Sat comfortably in a large chair at the New Afrika Shrine, his family’s legendary Nigerian music venue, Femi Kuti was surrounded by history.
The concert hall is an homage to his father Fela Kuti’s original Shrine, which had also been located in the northern outskirts of Lagos before its demise.
Femi’s own music awards are scattered around, recognition for his determination to keep fighting the good fight his Afrobeat legend father was known for — calling out corruption and injustice in Africa’s most populous nation.
Part of a family defined by its determination to speak defiantly about what was going on around them — whether through lyrics or protest or both — Femi Kuti, however, is ready to turn inward, and focus on the “virtues that have guided me in my life”, he told AFP in a recent interview.
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Those reflections will be apparent in the 62-year-old’s upcoming album, “Journey Through Life,” his 13th record, set to release on April 25.
In the upcoming record, he sings about “the kind of advice I give myself to where I am today,” he said. The title track, for example, is “not political”.
But listeners should not expect a member of the Kuti clan to give up politics completely.
From Afrobeat to Afrobeats
The elder Kuti came to define Afrobeat, the 70s-era jazz- and funk-inspired genre that would later give birth to the modern, R& B-inspired Afrobeats — plural — style shaking up the global music industry today.
Femi Kuti performs at the New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, Lagos, on April 6, 2025. (Photo by FAWAZ OYEDEJI / AFP)
He was also a poster child of protest — using his lyrics to call out government abuses, even under brutal military juntas that ran Nigeria off and on before its latest transition to democracy in 1999, two years after his death from AIDS.
Femi Kuti’s grandmother, meanwhile, was a women’s rights and independence activist.
It might be a given, then, that the virtues that guided Femi Kuti would be political in nature — though he has tempered his expectations of what exactly music can do.
“My father used to say music is the weapon. I think music is a weapon for change, but it can’t be the soul,” he said. “We still need organisations. ”
After all, the elder Kuti was repeatedly beaten and jailed by authorities — and with an incomplete record to show for it. Democracy might have eventually taken hold, but the corruption he railed against has been trickier to uproot.
“Self-reflection makes me think maybe it’s not possible to change the world. But one thing I’m sure of is that I can change myself, I can make myself a better person,” Kuti told AFP.
New songs, same struggles
Femi Kuti has spent the last four decades as the heir to his father’s activism and musical style.
(FILES) In this file photo taken on October 3, 2022 Nigerian musician Femi Kuti, son of the pioneer of Afrobeat Fela Kuti, poses with a saxophone in a music studio in Paris. (Photo by Geoffroy VAN DER HASSELT / AFP)
Together with his son Made and brother Seun, he keeps the New Afrika Shrine a sweaty, bumping place to be each Sunday night, and continues to tour internationally.
A file photo of Seun Kuti
The album, Kuti promised, is “still very political” — and Kuti has some of his own thoughts to share as well.
“I’ve been singing political songs for 38 years,” yet not much has changed. In “Nigeria, it’s gotten worse”.
“Corruption must stop in the political class,” he said. “Everybody thinks the only way to be successful is through corruption. ”
“The health care — there’s nothing that works,” he said.
“We can’t afford a good education (for children). ”
These days he is unlikely to be beaten or jailed like his father — which traumatised his family growing up, he said.
Though things are not always rosy for musicians in the modern political climate either.
Broadcasting authorities earlier this month banned “Tell Your Papa”, by Eedris Abdulkareem, for its lyrics blasting President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the economic and security situation in the country.
The government is pursuing painful — though necessary, it argues — economic reforms, while insecurity from jihadist groups continues to menace the country’s north.
“It will probably be very hard for me to not talk on political subjects,” Kuti admitted, before an electrifying live performance at an all-night show.
A day before Easter, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire for the Christian holiday. Like other Russian promises, this one was broken too. Ukrainian media reported Russian drone attacks, shelling and firefights across the front lines. Ukrainian civilians were also targeted.
This ceasefire that wasn’t came on the tail of another one: a 30-day ceasefire that was supposed to cover energy infrastructure. That was violated at least 30 times, per Ukrainian media reports.
Throughout this time, United States President Donald Trump has continued to maintain that peace could be achieved. Even after his own Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the US could walk away from its mediator role because of lack of progress, the president still showed optimism that a deal was possible.
On Easter Sunday, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Hopefully Russia and Ukraine will make a deal this week. ”
A week earlier, Russia struck the Ukrainian city of Sumy with ballistic missiles. The death toll from the attack reached 34 people, including two children, with more than a dozen injured. Even this bloody attack did not sway the US president, who called it “a mistake”.
It is by now clear that three months into his presidency, Trump is failing dramatically in Ukraine. He must now realise that bold promises are easier made than fulfilled. He has not ended the war in 24 hours and will not do so in 100 days either, as he has promised.
Under his leadership, Washington’s mediating drive appears stalled and its strategy unclear. A president who prides himself on deal-making and strength now stands indecisive and ineffective.
If this continues, Trump risks failing twice: once as a negotiator and again as an ally. His current approach is not only weakening the role of the US in the world but also emboldening Russia to continue its aggression.
Despite the Trump administration’s outreach to the Kremlin, it has received nothing more than empty rhetoric and broken promises for ceasefires.
Putin’s stance hasn’t changed: He demands recognition of Russia’s claim to Crimea and four Ukrainian regions the Russian army partially occupies, no NATO membership for Kyiv and a limit on the size of its army. He has also openly called for regime change in the country, demanding elections during the war.
Putin feels he’s negotiating from a position of strength and refuses to compromise. Trump currently lacks the leverage to make him reconsider, and so his strategy is to pressure Ukraine into capitulating to Russia. He is making the situation worse with his policies on military aid for Ukraine.
After initially halting the transfer of weapons and munitions and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, Trump partially reversed his stance. He allowed military assistance approved by the administration of his predecessor President Joe Biden to resume, but he has refused to consider a new package once the current one comes to an end.
His administration still has several billion dollars available for drawdown, which could be allocated for further security support to Ukraine, but Trump has not signalled he is willing to approve it.
That means Ukraine will soon face a situation in which key munitions stocks run out. Russia knows this, and it is using negotiations with the US to buy time.
While it is waiting for the Ukrainian army to run out of vital supplies, Moscow has also initiated a large troop mobilisation. The call-up of 160,000 new conscripts marks a significant escalation. Ukrainian commanders have warned that major offensives could begin within weeks across multiple fronts.
Putin’s aim is to use the Trump administration’s self-professed “peace-making” ambitions to his advantage. His strategy is to drag out ceasefire negotiations until US military aid runs out and the Russian army is able to advance far enough into Ukrainian territory to force Kyiv into capitulation.
For Ukraine, defeat is not an option. The nation is still standing and will continue fighting because its freedom and independence are at stake. Even if Trump puts more pressure on Kyiv to consider a bad “peace deal” with Russia in which it makes all the concessions Putin wants, no Ukrainian leader would sign it because that would mean political ruin.
Europe, for all its hesitations and internal divisions, has little choice now but to become a full-fledged ally of Kyiv. Europeans know Russia would not stop at Ukraine, and the threat is existential for them as well. The Kremlin is already preparing the Russian population through a large-scale propaganda campaign that a “great war” with NATO countries is necessary.
In the face of this threat, European countries are looking to rearm, and for this, they need time. This means that Ukraine’s war of liberation will continue for years, with or without US involvement.
Meanwhile, the US under its current course will sink deeper into domestic crises, consumed by the aftershocks of self-isolation and haunted by costly decisions in a world it no longer leads. This will be what Trump leaves behind: a legacy not of resolution but of retreat.
If he does not change course, history will remember him not as a strong leader who brought peace but as a boastful, naive man who made promises he could not fulfil.
There’s a ‘perfect’ summer dress causing a stir among shoppers thanks to its ‘always sold-out’ status – but right now, it’s back in stock in all sizes
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Shoppers have been ‘dying’ to get ‘always sold-out’ mini dress now back in stock(Image: Free People)
Whether you’re shopping for a special occasion or simply looking for your next staple summer look, this dress from Free People is a clear, all-around winner for hundreds of shoppers. Available in a massive nineteen shades to choose from, this mini dress is always out of stock – thanks to its timeless elegance and versatility. But shoppers can finally rejoice as it lands back on virtual shelves in all colours.
That said, this item has a reputation for selling out fast, and some sizes are already dwindling in stock, so if you want to join the crowds loving this look, you’ll need to act fast before it disappears again.
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This For The Moment Mini comes in 19 colourways(Image: Free People)
The dress that’s capturing hearts in all shapes and sizes is this For The Moment Mini from Free People. Available in sizes XS to XL and coming in a range of hues, from ivory to pastel blue to deep wine, this dress has become a firm favourite for all occasions – with some shoppers saying they’ve bought it in multiple shades, because they can’t get enough.
This spring-ready dress is a dream for the transitional seasons as well as the summer months, thanks to its lightweight and billowy material, longer balloon sleeves, and mini length. Offering a timeless and simplistic design that promises endless ways to wear, this dress is set to be a staple in your wardrobe, whether you’re dressing it up or down.
Hailed as the definition of romantic, this mini dress boasts a relaxed, A-line silhouette that’s set to suit any body shape, with a smocked waistband for definition, creating a figure-hugging fit that isn’t constrictive. Also featuring a flattering plunge V-neckline, this mini will surely be a winner for everything from spring days out to holidays abroad.
Retailing for £88, this number has piles of 5-star reviews from shoppers who have managed to get their hands on the dress before it sold-out. One thrilled customer beams: “One of the prettiest dresses I own. I sized down to an xs due to previous reviews and it fits perfect. It does have more fabric than most dresses but looks flattering and gives shape! I’m 5’4 and it’s the perfect length! “
More praise comes from this buyer who says: “This was so flattering on me – I can’t wait to wear it on vacation. I will say that it was a little big on me. I am usually a size 10-12 in clothes. I’ve ordered this brand before and am usually a large, but this time, the large felt big on me. I get that it is supposed to be flowy, but I felt like I was swimming in it a bit. That said, I am absolutely still going to wear it! But, if you are looking for a tighter fit, I would size down. “
A third joins the chorus, raving: “I needed a dress for my elopement and this is the only one that felt perfect. it’s a little short but that’s ok! can’t wait to wear it to the beach too. “
This customer laments at the item’s popularity, writing: “It’s the second dress for me! Love the cut, fitting and quality! It’s a little short, but I’ll just wear something under just incase. Will be buying more, unfortunately almost every color is always sold out in my size. “
While this buyer gushes: “Buy this dress. It is a dream. It’s so flattering and comfy. I have it in three colors and love them all! ! It is short so if you don’t need the length, size down for the waist it runs a little large in the waist. “
And a fifth enthuses: “I purchased this dress for a fall wedding guest dress and it was a hit! I got so many compliments on it. I am 6 feet tall and wore athletic shorts underneath and had no issues. the dress has pockets which worked great for my small items i didn’t want to hold onto during the wedding. it is extremely uncomfortable and you could easily wear a normal bra underneath but i wore pasties. the material is very well made and will definitely last. I would absolutely recommend this dress, tall girl approved! “
At the time of writing this, Free People alert that over 1400 people were looking at the dress, meaning it’s likely this hot pick will sell out just as fast this time around – so if you want to secure yours, you might want to hurry.
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For those shopping for alternative mini dresses with the same classy and chic style, check out this long-sleeved milkmaid smock dress in light pink from ASOS for £35. 99. Or for those that don’t mind splashing some cash, Nobody’s Child offers this Green Broderie Anglaise Nicole Mini Dress for £120.
Daley Thompson confirmed he is dating Caroline Bell and has some making up to do to his girlfriend after he failed to name-check her before his Celebrity Big Brother exit
Daley Thompson had a confession to make on This Morning(Image: ITV)
Sheepish Celebrity Big Brother star Daley Thompson said sorry to his girlfriend after dropping himself in it.
The former Olympic athlete was the latest star to be dumped from the ITV house following Friday night’s eviction. Hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best announced he was the fourth victim of the public vote as he was up against EastEnders ‘ Patsy Palmer. Just before the results were read, Daley had one final chat with his housemates.
But before getting the boot, he stopped short of saying his partner was the first person he wanted to see when he escaped the compound. He realised his mistake before too long – and held his hands up days after coming out of the house to a mix of boos and applause.
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He wanted everyone to know he is in a relationship and Daley said This Morning today: “I want to say to Caroline Bell, my girlfriend and partner, that I am very sorry that I didn’t say you were the first person I wanted to see when I got out of the house. You are.”
He was quick to say sorry for his Big Brother howler (Image: ITV)
Daley became the fourth housemate to leave following Trisha Goddard, Michael Fabricant and Mikey Rourke. During his exit interview, he said: “I would have liked to have stayed longer but I was quite happy to come out. The problem with it is, no matter what goes on in there, it’s you lot out here,” as he pointed to the public. He added that he didn’t have “high hopes” for his housemates, adding: “They have been funny, revealing, great people. “
He went on to reflect on other housemates games on Late and Live. Daley said he wasn’t trying to win and added: “It’s not something I had any control over. “In there, all you can do, I think is, all I could do is just try and be the person that I am, whereas all the people in there – they’re all performative artists, there are some people who are professional reality stars, if you do that all the time, you know how to play the game. “
During Daley’s last day in the Celebrity Big Brother house, Ella asked the Olympic legend for advice, with Daley responding: “I have got no advice for you except…I know it’s difficult if you are struggling to be heard, put your hand up. Because there’s some people that are really loud and there’s some people that do this professionally as a game.”
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He added: “There’s two people in here that do it all of the time. I think on the cameras, people will be interested in their relationship. ” The comment kickstarted a debate in the house over whether Chris and JoJo’s bond was genuine – with Ella suggesting that Chris was using JoJo for her huge social media following.
The black books, the hastily scribbled notes before a corner, a glance to write down an important observation.
They can be the difference between victory or defeat, with a tactical switch having the potential to be the game-changer.
Jose Mourinho was a keen taker of notes, the ‘Special One’ advocated the importance of it during his second spell at Chelsea.
Is the pen mightier than an iPad?
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Rather than a notebook, England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley uses an iPad during games as he adapts with the technology.
“I’ve got a lot of pictures on there,” he said. “So, there’ll be patterns the team do, the opposition. I’m always checking that.
“Sometimes when I’m looking at it, I’m looking to see if the opposition are doing the movements I think they might do – because I know what we’ll do if they are, because we’ve already planned for it.
“Or if there’s something different, then I’ll be making notes about that. I’ll write down a lot of notes, but at half-time it’ll be three points.
“The players can remember that sort of thing. The rest of the staff will go around and do other notes that maybe the [whole] team don’t need to hear. “
During caretaker spells at Coventry, Brentford and Birmingham earlier in his managerial career, Carsley took notes in a book – but he has transitioned to screens while at the FA.
“There is definitely something about writing it down on paper,” added the former Republic of Ireland international midfielder. “I probably look back on my books more than I do on my iPad. It’s a bit easier, I can go back to the book at some point.
“It was always a pad and pen when I started. The good thing about the iPad is we’ve always got a tactics board so if any of the lads do come over, I can move it quickly and they’ll see it, rather than me writing it down.
Tactical tweaks and sticking to principles
Getty Images
Technology has changed the way clubs are able to analyse the game and, therefore, speak to the players.
Fans in the right place will always see a club analyst, laptop in hand, sprinting down the steps in the stand and disappearing down the tunnel a few minutes before half-time.
But sometimes managers need their notes for clarity.
“For me, it’s not so much during the game or at half-time I write things down, I did write something down against Chelsea [a 1-0 defeat in March] after the triple substitution, which was when we changed structure from a 5-2-3 to a 4-4-2,” said Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.
“I wrote the names with the triple substitution, who is in and out, what the team would look like and who was going to play where. It was three subs and a change of structure, so it has to be a clear picture.
“Other than that, I make more notes during the week. You are battling for the now, but I do look at the mid-term future of the club and what is necessary. “
In contrast, Wolves head coach Vitor Pereira – who has led the club to the brink of survival after taking over in December – likes his notes during a game.
He added: “I’m a guy with a napkin and a pen! Of course I have the iPad, I do the training, the training plans, set-pieces and tactical organisation there, but I prefer to write.
“Some tactical corrections, sometimes collective, sometimes individual. Half-time is a short time. When we arrive there I don’t speak. The players come in with the adrenaline and they need to rest a bit.
“Afterwards I go to the board and I try not to have a lot of information, but the key information. Put on what I’ve written and then I explain, ‘we should do this to correct this’, nothing special. “
It’s not just at the top of the game, though, that this happens.
Stevenage boss Alex Revell follows suit. The 41-year-old, in his second spell at the Lamex Stadium, relies on the craft.
He said: “The reason I take notes is I try and keep to the principles of what we set in the game. So, for instance, if we want to build out from the back, who’s doing it well, what problems is it causing us?
“If we want to press, what’s the press looking like? So I always try to make my notes not just ad lib, but reactionary to certain situations.
“When you’re really specific with what you write about the press, build-up, transitions and you focus on things like too many turnovers, for instance, it’s so clear that is just one of your messages.
Twilight first came out in 2008, and the stars have enjoyed a mixed bag of fortunes since graduating from the cult franchise. As Kristen Stewart gets married, The Mirror takes a look at what happened to the rest of the cast…
Twilight fans spent years longing for the main stars, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, to make a go of it in real life. While the pair – who played lovers Bella Swan and Edward Cullen – dated on and off for four years, they split in 2013 after Kristen’s much-publicised affair with Snow White and the Huntsman director, Rupert Sanders.
While Robert has since had a baby with a famous UK singer and model, Kristen has just married actress Dylan Meyer. The couple got engaged in 2021. “We’re marrying, we’re totally gonna do it,” the actress told the Howard Stern Show. “I wanted to be proposed to, so I think I very distinctly carved out what I wanted and she nailed it. We’re marrying, it’s happening.”
Kristen and Dylan exchanged their vows in the garden of their Los Angeles home on Easter Sunday in an intimate ceremony attended by their closest loved ones. But what became of the other stars of the franchise? Here, The Mirror takes a look at what came next for the cast of the cult romance series…
Twilight star Kristen Stewart has married her long-term girlfriend Dylan Meyer(Image: Instagram)
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Kristen Stewart
The world was obsessed with KStew and RPatz as they were dubbed at the time. From the first time they met, film bosses were worried their on-screen chemistry would spill over into real life – Kristen was only 17 when filming started. Almost inevitably, the duo did get together, becoming the darling couple of the film industry and delighting fans.
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Things quickly took a nosedive in summer 2012 when Kristen was caught cheating with her Snow White and the Huntsman director, Rupert Sanders – just a few months before the final Twilight movie came out.
In an uncharacteristically open statement, she finally confirmed her relationship with Rob before apologising for the hurt she’d caused. She said: “This momentary indiscretion has jeopardised the most important thing in my life, the person I love and respect the most, Rob. I love him, I love him, I’m so sorry.”
Kristen Stewart dated Robert Pattinson on and off screen
A source told the Mirror at the time that Rob’s heartbreak was only compounded by the fact he’d been planning to propose. “Robert hoped to marry Kristen and was making preparations to spring a proposal before she admitted cheating. He had bought the house in Los Angeles to be their home and saw them staying there for a long time,” the insider said.
The pair reunited in 2013 but split soon after. Kristen later came out as bisexual and dated her assistant Alicia Cargile, model Stella Maxwell and screenwriter Dylan Meyer.
Career-wise, Kristen won praise for her performances in Camp X-Ray and Still Alice, and won a Cesar Award for The Clouds of Sils Maria. She returned to mainstream films with action film Charlie’s Angels and horror Underwater and Princess Diana biopic Spencer, and this February began filming and producing a new film alongside comedy legends Seth Rogan and Alia Shawkat.
Robert Pattinson
Robert Pattinson was engaged to singer FKA Twigs(Image: WireImage)
After his split from Kristen, Rob moved out of the home they shared and in 2014 started dating singer FKA Twigs. They got engaged a year later but went public with their split in October 2017, with Twigs opening up about the racism she faced from others throughout their relationship.
“He was their white Prince Charming and I think they considered that he should definitely be with someone white and blonde and not me,” she said on BBC Radio4’s Grounded with Louis Theroux.
“It was deeply unfair at the time that I was made to feel so self-conscious and so ugly. It was a lot. That period was a lot.” The following year, Rob met current his girlfriend, model Suki Waterhouse. The pair have been very private about their relationship, but in March 2024 confirmed that they’d welcomed a baby daughter.
Robert Pattinson and Suki Waterhouse have since had a baby together(Image: Getty Images)
Professionally, he moved on from Twilight with appearances in Cosmopolis; Maps to the Stars, and The Lost City of Z before taking on the iconic role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in The Batman by director Matt Reeves. He also just starred in Mickey 17, with fans saying it could be his best role yet.
Taylor Lautner
Child star Taylor Lautner was flung into the public eye with his breakout role as werewolf Jacob Black in the Twilight films, but hasn’t achieved quite the same success as Kristen and Rob in the years since.
Taylor released a critically-panned thriller entitled Abduction in 2011 before the end of the Twilight series, but his main notable part after the films ended was in Grown Ups 2.
Taylor Launter once dated Taylor Swift(Image: Picturegroup/REX/Shutterstock)
He has pivoted instead to television, with roles in BBC Three comedy Cuckoo and Ryan Murphy’s comedy Scream Queens.
Away from the screen, the actor once dated Taylor Swift and met Californian nurse Taylor Dome in 2018. They tied the knot in a romantic sunset ceremony on a vineyard in Paso Robles, California, in 2022. Dome decided to take her beau’s last name, making them both Taylor Lautner – a fact he often jokes about in funny TikTok videos.
Ashley Greene
Ashley Greene gave birth in September(Image: Ashley Greene/Instagram)
Ashley was a fan-favourite for her work as the future-seeing Alice Cullen, Ashley Greene appeared in A Warrior’s Heart, thriller Summer’s Blood, and horror The Apparition. The actress has a new horror film, The Ritual, coming out this summer, and yet another horror with a release date yet to be confirmed.
In 2018, Ashley married Australian-Lebanese television announcer Paul Khoury following a two-year engagement. Their daughter Kingsley Rainn Khoury was born in September 2022.
Nikki Reed
Best known for her role as the tough vampire Rosalie Cullen, Nikki Reed hinted at trouble in paradise on the Twilight set.
Nikki Reed, right, pictured as Rosalie Hale in Twilight(Image: 2011 Summit Entertainment, LLC)
Rumour has it she fancied Robert Pattinson and was upset when he got together with Kristen – claims Nikki has long denied.
She did, however, hint at some major on-set feuding. “In the beginning, it was innocent and fun, and we were like one big happy family – it was like being at sleepaway camp,” she told Seventeen.
“And then success comes along and changes the dynamic. We’re not all best friends, and we’re not all going to hang out together after the final movie is done.”
The couple are proud parents to daughter Bodhi(Image: Instagram)
Since the end of Twilight, Nikki has starred in Empire State, Pawn, Balls Out, and Jack Goes Home. She seems to be on a long career break, with her last TV credit in 2019 while she hasn’t been in a film since 2016.
In 2015, she divorced musician Paul McDonald after four years of marriage and started dating The Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder. They tied the knot after just six months in 2015 and they welcomed their first child, daughter Bodhi, in 2017, before adding a baby boy to the family in June 2023.
Peter Facinelli
Peter Facinelli with partner Lily Anne Harrison(Image: Getty Images)
Peter Facinelli is best known for his role as Edward’s adoptive father Dr. Carslile Cullen, and appeared in all of the Twilight films.
After the film series ended, Peter mostly pivoted to television, appearing in seven seasons of the critically-acclaimed comedy Nurse Jackie and having recurring roles in musical comedy Glee and DC Comics series Supergirl.
As Twilight ended, Peter divorced wife and actress Jennie Garth and later went on to date and become engaged to actress Jaime Alexander in 2015, before calling it off just a year later.
Peter found love again and proposed to his girlfriend, Lily Anne Harrison, in 2019 and they welcomed their first child together in September 2022, joining his three elder daughters from his long marriage to Garth.
Kellan Lutz
Kellan and his wife Brittany Gonzales have two children(Image: Instagram)
Kellan Lutz portrayed the super strong vampire Emmett Cullen in all of the Twilight films, and went on to secure fairly regular film roles – while not reaching the heights of some of his co-stars.
He appeared in action sequel The Expendables 3 in 2014 and also played the title role in the critical and commercial flop Hercules in the same year, going on to secure roles in thrillers Extraction, Money, and Guardians of the Tomb. His works seems to have slowed down since, with his last film role in 2023 while he hasn’t appeared on TV since 2022.
In 2017, Kellan became engaged to and married TV host and model Brittany Gonzales. They suffered a pregnancy loss at seven months before going on to have daughter Ashtyn and son Kasen.
Anna Kendrick
Anna Kendrick played Bella’s best friend Jessica Stanley in Twilight
Before and during her fan-favourite role as Bella’s friend Jessica Stanley in Twilight, Anna Kendrick accrued Tony Award and Academy Award nominations and also received positive reviews for her work in the Twilight films.
Since then, Anna has found box office success in the musical Pitch Perfect trilogy and further comedy roles in Scott Pilgrim vs The World, End of Watch, Trolls, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, A Simple Favour, and Trolls World Tour. She also appeared in the drama Cake with Jennfier Aniston and HBO Max series Love Life.
Anna dated British cinematographer Ben Richardson between 2014 and 2020, followed by Saturday Night Live star Bill Hader, whom she split from in June 2022.
That September this year, she opened up about the psychological abuse she suffered at the hands of a gaslighting ex. Explaining how she ended up “in a situation where I loved and trusted this person more than I trusted myself,” she told how the mystery ex manipulated her.
Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick attend the Another Simple Favour photocall at the Corinthia Hotel London on April 15(Image: WireImage)
“So, when that person is telling you that you have a distorted sense of reality and that you are impossible and that all the stuff that you think is going on is not going on, your life gets really confusing really quickly,” she told People magazine. Ultimately, she learned that what she “thought was going on was in fact going on.”
She’s just starred in the sequel to A Simple Favour, aptly called Another Simple Favour, but the movie’s release was overshadowed by rumours of a feud with co-star Blake Lively.
At the centre of the feud rumours lies 2018 press interviews the mother-of-four and Pitch Perfect star did together, where Anna seems to mock Blake for not being as talented as she is. When Blake took an MTV News interviewer to task for focussing on Anna, she said: “Oh my god, guys don’t fight just because I’m the best at everything”.
Elizabeth Reaser
Elisabeth Reaser later starred in the Handmaid’s Tale(Image: GETTY )
Elizabeth Reaser played the role of Edward’s adopted mother Esme Cullen in the Twilight films.
She moved back to television after the series ended, taking parts in shows True Detective, Mad Men, The Handmaid’s Tale, and a lead role in Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House.
She hasn’t been on TV since 2021, but last year worked alongside huge stars Walton Goggins and Pedro Pascal in The Uninvited, gaining huge acclaim for her work.
Behind the scenes, Elizabeth secretly married her now-husband Bruce Gilbert in Italy in August 2023, keeping so quiet about the nuptials that she didn’t break the news until April 2024.
Welsh actor Michael Sheen OBE played the campy Aro of the Volturi in the Twilight films starting with the sequel New Moon.
Since the films ended, Sheen has continued with films and television. Major film roles for Michael have included starring in Far From the Madding Crowd, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Passengers, Apostle, and Dolittle.
Recent successful television series for Michael include his part in as William H. Macy in Masters of Sex, as Aziraphale in Good Omens, as a serial killer in Prodigal Son, and recently as Chris Tarrant in ITV’s Quiz.
Having previously had relationships with Kate Beckinsale and Rachel McAdams, from 2014 to 2018 Michael dated comedian Sarah Silverman.
He now lives back in Wales with Swedish actress Anna Lundberg, with whom he shares daughters Lyra and Mabli. Michael also has daughter, Lily, with former partner Kate Beckinsale.
Dakota Fanning
Dakota Fanning is a big Hollywood star(Image: Getty Images)
After her roles as a child star, Dakota Fanning played creepy Jane of the Volturi in the Twilight films, being introduced in the second film, New Moon.
After the Twilight films, Dakota has appeared in the independent film Effie Gray, had a role in heist comedy Ocean’s 8, and as Lynette ‘Squeaky’ Fromme in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. She recently starred in a horror, and just worked on a new horror, Vicious, which is currently in post-production
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Dakota has also played the role of Sara Howard in the series The Alienist, and struck Netflix gold for her work in The Perfect Couple. The actress has been dating boyfriend Henry Fry since 2017.
