Latest news with #DanielleBrown
Daily Mail
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Inside Mel B's relationship with her younger sister Danielle - as Spice Girl's lookalike sibling joins her for her wedding day
With Emma Bunton the only Spice Girl in attendance at Mel B's lavish wedding to new husband Rory McPhee today, her biggest supporter was her loyal - and uncannily similar - sister Danielle. Actress Danielle Brown, 44, beamed today as she watched her older sister tie the knot for a third time at St Paul's Cathedral in London - ahead of a lavish £28,000 party at the Shard this evening. Wearing a light blue minidress with a shawl around her shoulders, Danielle, who has previously starred in Emmerdale, appeared in every way the supportive younger sister. These days, Mel B and Danielle are the epitome of closeness, going on holiday and appearing on talk shows together - while Danielle was a main character in her hen do to Tunisia last month. But it's not always been an easy ride for the lookalike siblings, who were previously estranged for 10 years due to a row over Mel's ex-husband. Mel famously cut her mother, father and sister out of her life in 2008 after they disapproved of her ex-husband Stephen Belafonte, from whom she eventually split in 2017. Back in 2008, Danielle and the sibling's mother Andrea were cut off from Mel and her daughters due to their disapproval of the singer's ex-husband Stephen. Andrea made no secret of her feelings about Belafonte, who became Mel's husband in 2007 after a secret Las Vegas wedding at the time of the argument. It was their vow renewal ceremony in Egypt that led to the family feud reaching its peak, where Mel also fell out with her sister Danielle, and her father Martin. This resulted in the family never meeting her youngest daughter Madison, born in 2011 - a far cry from when Andrea has been allowed to cut the umbilical cord at the birth of Mel's second child Angel, in 2006. Andrea even revealed in an interview with The Sun that she only learned of the pregnancy and birth via the internet. 'I only found out she was pregnant because of Twitter and I found out on Twitter that she'd had the baby too,' she said. The family was estranged to the extent that in 2014, when Mel was taken to hospital with a suspected stomach ulcer while a judge on the X Factor, Danielle issued a desperate Twitter plea to Simon Cowell for information. She wrote: 'This is ridiculous and cruel !!! Evil ! How can NO one tell me and my family where my sister is and what is going on?????' 'Just a simple call to say she gonna be ok is all it takes!!!!,' she wrote. Then she directly addressed Simon Cowell, writing: '@SimonCowell How can NO one tell me and my family where my sister is and what is going on????? Can you please help? Or who can we contact?' An X Factor spokesman later put rest to Danielle's worries by confirming that Mel would be returning to the show. The statement read: 'After being discharged from hospital and following medical advice, Mel has been deemed well enough to do the show. We're delighted to have her back on the panel.' Mel was married to ex-husband Belafonte for 10 years, with the star claiming their relationship triggered her post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. It was reported in January 2017 that Mel resolved the nine-year feud with her mother, dad and sister by inviting invited them to spend time at her family home in Los Angeles as she realised that 'life was too short' to maintain their argument. In June 2019, Danielle joined Mel for an appearance on This Morning to discuss their ten-year feud and said 'we finally feel like sisters again'. Talking about how they became estranged, Mel claimed her marriage was 'emotionally traumatic'. Stephen has always denied any allegations against him. Sitting alongside her lookalike sibling, she said: 'I was in a 10-year marriage. Not the nicest marriage. I got very isolated from friends and family. 'I was in a coercive and not nice relationship. One of the things happens is you get cut off from friends and family. It was emotionally traumatic.' The ladies said they used to be inseparable and remained close even when Mel first tied the knot with Stephen in 2007. Danielle said: 'A lot of the close friends and people who worked for you got pushed to the side. It was done gradually. We were the last ones to go. Me, my mum and dad.' Melanie said that living in Los Angeles made it harder to remain close to her family, writing that her trips to Leeds got less and less over time. She said she didn't fight the issue as she had learned to keep quiet to avoid an argument, saying: 'It happened constantly. I always lost.' Danielle said her friends advised her to simply turn up at Mel's house, but she said it wasn't as simple as that. She said: 'You know the blankness in her eyes. Her eyes always looked dead because she wasn't that happy. 'We found out her phone number and address, but it would all change. We would get a horrible email back nothing want to do with you. We know it wasn't Melanie replying.' The Spice Girl said: 'I lost ten years of being with my sister and mum. We lost time with each other's kids.' Danielle said that despite what has happened, they are now closer because of their experiences. Mel said: 'Life is getting better and better and better. I don't live a life of a relationship full of lying and embarrassment and shame.' Stephen has always denied the allegations of abuse against him. These days, the pair are clearly close and have enjoyed holidays together, for example to the Caribbean island of Nevis in 2019. Just last month, Mel shared a birthday tribute to her sister, showing them partying the night away together. Danielle commented: 'Thanks big sis, love ya longtime.' Danielle was part of Mel B's hen party in Tunisia in June - part of a huge group of friends who all slipped into leopard-print bikinis On Instagram, she describes herself as a 'mum of three multitasking through life'. After growing up in Leeds with her lookalike sister, Danielle has also enjoyed a variety of success in the public eye. She starred in Emmerdale in 1998 as Paulette Lewis and Paradise Heights in 2002, playing Kylie James. She also was part of Moulin Rouge as a Parisian dancer and plays Tara in the 2018 film Scott and Sid and runs a podcast, Roots & Wings, Raising Teens In 2019, the siblings proved they had well and truly rekindled their friendship as Mel B bought her sister a sports car for her birthday. The Spice Girls singer surprised the pregnant actress with the luxury vehicle which she called the 'best present ever', but she then joked it was a complete surprise as she was expecting a 'stripper'. In 2021, for her birthday, Danielle wrote: 'A big Happy Birthday to my amazing strong shit hot big sister. You have special auntie powers too, never have I seen smiley Myla so still. In a gushing tribute to her sister, she wrote: 'So there I was yesterday chilling at mums with the family having a little pamper and waiting for mum to finish cooking a yummy roast dinner then Melanie and my daughter Mimi said I need to be blind folded and walk outside. 'I thought she has only gone and got me a bloody stripper or something for a laugh,all kinds of thoughts were running thru my head. But no I've got a bloody car a big family singing and dancing sporty sodding car 'What an amazing surprise !! And such a shock !! I had the biggest Braxton Hicks. Thankyou soooo much @officialmelb for the best birthday present ever at the best ever time!!!!Love you lots and lots and I am very grateful for such a generous and thoughtful huge gift (sic).' She joked: 'Hope you have a good birthday and just know I will never catch you up in age!' Today, the Spice Girl, 50, looked gorgeous a pearl-adorned white gown, flashed a radiant smile after becoming the new Mrs McPhee. The newlyweds appeared blissfully happy and shared a sweet kiss for the gathered crowds as they joined their friends and family in leaving the historic venue after exchanging their vows. Emma Bunton, the only other Spice Girl in attendance - led the celebrity guests arriving for the wedding as Scary Spice prepared to walk down the aisle for the third time Scary Spice ditched her famous leopard print and opted for a traditional white wedding at the cathedral which will be followed by a lavish £28,000 post nuptial celebration at The Shard. Mel's gown featured a sheer illusion design adorned with white pearls and a ruched bodice, with the singer adding a flowing veil to her bridal look. Meanwhile, groom Rory, 37, opted for traditional Scottish attire complete with a red and green tartan kilt. Emma Bunton, the only other Spice Girl in attendance - led the celebrity guests in leaving the venue after watching Mel walk down the aisle for the third time. While fellow spices Victoria Beckham, Geri Halliwell and Melanie Chisholm were absent on the big day - Emma ensured she was there to support her friend.
CBS News
22-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Day 3 of Pittsburgh's Juneteenth celebrations include annual Grand Jubilee Parade
Day three of Pittsburgh's Juneteenth celebrations brought thousands to Downtown for the annual Grand Jubilee Parade. Now in its ninth year, the parade is organized by B. Marshall and has become a summer tradition. "In this day and age and political climate, it's important for everyone to unify, come together collectively, and make Pittsburgh one of the best cities on the block or in the country," said organizer B. Marshall. The parade featured everything from dancers to motorcycle groups and organizations. Community leaders and residents lined the streets in support, emphasizing the importance of the holiday and its message. "It's a neighborhood event, it's all across Pittsburgh. And it brings people out to talk about Juneteenth and the meaning of it," said the Democratic nominee in the 2025 Pittsburgh mayoral election and Allegheny County Controller Corey O'Connor. Among this year's grand marshals was Danielle Brown, National Field Director for Black Voters Matter. "Just coming together, just for a moment to love each other, just to have joy, just to celebrate in the way we know how to celebrate in the Black community," said Brown. While Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in 2021, many attendees emphasized the need for deeper recognition and support, particularly in a time when some celebrations have faced resistance. "I think it's important for everybody to realize and celebrate that major step towards justice in the United States," said Ruth Quint, Co-President of the League of Women Voters. "Moving forward, we'd like to see a more collaborative effort from the city and get a parade route that's more centralized. There have been a lot of restrictions in the past; we need to liberate that if we can," added Eric Moye, incoming President of Pittsburgh's Downtown Rotary Club. Despite the broader challenges, the energy on the ground was one of joy and pride. From music and food to family fun activities, there was a little something for everyone. Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of the parade. Organizers aren't revealing much yet, but promise the milestone celebration will be one to remember.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Danielle Brown Becomes 2x New York Times Bestselling Author With Her Second Cookbook, Life-Changing Salads, as Launch Party Draws Hundreds and Media Tour Reaches Millions
NEW YORK, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Danielle Brown, the powerhouse creator behind HealthyGirl Kitchen and a leading voice in plant-based, feel-good, wholesome cooking, has officially become a two-time New York Times bestselling author with the release of her second cookbook, Life-Changing Salads. Published by DK/Penguin Random House, the book has struck a powerful chord with readers nationwide and cemented Brown's place as a force in the kitchen. To kick off the book's success, Brown hosted a vibrant launch party and book signing at the iconic Butterfield Market in New York City, where over 300 fans gathered to meet the author, to enjoy an exclusive book signing, and sample one of the standout salad recipes featured in the book. Guests were treated to Danielle's California Roll in a Bowl —a fresh, flavorful take on the classic sushi roll—which is available at Butterfield Market now. The event celebrated Brown's passion for making healthy, plant-based eating approachable, delicious, and—true to her brand—life-changing. "Seeing so many members of the HealthyGirl community come together was absolutely surreal," said Brown. "It reminded me how powerful food can be in bringing people together—and how excited we all are to nourish our bodies without giving up flavor, fun, or connection." The buzz didn't stop there. Brown has been featured on a whirlwind media tour, including appearances on Food52, popular health and wellness podcasts, and segments with leading food and lifestyle outlets and creators. With over 12 million followers across social media platforms, Brown's influence continues to ripple through kitchens across the country—empowering her community to embrace flavorful, wholesome plant-based meals for everyone. Life-Changing Salads is the follow-up to Brown's debut bestseller HealthyGirl Kitchen: 100+ Plant-Based Recipes to Live Your Healthiest Life, and expands her vision with 75 inventive salad recipes and 25 bold, crave-worthy dressing recipes. From quinoa-packed bowls to hearty pasta salads and fresh, fruit-forward combinations, the book redefines what a salad can be—and why it should be the star of every plate. "Danielle is leading a movement," said Christina Brennan, President of The Digital Renegades, a division of CelebExperts and Brown's longtime manager. "Her recipes are for anyone who wants to eat well, not just plant-based diet followers. Watching Life-Changing Salads skyrocket to the bestseller list has been amazing and I am so proud of Danielle and the team." Life-Changing Salads is now available nationwide through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and other major retailers. For media inquiries, interviews, or bookings, please contact christina@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE CelebExperts Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
STV News
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
Scotland's cheerleading team takes home gold at ICU World Championships
Scotland's national cheerleading team has had plenty to cheer about after clinching gold on the world stage. The squad – made up of members from across the country – flew out to Orlando, Florida last month to compete in the annual International Cheer Union (ICU) World Championships. Held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, within the Walt Disney World Resort, they were joined by teams and individuals from 120 countries – all vying to be crowned victors. This year, it was Team Scotland's turn to take home the crown, coming top in the Unified Adaptive Abilities Median Cheer category. 'It was such a great moment,' says team captain Joshua Craik. 'I was just unbelievably proud of everyone. Being able to watch them grow throughout the season and just develop, and being able to go and do what we planned to do – winning gold – completely topped it all off. 'It felt unreal. I don't know if there's going to be another feeling that's going to match it.' The adaptive abilities unified cheer division brings disabled and non-disabled athletes together as one team. STV News Scotland's cheer team takes home gold from world championships in Florida For the ICU World Championships, squads are required to be comprised of 25% or more athletes with a physical, sensory, or intellectual disability. Team Scotland member Danielle Brown has been cheering for 22 years, but was told by doctors and physios that she would never be able to dance again. 'Clearly, I've proved them wrong,' she said. 'Being a part of Team Scotland and being a part of a unified team, especially in adaptive ability, it's just such an amazing feeling to be out there with a team that's from all across Scotland as well.' Fellow team member Annie Headrick added: 'I never thought I could do it with my disability. I'm blind in one eye, so catching and tumbling aren't really my forte. 'But it worked out really well and they've been really supportive in helping me learn more with it as well. '[The competition] was actually insane. Everyone was cheering everyone on. It was just really positive and we were all just sharing what we love, so it was really nice to be there.' Cheerleading's popularity in the UK continues to grow, but often its status as a sport is overlooked. It can be a dangerous activity due to the nature of routines, particularly those involving lifts and stunts; yet it still carries stereotypes that athletes have fought to dismiss over the years. 'It's so much harder than people realise,' says Team Scotland coach Victoria Orton-Bichener. 'Everyone comes to us and just says 'what sport are you cheering for?' or 'have you got your pom poms?' and all this sort of stuff, but we're here to show people that it's so much more than that. 'It's so difficult, the technical skills that these girls are performing, they're so hard and they take years to perfect. So we just want to show people what cheerleading can really be about.' STV News Cheerleaders 'unbelievably proud' after ICU victory The International Olympic Committee finally recognised cheerleading as a sport in its own right back in 2021. It hasn't made it into the line-up of sports set to debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, but calls are now underway for it to be included in Brisbane 2032. Here, sportscotland also granted cheerleading recognition as a sport in February 2025. Team Scotland hopes that this, along with their huge win in the US, will prompt more respect. National team director Colette Cheape said: 'This is so important in recognising the tireless effort from athletes, coaches, officials, supporters. Over many years they've been working hard to gain the sport the respect that it deserves. 'It's shown the discipline and the athleticism and the commitment that's involved in the sport. Now that sportscotland have turned round and recognised us, that we are indeed a sport, it opens up so many more opportunities for us, and the growth and development of the sport. 'The future's looking really bright and we're really excited to see where it takes us.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dolphins spotted swimming in NYC's East River in rare Big Apple wildlife scene
They're evading the Congestion Zone. Dolphins have been spotted galivanting in the East River over the last two days in a rare NYC wildlife delight. Keen-eyed ocean fauna fanatics spotted the two slick swimmers on Friday and Saturday — bobbing up and down the waterway near the Upper East Side alongside the FDR Drive. These rare riparian visitors are short-beaked common dolphins — distinct from the bottlenose dolphins commonly spotted at beaches along the Atlantic coast, experts tell The Post. The pair were seen wading on Valentine's Day near 96th Street between Manhattan and Mill Rock, according to videos posted to X. Some experts have guessed that it could be a mother and calf. Video shows one of the common dolphins making a graceful leap out of the water set against a landscape of steel and concrete infrastructure. Common dolphins are present in our region all year round and generally live off-shore — only seen in the city's waterways after bottlenose dolphins migrate south for winter, according to experts. The occasional dolphin will make an appearance in the East, Hudson or Bronx rivers, but experts are at a loss as to the purpose of the excursions. 'There have been just a handful of sightings of this species in the Hudson or East River over the past few years,' Danielle Brown, director of Research at Gotham Whale, tells The Post. 'There are fish in the river now, but it is not clear at this point if the dolphins are feeding. The fact that it is not a frequent occurrence makes it even more important that any sightings are reported so that these dolphins can be monitored,' Brown added. The aquatic mammals were last seen in the East River back in 2023.
