a “humongous breakdown.” Looking back, James explained: “I was lost. I look back on the character that I was then and I’m embarrassed. I’m embarrassed about how I behaved and how negative my perspective was and how I handled the pressure.

“Looking back now it’s clear to see it was a mental illness issue that I had and again I just dealt with everything in completely the wrong way. It’s great to be in my mind and be conscious again and be looking forward to just focusing on music and all the positive stuff that’s going on.”

Slowly, James has been rebuilding his career and now is riding the wave of success once again. He returned with a new chart topping album in 2024 and his arena tour won the plaudits.

His recent single titled ADHD is part of his determination to destigmatise mental health issues. He has also been involved in a series of impressive collaborations with the likes of Kelly Clarkson.

READ MORE: Ninja’s ‘powerhouse’ air fryer is now £130 off in the Amazon Spring Sale

James Arthur has endured a rocky career following his X Factor win after controversial comments saw the star’s fans and radio stations turn against him

Former X Factor star James Arthur’s career has been rocky to say the least, but the singer has climbed his way back to the top.

The 37-year-old star is ready to take to the Royal Albert Hall stage for tonight’s Teenage Cancer Trust gig. But it was almost so very different for the musician from Middlesbrough. In 2013, he admitted he had been an “idiot” following a homophobia row. It came a year after he won the ninth season of ITV talent contest The X Factor.

After his debut single, a cover of Shontelle’s Impossible, was released by Syco Music and went straight in at number one on the UK Singles Chart, the future looked bright for James. However, he almost lost it all following the controversial comments.

James had been forced to cancel tour dates at the time due to being diagnosed with “acute exhaustion”. However, he provoked huge antagonism when he responded to jibes from underground rapper Micky Worthless, by calling him a “f***ing queer” in a rap. James also used the words “scrubber”, “peasant” and “motherf**ker” to insult the up and coming musician, with Lucy Spraggan later sharing a bitter text exchange between the pair.

Critics immediately launched an online petition to demand the singer was removed from an upcoming X Factor line-up. The petition gathered more than 9,000 signatures, and some fans even requested refunds on his album – which all served to send James into depression at the time.

He also quickly apologised, saying: “I’m extremely disappointed in myself for being so naïve with the diss track I made. I assure you homophobia is something I do not believe in.”

A year later, as he was trying to rebuild his career, his single Get Down failed to enter the UK’s top 40. He went on to have a massive go at his PR team before taking aim at Simon Cowell. In a shocking final fall from grace, James was the fired by a seething Simon.

He decided to keep his head down and, in 2016, James admitted he had a “humongous breakdown.” Looking back, James explained: “I was lost. I look back on the character that I was then and I’m embarrassed. I’m embarrassed about how I behaved and how negative my perspective was and how I handled the pressure.

“Looking back now it’s clear to see it was a mental illness issue that I had and again I just dealt with everything in completely the wrong way. It’s great to be in my mind and be conscious again and be looking forward to just focusing on music and all the positive stuff that’s going on.”

Slowly, James has been rebuilding his career and now is riding the wave of success once again. He returned with a new chart topping album in 2024 and his arena tour won the plaudits.

His recent single titled ADHD is part of his determination to destigmatise mental health issues. He has also been involved in a series of impressive collaborations with the likes of Kelly Clarkson.

READ MORE: Ninja’s ‘powerhouse’ air fryer is now £130 off in the Amazon Spring Sale

The Duchess of Edinburgh addressed politicians at a summit in Brussels today to describe the “corrosive impact” of web-based exploitation and sent a message to tech companies demanding urgent action

The Duchess of Edinburgh last night called for tougher action to combat online child sexual abuse. Sophie, 60, described the “corrosive impact” of web-based exploitation and the need for tech companies to act “urgently” to curb the risk.

Addressing European politicians at a summit in Brussels, Belgium, she added: “Today, children everywhere in the world are not only falling victim to adults wishing to groom them but are exposed to an enormous amount of dangerous, harmful and inappropriate content including material on suicide, self harm, eating disorders, violence and pornography — all with consequences that can prove devastating. In the UK, the introduction of the Online Safety Act in 2023 placed new duties on social media companies to protect users, particularly children, against harmful content. But neither the UK’s government nor that of any one country can do it alone.

“Technology companies are in a uniquely powerful position to promote positive change in developing services that are safe by design and proactive in addressing online harm [with] safety features built in at the outset.“It will take a collective effort by all, including governments, technology companies, regulators, legislators, civil society and law enforcement to make it happen.“We must also listen to the young people themselves who I know are keen to be the architects of their futures. By understanding how and why they interact online and amongst their community, it will help shape our responses.”Directly addressing the audience, she continued: “It is in your hands, as the task of the utmost and urgent importance, because the lives and future of millions of children around the world will be affected by what you decide or what you decide not to do. “Therefore I implore you now, on behalf of the children of today and tomorrow, to redouble your efforts so that they are empowered to learn, to play, to grow and to thrive in our world.” Sophie attended the event, held by the European Parliament, in her role as patron for children’s charities the NSPCC and Plan International UK.

She was joined by Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, who told a panel of abuse victims and representatives from the European Commission: “I’m very very sad to say that in the last 20 years, I have seen the situation with child abuse worsen.

“In the UK, it is estimated that up to 840,000 adults pose a sexual risk to children and 7.5 per cent of children will have been sexually abused by the time they are 16 years old.“These statistics are very important for us to understand the scale and nature of child sexual exploitation and abuse. And as the Duchess of Edinburgh pointed out – we forget every single report is a child – these are real children’s lives and they are being abused in the most horrific ways.”The joint visit comes after an alarming probe by the Internet Watch Foundation found over 300,000 web pages containing X-rated images and videos of minors in 2024 – the worst year on record. Category A images – considered the most serious abuse material – rocketed by 22 per cent in the same period.Victims of child sexual exploitation are typically targeted in their own homes by offenders across the globe. Many are blackmailed into sending images of themselves, tragically resulting in some taking their own lives. More than 7,000 Sexual Communication with a Child offences were recorded by police last year alone – up 89 per cent since 2017.

The NSPCC’s CEO Chris Sherwood, who also attended the gathering, said: “There has never been a more important time for international leaders to be working in tandem to tackle online child sexual abuse and exploitation.“We desperately need this unity of purpose and action to take place on a global scale, as we know offenders can be causing harm from anywhere in the world. Every single day our Childline service hears from children and young people across the UK about the devastating impact grooming, sharing of sexual abuse material, harmful content and blackmail can have on their lives.

“And we know the problem is only growing, particularly with the rapid expansion of generative AI which is giving offender communities new way to abuse large numbers of victims with ease. Robust enforcement of the UK’s Online Safety Act is vital, but to tackle the scale of the challenge we face we also need political leadership on the global stage.

“At the same time there must be collective scrutiny of the platforms and sites who, for too long, have let children be harmed under their watch and evaded accountability. We all – governments, regulators and civil society – have a role to play in keeping children safe online and we must work together to make it a reality.”

The Online Safety Act’s illegal codes of conduct came into effect last week, requiring platforms to proactively tackle illegal content including extreme pornography, child sexual abuse and terror-related material. At the start of the year, the government vowed to make new laws to tackle AI-generated child sexual abuse online images – a growing crime. If green-lit, we will become the first country in the world to make it illegal to possess, create or distribute AI tools designed to generate child sexual abuse and to possess AI ‘paedophile manuals’ which teach people how to use the tech to sexually abuse youngsters.

The Duchess of Edinburgh addressed politicians at a summit in Brussels today to describe the “corrosive impact” of web-based exploitation and sent a message to tech companies demanding urgent action

The Duchess of Edinburgh last night called for tougher action to combat online child sexual abuse. Sophie, 60, described the “corrosive impact” of web-based exploitation and the need for tech companies to act “urgently” to curb the risk.

Addressing European politicians at a summit in Brussels, Belgium, she added: “Today, children everywhere in the world are not only falling victim to adults wishing to groom them but are exposed to an enormous amount of dangerous, harmful and inappropriate content including material on suicide, self harm, eating disorders, violence and pornography — all with consequences that can prove devastating. In the UK, the introduction of the Online Safety Act in 2023 placed new duties on social media companies to protect users, particularly children, against harmful content. But neither the UK’s government nor that of any one country can do it alone.

“Technology companies are in a uniquely powerful position to promote positive change in developing services that are safe by design and proactive in addressing online harm [with] safety features built in at the outset.“It will take a collective effort by all, including governments, technology companies, regulators, legislators, civil society and law enforcement to make it happen.“We must also listen to the young people themselves who I know are keen to be the architects of their futures. By understanding how and why they interact online and amongst their community, it will help shape our responses.”Directly addressing the audience, she continued: “It is in your hands, as the task of the utmost and urgent importance, because the lives and future of millions of children around the world will be affected by what you decide or what you decide not to do. “Therefore I implore you now, on behalf of the children of today and tomorrow, to redouble your efforts so that they are empowered to learn, to play, to grow and to thrive in our world.” Sophie attended the event, held by the European Parliament, in her role as patron for children’s charities the NSPCC and Plan International UK.

She was joined by Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, who told a panel of abuse victims and representatives from the European Commission: “I’m very very sad to say that in the last 20 years, I have seen the situation with child abuse worsen.

“In the UK, it is estimated that up to 840,000 adults pose a sexual risk to children and 7.5 per cent of children will have been sexually abused by the time they are 16 years old.“These statistics are very important for us to understand the scale and nature of child sexual exploitation and abuse. And as the Duchess of Edinburgh pointed out – we forget every single report is a child – these are real children’s lives and they are being abused in the most horrific ways.”The joint visit comes after an alarming probe by the Internet Watch Foundation found over 300,000 web pages containing X-rated images and videos of minors in 2024 – the worst year on record. Category A images – considered the most serious abuse material – rocketed by 22 per cent in the same period.Victims of child sexual exploitation are typically targeted in their own homes by offenders across the globe. Many are blackmailed into sending images of themselves, tragically resulting in some taking their own lives. More than 7,000 Sexual Communication with a Child offences were recorded by police last year alone – up 89 per cent since 2017.

The NSPCC’s CEO Chris Sherwood, who also attended the gathering, said: “There has never been a more important time for international leaders to be working in tandem to tackle online child sexual abuse and exploitation.“We desperately need this unity of purpose and action to take place on a global scale, as we know offenders can be causing harm from anywhere in the world. Every single day our Childline service hears from children and young people across the UK about the devastating impact grooming, sharing of sexual abuse material, harmful content and blackmail can have on their lives.

“And we know the problem is only growing, particularly with the rapid expansion of generative AI which is giving offender communities new way to abuse large numbers of victims with ease. Robust enforcement of the UK’s Online Safety Act is vital, but to tackle the scale of the challenge we face we also need political leadership on the global stage.

“At the same time there must be collective scrutiny of the platforms and sites who, for too long, have let children be harmed under their watch and evaded accountability. We all – governments, regulators and civil society – have a role to play in keeping children safe online and we must work together to make it a reality.”

The Online Safety Act’s illegal codes of conduct came into effect last week, requiring platforms to proactively tackle illegal content including extreme pornography, child sexual abuse and terror-related material. At the start of the year, the government vowed to make new laws to tackle AI-generated child sexual abuse online images – a growing crime. If green-lit, we will become the first country in the world to make it illegal to possess, create or distribute AI tools designed to generate child sexual abuse and to possess AI ‘paedophile manuals’ which teach people how to use the tech to sexually abuse youngsters.

Prince William joined young farmers at an event in Somerset today and ran into the stars of Clarkson’s Farm – Kaleb Cooper and Charlie Ireland – revealing that Prince George is a huge fan of the show

Prince William is set to appear on an episode of Clarkson’s Farm after meeting star Kaleb Cooper to discuss mental health within the farming community. The Prince of Wales, 42, shared wisecracks with Kaleb and co-star Charlie Ireland and revealed son Prince George is even a fan of the Amazon Prime show.

William took part in an event for sixty of the Duchy of Cornwall’s next generation of farming tenants at Folly Farm, in Somerset. And he also joined a panel chat hosted by television star and presenter Vick Hope which is set to appear on a future episode of BBC’s Countryfile.

As he met Kaleb, 26, the telly star joked to his royal visitor: “Great hair.” William laughed and joked back asking if the farmer celeb was wearing a clean shirt. And when Kaleb pointed out his boots, William said: “Are they the cleanest ones you’ve got?”

Kaleb has passionately spoken out in the past about mental health challenges for young farmers. He joined Clarkson’s Farm land agent Charlie Ireland for the day of talks and activities for young farmers.

But William told the pair: “You’ve got George watching now. I said to him ‘what shall I say if I meet Kaleb?’ He said ‘tell Kaleb to mind his language.” William also met Vick Hope, presenter of Countryfile, and hosted a panel with Wills and Sam and Emily Stables of charity We are Farming Minds. The prince pointed out the last time they met was in Birmingham during an interview with Radio One.

Vick said: “Yes it was, you mentioned the aubergine emoji was your favourite.” Wills replied laughing: “It felt like the right environment to to do it, not sure maybe today.

The Prince of Wales, who is also the Duke of Cornwall, was announced as the new Patron of We Are Farming Minds which aims to improve the mental health of Duchy farmers. Speaking to the panel he said ridding the “taboo” around mental health in the farming community is a “work in progress”.

He said ” we can do more” to support farmers and speak about mental health. William is a keen advocate and has spoken about mental health issues for several years and added: “I never realised what I’d stumbled into when I scratched the surface. The issue of mental health is fragile and not spoken about enough.” Asked by Vick Hope what was in his “toolkit” used to cope with mental health issues and stress, he replied: “My toolbox is quite big.”

He added: “If you imagine all of the tools you have in a farm, have a tool box that is a mental toolbox and in their you have to have certain tools to deal with any problems that come along in life. If you don’t have that tool, find someone who can provide you with that tool.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for a bit of help. For me breaking work life balance, breaking the cycle where you can. I know in farming world you life, sleep, breath, everything, but try and find away to come away from it, otherwise you’ll find yourself talking about the same thing that bother you on a day to day basis. And it goes round in circles.”

Kaleb has spoken out about the importance of mental health in the farming community.And told William: “Most 20-year-olds are going to clubs and pubs but young farmers are stuck on their tractors, which is great, but they are not talking to anyone.”

He told William that he has around 250 phone calls a day “chatting away” with other young farmers while they are working on fields alone.Speaking afterwards he said it was “great” that Prince George watches Clarkson’s Farm. He added: “It’s family TV and I do get told off for swearing and I try to stop.”

Speaking about William’s efforts to help mental health in family communities, he said: “The more people that shout about it the better. It doesn’t matter who you are but it’s great to have a Royal standing with us and pushing this.”

Charlie Ireland said: “You don’t have to be in farming to understand that there is a problem and that is what he is highlighting, which is fantastic.” The fun day also held workshops for next generation Duchy farmers, youngsters who will inherit from their families and advice in mental health support. William also watched young farmers take part in a tug-of-war. His visit is expected to feature in Clarkson’s Farm series 4 next year and an upcoming Countryfile episode in May.