Stormzy, the aspiring student turned award-winning artist in Big For Your Boots, has completed his journey in the most recent award from Cambridge.
Stormzy’s dreams come true as he’s awarded honorary degree from Cambridge(Image: PA)
UK rapper Stormzy has been honoured with an honorary law degree from the University of Cambridge, recognising his wide-ranging philanthropic work in education, music, sport, and literature.
The 31-year-old Michael Omari Owuo, a grime star, was presented with the honor at a special ceremony at Senate House. The London-born artist, who is best known for four UK number-one singles, has used his platform to help young Black students by creating the Stormzy Scholarship, which was launched in 2018.
The scholarship initially provided two Black British students per year, but it has since grown to include ten students annually. 55 students have received financial aid to pay for their tuition and living expenses to date. The initiative has also led to a notable increase in Black student applications to Cambridge, which has been dubbed the “Stormzy effect.”
UK rapper Stormzy has been honoured with an honorary law degree from the University of Cambridge(Image: James Linsell Clark / SWNS)
Stormzy first demonstrated the scheme at Harris City Academy in Croydon, a former student there.
He later stated that because we are a minority, it is important that all potential students have the same opportunity.
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His goal was to encourage young people from underrepresented backgrounds to aim high as well as reduce the financial strain on Black students. He added, “I hope it will serve as a reminder to young people from all backgrounds that they have the opportunity to receive the best education.”
Stormzy was all smiles on his big day(Image: James Linsell Clark / SWNS)
In a previous interview with BBC Breakfast, the MOBO-winning artist shared his message for young students: “If you’re academically brilliant, don’t think because you come from a certain community that studying at one of the highest education institutions in the world isn’t possible.”
The underrepresentation of Black students at prestigious universities is the inspiration for Stormzy’s scholarship program. Some Cambridge colleges at one point didn’t accept any Black students between 2012 and 2016 at all.
In contrast, there were only 58 Black undergraduate admissions in 2017; this is a small but significant change.
The UK rapper’s dreams have come true(Image: James Linsell Clark / SWNS)
Stormzy once vowed to study at Oxford or Cambridge, reflecting on his own academic journey. He didn’t pursue university, choosing instead to pursue his passion for music despite receiving six A*s, three As, and three Bs at GCSE level.
He said, “Fortunately for myself, I had the academic ability when I was going through school.” I diverted and ended up studying music, but they should know that’s possible when students are young, academically outstanding, and receiving excellent grades.
He also openly acknowledged that he struggled in A-levels, saying, “I remember going to my results day and seeing my results shocked me. I made no excessive progress. I was shocked by the educational system because it revealed to me that it was difficult to get a degree.
Proud Denise will be attending her first Glastonbury to watch Matty and The 1975
Festival novice Denise Welch says she won’t be doing one common thing while she’s at Glastonbury
Denise Welch says she’s “stressed” about her first Glastonbury, where son Matty Healy will be headlining. The Loose Women favourite admits she’s not a fan of festivals – and has ruled out camping, instead opting for a more comfortable nights rest off site.
She’s heading to Worthy farm to see Matty perform with band The 1975. “I’ve not really been a festival bunny – I don’t really do festivals,” confessed Denise, 67. “The only one I’ve been to is Coachella. It was all VIP and very lovely. Hot, sunny and gorgeous and I thought ‘Oh, this is okay’. And no one stays there, everyone goes home at the end of the night. I am stressed about Glastonbury.”
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Denise can’t wait to see her boy Matty on the Glasto stage – but says she’s not a fan of festivals(Image: Mike Webster/REX/Shutterstock)
Denise only plans to stick around for her boy – and one other music legend. “I am not going to stay for the whole three days,” she said. “I would rather be able to dip in and out. I might dip back in for the Sunday night to see Rod.”
BRIT award-winning The 1975 – made up of Matty, Adam Hann, Ross MacDonald, and George Daniel – step out onto the iconic Pyramid Stage on Friday night. Actress and presenter Denise says Matty, 36, gets his musical talent from dad Tim Healy, 73, who appeared in ITV’s Benidorm.
Matty and band The 1975 headline the Pyramid stage on Friday night (Image: Getty Images)
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She says Friday will be a special moment for the family and she’ll be watching Matty from the crowd with a non-alcoholic beer in hand. “My dad would have just loved to have seen him at Glastonbury – at least he lived long enough to see his success,” said the mum-of-two, who starred in Coronation Street and Waterloo Road.
“The band started when he was 13 in the garage and we kind of housed them all for god knows how many years. They were 13 when they started the band and about 22 when it all took off so yeah. They’re no overnight success, they work very hard and continue to work very hard.”
Denise says Friday will be a big moment for the family – including Matty’s brother Louis and his fiance Gabbriette
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The four school friends formed the band in 2002 and shot to fame with the release of their chart-topping self-titled album The 1975. They saw similar success with the release of A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships and Being Funny In A Foreign Language. This is their first time headline Glastonbury.
Expected to be in the crowd is Matty’s fiance, model Gabbriette. The couple live in the US now. “I love Gabriette and I am thrilled for them both,” said Denise. She will likely be joined by good pal Charli XCX – who’s engaged to The 1975 drummer George. Charli headlines the Other Stage on Saturday night.
For her recent appearance on Good Morning Britain, Ranvir Singh was a vision as she donned an ‘elongating’ floral jumpsuit that’s perfect for summer styling and now 25% off
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GMB’s Ranvir Singh is a vision in ‘elongating’ Hobbs jumpsuit that has 25% off (Image: Ranvir Singh)
If you found yourself watching Good Morning Britain and longing for Ranvir Singh’s covetable floral jumpsuit, the good news is we not only know where to shop for your own, but it’s also on sale with a whopping 25% discount.
Gracing TVs in a head-turning white and green jumpsuit, this Hobbs number has been touted as “elongating,” making it ideal for those looking to add some height to their look without needing six-inch heels.
Offering a stylish and practical alternative to a summer-ready dress, this Cressida Jumpsuit from Hobbs is set to be your new staple for sunny weather. It promises to seamlessly transition from daytime wear to evening occasions.
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Ranvir Singh wore this Hobbs’ Cressida Jumpsuit(Image: Hobbs)
This jumpsuit comes in sizes 6 through 20, with measurements available for regular or petite height. It is already beginning to be snatched up in various sizes, so you may want to act fast to secure yours before it’s gone.
Perfect for this event’s season, this jumpsuit offers that perfectly polished look that makes it a go-to for wearing to work, on a brunch date, or just wearing as your everyday look while you go about regular errands.
Boasting a flattering and elongating wide leg design, this piece comes with a waist tie for a cinched, figure-flattering finish. Armed with a high, round neckline that makes this an easy choice for more formal settings, this jumpsuit also comes with flutter sleeves that add a casual twist to an understated and classy design, while keeping the look light and airy for the summer time.
Normally retailing for £189, Ranvir’s jumpsuit has found itself on Hobbs’ summer sale, which can save shoppers a major £50 as its price gets axed all the way down to £139.
Shoppers who have picked up Ranvir’s stunning number have left their songs of praise in the reviews, with one commenter beaming: “I haven’t worn it yet – just tried it on. I’m thrilled with the material, the colour the cut and style – and most important – the fit.”
Though one customer did share their disappointment, writing: “Gorgeous jumpsuit and beautiful material, but the large bow did not suit me and the length was about 6 inches too long for me – I am 5’7 so would have needed heels far higher than I am comfortable wearing. Sadly returned.”
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If you’re looking for similar looks, we’ve found several alternatives. For instance, Whistles offers this Ivory Abstract Squares Jumpsuit in the same white and green colourway as Ranvir, which is now on sale for £99, down from £130.
With a week to go, the weather predictions are getting more and more accurate for the Oasis comeback shows in Cardiff as Noel and Liam Gallagher appear on stage together for the first time
Oasis are all set to have fun in the sun(Image: Redferns)
Oasis fans travelling to Cardiff for the reunion shows have only a small risk of rain, according to the updated weather forecast. As Liam Gallagher famously sings in Cigarettes And Alcohol: you could wait for a lifetime to spend your days in the sunshine. Well the wait could be over!
Up to 74,000 fans are expected each night in Cardiff at the Principality Stadium and bosses will be able to leave the famous roof open if they want to based on the predicted conditions. On Friday July 4, BBC weather says conditions will be “sunny with a gentle breeze” and temperatures around 21 degrees, dropping to around 17 degrees by the end of the show.
On Saturday things look similar with “sunny intervals and a moderate breeze”. Temperatures are similar but there is a 24% chance of rain several times in the afternoon meaning fans going into the stadium early may have to dodge a few showers.
Oasis are about to embark on their highly anticipated reunion tour in Cardiff(Image: Getty Images )
Banned items
Fans heading to Cardiff for the first nights of the Live 25 tour also have a long list of things they can’t bring into the stadium.
According to the Principality Stadium’s official website only small bags and handbags are allowed in the stadium. So any fans with larger rucksacks or suitcases will need to store them before they get there. The rules state: “Due to the current unprecedented security situation, it’s better for everyone if you do not bring a bag at all.
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“We will not permit large bags into the stadium but you will be permitted to take small bags and handbags in with you. We class small bags as no larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm or standard handbags. There are no bag storage facilities available at the stadium – please plan ahead if you intend travelling to Cardiff with a large bag.”
Help is at hand as Cardiff has several companies that store large bags, including Stasher in the town centre which is open 24 hours a day. There is also a large list of items which are banned from entering the stadium. These include leaflets, banners and flags if they are deemed to be promotional, commercial, political or religious.
As well as this the full list of banned items are: “Fireworks, flares, pyrotechnics, all horns including air horns, musical instruments, smoke canisters, laser pointers, bottles, glasses, cans, cooking devices, banners, poles, large golf-type umbrellas, ‘selfie ‘sticks, knives, blades and other articles or containers – including any which could or might be used as a weapon – or any other item which in the reasonable opinion of the WRU Group, its servants or agents, could be used as a weapon or cause nuisance to others, are prohibited within the Stadium.”
Parking
According to the Principality website the doors open for the first and second Oasis live 25 shows on July 4 and July 5 at 5pm.
In terms of parking in Cardiff close to the stadium, it may pay to plan ahead as it is extremely limited, with no dedicated spectator parking options at or near the stadium.
It’s recommended to pre-book parking in city centre car parks, which are a short walk away from the stadium, to ensure a space and avoid the hassle of searching on the day.
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The stadium website says: “There’s plenty of parking options in the city centre, but there is no dedicated spectator car parking at or immediately near the stadium, so be sure to plan your journey in advance.
“Please note that for Stadium concerts and events, road closures will be in place – please check your specific event information for further details.”
The largest car parks in Cardiff are the NCP car parks at Dumfries Place with 955 spaces and Knox Road with 747 spaces. Dumfries Place is a 23 minute walk to the stadium with Knox Road 20 minutes. Other options include apps which allow you to rent parking spaces from locals like just park.com
The nearest train station to the Principality Stadium is Cardiff Central, which operates mainline services from West Wales, the Midlands, the South Coast and London. Upon arriving into the station, the ground is a five-minute walk away.
Oasis split following a backstage bust-up between the Gallaghers at Rock en Seine festival in Paris in 2009(Image: Getty Images)
Noel and Liam Gallagher posed up together for the first time since the Oasis global tour was announced as part of an Adidas promotional campaign which launched in an advert on Channel 4 on June 12. In the past both Liam and Noel have also released their own Adidas trainers and Noel has spoken in the past about being obsessed with trainers.
Oasis split following a backstage bust-up between the Gallaghers at Rock en Seine festival in Paris in 2009. But thankfully the brothers have now made up and it is believed Liam made the first move to patch things up.
On X Liam said last year: “I called him but don’t tell anyone as I don’t want folk thinking I’m a soft lad and stuffs keep it between me n you cheers x.” The reply laced with humour was typical of Liam’s responses on social media.
Last week Noel Gallagher told pals he was surprised how good the band sounded in rehearsals. On Oasis, U2 frontman Bono said: “I love them. I just love them. And what I really love is this, the sort of preciousness that had gotten a part of what was called indie music. They just blew it out.
“And there was just a swagger. The sound of getting out of the ghetto, not glamorising it. And they’re both funny, funny, funny. I’m still very close with Noel. And he got a message to me, and he says that he’s kind of shocked by how great the band is. So I think we’re going to have a good summer.”
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Noel and Liam will walk on stage for the first time together in public, since the band split nearly two decades ago, on July 4 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. There will also be dates in Manchester, London and Dublin as part of the tour.
Amazon boss, Jeff Bezos, has pulled out all the stops for his lavish Venetian wedding to former journalist, Lauren Sanchez – but things haven’t quite gone to plan
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have suffered another wedding setback (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have suffered another wedding setback ahead of their eye-wateringly expensive nuptials. The Amazon boss, 61, is pulling out all the stops for the lavish bash in Venice this week, which is rumoured to have set him back a staggering $20,000 (£15m).
Jeff and Lauren, 55, who arrived in Italy today, were supposed to be hosting a star-studded party at the 16th-century Scuola Grande della Misericordia as part of a multi-day celebration. However, after angry locals threatened to throw inflatable crocodiles into the canal outside the venue, they’ve moved the do to a fortress. But, in more bad news for the starry-eyed pair, another one of the historic venues that billionaire, Jeff, has chosen for his wedding is not looking its best – because it’s covered in scaffolding.
Scaffolding can be seen outside the Century Madonna dell Orto church in Venice’s quaint Cannargio district (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The uber glam three-day event will feature a party held at the breathtaking 15th Century Madonna dell Orto church in Venice’s quaint Cannargio district tomorrow night.
In preparation, security guards have now blocked off entrances where the bash will be held, but what guests will be met with when they arrive at the venue is the iconic bell tower covered in scaffolding, reports MailOnline.
This has left locals wondering if mega mogul, Jeff, may have booked the venue after a quick Google image search, without realising it’s actually in a state of repair.
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It comes after the divisive figure was forced to relocate his lavish Venice wedding celebrations after furious residents threatened to blockade the city’s historic canals with inflatables. Jeff had planned to host a A-list-packed party at the 16th-century Scuola Grande della Misericordia.
Jeff Bezos has faced backlash from angry Venetians ahead of his wedding(Image: AP)
However, amid growing backlash from locals who accused him of “shutting down Venice,” he has reportedly now moved the event to a more secure venue.
Some protesters vowed to toss inflatable crocodiles into the canals, blocking celebrity guests from arriving by gondola or water taxi. “This is a big victory for us,” declared Tommaso Cacciari, a member of the No Space for Bezos protest group. “Who would have thought that we could change the plans of one of the richest men on the planet?”
The wedding will now take place at the Arsenale – a vast, fortress-like complex of shipyards and warehouses once used to build Venetian warships.
However, in another potential headache for Jeff and Lauren, their guestlist has reportedly been leaked after several of the bride-to-be’s glam squad’s name were seen on a list clutched by a tour guide welcoming the wedding party to Venice.
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Among the attendees are two famous make-up artists – and a drag queen tailor, who are all rumoured to be helping Lauren look her best for her big day.
She’s certainly going to make sure all eyes are on her – despite the scaffolding.
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Fans of Taylor Swift have been left perplexed by the discovery that one of the singer’s songs was actually written for a 2013 movie, which is unusual.
Taylor Swift wrote one of her songs for an unlikely reason (file)(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Fans of Taylor Swift are just learning where one of her lesser-known songs came from. The singer-songwriter has 11 studio albums to her credit and has released hundreds of songs, including songs that were included in movie soundtracks or stand-alone singles that aren’t on her albums.
However, a relatively unknown Taylor Swift song has been receiving some discussion because some of her fans have only recently learned how it came to be. The singer began re-recording some of her earlier albums and frequently included unreleased tracks that weren’t on the original release after the 2019 dispute over the ownership of Swift’s back catalogue.
Swift included a song titled Sweeter Than Fiction on the 1989 release of Taylor’s Version, which was released in 2023. For the first time since her 2024 Eras Tour in Amsterdam, she performed it live.
The song was actually released in 2013 as part of the soundtrack to a very unlikely movie, despite never having been on an album before.
Co-hosts Benedict and Hannah Townsend discuss the little-known song in a TikTok clip shared by the podcast Talk of the Townsends and reveal that it was written for the 2013 movie One Chance.
The British opera singer and winner of the Got Talent, Paul Potts, is the subject of the biographical film One Chance. James Corden portrays Paul’s singer, and Yvonne Walters portrays her mother.
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Hannah stated in the video that she believes Taylor Swift’s contribution to the Paul Potts film Sweeter Than Fiction is of particular significance to her.
Taylor Swift was out of her cycle at the time, which meant she didn’t record any more music until the album she was about to release. However, James Corden’s relationship with Paul Potts made it seem as though she was like, “I have to be involved in that.” I’m not sure if she was simply drawn to Paul Potts and his tale.
She wrote Sweeter Than Fiction [for it] because of this. And she sang it on the Eras Tour, which I believe took place in Amsterdam. She sang “Sweeter Than Fiction.” On The Eras Tour, a song from the Paul Potts film was sung. “
Swift previously spoke about wanting to be involved in the film during an interview with BBC Newsbeat in 2013, where she said her record label didn’t want her to take on the project until she begged them to be a part of it.
She said, “Until the next album comes out, my management and my label were like, “No new music.” When I watched the movie, I thought, “I have to be a part of this. ‘
I consider this film to be incredible, funny, adorable, heartwarming, and very special. “
Even though the song was written for Mandela: A Long Walk to Freedom, U2, lost out to Swift for Best Original Song.
The Townsends’ video’s commentators were unsure of the song’s origins. Even some people who hailed it as their “favorite Taylor Swift song” were unsure of where it came from.
