Olivier Roy, a professor of Orientalism, joins Centre Stage to talk about the roots of Orientalism and the enduring myth of how only the West represents progress. From colonial-era narratives to modern-day politics, Roy explores how the Global South is still perceived through a Eurocentric lens — and what that says about our civilisation, modernity and the West’s ongoing struggle with pluralism.
This episode is produced in partnership with the International Conference on Orientalism, an intellectual and academic platform that brings together leading scholars in the field to foster informed dialogue towards a balanced civilizational engagement.
After a commanding victory in their first match of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Nigeria’s Super Falcons can book an early quarter-final ticket in the competition if they get all three points against Botswana on Thursday.
Nigeria, record-WAFCON winners, beat Tunisia 3-0 on Monday to begin their quest for a 10th continental crown in Morocco. A win in their second Group B game, however, will be a giant step towards that goal, reaching the last eight of the competition first.
Nigeria Deliver in Opening Game
First game ✅ Three goals Shut out
When we say Mission X, we mean it! #WAFCON2024 #SoarSuperFalcons #MissionX pic.twitter.com/ycQ6fyWnjx
Goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo ensured Justin Madugu’s team got to a winning start in the women’s championship.
The Super Falcons, parading a team of experienced and youthful players, will expect to extend their sterling form at the WAFCON when they file out against the Mares at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
READ ALSO: Super Falcons Outclass Tunisia To Kickstart WAFCON Campaign
Injury-Free Super Falcons Focused on Botswana
“Victory over Botswana is Possible”
️ Justin Madugu speaks ahead of our second #WAFCON2024 match tomorrow against Botswana .#MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons pic.twitter.com/Pp8iOnZmGx
Nigeria have no injury worries going into the game and are focused on doing the job against Botswana.
Ahead of the match, Madugu, whose side defeated the East Africans in the last edition in 2022, says the team is taking the competition one game at a time.
Group B’s matchday 2 is on tonight.
Which side are your rooting for? #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/3RoCh96wlG
“As I said before the commencement of the tournament, we remain focused on our Mission X, and we believe that victory over Botswana is a huge possibility,” the coach said in a press conference.
“We are taking it one match at a time without taking any team for granted,” Madugu told journalists ahead of the clash.
History Favours Nigeria vs Botswana
Throwback to #WAFCON2022 in Rabat.
Goals from Ifeoma Onumonu and Christy Ucheibe sealed a 2-0 win over Botswana.
Same fixture loading tomorrow… #WAFCON2024 #MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons pic.twitter.com/cJ3Io2x0iy
Three years ago, the Mares were beaten by Nigeria, thanks to goals from Ifeoma Onumonu (21’) and Christy Ucheibe (48’).
Botswana, though, lost two games in that competition. They finished as one of the two best third-place teams, earning them a place in the quarter-final, where they were defeated by eventual finalist Morocco.
However, the dream of another quarter-final place is now looking like a tall order for the Mares. Having 1-0 against Algeria in their first game, the match vs the Super Falcons is an uphill task for Alex Malete’s side.
Botswana Unshaken by Super Falcons’ Pedigree
Going into Thursday’s game, Botswana remain unfazed by the pedigree of their opponent.
Malete respects the nine-time African champions but believes his team will give Nigeria a run for their money on the pitch.
“We’re confident and positive that we can qualify for the quarterfinals. Everyone in the group has a strong belief that we can pull through and make it to the next round,” the 35-year-old gaffer said ahead of Thursday’s clash.
“Most importantly, we believe in each other and believe in our system and structure. The belief is stronger than the pressure and the doubt.
“So we are confident that should we execute the game plan tomorrow, should we play with heart, desire, commitment, and patience tomorrow, we should be able to get a good result and make the game competitive,” he added.
Nigeria vs Botswana WAFCON Head-To-Head
Thursday’s match is the second time the Super Falcons will play Botswana. The first time was when the Mares made their debut in 2022. Nigeria won 2-0 in the Group C clash then. In that game in Rabat, Botswana were taught a harsh lesson, getting only 26% in possession.
Nigeria vs Botswana WAFCON 2024 Match Details
Set to soar over the Mares
Botswana ⏰ 8:00pm (NGA) ️ Stade Larbi Zaouli Live via CAF Broadcast Partners#MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons #WAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/p4i58kpknb
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are finalising a “one in, one out” scheme to curb crossings of refugees and migrants in small boats across the English Channel.
The leaders are expected to announce the reciprocal returns deal, which would see the United Kingdom deporting people to France in return for a similar number with strong asylum cases and family connections in the country, at the close of their summit on Thursday.
The announcement will cap Macron’s three-day state visit to the UK, with Starmer intent on the need for a “new deterrent” to crack down on undocumented migration as support for the far-right anti-immigrant Reform UK party soars.
The policy, which is similar to a scheme used by the European Union and Turkiye, carries risks for Macron since his right-wing political critics may question why he has agreed to take back refugees and migrants wanting to live in Britain.
Sitting next to Macron at his Downing Street office ahead of Thursday’s summit, Starmer said the situation “cannot go on as it is”. “We’re bringing new tactics into play and a new level of intent to tackle illegal migration and break the business model of a criminal gang,” he said.
Macron said the two countries “shared the same resolve to fight against illegal criminal gangs, with strong coordination with other EU states”.
The scheme, which has led to “serious concerns” among some other European nations, could initially involve about 50 people a week, French daily Le Monde reported. That number tallies with UK media reports of 2,600 a year.
It would be scaled up later if a pilot scheme demonstrated “proof of concept”, according to The Times, quoting a UK government source.
More than 21,000 people have arrived on small boats this year – a record number. On Wednesday, Starmer’s office said he had told Macron that undocumented workers were increasingly being arrested to deter them from coming to Britain for jobs.
Macron’s visit, which has been big on ceremony, including a carriage procession to Windsor Castle with King Charles and a lavish state banquet, saw the French leader discuss other thorny issues with his UK counterpart, including Gaza and Ukraine.
The leaders pledged to order more Storm Shadow cruise missiles, now used in Ukraine, and signed an agreement to deepen their nuclear cooperation, which will say for the first time that the respective deterrents of both countries can be coordinated.
Loose Women is among ITV’s daytime shows that are facing budget cuts in the coming months as insiders warn the show will be completely stripped back from its usual setup
Loose Women is facing major changes as ITV scramble to recoup costs
Loose Women is facing its biggest shake-up in decades, with dramatic changes that have left fans and cast members reeling as insiders fear the ITV favourite could be axed altogether within the next year.
The iconic lunchtime chat show, known for its bold debates and A-list guests, is expected to cut celebrity interviews completely from January as part of sweeping budget cuts across ITV Daytime. The move comes just months after bosses announced the show would only air for 30 weeks of the year rather than its usual 52, slashing production time nearly in half.
Now, with viewing figures predicted to tumble even further, sources claim Loose Women is “on borrowed time” as ITV pivots its focus to sister shows Lorraine and This Morning.
READ MORE: Good Morning Britain host announces break from ITV show and will be off air for weeks
“It’s a real shame. In January, the programme will become a shell of its former self before it is inevitably cancelled altogether,” one TV insider told Mail Online.
No more celebrity guests
Over its 25 year history, Loose Women has welcomed some of the world’s biggest stars to the panel – from Naomi Campbell and Janet Jackson to Dame Joan Collins and even former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
But sources claim the show will no longer feature famous faces promoting their projects because there won’t be enough staff to manage guests behind the scenes.
Instead, those high-profile bookings will now reportedly be prioritised for Lorraine and This Morning, leaving Loose Women to rely solely on its panel discussions of the day’s news and lifestyle topics.
“Not having guests is a big blow for both the presenters and viewers at home,” an insider revealed.
“The celebrity interviews are often one of the highlights of the show and bring a unique energy you don’t get on other programmes. It feels like a strange decision to cut them altogether.”
Behind the scenes, the panel – including long-serving stars like Nadia Sawalha, Ruth Langsford and Coleen Nolan – are said to be “deeply upset” by the changes.
Studio audience scrapped
The cuts don’t stop there. Loose Women has already axed its live studio audience, a move that has left both the panel and crew heartbroken.
Nadia Sawalha admitted she was “totally devastated” at the loss of the audience and spoke out in support of her close friend and warm-up artist Lee Peart, who lost his job as a result.
“The audience is so important for the show,” Nadia said. “What a lot of people don’t realise is that we’re self-employed. Every contract is a new contract – I could be let go tomorrow or in five years. It’s brutal.”
She added: “Hundreds of people are going to be made redundant out of the blue. A lot of my friends and colleagues on this show and at ITV have been there for decades, and I can’t tell you how upsetting it was to see people walking around numb with shock and fear about what they were going to do.”
Reason behind changes
ITV bosses have blamed “insane inflation” and rising costs for the daytime cuts, which have also seen Lorraine halved to 30 minutes and reduced to term-time broadcasts.
In May, ITV confirmed that production of Good Morning Britain will shift to a dedicated team at ITV News, while Loose Women, Lorraine, and This Morning will merge behind-the-scenes teams to save costs.
But industry insiders warn that these measures will likely spell the end for Loose Women.
An ITV spokesperson said: “The Loose Women team is still working on the show and its content for next year.”
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An Escape To The Country star tragically died while undergoing a routine medical procedure just hours after being admitted to hospital due to vomiting blood
Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
Emma appeared on the show in 2021 but sadly died last year, an inquest heard(Image: BBC)
An Escape To The Country star’s cause of death has been confirmed after an agonising 24 hours. Emma Izzard, who appeared on the programme in 2021, died just one day after she was admitted to the hospital.
She was rushed to Norfolk and Norwich Hospital in November last year after falling ill and vomiting blood. Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard that Ms Izzard had been battling alcoholism in the lead up to her death due to a personal situation she had been quietly battling.
She was admitted to the hospital on November 19, last year, due to vomiting blood. While there, she went into cardiac arrest but medics were able to resuscitate Ms Izzard, giving her a second chance. However, just one day later, she underwent a gastroscopy –which involves a tube with a camera attached being inserted into the body via the mouth in order to examine the stomach, oesophagus, and duodenum, typically used to investigate symptoms such as pain, bleeding or swallowing difficulties.
Emma (right) sadly died after suffering a cardiac arrest (Image: BBC)
It was during the routine procedure that Ms Izzard suffered another cardiac arrest. However, doctors were unable to resuscitate her again.
At the inquest, it was concluded that Ms. Izzard’s death resulted from an oesophageal and variceal haemorrhage, with underlying alcohol-related liver disease. Kym, Emma’s ex-partner, shared poignant details: “Emma had a very strong bond with her mother.”
“Emma lived with her for many years and continued to look after her even when she did move out. [Emma’s] alcohol levels increased when her mother was taken to hospital in July 2022, and she thought she was going to lose her. After six months of secret drinking, she wanted to stop but couldn’t get the help required quickly enough and began drinking again.”
The inquest was told that Emma had been in rehab numerous times, but with every relapse, her drinking became more severe. Tragically, her late father also battled alcoholism, dying when Emma was only a teen.
Kym, reflecting on Emma’s life, said: “Emma was a larger-than-life character who was very popular both in and outside of her work, and she had many friends.
“She was very caring but had had personal struggles earlier in her life that she was unable to deal with.” Ms Izzard also sought the help from Change Grow Live (CGL), a charity for those who are dealing with alcoholism, as well as Alcoholics Anonymous. “Emma did not want to drink but it had taken a strong hold of her,” Kym stated, continuing: “And she didn’t and couldn’t deal with her problems. Her drinking became heavier, and she became desperate.”
The area coroner Johanna Thompson told the court: “Emma had a history of excess alcohol consumption and had been diagnosed with alcohol-related liver disease. At the hospital, Emma was clearly presenting as very poorly. She was white, dehydrated, and was considered to have symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal.
“Sadly, after being given surgery, treatment could not save her at the end of the day.” It emerged during the hearing that Ms Izzard, who worked for a charity as a general assistant, handled her daily responsibilities competently whenever she wasn’t drinking.
The former BBC One participant, who appeared on the programme in 2021 from Luton, Bedfordshire, had dreams of a fresh start with her partner in Norfolk, lured by the promise of “clean air” and a “slower pace of life.”
Yet, following their move to North Walsham, the two ultimately went their separate ways but have maintained a close friendship.
If you are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, advice and support can be found at alcoholchange.org.uk
Jennifer Lopez debuts emotional breakup ballad Wreckage of You after Ben Affleck split as she sings the song on stage for the first time
Jennfier Lopez takes to the stage to open up about her broken marriage (Image: Redferns)
Jennifer Lopez laid her heart bare on stage this week as she performed a brand new breakup ballad seemingly inspired by her split from Ben Affleck.
The Wedding Planner star, 55, officially debuted her emotional track Wreckage of You on the opening night of her Up All Night Tour in Pontevedra, Spain, on July 8 – just six months after finalising her divorce from the Batman actor following two years of marriage.
“This is a song that is a new song that I want to sing for the first time tonight that came to me when I was up all night one night,” she told the crowd, “Shall we sing this one for the people?”
She didn’t hold back on stage(Image: Redferns)
Performing the stripped-back piano ballad, J-Lo didn’t hold back as she sang about heartbreak, healing and finding strength after love
“Thank you for the scars you left on my heart, was showing me that stars shine brighter in the dark,” she sung. “I won’t fall apart because of who we are, but your broken parts.”
On the soaring chorus, she declared “Because of you, I am stronger, wiser. Better than I’ve ever been. I won’t let you no longer, longer, ever say goodbye to me… it made me stronger, stronger, bulletproof. Now watch me climb out of the wreckage of you.”
Their relationship broke down (Image: Golden Globes 2024 via Getty Images)
She later added “I had to break to know how it feels, for however long it takes for my soul to heal, I will make you deal,” before thanking her unnamed ex for “the pain that you caused.”
The poignant lyrics echo what Jennifer revealed earlier this year about how she reassured her 17-year-old twins, Max and Emme whom she shares with Marc Anthony, during the painful breakup. The singer recalled telling her children: “‘I promise you, this is a difficult time, but you’re going to see that I’ll come out the other side stronger and better.’ I promised them that and I did it,” she told El Pais in May. “And they feel it now. That gives me a great sense of peace in my life.”
It’s not the first time Jennifer has used her music to pour out her feelings for Ben(Image: Redferns)
She added: “I’m proud of myself for that and I’m proud that I was able to navigate my children through difficult times, that they’re stronger and better because of it.”
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It’s not the first time Jennifer has used her music to pour out her feelings for Ben. Her 2024 album This Is Me… Now was widely seen as a sequel to 2002’s This Is Me…. Then which famously chronicled the couple’s first romance.
Jennifer and Ben first began dating in 2002 and got engaged before calling off their wedding in 2003 and splitting the following year. They rekindled their relationship in 2021 and tied the knot in a surprise Las Vegas ceremony in 2022. But the fairy tale ended again last year, with their divorce finalised in January.
