Chelsea have completed the signing of winger Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund for a fee of £48. 5m plus the potential for a further £3. 5m in add-ons.
The 20-year-old, who joined Dortmund from Manchester City in 2020, has signed a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
The England Under-21 forward scored 17 goals and contributed 14 assists in 107 games for the German club.
Chelsea have already signed Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, Brighton & Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro, Sporting midfielder Dario Essugo and Strasbourg defender Mamadou Sarr this summer.
Gittens, who will not be able to play for the Blues until after the Club World Cup, said it is an “amazing feeling” to move to Stamford Bridge.
“It feels great to join such a big club as Chelsea,” he added.
Dortmund announced a deal had been agreed on Thursday, with sporting director Sebastien Kehl saying talks with the Premier League side had been “challenging” but ultimately his club were “pleased” with the outcome.
“Jamie is an outstanding player who has given us a great deal of pleasure,” he added.
“He now wants to take the next step in his career at Chelsea, and we wish him all the best and much success. “
Sex Education star Simone Ashley will return to screens in the fourth season of Bridgerton, and the actress has opened up about filming intimate scenes for the hit Netflix show
The Bridgerton star spoke about how love conquers all(Image: Alex Caparros, Getty Images for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection)
Bridgerton sensation Simone Ashley has opened up about feeling “very safe and comfortable” while shooting steamy scenes for the smash-hit series, Bridgerton. The star of Sex Education, who is also on the cusp of dropping her first album, labelled the Netflix sensation Bridgerton as pure “fantasy”.
Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar, she said: “It’s about, ‘What if?’ and how love conquers all. Bridgerton represents nudity with a sense of romance, and I felt very safe and comfortable in what I was choosing to show to the world.”
With the fourth instalment of the period drama set to hit screens next year, Ashley shared with the publication: “‘That show just gets bigger and bigger. Everyone has gone off to do incredible things, but we come back and it’s like time hasn’t moved. “
Simone Ashley moved to Los Angeles at the age of 18 to pursue her career(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
Recounting her bold move to Los Angeles at the tender age of 18, she revealed: “I was really scrappy. Since I was little, if I wanted something, I would do anything I could to get it. So, I took some modelling jobs to pay the bills and got into acting through that. “
Gracing the digital cover of Harper’s Bazaar, Ashley divulged that her upcoming album was born out of a recent split. She explained: “It’s going to be somewhat confessional… and beautiful and messy.
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“Good songs don’t come from times when my life is regimented and predictable. They come when I am feeling vitality, and usually you either feel that way when your heart’s broken, or you’re euphoric. This work has been an amazing channel to put all those feelings into. “
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This new career move comes after Ashley’s recent role in rom-com Picture This. Following the release of that movie, the Bridgerton star opened up about the importance of diversity in romantic-comedies.
The Sex Education icon, who was born to Tamil parents, stars as photographer Pia – who is juggling a failing business while dealing with the arrival of her ex and her parents’ concern for her love life. The feel-good movie was released on Amazon Prime Video on 6 March and also stars Hero Fiennes Tiffin.
She added: “I would say the younger me is kind of like, ‘Oh my gosh, we did a rom com and it’s an Indian girl leading it! ‘” Although she wishes she could have seen diverse characters when she was younger, she hopes Picture This helps with it. She said: “To put it simply… When it comes to this movie, I just want brown women to have it and to just win! “
Loose Women star Coleen Nolan says losing her big sister Linda Nolan in January caused her to spiral downwards – and explains how therapy has saved her
Coleen was deeply affected by Linda’s death(Image: PA)
Coleen Nolan lost a second sister in the New Year when her big sister Linda died, 20 years after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Her death was attributed to pneumonia, and “happened so quickly”, Coleen said, that it sent her on a downward spiral and she “lost her mojo for everything”.
Coleen, 60, took time off from her regular job on the Loose Women panel, and left much of the running of the house and her small farm to daughter Ciara, who lives with her fiancé Maxx in a separate annexe on Coleen’s property. “Linda had cancer for 20 years and was so positive,” Coleen told OK! during an exclusive interview.
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Coleen lost her mojo for work, and everything else in her life(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
She continued, “I got to a point where I thought she’d outlive us all. Then when it happened, it happened so quickly. Afterwards, I didn’t want to get out of bed. It was overwhelming.
“My kids literally didn’t leave my side and when I needed to be alone, they would be in the next room. Ciara took control of everything and everyone that came round. I’d be asked to do something and say ‘yes’, and she’d jump in and tell them no, I wasn’t ready. ”
Linda died on January 15 at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, following Bernie Nolan’s death in 2013, aged just 52.
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A statement released by Linda’s agent Dermot McNamara after her death said: “She passed peacefully, with her loving siblings by her bedside, ensuring she was embraced with love and comfort during her final moments. Linda’s legacy extends beyond her incredible achievements in music and entertainment. She was a beacon of hope and resilience, sharing her journey to raise awareness and inspire others. Rest in peace, Linda. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. “
Linda’s death hit Coleen – and Linda’s millions of fans – hard(Image: OK!/David Cummings)
Dermot also acknowledged her achievements as a singer, West End star, TV personality, charity campaigner, author and a founding member of The Nolans – who sold more than 30million records, performed for President Gerald Ford and toured with Fran Sinatra.
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Linda’s death came just a few months before Coleen’s milestone 60th birthday, and the straight-talking TV personality said it changed her perspective on the occasion. She started questioning her own mortality, she said, and didn’t want to go to work or socialise.
It was only when Coleen, who has just launched her own YouTube channel about life on her farm, sought help from a therapist that things started to improve.
Teenager Mirra Andreeva showed why she is one of the hottest prospects in the sport after moving into Wimbledon’s fourth round with a comfortable win.
Seventh seed Andreeva, 18, outclassed American opponent Hailey Baptiste in a 6-1 6-3 victory on Court One.
Russia’s Andreeva reached her first Grand Slam semi-final at the French Open last month and is aiming to surpass that on the Wimbledon grass.
She has reached the last 16 for the second time in her career, having previously done the same in 2023.
“Before I played today I told myself, ‘Just go out there and do something’,” said Andreeva, who is making only her third appearance at the All England Club.
“I always expect something from myself but I always try to let myself go and enjoy.
Showing supreme movement and clinical ball-striking, Andreeva breezed through the opening set in 31 minutes.
Baptiste, ranked 55th in the world, was willed on in the second set by an enthusiastic crowd who wanted to see a true contest.
When Andreeva broke for a 3-1 lead, the result looked a formality. Baptiste instantly broke back to halt Andreeva’s progress but lost serve again as the world number seven secured a straightforward win in one hour and 18 minutes.
Under the tutelage of former SW19 champion Conchita Martinez, she has already won two WTA 1,000 titles – the rung of tournaments below the majors – in Dubai and Indian Wells this season.
Her impressive progress is demonstrated by the fact she has won 35 tour-level main-draw matches this year – a tally only bettered by world number one Aryna Sabalenka (44) and five-time major winner Iga Swiatek (37).
A much tougher test than 23-year-old Baptiste awaits Andreeva next, however.
Former champion Rybakina knocked out in rain-affected match
Getty Images
Another big seed was sent tumbling out of Wimbledon as former champion Elena Rybakina suffered a straight-set defeat by Clara Tauson in a match that took more than four hours to complete because of rain delays.
Eleventh seed Rybakina, who won the Championships in 2022, was beaten 7-6 (8-6) 6-3 by Denmark’s Tauson, who knocked out former British number one Heather Watson in the opening round.
Rain initially caused this match on the exposed court two to be suspended at 4-4, but once play resumed two hours later it was a tight contest as neither player could be separated, before Tauson saved two set points and then took the opener in the tie-break.
The Dane continued her momentum by breaking Rybakina’s first service game in the second set, before the players went off the court as rain fell once more with Tauson leading 4-2.
But this delay was only around 15 minutes and Tauson returned to the court to seal another break and close out the win.
Tauson, who had never won on grass before this year, will next face either eighth seed Swiatek or Danielle Collins.
“Thanks to the crowd it amazing to play here today even though it was a little rainy,” said Tauson.
“Before this grass season had started I had never won a match on grass, so I am super proud. “
Mel B is tying the knot with her long-term partner today at a lavish ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral along with a star-studded guest list
Emma has arrived at the wedding(Image: PA)
Emma Bunton has unveiled her secret role at Mel B’s wedding saying ‘I can’t wait’ for the special day. The Spice Girls member is getting ready for her best friend’s wedding today which is due to take place at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Emma took to her Instagram stories where she shared photos of herself dressed up ready for the occasion. She looked as stunning as ever in a pale pink long sleeved dress along with a pink fascinator and white clutch bag.
She finished off her look with sparkly strappy heels and a full glam makeup look. She wrote over the first photo: “Oh happy day! ! “
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Emma will be supporting her friend at the wedding(Image: @emmaleebunton/Instagram)
She then shared a second snap where she posed with her family and wrote: “Love is in the air. ” Emma’s post comes as it was revealed that she will be singing at Mel’s wedding today.
The star explained that she would be singing at the ceremony and that she was “so excited” to be there to celebrate. Emma told The Mirror: “I am so excited to be here. I can’t wait for the wedding.”
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Mel B is marrying her long-term partner Rory McPhee today surrounded by friends and family. However, Emma is the only Spice Girls member who will be there as the other three, all for different reasons, won’t be there.
Emma has gone with her family(Image: @emmaleebunton/Instagram)
Emma will be there with husband Jade Jones, but Mel C, Victoria Beckham and Geri Horner will not. Insiders say: “Victoria loves Mel but sadly she will be out of the country, and wishes she could be there. Mel C too would have been there but she is on tour in Sweden. They have a great deal of affection for Melanie. “
Victoria was keen to show that Mel was in her thoughts as she posted a picture of herself and Mel looking glamorous at a recent event as she sent Rory and Mel best wishes.
The reason for Geri’s absence has not been confirmed for sure, but she is said to have a more strained relationship with Mel than the others.
Insiders say she was left mortified after Mel claimed on Piers Morgan’s Life Stories in 2019 that she was intimate with Geri while they were in the Spice Girls.
Plenty of well-known faces have already arrived for the special ceremony. Comedian Alan Carr was seen along with Celebrity Big Brother star, Angellica Bell.
They were joined by pregnant comedy star, Katherine Ryan, and her husband, Bobby Koostra along with model Daisy Lowe and her husband, Jordan Saul.
Presenter, Gaby Roslin looked stunning as she made her way inside St Paul’s cathedral, sporting a gorgeous beige silk dress and matching hat with a cream ribbon. While Mel’s sister Danielle Brown has also been seen arriving and revealed that she would be doing the first reading in the ceremony.
Mel B has arrived at St Paul’s Cathedral in London for her lavish wedding to fiance and hair stylist Rory McPhee, revealing that two dress designers were required
Spice Girls star Melanie Brown has arrived at St Paul’s Cathedral for her wedding to hair stylist Rory McPhee, revealing her stunning bridal gown. The Spice Girls star stepped out in a long, white dress with a sweetheart neckline.
Meanwhile, mesh material – which featured small pearls around the neck and cuffs of the dress – covered her arms and décolletage. The singer is being walked down the aisle by close friend and journalist James Steen, who is giving Mel away. Mel’s father Martin died in 2017 after a five-year battle with myeloma cancer.
Mel’s dress features a long veil(Image: CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA)
The 50 year old globally renowned star has finally found the “luv of my life” with close family friend and hair stylist Rory McPhee, who she was engaged to for three years.
The star is marrying at St Paul’s Cathedral – the same venue that held the wedding of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana back in 1981.
Speaking about her wedding dress designer, Mel told WWD earlier this year: “I found an amazing bridal boutique called Evelie in London and in one incredible afternoon, I found two perfect dresses. “
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She added: “One beautiful classic dress by Josephine Scott, a British designer and one stunning dramatic dress by a U. S. designer, Justin Alexander. “
Mel arrived at St Paul’s Cathedral in a stunning dress(Image: w8media)
The Spice Girl continued to tell the publication: “I’ve since had fittings in London and New York, so it’s a perfect blend of my love for Britain and America. “
And speaking of the type of ceremony she has organised, she explained that it will be “regal. “
She said: “This will be a very formal, English wedding where I want to feel regal and very proper. “
She added: “All the ladies will wear hats or fascinators. Then, I’m having a second ceremony abroad, which will be more informal, sexy, and beautiful. “
Mel B talks about her wedding dresses as she prepares for third marriage(Image: @officialmelb/Instagram)
Mel went on to say: “It’s so important to feel completely in control of myself, from the way I look, to the place I live, to the people I surround myself with and the clothes that I wear. “
She continued: “My clothes, paid for with my money and chosen by me. “
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