Latest news with #WalesOnline
Wales Online
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Oasis shop opens in Cardiff with queues snaking around the shopping centre
Oasis shop opens in Cardiff with queues snaking around the shopping centre People were lining the shopping centre when it opened at 10am on Thursday, June 26 A first look inside an Oasis Live '25 Fan Store (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News ) If you can't wait until Oasis hit the stage at Cardiff's Principality Stadium in a fortnight's time, then it might be music to your ears to hear that a pop-up shop has just opened in Cardiff city centre in St David's Centre selling all of the merch you could dream of, from £1-£85. Queues were snaking around the shopping centre as it opened for the first time at 10am on Thursday, June 26, with fans eagerly counting down the minutes until they could go in and pick up the much-anticipated items. The atmosphere was buzzing when WalesOnline headed over, with people buying handfuls of merchandise for themselves, family members and friends. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Lots of shoppers were browsing for the perfect piece of clothing, mug or vinyl to take home, taking their time to pursue what was available. Shoppers in Cardiff have been loving the range of merch that is available (Image: JAY MAWSON 2024 ) A huge number of customers were also on video calls with people from further afield who could not attend the store themselves, showing them all around the shop to see if they wanted them to pick anything up. Article continues below The Oasis Live '25 tour will include 17 dates across the UK and Ireland, with stops in Cardiff , Manchester, London, Edinburgh, and Dublin, before heading off to North and South America, Asia and Australia later in the year. From parkas with pockets and shell jackets, to polo shirts and bucket hats, the Gallagher brothers have left an indelible mark on British fashion. Ahead of the concerts, fans can dress in Oasis-inspired outfits and purchase a variety of other merchandise from the official Oasis Live '25 Fan Stores. Alan Edwards, from Rhondda (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) Chatting to fans pursuing around the store, it was clear there was a huge amount of excitement bubbling amongst people who are going to the show, as many of the people in the pop-up shop had been one of the lucky ones to get tickets. Alan Edwards, from Rhondda said: 'It's a great atmosphere. I'm going to the concert so it's feeling more real now. 'I've got a t-shirt for my wife and I'll have a look at the rest of what's here as the prices are really good as well. 'I really like the look of the Adidas things so will have a proper look at those too.' Mia Friederich and Zara Mboue (Image: Bethany Gavaghan ) Mia Friederich and Zara Mboue, who are from Germany have travelled to Cardiff to see Lana Del Rey and although they aren't going to the Oasis concert in Cardiff, the shop caught their attention as they were passing by. Mia said: 'We were just walking past and we like their songs. I think I might go for one of their bucket hats.' Zara said: 'The atmosphere is very nice and the fans are definitely dedicated, and there's loads of people in here.' Article continues below The official Oasis Live '25 merchandise collection, which includes menswear, womenswear, children's wear, and accessories - such as tees, hoodies, jackets and more - will be available both in-store and online. The Oasis pop up shop is located in St David's Centre - directly opposite (Image: JAY MAWSON 2024 )
Irish Daily Star
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
I'm hooked on Apple TV+'s new crime drama despite problematic episode
Apple TV+'s latest crime drama commits what I perceive is the ultimate sin for a debut series, yet I find myself urging folks to give it a watch. Smoke has dropped its first two episodes, joining the ranks of Apple TV+'s high-end, original drama lineup that already includes titles like Your Friends and Neighbors, The Studio, Stick, Dope Thief, Murderbot, and Prime Target from earlier this year. That's quite the crowd of newbies vying for your screen time. As someone who critiques films and TV professionally, I get some early access to shows pre-release. So, just so you know, at the time of penning this, I've devoured the initial five episodes out of the nine-part season. Smoke is a slow burn until it gets going (Image: Apple) Keep in mind, three of those aren't even out for subscribers until July. This detail is key because if I had only seen the currently streaming premiere, I'd probably advise you to skip Smoke altogether. An early critique hailed Smoke as "nine great hours of television.", reports Wales Online . Here's the kicker: the critic must've binged the whole lot, because if they'd only seen the first couple of episodes, their tune might be different. Heads up, I'm about to share what goes down right at the start of Smoke. But hey, it might just convince you to fast-forward through the first 10 minutes or so. The series chronicles troubled detective Michelle Calderone, portrayed by Jurnee Smollett, who must join forces with arson expert Dave Gudsen, played by Taron Egerton, as they pursue two elusive serial arsonists. They find themselves enmeshed in a "twisted game of secrets and suspicions" as they delve into the crux of the frightening offenses. Drawing inspiration from real occurrences and the esteemed Firebug podcast, enthusiasts of the podcast will recognize where the narrative's critical turning point is headed. Launching a fresh series as it strives to carve out its characters, locale, concept, and convince viewers of its legitimacy is no small feat, encountering several pet peeves. Voiceover narration should be more than mere exhibition; it must authentically complement the visual storytelling, rather than indulging in pretentious reflections mirroring the show's theme. Another concern lies with erratic flashbacks; presenting past or future scenarios prior to identifying the temporal sequence can work effectively. However, juggling timelines incessantly risks obscuring the story's true genesis. Smoke plunges headfirst into these pitfalls. We're introduced to Taron Egerton's character amidst flames, ensnared within a burning structure, as his superfluous voiceover ruminates on conflagrations—and then, suddenly, he awakens! Similarly, when the series unveils our other lead, her background unfolds through sporadic, disjointed glimpses into the past. Despite the presence of these clichés, which is surprising given that the episode is written by seasoned scribe Dennis Lehane, I'd still urge most viewers to stick with it. We've arrived at one of the worst things a review could disclose to potential viewers: you'll need to endure the first two episodes before deciding if this show is your cup of tea. By the climactic scene of the second episode and its jaw-dropping plot twist, I've transitioned from wanting to throw in the towel to being hooked on what comes next. Taron Egerton in Smoke (Image: Apple) Starting from episode three, Egerton's fire investigator character evolves beyond just being an awful stepdad, revealing layers the show is gradually unmasking. Detective Calderone becomes intriguing when he's actually probing the central crime of the story rather than mulling over an affair, and I'm itching to uncover what's up with Ntare Mwine's Freddy Fasano. The series' weekly release schedule might pose a problem here, as it might be more enjoyable as a binge-watch. Smoke isn't the standout show of the year. It doesn't even top Apple's new series roster for 2025 (that honor goes to The Studio, in case you're curious), but I find myself irresistibly drawn to its intrigue, eager to see how it all wraps up and recommending it to anyone in search of a twist-filled crime drama. Smoke is streaming on Apple TV+.
North Wales Live
10 hours ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
Gossiping boss called North Wales GP surgery manager an 'old knacker'
The former manager of a North Wales GP surgery has won compensation of more than £142,000 after one of her bosses branded her an "old knacker" and said her daughter was a "fat p***k". Dr George Williams – a female GP who is one of the two partners at Gardden Road surgery in Rhosllanerchrugog, Wrexham - described then-practice manager Catherine Clark, 62, and her family as "the Clarkashians" in reference to the Kardashians, an American family of celebrities known for their reality TV show, an employment tribunal heard. The judge found Dr Williams and others at the practice "looked down" on Ms Clark as a "source of entertainment and gossip", reports WalesOnline. Dr Williams gossiped about the manager's "Clarkashian" lifestyle and felt she was "incompetent and too old for her job". At one point the GP wrote to her then-boyfriend: "Now trying to dislodge the old knacker but like any decent tumour she has a long root!" Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone Employment judge Rachel Harfield said this was harassment related to age and that it was "a reference to an old horse that needed to be put down in that the claimant should no longer work there". When Ms Clark found out such messages had been sent behind her back she was "heartbroken". She had believed Dr Williams was "a very loved and trusted friend" and had confided in her about experiencing anxiety and depression. Ms Clark was prescribed diazepam for those issues but would later learn she had been labelled a "drug-seeker" in WhatsApp messages between surgery colleagues. Dr Williams had also written messages describing Ms Clark's daughter as a "fat p***k" and another family member as "10 pints". The judge said there was no "reasonable and proper cause" for such language. In one conversation she wrote a message about Ms Clark's daughter and another family member getting a Covid test starting with the words: "Clarkashian update." After breaking up with Dr Williams in acrimonious circumstances the GP's ex-boyfriend contacted Ms Clark in December 2021 and informed her what had been said behind her back. He described his ex as having an "obsession" with Ms Clark and her family. Ms Clark said she cried for days after learning about the messages and said she felt devastated. She made complaints about her treatment but felt these had been poorly handled by Gardden Road surgery so she resigned and sued the practice. The judge found that Dr Williams and other staff engaged in "unkind" gossip about Ms Clark including about her prescription medications. Dr Williams claimed the "old knacker" comment was not intended to be derogatory, telling the court she referred to her own mum as "old dear" in an affectionate way. But Judge Harfield said: "We wholly reject that argument – it is a different term and a different phrase said in a wholly different context." The judge upheld claims of constructive unfair dismissal and harassment related to age and disability – as Ms Clark was managing a long-term health condition – as well as discrimination. The surgery was also found to have victimised her by failing to take action against Dr Williams after Ms Clark brought a grievance. Judge Harfield found the surgery created a "intimidating, degrading, humiliating, and offensive" environment for Ms Clark. She awarded a remedy of £142,803 including £60,873 for financial losses, £32,550 for injury to feelings, and £16,844 for unfair dismissal.
Daily Record
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
This Morning's Alison Hammond announces break as she details exhaustion
This Morning star Alison Hammond appeared on the ITV show on Friday, where she opened up about taking a step back from one aspect of her career after being left 'exhausted'. On the recent episode of This Morning, TV personality Alison Hammond disclosed that she would be taking a hiatus from one element of her career. Chatting with Alexandra Burke and Lesley Joseph about their upcoming musical stint in The Addams Family, the host delved into how performing live can take its toll. Alexandra opened up about the intense schedule of touring, noting that performers can face eight to 12 shows weekly. She remarked: "You don't really get a life outside of it, but that's ok because you're entertaining other people." Lesley brought attention to Alison by saying: "We're looking at the panto Queen! Birmingham. Three panto Queens sitting on the sofa." To this, Alison confessed: "But the thing is, you've been doing it year after year. I'm having a year off because I was so exhausted from last year and the year before. It is a discipline." Lesley went on to express her love for the theatre and stressed the significance of pantomime in entertainment, reports Wales Online. She said: "The whole family comes and it's the one time in the year that anybody, grandma down to the youngest children can come and really love it. You know, you've done it now." Alison acknowledged this, reflecting on how the cast becomes akin to a secondary family due to the extensive time spent together. Previously, Alison impressed audiences as the Magical Mermaid in Peter Pan at Birmingham's Hippodrome Theatre, also sharing moments with This Morning viewers before gracing the stage. Wearing her costume, Alison shared her highlight of being in the play last year, at the time she said: "Do you remember last year when lovely Dermot (O'Leary) and the whole team brought me a wonderful chair with the plaque of my mum's name on it? "It's dead centre in the middle of the stage and literally, it's like I'm performing to my mum. It means the world to me, it's beautiful. It's lovely to be back. "I look at the person (in the seat, the person thinks I'm looking at them, I'm not! I'm seeing my mum!" Alison's mum, Maria, sadly died from lung and liver cancer in January 2020, and her father Clifford died just months later.
Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
ITV This Morning star 'taking a year off' after being left 'exhausted'
This Morning presenter Alison Hammond spoke to Alexandra Burke and Lesley Joseph about the impact of performing live as the two stage stars head on tour. On a recent instalment of This Morning, ITV's well-loved Alison Hammond shared that she'll be taking a breather from her hectic career schedule. In conversation with Alexandra Burke and Lesley Joseph about their upcoming musical tour, The Addams Family, the famed presenter shed light on the demanding nature of live performances. As Alexandra gave insight into the intense routine of touring, where performers can take on up to a dozen shows a week, she said: "You don't really get a life outside of it, but that's ok because you're entertaining other people." Lesley, turning towards Alison, commented: "We're looking at the panto Queen! Birmingham. Three panto Queens sitting on the sofa." Alison admitted: "But the thing is, you've been doing it year after year. I'm having a year off because I was so exhausted from last year and the year before. It is a discipline." The theatre enthusiast Lesley Joseph emphasised her adoration for pantomime, underlining the unique family atmosphere it creates, reports Wales Online. She said: "The whole family comes and it's the one time in the year that anybody, grandma down to the youngest children can come and really love it. You know, you've done it now." Echoing Lesley's sentiments, Alison then discussed how cast members bond like a true family through the numerous hours spent together. Previously, audiences were captivated as Alison dazzled as the Magical Mermaid in Birmingham's Hippodrome Theatre's Peter Pan pantomime, even sharing behind-the-scenes moments with This Morning viewers before hitting the stage. At the time Alison wore her stage costume and shared her most cherished aspect of being in the play. She revealed: "Do you remember last year when lovely Dermot (O'Leary) and the whole team brought me a wonderful chair with the plaque of my mum's name on it? "It's dead centre in the middle of the stage and literally, it's like I'm performing to my mum. It means the world to me, it's beautiful. It's lovely to be back. "I look at the person (in the seat, the person thinks I'm looking at them, I'm not! I'm seeing my mum!". The TV favourite lost her mum Maria in January 2020 to lung and liver cancer, and just months later, she faced the heartbreak of her father Clifford's also dying.
