Pop Idol’s Michelle McManus unrecognisable after weight loss transformation

After being invited to perform with Robbie Williams at his upcoming concert in Edinburgh, Michelle McManus is set to make a significant comeback.

Michelle won the second series of the former ITV talent show(Image: Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)

Michelle McManus, a former member of the popular idiom, has undergone a dramatic transformation and is set to take to the stage once more. The singer, who has recently gained popularity on social media, won the second season of the talent show and is now a hit, has recently emerged.

Back in 2003, the Glaswegian singer instantly capturing hearts across the nation with her belting tunes. Her debut hit All This Time rocketed to number one, and her initial album The Meaning of Love dominated in Scotland, while earning a respectable third in the UK charts.

Despite an early split from her record label in 2004, McManus seized the opportunity to start afresh with her own label and dropped another album in 2007. Although she took a break from the music scene till 2012, she remained in the public eye, charming listeners as a presenter on BBC Scotland and BBC Radio Scotland.

Robbie Williams made Michelle an offer she couldn't refuse
Robbie Williams made Michelle an offer she couldn’t refuse(Image: Deadline via Getty Images)

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Now, the buzz is that she could be returning to her musical roots, and potentially alongside Robbie Williams. During what turned out to be a remarkable interview on her live BBC Radio Scotland show, Robbie Williams flipped the script and stunned her with an invite to sing with him on stage. Following their chat, the Angels singer nonchalantly offered: “Would you like to come and sing with me in Edinburgh?” reports Belfast Live.

McManus was suddenly left speechless after being taken aback by the proposal, only managing to utter, “What, sorry? ” What did that mean?” When she questioned him, “Is this a joke,” Michele looked shocked. and vehemently responded, “For goodness sake, yes!”

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Williams played it cool with a simple “Let’s do it,” stating they’ll pick the tune to perform together later on. The Scottish songstress will now be joining an elite group of artists, including Taylor Swift, Kylie Minogue, and Nicole Kidman, who have all teamed up with Robbie in the past.

Michelle has lost a staggering nine stone in recent years
Michelle has lost a staggering nine stone in recent years(Image: Instagram/Michelle McManus)

Michelle, 44, was shocked to learn Robbie’s proposal on BBC Radio Scotland’s Drivetime show, where she initially believed he was looking for some recommendations for local restaurants in Edinburgh. She laughed and said, “I never thought he was going to ask me what he did in my wildest dreams.”

Michelle confided following the proposal how overwhelmed she was by Williams’ generous invitation to perform in Murrayfield for a crowd of roughly 70 000 people, as well as how touched she was by Robbie’s kindness.

She unveiled the statement, “I cried a lot after it occurred. It’s incredible to perform Robbie Williams onstage in Murrayfield in front of about 70 000 people. However, it also demonstrates how kind people are. Despite being such a megastar, Robbie has been so incredibly kind to me on so many occasions.

Michelle now follows a calorie-conscious eating plan
Michelle now follows a calorie-conscious eating plan(Image: Granada Television)

With their upcoming performance set for May 31, Michelle is heading into it sporting a phenomenal nine stone weight loss thanks to committing to a healthier lifestyle. The Glasgow-born singer and presenter, Michelle McManus, candidly spoke about her previous battles with weight and alcohol, taking to Instagram to flaunt her new look after shedding an impressive 9st in just 17 months.

She eluded followers, saying, “Over the past few weeks, so many lovely people have messaged me to ask how I managed to drop 9st over the past 17 months. I was trapped in a cycle before this lifestyle change, constantly searching for the elusive magic diet wand, believing it was waiting for me to transform into the best version of myself.

The truth is that magic wand does not exist, though. Instead, I’ve found the right support, which is even stronger. I was completely lost and out of control, unsure of where to turn next.

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She was a well-known musician and columnist, and she credits her success on sticking to a calorie-conscious eating regimen and setting clear goals while also providing her top tip for overcoming snack cravings: drinking at least 2.5 liters of water each day.

Met Gala 2025’s secret signals and stars’ ‘clever’ trend to one-up each other on red carpet

EXCLUSIVE: The Met Gala is back, and an expert predicts that the famous faces in New York will display a “loud” trend as they try to win the world over.

Zendaya at the 2024 Met Gala(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The most iconic fashion event on the calendar is here and celebrities are getting ready to “one up” each other again. This year’s theme at the annual Met Gala is “Tailored for You” in connection with the Costume’s Institute’s landmark new exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.

And some of the biggest names in world of showbiz will be battling it out on the red carpet to grab the headlines. Stateside PR guru Jane Owen revealed the trend of creating “two or more outfits in one” is set to continue.

Before dropping Blake Lively’s recognizable 2022 look, she described it as a “wonderful way to “one up” the competition. The actress was shocked when her outfit dramatically changed for the occasion.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky attend The 2021 Met Gala
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky attend The 2021 Met Gala (Image: Getty Images)

Jane admitted she also expects to see a number of political messages hit the red carpet at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. She went on: “I’m also highly expecting a political statement either for or against Trump (most likely against) and against the War in Ukraine and the Palestine Israeli humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”

She added that stylists might become “even more creative and attract even more eyeballs as people are searching for levity and brightness to lighten the mood” with the world’s tension at an all-time high.

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When asked who she think will be this year’s celebrities to watch out for, Jane revealed: “There are the go-to fashion queens who never fail to amaze and delight, including Kim Kardashian, the Jenners, Rihanna, Zendaya, Beyoncé and Blake Lively.

Arianna Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who have received Oscar nominations, will definitely bring it.

Blake Lively at the 2022 Met Gala
Blake Lively at the 2022 Met Gala(Image: Getty Images for The Met Museum/)

However, she stated that she would enjoy “watching a younger celebrity’s surprise moment.” She claimed that the time is right for a new fashion icon to emerge.

Last year, Kim Kardashian wore a glamorous shining metallic gown to the Met Gala, while Doja Cat stepped out in just a towel for the event.

Emily Ratajkowski was seen nearly naked at the 2024 offering, opting to wear a see-through crystal-covered dress, and Ariana Grade wore a corset-style white gownThis year’s Met Gala sees actor Colman Domingo, Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, rapper A$AP Rocky and musician, record producer and Louis Vuitton men’s creative director Pharrell Williams as the co-chairs, who host the event.

Kylie Jenner, Khloé Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, and Kendall Jenner arrive at The 2022 Met Gala
Kylie Jenner, Khloé Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, and Kendall Jenner arrive at The 2022 Met Gala(Image: Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

While the tightly controlled guest list is kept secret, rumors of a “leaked list” have already started. Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue, handpicks the guests for their relevance.

Stevie Wonder, Lorde, Jimmy Fallon, Demi Moore, and Madonna are all expected to appear this year. Mary J. Blige and Shakira are two other names on the allegedly leaked attendance list.

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From Joan of Arc to Pope inspired attire – these are the most iconic Met Gala outfits

The 2025 Met Gala is almost here! As we eagerly await to see this year’s red carpet snaps, lets take a look at the seven best dressed celebrities who made Met Gala history

As we approach Met Gala Monday, let’s take a look into the seven best dressed celebrities throughout the years(Image: Variety via Getty Images)

On the first Monday in May, your favourite celebrities transform into fashion icons for the Met Gala in Manhattan. They don’t merely stroll the red carpet, they ascend the steps of the Metropolitan Museum, wearing striking couture, and showcasing their original takes on the exhibition’s theme for everyone to see.

Unlike an awards show or movie premiere, the aim is not just to dazzle for a fleeting moment. It’s about crafting a look that can resonate for years to come. And many have succeeded in doing just that.

The dress code for this year is ‘Tailored for You,’ aligning with the upcoming exhibition at the museum, titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which is running from May 10 to October 26, 2025. This exhibition will explore how clothing and style shape the evolution of Black identities across the Atlantic diaspora, with a particular focus on menswear.

Anna Wintour the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine is one of the most influential people in the world of fashion and has co-chaired the Met Gala since 1995
Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue, is one of the most influential people in the world of fashion(Image: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

READ MORE: The 2025 MET Gala theme is ‘Tailored for You’ but what does it mean for guests

So, while we patiently wait to see who conquers the red carpet this year, it’s only fair to reflect on the best-dressed looks throughout the years.

From Sarah Jessica Parker and Alexander McQueen in matching kilts to Tyla in a dress that moulded to her body, that made her look like she effortlessly rolled in sand before taking to the red carpet. Here are seven of the best looks to appear on the Met Gala red carpet.

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Sarah Jessica Parker and Alexander McQueen, 2006

In 2006, Sarah Jessica Parker attended the Met Gala with the late designer Alexander McQueen while wearing a matching tartan and tulle creation
In 2006, Sarah Jessica Parker attended the Met Gala with the designer Alexander McQueen while wearing a matching tartan and tulle creation(Image: Getty Images)

Sarah Jessica Parker is a name synonymous with fashion for her iconic looks on cult classic series Sex and the City. But when she walked the red carpet with the late Alexander McQueen in 2006, the fashion world stood still for a minute.

The theme that year was “AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion”, and Sarah Jessica Parker invited British designer Alexander McQueen to attend the event with her. Ultimately, McQueen went on to design coordinating looks constructed from red and black plaid, paying homage to British fashion.

Zendaya, 2018

Zendaya embodied the patron saint of Joan of Arc at the 2018 Met Gala in Versace armour that favoured sequins over metal
Zendaya embodied the patron saint of Joan of Arc at the 2018 Met Gala in Versace armour that favoured sequins over metal(Image: Getty Images)

In 2018, Zendaya arrived at the Met Gala dressed as Joan of Arc, cementing her status as a fashion icon. The theme that year was “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”, which inspired the actresses’ look to don the armour of one of Catholicism’s most famed icons: Saint Joan of Arc.

The chainmail gown, designed by Versace, featured an armoured neck and shoulder piece, a spiked belt and a stunning train which effortlessly followed behind as she walked. The outfit was styled by her long-time stylist, Law Roach.

Tyla, 2024

In 2024, South African singer Tyla arrived at the Met Gala in a gown made from sand sourced from the Seychelles and the Sahara
In 2024, South African singer Tyla arrived at the Met Gala in a gown made out of sand sourced from the Seychelles and the Sahara(Image: Getty Images for The Met Museum/)

Last year, South African singer and songwriter Tyla made her Met Gala debut, and she definitely didn’t disappoint. The singer donned a dress made out of sand by French fashion house Balmain in a nod to the theme “The Garden of Time”.

The strapless gown was moulded to her body and subtly flared out in an organza train. Crafted from three shades of sand and adorned with micro-crystal studs, the dress sparkled with every move Tyla made. Complementing the evening’s theme, she also carried the Balmain hourglass clutch.

Rihanna, 2023

Rihanna donned a custom Valentino Haute Couture silk faille dress, adorned with a cape featuring 500 petals and a billowing train, at the 2023 Met Gala
Rihanna donned a custom Valentino Haute Couture silk faille dress, adorned with a cape featuring 500 petals and a billowing train, at the 2023 Met Gala(Image: GC Images)

In 2023, Rihanna was so late to the Met Gala that many began to wonder if she would even attend. But when she finally showed up at 10 pm, she reminded everyone of the true meaning of being ‘fashionably late’. The singer arrived wearing a dramatic, white Valentino gown adorned with over 500 petals and a billowing train.

She capped off the outfit with white fingerless gloves, a favourite accessory of Karl Lagerfeld, paired with white cat-eye sunglasses and mega-long false lashes, and, of course, the boldest red lip you’ve ever seen. The theme that year was “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” a tribute to the late designer who helmed the fashion houses of Chanel and Fendi for many years.

Cardi B, 2019

Cardi B shut down the 2019 Met Gala red carpet in a  dress that took 2,000 hours to create
Cardi B shut down the 2019 Met Gala red carpet in a dress that took 2,000 hours to create (Image: FilmMagic)

In 2019, Cardi B made a spectacular return to the Met Gala, and she definitely came to impress. The theme for the evening was “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” and Cardi fully embraced it by stepping onto the red carpet in a massive quilted and feathered gown designed by Thom Brown.

While the stunning dress stole the spotlight, the rapper had a 10-person team to assist her as she ascended the stairs. The striking red gown, which took over 2,000 hours to craft, featured 30,000 burnt and dyed feathers, securing Cardi B’s place in Met Gala red-carpet history.

Rihanna, 2018

In 2018, Riahanna rocked up at the Met Gala dressed as the Pope
In 2018, Riahanna rocked up at the Met Gala dressed as the Pope(Image: Press Association Images)

Rihanna made Met Gala history again in 2018 when she arrived at the Met Gala dressed as the Pope. The theme, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” which also featured Zendaya dressed as Saint Joan of Arc, showcased Rihanna in a custom outfit by Maison Margiela.

The strapless hand-beaded dress was embellished with a hundred pearls and featured a matching sculptural jacket. Accessorising with a pearl anklet and a bejewelled crucifix necklace. Each piece of the outfit was crafted in an elaborate Seaform jacquard, requiring over 250 hours to sew and an additional 500 hours to hand-embroider.

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Blake Lively, 2022

At the 2022 Met Gala, Blake Lively not only looked breathtaking in Atelier Versace, but her ensemble also had particular meaning behind it
At the 2022 Met Gala, Blake Lively not only looked breathtaking in Atelier Versace, but her ensemble also had particular meaning behind it(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Blake Lively showed up to the Met Gala and stole the show in 2022. The blonde beauty wore a custom Versace gown, inspired by New York City. The theme that year was “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” and Lively, one of the evening’s hosts, underwent a significant dress transformation that perfectly reflected the theme.

Sam Thompson ‘realised his worth’ after Zara McDermott split, says Pete Wicks

In a difficult time for them both when it comes to relationships, Pete Wicks opens up about best friend Sam Thompson and reveals that Sam is doing “great” as he sheds light on their relationship.

Pete says Sam is the best person he knows as he’s so ‘authentically himself’(Image: OK! Magazine / Alex James)

Gushing compliments from Pete Wicks aren’t a common occurrence – but when it comes to bestie Sam Thompson, he’s breaking his own rules. The former TOWIE and Made In Chelsea stars have forged a solid bond over the past six years.

In this exclusive chat, Pete – who split from Maura Higgins in February, but has been recently linked to another ex-Love Island star, Samantha Kenny – delivers a love letter to his Staying Relevant podcast co-host (and other celeb pals), as the 37-year-old tells us what friendship for him is all about.

sam thompson hugging Pete wicks
Former TOWIE star Pete says he never planned for him and Sam to become the poster boys for ‘bromance’(Image: PA)

Pete, is it difficult to form genuine relationships in your field?

Whatever you do, it’s challenging to form strong, lasting relationships. However, everyone has a right to criticize everything you do. If you can count on one hand five people you can count on as your friends until the end of your life, you’ve done well, according to my grandfather.

And Sam is one of those five, right?

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My little finger, Sam! He is unapologetically self-assured. People assume the camera-freeze dynamic disappears, but he still rings me 15 times throughout the day to chat. I appreciate you taking me on this crazy adventure. When he learns that I’ve said that, he will have a heart attack.

Hot topics include toxic masculinity and male role models. Both of you have positive role models.

We never planned to be the poster boys for a bromance. We just love each other, and we’re always there for each other. Maybe men haven’t explored friendships further, because they generally find it difficult to talk. But it’s not always easy. Sam’s an emotional person. He likes to talk. I don’t – but he’s made me feel comfortable enough to, by being a safe space.

How have your relationships with women been?

I grew up with two really strong women, my mum and my nan, so I’ve always felt comfortable around women. The idea that men and women can’t be friends is b******s. I count Vicky Pattison and Olivia Attwood as two really close friends. I adore the bones of those girls.

Vicky Pattison and Pete wicks
Vicky Pattison is one of Pete’s closest pals, he says(Image: Brett Cove/REX/Shutterstock)
Pete wicks laughing with his mum
Pete with his mum, who he says brought him up alongside his nan(Image: nstagram/wickstracy)

Tell us about your newest Twix campaign: you’re Sam and Pete now. !

It’s about fostering friendship and sharing, which is great for Sam and I because it would be impossible for us to do the amazing things we do without a partner to share them with.

You both went through significant relationship ups and downs this year…

Nicely put! Yes, we’ve both had so much going on. Sam had a ‘different’ start to the year [Sam split from Zara McDermott in January]. Part of being someone’s friend is being there no matter what – to say, “Things are always going to get better,” and they have.

What is his current state?

He is fantastic. Sometimes it’s about allowing others to work on themselves and recognize their worth. Because he is amazing and deserves the best, I hope I’ve helped him do that.

Pete wicks with dog in garden
Animal-lover Pete’s show For Dog’s Sake has been recommissioned(Image: JAMES RUDLAND)

A Christmas special and two more seasons of the For Dogs’ Sake show have been commissioned. You resemble Paul O’Grady, the new man!

I don’t feel like the new Paul O’Grady – he was an idol of mine and I don’t think anyone will be able to replace him. But this is a passion project for me. Being around animals is the only time I feel truly content. But it’s about the dogs, and the incredible work of the Dogs Trust. They say heroes don’t wear capes, and it’s true.

We must inquire about your new haircut.

It was a choice made on impulse. My hair has always been the same way. I was concerned, but now that the grays are in and the hairline is receding, I can try to hide that with a shorter cut. Sam also had a glow-up, and he looks incredible. I’ve chosen the incorrect path. I’m aging, graying, and sluggish!

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Pete is the ambassador for Twix’s latest campaign, Two Is More Than One. See more at twix.com/uk.

The 2025 MET Gala theme is ‘Tailored for You’ but what does it mean for guests

Celebrities and socialites from the Met Gala are gathered annually to raise money for the Costume Institute. What does the dress code for this year’s event mean?

Met Gala Monday is almost here, bring celebrities and socialites together at the most fashionable event of the year(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

For most of us, the first Monday of May isn’t that monumental. However, for celebrities and socialites, this is the biggest weekend of their year. The first Monday of May marks the annual Met Gala. With 400-650 attendees ranging from beloved film stars and record-selling singers to fashion designers and industry leaders, all of whom were invited by Anna Wintour and Vogue, the Met Gala is akin to Christmas for fashion enthusiasts.

The Met Gala is an annual haute couture fundraiser held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan, specifically to support the Costume Institute. This event is celebrated as the world’s most prestigious and glamorous fashion gathering, attracting top figures from the film, music, and fashion industries.

1948’s inaugural Met Gala, which was originally known as the “Costume Institute Benefit,” took place. Through raising money and raising awareness, renowned fashionista Eleanor Lambert organized this charity event to benefit the Costume Institute.

The Met Gala is renowned as the most prestigious and glamorous fashion event worldwide, drawing prominent personalities from film, music, and fashion alike
The Met Gala is renowned as the most prestigious and glamorous fashion event worldwide(Image: Getty Images)

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Following Diana Vreeland’s appointment as a consultant for the Institute, the event later underwent a cultural transformation. Following this appointment, the charity’s benefit moved to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and introduced annual themes that reflected the Institute.

Since 1995, Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour, has overseen the event, approving everything from the sponsors to the guest lists and evening attire, as well as the designers chosen to dress which celebrities.

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On May 5th, the Met Gala will take over Manhattan, and this is everything you need to know. The annual event pays homage to Black dandyism, and its iconic themes are well known for it.

The ‘ Tailored for You’ dress code for this year’s gala is ‘ Tailored for You’, which is in line with the new exhibition titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” that will run through the museum from May 10 through October 26, 2025. With a particular emphasis on menswear, the theme will explore how clothing and style influence Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora.

This year’s gala dress code is ‘Tailored for You’, focusing on menswear
This year’s gala dress code is ‘Tailored for You’, focusing on menswear(Image: Getty Images)

Andrew Bolton, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s chief curator, primarily chose the dress code for this year. The book “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity” by Monica L. Miller infuses it with inspiration.

This theme focuses on how tailoring and style influence the development of Black identities. The Met Gala will highlight men’swear for the first time since “Men in Skirts” in 2003, not to mention.

The dress code is “purposefully designed to provide guidance and invite creative interpretation,” according to the Met. A new chairman is chosen each year along with a co-chair group to promote the event, represent its theme, and control its flow, especially during red-carpet events and public appearances.

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