Latest news with #XFactor
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
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
I helped create M&S picky bits — here's my hack for the ultimate dinner
It's June 27, which means it's officially National Picky Bits Day… at least, it is according to M&S. The retailer is proclaiming today a holiday of sorts in honour of its new summer range being released, which includes 50 new items perfect for picnics, grazing boards and girl dinners. Top picks from the new selection include everything from Marmite and Cheddar Sausage Rolls to Coronation Chicken Pies, Grilled Turkish Olives and topped dips. And there's even a theme song for the day, as X Factor star Diana Vickers and songwriter Chiara Hunter (Ki and Dee) have teamed up on a track about picky bits, which some have joked is the 'anthem of the summer'. But how did Marks & Spencer become the self-proclaimed 'home' of picky bits and who comes up with the ideas for the new products? Metro spoke to Taron van der Berg, a product developer who has worked for M&S for almost two years, to find out everything you need to know. According to Taron, who worked on creating the new range, the team came up with a whopping 250 ideas for different picky bits when planning the new range for summer 2025. This then had to be whittled down to the 50 that have been released, with some suggestions being tucked away to be used at Christmas time. The focus this year was to create a range that looked vibrant, inviting and visual, so that customers would be able to really 'feast with their eyes'. 'We want to set trends and really challenge ourselves to do this when creating a new product,' Taron explained. 'For picky bits, we start by looking at what was popular last summer as well as customer feedback and data. 'We don't just look at the UK though, we work closely with our suppliers and travel to places like Spain, Turkey and Greece to source exclusive ingredients and jump on trends elsewhere in the market that people might see when they go on holiday. Then we bring them to M&S.' But there are a few rules that have to be followed when coming up with ideas for the perfect picky bits. 'It's got to be delicious, but it also has to be bite-sized and convenient,' Taron says. 'You want to be able to walk into a store, chuck food in your bag, head over to a table or picnic spot, lay it all out and be able to dig in. 'We also have to think of the experience, as having a picnic can be a bit of an occasion with good food, conversation and perhaps a tinnie or some wine. You'll need to be able to eat some of it with your hands and some with wooden cutlery but it can't all require a spoon.' Some of the most popular new items in the range include the dips, and while houmous has always been a staple at M&S, the topped dips offer something a little different. A key example is the Ploughman's Dip (£3.50), which features a soft cheese and cheddar dip, topped with a spiced vegetable and apple chutney, ham hock, silverskin onions and parsley. 'We knew our customers already loved our Ploughman's Pot, so we sat down and were like what variation of this could we make that they'd love even more, so we ended up with the dip and also a spicy Ploughman's Pot.' There's also a new Topped Chicken Shawarma Dip and a Whipped Spicy Nacho Cheese one. 'I believe anything can be a dip, it's something I challenge myself to think about every day,' Taron adds. And when asked if we might ever see the beloved sauce from the discontinued M&S Pizza Dippers turned into a dip, she said: 'Never say never, watch this space.' But the best part about the topped dips is that they're incredibly versatile – you can dunk crisps into them, or you can get a little more creative. 'A few people have told me they've been using them as bagel or sandwich fillings, especially the Chicken Shawarma one as it's got everything you need in it.' Taron also shared a few other hacks for the new products as it turns out they can be used as more than just picky bits – they could help you create the ultimate dinner. 'They're not just picky bits, they're ingredients. For instance, some of our pepper pots, like the new Sunburst Orange Peppers, are really good if you chop them up and put them in a salad,' she suggests. 'We've also launched balsamic onions, which are great for snacking, but similarly, if you're making a pasta dish, you can chop those up and add them to that. 'I also like to take the Red Pepper & Walnut Dip and put it straight on a plate, you can do the same with the aubergine one. Then I take some broccoli or steamed veg and put that over the top and drizzle with a little olive oil. It becomes a beautiful deconstructed salad. 'The Whipped Herby Feta Dip would also pair nicely with some steamed broccoli, maybe throw some seeds on top and olive oil. It'll go down really well.' If you prefer to stick with a more classic picky tea, then you could always make a 'charcutable', which is something Taron loves to do when having people over to eat. For this, she covers her dining table in greaseproof paper, then lays everything out on top of it, straight on the table, like a giant charcuterie board. More Trending What you put on the table will depend on who is eating and where you are, but she recommends starting with some olives, as they're 'super easy to snack on'. 'You definitely need a dip,' she continues. 'Grab a Topped Chicken Shawarma and then you'll need a dip carrier. We've got some amazing new crisps, but the pitta chips also go really well with the chicken. 'Next, you'll want some kind of pastry, like a sausage roll and then add some pots, perhaps meat and cheese, some peppers and the new bean ones – the Giant Butterbeans with a Caesar-style dressing would be perfect. View More » 'This way, you've got a bit of everything, there's good variety and you can try and please all your guests.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: McDonald's just made major change to the Filet-O-Fish for first time in 50 years MORE: Underrated UK village is a foodie heaven with three Michelin-starred restaurants MORE: Bowling, burgers, fries and drinks: 10 unmissable Time Out deals Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Lewis Capaldi releases emotional new song after two years ahead of 'Glasto set'
Scottish singing sensation Lewis Capaldi has announced his comeback to music with an emotional song about 'surviving' after his two year hiatus amid his battle with mental health and Tourette's Syndrome Lewis Capaldi has delighted is millions of fans by dropping his first single in two years after he took a hiatus from making music following his last Glastonbury set in 2023. Ahead of his rumoured secret set at this year's festival in Worthy Farm, the Scottish singer, 28, sent shockwaves on social media when he dropped a teaser for his brand new song in a poignant Instagram video. The song, titled Survive, clearly means a lot to the BRIT Award winning artist who has faced much turmoil over the past two years after stepping out of the limelight due to his mental health. Alongside the video, Lewis wrote: "It's been a while." In classic Lewis style, the chart-topping artist's new song is full of emotion with lyrics including "I swear to God I'll survive" and "I'm going to get up and live until the day that I die." Following his exciting announcement, fans have gone wild as they delight in his long-awaited return to music after he announced in June 2023 that he was taking a break to focus on his mental health after he was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome. Celebrating his comeback, singer Tom Grennan commented: "Welcome back brother." Capital Radio's official Instagram page echoed: "We've missed you." Another fan gushed: "God said "Let there be light" and he gave us our Lewis Capaldi back. Id be lying if I didn't say I wasn't crying. You have been so missed. I love you." Scottish actor James McAvoy joked: "Holy mother of c**k, it's been a while." While Callum Best added: "Welcome back Lewis, love ya mate." Former X Factor twins Jedward also jumped on the exciting announcement as they wrote: "Best news ever. Missed you." The timing of Lewis' new music release couldn't be more electric, as he's also slated for a surprise appearance on Glastonbury's iconic Pyramid Stage. A source close to the singer revealed earlier this week: "Lewis took a decent chunk of time away and now he's ready for his fans to hear what he has been working on. "Tomorrow is a huge day for him. He will be releasing a brand new single and it is his Pyramid Stage performance. He is in a great place and feels ready to come back into the spotlight." Capaldi's last Pyramid Stage show in 2023 was an emotional rollercoaster, ending prematurely with the star in tears. Reflecting on that moment, he admitted it made him realise he needed to "spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order." Lewis took a break from singing and touring to focus on his mental and physical health, particularly his Tourette's syndrome and anxiety. He announced an extended break from touring in June 2023, after struggling with his voice during a Glastonbury performance. The Scottish singer has been open about his Tourette's and the impact it has on his singing and stage presence. After stepping back from the public eye, Lewis quietly began crafting fresh material last year, collaborating with British songwriter Dan D'Lion and was even spotted playing acoustic guitar in the studio. His musical return follows two chart-topping albums: the 2019 debut Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent and Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent from 2023. Insiders told the Mirror that Lewis is among a handful of surprise performers at this year's festival. He's reportedly taking the Pyramid Stage at 4:55 pm on Friday. Other secret gigs include Lorde at Woodsies (11:30 am Friday), Olivia Dean and Rachel Chinouriri at Strummerville (8 pm Friday), and CMAT at BBC Introducing (1:30 pm Friday).
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Cheryl Tweedy's killer stalker turns up at house to try to meet her AGAIN: Convict is back in court after breaching restraining order
Cheryl Tweedy's stalker who left her 'fearing for her life' has flouted his restraining order and turned up at her house again, it has been reported. Convicted killer Daniel Bannister, 50, is said to have visited the Buckinghamshire home she shares with her son Bear, eight, again last week. It is understood he was arrested in a swoop on his bail hostel in Brixton, south London, The Sun has reported. Bannister yesterday appeared at Reading Magistrates' Court to plead guilty to one count of breaching his restraining order. District judge Davinder Sandhu remanded the 50-year-old in custody and sent the case to the town's crown court for sentencing on September 23. It comes after Bannister was jailed for just 16 weeks in March for showing up at Cheryl's property while she grieved for Liam Payne. Bannister, who served a two-and-a-half-year sentence for manslaughter after kicking and punching a neighbour to death in 2012, has repeatedly tried to contact Cheryl. He was said to have become 'fixated' with the former X Factor judge, 41, who was left 'fearing for her life' by his obsessive behaviour. In an previous statement provided to the Crown Prosecution Service, Cheryl said Bannister's repeated attempts to contact her left her feeling 'violated'. She also said she feared for the safety of her son. High Wycombe Magistrate's Court was previously told Bannister turned up at Cheryl's home on three occasions in January, July and December of last year. Tweedy told police she 'immediately panicked' when she spotted Bannister outside her home. 'I knew this was Daniel because I have had previous incidents where Daniel has come to my property,' she told police at the time. 'I was concerned he was looking for a way into the property.' The singer told officers her son was due back from the cinema, and did not want him to see the stalker, the court heard. 'I want to protect my child from any harm.' District judge Arvind Sharma imposed a new indefinite restraining order on Bannister in March meaning that he could never contact Cheryl. He was banned from entering any building where he suspects Tweedy to be present and could not contact her on social media. At a previous hearing, Prosecutor Datta Ryan said Cheryl had recognised Bannister as he stood outside her home in December having pressed the entry intercom. She said she feared he was going to scale the gate and called her personal security. Bannister did not manage to get into the grounds of the mansion in Buckinghamshire. In her statement to the CPS Tweedy said:' I feared for my safety and my child's safety. 'It causes me to panic. He is not allowed to be at my home.' In 2012, Bannister was jailed for manslaughter after he killed his neighbour Rajendra Patel at a YMCA hostel in Croydon where they both lived. The court heard both men suffered from mental health problems, with Mr Patel diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. The pair had a history of conflict after moving into adjacent rooms at the hostel for the homeless and vulnerable. Bannister brutally punched and kicked Patel as he was walking towards a lift, breaking his ankle and nose and causing swelling to his face. Patel died 15 days later after the assault from a pulmonary thromboembolism. Jailing him, Judge Nicholas Price told Bannister he had not intended to cause serious injury or death but the assault was sustained. He said he was not a danger to the public, but had no choice but impose a prison sentence.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘Terrified' Cheryl's killer stalker flouts ban & turns up at house trying to meet her leaving singer feeling ‘violated'
Daniel Bannister, previously jailed for 30 months in 2012 for manslaughter, is understood to have been arrested in a swoop on his bail hostel KILLER STALKING CHERYL 'Terrified' Cheryl's killer stalker flouts ban & turns up at house trying to meet her leaving singer feeling 'violated' CHERYL Tweedy's killer stalker is back harassing her — flouting a restraining order by turning up at a house. Daniel Bannister visited the building in Buckinghamshire last week. Advertisement 6 Cheryl Tweedy's killer stalker is back harassing her — flouting a restraining order by turning up at a house Credit: Getty 6 Daniel Bannister visited Cheryl's home in Buckinghamshire last week The order was imposed after a court heard that the 50-year-old left Girls Aloud singer Cheryl, 41, who lives with son Bear, eight, feeling 'violated, terrified and unsafe in her home'. He has previously been jailed for the manslaughter of a man at a homeless shelter. In the latest scare, charges said he had attended a building where he believed singer Cheryl to be present in Buckinghamshire on June 19. He was then understood to have been arrested in a swoop on his bail hostel. Advertisement Last Saturday he appeared before Reading magistrates' court when he was remanded in custody. He returned to the court yesterday to plead guilty to a single count of breaching the restraining order. District judge Davinder Sandhu refused bail and sent the case to the town's crown court for sentencing on September 23. Bannister, who gave his home address as a bail hostel in Brixton, South London, faces up to five years in jail. Advertisement In March, when the creep was caged for 16 weeks, a court heard how his campaign of harassment began when he went to Cheryl's mansion on January 25, 2024. The former X Factor judge saw a stranger approach her doorbell camera and say: 'It's Dan. I've come to get Cheryl.' Cheryl terrorised by convicted killer stalker who turned up at home 3 weeks after Liam Payne funeral He called again in July 2024 and asked through the intercom: 'I'm really thirsty. Can I have a glass of wine please?' The court at the time heard he 'can't stay away' from the singer. Advertisement Prosecutor Datta Ryan said that visit had made Cheryl feel 'violated and terrified and unsafe in her home'. Bannister was arrested and jailed for four months in September 2024, when he got a three-year restraining order banning him from contacting her. But after he was released from prison he returned to the property on December 10, 2024 — as revealed exclusively by The Sun this January. We told how Bannister's visit came weeks after grieving Cheryl had attended the funeral of her ex, One Direction star and Bear's dad Liam Payne, who fell to his death in Buenos Aires last October. Advertisement In a statement to cops — read to the court this March — Cheryl said: 'I immediately panicked when I saw Daniel. I was in a state of alarm and shock. I feared for my safety immediately and I feared for my child's safety. He was due back from the cinema and I didn't want him to see Daniel.' 6 Previous incidents have left Girls Aloud star Cheryl — mum to son Bear — 'violated and terrified' Credit: The Mega Agency 6 Bannister's visit came weeks after grieving Cheryl had attended the funeral of her ex, One Direction star and Bear's dad Liam Payne Credit: PA:Press Association Bannister's lawyer said the wannabe musician had gone back to the house after his arrest because he wanted to 'reassure her'. Advertisement Lawyer Colin Mackrell said Bannister 'formed in his mind an affectionate view of Ms Tweedy and he believes that was somehow reciprocated'. A judge imposed a new indefinite order which prevents him from contacting Cheryl or entering any building where he knows or believes she might be. Bannister was previously jailed for 30 months in 2012 for manslaughter after he launched a 'sustained' fatal attack on Rajendra Patel, 48. CCTV showed Bannister punching and kicking Mr Patel at a YMCA in Croydon, South East London. Advertisement Last night, neighbours of the Brixton bail hostel which Bannister gave as his address in court described him as a wild-haired loner. Police were understood to have arrested him there just a day after he called cops to accuse a neighbour of trying to break into his home. One man, 35, said: 'When the police arrested him he was just smiling. He was paranoid. Another neighbour, 25, said: 'We didn't have any interaction with the guy. He looked like he was in his own head. Advertisement 'You can tell by looking at someone if they're right or wrong, and he looked wrong.' 6 The former X Factor judge saw a stranger approach her doorbell camera and say: 'It's Dan. I've come to get Cheryl' Credit: Getty
