‘So Inspiring’: Ayra Starr Reflects On Acting Debut Alongside Idris Elba, Viola Davis, Others In ‘Children Of Blood And Bone’

Ayra Starr, the acclaimed actor in the world of acting, is starring in the critically acclaimed adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s best-selling fantasy novel Children of Blood and Bone.

In the big-screen adaptation of a story steeped in West African mythology, the Grammy-nominated singer, who is known for her “Rush” and “Bloody Samaritan,” stars alongside Cynthia Erivo, Viola Davis, and Idris Elba. Zélie Adebola, a young girl who is attempting to bring magic to her people in the face of oppression, is the protagonist of the trilogy Adeyemi’s Legacy of Orsha.

Starr acknowledged in a recent interview with CBS Morning that she had long had acting apprehensions. She said, “I’ve always been shy when it comes to acting, but this is the first time in my life I’ve been on camera without singing.” “I learned a lot from everyone on the set, not just the greats,” said one actress, “even the 16-year-olds and the 14-year-olds on the set.”

She praised her co-stars and described the experience as a masterclass in discipline and perseverance. Working with actors of that caliber taught me a lot. It was transformational, not just fun.

Starr is making her cinematic debut as she pursues a successful musical career. She recently received the Grammys’ inaugural Best African Music Performance award, which she views as a milestone in the Afrobeats’ global renaissance. She noted that “African funk has been bubbling for a long time in Africa.” The world needs that high vibrational frequency because it is just catching up right now.

She’s set to join Coldplay on their summer tour, which is another achievement for the 22-year-old, to add to her long list of accomplishments.

Judiciary Workers Suspend Strike In Ondo

Under the direction of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), magistrates in Ondo State have suspended their industrial actions.

After meeting with the union leadership to discuss the issues that led to the strike, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa made the decision.

On June 13, 2025, the judiciary workers began an indefinite strike because they alleged that the state government had failed to follow the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that gave the state judiciary financial autonomy.

The governor ordered the establishment of a committee to determine the procedures for the release of funds to the state judiciary in order to resolve the issues.

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The State Commissioner for Finance, Omowunmi Isaac, will serve as the chairman of the committee, along with the union leaders and government officials.

Oluwafemi Afolabi, the state’s JUSUN chairman, led a delegation of union members to the meeting and informed the governor of the demands made by the squabbling judiciary workers.

Eden Blackman dead: Celebs Go Dating star dies aged 57 after long illness

Denise Blackman passed away at the age of 57. The dating expert first appeared on Celebs Go Dating in 2018 and was a favorite there before quitting.

His family announced in a statement posted on his Instagram that they were heartbroken to learn that Eden, who had a lengthy illness with quiet humour, passed away on June 21, 2025.

Eden blazed through life with charm, mischief, a fire that was entirely his own, magnetic, fashionable, sharp, impossible to find, and always up for the challenge. He carved his path through the world with instinct, passion, and a deep respect for the people he worked with because music was his first and constant companion and pulse that had shaped who he was.

They continued, “He later brought that same energy and wild spark to television, helping others shine.” He always wanted others to be seen at their best, and he championed people with sincerity, humor, and encouragement.

Eden Blackman passed away at the age of 57 (See Instagram/EdenBlackman).

“To know that Eden was ensnared in his life-filled, fun, and unpredictable orbit. He lived as he could, stood up, and laughed fervently. His spirit will always be with us.

We appreciate your love and compassion as we navigate this loss and ask for privacy.

His former co-stars, including Paul C. Brunson, have been giving tributes. Sending love and condolences, he wrote. Although I never met Eden, Celebs Go Dating forever established our relationship. I’ll never forget how much he treated me without incident. He’s deserved, may he rest in paradise.

This is so very sad, wrote Tom Read Wilson. His kindness and spirit-kindness will always be greatly appreciated. Sending you my sincere condolences at this heartbreaking moment. Xx. “

Eden during his time on the show
Eden on the show (Dave Benett/Tom Getty Images)

Rapper Example said, “Eden persisted in me years before I could start playing on the radio’s big stations.” many happy memories. a truly distinctive force. Big Love X, “while Fearne Cotton shared:” The most attractive, charismatic person. Will always miss you, E. Dearest Eden, “Zoe Ball shared:” always a gem, his enthusiasm and smile. I’m so sorry for your loss. tonight in our hearts, holding you. You have my deepest love, dear.

Eden announced his departure from the show back in 2018 with a shocking surprise to fans. He said at the time, “I informed the team today that I wouldn’t be returning to my Celebs Go Dating role if and when the show returns for series five.”

After four excellent seasons, I’m now fully committed to my other projects, including the relaunch of my dating app “Would Like to Meet” and the 18th year of my music PR agency. These two things remain my main passions and take up a lot of my time.

He continued, “I’m also in the process of developing a further new business that is yet to be announced,” adding that this is a really exciting time. I appreciate the opportunity everyone at Lime Pictures and C4. Following its best-rated series to date, I’ve had a great time and sincerely wish them nothing but continued success in the show.

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Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri gives update on love life as she rules out dating shows

After breaking up with Andrew Le Page, Strictly Come Dancing star Tasha Ghouri has revealed whether she wants to work on Celebs Go Dating or Love Island All Stars.

Tasha Ghouri spoke about her career plans at the TRIC Awards 2025(Image: WireImage)

Former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri has shared whether she’d be open to more celebrity dating shows. It comes following the news earlier this year that she had separated from Andrew Le Page, who she met on the ITV2 show.

Talking about doing a presenting course at the TRIC Awards in London tonight, Strictly Come Dancing star Tasha, 26, said she’d rather focus on that side of her career. “It’s not for me personally,” Tasha said about the possibility of seeing her on Love Island: All Stars or Celebs Go Dating.

She continued, “My dating shows are canceled because I know people find love on these shows.” I’m taking a different path right now. I have a strong passion for it. Despite my happily single status, I’m open to love. A family would be wonderful.

Tasha found love with her ex-partner Andrew, who is now 30 years old, on Love Island in 2022. After more than two and a half years of dating, the former couple split in the show’s final episode.

Tasha Ghouri in a denim jacket and trousers, and a blue and white top, at the TRIC Awards 2025.
Tasha Ghouri has revealed whether she would be interested in more dating TV shows after rising to fame on Love Island(Image: Getty Images)

The reality TV star uses a cochlear implant to aid her hearing and was the show’s first deaf contestant. When she was five years old, she received the implant, a small electronic device made of her birth.

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She described her meteoric rise since the ITV2 show and how she manages the stress. She acknowledges that the past few years have been turbulent. “Sometimes I enjoy the silence, while other times I take my cochlear out and listen to music.” That’s a wonderful thing, and I’m very fortunate to have it.

The self confessed adrenaline junkie says she got something wild she needs to tick off her bucket list though. “I want to try ski diving,” she said excitedly whilst at the awards ceremony. “I’d love to throw myself out of a plane.”

Tasha’s comments at the TRIC Awards tonight come after a previous update on her personal life whilst at the BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises last month. She spoke to the Mirror on the red carpet of the event in May.

Tasha Ghouri, in a white top and pink trousers, stood beside Andrew Le Page, in a white top, cream jacket and jeans, at an event in 2023.
It comes after the news of her split from Andrew Le Page, who she met on the ITV2 show, earlier this year(Image: Getty Images for Spotify)

At the time, Tasha told us that she was “doing okay” when asked about her split from Andrew. She shared whilst on the red carpet of that event just over a month ago: “You know, break ups aren’t easy for anybody to go through.”

She continued to say that she had a positive outlook on the relationship. I spent two and a half years with Andrew, according to Tatasha. Because of our wonderful memories together, I look back with a happy smile on my face.

Tasha continued as a guest at the BAFTAs, “Sometimes it just doesn’t work out and that’s all that happened, and I wish him the best.” I’m just “moving forward right now.”

She disputed the possibility of producing a program like Celebs Go Dating and claimed at the time that her “dating book is closed for now.” She instead stated on the red carpet last month that she was concentrating solely on herself for the time being.

This story, do you like? Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Threads for more latest news and gossip.

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Taraba Govt Denies Nominating New Deputy Governor

The Taraba State government’s claim that Hamman-Adama Adamu, the state’s current deputy speaker, has been nominated as the new deputy governor has been debunked as misleading by unnamed individuals.

The state government insisted that there is no vacancy for the deputy governor and that Aminu Alkali, the state’s currently appointed deputy governor, is still the duly elected deputy governor of Taraba State, in a press briefing from the state commissioner for information, Zainab Jalingo.

The government urged the public to rely on verified information from official government communication channels and to remain calm.

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According to rumors that circulate on social media and traditional media, His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas, the executive governor of Taraba State, has nominated Alhaji Hamman Adama as the new Deputy Governor of the state.

This assertion is completely false, deceptive, and wicked, and the general public should disprove it.

There isn’t a vacancy in the deputy governor’s office, we wish to vehemently state. Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Alkali, the state’s current deputy governor, has been elected as Taraba State’s Deputy Governor. ”

The Nigerian Constitution’s replacement process, as established by the government, is clear, requires due legislative and constitutional processes, and such a process has not yet been initiated or considered.

The government reaffirmed that it will not be deterred by speculative speculation because it will continue to be focused on delivering good governance.

We urge the public to rely solely on verified information from official government communication channels and to remain calm. Due legislative and constitutional scrutiny is required in order to replace a deputy governor, as mandated by the Nigerian Constitution. At this time, no such procedure has been started or considered.