Category Entertainment News

Singer-songwriter Sam Fender has always been open about his mental health and the struggles he has faced over the years, as well as his journey to fame

Sam Fender has never shied away when it comes to sharing an insight into his life and his mental health. The musician, 31, will today headline BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool, performing alongside the likes of Myles Smith, Sugababes, Blossoms and Inhaler.

However, off-stage, Fender has been widely praised for being a positive influence on young men, as well as initiating conversations about mental health and toxic masculinity. After the coronavirus pandemic, Sam released his second solo album, Seventeen Going Under, following his chart-topping 2019 debut, Hypersonic Missiles.

In the album, he chronicled his struggles during the pandemic, revealing that he received a letter from the NHS instructing him to shield for 12 weeks. Earlier this year, he went on to score his third Number One album with People Watching, spawning hits including a track of the same name, Arm’s Length and Tyrants.

Speaking about the record, Fender said: “Our third album, People Watching. Feels pretty surreal saying that, it was a baptism of fire making it over the last 3 years. I want to send a huge thank you to Markus Dravs and Adam Granduciel for helping us steer the ship, it was a hell of a journey! I want to thank the fans for their unwavering support and patience. I’m eternally gobsmacked by the response to these songs, and humbled to see so many familiar and new faces at the shows.”

READ MORE: BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend Liverpool 2025: Set-times, drinks prices and weather

Before achieving worldwide recognition, the singer-songwriter confessed to being “a little stoner” and failing his A-Level studies in his hometown of North Shields. Sam and his mum, Shirley, lived in a flat plagued with black mould. Reflecting on his lockdown experience, Sam admitted he coped “horrendously”, neglecting self-care by overeating and drinking, which left him feeling “miserable”.

His father, Alan, struggled to express emotions, leaving Sam concerned that he had been taught toxic masculinity due to his father’s emotional reticence. Despite appearing confident now, Sam admits he was filled with self-loathing after finding fame, leading to intense self-hatred.

“I was dealing with abandonment issues, my folks split up when I was young and I lived with my dad, but then he and I stopped getting on,” he shared with The Guardian. He also revealed that he was bullied at school for having long hair and being “sensitive”.

Although he didn’t retaliate against his bullies, Fender remembers “snapping” in his 20s, resorting to hitting walls to release his pent-up anger and frustration. His debut album featured the poignant track Dead Boys, which has been a lifeline for fans grappling with dark thoughts.

Sam opened up about the personal significance of the song, revealing in 2021: “I lost a good friend to suicide last year, and I’m not going to lie to you – over lockdown, and even before, I was in that sort of place myself. I had moments where I was so low that I thought about it,” before he clarified that he never attempted it.

In a candid chat with NME back in 2018, he shared: “I lost some friends very close to me because of that. This song came from that place, and I have been playing it to other people ever since. It’s raised a conversation and I realised how much of a present issue it is. Everybody that I spoke to from all different parts of the country have all got a connection to someone they’ve lost.”

He also touched on the damaging effects of “toxic masculinity” on mental health discussions, particularly among men who are often pressured by outdated notions of stoicism. “I was told not to cry as a kid,” he disclosed, before condemning the harmful mindset: “It’s that sort of backwards attitude, so when we feel bad we feel ashamed or we feel like embarrassed.”

Sam previously spoke openly about taking time off to prioritise his wellbeing. In 2022, he cancelled several performances, citing “burnout” from touring. At the time, he explained that it would be “hypocritical” to continue working while neglecting his own mental health.

In a statement released in September 2022, Fender said: “It seems completely hypocritical of me to advocate discussion on mental health and write songs about it if I don’t take time to look after my own mental health. I’ve neglected myself for over a year now and haven’t dealt with things that have deeply affected me.

“It’s impossible to do this work on myself while on the road, and it’s exhausting feigning happiness and wellness for the sake of business. My friends and colleagues have been worried about me for a while and it’s not going to get better unless I take the time to do so.” He later explained he was beyond grateful to his fans for understanding before adding: “Me and the boys are burnt out and we need this time.”

Over the course of his career, Sam has also tackled the injustice within the socioeconomic scene and used his platform for the better. His working-class background has remained strong throughout his music, with millions relating to Seventeen Going Under He’s spoken openly about the tough times when his mum couldn’t work due to fibromyalgia and mental health issues.

Reflecting on his previous album, Sam shared: “To be honest, with this record, it wasn’t actually a real aim to tackle social issues, it was just I’d done therapy for two years once I started getting famous. That, basically, opened up a whole can of worms with my upbringing. I just ended up writing about home a lot more, writing about my life, and writing about my mother. Them stories just have a social conscience in them, because it’s talking about very, very normal things that happen to very normal people.”

In an interview with The Big Issue, Sam remembered how his mum Shirley felt “embarrassed” by their hardships, but now that his circumstances have transformed, he remains tightly knit with his North East community. Proudly off benefits, Sam expressed: “It’s amazing, I love that.”

If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch

Prince Louis, Prince William’s youngest son, is currently supporting no fewer than five football teams, according to Prince William, who is seven years old.

Prince William claims that Prince Louis is still in charge of figuring it all out, and there appears to be a little football indolence in the Wales household.

The Prince of Wales revealed that his youngest son, who is currently on five, is still unsure about choosing his favorite football team when he visited the football-skills-35266207″ target=”_blank” aria-label=”Leith Community CentreLink opens in a new tab.” tabindex=”0″>Leith Community Centre in Edinburgh on May 21.

William, 42, said during a conversation with a young local, “My youngest at the moment says he supports five different football teams,” according to Hello! magazine .

William had popped in to mark a new partnership between The Royal Foundation and Street Soccer Scotland, an organisation that uses the beautiful game to bring people together and boost community well-being.

The Prince, a long-time supporter of the sport, addressed the issue with how his children are faring when choosing their team.

READ MORE: Drivers can use number plate checker to see if they need to pay £150 DVLA car tax rise

It seems Louis, seven, still hasn’t made up his mind. Erin, aged nine, presented William with a handmade Aston Villa poster and asked which team she supported. When she admitted she had more than one, William smiled and said Louis is doing exactly the same, backing “five different” clubs.

It’s no secret that William is a die-hard Aston Villa fan. He’s even passed his passion down to his eldest son, George, 11. The pair were spotted together at two Villa matches this spring, with William confirming to sports journalist Neil Moxley that George is indeed “part of the pride”.

However, the royal father-of-three doesn’t anticipate that every one of his children will follow his example. I’m hoping that they will all eventually form their own teams. In a surprisingly sparse interview with The Sun in March, he claimed that not everyone who loves Villa fans. Although I’m trying not to be biased, they obviously notice my passion for the sport and watch my matches. Williams added, “I’m trying to spread a little love a little bit.”

Although George has been seen at games and all three of the children appear to be Villa fans, it seems like there is some back-and-forth play. They do have Villa shirts and ask that I accompany them to games, but they also have other shirts. Williams also admitted that there has been some courting going on with other managers, “William revealed cheekily.

And it’s not just talk. The Prince recently showed off his own football skills at Leith Community Centre, taking to the pitch in a suit as part of his official visit. Earlier in the week, he also presented the FA Cup trophy to Crystal Palace at Wembley, fulfilling his duties as Patron of the Football Association.

The Royal Foundation has pledged financial support to revitalize Leith Community Centre and support a “Leith United” coalition that aims to secure long-term funding for grassroots community spaces as part of its new initiative.

After allegedly lighting a cigarette on a flight from Mexico to the US, Britney Spears was reported to have been met by “the authorities” at LAX earlier this week. She has since spoken out about it.

Fans have now heard from Britney Spears following reports over her alleged behaviour on a plane earlier this week. A lengthy post has been issued through one of her accounts on social media.

It was reported yesterday that Britney, 43, “caused a big commotion” on her way from Cabo San Lucas in Mexico to Los Angeles in the US on Thursday. It was claimed that she lit a cigarette on board on a private jet, before putting it out upon the request of staff, and was met by “authorities” when they landed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

TMZ, who reported the Toxic singer was “difficult” on the flight, added that LAX police said they did not respond. The outlet suggested that someone from Customs may have warned Britney over her alleged conduct upon landing instead.

Whilst a spokesperson for charter operator JetSuitX – which is known as JSX – told the Mirror US this week: “We have no comment regarding the alleged events described by TMZ.” They added: “Please note that JSX is a public charter operator and not a private jet service nor an airline.”

More recently, Britney now appears to have addressed the situation herself in a post on Instagram, which was uploaded just hours ago. It included a clip of the Grammy Award winner seemingly sat on board a plane, with her seen holding a bottle up to the camera whilst in her seat.

“Me yesterday!!!” was the title. It’s actually incredibly funny! Some planes I’ve been on have you can’t smoke, but this one was different because the drink holders were located outside the seat! Confessional: This was my first VODKA consumption! I’d say I felt the most fragile! What the heck is there, I thought? I had such a clear and intelligent feeling! !

“And said, “I want a bad cigarette!” I was like, OH SEE THIS IS A PLANE WHERE YOU CAN SMOKE because my friend lit it up in my mouth and said, “WOW! I apologize to anyone who offended me, but the flight attendants always make sure I’m always in the back of the plane.

I thought officials showed me some support, and I said, “Wow, I feel special!” Never have visited an international airport, yay! Am I a famous person? I smoked a cigarette, so the flight attendant called the authorities. !

“And embarrass me with the jeez I initially thought was pretty much, but she didn’t like me when I got on the plane!” She wouldn’t let me get out of my seat because she wanted to stand up during the first 20 minutes of the flight. !

“She acted so weird about making sure I sat down and it was weird !!! I didn’t like the way she put the seatbelt on me and invaded my space !!! Oh well you guys like my flower choker ??? B tiny is coming soon and thats something we have added !!! It’s honestly adorable !!”

Following TMZ’s article on the flight, the post appears. According to reports, sources claimed Britney began drinking before ejecting a cigarette while she was on board. According to legend, she lit it and began smoking on the plane afterward.

The flight attendants were “alarmed” and “ordered” Britney to light the cigarette, the outlet claimed. According to the singer, the request was granted.

She was, however, described as “difficult”. She is said to have been met by “the authorities” when the plane landed at LAX and given a warning about her conduct before being “with her.”

James Martin, the TV chef, shared with fans on social media that his car had been “broken into” in “broad daylight” and had had its windscreen smashed to pieces.

TV chef James Martin could not contain his anger when he shared with fans that his car had been broken into, in ‘broad daylight”. Sharing a picture of his windscreen window that had been smashed to pieces, the 52 year old TV favourite captioned the post saying: “So in a week two of my friends cars got stolen, one other mate got mugged and now I had this happen all in broad daylight all in central London.”

Hew continued, “London is broken a lot, and I’m bringing the Mali’s next.”

Fans eluded the comment section as soon as his post appeared. One person remarked, “It’s such a shame I wouldn’t go to London now because it used to be wonderful. What is happening in this country, another piece of writing.

Meanwhile, a third person expressed concern that some Londoners don’t care, but some do. While another simply stated, “The entire country is broken.”

James recently praised his passion for cars and his impressive collection of sought-after classics in an interview from April. Speaking to SL. He revealed that his favorite vehicle is his Toyota Hilux pick-up truck, which he mentioned to his friends.

However, his purchase has caused him to receive mockery in his friendship group.

He said, “You can chuck everything in a Toyota Hilux pickup truck and it will go forever. You’ve got all these cars, but you’re driving around in a pick-up truck, asks my pals. “

The Hilux is thought-provokingly priced at £35, 000. Then James recalled the time Jay Kay, a fellow car enthusiast and former pop star, offered him a deal on a BMW he and his friends regularly drive.

He responded, “Jay Kay told me to buy one of those. The 760Li is incredibly powerful: 700 horsepower, and a lot of people buy RSA Audis and other similar vehicles.

Vehicles with historical value are thought to be part of James’ extensive collection, which is estimated to be worth £5 million.

READ MORE: Drivers can use number plate checker to see if they need to pay £150 DVLA car tax rise

After their lavish wedding in 2021, when Brian May arrived via helicopter, Queen drummer Roger Taylor reportedly intervened to support his daughter Rory.

Queen star Roger Taylor is reportedly facing a difficult time in his family after his daughter Rory has separated from her husband.

While Queen drummer Roger and his wife Sarina Potgieter have been married for 15 years, Rory is said to have had less success in her marriage having only tied the knot in 2021. Rory, who works as a doctor, tied the knot in a lavish ceremony which saw Roger and all of his band mates in attendance.

Her reported estranged husband, Rory Hoddell, is a travel guru who makes his living by arranging luxury ski holidays for his rich and elite client base. The couple already shared one son when they got married, Buddy, and have since welcomed another child to the family.

An insider close to the family has claimed that they are struggling to deal with the break up and that it is taking its toll on the children. They told Eden Confidential: “It’s terribly sad. Despite her starry background, Rory is very down to earth. They are finding their split hard, particularly for their children.”

Lola and Tigerlily Taylor, Rory’s half-sisters, served as bridesmaids at their wedding, which took place in Mawnan Smith, Cornwall.

Brian May, a guitarist for Queen, arrived at the wedding reception in a helicopter despite Rory’s apparent down-to-earth outlook.

The rocker’s aircraft landed in the middle of a cricket pitch, drawing play on the green area to a halt as he disembarked his lavish ride. Despite her musical connections, Rory opted for a folk band to play the music that entertained guests on her big day.

Roger and his first wife, French bereavement counselor Dominique Beyrand, share Rory, 39, and her older brother, Felix, 45. Debbie Leng, a model who starred in Queen’s Breakthru video, and him and three other children are now parents.

The couple has two daughters: Tigerlily and Lola, as well as son Rufus, who plays drum for The Darkness and plays for Queen + Adam Lambert on tour.

Rory has previously admitted that she avoided working in showbusiness like her father, despite her half-brother choosing to pursue a career in music.

She continued, “I knew I wanted to help people, so I studied medicine and obtained my general practice license in 2011.” Although a job like this requires a lot of effort and requires very long hours, I love it and my father has always been so patient. Roger, 75, acknowledged that Rory’s health was a source of concern because of her line of work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She worries her father because she continued to see and treat patients despite the strict regulations in place to protect people from the disease because she works as a general practitioner in West London.