Category Entertainment News

Social media influencers with computer-generated content are becoming more popular, earning millions of pounds for their creators through brand partnerships and promotions.

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In the age of AI-everything, the rise of AI influencers is not as far-fetched as you’d think. What has come to surprise many though is not how quickly they’ve integrated into social media feeds, but how much money they bring in.

Lil Miquela is widely considered the “original” AI influencer, disrupting the social media scene when ‘she’ arrived in 2016. In the near decade since, Lil Miquela’s realism has increased in step with her reach and her income.

Miquela has been embraced by major brands hoping to cash in on her influence, having been featured in ad campaigns for BMW, Samsung, Calvin Klein and Prada. She allegedly brought in around USD$10 million (£7.4 million) in 2023 alone.

Miquela is just one of many artificial intelligence influencers with sizable followings and millions in brand deals. each possessing unique personality traits, abilities, and quirks that appeal to a particular class of consumers.

READ MORE: AI actress Tilly Norwood faces furious backlash from Hollywood A-ListersREAD MORE: ‘Deepfake doctors pushing health scams put patients at risk – they must be stopped’

Lil Miquela, for instance, is a 22 year-old Brazilian-American based in Los Angeles and known for her vibrant persona and musical flair. She has a TikTok following of 3.4 million run by a team at the tech company Dapper Labs.

The pink-haired Aitana, contrastingly, is a fitness model and gamer and is branded as “Spain’s first 100% AI-generated influencer.” In December 2023, The Financial Times reported brands paid her creators “about $1,000 a post.”

While Aitana’s content also veers toward the sexual – promoting a Fanvue of explicit content – she is best-known for her hyper realistic design. In fact, original AI influencers like Lil Miquela look relatively simple compared to some of the more advanced and hyper-real AI influencers, musicians and even actors breaking onto the scene.

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Tilly Norwood, who is considered the first AI actress, has received interest from multiple talent agencies keen to sign the impressively life-like character – to the anger of many Hollywood A-listers. Similarly, the AI R&B musician Xania Monet has already hit the top of the US Billboard charts.

Computer-generated musicians and influencers are not just employing human personas and likenesses to drive engagement and follower connection, but human-only experiences as well.

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Miquela caused controversy recently when she announced her leukaemia diagnosis as part of a campaign with the National Marrow Donor Program. One TikTok user wrote in response: “This is a corporation that doesn’t want to pay a real human for their real human experience. Ridiculous”. Another wrote: “This is in such poor taste. You can advocate without pretending like this is an actual person with an actual disease.”

However, it is obvious from Miquela’s enduring success that consistent personas are more important to social media users than hyper-real visual clarity or even full-scale reality, even with more AI influencers forming.

And unlike real influencers, virtual content creators are not bogged down by time zones, distance, or finances. They can promote content in Seoul, New York and Paris all in one day, while still laying claim to LA roots.

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Hollywood legend Jim Mitchum passed away at the age of 84, according to an announcement.

After a lengthy illness, Jim Mitchum, the son of legendary actor Robert Mitchum, passed away on September 20 at his Skull Valley, Arizona ranch. Pamela and Jim’s dog, Jim, were said to be by his side.

Will, Brian, Ana, and Caitlin Ann, his third wife, Pamela K. Smith, also survives.

The actor paved his own path in Hollywood by following in the footsteps of his legendary father, who was nominated for an Oscar. One of his most notable roles was his breakout role in the 1958 cult classic Thunder Road.

In addition to In Harm’s Way (1965), which starred Kirk Douglas and John Wayne, and Ambush Bay (1966), which starred Mickey Rooney and Hugh O’Brian, he also appeared in more than 30 movies throughout his career.

Amy Dowden, a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing currently working with Thomas Skinner for this series, shared a message on social media ahead of tonight’s live performance.

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Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has sent a message to her BBC show co-stars ahead of the second live show tonight.

Due to her illness earlier this week, Amy, 35, has had a difficult week this week. For this year’s series, the Welsh dancer is currently paired with Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, who is polarizing on Strictly.

Despite her earlier this week ill health, the professional dancer will be performing tonight alongside Thomas, 34. On tonight’s live performance, the pair will dance the salsa to Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal.

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Amy also shared a message to fans and co-stars on her Instagram story before the pair again took to the dance floor.

Amy crossed her fingers and beamed at the camera while sharing a selfie that shows her in leopard print pajamas. She stated in the caption below: “It’s show day! Wishing everyone the best of luck!

One excited Amy, I say! We’ve put in a lot of effort, and Tom and I can’t wait to serve you a salsa and risky lift party tonight!

Remember that the online voting is open tonight! Unfortunately, one couple leaves the competition!

Right, let’s move on to another day and enjoy my hobbies! For everything I’m forever grateful.

Then, Amy wrote a message to her dance partner Thomas S, saying, “Thank you for working so hard, looking after me with my cold this week, bringing so much joy/laughter to the studio, and simply all the pure magic! ” Do this with this person.

It comes shortly after Amy and Thomas made their health announcements on It Takes Two, where she was noticeably more quiet than usual and revealed her issues. Amy, I’m sorry for you, but he made you a lovely drink to cheer you up, Janet said.

A hoarse Amy responded, “With turmeric, ginger, and pepper,” while Janette continued, “I won’t make you talk too much. After making their way to Instagram, “Fans tweeted to wish Amy well, and one of the messages read, “Paint Amy has the lurgy girl can’t catch a break, #strictly. “

Amy spoke about feeling poorly earlier this week, telling her Instagram followers: “So Tom has made me a drink because I’ve been a bit under the weather this week, haven’t I? Tom – tell everybody, what’s in here?

Tom said: “Bless you. I’ve made her my famous juice I take when I have a sore throat. Especially when I get up early in the morning for the market and it’s cold. It’s warm milk with manuka honey, black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon and a little bit of nutmeg. All shaken up, all stirred in – will hopefully make our Amy feel better.”

What happened to the actress who once played the role of Stefan Dennis alongside Neighbours star Fiona Corke who played the wife of super-scheming Paul in the soap?

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It’s impossible to understand why anyone would ever have chosen to wed Neighbours’ ruthless and cunning businessman, Paul Robinson. Yet in the late 1980s, Gail Lewis did exactly that – becoming Gail Robinson – when they hatched a plan purely to deceive Japanese businessman Mr Udagawa, thus securing a deal for the Daniels Corporation.

The backstory revealed that Gail and Paul, played by actor Stefan Dennis who’s now starring on Strictly, had worked together as flight attendants, and both had evolved into cutthroat business individuals, each with a past marriage. Consequently, they tied the knot in the living room of 22 Ramsay Street, where Dr Clive Gibbons also resided, in a modest ceremony surrounded by family.

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing signs Hollywood star Cynthia Erivo to appear as guest mentor

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However, Fiona Corke, who portrayed Gail and made her Australian soap debut in March 1987, soon realized it was time for a change and went through what she called a “was so full on and so huge, you didn’t know if you were an actor or in a pop group.”

At that time, Neighbours’ popularity had surged in the UK, regularly drawing in millions of daily viewers – with Scott and Charlene’s wedding pulling in an audience of 20 million when it was broadcast in November 1988. Gail’s character was subsequently written out of the show in August 1989, when she parted ways with Paul while expecting their triplets, opting to relocate to Tasmania.

Other original cast members, including Peter O’Brien (who portrayed Shane), Paul Keane (Des) and Elaine Smith (Daphne) also departed the soap during the late 1980s.

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Fiona had launched her career with small film and television roles in 1985, aged 24, before landing the part of Alison Mills in Prisoner: Cell Block H in 1986 – a character meant to continue until the programme was axed. During her time on Neighbours, she encountered her future husband Nick Carrafa (who portrayed Tony Romeo), though they concealed their relationship from fear that their real-life romance might perplex audiences.

Following Neighbours, Fiona made other film and television appearances, but she made a comeback to Ramsay Street as Gail for guest spots in 2005, 2006, and 2007, before a longer run in 2019 for a plot involving all of Paul Robinson’s ex-wives (the soap king has wed six times).

Gail was ranked 13th among the 35 Greatest Neighbours Characters of All Time in 2020, according to the author, who described her as “the true love of Paul’s life.”

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He also made reference to Gail’s sense of style, as Fiona’s outfits for the soap were infamously provided by one exclusive boutique in the 1980s, with the acknowledgement that “Fiona Corke’s wardrobe by Kamizole” at the show’s conclusion becoming a cherished moment for viewers.

Fiona is a well-known environmental activist who also serves as vice president of the Australian Society for Kangaroos, which fights against the exploitation of kangaroos for their hides and flesh. She described her involvement with society in 2016 as “most of my time is now primarily spent raising awareness of the horrific cruelty committed in the culling and shooting of kangaroos on public and private land, as well as the kangaroo industry.

Most Australians are unaware of this fact. I didn’t, but I had to do something because I was so enraged.

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“If people are outraged and concerned about what actually happens to our kangaroos,” he said. “If people are outraged at the cruelty involved in greyhound racing, live exports, bashing of seals, whaling, etc., then they should be just as outraged and concerned.”

Neighbours would be ended in 2022 following a remarkable 40-year run, with its final episode featuring a number of former stars reprising their roles. The soap was later revealed, and it was going to be rebooted by streaming tycoon Amazon, with final scenes set to air later this year.

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As she explains how a serious medical condition could have caused her to experience “flagging” while giving birth to daughter Siena, Olivia Bowen recalls the moment she experienced “flagging” herself during the birth of her daughter.

Olivia and Alex Bowen, who were expecting their second child, named Siena Grace Bowen, are now raising four children. Former Love Islander Olivia, 31, claims that the much-needed sibling for three-year-old Abel has made their family “100% complete,” but it hasn’t been an easy road to where we are now.

After very sadly losing Siena’s twin early in the pregnancy, due to what’s known as “vanishing twin syndrome”, Olivia was hoping for a stress-free and relaxed labour at home. But as she sits down with OK! to introduce Siena for the first time, she reveals how her labour turned involved “the scariest moment of her life”.

After trying to achieve her wish of a home birth, Olivia and Alex, who she met on the second series of Love Island back in 2016, went into hospital and were admitted for an emergency caesarean section.

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She says, “I was lying on the operating table without knowing what was going on.” Then, as you can see, Siena was pulled out and was crying without a trace. Then it just started to quiet down, and there was a lot going on. Both of us had the worst thoughts. The words “severe hemorrhage” and “seisen siren” were audible to me.

I just remember thinking, “I need to keep my eyes open,” as a result of my feelings of stagnation. That was probably my life’s most terrifying experience. Never have I felt that way about genuinely feared for my life. I later learned that I lost 2. 8 liters of blood, which is fatal, in three liters.

Alex, 34, understandably struggles to process the trauma of witnessing Olivia’s ordeal. He claims that his feelings about not wanting any more children have been further strengthened by the experience.

He says, “I’m not going to sugarcoat it.” Both births really affected me. We have experienced traumatic experiences. Although many claim that it is the most beautiful thing ever, it hasn’t, in my opinion. We’ve finished, in all likelihood. I’m only concerned that Liv is safe and the children are safe right now. I don’t want to think about how or why it occurred.

Olivia claims to have “at peace with it” and has now “processed what happened” after a while. She is completely focused on soaking up Abel’s role as “awesome big brother,” and enjoying the early cuddles.

The couple are also gearing up for the launch of their new ITV2 reality series, Olivia & Alex: Parenthood, which began filming in June. It’s been a “dream come true” so far, Olivia says, and she can’t wait for people to see how they’ve changed and grown since finding fame – and love – on Love Island almost a decade ago.

She claims, “We’ve obviously changed a lot since Love Island.” Life has changed significantly for us as a family of four. Even though we’ve had some challenging times, we always find the light and have never had the right opportunity to do some TV again. I hope it motivates others to follow suit.

You won’t want to snooze on this deal if you want to find an anti-ageing day cream that promises to “really help” wrinkles in a matter of weeks but don’t want to spend a fortune.

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Looking for a non-financial anti-ageing day cream? L’Oréal Paris Laser Renew Triple Action Anti-Ageing Day Cream, which claims to reduce the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines, is a raving product for beauty enthusiasts.

Additionally, it’s currently on Amazon at a better-than-half-price discount. Usually £29.99, it’s presently reduced to £14.45, representing a 52% saving.

The skin-softening formula claims to tighten, brighten, and revolumise the skin by combining pro-retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.

READ MORE: On chilly autumn mornings, the best-selling heated body warmer keeps dog walkers warm and cozy.

READ MORE: This high-street cardigan is ideal for Taylor Swift fans’ new orange era.

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The same L’Oreal cream can be purchased at Boots for the full £29.99 price for those who don’t mind spending a little extra money. The night cream substitute is also available for the same price of £29.99 on Lookfantastic.

A top option is the No7 Restore &amp, Renew MULTI ACTION Day Cream 50ml, which costs a slightly higher £32.95. If you’re not convinced of the L’Oreal brand, try the No7 Restore &amp, Renew MULTI ACTION 50ml.

The L’Oreal day cream, which has a new formula, helps to firm and brighten the skin’s complexion while also smoothing wrinkles. This cream promises to leave skin feeling more toned, firmed, and moisturized with moisture. Crow’s feet and fine lines appear to be less prominent as well as the skin texture appears more even.

Amazon customers have glowing reviews for the L’Oréal Paris Laser Renew Triple Action day cream, which currently has an impressive 4.4 out of 5 stars rating. Amazing product, one user said. This amazing cream has already been re-ordered twice. It absorbs quickly and without making your skin feel oily because it is so creamy. I’ve been using it with an L’Oréal serum for three weeks. People have been saying my skin looks great lately, and I can already tell a difference between the wrinkles on my forehead and my mouth. I also received numerous compliments from my coworkers.

Another person praised the “lovely moisturiser for a firm face.” Because I subscribe, it stays current. My skin feels fantastic and prevents wrinkles.

Love this cream, said another. When used, it softens the skin and is rich. Additionally, it smells wonderful. Not for the first time I’ve used this cream. It’s the best face cream, in my opinion.

However, one was disappointed: “I had to rinse off after applying to my face because it started to feel like it was “burning.” No7, Restore and Renew, which is quite expensive (as the full price of this would have been), but I am unable to use it. However, there is a pleasant smell; perhaps my skin is too sensitive to the chemicals.

However, this customer continues to praise it, saying, “A firm face, I have it on subscription so it doesn’t run out. My skin feels fantastic and prevents wrinkles.

While this consumer exclaims, “Never used an anti-wrinkle before, aside from some cheap ones that made me look like a dodgy pizza, so stopped using it. It now accumulates on my hands before I go to bed. I’m 33 years old, oily combination skin that frequently causes breakouts, a lot of spots and teeth marks (don’t ask), and I’ve never really had a consistent beauty routine other than applying the makeup that lasts the longest. My cheeks were throbbing with seriously large, puffy bags that were taking over my dark circles! made me appear to have a crow’s feet and a hangover on me constantly. I’ve been using this for 4/5 weeks, starting with the morning and then using it every evening, along with the L’oreal Revitalift Magic Blu face cream and washing with the Garnia 3-in-1 clay wash with the Clinique Electrical Washing System, and I’m over the moon. I’ve always been skeptical of creams, lotions, potions, and thought it was a load of hyped up rubbish, but after doing some research, I even looked into saving up for more extreme things like plastic surgery “!