Latest news with #EVOKE
Extra.ie
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Who is Billykiss Azeez? The Irish influencer turned Love Island bombshell
It wouldn't be Love Island if there wasn't an Irish contestant turning up the heat. With emotions still high from the heart rate challenge, show bosses are setting the stakes as not one, but two new bombshells enter the villa. Irish influencer Billykiss Azeez is about to set pulses racing on Tuesday night as she looks for love on the hit ITV show, here's everything we know about the West Meath native. It wouldn't be Love Island if there wasn't an Irish contestant turning up the heat. Pic: Billykiss Azeez/Instagram Social media sensation Billykiss Azeez was born in Nigeria, but moved with her family to Mullingar at just two years old. A standout content creator on the Irish scene, Billy boasts 81.8K followers on Instagram alone and is known for her extraordinary fashion sense. Chatting to EVOKE about her career trajectory, she said: 'When I was in secondary school, I remember having a conversation with my careers teacher. I told her that I wanted to start a fashion brand; that was my plan.' With emotions still high from the heart rate challenge, show bosses are setting the stakes as not one, but two new bombshell's enter the villa. Pic: Billykiss Azeez/Instagram 'She actually suggested that I start a blog or website, which could help me build an audience.' After studying abroad in Spain, Singapore and Belgium, Billy returned to Ireland with a newfound drive to create, quickly dominating the scene. 'It was a few years later when I finally created my blog, Your Favourite Muse, which then led to me posting on Instagram and other social platforms from there,' she continued to EVOKE. Irish influencer Billykiss Azeez is about to set pulses racing on Tuesday night as she looks for love on the hit ITV show, here's everything we know about the West Meath native. Pic: Billykiss Azeez/Instagram As a proud representative of the Black and Irish community, Billy also actively promotes inclusivity while pushing creative boundaries. She is also an entrepreneur and co-owner of License2Party, a leading entertainment company, and frequently models for brands such as Kash Beauty. Check out the first look of Billy entering the Love Island villa below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Love Island (@loveisland)
Metro
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Vogue Williams nearly didn't marry 'sociopath' Spencer Matthews
A world without TV power couple Spencer Matthews and Vogue Williams is hard to imagine, but it was nearly a reality. While the pair might be loved up now, Vogue confessed she was initially put off her future husband and thought he was a 'sociopath'. The 39-year-old reality star has now been with Spencer, 36, for almost a decade and the couple share three children. They met in 2017 while starring on (short-lived) celebrity competition show The Jump, which Spencer won. Although Vogue had to pull out due to an injury, she had enough time to get to know the Made in Chelsea icon and crucially change her opinion of him. 'I kind of met him with a preconceived idea, and I was like, 'I'm not going to like him' because I thought he was a sociopath,' she told The Sun. Before he was Mr Ultra-marathon Man, Spencer had a wilder youth, becoming known for his infidelity and penchant for starting drama on MIC. He has since shared how he struggled with alcohol and steroid addictions, going sober and focusing on his health in recent years. Luckily, Vogue could see past her prejudice and 'loved his personality straight away'. She continued: 'He was so sound, but I was being really good at being single and I wanted to stay single, so I thought, 'He's going to be a really good friend' — that's the first thing I thought.' This isn't the first time Vogue has shared details of her first impressions of Spencer, with the couple very open about their life together. She previously told EVOKE: 'He kept ringing me after we'd done The Jump ad together and I was like 'this guy is so strange' – he hadn't grown on me yet! 'He'd call me and say he was out and about in Chelsea and I'd be like 'I live in East London, there's no way I'm travelling 45 minutes to hang out with you.' We were just really good pals for ages.' Despite platonic intentions, romance blossomed quickly and by June 2018, the pair were tying the knot. Spencer and Vogue have been a picture-perfect couple ever since however, in March, she was forced to address 'baseless and cruel' rumours that they had split. The presenter took to social media to hit back at claims that the pair were splitting up, sharing a montage of photos of herself with her husband. She wrote: 'It's with great sadness that I have to let you know that Spen and I are NOT breaking up! 'I usually avoid addressing baseless and cruel rumours but this just keeps coming up. It's disappointing to see this narrative being pushed almost daily when it's absolutely not true and much more importantly, I don't want my children hearing these lies in the playground.' Vogue, who just released memoir Big Mouth, added: 'We're not sure what the angle is or where it's coming from but the whole thing feels very strange and mean.' More Trending A source told Metro: 'Spencer is fuming that Vogue had to issue a statement. He finds speculation about his marriage upsetting, especially as he's so protective of his children. 'They've had ups and downs like any relationship, Vogue has been open about this on her podcast and how things aren't easy with three young children. She's now reluctant to be so open about their marriage in public. 'They've been together through everything from Spencer's sobriety journey to parenthood and it's been difficult, but they're still more in love than ever.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Spencer Matthews bitten in the crotch by youngest son during Legoland tantrum
Extra.ie
01-06-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Everything you need to know ahead of the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon
Let's go, girls! The day is here — the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon takes place this afternoon, Sunday, June 1. The beloved event will see thousands of women take to the streets of Dublin for a range of worth causes. 28,000 tickets for the main event are sold out, and the virtual mini-marathon took place on Saturday, May 31. Let's go, girls! The day is here — the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon takes place this afternoon, Sunday, June 1. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile EVOKE are the 2025 media partner for the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon — here's everything you need to know… The Vhi Women's Mini Marathon starts on Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2 at 12.30pm. Participants are urged to get into their 'wave' by 11.30am. Final arrival is at 12pm latest. The 10km race finishes on Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2. EVOKE confirm there will be water stations along the way, with the first station after the 3km mark on the Stillorgan Road near the Teresian School. The second will be at 6km on the Stillorgan Road near Belfield Bridge. A third and final station is situated outside AIB Place in Ballsbridge following the 8km mark. The Vhi Women's Mini Marathon starts on Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2 at 12.30pm. Participants are urged to get into their 'wave' by 11.30am. Final arrival is at 12pm latest. Pic: Getty Images Yes! There are more pacers than ever before, with participants encouraged to follow a pacer throughout the run, particularly if you are looking to finish the 10km in a certain time. Options include 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 90 and 120 minutes. Only clear bags and small bags no larger than A4 size are permitted into the event, and will be subject to searches. Bag drop locations are colour-coded to match your assigned wave. All bag drops open from 10.30am. White and Pink wave participants use the bag drop at Fitzwilliam Square with entry via Pembroke Street Upper and Leeson Street Lower while Blue and Orange can use the Baggot Street drop (entry via Hume Street and St Stephen's Green). Those in the green wave must drop their bags on Mount Street Upper, with access via Herbert Place and Mount Street Crescent and yellow wave participants will drop their bags to the Merrion Square South drop, with access via Merrion Square West and North. Yes! There are more pacers than ever before at the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon, with participants encouraged to follow a pacer throughout the run, particularly if you are looking to finish the 10km in a certain time. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile From 8am on Saturday, Herbert Street is closed while Merrion Street Upper, Ely Place, Pembroke Street, Merrion Square West, Dawson Street and Kildare Street all close from 8.30am. Further road closures take place from 10am and 11.30am including Leeson Street Lower, Leeson Street Upper, Donnybrook Road and Pembroke Road. For the full list of road closures and opening times go here. Elsewhere, the Cork City Marathon takes place on Sunday, June 1 with the marathon kicking off at 8.15am from the Patrick Street and the Half Marathon beginning at 10.15am on Monahan Road. The races will naturally impact traffic in and around the city with the city centre streets closed for most of the day. North Main Street, Liberty Street, Kyles Street, Adelaide Street and Castle Street closed at 7am on Sunday and will remain closed until 4pm, while St Patrick's Street is closed until 6om. The Jack Lynch tunnel will remain open for the day but will operate at contra-flow system from 12pm until 1pm. The full list of closures is available here.
Extra.ie
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Dublin camogie star stresses the importance of championing women in sport
Women's sport has made huge strides in Ireland in recent years, but there's no denying that more could be done to champion players across the board. Niamh Comerford, 23, has opened up about the need for more support for female-led sports, in order to break down walls and make way for the next generation. Speaking in a new interview, the Dublin camogie player looked back on her earlier years in the sport and the female role models who helped her climb the ladder. Women's sport has made huge strides in Ireland in recent years, but there's no denying that more could be done to champion players across the board. Pic: Supplied Speaking to EVOKE at the launch of Harvey Norman's new GAA sponsorships, Niamh said: 'Thinking back to when I was a young girl looking up to the senior team, they are an inspiration. 'I'm aware that some might be looking up to our team. We are the inspiration for the younger ones, so I'm aware of that. 'I like to try to include everyone [at club level] and try to foster that involvement, and try to keep girls in the sport, especially around the ages of 14, 15, 16 when the drop-off happens,' Niamh added. Niamh Comerford, 23, has opened up about the need for more support for female-led sports, in order to break down walls and make way for the next generation. Pic: Supplied 'It's about making sure it's fun, it's competitive, it's enjoyable.' Niamh was introduced to the sporting world from a very young age, having played both football and camogie before finding her true calling. Niamh spoke to EVOKE at the launch of Harvey Norman's new GAA sponsorships. The brand is expanding its GAA Partnership portfolio, and now is the official sponsor of GAA Hawk-Eye, Official Stats Sponsor for the Men's Senior Football and Hurling Championship and also the Camogie Association Stats Sponsor.
Extra.ie
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Home of the Year winner wins again as Best Dressed at Punchestown
A former Home of the Year winner is winning once again, this time taking the title of overall Best Dressed at the 2025 Punchestown Festival. Belfast woman Ciara Denvir stole the show in a stunning black and white ensemble. The sun was once again shining as crowds of eager revellers packed into Punchestown for the fourth day of the racing festival. Ciara Denvir, from Belfast, who was the overall winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed at the Punchestown Festival. Pic: Michael Chester And it was a very lucky day for Ciara, who had never been to the races before this week. Ciara Denvir, from Belfast, who was the overall winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed at the Punchestown Festival. Pic: Michael Chester Speaking to EVOKE following her win, she revealed that she picked up her gorgeous hat from Awon Golding, a millinery based in London. Ciara Denvir, from Belfast, who was the overall winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed at the Punchestown Festival. Pic: Michael Chester Her shoes are from Prada, while the stunning polka dot blouse was acquired from Coosy Studio in Spain. Meanwhile, Ciara's black skirt was a purchase from Romania's ATU Body Couture, meaning the outfit is from across the world. This is the second big win for Ciara in the last number of years, as she and husband Peter Boyle were crowned the winners of the popular RTE show Home of the Year in 2019.
