Latest news with #Metro.co.uk
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
X Factor icon looks completely different two decades on from hit reality show
X Factor icon Rowetta looks unrecognisable 19 years on as she stuns in a tartan miniskirt and thigh-high boots, proving her bold style is still going strong at 57 X Factor fans might do a double-take after seeing one of the show's original stars looking completely different nearly two decades after finding fame. Rowetta Satchell, or simply Rowetta, as she was known to millions, was one of the standout acts on the very first series of The X Factor back in 2004. The powerhouse soul singer wowed judges with her unforgettable take on Lady Marmalade, and her bold vocals and big personality quickly made her a fan favourite. Already known from her days with legendary band Happy Mondays, Rowetta made it all the way to the quarter-finals of the ITV talent show, finishing fourth overall and becoming the last woman left standing, without ever facing the dreaded sing-off. Fast-forward 19 years, and the 57-year-old is still commanding attention. Rowetta recently turned heads as she posed in a tartan miniskirt and leopard-print thigh-high boots on her way to an Indie Reunion event. She paired the look with a statement tee reading, "The ravers united will never be defeated." She told fans she was "on my way." Simon Cowell once famously described her as "amazing but barking bloody mad", and it's fair to say her bold style and fearless energy haven't faded one bit. In an interview with the singer opened up about her journey on the ITV competition, her music career, and why she never returned to reality TV despite being flooded with offers. According to Rowetta, after The X Factor propelled her to TV fame in 2004, she turned down shows like Big Brother and I'm A Celebrity, only making exceptions for Children in Need and BBC Music Day. Rowetta's journey began in Leeds when Kate Thornton introduced her to the judges before live auditions were part of the show's format. Her renditions of Lady Marmalade and Circle of Life wowed Simon and Sharon from the get-go. She said she was grateful not to win because she and Simon Cowell had a difference of opinion on the final single. Adding: 'I think it would have been a disaster to win it, and then have to bring out songs like that. I love funky stuff. I don't want to be doing Somewhere Over The Rainbow for the rest of my life.' Rowetta said her reason for doing the show was her grandma, who encouraged her to be on TV like the singers she watched. Her career since has included collaborations with the likes of Solardo, Todd Terry, Oliver Heldens and Shed Seven. A proud Mancunian, Rowetta loves being a role model on her local music scene, often performing at Manchester Pride. She said that when she was growing up, 'there was no one to look up to from Manchester that was Black and female.' Last year, in December 2024, it was announced that Rowetta would be leaving the band. The announcement came amidst speculation about past feuds with band member Shaun Ryder. In February this year, MailOnline reported Rowetta sharing that she has allegedly been physically abused by Shaun.
Metro
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Couple forced to flee swingers retreat after star breaks down in tears
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Have you ever been at a house party and been desperate to leave? If you have then you'll no doubt have some sympathy for the Open House: The Great Sex Experiment contestants Sharmayne, 26, and Jamie, 29. If you're not up to date on Channel 4's latest controversial series, Open House invites couples who ooking to opening up their relationships to a luxury retreat where they meet like-minded couples. In the grand finale however Sharmayne and Jamie packed their bags and left the house after the experience grew a little too intense. In previous epsiodes viewers had seen the couple grow close to Jen and Marc and in the June 27 they attempted to take things to the next level in the hot tub. However, the process was too much for Sharmayne who told Jaimie: 'I really can't do this' after they retreated to their bedroom. The pair then attempted approached non-monogamy coach Effy Blue, for advice where the paior admitted they were both uncomfortable with the situation. Following this Effy tired to reassure them these feeling were normal and sent them back into the house. After a bit of flirting in the pool however Sharmayne once again went back to her room with Jamie where she told him, 'I really can't do this.' 'I think this whole experience has been an emotional rollercoaster,' Sharmayne explained. 'However I'm glad that we've done it because I think we've got a lot to take away.' Following their experience in the house it was revealed that since filming, Sharmayne and Jamie are still considering opening up their relationship but haven't 'taken the leap yet'. Sharmayne and Jamie are hardly the only couple to get cold feet while on the show. Just a few weeks ago Tom and Lauren found themselves in a similar stuation. More Trending While speaking to the couple Effy suggested it was time for the pair to open up their relationship and Tom had to run to the bathroom to vomit. Following the incident there an outpouring of support for Tom after which he released an official statment online. In a post on their Instagram the couple wrote: 'Overwhelmed with all the messages & support guys, thank you everyone, we are so glad that Tom's story resonated with so many of you, still smiling from that last episode on Open House: The Great Sex Experiment. View More » Open House: The Great Sex Experiment is available to stream now on Channel 4. 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: Inside Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain's history with BBC after TV axe fallout MORE: Sci-fi horror thriller hailed 'instant cult classic' free to stream as sequel hits cinemas MORE: 'Chilling' film about shocking true crime quietly added to free streaming service
Metro
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Metro
Trump says it 'will only get worse' for Iran and rips 'so-called' Supreme Leader
President Donald Trump blasted Iran's 'so-called' supreme leader and said the country has no hope and will only see things get worse. 'Why would the so-called 'Supreme Leader,' Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, of the war torn Country of Iran, say so blatantly and foolishly that he won the War with Israel, when he knows his statement is a lie, it is not so,' wrote Trump on his Truth Social platform on Friday afternoon. 'As a man of great faith, he is not supposed to lie.' Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ Or you can submit your videos and pictures here. For more stories like this, check our news page. Follow on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. MORE: What the US Supreme Court ruling means for Donald Trump's birthright citizenship plan MORE: Iranian minister says US airstrikes caused 'serious' damage to nuclear sites MORE: Urgent recall for hundreds of salads over killer cucumber fears
Metro
21 hours ago
- General
- Metro
Huge fire on cargo ship at Hull's Albert Dock sends smoke billowing into city
A cargo ship caught fire while moored at Hull's Albert Dock this morning. Thick smoke could be seen rising from the large container vessel, which was carrying scrap metal. No injuries have been reported from the blaze, which is believed to have originated in the ship's cargo hold. According to shipping tracker VesselFinder, the affected ship was the Altay, which arrived in Hull on June 23. The bulk carrier was built in 2006 and is 120 by 17 metres. It sails under the flag of the Marshall islands. Several local shops and businesses have had to close due to the incident. Tina Riches, who manages HWM Van Hire, said she was forced to shut her business after hearing a warning alarm at the port. She told the BBC: 'We've had to contact our customers that they won't be able to get here and the police say we might have to be evacuated.' Cases and hearings were also suspended at Hull Combined Court and Hull Magistrates' Court following the blaze. More Trending HM Courts and Tribunals Service said: 'Cases due to be heard at the court have either been adjourned or moved online. 'We will reschedule any adjourned hearings as soon as possible.' Humberside fire and rescue said in a statement: 'We are attending a fire onboard a cargo ship alongside at Albert Dock in Hull. Smoke from the incident may be affecting the A63/Daltry St area drivers are advised to take caution.' Port operator Associated British Ports said: 'We are currently aware of a fire on a vessel in the location of a tenanted area, and we are assisting the fire service with the response.' Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ Or you can submit your videos and pictures here. For more stories like this, check our news page. Follow on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. MORE: Huge blaze near Southmead Hospital leaves smoke billowing into the air MORE: Van bursts into flames outside St Pancras station in central London MORE: Huge fire breaks out in Manchester with people evacuated and train lines blocked
Metro
a day ago
- Metro
Teenager shot dead in north London sparking murder investigation
An 18-year-old boy has been shot dead in a residential area of Enfield, north London. Police were called to Great Enfield Road shortly before 9pm after people called 999 reporting hearing gunshot sounds. Paramedics who attended alongside officers treated the teenager at the scene and took him to hospital, where he received further treatment but died from his wounds. The road remains closed while detectives carry out enquiries, with no arrests made so far. The Met reassured the public the shooting was an 'isolated incident' and that there will be an 'increased police presence' in the area over the coming days. Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, who leads policing in Enfield, said: 'I am saddened to hear that a young man lost his life last night. My thoughts are with his family and friends who will be processing this news today. More Trending 'We want to reassure the community that this appears to be an isolated incident and a thorough investigation is underway. 'The safety of the public remains one of our highest priorities. We are working tirelessly to ensure that those responsible are held to account. 'I would like to send my thanks to the community now, as there will be an increased police presence while we carry out enquiries over the next few days. Your patience is greatly appreciated. 'An incident like this is deeply concerning to members of the community, and we recognise that some may feel effected. Please do approach any of our officers who are in the local area, they will be happy to provide support to you.' Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ Or you can submit your videos and pictures here. For more stories like this, check our news page. Follow on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. MORE: Ecuador's most wanted Narco found cowering under kitchen counter MORE: Child who was strip searched at school worried she 'will never feel normal again' MORE: Woman in her 40s stabbed to death just yards away from London Stadium
