Archive August 31, 2025

At the Venice Film Festival’s Saturday premiere of Frankenstein, starring Guillermo del Toro, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who is reportedly being cast as the next James Bond, caused a lot of controversy.

The official confirmation on the new James Bond star continues to keep fans on tenterhooks. Favourite for the role, Aaron Taylor-Johnson appears to be doing his best to throw fans off the scene as he stepped out with a wildly different new look at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday.

The actor, 35, is married to Hollywood director Sam Taylor-Johnson, 58, and attended the city’s premiere of Frankenstein, a new film from Guillermo del Toro.

However, instead of rocking up at the star-studded event, with just a touch of stubble and hair cropped short as usual, the star appeared with a huge bushy beard and a mop of curly locks, looking virtually unrecognisable.

After expressing his admiration for bold beards ten years ago, Aaron has long been willing to experiment with facial hair, despite the media’s hardly recognizable image on Saturday.

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He claimed in a 2015 interview with the Guardian that “some young lads have some pretty impressive beards.” Guys yelling, “Dude, I saw you two weeks ago, what the f***?” You’ve experienced some significant growth there. F***in ‘ hell! ‘”

Aaron typically grows his hair out for acting roles, according to reports that 28 Years Later, which premiered earlier this year, took him nearly three months to grow a beard.

He wore a crisp white tailored blazer, black slacks, shiny slip-ons, and a black bow tie to complete his striking look in Venice. His watch, however, caused a lot of controversy.

Aaron signed a deal with Omega, an official 007 watch manufacturer, in the midst of rumors that he will play the next James Bond and rocked a massive wristwatch on the red carpet.

The actor, who plays the Bullet Train on television, has traveled to the luxury watch manufacturer’s headquarters in Bienne, Switzerland, where he had a “exclusive tour” and met the watchmakers behind our timepieces.

Omega has a 30-year relationship with the 007 franchise, and the partnership has caused a stir among Bond fans because it gives the impression that Aaron will succeed Daniel Craig as the legendary MI6 agent.

However, as reports continue to suggest that Aaron is the bookie’s favorite to take on Craig as Bond, Henry Cavill has recently taken over as the “pants’ clear favorite” to play the renowned secret agent.

Since the actor quit the role in 2021 following the release of No Time To Die, numerous other names have been hacked.

Henry is currently the second favorite, with new odds from Ladbrokes slashing from 10/1 to 3/1, making him the second-to-bet.

In terms of bets placed, the bookies also revealed that he was the clear favorite of the punters to be the next Bond.

But, Aaron is still the frontrunner, with odds-on at 8/11, while Netflix star, Theo James, is now out at 7/1 from 5/1.

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Rob Rinder, who became a BBC Radio 2 favorite in the BAFTA-winning Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour, described how his showbiz success is particularly preoccupious.

Rob Rinder has shared his worries about the fleeting nature of fame and admitted to living with a “shadow” over his success. Speaking on the Extraordinary Life Stories podcast, the TV judge expressed how his career in showbiz, including his programme with Rylan Clark, has been “such a gift” and brought him into contact with “such amazing people”.

The dynamic duo of Rob and Rylan has captured the nation’s heart, with their Grand Tour of Italy series even snagging a BAFTA. Rob cherished the opportunity to visit art galleries for the show, something he “never thought” possible during his childhood.

Despite his gratitude for these experiences, Good Morning Britain star Rob confessed to a nagging fear that his good fortune might suddenly run out.

Rob explained that if I tell you that I want to do this, it somehow feels like I’m not being able to acknowledge what I’ve already accomplished while also being able to tell you that when good things happen, I can do it.

I literally feel months away from the terminal diagnosis because I’ve had so many positive things happen to me when I’m invited to do something I’ve always wanted to do, and I’ve had so many opportunities to do it.

I know that shadow, and I believe that many people do, you know. Avoid saying anything because it could defraud you.

Rylan has also recently cleared the air about certain swirling romance rumours linking him to his TV co-star, Rob. During a recent segment on his BBC Radio 2 show, ‘Rylan on Saturday’, he revealed that he’s been in a “secret” relationship.

The adored TV host admitted to “seeing someone” and managed to keep it a secret for a while. He expressed his happiness and contentment, expressing how lovely it was to keep his new relationship private.

While addressing the gossip about him and Rob, Rylan went on to firmly deny the claims, calling out what he described as “fake news stories”.

He stated, “We’ve got married and we’ve got a lot of this, everyone keeps asking, and so many people keep asking. My friend is Rob.

I just thought, “Let’s just set the record straight, and Rob and Rylan are just about to come out again,” I said.

In their latest adventure, Rob and Rylan explore India in their BAFTA-winning series, drawing inspiration from Rob’s favourite author, E. M. Forster, who wrote the 1924 classic A Passage to India.

When Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay singer Chris Martin announced they were “consciously uncoupling” ten years ago, the actress later said she could recall a time when she knew her marriage was over.

Oscar winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin famously revealed to the world they were ‘consciously uncoupling’ back in 2014 – introducing a unique new term to announce break-ups to the world in the process.

At the time the pair had been married for 10 years and and had welcomed two children, daughter Apple, 21 and 19-year-old son Moses.

And all appeared well for the showbiz golden couple from the outside – until Gwyneth dropped the bombshell statement on her Goop website that she and Chris had called time on their marriage.

They both stated in a joint statement that their separation was heartfelt. We have come to the conclusion that, despite our best efforts, we will never stop being friends. However, we are a family and will always be, and we are far more close than we have ever been. ”

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The former couple continued, “parents, first and foremost,” by requesting anonymity from the public during “this difficult time,” and added, “We have always conducted our relationship privately, and we hope to do so as we consciously uncouple and co-parent, will be able to continue in the same way. ”

Gwyneth and Chris have been pictured taking vacations together, having birthday parties and Christmases together, and having recently found partners after their split and official divorce in 2015. In 2018, Gwyneth, 51, wed filmmaker Brad Falchuk, 53, the man behind American Horror Story, Glee, and Scream Queens.

Chris, 48, found love with 35-year-old Fifty Shades of Grey actress Dakota Johnson who he even introduced to Gwyneth. The Mirror exclusively revealed last year that Chris and Dakota had got engaged after six years of dating.

Sadly, after eight years of dating, reports that confirmed the breakup in early June led to the pair splitting this year. Dakota, who had grown to love Martin’s children, was particularly hurt by the separation, according to sources close to the couple. Gwyneth can continue to be friends with the actress even though Chris and Dakota are no longer available.

Gwyneth has since reflected on the moment she realized her marriage was over, even though Chris and Gwyneth have both since since ended their romance. The actress, who described an idyllic day with her then husband, said she was deeply unhappy.

In a personal essay for British Vogue, she wrote: “It was my birthday, my 38th. My ex-husband [Chris] and I were tucked away in the Tuscan countryside, on a hill in a beautiful cottage with a view of the forest.

Fall was approaching. The leaves were simply loosing their grip on the vibrant green. The cottage was tastefully decorated in the manner of a birthday party: cosy living room with fireplace, kitchen table with produce from the nearby farm, including peaches, tomatoes, and eggs.

I can’t recall the day or time of the week. But despite long walks and longer lie-ins, large Barolo glasses, and hands held, I was aware that my marriage was over. ”

Gwyneth regrettably kept the dark realization to herself. A dam had cracked just enough to hear the unrelenting trickle of truth, according to her later statement, “It would be years before we said the words aloud.” This was a truth that would grow louder until it was “all I could hear.”

Gwyneth acknowledged that she and Chris had “always been friends” who laughed at the same things and had the same sense of humor and total silliness, despite not having fully developed as a couple. Simply put, we weren’t quite unified. Unease and unrest persisted throughout. But oh my goodness, we loved our kids. ”

The Shallow Hal star claimed that she and Chris attempted every possible thing before deciding to end their relationship in an effort to keep the family together. She claimed that the only divorces she had experienced while growing up were bitter, acrimonious, and never came out was something she didn’t want to do with all her heart.

However, their therapist suggested something called “conscious uncoupling” and it was not as originally thought that Gwyneth and Chris had created it. They also tested it out privately for a year before announcing their separation to the public.

Explaining the logic behind it, Gwyneth continued: “Was there a world where we could break up and not lose everything? Could we be a family, even though we were not a couple? We decided to try.” Though their announcement caused a stir in the media, she said “the public’s surprise gave way to a strange combination of mockery and anger I had never seen”. But these days, instead of ridicule, people ask her how she managed to do it.

She came to the conclusion that while it varies for each couple, it more important for me to be held accountable for my own actions in the relationship’s breakdown. I wasn’t honest with myself about the things I was trying to heal through this relationship. I had been obedient, guarded, invulnerable, and intolerant.

“I had to admit it and have the bravery to share it.” I am aware that my former husband and I are meant to be the parents of my children. We are aware that two distinct loves can coexist and be loved by one another thanks to conscious uncoupling. ”

Chris wrote the songs “Magic” and “Ink” from the album Ghost Stories about his breakup with Gwyneth in music to express his emotions.

The actress even appears as a guest vocalist on the song “Everglow” from 2015’s A Head Full of Dreams, according to reports.

Chris said Martin acknowledged that the song was inspired by “a loved one, a situation, a friend, or a relationship that has ended… ”

How come things continue, Gwyneth sings? Why don’t cars slow down? And after that, we promised to be friends until we pass away. ”

This lightweight, waterproof jacket, which Shopping Writer Meghan has hailed as “a lifesaver for rainy spells on warm days,” has been praised by the magazine’s writer as a “lifesaver for rainy spells.”

Finding a reliable coat that won’t make you overheat in the summertime can be challenging, but it’s essential if you live in Cornwall like I do. You absolutely need a lightweight, waterproof jacket to keep you dry when sudden showers and rainy spells are almost always forecast at least once per week. And I believe I’ve found the ideal one, which has arrived in style this summer.

This Kathmandu Women’s waterproof jacket Seeker 2.5L has become my go-to for dog walks in the rain or running errands in the summer showers. It’s been incredibly effective at preventing out-of-nowhere downpours while remaining light and thin, which is ideal when the temperatures are still high.

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Without sacrificing practicality or style, this waterproof jacket will allow you to face any kind of weather in comfort. Whether you’re heading for a summer hike or shopping in the park, it’s a top choice for all outdoor activities. When the weather is turbulent enough for me to need a jacket to keep dry on warm days, I have found it to be especially useful for dog walks.

This jacket has a slim-fit and short length that prevents it from flapping around in the wind and doesn’t get in your way while you’re on the move, and it comes in a form-fitting style that makes it ideal for outdoor adventures.

Though it doesn’t have the two side pockets I’ve come to adore in my normal coats, this jacket does come with a convenient zip chest pocket that can easily fit my iPhone. So, I can keep listening to my favourite tunes or podcasts while on the move, with a safe and secure place to keep my mobile close at hand.

I adore the feature because I have relatively short arms and can’t stand loose sleeves getting in the way. It also has thumb fastenings that keep the sleeves at wrist length. My go-to jacket has a snug hood that effectively covers my entire head, keeping my hair dry in case of unexpected showers. The hood can also be removed, giving me plenty of wearability on dry days as well as rainy days.

This super light jacket is a staple I’ll swear by as we enter the fall, and it comes in XS to L (I typically wear a UK size Medium). While practical enough to shield me from the rain and chilly winds, it’s light and portable, and it won’t make me sweat or feel burdened as the season slowly fades.

For £147.31, I can get my new favorite jacket for the spring through the fall from Direct Running. This Kathmandu Women’s Trailhead Stretch 2.5-layer Rain Jacket is available on Amazon for £129.98 if you’re happy to purchase a similar style but prefer to shop elsewhere.