Latest news with #Bradford-born


Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh admits 'we're in a different stage' after reunion
EXCLUSIVE: Kimberley Walsh has opened up about her time with Girls Aloud following their sold-out tour last year, honouring their late bandmate, Sarah Harding, and how their kids were blown away on tour Kimberley Walsh admits that she and her Girls Aloud bandmates are now in a "different stage" of their lives. The chart-mauling group, which launched in 2002, reunited last year to celebrate their 20th anniversary and also honour their late bandmate, Sarah Harding. Sarah died aged just 39, on September 5, 2021, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which had metastasised to other parts of her body. Prior to her death, the singer had told her bandmates it was her wish that they carry on and honour her, as well as the legacy of the band. Throughout the tour, Kimberley, Cheryl Tweedy, Nicola Roberts and Nadine Coyle kept Sarah's memory alive, with her iconic parts from Something New and The Promise blasting out to audiences night after night, something the girls were keen to keep in the show. "I think people were having a really good time," Kimberley exclusively told the Mirror, adding: "It did feel really special." Speaking about including Sarah, the Bradford-born singer, actress, and presenter said: "That was the biggest challenge and that was the focus for all of us during those creative meetings, 'How do we give Sarah her moment and keep her flowing throughout the show?' "For us, that was so important; we wanted to feel like she was still with us. I do think we achieved that, we tried to bring it back to her whenever possible and give everybody that time to reminisce and celebrate her." During the show, Sarah's lead vocals played during I'll Stand By You, a recording the band discovered when preparing for the tour. Kimberley said: "That was a tough moment every night, but we all needed it too, we all needed to take that minute. As hard as it was, I loved that part of the show." The tour was also very different, with Kimberley, Cheryl and Nadine's children seeing their mum, and Auntie Nicola as popstars for the first time. "I think it was a little bit mind-blowing for them," Kimberley laughed, before explaining her children, Bobby, nine, Cole, seven and two-year-old Nate, know her mainly for her presenting work. "I don't think they really got it until they turned up at the arena for the first show," she explained. But it was the reaction from the sold-out audience which left her children baffled. "They started off finding it weird and ended quite enjoying it," she laughed. The group had their children on the tour buses with them. There's just six months between Nadine's daughter, Anaíya and Kimberley's eldest, Bobby. "There's only a few months between Cole and Bear [Cheryl's son with the late Liam Payne], and everyone just looked after Nate because he was the baby," she said, adding it was fun for the children to enjoy the celebrations together. Kimberley added: "For us as mums, we're in a very different stage of our lives, so we were able to enjoy it for ourselves but also see it through their eyes." Kimberley, however, has put her solo career on hold following the birth of Nate in June 2021. Her debut album, Centre Stage, which charted at Number 18, became a fan favourite. "I've taken a step back from musical theatre over the last few years, with Nate being so young," she said. She explained that she didn't want to miss any vital moments of her children's lives, as she feels as though she'd just had Nate. "It made sense not to be in the theatre over the last few years," she said, while laughing that in a few years, her children may not care if she's home at bedtime every night. "It is a real passion of mine, the album, I love the album, it was a really special time for me," she said. Adding: "I'd just discovered my voice a bit more, realising what I was capable of doing, which was a bit of a revelation for me. It was fun to be able to challenge myself. I'd love to do a Centre Stage part two." Could Kimberley be back on stage any time soon though? She said: "I would love to be back on stage in the theatre, there's something so special about that environment." That is an environment her children haven't been "properly immersed in" yet, due to their young ages. Kimberley isn't the only singer in their household, though, with her husband Justin Scott, previously being a member of the boyband Triple 8, and young Bobby wants to be a "singing builder." Kimberley explained that Bob had been wanting to model for several years. "He's really quite serious about it," she said, before explaining that it was great for his confidence. "We're all learning aren't we, we never really know what the right decision is," she said, but added that she and Bobby have a similar personality. Away from singing and acting, Kimberley keeps herself busy, presenting a various of shows, including Morning Live, in Manchester, which she credits for working around her schedule. She said: "I don't want to be away from the kids too much. And the tour is probably one of the most full-on things I've done over the last few years. But again, they were able to be involved. They were thrilled about that. They were able to come on the bus and be on tour with us, which was a really good experience for them." Most recently, she launched her third paint shade, Blush Rose, with Wickes. "I've always been really into DIY and interiors," she said, adding it's been one of the most exciting projects she's done. "And I've done a lot of fun stuff over the years! But in my life now, I absolutely love my home. I love interiors," Kimberley laughed. Speaking about getting her London home to where she wants it to be, the singer said: "When I started working with Wickes three or four years ago, my house really needed to be redecorated. I'd been in it for over ten years, and it was looking a bit tired. I was so ready to transform it. So now, I feel like it's like we've just moved in! I love walking into each space and seeing the changes I've made - seeing my paint colours in all their glory. They really suit my home. I've got a really traditional home, and a lot of the paints have that vintage feel to them." The majority of the redecorating was done during Nate's nap times. She said: "I've really enjoyed the time I spent decorating and doing DIY in the home. It's a nice way of escaping for a minute. When I get time to just paint all day, I can really get into it—put my music on, get the tea flowing, get the biscuits out, and just forget about everything but be mindful. Because as a mum of three with various jobs, my brain's quite busy! It's actually a positive thing." Away from Morning Live, singing and acting, Kimberley also fancies fronting a new "amazing concept" for a DIY show. "I know there's a lot of them around, but it's tricky to find a different angle sometimes, but they are so addictive," she joked. She continued: "I think it would need to be geared more around giving people the tools to do stuff themselves, because it can be expensive to pay tradesmen, you should only be doing that if it's something you can't do yourself. Just give it a go, but we'll see, we'll work on that!" Speaking about social media and helping people with ideas, Kimberley said: "If money is tight and you're trying to do a transformation, you need to save money where you can. For me, with something like painting, practice makes perfect. Also, there's so many tutorials online. DIY can feel overwhelming, but nothing is impossible!" Matt Emulsion Paint in Blush Rose by Kimberley Walsh,£14, from branches of Wickes and online at


Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Zayn fans heartbroken as he addresses devastating racist abuse during 1D
Fans of Zayn Malik have leapt to the defence of the musician after he bravely opened up about his experiences with racism, having faced dozens of vile comments throughout his life Zayn Malik has been inundated with support after opening up about his experiences with racism. The singer, who found fame as one-fifth of One Direction, shed light on his own experiences in a new song. The Bradford-born musician, born Zain Javadd Malik has been on the receiving end of terrible social media abuse due to his appearance and growing up as a Muslim. In 2015, a TV host, Bill Maher, claimed that Zayn looked like the 2013 Boston marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev during a discussion about his departure from One Direction. Those in the audience were heard letting out an audible gasp after Maher's comments. Controversial musician Azealia Banks also had her X, formerly known as Twitter, access revoked after she made racist comments towards the singer in 2016 due to his heritage. She later apologised for her post, saying: "I apologise not only to you, Zayn, but to all those I hurt and offended." Now, Zayn has been praised for speaking up about what he has experienced in a new song, titled Fuchsia Sea. Lyrics from the track include: "Got my back against the wall so much they think I got a brick fascination. Do you remember every conversation? '"Cause I have been conscious of every connotation. And while they concentrate on their elevation, I've got a round trip to the constellation. I'm a convert to the concert, and I did that for inflation, 'cause I worked hard in a White band, and they still laughed at the Asian." "I'm so proud of you," said one fan on social media after Zayn debuted the record. A second added: "I'm so proud of Zayn for publicly acknowledging the racism/islamophobia he's faced, specifically from what must've been an extremely isolating experience as the only POC in a white band." Another penned: "Everybody who says Zayn didn't face racism in the 1D days needs to shut the f**k up!!! My man was getting dragged left and right just because he was Muslim, don't get me started or I'll lose it! He has every right to talk about his experience, and he is not shading anyone come on." Meanwhile, a fourth fumed on X: "Zayn proudly declaring his Asian roots even more over the years despite all the racism he faced will always make me proud. Coz he could've have easily white washed himself & only identified as European. But people wanna act shocked that he's Asian." There is nothing to suggest that the lyrics are aimed at any of Zayn's former bandmates, with whom he has since rekindled his friendship following his departure from the chart-topping mega band in 2015. But this isn't the first time he has spoken about his experiences. In another track, Yellow Metal (Catharctic), Zayn penned the lyrics: "Said I had a problem with hittin' the kids that would call me P**i, still sittin' in classroom chillin', I'm angry now that I'm older 'cause I see they treat us different, Got me thinking I'm the problem 'cause they never dealt with these issues." A second verse added: "Ain't many of me around, P**i, I'm just different." In 2012, Zayn spoke to The Sun after he was cruelly branded a terrorist. He told the outlet: "Nasty things [were said] like I'm a terrorist, and this and that. How can you justify that? How can you call me that and get away with it?" The singer brushed the comments off but admits that the vile slurs affected his family, which in turn, upset him. He added: "You can say whatever you want about me, I'm not really bothered. But when it starts to upset people I care about or I hear about it from my mum, then that's a problem. I thought we'd moved forward. If that was said to me on the street or if someone said it to me to my face or whatever then something could be done about it." He also previously spoke openly about the differences he faced to his former bandmates during their first trip to America. Speaking to the Evening Standard, Zayn said: "The first time I came to America, I had three security checks before I got on the plane. First, they said that I'd been randomly selected, and then they said it was something to do with my name — it was flagging something on their system. "It was like a movie. They kept me there for three hours, questioning me about all kinds of crazy stuff. I was 17, my first time in America, jet-lagged off the plane, confused. The same thing happened the next time too."


Daily Mirror
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Former Man Utd striker Mason Greenwood returns to Manchester for training
Mason Greenwood has returned to Manchester for a training session, 12 months after he left the city following his departure from Manchester United and move to Ligue 1 side Marseille Ex-Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood has been spotted training in England, a year after his move to Marseille. The 23-year-old uploaded photos to social media of himself partaking in drills at the home of Manchester-based non-league side Chadderton FC. The Bradford-born forward joined the Red Devils' academy at the tender age of six and made his first-team debut under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2019, soon becoming the club's youngest European goalscorer at just 17. In October 2022, Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour. These charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service a year later. Following his arrest, Greenwood was suspended by United and loaned out to Spanish side Getafe. In July of 2024, he left Old Trafford for good, signing for Ligue 1 side Marseille in a deal worth £26.6million. Now, roughly a year after leaving Manchester, Greenwood has been seen back in the area, training with Chadderton, a well-known non-league team based in Oldham, reports the Manchester Evening News. Pictures on Instagram show Greenwood taking part in sprints and shooting drills on Chadderton's new 3G pitch, alongside former United team-mate D'Mani Mellor. Mellor and Greenwood once shared the pitch during a shocking 2-1 loss to Astana in the Europa League back in 2019. The United youngsters had taken an early lead through Jesse Lingard, only to be shocked by a second-half revival from the Kazakhstani side, cemented by an own goal from Di'Shon Bernard. The 24-year-old experienced a series of loan moves before a permanent switch to Wycombe Wanderers in 2022. He is now starring for Macclesfield and was spotted training with Greenwood once again earlier this month, this time at a Manchester-based facility. As for Greenwood, his first campaign with Marseille was an incredibly successful one, as he tied with Ballon d'Or hopeful and Champions League winner Ousmane Dembele atop the Ligue 1 goal-scoring charts with 21. This prolific strike rate helped his team secure a second-placed finish, earning them a berth in next season's Champions League. They'll also be welcoming former United hopeful Angel Gomes into their ranks. Marseille's championing of Greenwood doesn't end there; team-mate Adrien Rabiot held nothing back in his praise, telling The Athletic: "Mason is an incredible player. "If he hadn't had all of his problems, I think he'd have an image like [Jude] Bellingham. Mason would be the star. Because he's an exceptional player. "He can score with his right foot and his left foot, he has an exceptional shot, he can dribble. We're very lucky to have him. When he's really focused, he does really great things." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.


Daily Mirror
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Mason Greenwood's team-mate makes 'lucky' claim about ex-Man Utd forward
Mason Greenwood's first season with Marseille saw him finish as Ligue 1's joint-top scorer, and team-mate Adrien Rabiot has lauded the ex-Manchester United ace for his valuable impact Former Manchester United starlet Mason Greenwood has been praised by Marseille team-mate Adrien Rabiot. The Frenchman claims Greenwood could have been like Jude Bellingham in regards to stardom. Having emerged from the Red Devils' academy system, Bradford-born Greenwood swiftly made an impression under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and became the club's youngest European goalscorer at the age of just 17. In October 2022, Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coersive behaviour. The UK's Crown Prosecution Service later discontinued these proceedings, and all charges were dropped in 2023. Greenwood was suspended by United after his arrest and was sent out on loan to Getafe that year. A year later, he made the permanent switch to Marseille. In Ligue 1, Greenwood has flourished, scoring 21 goals to tie with PSG's Ballon d'Or contender Ousmane Dembele atop the goal-scoring standings. Though some of his antics haven't gone down well with the club's fan base. His peer in France, Rabiot, has now claimed that Greenwood is an "exceptional" talent, and that he could have had a brand image like revered England and Real Madrid star Bellingham. "Mason is an incredible player," Rabiot told The Athletic."If he hadn't had all of his problems, I think he'd have an image like (Jude) Bellingham. Mason would be the star. "Because he's an exceptional player. He can score with his right foot and his left foot, he has an exceptional shot, and he can dribble. We're very lucky to have him. When he's really focused, he does really great things." Roberto De Zerbi's Marseille finished as distant Ligue 1 runners-up this season and have therefore qualified for the Champions League. Greenwood aided massively in these efforts, though it has been made clear that he has little chance of being named in an England squad again, having made his debut and sole appearance in 2020. Bellingham, the subject of Rabiot's comparison, however, is talismanic for his country at the age of 21, two years younger than former Red Devil Greenwood. Steve McLaren, who endured a short-lived stint at the helm of the Three Lions from 2006 to 2007, has been trying to tempt Greenwood into switching international allegiances to Jamaica, whom he now coaches. As per conditions set by FIFA, players can switch international allegiances if they have not played in more than three competitive matches for a senior national side before turning 21. Greenwood only kitted out once for England, in a 2020 UEFA Nations Legaue match against Iceland, and is therefore eligible to switch to the Reggae Boyz if he pleases. "We are in contact all the time, with him [Greenwood] and his family," admitted Jamaica manager McLaren, who took up his current position in 2024. "I am very confident he only wants to play for Jamaica. It is up to him when he moves forward with that. The ball is in his court." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
King Charles Breaks Royal Protocol While Greeting Fans at Recent Engagement (& the Moment Was Captured on Camera)
King Charles was all smiles while saying hello to fans in Bradford, U.K. on Thursday afternoon—and appeared to be so relaxed that he even let his guard down momentarily. While visiting the city, His Majesty toured a local art gallery where the work of Bradford-born artist David Hockney was being displayed. The king must have been very moved by the exhibition and the warm welcome from the community, as he was snapped hugging a royal fan—a move that is generally considered to be against royal protocol. The royal family's official Instagram account shared the touching photo with the caption: "A wonderfully warm welcome to Bradford today. During a visit to the David Hockney Gallery, which is dedicated to the artist's life and career. The King met people involved in grassroots cultural activities and local community groups. His majesty also saw a performance by the Dantam of the Opera choir, a group of local Bradford City Football Club fans taught to sing opera by BBC Radio Leeds during Bradford's City of Culture year." According to the BBC, the royal fan was 15-year-old Florence McGrellis who told news outlets that the experience was "awesome." This royal engagement follows the king and his wife Queen Camilla stepping out for a 'Wonders of the Wild' event at Kew Gardens earlier this week. The affair was hosted by The Elephant Family—a wildlife charity founded by the queen's late brother, Mark Shand. Buckingham Palace shared a few highlights from the fundraiser—but it was a Gossip Girl star's photo that really caught our eye. Several notable guests were in attendance at the charity event, including Gossip Girl alum Ed Westwick and his wife, Amy Jackson. The actor took to Instagram to share a few highlights, including his brief encounter with the king, and wrote, "Thanks to my wonderful wife @iamamyjackson for introducing me to the @elephantfamily." It's great to see King Charles back in action after some health scares earlier this year. In fact, the royal recently attended the 80th anniversary of VE Day celebrations, which saw him making a whopping seven back to back appearances. It's clear King Charles is enjoying his royal engagements—including interacting with the fans who love him. Buckingham Palace Just Shared New Photos of a Surprising Royal Family Member (And It's Not Who I Expected) PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women's walking shoes that won't hurt your feet, we've got you covered.