Latest news with #CBB
Cosmopolitan
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Hinge Says Label Fluidity Is Changing the Dating Game
It was a surprisingly tender moment, in what was an otherwise brash and bad-tempered series of Celebrity Big Brother. JoJo Siwa, originally of Dance Moms fame, sat alongside drag queen Danny Beard and reflected on whether she's been using the wrong label to describe her sexuality. 'I feel so queer,' she told Beard. 'I've always told myself I'm a lesbian. I think being here, I've realized I am not a lesbian, I'm queer—and I think that's really cool. I'm switching letters! I've dropped the L and I've gone to the Q baby! That's what I love about sexuality.' Despite this revelation, the 21-year-old faced significant backlash after she chose to break up with her non-binary partner Kath Ebbs to start dating Chris Hughes, her fellow CBB housemate, after the latter pair formed a strong connection on the show. The pair initially said their relationship was platonic, before pictures of them kissing while on vacation were shared in tabloids—and Siwa confirmed things were no longer platonic in an interview with The Guardian. Naturally, some corners of the internet didn't respond too kindly; some described Siwa as an 'ex-homosexual,' while even Miley Cyrus joked she was going to 'bring Siwa back out of the closet' (Siwa since responded that it was 'all love' between her and the 'Flowers' singer). Social media discourse aside, Siwa is far from the first person to experience a sense of 'label fluidity.' In fact, per a new Hinge report, it's now an increasingly common phenomenon. According to Hinge's findings, 28 percent of daters, both LGBTQIA+ and heterosexual, say that developing an attraction to someone new has shifted the label they use to describe themselves. And it's younger people leading this charge, with Gen Z LGBTQIA+ daters 39 percent more likely to have reconsidered their sexuality label in response to an unexpected attraction. But what exactly is label fluidity? For Hinge's love and connection expert Moe Ari Brown (who uses he/they pronouns), the concept merely means not boxing yourself into a category or limiting romantic categories. 'Label fluidity is about having freedom to update our identities as we learn about ourselves,' says Brown. 'It's about focusing on connection, and I think it just really speaks to how people are wanting to evolve labels around sexual orientation.' There's certainly a sense of label fatigue, particularly among some members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Hinge's survey found 45 percent of LGBTQIA+ daters have considered dating someone outside the gender or gender expression they're typically attracted to. However, there is a pressure to present in a particular way, with 50 percent of LGBTQIA+ Hinge daters saying they've felt the need to appear more masc or femme in order to attract someone. 'Love doesn't fit neatly into categories,' says Brown. 'We know that when we actually meet people, or we find people that we like, there's so many things about them that surprise us or that we didn't expect. And love really follows that cadence, or it leans more towards resonance than type. Attraction is deeper than looks, presentation, or identity markers.' 'We live in a world that tells us who to love more times than it teaches us how to love,' they continue. 'People are tired of the labels not doing the work of actually telling us how we can make genuine, authentic connections.' 'Labels were created to offer us clarity around identity, and, especially in the LGBTQIA+ community, they have been helpful guideposts to help other people understand our differences. But when they become restrictive, they're more like performances and no longer so celebratory.' This is something actress and author, Charlie Craggs, a trans woman, has noticed. When she first transitioned, she initially only dated cis, heterosexual men, but has since broadened her previously narrow horizons. 'I've always been rigid in who I dated and what I thought I was attracted to—I think partly out of insecurity,' she says. 'As a trans woman, early on in my transition I felt validated if a straight guy found me attractive. I've grown a lot since then, and have realized now it's not so much the straight part, or even the man part I'm into, but more so just being with someone with a more masculine energy than my own.' 'I realized my attraction towards masculinity doesn't exclusively limit me to straight men because there are straight men who aren't masculine; there are women (or even non-binary people) who are masculine and there are men who aren't straight—like bi/pan guys—who are masculine. I also started to think more about the type of masculinity I like and realized contrary to the guys I've exclusively dated up until now, who have all been super macho (to a detriment), I actually prefer a softer masculinity.' 'The last guy I dated was bi and embodied this sort of softer masculinity than what I was used to and it was the best and most healthy relationship I've had,' adds Craggs. Brown describes breaking through preconceptions about your initial attractions or labels as 'dating outside your type cycle.' 'There's safety that comes along with labels, and stepping away from that can feel like stepping away from safety,' they explain. 'It makes sense that 55 percent of Hinge daters have considered dating outside the type cycle, but actually hadn't acted on it due to doubt, fear, or judgement.' 'It's important to notice who energises you and what lights you up as a person,' Brown continues. 'I invite people to notice how they feel when they're with someone or when they're attracted to someone more than they notice the look or the label, or more than they think about what they're expected to do. People need to prioritise whether or not they like the person that they become when they're around someone.' While label fluidity certainly lends itself more easily to the queer community, Brown says there's no reason why this concept can't benefit heterosexual relationships. 'I think label fluidity invites curiosity around gender roles, and it makes space for emotional compatibility in new ways,' they explain. 'Society has these surface level scripts around how people perform depending on their gender. Label fluidity invites real intention and conversations around strengths that [don't] necessarily have to follow archetypal gender lines.' While some people may be more willing to date outside their prescribed 'type' and disregard labels they've found restrictive, it's important to note that labels aren't inherently bad. For some, particularly those within the trans community, labels are both important and affirming of their true identity. 'Affirming labels are sacred,' agrees Brown. 'For the trans community, labels can feel loving and celebratory, so it's so important to honor that. However, I want to add that for trans daters, we want to be seen in our wholeness. Most of us don't want to just be affirmed for being trans. There are other aspects of our identities that we want to be seen.' For people who rigidly find themselves stuck dating a type that simply isn't working for them, the thought of moving beyond to something different (and therefore unknowable) may be overwhelming. But for Brown, merely being open to new opportunities is the vital first step to opening yourself up to new connections. 'If you say on your Hinge profile that you're open to all connections, or you're not defined by type, then that will signal to people that you're trying to match from a place of openness, curiosity, and no judgment,' they say. 'I want people to ask themselves, 'Who would I choose if no one else's opinion mattered?' Brown is keen to note that it's equally important not to treat dating outside your usual type as merely an experiment. 'Approach the person you're dating from a place of wholeness,' they advise. 'Focus on every aspect of them—whether that's what things they like to eat, what lights them up, what kind of things they are interested in pursuing—and not just on their identity.' Besides, Brown adds, we all change throughout our lives—why would our dating preferences necessarily remain the same? 'Identity is meant to evolve, and relationships evolve over time, too,' says Brown. 'We should enter relationships with openness and curiosity, and hold that interest throughout. If we do that, then we're setting ourselves up for very beautiful, intentional relationships.' Craggs agrees: 'This is why it's great to have a fluid outlook—by limiting that, you're only limiting yourself and your happiness.'
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders legend forced to host singing competition at Chinese restaurant after admitting she's struggling to find work
She previously begged TV bosses to hire her in another soap GOT TALENT? EastEnders legend forced to host singing competition at Chinese restaurant after admitting she's struggling to find work Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN EASTENDERS legend has been forced to host a singing competition at a Chinese restaurant. This was after the former Celebrity Big Brother housemate previously admitted that she was struggling to find work. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Cheryl Ferguson has been forced to find employment at a Chinese restaurant Credit: Instagram 6 She is best known for her role as Heather Trott on EastEnders Credit: Handout 6 Heather was killed off by bosses in 2012 when she was murdered by Ben Mitchell Credit: Handout Cheryl Ferguson, 59, is best known for playing Heather Trott in EastEnders from 2007 until 2012. The media personality also appeared on the tenth series of CBB on Channel 5 back in 2012. However, Cheryl has struggled to find work and was forced to find employment in a Chinese restaurant to make ends meet. She previously flogged tickets to fans to see her perform at the opening of a takeaway eatery back in February. Posting on social media, the former soap actress said she'd sing for diners at the The Dragon Lounge in Blackpool. Now she's back again at the restaurant for another try at entertaining customers. Advertising the upcoming gig on her Instagram profile, she wrote: "BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW FOR FREE ! "Join us for a great night of entertainment and fantastic Chinese food. "If you would like to enter for fun read how to be in with chance of becoming the winner of Cleveleys got talent!" She added: "Only 10 places available and free to enter ( please read rules of entry ) come on you Fylde Coast let's see what you're made of!" Cheryl Ferguson begs TV execs to sign her up for more shows after EastEnders snub She briefly returned to the soap in 2016 for a voiceover cameo after bosses decided to kill off her character. The fan-favourite was murdered by Ben Mitchell in a dramatic altercation in her flat when he hit her with a picture frame. Since her soap departure, the actress has been open in her struggle to find work in the public eye. She previously begged bosses to give her a role in another soap such as Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Cheryl Ferguson's career after EastEnders WHAT has the actress been up to since leaving the BBC One drama? She starred in six episodes of the BBC One sitcom, Big School as a Lab Assistant named Jo in 2014 alongside the likes of David Walliams and Catherine Tate. Cheryl also played herself in the Catherine Tate Netflix sitcom, Hard Cell about women in prison. Other than that, her TV work has been largely limited to supporting roles or cameos in shows such as White Island, Mr. Bigstuff, Dodger, and The Stand Up Sketch Show. In the theatre, she's been a regular on the panto circuit as she starred in various productions which included Jack And The Beanstalk, Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty And The Beast and three productions of Cinderella. She's performed on stage in locations such as the Central Theatre in Chatham, Lighthouse Theatre in Kettering, and the Stockport Plaza. The former star also begged fans to pile pressure onto execs to give her a part in their productions. Cheryl has made it clear that she's not just open to soaps though, as she explained: "Is this fate telling me that somewhere, sometime soon... producers, casting directors, TV people of the biggest heights - is deciding to cast Cheryl Fergison in some wonderful new period drama?" She captioned the update: "What say you all ? Can you see it ? Can the producers / casting people , TV channels and Film big bosses see it? "Amber management are waiting on your email / call regarding this here client who's ready to partake in their next biggest venture." 6 Cheryl has been open about her struggle to find work to make ends meet Credit: Instagram 6 She advertised her latest gig at The Dragon Lounge in Blackpool Credit: Instagram
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders legend forced to host singing competition at Chinese restaurant after admitting she's struggling to find work
AN EASTENDERS legend has been forced to host a singing competition at a Chinese restaurant. This was after the former Celebrity Big Brother housemate previously admitted that she was struggling to find work. 6 Cheryl Ferguson has been forced to find employment at a Chinese restaurant Credit: Instagram 6 She is best known for her role as Heather Trott on EastEnders Credit: Handout 6 Heather was killed off by bosses in 2012 when she was murdered by Ben Mitchell Credit: Handout The media personality also appeared on the tenth series of CBB on Channel 5 back in 2012. However, Cheryl has struggled to find work and was forced to find employment in a Chinese restaurant to make ends meet. She previously to see her perform at the opening of a takeaway eatery back in February. READ MORE ON CHERYL FERGUSON Posting on social media, the former soap actress said she'd sing for diners at the The Dragon Lounge in Blackpool. Now she's back again at the restaurant for another try at entertaining customers. Advertising the upcoming gig on her Instagram profile, she wrote: "BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW FOR FREE ! "Join us for a great night of entertainment and fantastic Chinese food. Most read in Soaps "If you would like to enter for fun read how to be in with chance of becoming the winner of Cleveleys got talent!" She added: "Only 10 places available and free to enter ( please read rules of entry ) come on you Fylde Coast let's see what you're made of!" Cheryl Ferguson begs TV execs to sign her up for more shows after EastEnders snub She briefly returned to the soap in 2016 for a voiceover cameo after The fan-favourite was murdered by Ben Mitchell in a dramatic altercation in her flat when he hit her with a picture frame. Since her soap departure, the actress has been She Cheryl Ferguson's career after EastEnders WHAT has the actress been up to since leaving the BBC One drama? She starred in six episodes of the BBC One sitcom, Big School as a Lab Assistant named Jo in 2014 alongside the likes of David Walliams and Catherine Tate. Cheryl also played herself in the Catherine Tate Netflix sitcom, Hard Cell about women in prison. Other than that, her TV work has been largely limited to supporting roles or cameos in shows such as White Island, Mr. Bigstuff, Dodger, and The Stand Up Sketch Show. In the theatre, she's been a regular on the panto circuit as she starred in various productions which included Jack And The Beanstalk, Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty And The Beast and three productions of Cinderella. She's performed on stage in locations such as the Central Theatre in Chatham, Lighthouse Theatre in Kettering, and the Stockport Plaza. The former star Cheryl has made it clear that she's not just open to soaps though, as she explained: "Is this fate telling me that somewhere, sometime soon... producers, casting directors, TV people of the biggest heights - is deciding to cast Cheryl Fergison in some wonderful new period drama?" She captioned the update: "What say you all ? Can you see it ? Can the producers / casting people , TV channels and Film big bosses see it? "Amber management are waiting on your email / call regarding this here client who's ready to partake in their next biggest venture." 6 Cheryl has been open about her struggle to find work to make ends meet Credit: Instagram 6 She advertised her latest gig at The Dragon Lounge in Blackpool Credit: Instagram 6 The actress has begged TV bosses and soap execs to cast her in a new role Credit: Instagram
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders legend forced to host singing competition at Chinese restaurant after admitting she's struggling to find work
AN EASTENDERS legend has been forced to host a singing competition at a Chinese restaurant. This was after the former Celebrity Big Brother housemate previously admitted that she was struggling to find work. 6 6 Cheryl Ferguson, 59, is best known for playing Heather Trott in EastEnders from 2007 until 2012. The media personality also appeared on the tenth series of CBB on Channel 5 back in 2012. However, Cheryl has struggled to find work and was forced to find employment in a Chinese restaurant to make ends meet. She previously flogged tickets to fans to see her perform at the opening of a takeaway eatery back in February. Posting on social media, the former soap actress said she'd sing for diners at the The Dragon Lounge in Blackpool. Now she's back again at the restaurant for another try at entertaining customers. Advertising the upcoming gig on her Instagram profile, she wrote: "BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW FOR FREE ! "Join us for a great night of entertainment and fantastic Chinese food. "If you would like to enter for fun read how to be in with chance of becoming the winner of Cleveleys got talent!" She added: "Only 10 places available and free to enter ( please read rules of entry ) come on you Fylde Coast let's see what you're made of!" She briefly returned to the soap in 2016 for a voiceover cameo after bosses decided to kill off her character. The fan-favourite was murdered by Ben Mitchell in a dramatic altercation in her flat when he hit her with a picture frame. Since her soap departure, the actress has been open in her struggle to find work in the public eye. She previously begged bosses to give her a role in another soap such as Coronation Street and Emmerdale. The former star also begged fans to pile pressure onto execs to give her a part in their productions. Cheryl has made it clear that she's not just open to soaps though, as she explained: "Is this fate telling me that somewhere, sometime soon... producers, casting directors, TV people of the biggest heights - is deciding to cast Cheryl Fergison in some wonderful new period drama?" She captioned the update: "What say you all ? Can you see it ? Can the producers / casting people , TV channels and Film big bosses see it? "Amber management are waiting on your email / call regarding this here client who's ready to partake in their next biggest venture." 6 6 6
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
JoJo Siwa gives major update with Chris Hughes romance and talks wedding plans
JoJo Siwa has revealed that she is open to discussions about marriage after the relationship between her and Chris Hughes was finally confirmed after their CBB exit JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes' romance since leaving the Celebrity Big Brother house has been the main subject of discussion when it comes to reality TV relationships. And while at first they were keen to remain tight-lipped over their budding romance, it seems now the former Dance Moms star, 22, has opened up about the possibility of marriage. Singer JoJo has gushed that things are "going great" with Chris who she describes as her "favourite person in the world." And when grilled on marriage plans, JoJo said she had "so many thoughts" when it came to one day walking down the aisle with Chris. Before joining the Celebrity Big Brother house, JoJo publicly identified as a lesbian and was in a relationship with non-binary dancer Kath Ebbs, but has since revealed she identifies more with calling herself queer. When asked about the unfair scrutiny surrounding her sexuality, JoJo told TMZ:"The thing is, love is a beautiful rainbow and I think that the LGBTQIA+ community needs to remember that love is love and think the hate from within the community is something I've learned a lot from and I think that a lot of people get to grow from and I'm on of those people. "I think that again I can give you an example of love is love, you can be happy..." JoJo flew back to her home in America after spending time with Chris at his pad in the UK, where the couple finally confirmed their relationship. Last week, JoJo sent fans into a spiral after she announced she was postponing her US tour which was due to commence on July 10. The announcement was shared on the website and informed fans that the dates had been postponed and those who had bought tickets were to be refunded. Fans were then questioning if she was planning on a more permanent stay in the UK as the announcement teased that there would be more shows in Europe. This came just days after it was reported the star had been dropped by her record label Columbia. The website now reads: "I've got some news that breaks my heart to share... my US tour has to be postponed. I promise I'll be back before you know it to perform for all the beautiful people in the US!... Announcements will be coming soon, including some Europe shows!:)" It added: "Thank you so much for your understanding and support. I can't wait to see you all soon! To my Dream Guest VIPs, my team will be reaching out to you individually to plan something special. Refunds will be issued at point of purchase." Since being reportedly dropped by her label, JoJo was determined to continue with her music career and released her latest song Bulletproof on her own. According to The Sun, JoJo and Chris have also been in talks with ITV bosses surrounding the possibility of launching their own reality TV show. And things appear to be moving fast as it is being set to air on ITV2 later this year. A source told the publication: "It's still in the early stages but ITV really think they'd be amazing TV with their own show. Fans around the world are obsessed with their relationship and there are so many TikTok accounts devoted to their love story." They added: "Chris and JoJo are keen too, and while there is no deal signed yet, the talks have been really promising."
