Latest news with #Christmas-themed
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Huge Brit pop star, 40, who won The X Factor to release first album in 11 years
FOLLOWING her win on The X Factor and the release of her chart-topping single Bleeding Love, Leona Lewis put out five albums between 2007 to 2015. But after an extended break from the studio, I'm chuffed to reveal that 5 Leona Lewis will release her first album in 11 years in 2026 Credit: Getty This time she is doing it ALL herself — divulging that she is writing and producing as well as playing the instruments. No wonder it's taken so long. Speaking at an intimate Q&A at 180 House in London, Leona said: 'I've been in the studio since last year now. 'I'm pretty deep in the process and I'm producing everything, writing everything, so it's very new territory for me. read more on leona lewis 'But there definitely will be something next year. 'It means that it's very unfiltered. It's very raw. "With the birth of my daughter, I did not know the depth of love until she was born. "And I'm writing a lot about that. Most read in Bizarre 'When I first started out, I was quite overwhelmed. "And there were definitely times in the studio where I was questioning, 'Am I crazy? Why am I doing this?' I was an X Factor winner - now I've got a normal job running a coffee shop with an 'important mission' 'I taught myself to play the bass. I'm playing bass on stuff. "I taught myself to play the drums. I'm playing drums on stuff. "And it's so fulfilling as well. 'Just to hear a song that is literally all you, it feels really good. It feels so genuine and real.' The news comes ahead of her debut Las Vegas residency at the exclusive venue Voltaire, which will run from November to early January. She said of the Christmas-themed spectacle, called A Starry Night: 'I think we've created a really special show for people, so yeah, I'm excited to get up there on stage.' And it comes hot on the heels of the OBE she received for services to music earlier this month. On collecting the gong, she said: 'I don't really get nervous, so my dad was like, 'What's wrong with you?' "And I went completely silent. But it was just such a big deal 'My dad, every time he sees me now, has started to curtsy, which is really weird.' I'd absolutely be demanding the royal treatment after that. Bizbit THE brilliant Each week, the comic will be joined by two guests who have to write the most steamy – and side-splitting – erotic fiction based on Kath's ridiculous prompts, such as, 'Apocalypse, must include a zombie and a can of beans'. The first episode, featuring Radio 1 DJs Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo, is out today. Kath joked: 'When they asked me if I wanted to host a show about sex, erotica and fiction I didn't have to think twice – I said absolutely not. "But when I realised I'd have a front row seat as comedians squirmed through the awkwardness of reading aloud the erotic fiction they'd written about each other for a prize, I reconsidered.' LIAM AND PAM ARE REAL DEAL PAMELA ANDERSON and Liam Neeson really have struck up a romance, according to US sources. Showbiz magazine People has claimed that The Naked Gun co-stars, are in 5 Pamela Anderson is dating Liam Neeson Credit: Shutterstock Editorial They have raised some eyebrows while promoting the film, with Pammy giving him a kiss at the London premiere last week. Speaking about the Baywatch star, Liam said: 'With Pamela, first off, I'm madly in love with her. 'She's terrific to work with. I can't compliment her enough. No huge ego. "She just comes in to do the work. "She's funny and so easy to work with.' Meanwhile, Pammie says they bonded over a passion for 'literature and a good laugh,' adding: 'We definitely have a connection that is very sincere, very loving. "He's a good guy.' Bizbit IF you're visiting Edinburgh over the next month, my pal Lily Edwards is taking on her wackiest role yet. The Fringe veteran is at the heart of a one-woman show, Of Fire And Flame, written by Emma Zetterberg. The show, described as a 'fantasy-romance parody,' doubles as a poignant reflection on the realities of living with endometriosis. You can catch it from August 1-24 (not 12) at 12.20pm at the Gilded Balloon Patter House. KIDS KEEP UP WITH JONESES THEY may have multi-millionaire parents, but that doesn't mean the kids of The couple raised their kids She told the Radio Times: 'I'm adamant that they go back to Wales every year, to be with their grandparents for two weeks. 'Nana and Grampy's rules! 'They've been to Butlin's, Legoland, seen the sights in London, up to Scotland, over to Ireland. "They've even been to the Isle of Man, I think. 'As a parent, you guide them, you give them the best, broadest options, you don't smother them – you put them into situations where you hope they see the reality of the world.' FEARNE'S OFF TO FLYER WITH ELLIOT THERE might be a couple of late bombshells jetting into the Love Island villa in Mallorca – but I'm not sure their heads will be turned. A Bizarre reader spotted Fearne Cotton and her new man, TV director Elliot Hegarty, 5 Fearne Cotton and her new man Elliot Hegarty were spotted snogging at Palma Airport Credit: Supplied 5 The pair jetted in to Mallorca from Heathrow for a romantic getaway this week Credit: Supplied The pair, who I revealed had started dating in February, jetted in from Heathrow for a romantic getaway this week. Our reader explained: 'Fearne and Elliot were like teenagers in love. They were kissing and cuddling while waiting for their bags. 'It was lovely to see her so happy. Elliot totally doted on her. "She's found a lovely man.' Bizbit IF you're a fan of top stars including Sir Tom Jones, Basement Jaxx and Sugababes, you still have a chance to see them this weekend. They all headline at Camp Bestival at Lulworth Castle in Dorset. The Zutons, DJ Annie Mac, The Lightning Seeds, Goldie and Remember Monday are also on the line-up. All the weekend tickets for the family festival, which is hosting a massive pyjama party on Saturday, are sold out. But day tickets for the event are still available at DON'T SLIDE AWAY, DJ JO TELLS OASIS JO WHILEY knows Oasis better than most, having interviewed Noel and And she is hopeful that we will get some new music from the brothers. 5 Jo Whiley is hopeful there will be new Oasis music Credit: Getty She reckons it would be 'insane' for the duo not to get back inside the recording studio given the massive success of their comeback tour. Speaking on her Dig It podcast, the Radio 2 DJ, said: 'You've had bands like Blur coming back and doing The Ballad Of Darren two years ago now, which has just got some of their best-ever songs on. 'There are so many artists . . . Suede have got a new album out and how fantastic is the new Pulp album? 'So with hope in my heart, I would really love Oasis to have another album, a new album, because of all the songs that they wrote way back in the day. She explained: 'They've continued to write new songs. 'Noel's High Flying Birds – there was some really brilliant music that he did. Jo added: 'So how could you stop being that songwriter and not want to release new music as Oasis with your brother? 'That would seem insane to me. So hopefully it will happen.' I'll keep my fingers crossed, too. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Huge Brit pop star, 40, who won The X Factor to release first album in 11 years
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FOLLOWING her win on The X Factor and the release of her chart-topping single Bleeding Love, Leona Lewis put out five albums between 2007 to 2015. But after an extended break from the studio, I'm chuffed to reveal that the British star is working on new music again and will release her first album in 11 years in 2026 — exactly two decades after triumphing on the ITV show. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Leona Lewis will release her first album in 11 years in 2026 Credit: Getty This time she is doing it ALL herself — divulging that she is writing and producing as well as playing the instruments. No wonder it's taken so long. Speaking at an intimate Q&A at 180 House in London, Leona said: 'I've been in the studio since last year now. 'I'm pretty deep in the process and I'm producing everything, writing everything, so it's very new territory for me. 'But there definitely will be something next year. 'It means that it's very unfiltered. It's very raw. "With the birth of my daughter, I did not know the depth of love until she was born. "And I'm writing a lot about that. 'When I first started out, I was quite overwhelmed. "And there were definitely times in the studio where I was questioning, 'Am I crazy? Why am I doing this?' I was an X Factor winner - now I've got a normal job running a coffee shop with an 'important mission' 'I taught myself to play the bass. I'm playing bass on stuff. "I taught myself to play the drums. I'm playing drums on stuff. "And it's so fulfilling as well. 'Just to hear a song that is literally all you, it feels really good. It feels so genuine and real.' The news comes ahead of her debut Las Vegas residency at the exclusive venue Voltaire, which will run from November to early January. She said of the Christmas-themed spectacle, called A Starry Night: 'I think we've created a really special show for people, so yeah, I'm excited to get up there on stage.' And it comes hot on the heels of the OBE she received for services to music earlier this month. On collecting the gong, she said: 'I don't really get nervous, so my dad was like, 'What's wrong with you?' "And I went completely silent. But it was just such a big deal 'My dad, every time he sees me now, has started to curtsy, which is really weird.' I'd absolutely be demanding the royal treatment after that. Bizbit THE brilliant Katherine Ryan is mixing sex and comedy for brand new podcast Write Me Dirty. Each week, the comic will be joined by two guests who have to write the most steamy – and side-splitting – erotic fiction based on Kath's ridiculous prompts, such as, 'Apocalypse, must include a zombie and a can of beans'. The first episode, featuring Radio 1 DJs Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo, is out today. Kath joked: 'When they asked me if I wanted to host a show about sex, erotica and fiction I didn't have to think twice – I said absolutely not. "But when I realised I'd have a front row seat as comedians squirmed through the awkwardness of reading aloud the erotic fiction they'd written about each other for a prize, I reconsidered.' LIAM AND PAM ARE REAL DEAL PAMELA ANDERSON and Liam Neeson really have struck up a romance, according to US sources. Showbiz magazine People has claimed that The Naked Gun co-stars, are in the early stages of a relationship and are both 'smitten'. 5 Pamela Anderson is dating Liam Neeson Credit: Shutterstock Editorial They have raised some eyebrows while promoting the film, with Pammy giving him a kiss at the London premiere last week. Speaking about the Baywatch star, Liam said: 'With Pamela, first off, I'm madly in love with her. 'She's terrific to work with. I can't compliment her enough. No huge ego. "She just comes in to do the work. "She's funny and so easy to work with.' Meanwhile, Pammie says they bonded over a passion for 'literature and a good laugh,' adding: 'We definitely have a connection that is very sincere, very loving. "He's a good guy.' Bizbit IF you're visiting Edinburgh over the next month, my pal Lily Edwards is taking on her wackiest role yet. The Fringe veteran is at the heart of a one-woman show, Of Fire And Flame, written by Emma Zetterberg. The show, described as a 'fantasy-romance parody,' doubles as a poignant reflection on the realities of living with endometriosis. You can catch it from August 1-24 (not 12) at 12.20pm at the Gilded Balloon Patter House. KIDS KEEP UP WITH JONESES THEY may have multi-millionaire parents, but that doesn't mean the kids of Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas haven't had the odd trip to Butlin's in their time. The couple raised their kids Dylan and Carys between New York and Bermuda, but the actress has said that she insisted they spend a fortnight in her native Wales every year, so they'd get a taste of normal life. She told the Radio Times: 'I'm adamant that they go back to Wales every year, to be with their grandparents for two weeks. 'Nana and Grampy's rules! 'They've been to Butlin's, Legoland, seen the sights in London, up to Scotland, over to Ireland. "They've even been to the Isle of Man, I think. 'As a parent, you guide them, you give them the best, broadest options, you don't smother them – you put them into situations where you hope they see the reality of the world.' FEARNE'S OFF TO FLYER WITH ELLIOT THERE might be a couple of late bombshells jetting into the Love Island villa in Mallorca – but I'm not sure their heads will be turned. A Bizarre reader spotted Fearne Cotton and her new man, TV director Elliot Hegarty, snogging at Palma Airport. 5 Fearne Cotton and her new man Elliot Hegarty were spotted snogging at Palma Airport Credit: Supplied 5 The pair jetted in to Mallorca from Heathrow for a romantic getaway this week Credit: Supplied The pair, who I revealed had started dating in February, jetted in from Heathrow for a romantic getaway this week. Our reader explained: 'Fearne and Elliot were like teenagers in love. They were kissing and cuddling while waiting for their bags. 'It was lovely to see her so happy. Elliot totally doted on her. "She's found a lovely man.' Bizbit IF you're a fan of top stars including Sir Tom Jones, Basement Jaxx and Sugababes, you still have a chance to see them this weekend. They all headline at Camp Bestival at Lulworth Castle in Dorset. The Zutons, DJ Annie Mac, The Lightning Seeds, Goldie and Remember Monday are also on the line-up. All the weekend tickets for the family festival, which is hosting a massive pyjama party on Saturday, are sold out. But day tickets for the event are still available at DON'T SLIDE AWAY, DJ JO TELLS OASIS JO WHILEY knows Oasis better than most, having interviewed Noel and Liam Gallagher on countless occasions over the years. And she is hopeful that we will get some new music from the brothers. 5 Jo Whiley is hopeful there will be new Oasis music Credit: Getty She reckons it would be 'insane' for the duo not to get back inside the recording studio given the massive success of their comeback tour. Speaking on her Dig It podcast, the Radio 2 DJ, said: 'You've had bands like Blur coming back and doing The Ballad Of Darren two years ago now, which has just got some of their best-ever songs on. 'There are so many artists . . . Suede have got a new album out and how fantastic is the new Pulp album? 'So with hope in my heart, I would really love Oasis to have another album, a new album, because of all the songs that they wrote way back in the day. She explained: 'They've continued to write new songs. 'Noel's High Flying Birds – there was some really brilliant music that he did. Jo added: 'So how could you stop being that songwriter and not want to release new music as Oasis with your brother? 'That would seem insane to me. So hopefully it will happen.' I'll keep my fingers crossed, too. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Popular UK seaside town to run bizarre Christmas event in AUGUST – with Santa Express and panto dame
XMAS COME EARLY Popular UK seaside town to run bizarre Christmas event in AUGUST – with Santa Express and panto dame A BUSTLING seaside town will be running a Christmas-themed event... this August. 'Bridmas' in the town of Bridlington, East Yorkshire, is hosting a quirky celebration with elves and even Santa himself. 4 Each year the town of Bridlington has a Christmas-themed event Credit: East Riding Council 4 The event will be across various venues and include a Santa land train Credit: Alamy 4 The event aims to show that Bridlington is more than just a summer destination Credit: Alamy There will also be a range of Christmas crafts, food, live music and a panto dame. The event will be spread across different venues in the town including Bridlington Spa and Sewerby Hall and Gardens. What's more - the event is only on for one day. Essentially, 'Bridmas' aims to showcase the town as having much more to offer than being just a great summer holiday destination. Throughout the day, families can watch the Christmas film Home Alone, experience a 'Santa Express' land train and take part in festive-themed beach games. There will be a meet-and-greet with Father Christmas himself, and The Grinch too. Actor Joe Standerline will also make an appearance as Dick Whittington. The 'Santa Express' will have everything you would expect of a festive train ride to see Santa. On 'Bridmas', Noel - the driver - will check who is on the 'nice list' before taking them to the North Pole. For a spot of early gift shopping there will be a Christmas-themed daytime market and later a food festival in the evening. I visited the 'secret' European ski resort that Brits often overlook with empty slopes and perfect snow An ice sculpture will even be there too... providing it doesn't get too warm and turn into a puddle. Over at Sewerby Hall and Gardens, families can enjoy spectacular views whilst tucking into festive treats. The venue will also be hosting a magic show as well as face painting. Then over at East Riding Leisure Centre there will be a festive soft play area for little ones. If things couldn't get more bizarre, down on the seafront families will also be able to get up close and investigate road gritters used each winter. The event is organised by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and will take place on August 6, 2025. TUI launches 'extreme day trips' to Lapland TUI has launched a new 'extreme day trip' to Lapland for winter 2026, from 11 airports. The 'Search for Santa' day trip will see families fly to Kittila, with a traditional cooked English breakfast served to you on the flight. After landing at midday, you'll grab your snowsuit and boots before heading to the Snow Village. At the Snow Village you will be able to see an ice hotel with igloo-inspired rooms, an ice bar, ice chapel and numerous ice sculptures. Families will then hop onto a sleigh ride led by Rudolph. After this, you'll head off on another animal-based adventure with a husky-led sleigh ride. And if those rides weren't enough, you'll then be able to explore the snow wonderland more by learning to drive your own snowmobile. Then the big moment of the day arrives with a magical journey through a snow-covered woodland to meet Santa. At the end of your 'extreme day trip', you will then be delivered back to the airport by Santa's elves and once airbourne, you will have a Christmas dinner in the sky as you fly home. Here are some festive family day trips for Christmas. Plus, the best winter sun destinations that are less than six hours from the UK.
Business Insider
22-07-2025
- Business Insider
My favorite solo trip so far was a Disney cruise. It was surprisingly incredible for an adult without kids.
I impulsively booked a solo Disney cruise that set sail around Christmastime. I worried the trip would feel awkward, like I'd be crashing a family vacation. Instead, I had fun. The great customer service and adult-only areas made the cruise an ideal choice for solo travelers. I was stressed, sun-starved, and desperate for a break when I impulsively booked a last-minute Disney cruise just four days before it set sail. It was December, and the Pacific Northwest's gray skies and cold rain were weighing on me as the holidays loomed just around the corner. I hadn't planned to go anywhere, but when I spotted a deeply discounted cabin on a Christmas-themed Disney cruise leaving from Florida, I booked it and planned to set sail solo. A few days later, I flew across the country in search of sunshine, rest, and maybe a little bit of magic. One thought kept nagging me, though: Would I feel out of place going alone on a family-oriented cruise at Christmas? I pictured myself wandering the ship alone, sitting at dinner surrounded by Mickey-ear-wearing families, while I was quietly sipping a cocktail in the corner. Fortunately, my fears were far from reality. I didn't feel out of place, and I even made friends with other solo travelers Once I was on board, the trip just felt easy. The staff was warm and never once made me feel like being a party of one was unusual. Dinner time was one of my biggest anxieties — would I be eating each meal alone or awkwardly paired with a family? Instead, staff thoughtfully seated me with a group of five other solo travelers. Our conversation flowed easily, and by the end of the night, I had new friends and familiar faces around the ship. I could spend time with them when I wanted or slip away whenever I needed. It felt like the best of both worlds. Although there were many children on the cruise, there were plenty of activities for adults and kid-free areas that I made use of daily. I booked spa treatments, lounged in the Rainforest Room (complete with hot tubs and saunas), watched Broadway-worthy shows, and curled up on a quiet deck with a book. I explored the ship, wandered into the adults-only pool, stopped for coffee in the lounge, and took a long nap just because I could. Plus, I got to partake in activities I wouldn't have done with my husband The cruise sailed from Fort Lauderdale with stops in Nassau and Disney's private islands, Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay. Please help BI improve our Business, Tech, and Innovation coverage by sharing a bit about your role — it will help us tailor content that matters most to people like you. Continue By providing this information, you agree that Business Insider may use this data to improve your site experience and for targeted advertising. By continuing you agree that you accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . I had initially planned to stay on the ship in Nassau, but that morning, I changed my mind. My husband doesn't swim, so I rarely get to snorkel when we travel together. This time, I was free to do as I pleased. I booked a catamaran excursion and spent the day swimming in clear Bahamian waters, surrounded by fish and sunshine. At both private islands, I also explored adults-only beaches with turquoise waters and wandered quieter paths away from the crowds. My trip was incredible, and I'd absolutely recommend a Disney cruise to other solo travelers There's a special kind of joy in solo travel — the freedom, the clarity, the quiet confidence. Fortunately, Disney really delivered on ensuring that cruising alone was an absolute blast. I laughed at shows, found serenity in the spa, and watched fireworks light up the ocean sky with people I'd just met. I was never lonely. I never felt out of place. I was just … happy. Disney cruises may be marketed to families, but there's a quiet kind of magic waiting for adults, too, especially those who come alone. It's in the thoughtful touches, the calm corners, and the unspoken permission to enjoy things simply because they spark joy. I came home rested, recharged, and reminded of something important: I don't need anyone else to have a meaningful experience. I can trust myself to take the trip, find the magic, and enjoy the ride, even when it looks a little different from what I expected.
American Press
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- American Press
Secure your spot on the Nice List with Leesville's Christmas in July
Santa will be in Leesville making a list — and checking it twice — during this weekend's Christmas in July at the Leesville Event Center. (Metro Creative Services) The city of Leesville will be hosting its inaugural Christmas in July Friday and Saturday at the Leesville Event Center. The event will be held 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free to this event. According to this year Santa decided to take a break from toy making and headed south to Leesville. He swapped his traditional red suit for a T-shirt, traded in his reindeer for a pick-up truck, and set out to enjoy Christmas in July. Santa will also be updating his Naughty and Nice lists in person at the event. He'll be available for visits 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday to ensure residents have a spot on the Nice List. Each family will get one free keepsake photo with Santa and walk away with an official Nice List certificate to keep. The Vernon Parish Library will also be hosting story hour for children with Ms. Nancy bringing her favorite holiday stories to life. There will be three opportunities to see her read over the weekend — 4 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. There will be plenty for children at this event, including a bounce house zone, temporary tattoo station, a coloring station with Christmas-themed pages, and a letter-writing station for Santa. There will be karaoke and indoor ice skating, as well. Skaters can enjoy 45-minute sessions on the rink. New sessions will begin at the start of every hour. This activity will cost adults $10 and the price is $8 for children 5-12. Tickets will be available for this event and may be purchased using cash, credit or debit cards. There will be a vendor market filled with handcrafted gifts, holiday sweets and unique gifts for shoppers. More than 30 vendors are participating with tables set up in the main area, hallways and parking lot. Come hungry as there will be food trucks as well as a cookie-decorating station and don't forget to take a break and cool off with free lemonade and popcorn while watching a Christmas movie. Once rested, stop by the Christmas in July photo station to take a family photo to remember this Christmas in July for years to come.
