Category Entertainment News

The wait is over as Ikea finally opens its Oxford Street store in 2023, years after its initial opening. Despite the new store opening having one issue, customers

The day has finally arrived. Affordable homeware store IKEA has arrived at the most iconic street for British shoppers and tourists alike: Oxford Street. The three-storey building with a retail space of 5,800 square metres is bound to take over one of the busiest shopping districts in the capital city.

Initial plans for the highly anticipated store’s opening in 2023 were met. IKEA, however, announced its postponement and moved it to the following year. The opening date for spring 2025 was then again postponed due to extensive renovation requirements.

But the wait is now over, as IKEA Oxford Street opens its doors at 214 Oxford Street on May 1. The new store will offer the traditional IKEA experience, with its iconic showroom filled with home décor inspiration, dreamy room sets, and a market hall with home furnishing accessories. And of course, the delicatessen of the Swedish kitchen offering the signature hotdogs and meatballs served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam and cream sauce.

READ MORE: Reason why IKEA gives its furniture distinctive Swedish names – it’s not what you think

According to The Mirror, Ingka Group, IKEA’s parent company, Ingka Group, purchased the 113-year-old structure in 2021 for £378 million. Interestingly, the landmark Topshop store, which unfortunately closed down in 2021 after almost 30 years of operation, was once located in the same building.

At twice the size of its Hammersmith’s King Street store, IKEA Oxford Street is expected to attract 60,000 shoppers a week. The Oxford Street store will have a 25-square metre Live Studio available for “locally relevant events”, as well as a Re-Shop and Re-Use section for customers to buy second-hand, second-life, and discontinued IKEA products.

IKEA UK shared the exciting news via their Instagram account, captioning it: “The wait is almost over… IKEA is coming to Oxford Street on 1st May! Hit the reminder button to get notified!”

The comment section was flooded with excited shoppers who had been counting down the days. Some people waited this long for it to finally be opened, according to one person.

A second user said, “FINALLY.” A third user saying, “We used to shop until we dropped at Topshop!” We’ll be shopping right away so we can stay comfortable.”

READ MORE: I went to shop dubbed ‘little IKEA’ and found so many bargains

However, one issue with the store’s location on one of London’s busiest streets is that shoppers are concerned about. Some shoppers are unsure of how to carry their large purchases because Click &amp, Collect will be accessible to shoppers on Oxford Street due to the lack of parking space there. How is it possible to collect large items without having to drive down there, a question that one Instagram user posed with a laughing emoji.

IKEA Oxford Street, the CEO and chief sustainability officer of IKEA UK, stated: “Whether a local Londoner or a visiting tourist, IKEA Oxford Street strives to inspire home dreams for everyone. We offer beautifully designed, functional furniture at prices that are reasonably priced, so that visitors leave with ideas and solutions that improve daily life at home.”

London’s Oxford Street is an iconic shipping district, with an estimated half a million people visiting the street every day. He added: “IKEA Oxford Street’s location complements our network of stores in London – and beyond – and allows us to be closer to where our customers live, work and shop, while importantly being easily accessible by foot or public transport. We look forward to welcoming you in.”

Councillor Adam Hug, the leader of Westminster City Council, stated: “IKEA joining Oxford Street is a fantastic addition to one of London’s most recognizable shopping areas. IKEA will be a huge draw for visitors to the West End as more shops and new brands choose to invest in Oxford Street continue to grow.

When will IKEA’s Oxford Street debut?

On May 1, 2025, IKEA Oxford Street will open. Daily hours are 10am to 8pm, but it will be closed.

Chris Hughes, a famous Big Brother star, shared some sweet social media posts about his time on the show, but revealed that his mother cried as she watched one stunt.

Chris Hughes’ time in the Celebrity Big Brother house was closely watched by millions – including his mum. Now, a week after the former Love Island star departed the famous ITV living space, the 32-year-old has revealed the moment his mum was left rolling her eyes at her son.

Taking to Instagram, Chris shared a photo dump for the month of April, beginning with a snap of him and new close pal JoJo Siwa posing on the tennis courts. Further along the reel, he shared a screenshot of his family’s group chat with messages from his time in the house.

I didn’t watch last night’s episode, but I know he p****ed in a cat litter tray, wrote the first message from Turk. His mother responded, “They both did,” with an eye-rolling emoji referring to Chris and his 21-year-old best friend JoJo.

Chris put the caption to his upload, “This dump comes with a message of gratitude for everyone’s love and support over the past month.” I’ll cherish every moment of it, along with a lifetime of unforgettable experiences. I appreciate you a lot and appreciate some of the really sweet messages you sent me last week.

“Special shout out to everyone in the house, you made the ride a journey, friendships to last a lifetime, you all know who you are! So many moments to cherish. Also, thanks to the @bbuk production team for the seriously hard work you put in! ps; ‘just spaghetti hoops x”.

Other photos in the upload showed Chris loving life as a pirate in the CBB house, while there was a big focus on his newfound friendship with the former Dance Moms star, JoJo. The duo’s bond has came in for intense speculation, with JoJo later breaking up with her fiancé at the show’s after party.

However, both JoJo and Chris have insisted they are just friends despite their touchiness in the house. The Gay Pop star made sure to spend time with Chris right up until she needed to board her plane back to Los Angeles earlier this week.

And now that Chris appears to be in her most recent post, eagle-eyed JoJo fans have even discovered a very personal item. JoJo shared a video of herself going for a morning walk as she discussed her current travels to the UK.

Some fans were distracted by her jewelry, but she continued to tease that she might return soon.

One user noticed that the actress’s silver chain necklace had a ring attached to it. Additionally, they made the suggestion that Chris might be wearing a ring that looks very similar.

They said, “Ok, I’m probably delusional, but the ring JoJo has attached to her necklace in the video that Chris typically wears on her Instagram page today resembles it SO much! He might have given her the ring, but who knows?

Another user wrote, “OMG, you’re right, you’re right. ” to support the statement.

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Airyn, the daughter of Robert De Niro and Airyn, has publicly admitted to being transgender and has started hormone therapy in the late 2024.

Robert De Niro’s daughter, Airyn De Niro, has publicly come out as transgender in her first interview discussing her identity and transition. The 29-year-old revealed she began hormone replacement therapy in November 2024 and expressed her hopes of becoming a visible figure for other queer women of color.

According to Airyn, “being visible and being seen are two different things.” I don’t believe I’ve seen anything yet. Airyn, who first admitted to being gay in her teenage years, recalled the difficulties she faced growing up, including the feeling that she never quite fit into the expectations that were set for her.

“I was always told that growing up, I was too big or not skinny enough, or both. Not white or black enough. She claimed she was too feminine and not sufficiently masculine. You’re just right, just the way you are, never just, he said.

Throughout her transition, she credited the strength and influence of Black women as being of great inspiration. She said, “I think a large part of my transition was also the impact that Black women have had on me.” “I think in some ways I feel more connected to them as well as being more proud of my Blackness as a result of stepping into this new identity.”

Airyn also mentioned in the interview that she wished for more media diversity. I want an Alex Consani for queer people of color and people who are taller. I want a Hunter Schafer in bigger-bodied people and queer people of color.

Following the announcement, Robert De Niro, 81, her father, an Oscar-winning actor, expressed his daughter’s support. He stated in a statement to TMZ that he now loves and supports Airyn as her daughter and Aaron as his son. I love all of my children, but I don’t know what the big deal is.

Airyn also spoke about her upbringing and the importance of individuality, who was born in 1995 with her twin brother Julian De Niro and his ex-partner Toukie Smith. She said, “I wasn’t raised watching one of my father’s movies, going to business meetings, or seeing premieres.” “My dad was very supportive of us finding our own path,” my father said. On my own merit, I want [success] to occur.

She expressed her goals for the future, including modeling and honoring her mother’s legacy. It would be a dream come true to work with her on the cover of Vogue or recreate one of her images, she said.

She claimed that seeing other trans women succeed and live freely influenced Airyn’s decision to go public. I’m like, “You know what? Trans women being open and honest, especially [in] public spaces like social media and seeing them in their success.” Perhaps it’s not too late for me. Perhaps I can begin.”

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Geordie Shore, a popular reality TV star, revealed her pregnancy on social media after revealing that their mini-me is “coming very soon.”

Fans of Geordie Shore were left stunned by a former cast member’s surprise pregnancy announcement. Zahida Allen, 30, took to social media to share her huge reveal, labelling it a “blessing”.

The party girl starred on the hit reality series in seasons three and four, but her lifestyle is set for a huge change. Taking to Instagram, Zahida revealed “mini Z” is “coming very soon” and announced her due date is this month.

She thanked my best friends @gemmarowex and @mikaylasmith_xo for supporting me every step of the way throughout this incredible journey and for participating in this shoot, which makes these photos even more special, while saying: “The biggest thank you to my best friends @gemmarowex and @mikaylasmith_xo for being with me every step of the way. I adore you both so much.

Zahida poses for the photos wearing light pink pajamas and hair curls while flaunting her large baby bump. While pals are giving her a number of baby gifts, including a sweet pink baby grow, she is holding a photo of her scan.

She then continued with a heartfelt statement that she had kept her pregnancy secret because she “didn’t know how to put this into words.” She confessed that she discovered out about her pregnancy very late, but she now believed it was the right time.

The TV star acknowledged that she had been under investigation for other stomach and kidney health issues. She admitted she had no idea she was pregnant. She claimed that the news “completely transformed my life, but in a positive way.”

Unfortunately, Zahida explained how her heartfelt grief over her father’s passing, which he had imagined, was also shared by others.

Before claiming that her cravings had matched the food her father demanded at the end of his life, “I feel him and her are heavily connected through ways I can’t even explain,” she said.

She continued, “My baby is my life’s greatest blessing.” “I feel so fortunate to be carrying her all this time, witnessing her grow and become big,” she said.

Zahida then revealed that her life was just beginning to “start over” and that it was not “ending.” She empowering others in her situation by telling her unborn child she can’t wait to meet her.

She continued, “I have SO MUCH respect and admiration for you, and to all parents who are doing it alone, or are going to be doing it alone.” You ought to be extremely self-assured.

Among those sharing congratulatory messages in the comments section was her former Geordie Shore co-star Nikita Jasmine. The former Celebs Go Dating hopeful told her pal she is “over the moon for you” before asking for a catch up.

Former Celebrity Big Brother winner David Potts also wrote: “Congratulations beautiful.”

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Fans were still raving about one particular date despite one band member having a big issue with it. The Beatles continued to tour nonstop for their first few years before stopping in 1966.

Fans have since been discussing the Liverpool band’s best-ever performance since 1966 when the Beatles’ final touring chapter ended. The Fab Four never graced a stadium or concert hall again after 1966, despite hanging up their touring boots. They did, however, briefly reappear atop Abbey Road studios.

Their last U.S. tour stirred controversy when John Lennon claimed the group were “bigger than Jesus,” yet it also featured what many argue was their greatest live performance. Regarded as not only The Beatles’ crowning live moment but also one of the first significant arena concerts, the r/Beatles Reddit community recently buzzed with admiration for one particular gig at the Shea Stadium in New York.

The Beatles at Shea Stadium, the first major concert to take place in an arena stadium, was the first thought-provoking post. Has the movie been viewed by anyone? The Beatles performed just 11 songs at Shea Stadium in New York on August 11, 1966.

However, those songs are frequently cited as The Beatles’ best live performances. The Shea Stadium concert film, which was first released on this day [May 1] in 1966, is still regarded as one of the greatest live performances of all time.

The Beatles’ iconic Shea Stadium performance is characterized by many fans, despite the fact that Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr would both take to the stage in subsequent years.

Loved it, one enthusiastic fan said. I wish it had been a bonus on the Blu-ray, too. possibly in the Help! boxset ? They seem to overlook opportunities to release these things. “

Another fan said, “My mom was in the crowd,” and they made a personal connection. She described how incredible the energy was. “

The band itself didn’t seem particularly proud of their work at Shea Stadium despite the admiration of the fans. Manager Brian Epstein at the time cited the venue’s impressive attendance figures, which totaled nearly half a million, and the significant financial gain The Beatles made from the performance.

Epstein remarked, “This tour has a fantastical impact on the same as last year’s. This year, it’s much better overall, with more interest and more people playing to bigger audiences. “

More than 55,000 people saw the Beatles at Shea Stadium, according to promoter Sid Bernstein. Ringo Starr, a drummer, had a different perspective and was having trouble with the performance as a result of the fans’ audible screams.

I could not hear anything, Starr said. To find out where we were in the song, I would be watching either John’s ass or Paul’s a**, his foot tapping, and his head nodding.

Larry Kane, who frequently traveled with The Beatles, claimed that the Fab Four’s involvement with the highly content Vietnam War was a key discussion point during their famous Shea Stadium show.

He confirmed that “the four of them […]… [] began to rant and slam this extremely hot and sensitive subject, knowing that it would really irritate many Americans. “

At Shea Stadium, what did The Beatles play?

Nine original songs, many of which were released before their legendary albums were available, were performed out of the 11 songs that day. Fans who have since seen the show’s tapes claim to have noticed McCartney doesn’t seem to enjoy one song.

They discovered an undated version of the show, which they later discovered: “Wow, the show really rips what a great time! You can’t really tell if they couldn’t hear one another because they are both in tune and can tune just fine. “

They also noticed McCartney’s distinct response to one song, saying, “I think Paul doesn’t just love Act Naturally, it’s the only song he isn’t glowing on,” adding: “Also kind of a fun detail is I think he doesn’t love Act Naturally.” “

“Wish I could have seen the 4K restoration,” he said. “Hopefully some of the information here is accurate, and we will eventually have access to a release of it.