If you miss the histrionics of the final Oasis years, the chaos on confusion on stage, this new tour may not be for you.
But having now seen it three times in a week, I think there are plenty of signs Noel Gallagher is moulding the band into a sharper sounding unit. And at the heart of it is a consistent vocal performance from brother Liam.
On Saturday night at the end of the show the brothers hugged and then Noel pointed over to his brother in a clear show of admiration and to tell the crowd just how much he loved Liam’s performance. It was a shocking sight, the total opposite of their old rows on stage.
This symbolic show of respect – Liam raises Noel’s arm aloft to start the shows too – means they are surely starting to get on better behind the scenes too.
Liam is sounding better than ever ( Big Brother Recordings)
Noel is loving working with Liam’s voice again. And perhaps he is now relaxing into the gigs a bit more as we saw some extra little guitar ad-libs, with longer intros and outros of songs are on display compared to the Cardiff comeback.
To my ears the band’s keyboard player Christian Madden has also been turned up on notch on some songs to good effect. And new drummer Joey Waronker has found his feet and the band is sounding tighter.
“What a f**king joy,” Liam said towards the end of the gig as they prepared to sing Wonderwall, and he wasn’t wrong.
If he keeps his end of the bargain and rests now and can keep his voice on track, Noel can tinker with the sound and the wall of guitars and the gigs will only get better.
Noel and Liam are back – and even holding hands ( William Lailey / SWNS)
Would I like more stage interaction? Of course. And some of the lines on stage are now pre-planned which doesn’t feel very Oasis. But the Gallaghers have grown up, and like their mature fans who can only manage to jump up and down for the odd song in three these days, this style of set is what they need to make things work.
Oasis: What’s Their Story? An unofficial celebration magazine on sale now!
A few simple words on social media on August 27 in 2024 were enough to spark pandemonium among Oasis fans and were the catalyst for the most eagerly awaited UK gigs of all time.
And if Liam protects his vocal chords, little by little Noel is going to make Oasis even better.
Saturday night also saw Richard Ashcroft change up his set list in the support slot, bringing in Weeping Willow.
Oasis fans were so desperate to get in they scaled the fences with ladders ( Manchester Evening News)
Fans who are going to more than one Oasis show, myself included, would love to see Noel do this but I’m not sure it’s very likely, he will concentrate on getting this set right, they will want to stick to the ones that worked best in rehearsals.
So roll on the next two hour singalong at Heaton Park. And long may the Gallaghers love in continue.
Television favourite Nicki Chapman has spoken about the impact of being diagnosed with a brain tumour and her thoughts about retiring from a glittering career in television
Nicki Chapman has spoken about whether she plans to retire anytime soon(Image: Getty)
Television presenter Nicki Chapman has issued a definitive statement on whether she plans to retire any time soon. The star of Pop Idol and Escape to the Country said that she wants to continue looking forward and to stay in her profession.
Nicki’s comments came after a terrifying health incident in which she was originally believed to have had a stroke before doctors realised she had a benign melanoma on her brain. Speaking to Candis magazine about the ordeal, the BBC star said: “They thought I’d had a stroke. I cannot praise the NHS highly enough: I was looked after brilliantly from start to finish.
“I went back to work six weeks to the day after surgery. I’m 58. I have my health, my various jobs, and my lovely husband.”
Nicki Chapman was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2019
On whether she plans to retire, Nicki added: “Heavens no. If you’re lucky enough to love what you do, keep doing it. And I’ve never been someone who looks back. I always look forward – in both senses of the phrase.”
This isn’t the first time Nicki has spoken about her tumour and how it has affected her since she was diagnosed in 2019.In 2024, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show presenter spoke to the Brain Tumour charity in 2020 about the experience and the distress she felt.
She said: “My symptoms were very sudden, over 24 hours. Initially doctors thought I’d had a stroke but scans revealed a golf-ball-sized meningioma.
“It’s the initial shock of diagnosis and then the shock when you tell people that’s even more distressing.
“It’s like a slap. When you have to ring people – your family – and tell them; it’s just hideous.”
Nicki praised NHS staff for aiding her recovery
Later, in 2024, she would tell the Mirror how much she was thankful to the NHS for their treatment of her, especially during the recovery.
She said: “Fortunately, my experience was a good one, my recovery was amazing, but I still take one day at a time.
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“I’m a very positive person, so to always put a positive spin on life has helped keep me going.”
Nicki added that she felt like she should share her experience so that others in the same position didn’t feel alone.
“Comparisons are odious,” wrote Cervantes in Don Quijote. Nowhere is that more true than in football – a world fuelled by statistics, noise, and the endless urge to crown the next Lionel Messi.
Lamine Yamal has heard it all before.
When the question came – again – he didn’t bite.
“I don’t compare myself with him,” he said. “I don’t want to compare myself with anyone, and even less with Messi. That’s something I leave to you.
“He is the best player in football’s history. I am making my own way.”
So, what are we doing talking about Messi in a Lamine Yamal piece? It is just to create some context, because there are some stunning statistics.
Yamal turns 18 on Sunday by which time he will have played 106 first-team games – 73 in La Liga, 23 in Europe, six in the Copa del Rey and four others.
Getty Images
It’s probably safe to assume that as long as he keeps scoring, creating and winning games and titles for both club and country, Yamal won’t be that bothered what number he is carrying on the back of his shirt.
Not that, of course, this has stopped him having a bit of fun on social media over the speculation that this season he will be wearing Barcelona’s iconic number 10.
He has posted pictures of himself one day with the number 19 jersey he currently wears – as a young Messi also did – followed by a homage to some previous wearers of the 10.
The names read like a who’s who of footballing royalty. Messi, of course, Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Romario, Hristo Stoichkov, Juan Roman Riquelme, Pep Guardiola and Laszlo Kubala.
Speculation around Barcelona’s number 10 shirt has followed him for months.
Out of respect, he did not entertain conversations about it while Ansu Fati, the previous wearer, was still at the club, but he has since moved to Monaco.
Barcelona have not announced anything officially although there has been a dramatic surge in sales of said shirt.
Who is Lamine Yamal?
There are a number of errors and misconceptions about the player, not least the fact that despite being discussed and written about endlessly, the majority of the media and fans continue to get his name wrong.
His full name is Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana-Nasraoui. Like so many players in La Liga – think Xavi, Pedri, Joselu etc – he identifies on the pitch by his first name which is not just Lamine, nor is it just Yamal, it is Lamine Yamal.
He was named after two men, Lamine and Yamal, who helped his parents (Equatorial Guinean Sheila Ebana and Moroccan Mounir Nasraoui) pay rent during a financially difficult period before his birth.
By way of thanks, they made good on the promise to name their son in their honour.
Much has been made of the forward’s holidays, his off-pitch life, and the perceived risk of distraction. Apparently he is a teenager that enjoys himself. Go figure!
More worrying is the quiet implications of that accusation. The reality is far less dramatic. He goes out, like most 17-year-olds, especially during holidays.
He is very close to his family and enjoys time with friends (he visited Neymar in Brazil). He’s a healthy, responsible teenager. He is teetotal and a practising Muslim who has spoken openly about his observance of Ramadan.
And while there aren’t photos of him training during summer mornings, that’s largely because there’s no public access. Behind the scenes, the work is still happening. He enjoys himself, there are fewer rules and obligations than during the season, but he doesn’t switch off. There is balance.
So how good is he?
The statistics are remarkable, especially when you consider his age. And they keep improving.
Since making his debut, he has won two La Liga titles, although he featured just once during Barcelona’s 2022–23 title-winning campaign. Since then, he has missed only four league games across the past two seasons. He has also lifted the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup. On the international stage, he has already won the European Championship with Spain.
He wants everything: to lead, to score, to win. But there’s a calmness to his ambition. He doesn’t just dream of being better, he works at it.
Crucially, he knows he’s not there yet. That balance between confidence and humility is what allows him to play with such freedom, as if still in the schoolyard.
It all begins at home. His parents, often discussed publicly but rarely understood, play a crucial role in keeping his feet on the ground. His father is firm, tells it as it is, and is enjoying his son’s success very publicly – perhaps too exposed at the public judgement.
His mother and grandmother offer a different kind of strength – consistent, loving, and deeply rooted in values. They are the quiet force that underpins everything.
That’s how he appears not a teenager overwhelmed, but a boy enjoying the game. It’s not down to ignorance of pressure. It’s a mindset, one that believes the best is still to come, and if it doesn’t arrive, he’ll keep chasing it.
Before the Champions League final he said: “At my age, few have played as many games for a club like Barca, and that’s what I value most. Playing at this level and for a club like Barca isn’t something that anyone can do.”
When asked about the pressure or fear of failure involved with playing at the top level, he said: “I left that fear behind on the pitch in Mataro a while ago.”
He was referring to his old pitch in the district of Rocafonda, where he played as a kid with others three, four and more years older.
Getty Images
His improvement last season was astonishing.
He went from seven goals and nine assists in 23-24 to 18 goals and 25 assists last campaign.
Easy to understand therefore why the boy from Rocafonda has had his contract recently renewed until 2031 with a reported base wage of 15m euro (£12.9m) per season, rising to 20m euro with performance-related bonuses plus a buyout clause set at a jaw-dropping 1bn euro, a figure clearly put in place to repel potential suitors.
But he would be the first to admit he is still a work in progress, that the best is still to come. He still needs to focus more on honing that killer instinct on goal
It’s worth remembering that two of Yamal’s biggest moments in 2025 – against Inter in the semi-finals of the Champions League and the Nations League final against Portugal – both ended in defeat.
Those close to him wanted to see his reaction as everything to that point had gone in an upwards trajectory.
Barcelona’s dramatic exit was painful for any player, more so for a 17-year-old. But his response was revealing. He was visibly hurt, yes, but once back in the dressing room, his mindset shifted quickly.
He started thinking about what was still left to win. The league, the cup. And the knowledge that the Champions League would come around again next year. That instinct – to refocus, to move forward – says everything about him.
One Barcelona executive remarked recently: “He’s just a kid – even if you forget that because of how he behaves on the pitch.”
Off the pitch? You see the teenager more often.
Spain team-mate Dani Olmo once described the national team environment as a “schoolyard” atmosphere – all jokes, energy, and youthful confidence.
It’s an environment where Yamal thrives. He gets along with everyone (that is why he is the team DJ), brings mischief without overstepping, and knows when to pull back.
Maybe he learned from the reaction in the group when, playing with Barcelona’s under-18s, he wore a Morocco shirt the day after Spain was knocked out of the World Cup by his dad’s nation.
Getty Images
His relationship with new Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has been smooth. He may be cheeky, but he’s always respectful. One team-mate simply calls him “a character”.
His inner circle occasionally wishes he’d expose himself to the spotlight a little less. Yet almost everyone agrees on one thing: he has the courage and personality to handle it.
That, more than the dribbles, more than the comparisons, is what makes Yamal unique. Not just that he plays like he’s still in the schoolyard, but that even as the world begins to crown him, that’s still where he feels most at home.
But that tension – between who he is and what he projects – runs through his entire story. At times, he reminds you of his age. After one match, when asked about criticism of his attitude, he responded: “As long as I’m winning, they can’t say anything.” A defiant moment, perhaps, but also an honest one.
Yamal is a player in constant evolution. Not satisfied with what he already has, he’s motivated by what he doesn’t. His eyes are firmly on the future: more goals, more strength, more consistency.
But he isn’t trying to bypass the process. He knows there’s more to learn.
Charlotte Tilbury has shared her thoughts on the various beauty dupes of her iconic products and slams the alternatives for “duping the consumer” and “steal[ing] from your skincare”
Charlotte Tilbury set the record straight on beauty dupes(Image: Charlotte Tilbury)
Charlotte Tilbury spoke candidly about the rise of beauty dupes of the products from her celebrity-approved brand, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty.
The beauty CEO took to the Shameless Podcast to air her true thoughts about the alternatives, which are often cheaper that the original product. “When I look at some of the dupes out there, I get really upset,” she said. “As a creative, I want to empower the consumer.”
The 52-year-old, who’s brand is loved by Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Jennifer Lopez, said that when she’s examined the products with her “expert eye and tested with scientists,” she claims the dupes “will dehydrate your skin.”
READ MORE: Charlotte Tilbury’s ‘skin-blurring’ face base set is nearly 50% off in the brand’s summer sale
The Hollywood Contour Duo is a widely duped beauty product(Image: Charlotte Tilbury)
“They do everything I didn’t dream for them to do. Whether I wanted it to smooth [the skin] or not sit in any lines or pores or dehydrate your skin or steal from your skincare that you had on beforehand,” she expressed. “That for me was like no, that’s not what I want to do.”
Charlotte doubled down, explaining that she owns the formulas, intellectual property and technology of her brands’ formulas, therefore, “duping is basically trying to sell people something that it doesn’t do, they’re duping the consumer.”
However, not all listeners of the podcast were on side with Charlotte. Some took to the comments to share their views, with one writing: “Maybe she needs to realise the price with a struggling economy and a struggling society, that’s why people buy dupes because they can afford them.”
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Another commented on the “eyewatering” price of Charlotte’s products, adding: “Make it affordable then people won’t make or buy dupes. Some of the prices are eye watering.”
A third typed: “Maybe she should get herself in tune with the budget of the average woman which clearly isn’t her and make her products affordable then perhaps the dupes wouldn’t be so popular.”
What’s the deal with beauty dupes?
Cosmetify beauty editorMaria Mukaranda tells The Mirror that due to the rising cost of living, we’ve entered “a phase where almost any product, no matter how iconic or expensive, is open to being ‘duped’”. The trend is unsurprisingly driven by Gen Z, who refuse to gatekeep their hidden gems and see “discovering a dupe as something to celebrate rather than keep to themselves.”
“Spending £40 on a foundation or £60 on a serum isn’t realistic for many, so dupes give people the chance to try similar products without breaking the bank,” she adds.
But Maria explains that not all dupes are created equal. “A lower price doesn’t always mean lower quality, but it can be a risk if the formula or ingredients haven’t been properly tested. There are also concerns about overconsumption and the environmental impact of buying trend-led products just because they’re cheap.”
“It’s also worth noting that not every dupe is a direct copy. There are plenty of well-formulated alternatives on the market that don’t imitate packaging or branding, but still offer similar shades or skincare benefits at a more affordable price. These kinds of dupes can be a smart way to get the results you want without compromising on cost or quality.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘s career moves since quitting royal life have certainly ruffled feathers, from a bestselling book that tears down the royal family to bombshell podcasts and making jam.
Most recently, the Duchess of Sussexes’ Netflix show With Love, Meghan – which sees her offer tips and tricks for cooking and hosting – was savaged by critics and only just managed to scrape into the top 10 shows streamed on the platform when it released.
And in 2023, Spotify parted ways with the couple, ending a £15m deal. An executive at the company even branded the pair “grifters” after the collaboration fell flat.
Meghan has since launched her own podcasts, as well as her sell-out lifestyle brand As Ever which offers flower sprinkles, wine and jam amongst other items.
The couple’s commercial endeavours have sparked anger from some royal watchers who believe they are still profiting from their fractured royal ties.
And after striking up deals with streaming and audio giants, all while still focusing on their charity work and solo ventures, other onlookers have simply felt underwhelmed by their endeavours.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been dubbed “boring and unprofitable” by a royal commentator ( zz/NDZ/STAR MAX/IPx)
Recently, royal commentator Esther Krakue savagely branded Harry and Meghan “boring and unprofitable”, claiming that Meghan has “nothing to lose” if her lifestyle brand As Ever were to fail.
Despite the brutal claims, royal expert Jennie Bond believes that the couple’s deals with streaming services Netflix and Spotify delivered what was promised, and were more popular than some give credit for.
Harry and Meghan have so far produced five projects for Netflix, including their docuseries, Harry & Meghan, Live to Lead, Heart of Invictus, Polo and With Love, Meghan. Netflix is also a partner of As Ever.
Royal expert Jennie Bond believes Harry and Meghan have delivered on their contract promises with Netflix and Spotify ( meghan/Instagram)
Jennie, a former royal correspondent with the BBC, told the Mirror that despite the public backlash over their projects, the Sussexes have delivered on their agreement with the streaming services to give fans a look into their lives.
She said: “It’s quite obvious that Netflix got involved with them because they wanted the inside story of their royal life. And they got it. It’s true that they haven’t managed to produce much content since then, or at least content that has proved particularly popular.
“But Meghan‘s lifestyle show is perfectly pleasant and has some quite useful tips. For example she was much mocked for saying that she wanted to “elevate“ ordinary things. But she’s quite right: if you watch any cookery programmes, all the professionals agree that it really is vital that dishes are beautifully presented.”
Jennie believes Meghan’s lifestyle show is “perfectly pleasant” and has some “quite useful tips” ( JAKE ROSENBERG/NETFLIX)
Jennie notes that while Meghan is a natural in front of the camera, Prince Harry may have found the task much more difficult. She said: “Harry was probably always going to be out of his depth as a would-be TV producer or presenter.
“He has dabbled, and the results have been mediocre, so I think he now realises he is better placed using his platform to pursue his charitable and campaigning work.”
The expert believes Meghan is far more comfortable in front of the camera than Harry ( Netflix)
When asked if she thought Meghan had anything to lose if her business fails, Jennie said: “Well, she has her pride certainly, and I believe her when she says she has poured her heart and soul into her business curating a range of products for her website. So far, it has been quite successful – there is clearly a high demand as everything sells out almost instantly.
“She has certainly built up a very impressive following on social media in a very short time – and that is where the future lies for so many business ventures. She seems to be buzzing with new ideas and I wish her success. I hope they’re happy.”
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EXCLUSIVE: Cheryl has been left ‘heartbroken’ over the fact that Liam Payne’s final TV project, Netflix talent show Building The Band, is now available for the world to see
Liam Payne and Cheryl are parents to son, Bear
Emotions were running high last week when the first four episodes of Liam Payne’s final TV project, the Netflix talent show Building The Band, were released.
And no one was finding it harder than Liam’s former partner, Cheryl Tweedy, the mother of their eight-year-old son, Bear. According to those close to her, the former Girls Aloud star found it “heartbreaking”, as the programme highlighted the sheer magnitude of her and Bear’s loss.
“It is very sad for Cheryl,” a source told the Mirror. “She’s very proud that Liam’s final project is now available for the world to see, but obviously it’s heartbreaking, too, after Liam’s death. It’s a poignant reminder to Cheryl – and to his fans – of how much more Liam could have done with his life. But that potential was tragically cut short.”
Liam Payne’s final TV project, the Netflix talent show Building The Band was recently released(Image: Netflix)
Cheryl, 42, who was in a relationship with Liam from 2016 to 2018, is said to be focusing on how this will affect Bear, and how much Liam is missed as a father.
“He had so much going for him, as well as being a devoted father to Bear,” our source claimed. “It’s another reason why Cheryl wanted to continue with her own TV career – to show Bear that there is life after losing Liam, that you can be strong and that he can pick himself up. He can be anything he wants to be in life.”
Last week, Building The Band’s host, AJ McLean from the Backstreet Boys, paid tribute to the One Direction star, who died last October at the age of just 31.
At the start of the first episode, AJ, 47, said of his late friend and co-star, “When we came together to film Building The Band, we never imagined we’d soon be saying goodbye to our friend, Liam Payne.
“Liam is a guest judge in later episodes and, through his presence, we see his deep love for music and his unwavering commitment to helping others find their voice. It’s through that spirit that we dedicate this series to Liam and his family.”
One devastated fan who watched the show posted, “It’s so good to see him happy and in his element, but it’s sad knowing this is his last project. I can’t watch this without bawling my eyes out.”
Other fans were equally triggered by the sight of Liam, who looked healthy and happy on their screens. “Emotional and angry he can’t be here,” wrote one follower, while another added, “My heart stopped for a moment when I heard his voice and then saw him.”
Liam finished filming the show, in which he appears alongside Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland as a guest judge, just two months before he tragically died after falling from his hotel suite in Argentina.
While he doesn’t appear in the first four episodes, the singer is prominent in the show’s trailer and will feature later in the series, after his devastated family gave Netflix their blessing.
Prior to Building The Band’s release, Liam’s sister, Ruth, said that she was “heartbroken” her brother won’t get to see how his final TV project turned out.
“He knew he had done a good job, we all told him this when we were at filming, but watching it back–woah!” she said on her Instagram Stories.
“There are a range of emotions I felt watching this, but one of the main ones is immeasurable pride, always. Miss you more every day.”
In a touching full-circle moment, Liam appears alongside former Pussycat Dolls star Nicole, who helped put One Direction together during her stint as an X Factor judge back in 2010.
Cheryl posted a picture of Liam Payne holding their baby boy, Bear(Image: Daily Record)
At the time of his death, Liam had already recorded a substantial amount of footage and the streaming giant confirmed that he would remain central to its narrative, having been given the go-ahead by his family.
Showrunner Cat Lawson described him as a “glorious person”, adding, “The show is dedicated to Liam. We all loved him and he was amazing in the show.”
Simon Hay, the shooting producer- director, remembered Liam as “chatty and approachable”, adding that he always remembered people’s names.
Poignantly, Liam seems in good spirits on screen as he helps aspiring artists on their path to success. But for many fans, seeing their idol was a bittersweet experience.
“Oh, how it hurts seeing him, but I couldn’t be prouder of this wonderful human being,” one wrote, while another said, “They honoured Liam in a way that truly reflected who he was.”
Liam’s appearance is a far cry from the disturbing picture that was painted following his untimely death in Buenos Aires. Last November, toxicology tests revealed traces of alcohol, cocaine and a prescription antidepressant in his body, while a post-mortem determined his cause of death as “multiple trauma” and “internal and external haemorrhage” as a result of his fatal fall.
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Following the shock news of Liam’s passing, Cheryl described the loss as “earth-shattering”, adding, “Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our seven-year-old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.”
Building The Band is available to watch now on Netflix.
