I escaped the war. My family's still stuck
Violence erupted in the country in April 2023 when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders broke out.
The 37-year-old began his journey from the city of Al-Fashir, where he was born and raised.
In Independent Studio's latest series UNHEARD, Ismail shares how he risked everything on a dangerous journey to the UK in hopes of supporting his family, many of whom remain in Sudan's war-ravaged Zamzam refugee camp.
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Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Eva Longoria, 50, sizzles in barely-there bikini and sheer romper as she enjoys family getaway in Spain
Eva Longoria put on a sizzling display in a plunging ensemble as she enjoyed a day out in Marbella, Spain with her family. The 50-year-old Desperate Housewives alum - who recently went bra-free during a stroll - was joined by her husband Jose Baston and their son Santiago, seven, as they soaked up the warm sunshine. The actress showed off her toned legs wearing a sheer white romper that had a low plunging neckline on the front. Underneath, the mom-of-one sported a skimpy white bikini top as well as matching bottoms. Eva slipped into a pair of open-toed sandals and accessorized the outfit with a pair of dangly earrings as well as a gold necklace with a cross-shaped pendant on the front. The Hollywood star additionally carried a wicker purse over her left shoulder while a stylish hat was placed on top of her brunette locks that flowed down in light waves. Eva Longoria, 50, put on a sizzling display in a plunging ensemble as she enjoyed a day out in Marbella, Spain with her family The Desperate Housewives alum was joined by her husband Jose Baston and their son Santiago, seven, as they soaked up the warm sunshine Eva - who has been spending most of the summer along the Spanish coast - enjoyed a walk outdoors with her loved ones. At one point, the Land Of Women star flashed a cheerful smile during the lighthearted excursion. She also indulged in a bit of shopping as she visited a nearby vendors and picked up a few items. The star has been spending her time abroad at homes in both Mexico and Spain following Trump's U.S. presidential win late last year. 'I had my whole adult life here,' Eva told Marie Claire about living in California, before opening up about how it has changed over the years. 'Whether it's the homelessness or the taxes, not that I want to s**t on California - it just feels like this chapter in my life is done now.' She continued, 'I'm privileged. I get to escape and go somewhere. Most Americans aren't so lucky. They're going to be stuck in this dystopian country, and my anxiety and sadness is for them.' During her recent time in Spain, the beauty was seen getting her steps in during a power walk in Marbella last week and also glammed up for the Global Gift Gala at Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá. The actress showed off her toned legs wearing a sheer white romper that had a low plunging neckline on the front Eva slipped into a pair of open-toed sandals and accessorized the outfit with a pair of dangly earrings as well as a gold necklace with a cross-shaped pendant on the front The Hollywood star additionally carried a wicker purse over her left shoulder while a stylish hat was placed on top of her brunette locks that flowed down in light waves Eva - who has been spending most of the summer along the Spanish coast - enjoyed a walk outdoors with her loved ones She also indulged in a bit of shopping as she visited a nearby vendors and picked up a few items The star has been spending her time abroad at her homes in both Mexico and Spain following Trump's U.S. presidential win late last year She also flaunted her summer-ready body in a fashionable bikini as she spent time by the water - five months after celebrating her 50th birthday in March. While talking to People in April, Eva opened up about the milestone and gushed, 'I'm having a moment. 'My skin's having a moment, I feel like my eyebrows are having a moment, I feel the healthiest I've ever been - it feels amazing.' The actress further reflected on how she has been focusing on her heath and explained, 'I travel, I exercise, I'm running up and down with my 6-year-old.' Eva and husband Jose welcomed their son Santiago in 2018 - who officially turned seven-years-old in June. 'I want to be able to do those things as long as I can. Your life when you're young should be about saying yes to everything. Now that I'm 50, it's about saying no and curating what I want my life to look like.' When it comes to fitness and self-care, the star expressed to Marie Claire that she often does cold plunges, meditation, journaling and also strength-training. 'I wake up with the sun; I'm doing the grounding; I have an Oura ring to track deep sleep; I'm taking magnesium and other supplements.' She continued, 'I'm privileged. I get to escape and go somewhere. Most Americans aren't so lucky. They're going to be stuck in this dystopian country, and my anxiety and sadness is for them' Eva is seen looking at toys as she stopped by one of the many vendors along the Spanish coast this week While talking to People in April, Eva opened up about the milestone and gushed, 'I'm having a moment' 'I want to be able to do those things as long as I can. Your life when you're young should be about saying yes to everything. Now that I'm 50, it's about saying no and curating what I want my life to look like,' the actress explained When it comes to fitness and self-care, the star expressed to Marie Claire that she often does cold plunges, meditation, journaling and also strength-training She continued, 'I'm doing everything. Not because I don't want to age but because I want to age' She continued, 'I'm doing everything. Not because I don't want to age but because I want to age.' While Eva has been spending her time abroad with her family, the star has been keeping busy in front of the camera as well. The beauty recently appeared in the comedic film Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip which was released on Disney+ back in March. She starred alongside other cast members such as Jesse Garcia, Paulina Chavez, Cheech Marin and Thom Nemer. And in April, her CNN docuseries Eva Longoria: Searching For Spain premiered and concluded in June following eight episodes. Throughout the series, the actress explored a number of cities in the country including Madrid, Barcelona, Marbella, Galicia and San Sebastian. Eva and husband Jose welcomed their son Santiago in 2018 - who officially turned seven-years-old in June; the actress seen with her son in 2024 in Abu Dhabi And in April, her CNN docuseries Eva Longoria: Searching For Spain premiered and concluded in June following eight episodes Eva expressed in a statement, per CNN: 'Spain's rich culture, passionate people and bold and diverse cuisines have captivated me as long as I can remember, especially knowing that one of my Mexican-American ancestors has deep roots in this remarkable country. 'The opportunity to immerse myself in Spain's many regions, to discover its fascinating history, to indulge in its dynamic culinary traditions and innovations has been nothing short of exhilarating. 'I am so excited to finally share this incredible journey with the world!' Eva is set to travel to France for the upcoming season of Searching For - which will air next year in 2026.
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Katie Price admits she uses Google search to keep track of her kids' birthdays - after she got daughter Princess' big day WRONG
Katie Price has admitted that she uses Google to remind her of her children's birthday - after she got daughter Princess' big day wrong. The former glamour model, 47, is a mum of five, with each of her children from different chapters of her life. Her firstborn, Harvey, 22, is from her previous relationship with former footballer Dwight Yorke, while she shares her eldest daughter, Princess, 17, and son, Junior, 19, with her ex-husband, singer Peter Andre. She later welcomed two more children - Jett, 11, and Bunny, 10 - with her second ex-husband, Kieran Hayler. During a new interview, Katie joined her friend Kerry Katona to chat about their upcoming UK tour. While speaking candidly, the mum-of-five admitted that she struggles to remember her children's big days. Katie Price has admitted that she uses Google to remind her of her children's birthday - after she got daughter Princess' big day wrong The former glamour model, 47, is a mum of five, with each of her children from different chapters of her life (pictured with daughter Princess, 18) She told The Sun: 'Quite often if I need to remember something I think, let me Google it. 'If I have to fill out a form and do the kids' dates of births, I Google it.' It comes after Katie was left humiliated after being forced to delete her 18th birthday tribute to daughter Princess last month. The star took to her Instagram Stories to mark the milestone, but her kind words came 48 hours too early. Katie posted a sweet snap of young Princess, who turns 18 on Sunday, and gushed: 'Happy 18th birthday to the most amazing daughter and my best friend @princess_andre I love you so much'. The post was then swiftly taken down before the mum-of-five, who is currently in Dubai, replaced it with another snap of the birthday girl. She wrote: '2 days until Princess turns 18 can't believe it xx'. Elsewhere, Princess has enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame in recent years and proudly revealed she's bought her first car with her own money. It comes after Katie took to her Instagram Stories to mark Princess' birthday, but her kind words came 48 hours too early The post was then swiftly taken down before the mum-of-five, who is currently in Dubai , replaced it with another snap of the birthday girl The model has amassed more than 743,000 followers on her Instagram and has vowed to become a 'millionaire by the age of 20'. She has already signed big money deals with clothing and beauty brands including being an ambassador for high street chain Superdrug, Studio London, Morphe and Revolution. Princess made her modelling debut last year and is preparing to star in her own TV show for the first time. In 2024, Princess made her modelling debut with PrettyLittleThing after signing a four-figure deal with the brand. News of Princess' new modelling job was revealed in 2023 and she was said to be 'over the moon' to be joining the likes of Molly-Mae Hague and Gemma Owen on the retailer's roster. Princess has enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame in recent years and proudly revealed she's bought her first car with her own money A source revealed: 'Princess is so excited, she's looked up to her mum for years and has aspired to model for a brand like PrettyLittleThing since she can remember. 'She knows she's still young at 16 but Pete is going to oversee her work with PLT to ensure she's protected and well looked after. 'The partnership was born organically after Princess posted on Instagram about wearing the brand, it's naturally a great fit for both parties.' Her mother Katie started modelling at the age of 17 as a fresh-faced natural beauty. Since her first brand deal, Princess has gone on to attend events work work with other fashion and beauty brands including White Fox and Boots.
The Sun
7 hours ago
- The Sun
Jess Wright on Michelle Keegan's daughter ‘princess' Palma, her son's shock diagnosis & THAT poisonous family rivalry
BEING part of a big (and successful) family is not always easy. Having high-achieving siblings often means you feel like you are being left behind – and no one knows that more than Jessica Wright. The 39-year-old rose to fame as an original member of The Only Way Is Essex cast in October 2010, alongside brother Mark, 38. Then there's youngest brother Josh, 35, who is a former professional footballer turned manager, and 24-year-old sister Natalya, who has a burgeoning career as an influencer. And of course, there's Mark's wife and Jessica's sister-in-law Michelle Keegan in the mix, too. So, it's no surprise she feels more pressure than most. 'I'm quite driven by my family,' she admits. 'Everyone is really ambitious [laughs]. And, obviously, Mark's really successful. Joshua is successful in what he does. Natalya's smashing it with her stuff. So you're always like: 'God, am I doing enough?' I'm really hard on myself. I always think I'm not doing well enough. 'I wake up in the morning thinking about my career. This industry is tough, TV is really hard to come by these days. You've got these new characters coming into the industry all the time. I have to remind myself that I've had 15 years in the public eye and I'm still working.' That's why Jessica was thrilled to be asked to appear on ITV's Cooking With The Stars, which starts tonight, alongside Jack Osbourne, Natalie Cassidy and Ekin-Su Cülcüloglu. 'It was absolutely brilliant. There was a really cool gang of people and a real mix of characters. It was a pressure cooker of celebs, chefs and the dynamics of it all – and I loved it. I learned loads.' Despite the drive from all the Wrights to succeed, anyone who knows them personally will have witnessed how tight-knit they are. It's why Jessica has been so hurt by reports of a secret hierarchy with them and other stars in Essex, as well as rumours of a poisonous rivalry within her own family. 'That really upset us all,' she says. 'Of course we have squabbles, but what family doesn't? We all love each other. It was very bizarre. I don't really get it. 'We are so not that family. We keep to ourselves. We don't want to be those people who interfere with anyone else. We're very friendly around the village [where they live near Ongar]. People know us from living there, not because we're famous. We work really hard to be good people and just be us. 'We've really been through s**t in our past and we've come out the other side. We've done well for ourselves, so why try to tear us down?' My mum wasn't the best at being on camera. She was new to it and would just go along with things Jessica Wright With the rise of old clips of TOWIE on TikTok, they have also been criticised for their previous behaviour on the show, especially that of the family matriarch Carol Wright, in particular when she appeared to roll her eyes at Mark's ex, Lauren Goodger. 'Mum got a bashing on the TOWIE stuff,' she says. 'Obviously, people are siding with whatever. My mum is the best person. She's absolutely hilarious. She's the life and soul of every party. She cares about everyone and that's what the saddest thing was, because she really did look after everyone involved in all those situations. But she never got the credit for it. My mum wasn't the best at being on camera. She was new to it and would just go along with things. 'We're talking about editing to make a drama TV show, and it was 15 years ago. This is not me passing blame on to ITV, by the way. They made a freaking great show. I wouldn't change any of it. They did brilliantly. But everything is an extension of what is reality. I get sent those TikToks by friends saying: 'Look at the comments'. 'Do people really think this was real?' she sighs. 'It was real, but it wasn't. It was drama being made out of reality. We would never have even had those conversations with the people if it wasn't for being on the TV show. That's how they're made.' It seems, though, that the criticism has made the family stronger. 'We are really thick-skinned, and in the end we're like: 'Whatever'. If that's what you think of us, that's what you think of us. We couldn't care less. As long as we're happy and we've got our family and we're working, that's all we care about. Honestly, I've got too much to worry about in life.' Jessica really has had more to worry about. Her son, Presley, three – who she shares with her husband of three years, businessman William Lee-Kemp – has been diagnosed with a rare congenital heart disease, which means the toddler will need major surgery at some point. Having a bicuspid aortic valve means that the valve that controls blood flow from the heart has only two flaps instead of the normal three. It affects only 1% of the population and Jess says the diagnosis came as a 'complete shock'. Presley has to have regular checks. 'It's every four months now, whereas before it was every two months, as their heart grows at a slower rate as they get older. The checks being less frequent helps, as it's really stressful and we don't know how each check is going to go. It all depends on how his heart's growing. So it can be at any point [the surgery is needed].' The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breath and dizziness, and for Jessica, the prospect of her child suffering was unbearable. It all came to a head, she says, while filming the ITV show. 'When I was filming Cooking With The Stars, it had been a year since he was diagnosed and I was grieving a lot. I was enjoying doing the show, but behind the scenes I wasn't in a very good place. It was really difficult for me, because there were long hours on set. "As well as the emotional aspect of it, I was always worrying about being voted out and how I was being judged by the chefs. So, there was all this pressure of me wanting to do well on the show, but then just processing everything that had happened with Presley as well. 'I don't think anyone would've realised what was going on with me, as I tried to keep it all in. But one night I was staying at the hotel with everyone after filming and I broke down. I was in a really bad way, but I was so embarrassed because I worried: 'What must these people think of me?' 'Luckily everyone was so nice. It was a couple of chefs and a couple of celebs. They were all really supportive, especially Natalie Cassidy. She was so kind and said: 'Of course you are crying. It is horrendous what you are going through.' I'd watched her for years on EastEnders. She's the best. 'There was a big cloud over me, but after that it kind of lifted and I felt fine. It shows your frame of mind can really change how you are feeling.' I'm really proud of Arg for facing his addictions Jessica Wright Jessica, who previously opened up to Fabulous about battling postnatal depression when Presley was born, has struggled with depression her whole life. 'I probably should have a therapist,' she admits. 'Doctors recommend therapy when you get a diagnosis like this. I haven't done that yet. I did reach out to one, but I feel better now so I don't want to go and sit and cry for an hour. I don't want to go back there again. But I've had to admit to myself that my depression is quite severe. But I've been on antidepressants for 15 years and I know I have to look after myself.' Jess and her family have always been supportive of other people's struggles, too. The family has rallied around close friend James 'Arg' Argent. The 37-year-old reality star was convicted of a domestic violence charge against his now ex-girlfriend Nicoline Artursson, 32. The Sun revealed he had shoved her down steps during a heated row outside her apartment in Spain in May. He was handed a six-month suspended prison sentence and issued with a two-year restraining order against Nicoline. 10 The whole family, including Jess, Mark and Michelle, went to Andalusia in Spain with him last month. Jessica says: 'I've known Arg for a long time and I'm really proud of him for facing his addictions and coming out the other side. But I don't know all the ins and outs of what's been going on and it's not really for me to comment on.' Meanwhile, she has a new family member to attend to – Mark and Michelle welcomed daughter Palma in March. Jessica's brother Josh has two sons, so the family are pleased to have a baby girl. 'The cousins absolutely adore her. The three boys are so energetic, but they're so gentle with her. She's giggling now, it's really sweet. They are a little group and she's the little princess, as she's the only girl. 'Mark's always been really good with the boys. He loves his nephews so much, and Michelle does of course. He's really in his element and loving being a dad. Michelle is amazing. She took to it straight away and we always knew she would. 'The relationship between Mark and me is still the same. We're still critical of each other [laughs] but it's really good. We do more kiddy stuff now and are always getting together on the weekends at one of our houses.' 10 That said, the family don't hold back in one particular area. 'There's judgement of meals if you host. Everyone slates it going: 'This bit is good, this bit is bad.' My presentation is not the best, but it always tastes good! We send pictures of our dinners to each other all the time. If it's not that then the family group chat is all pictures and videos of the kids.' And thankfully, they've got mum Carol on hand to help out with childcare. 'My mum has Presley sometimes, but he goes to nursery now. Last week, she had the two boys [Josh's sons] for one day, Palma for two days because Michelle and Mark were both working. And then she had Presley for an afternoon. She was back to back with the grandkids. And I was like: 'You wanted it. . .!' The Wrights are famous for their knees-ups and there is one in the diary for September when Jessica hits the big 4-0. 'I've been a nightmare with plans,' she says. 'I've got an issue with committing to anything in the future. My sister has been badgering me as she wants to arrange it. 'I think we are going to go away for the weekend – all the couples and my sister somewhere in Europe – but then we'll do something in London as well. I don't want a big marquee with 150 people, I'd rather just have my family and some close friends. 'I feel like as you get older, the people that you're close to really goes down. I don't want to throw a party for loads of people that I barely see. But it is a big milestone, so I don't want to make the wrong decision and regret it.' Jessica looks even better now than when she burst on to our screens 15 years ago, but does she worry about ageing? 'There's so much you can do to to de-age you now that's non-invasive. I do all the fads. I've succumbed to the castor oil pack over my stomach. It's supposed to debloat you. Then I bought mouth tape and I want to try putting scar plasters on my wrinkles, too. Though I have all the good ideas, but don't actually do them. 'I have Botox and then I'll do non-invasive lasers. I've noticed I've been getting spots which I never used to get and I'm like: 'Is that because I'm turning 40?'' Jessica also had a breast reduction last year – her boob job, which boosted her to 32DD, was filmed for TOWIE in 2011. 10 What is a bicuspid aortic valve? A bicuspid aortic valve is a congenital condition where the aortic valve has only two flaps instead of the usual three. The aortic valve is a one-way valve which prevents blood coming back into the heart once it has been pumped out to the body. This is usually made of three leaflets, which open and close as the blood is pumped out. However, approximately one to two per cent of people have valves with just two leaflets, known as a bicuspid aortic valve. These valves can often function well throughout a person's life, but the valve can become narrow or leak as they get older. This can leave people at risk of infection in the heart, endocarditis. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, and palpitations - although some people may not experience any. A doctor may hear a swishing sound when using a stethoscope on a patient. The condition is usually diagnosed via an ultrasound scan (echocardiogram), and the valve will need regular monitoring to ensure it is continuing to function well. Children with a bicuspid aortic valve, which do not have narrowing or a leak, do not need to be restricted in terms of their activity or exercise. 'I've taken my implants out, so I'm all natural now [laughs], well apart from my eyelashes, fake tan and hair extensions. 'My sister wouldn't do a thing. My mum can get the hump when she has eyelash extensions or her brows laminated. That's about as far as she goes, but then she doesn't need to. Just look at her, she was born with it all – beautiful. I wasn't. My siblings are the athletically built ones. I've got to work for it. And I like wine too much.' Does she regret having her boobs done? 'When I was in my 20s it was all about big boobs. If I could go back in time and not have them done I would. However, when I got into the public eye, I was pictured a lot in bikinis and I felt more confident with my boobs being bigger then, and felt sexier. Whereas now I feel like I hate spilling out of a bikini.' And being from such a big family, does Jessica hope to give Presley a brother or sister one day? 'We've frozen our embryos and I would love one day to have a sibling for Presley. But it scares the life out of me. I'm not afraid to admit that. It's not just the lack of sleep, but the emotional turmoil of worrying they're going to be OK. 'I'm also so ambitious and I want to do so much more in my career. I've realised, no matter how much I try, mums can't do it all. I've changed a lot in the last 15 years. Getting older, being married and having a baby humbles you. I've realised what is important. I want to focus on that.'
