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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Rocker Ricky Wilson reveals bizarre moment he held hand of Hollywood A-lister while watching Elton John at Glastonbury
THERE'S something about Glastonbury that makes you act in the most weird and wonderful ways. And 6 The Sun's Ellie Henman with Ricky Wilson Credit: Collect 6 The Kaiser Chiefs singer reveals how he shared a bizarre moment with actor Andrew Garfield at Glastonbury Credit: The Mega Agency In an exclusive chat at Bizarre HQ before he opens the Pyramid Stage on Saturday afternoon with the Kaiser Chiefs, he explains: 'I stood in the crowd watching next to me. 'When Your Song started, our hands happened to brush past each other. I said to Andrew, 'Shall we?'. He nodded and we just held hands. He won't deny it if you ask him.' It wasn't the only strange thing to happen to Ricky at that Glasto, as he recalls: 'I dressed up as Elvis Presley — the full jumpsuit, everything. I was supposed to be doing some songs in Block9 but I got there and didn't bother. 'I was with Leigh Francis and we ended up going to Glastonbury-on-Sea instead and we did the bingo calling twice.' READ MORE ON GLASTONBURY This year, Ricky is heading down with his wife Grace, and the couple have booked into a posh hotel close to the site before his performance. He's already lined up their must-see acts including Pulp, who are playing a secret set on Saturday under the pseudonym Patchwork. 'I've never met Jarvis Cocker but I don't want to because I'd regret anything I said,' says Ricky. 'Then you've got the double header with The Libertines and Rod Stewart on Sunday. Those are Grace's two favourites and I've introduced her to them both.' Ricky's return to the Pyramid Stage comes 20 years after the Kaisers first played there in 2005 following the release of their breakthrough album Employment. Most read in Bizarre 'I didn't really appreciate the magnitude of playing there,' Ricky says. 'We were playing so many shows, I was just taking it in my stride. We'd just released Employment and we'd be playing to 200 people in Italy, then 1,000 people in America. 'Then we got back to the UK and we didn't realise how big it had got here until we arrived at Glastonbury and the crowd was mental. Everyone knew the words to our songs. It blew us away.' Inside the star-studded wedding of Ricky Wilson Of their set this year, Ricky teased: 'We've been on tour with Employment to celebrate the 20th anniversary and at those shows we've been playing it in full. 'We thought about just doing that but we've got too many other songs that would be missed. 'Many people know the songs but we've also got weapons in our arsenal that may be bigger.' I look forward to hearing those shots fired on Saturday. And if you see Elvis wandering around Worthy Farm, it might be worth double checking it's not Ricky back in his disguise. PALOMA'S BANG TO WHITES PALOMA FAITH wore white while she still could before heading to Worthy Farm. The singer wore this daring dress to the 25th annual Butterfly Ball in aid of Caudwell Children at The Dorchester in London on Wednesday. 6 Paloma Faith wore this daring dress to the 25th annual Butterfly Ball Credit: Getty The bash raised over £1.5m and Paloma, is now hotfooting it down to Somerset. Another musician who's heading there is That will build hopes she will join Olivia Rodrigo for her headline set on Sunday, having been a surprise guest when Olivia played in 2022. Lily, who once passed out in a field at Glasto in 2015, said on her Miss Me podcast: 'I went to see "I was drinking non-alcoholic beers and thinking, 'I can do this'. I could get there and go, 'This is too much,' and leave.' Well, with the luxury of a free ticket, yes. GARY: I'M NOTE A SINGER GARY LINEKER wants to play Glastonbury, but he's admitted he's so musically useless he is having to make do with a Q&A this weekend. Asked if he'd swap his FA Cup medal for a slot on the Pyramid Stage, Gary said: 'If I could sing! If I had a voice or I could play an instrument, I'd absolutely adore that. 'I think with musicians, there's no one trying to stop them playing. 'In football, there's always someone trying to. In music, pretty much everyone in the crowd is on your side. That must be amazing, when everyone's singing along, and you're not thinking: I might be s*** today and everyone will hate me. Or maybe they do?!' It doesn't sound like he'd have much luck as a DJ. He added: 'I'd wheel in one of my sons to help me spin, what do you call it, house tech?' Errr I think you mean house or techno, Gary. LOO-UIS' IDEAL CAMP SITE LOUIS TOMLINSON might be worth millions – but he chose to keep it real by camping close to the toilets. The former One Direction star was spotted with Zara McDermott who had given a talk at The Information 6 Louis Tomlinson is camping close to the toilets at Glastonbury Credit: supplied 6 The former One Direction star was spotted with Zara McDermott Credit: supplied An onlooker said: 'Louis loves to be a man of the people and he loves camping at Glastonbury – even though he's got the cash to stay somewhere posh. "His tent is erected near the loo's and they're with a big group of friends. 'He was knocking back cans of Red Bull with Zara as they hung out with their mates. Zara isn't camping like Louis though - she's off site. 'They looked like they were having a ball and Louis was really affectionate towards Zara and was making sure she had everything she needed. 'She was stroking his back and had a massive smile on her face.' WHAT TO WATCH ON THE BOX THE BBC will be providing wall-to-wall coverage – apart from Neil Young who is opposing it – so there will be hours of performances to watch. Here are our picks of what you should not miss. OLIVIA RODRIGO Sunday, 9.45pm – Pyramid Stage THE youngest woman to ever headline Glastonbury, Olivia, left, had one of the best sets in 2022 so will be a brilliant closer to the event. JADE Saturday, 3.15pm – Woodsies SHE has dreamed of it for years and has promised to pull out all the stops for her set. Jade is one of the best new pop stars going and is bound to put on a belting show. SIR ROD STEWART Sunday, 3.45pm – Pyramid Stage THE music icon will be watched by an estimated 100,000 in the Legend's slot and has teased three special guests. He has said it will be his final Glasto, so it's set to be massive. MYLES SMITH Friday, 12.45 pm – Woodsies MY top choice for this year's festival, Myles has brilliant songs like Stargazing and I can't wait to see him undoubtedly pull a massive crowd to kick things off. PATCHWORK Saturday, 6.15pm – Pyramid Stage ALMOST certainly a pseudonym for PULP, organiser EMILY EAVIS says she has been working on booking this mystery act for over a year, so it's not going to be one to miss. CHARLI XCX Saturday, 10.30pm – Other Stage BRINGING 'Brat Summer' into 2025, Charli will light up your Saturday night with her high-octane set, which is expected to feature a string of special guests. GRACIE ABRAMS Friday, 6.45pm – Other Stage THIS set is sure to be a real moment for one of music's rising stars. Her No1 That's So True will be a singalong. A GIGANTIC, terrifying blow-up doll will appear with Lola Young on the Woodsies Stage later today. Fans spotted the massive prop being brought on to site on the back of a lorry on Wednesday. 6 A huge blow-up doll was spotted being brought into Glastonbury Credit: Alamy The Messy singer has had a big year, so I'm sure the tent will be packed for her performance. WORTHY Farm just got a lot more sweaty following the arrival of rising star Jack Cullen. The former rugby player, who moved into music after surgery ended his sports career, cycled over 650 miles from his home in Edinburgh for his debut on Sunday. On stopovers during his marathon ride, Jack played in pubs and cafes. His new single, All I Need, is out now – with an EP scheduled for release later this year. If you're down by the Wishing Well on Sunday and fancy catching Jack live, he will play at 2.30pm. Hopefully he'll have cooled down by then. And managed to get to the front of the queue for the showers. IT was emotional first day on site for During a talk at arena site Silver Hayes, the Happy Valley actor said: 'I got broken up with and it was massive. 'I thought I was going to have kids. 'The life I thought I was going to have disappeared at 38.' He added: 'It was a gift in a weird, roundabout way. 'She called it. She realised it wasn't working. 'I'm crazily grateful for the pain she caused me.'
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
British pop superstar makes huge comeback with new single out TOMORROW – the same day as his secret set at Glastonbury
LEWIS CAPALDI will make a sensational return to music tomorrow – with the singer dropping his comeback single. The release, 9 Lewis Capaldi will make a sensational return to music tomorrow Credit: Getty 9 The announcement coincides with his secret set at Glastonbury Credit: PA As the gates to Worthy Farm opened to let the first of this year's revellers through yesterday, a source said: 'Lewis took a decent chunk of time away and now he's ready for his fans to hear what he has been working on. 'Tomorrow is a huge day for him. He will be releasing a brand new single and it is his Pyramid Stage performance. He is in a great place and feels ready to come back into the spotlight.' Lewis' last performance at Glastonbury on that very stage in 2023 ended in tears, with the Someone You Loved I was standing shoulder-to-shoulder with fans who, like me, were in tears at watching Lew struggling. READ MORE ON LEWIS CAPALDI Afterwards, Lewis told us the performance made him realise he needed to 'spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order'. He retreated from the spotlight but last year started working on new tunes, going into the studio with British singer-songwriter Dan D'Lion, where he was snapped strumming on an acoustic guitar. Then one of my pals overheard him in Gerry's bar in London last October excitedly talking about new music coming this year. Insiders said the new record came together quickly. It will follow his two No1 albums, 2019's debut Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent, and Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent, which came out in 2023. Most read in Bizarre In March, I caught up with his pal And it's not just the music which is on point, as Lewis returned to the stage for a secret show at Tom Walker's Calm charity gig in Edinburgh last month. Lewis Capaldi's highly-anticipated comeback -- and who will be Charli XCX's Apple girl? | Showbiz Fix Lewis came on stage after Tom had finished performing and played a six-song set in the Assembly Halls. The show went down a treat and Lew absolutely nailed his six-song setlist. Those close to Lewis' told me he is more than ready to return to the spotlight. 'Lewis is raring to go,' my insider added. 'Naturally there will always be nerves but he feels confident and assured. 'He is firing on all cylinders and there's no doubt this single will go straight to No1, which will give Lewis a massive boost.' We're rooting for you Lewis, and we can't wait to see you back down in Somerset. Gene and Lennon's family ties YOU won't need three guesses to work out who these two suit-wearing nepo babies are the sons of. Models 9 Gene and Lennon Gallagher were snapped looking just like their dad Liam during the Saint Laurent show at Paris Men's Fashion Week Credit: Getty There's eight days to go until Liam and their uncle Noel reunite in Cardiff for Oasis' reunion tour, and I've no doubt they will be in the crowd cheering them on. And I won't be surprised if Gene and Lennon hotfoot it from the French capital to Glastonbury, as I've seen them letting loose at the festival before. If their resemblance to Liam extends to his behaviour, I'm sure they will be getting up to plenty of antics on Worthy Farm. Libertine's in album push THE LIBERTINES are pushing ahead with their next album following the success of All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade, which went straight to No1 last year. The band, Pete Doherty, Carl Barat, John Hassall and Gary Powell, left a gap of ten years between their third and fourth. 9 The Libertines are pushing ahead with their next album, pictured Pete Doherty Credit: AFP And in an exclusive chat ahead of their performance on Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage on Sunday afternoon, drummer Gary promised they won't be leaving it as long before bringing out a fifth album. 'There's always plans, it's whether we get to it,' Gary said.'We were on a two-record deal. 'So there was supposed to be at least another record not long after the release of the one in 2015. 'Nearly ten years later, we finally got to it. We're in the midst of touring at the moment, we're still finishing off the touring cycle of this last album.' Gary also dismissed suggestions The Libertines are still 'ramshackle' on stage. He said with a laugh: 'It takes a lot of work to be as ramshackle as we are. Most bands will try and be ramshackle, whilst being extremely ramshackle. We actually work really hard at being ramshackle. 'I wouldn't be in anything other than a well-rehearsed band.' Pete's performance with The Libertines at Glastonbury follows the Beyonce blue la la BEYONCE is continuing the Cowboy Carter trend, even when she's not on stage. She wore this sexy blue denim jumpsuit and a hat while out in Paris, joined by her husband Jay-Z. 9 Beyonce wore this sexy blue denim jumpsuit and a hat while out in Paris Credit: Instagram 9 Bey was joined by her husband Jay-Z Credit: Getty They were at the Louis Vuitton show as part of Men's Fashion Week. As well as getting the best seats in the house, Louis Vuitton Men's creative director Jay has been on the road with Bey for months now and proved he is her No1 fan earlier in the day, when he was seen wearing a T-shirt with her picture on it. I doubt my fella would be so pleased if I came home in a top featuring his mug. Rita does a decent proposal RITA ORA has spoken of her proposal to She said on Davina McCall's Begin Again podcast: 'I just did the whole thing. We were in a hotel room in Palm Springs, like a really nice, fancy one filled up with balloons and cake, which is my favourite thing in the world. 9 Rita Ora has spoken of her proposal to Taika Waititi Credit: AP 'I got the bands made, I didn't want anything too flashy. He's like, 'What the hell is it? Valentine's Day?' I was like, 'Oh no, if you're gonna say no, I'm gonna have to take my clothes off'. 'Anyway, I got down on one knee, and Taika absolutely loved it.' Rita also talked about her friendship with Beyonce and said: 'Being signed to Jay Z, she is my biggest inspiration. She took it upon herself to really look after me, and I still see her. 'She's always been so, so nice and proud, and checking in on my family and friends I've had since childhood, remembering their names. I mean, it's crazy.' More-oon MAROON 5 have announced their eighth album, Love Is Like. It will be out on August 15 and features All Night, as well as recent track Priceless. Frontman Adam Levine said: 'I feel like we've gone back to what we used to do, which is to not pay attention to where we fit, and producing the music organically.' Vamps US reunion THE VAMPS have reunited to make their first album for five years. The group have been on hiatus while members pursued solo careers. 9 The Vamps have reunited to make their first album for five years, pictured guitarist James McVey Credit: Getty But now guitarist James Brittain-McVey has revealed they are flying to the US to start work on a new project. On Instagram, he wrote: 'It felt about time to jump on a plane and start writing again! 'I have been looking forward to this moment for years. Being with the boys feels like home. Bring on the next album.' West End Hercules is strong on laughs and classic tunes THE 1997 animated movie is one of Disney's best, so the stakes were high. But I'm pleased to report this West End adaption of Hercules, at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, does the film justice . . . and then some. 9 I'm pleased to report this West End adaption of Hercules, at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, does the film justice . . . and then some Credit: ©JOHAN PERSSON, for press and publicity while production is being performed. All other us From start to finish, the show is surprisingly funny, with jokes landing perfectly from Mount Olympus all the way back down to Earth. The all-female gospel singing muses steal the show with their vocals and camp sass. Hades and Meg are also perfectly cast. Along with Phil, they are given a more adult costume, bringing them further into real life. My only gripe is that in doing so, some of the classic Disney magic is lost. Hades' famous flame hair has been replaced with silver locks, while half-goat, half-man Phil is now all man. But the cast make the characters their own and crowd pleasers come from the original film's score. While the new songs may not be instant classics, I'm pretty sure this show will Go The Distance. JACK HARDWICK
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Emotional Lana Del Rey breaks down in tears before snogging husband as she opens debut stadium tour
LANA DEL REY brought plenty of drama to the stage as she kicked off her debut stadium tour – breaking down in tears and snogging her husband. And that was all during the first song, so there was plenty to get fans talking. 3 Lana Del Rey kicks off the first night of her debut stadium tour 3 Lana performing on the opening night at Cardiff's Principality Stadium 3 Lana's gig acted like a singalong in the garden of her Louisiana home Credit: Joe Okpako When she announced her debut stadium tour last summer, there were questions over whether she'd be able to bring the necessary theatrics to a room with tens of thousands of people in it. She proved her doubters wrong at the Composing herself, Lana said: 'It's good, it's just a long way to come.' She added: 'Oh my goodness. They're good tears. READ MORE ON LANA DEL REY 'It's just actually funny to think about it in front of so many people. 'Thank you so much. I love you Cardiff.' It's a huge feat for a star to headline stadiums without an all-singing, all-dancing pop show, or a massive band to rock out with. Lana decided to transform the room into her backyard, draped with twinkly fairylights, with the gig acting like a singalong in the garden of her Louisiana home. Most read in Bizarre On stage, there was a house surrounded by plants and even a pond, from which she, a band and a fleet of singers and dancers performed. While Lana had a healthy back catalogue to pick from, she opted to play a cover of Tammy Wynette's Stand By Your Man as she settled in. 'The ending was a complete mess' Reading Festival fans slam Lana Del Rey as set is cut short after she's late to the stage She explained: 'This is the first big show I've done while I've been married. 'I really love singing this song.' But the real crowd-pleasers were the lush tracks from her early career, with a dramatic string instrumental for Ride, which is impossibly moving, and her breakout hit Video Games performed from a swing. Lana's power is her irresistible mystique and she kept that up for the entire set. She will continue her stadium tour this week in Glasgow, Liverpool, Dublin and London. After turning 40 last Saturday, it's something of a celebration for her. This set may well leave fans crying out for more, but Lana proved she will be around for many, many years to come.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Cruz Beckham slams online trolls who questioned his musical talent and confused him with brother Brooklyn
CRUZ BECKHAM has shown he has both a good voice and a vicious tongue after sharing a video of himself singing on TikTok. Advertisement 11 Brother Brooklyn was also the subject of online jokes about his various careers Credit: Getty And his estranged brother They wrote: 'Are you going to stick with this job or going to become a race car driver next or something?' Cruz replied: 'Wrong brother mate.' He wasn't so polite with others though. Advertisement Read More on BECKHAMS Another critic commented: 'He has the talent of an average teenage boy that just recently started learning guitar.' Cruz, who has, to be fair, spent years working on his musicianship, said: 'It's easy to comment on TikTok isn't it. U think I care what you think darling x.' Mocking his mum Posh Spice's vocal ability, one woman named Julie wrote: 'Definitely got his talent from his mam. I'd try football like ya dad.' To many laughs from his followers, he hit back: 'Julie mate have u seen what u look like, maybe sort it out.' Advertisement Most read in Bizarre I can't blame Cruz for getting short in the comments, given people have been so judgmental before even hearing what he has to offer. I've heard very exciting things about his music after he worked with The Kooks' Luke Pritchard. Watch sweet moment Cruz Beckham and girlfriend Jackie perform at dad David's 50th birthday amid feud with brother Brooklyn And this snippet he posted, which he suggested is from a song called For Ya Love, shows he has plenty of swagger. In the short clip, he sings: 'Call me if you're looking for some fun,' before adding: 'Love's a ride that money cannot buy.' Advertisement With Glastonbury approaching at the end of the week, I'm keeping my fingers crossed Cruz will be finding a stage to perform on. I'd love to see what he's got. 11 Cruz Beckham has shown he has both a good voice and a vicious tongue after sharing a video of himself singing on TikTok Credit: TikTok/@cruzbeckham MOST celebs shy away from controversy – but not Advertisement On the second night of his sold-out Breezy Bowl XX world tour at Tottenham Hotspur stadium, a friend told me he showed footage of himself at Manchester Magistrates Court on big screens as fans waved placards which read: 'From the cage to the stage.' The rapper, who has pleaded not guilty, will stand trial next October for an alleged attack on a music producer in London in 2023. Cardi copies Bey The rapper wore a tasseled fur corset with a matching coat and cowboy hat to the third and final show at Stade de France in Paris. Advertisement 11 Cardi B wore a tasseled fur corset with a matching coat and cowboy hat to Beyonce's final show at Stade de France in Paris Credit: Splash 11 Beyonce on stage in her Cowboy Carter gear Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 11 Bey brought Jay-Z out to perform Crazy In Love, N****s in Paris and Partition – their first time on stage together in seven years Credit: Instagram And she was in luck at the show, because Bey brought Jay-Z out to perform Crazy In Love, N****s in Paris and Partition – their first time on stage together in seven years. Advertisement Cardi herself may soon be back on stage as yesterday she started teasing the announcement of her long-awaited second album. In an Instagram post, she said: 'Seven years, and the time has come. Seven years of love, light and loss. Seven years I gave them grace, but now I give them hell. 'I'm shedding feathers and no more tears.' Something tells me she may be aiming some choice lyrics at her ex-husband Offset on this new project. Advertisement BOB'S NO MONEY ADVISER Speaking exclusively backstage at Sky Presents Isle of Wight Festival, Jack Patterson said the Boomtown Rat offered his wisdom in Spain. 11 Clean Bandit have revealed Sir Bob Geldof gave them some seriously bad advice at the start of their career Credit: Getty Jack said: 'When we first got offered a record deal, we had some advice from Bob. We were trying to decide whether to do it or not. And he said, 'If anyone offers you money for your music, just take it'. Advertisement 'I'm not sure that was the best decision for us. We're not doing that any more.' BURNA BOY is playing a free O2 Priority gig at O2 Forum Kentish Town in North London. The singer, who sold out Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, last year will perform the intimate gig on July 16. Advertisement Tickets are available to O2 mobile and Virgin Media broadband customers through Priority, with the ballot currently open online. ALESHA'S MIS-TEEQ TEASER ALESHA DIXON has teased The Noughties girl group, which also featured 11 Alesha Dixon has teased Mis-Teeq could stage a reunion in 2026 to coincide with their 25th anniversary Credit: Getty Advertisement But when asked about the prospect of a return during a discussion on the Hits Radio breakfast show yesterday, Alesha said: 'There might be. 'Well, next year is the 25th anniversary of Lickin' On Both Sides, our debut album. We're thinking. We're thinking. 'Thinking doesn't mean we're doing – but we're thinking, which is more than we've done.' Justin does all Wight Advertisement He wore shades and a red jacket as he entertained thousands of fans with hits including SexyBack, Cry Me A River and Rock Your Body on Sunday evening, following sets from Olly Murs and Texas. 11 Justin Timberlake closed the Isle of Wight Festival with a headline show Credit: Sienna Anderson/ 11 Justin wore shades and a red jacket as he entertained thousands of fans Credit: Sienna Anderson/ Justin told his adoring fans said: 'I've been trying to get to Isle Of Wight for years and years and years and it's everything I thought it was. Advertisement 'I've got a special place in my heart for the UK, for England, I have so much gratitude for you – welcome to the party. You made a Tennessee boy's dreams come true.' GOING TO EUROVISION WOULD BE SHEER DELIGHT IT is derided by music snobs as a silly contest, but even Ed Sheeran is a massive Eurovision fan and is desperate to go to the contest. Ed, if that means you'd be up for representing the UK too, that would certainly improve our chances of winning again. 11 Ed Sheeran is a massive Eurovision fan and is desperate to go to the contest Credit: Getty Advertisement Referring to his Instagram story where he backed Italian Lucio Corsi's song Volevo Essere Un Duro at May's event, Ed said: 'I thought it was the best song. But then I felt bad because my friend Louane was on the show and I was like, 'Ah f**k, I don't know who to choose here'.' Asked if he had ever been, Ed told an Italian radio station: 'I'd like to go. I watch it every year and it's one of my favourite things to do. 'But even if we have a good song it's usually not voted for because of us being Britain.' NEMO smashed their Eurovision trophy on stage last year when they dropped it after winning in Sweden. Advertisement Now this year's victor, JJ from Austria, has revealed his statue has snapped in half too. He wrote on TikTok: 'My suitcase came back broken. Therefore everything inside my suitcase was broken too… don't worry, we're getting it fixed.' FANS WONDER AT NOEL SET LIST OASIS' reunion set list is one of the most talked about topics of conversation in our office. And while we know Cigarettes And Alcohol has made the cut, I'm told one fan classic might not be so lucky. Advertisement 11 Oasis' reunion set list is one of the most talked about topics of conversation in our office Credit: Social media - Refer to source Insiders said Wonderwall, which is the most streamed Nineties hit ever, and a real singalong favourite, has become a huge source of contention. While 'This setlist has been worked on tirelessly and the band want to make sure they get the right balance. Advertisement 'When it comes to Wonderwall, Noel isn't a fan and doesn't particularly want it to feature. 'Liam has played it before at his solo concerts, he doesn't mind it, but Noel hasn't performed it since the group split because he thinks it's not a complete track. Seeing as it's one of Oasis' best known tracks, it would be astonishing if they didn't perform it.' Fans will have to wait until the first night in Cardiff on July 4 to find out if Noel's wish has come true. He has made no secret of his disdain for the 1995 track, which got to No2 in the charts and has been streamed well over one billion times. Advertisement Noel said: 'Wonderwall is one of my least favourite songs because it's not finished. If I could somehow twist time and go back there, I'd probably pick a different song for our calling card. Probably Some Might Say.'
The Irish Sun
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside Stormzy's VIP packed premiere as rapper secretly takes acting lessons ahead of big screen debut
WE know Stormzy can write a killer song, with 14 Top Ten hits – including four No1s – under his belt. And after he invited me to the premiere of his debut short film Big Man at London's British Film Institute, I'm happy to report he can act, too. 9 Stormzy with mum Abigail Owuo at the film's premiere Credit: Getty What's more astonishing is that his 20-minute film, directed by Oscar-winner Aneil Karia, was improvised from start to finish. 'Stormzy had acting lessons for months before filming started,' a friend told me before the premiere. 'He doesn't do anything by halves.' Big Man, the first offering from his #Merky Films company, follows the story of Tenzman, a rapper whose career is fading — until a chance meeting with two young boys, Klevis and Tyrell, changes the course of his life. READ MORE ON STORMZY It has already had almost a million YouTube views in less than 24 hours. Arrogant Merky Films has been in the making for a long time, as Stormzy explained: 'We've been working on this for five years. We've done our due diligence. 'I think sometimes it's very arrogant to think that because you've got a profile elsewhere, you can just step into a space with all the bells and whistles. 'We didn't want to do that.' Most read in Bizarre Stormzy is impressive in the leading role, and the tenderness he has towards young actors Jaydon Eastman and Klevis Brahja feels completely organic. Stormzy's US superstar ex breaks silence on dating star for first time since they were spotted snogging at airport 'They absolutely killed it,' Stormzy says, 'I was like a duck out of water. 'They made me feel comfortable and gave me confidence. I was the biggest amateur there.' Stormzy's not doing himself justice. Aneil, who won an Academy Award for Best Action Live Short Film, The Long Goodbye, in 2022, agrees, adding: 'Stormzy can act. When it came to improvisation, it was amazing.' The singer adds: 'I forgot that it was going to be improvised. I was like, 'Damn, there's no script.' which is crazy. 'It was challenging because I'm a rapper, trying to play a rapper, but I'm using my voice. It was like an episode of Black Mirror.' Stormzy, inset, is big on giving back, with his #Merky Foundation pledging millions to help young people in the UK. And this theme runs throughout Big Man, with Stormzy's fictional rapper initially scoffing at the two kids' dream of visiting Brighton — before realising how much that trip means to the young pair, who are enduring the monotony of life between school and care home. Don't get me wrong, this film isn't pushing an agenda. The messaging is an undercurrent that makes you think but it doesn't take away from the fact it is genuinely hilarious and heartwarming. Screams Thanks to the brilliant rising stars Jaydon and Klevis, the improvisation feels so natural and authentic — you can't help laughing out loud. In one scene, Stormzy — who towers over me at 6ft 5in — screams as he's riding a rollercoaster with the lads. But he's not hollering because he's afraid of heights. 'That rollercoaster is too small for me,' Stormzy admits with a laugh. 'My knees are literally banging against the thing. I'm screaming in pain.' Stormzy promises there is more to come. 'We've got a lot of things in development,' he explains. 'I just want people to feel something. To enjoy it in the most pure, sentimental way.' Big Man is available to watch now on YouTube and I promise it's well worth a viewing. Congratulations, Stormzy. You deserve all the credit coming your way. 9 Big Man is the first offering from Stormzy's #Merky Films company Credit: Supplied FUR PLAY, JADE 9 Jade pulls off these furry boots to promote her latest single Credit: supplied WITH temperatures soaring, these furry boots would be the last thing I'd want to be sweating in this weekend. But Jade pulled them off in an arty fashion shoot to promote her latest single Plastic Box, out today, which is all about taking a chance on love. It's among a load of new releases to kick off your weekend, including Haim's I Quit, Sombr's We Never Dated and Alesso's remix of the orchestral Ascension theme, created to kick off the Esports World Cup. Muse have put out their new single Unravelling, which is their first new music since 2022's Will Of The People album, while Benson Boone is a shoo-in for No1 next Friday with his new record American Heart. Elsewhere, Miles Kane has announced his album Sunlight In The Shadows will be out in October and has dropped the first song Love Is Cruel, while Messy singer Lola Young has put out Not Like That Anymore from her upcoming record I'm Only F***ing Myself. DAISY'S ROOTS DOWN 9 Normal People actress Daisy Edgar-Jones with photographer boyfriend Ben Seed Credit: Getty DAISY EDGAR-JONES has got serious with her boyfriend of two years, by splashing out more than £1.5m on a massive house together. The Normal People actress got together with photographer Ben Seed – who previously dated Peaky Blinders actress Anya Taylor-Joy – in 2023, but things are clearly going from strength to strength. I'm told they have bought a huge London property, after months of hopping between each other's places. A source close to the couple, left, said: 'They are practically inseparable, so it seemed like the natural next step to find a place together. 'They are really enjoying planning the decor and some updates for their new place to make it a real home for them both. 'Daisy has said she can see them staying there for a long time and she sees it as a really exciting chapter for their relationship.' Since shooting to fame in Normal People in 2020, Daisy has starred in major movies including Where The Crawdads Sing, Twisters and On Swift Horses. She is currently filming a thriller called A Place In Hell opposite And then she will lead heist movie Here Comes The Flood, alongside Denzel Washington and Sounds like she's found her own leading man. MILEY'S BEY GIG 9 Miley Cyrus stuns in this sheer dress with only feathers covering her chest in Paris Credit: Splash 9 Miley performed a Spotify Billions Club show for her 100 biggest listeners Credit: Getty MILEY CYRUS got fans in a flap when she wore this sheer dress with only feathers covering her chest in Paris. The Flowers singer was mobbed outside her hotel as she made her way to a concert in the risque gown. She performed a Spotify Billions Club show for her 100 biggest listeners ahead of a planned appearance with Beyonce. Yesterday, she was spotted rehearsing with the superstar at the Stade de France, where she was last night expected to join her for the first of three nights for the Cowboy Carter tour in the French capital. They collaborated on the Cowboy Carter album track II Most Wanted which was one of the best on the album, so I'm hoping they release a live version, too. EM'S TOP OF THE CROPS 9 Linkin Park frontwoman Emily Armstrong at the Rock for People festival Credit: AP ONE fan had a very strange request for Linkin Park frontwoman Emily Armstrong at the American rockers' latest gig – and she gratefully obliged. The band are on a sold- out European tour which includes a show at Wembley Stadium next weekend – and one punter at their gig at the Rock for People festival in the Event staff pulled him out of the crowd and he gave Emily clippers for her to shave off his tresses. But he was left with a mullet after Emily told him: 'We gotta leave some at the back for the party, baby!' FANS LOVE MARTIN'S BAD HABIT 9 Musician and actor Martin Kemp had a wardrobe malfunction Credit: Getty MARTIN KEMP once accidentally flashed his bits to the front row at a gig in the States. But the musician and actor, who was performing with Spandau Ballet in 1981, revealed that his wardrobe malfunction luckily went down a storm. Martin said: 'I was basically wearing a dress when we played in New York – a monk's habit. 'What I didn't realise when I put my foot up on the monitor was that everybody in the front row was getting a complete eyeful. 'Because The Underground was essentially a gay club, they were loving it.' His comments come as the band announce a new box set, Everything Is Now – Vol 1: 1978-1982, which includes rare live footage of the gig in question. I can only presume his bits will be blurred out. RUGBY JAMES TO TACKLE MUSIC BIZ 9 James Haskell has applied to trademark Rogue Unit Records Credit: YouTube/James Haskell JAMES HASKELL is keen to take his DJing hobby to the next level, as he is trademarking a music company. The former rugby player, who was married to Chloe Madeley, has applied to trademark Rogue Unit Records. A source said: 'James has been DJing for over a decade and is keen to really get involved with the music industry. Hopefully Rogue Unit Records will allow him to both release his own music and help others get into the scene.' Over the years, James has played at some of the biggest and most glamorous clubs in the world including Cafe Mambo in Ibiza and Soho Garden in Dubai. The music biz isn't an easy one to crack though, so best of luck to him. FRESH from his Soccer Aid triumph, Big Zuu has found his way into the kitchen. The rapper has teamed up with weekly meal service Gousto to launch The Bare – a limited-edition recipe range inspired by TV drama The Bear. Orders from the range helps support The Trussell Trust, which is the food bank charity helping families across the UK who would otherwise go without the bare essentials this summer. Big Zuu said: 'It's about more than just flavours; it's about making some noise for people going without the basics. I've always believed good food should be for everyone.' WILL SMITH has hinted he has no regrets over slapping Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars in 2022. He recorded a freestyle rap for Charlie Sloth's Fire In The Booth feature on Apple, and he brings up the clash in a verse. Will raps: 'If you're talking crazy out your face up on the stage and disrespect me on the stage, expect me on the stage.' Ouch.
