Category: 5. Entertainment

  • Drew Barrymore weighs in on her eccentric childhood

    Drew Barrymore weighs in on her eccentric childhood



    Drew Barrymore weighs in on her eccentric childhood

    Drew Barrymore has recently addressed her eccentric childhood and how it affected her life as an adult.

    The Never Been Kissed actress looked back at her upbringing during an appearance on Bill Maher’ Club Random podcast on August 11.

    Drew recalled her tough childhood as she revealed her struggle with substance abuse issues at 12 in her 1990 memoir, Little Girl Lost.

    Also, she was placed in rehabilitation centre at 13, and spent eighteen months in an institution for being mentally ill. Not only that, she tried to attempt suicide at age 14.

    However, the Charlie’s Angels actress mentioned she doesn’t “regret a thing” at all.

    Reflecting on her childhood issues, Drew told Bill, “I loved all of it.”

    After becoming a mother to two daughters, the 50 First Dates actress noted, “It’s hilarious being a mom because you’re like, ‘Oh my God, you can’t do that.’”

    Elsewhere in the interview, Drew revealed the secret to her approach with guests on her own eponymous daytime talk show.

    “I love Q&A, sure, but isn’t the — I always was trying to find the point of having a conversation,” continued the 50-year-old.

    The Ever After actress explained, “I don’t know if I’m a Q&A person, and my personal experience also a lot with journalists was very Q&A and, like, they weren’t always listening to what I said because they were thinking about their next question.”

    “They were trying to fit the agenda in, so having had that experience at times, not everybody, but at times, I was like, ‘I want to do the exact opposite of that feeling,’” added Drew.

    Meanwhile, the actress talked about her relationship with Adam Sandler, quirky memorable stories on Hollywood movie set and her perspective about life during the show.

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  • Will Oasis Reunion Tour Worsen UK Inflation Woes? Definitely Maybe

    Will Oasis Reunion Tour Worsen UK Inflation Woes? Definitely Maybe

    The Oasis comeback tour looks set to add to a resurgence of inflation in the UK, complicating an already tricky situation that has divided the Bank of England.

    The Britpop band’s sell-out concerts this month could lift headline inflation by as much as four basis points if they coincide with the Office for National Statistics’ data collection dates, according to economists.

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  • HBO Max Teams With Asian Streamer Viu for Southeast Asia Bundle

    HBO Max Teams With Asian Streamer Viu for Southeast Asia Bundle

    HBO Max is partnering with Asian streaming giant Viu to create a unified subscription package that will debut across five Southeast Asian territories before year-end.

    The collaboration between Warner Bros. Discovery‘s flagship streamer and PCCW’s regional platform represents an unprecedented cross-platform alliance in the Asia Pacific region. Customers in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand will be able to access both services through a single payment plan starting in Q4.

    The deal pairs HBO Max’s Hollywood catalog with Viu’s extensive Asian programming library. Subscribers will have access to Warner’s premium franchises alongside Viu’s Korean drama slate, Chinese series and locally produced content from across Southeast Asia.

    Warner’s contribution includes major film releases such as the upcoming “A Minecraft Movie” and “Sinners,” plus established series like “Friends” and HBO originals “The Last of Us” and “The White Lotus.” Viu brings reality hits including “Running Man” and “2 Days 1 Night,” Chinese titles like “The Immortal Ascension” and “Love Has Fireworks,” plus new Korean originals “My Youth” and “Taxi Driver 3.”

    James Gibbons, Warner Bros. Discovery’s Asia Pacific president, cited the success of similar bundling strategies in other regions as motivation for the Southeast Asian expansion.

    “Following the proven consumer and business benefits of HBO Max bundles in other parts of the world, this new streaming offering will provide strong entertainment value for consumers across Southeast Asia, and help drive subscriber growth and stronger retention,” Gibbons said. “With access to two complementary and world class collections in a single subscription, local fans can enjoy even more choice – from premium Hollywood movies and series to standout local Asian content.”

    For Viu, the alliance represents a strategic move to enhance its competitive position against global streaming rivals expanding into Asian markets. CEO Janice Lee, who also serves as managing director of PCCW Media Group, framed the partnership as part of Viu’s ongoing platform evolution.

    “Our partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery is an exciting step forward in our promise to continually enhance Viu’s entertainment options and meet our viewers’ evolving tastes,” Lee said. “By combining HBO Max’s Hollywood content with Viu’s Asian favorites in a single bundle subscription, we’re offering more choice in shows, easier access to diverse content and greater value across a wider range of programming.”

    Both companies will offer direct sales of the bundle through their respective websites, though each service’s content will remain accessible independently. Platform features and device compatibility will differ between the two services, with additional pricing and launch specifics to be revealed in coming months.

    Viu operates a freemium model across Asia, the Middle East and South Africa, combining ad-supported free tiers with premium subscriptions. The platform gained a strategic investment from French media company Canal+ last year as part of an accelerated growth initiative.

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  • HBO Max, Viu Reveal New Streaming Bundle in Asia

    HBO Max, Viu Reveal New Streaming Bundle in Asia

    The rush towards streaming bundles continues, with HBO Max and Asian giant Viu the latest to link up. Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming platform and PCCW-owned Viu on Monday revealed a new streaming bundle offering both companies’ services in a single subscription plan.

    The bundle will offer complementary content, with HBO Max’s premium Hollywood content such as The Last of Us, The White Lotus, House of the Dragon, A Minecraft Movie, Sinners and Superman available alongside Viu’s popular Korean, Chinese and other local Asian content including the hit shows Running Man, 2 Days 1 Night, The Immortal Ascension and Love Has Fireworks. The offer is set to launch in Q4 2025 across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Notably, the bundle marks the first of its kind across multiple markets in Asia Pacific.

    The new bundle offer will be available for direct purchases via HBO Max and Viu’s websites. The companies say that HBO Max and Viu subscribers can access content from each service separately, and content, feature and device compatibility will vary by service. Further details on the bundle will be shared in the coming months.

    The Viu deal is the latest move by Warner Bros. Discovery to increase the reach of HBO Max in Asia Pacific rolling out the service beyond the biggest markets in the regions. In November 2024, HBO Max became available to customers in Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as the five biggest Southeast Asian countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines.

    “Following the proven consumer and business benefits of HBO Max bundles in other parts of the world, this new streaming offering will provide strong entertainment value for consumers across Southeast Asia, and help drive subscriber growth and stronger retention,” said James Gibbons, president of Asia Pacific at Warner Bros. Discovery in a statement. “With access to two complementary and world-class collections in a single subscription, local fans can enjoy even more choice — from premium Hollywood movies and series to standout local Asian content.”

    “Our partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery is an exciting step forward in our promise to continually enhance Viu’s entertainment options and meet our viewers’ evolving tastes,” said Janice Lee, CEO of Viu and managing director of PCCW Media Group. “By combining HBO Max’s Hollywood content with Viu’s Asian favorites in a single bundle subscription, we’re offering more choice in shows, easier access to diverse content and greater value across a wider range of programming.”

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  • Iqra Kanwal and Areeb Ahmed’s pastel-themed baby shower

    Iqra Kanwal and Areeb Ahmed’s pastel-themed baby shower

    Popular YouTube stars and parents-to-be Iqra Kanwal and Areeb Pervaiz have hosted an intimate baby shower surrounded by their close friends and family. The celebration was filled with heart-melting moments, cute smiles, and beautifully coordinated decor in soft pastel shades, making the day even more special.

    On the joyous occasion, Iqra Kanwal can be seen radiating glow and delight while lighting up the event in a marvelous pastel gown with nude makeup and a catchy hairstyle. She can be seen smiling beautifully throughout the event, mingling with guests and family members ( sisters & parents) and enjoying a variety of food there.

    On the other hand, her husband Areeb can be seen complimenting her in the same color shirt with beige pants.

    Popular TikTok stars Ducky Bhai, his wife Aroob Fatima, Kanwal Aftab with husband Zulqarnain, and many others also graced the event with their sweet presence.

    “Had the cutest baby shower with our family & friends yesterday,” Iqra added in the caption on Instagram.

    Iqra Kanwal and husband Areeb Pervaiz have announced that they are expecting their first child after one and half year of their marriage. The couple tied the knot in December 2023.

     

    Taking to their Instagram handle, Iqra and Areeb shared the very good news with their fans with a dreamy photoshoot capturing their emotions, delight and intimacy towards the journey of parenthood.

     

    Announcing her pregnancy, Iqra captioned: “Our biggest blessing is on the way! Keep us in your prayers.”


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  • Everything you need to know

    Everything you need to know

    Getty Images Two men raise each others hands. The man on the left is wearing a dark green raincoat and holds two shakers in his right hand. The man on the right wears a blue denim shirt, top button un-done, They both have short brown hair. Behind them are several men who stand in front of a screen displaying green patterns. Getty Images

    Liam and Noel Gallagher at the opening night of their Live 25′ Tour at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium

    It’s the most anticipated tour of the year – or, for those who came of age during the Britpop days of the 90s, the decade.

    Oasis are back for their first gigs on Irish soil since 2008, with the Oasis Live ’25 reunion tour arriving in Dublin for two sold out performances at Croke Park on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August.

    Tickets for all UK and Ireland dates sold out in less than a day after brothers, and band leaders, Liam and Noel Gallagher announced the reunion in 27 August last year.

    If you’re planning to make your way to Dublin’s Croke Park for two nights of being a Rock ‘N’ Roll Star, then do we have everything you need to know right here? Definitely Maybe.

    Where are Oasis playing in Dublin?

    Croke Park, the island of Ireland’s largest stadium and the home of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), will be the venue for Oasis’ Irish shows.

    The ground has a capacity of more than 80,000, meaning more than 160,000 people could see Oasis over the two nights (although some may have been lucky enough to snag tickets for both shows).

    Can I still get tickets to Oasis?

    Getty Images A mans hand holds a piece of laminated white paper which reads 'Tickets wanted' in red font and a black box with white righting that reads 'Oasis.' The man holding the sign has on navy trousers and a grey top.Getty Images

    The big question for many – but Oasis’ UK and Ireland dates have been sold out across all venues in the face of huge demand.

    However, there is still hope – limited tickets can be bought from the official Ticketmaster resale site, where fans who can no longer go sell their seats.

    However the tickets can come and go quickly.

    When does the concert get underway?

    Doors open at 17:00 BST, with strictly no camping or queueing allowed outside Croke Park (more on that below).

    With several entry ways into the stadium, it is important to know which colour gate you enter through, which can be found on your ticket information.

    Support acts are expected to begin at 18:00 BST.

    Oasis have typically been starting their two-hour set about 20:15 BST. The concert is expected to end about 22:30 BST.

    What will security be like at Oasis?

    Concert promotor MCD have said patrons are advised to allow sufficient time to travel to the event and pass through security checks.

    No camping of queueing is allowed at the venue ahead of time – if you do turn up early, you will be turned away at restricted area points around Croke Park.

    MCD say this is to avoid disruption to residents of the area’s around the venue.

    Strict security checks will be in operation, with everyone subject to be searched as a condition of entry. Searches can also take place once inside the venue, MCD said.

    There are strictly no camping/collapsible chairs permitted on site and gig goers are especially advised not to bring large bags or backpacks as they may experience delays or refused entry.

    There will be no storage facilities on site.

    And a final word – there are no re-admissions to the concert. If you leave, you won’t get back in.

    Who are supporting Oasis in Dublin?

    The band have had two support acts throughout the tour – and both are big names from Britpop’s heyday.

    Richard Ashcroft, former frontman of 90s rock band The Verve, will play before Oasis take the stage.

    Ashcroft has a long association with the Gallagher brothers and one of the band’s most beloved songs – Cast No Shadow from 1995’s (What’s the Story) Morning Glory – was written about him.

    The Liverpudlian indie rock band Cast are also performing, opening the show.

    Similar to the Gallagher brothers, Cast frontman John Power has an Irish connection from his Wexford-born father. Last year Power received his an Irish passport.

    Oasis will also be augmented by a brass section, and backing singer Jess Greenfield, who is part of Noel’s side project the High Flying Birds.

    Getty Images A shot of a large crowd with their backs to the camera. The look on at a big black stage with three identical screens which record a man singing into a microphone with short brown hair. The sign in the centre of the stage reads 'Oasis.' The sky above is grey and cloudy. Getty Images

    Oasis performing in Heaton Park, Manchester

    How do I get to Croke Park?

    With traffic delays highly possible fans are being encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport.

    For those heading to Dublin by train the nearest railway stations are Drumcondra and Clonliffe Road, which are both about a five-minute walk from Croke Park.

    The closest Dart (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) stations are Connolly, which is a 15-20 minute walk, and Clontarf, which is a 20-25 minute walk.

    The following Dublin Bus routes all serve Croke Park: 1, 7, 13, 14, 16, 19, 27a, 29a, 31a, 31b, 32, 33, 40, 40b, 40d, 41, 41b, 41c, 42, 43, 44, 53, 123 and 122.

    There is no public parking at Croke Park and traffic cordons will be in place at least two hours before the event.

    The organisers advise against parking in local residential areas. If you must drive you are advised to use a car park in the city centre and get public transport to the venue from there.

    What’s the weather going to be like for Oasis in Dublin?

    At the moment, it’s looking good – sunny weather and temperatures in the low 20s. Keep an eye on the BBC weather page for the latest updates.

    What’s Oasis connection to Ireland?

    Liam and Noel Gallagher’s parents, Peggy and Thomas, are both Irish and emigrated to England.

    Peggy left Charlestown, County Mayo in 1961 at age 18, originally working as a housekeeper in Manchester.

    It was in Manchester where she met Thomas Gallagher, who hailed from the County Meath village of Duleek.

    Speaking to the Irish Mail on Sunday in June, Peggy, 82, said she was hoping to attend one of the Croke Park shows even if she has to “hobble around” after having knee replacement surgery earlier this year.

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  • TV tonight: Katherine Kelly stars in new thriller from Slow Horses director | Television

    TV tonight: Katherine Kelly stars in new thriller from Slow Horses director | Television

    In Flight

    9pm, Channel 4
    Katherine Kelly is a dodgy flight attendant in this crime thriller by Mike Walden (Marcella) and Adam Randall (Slow Horses). She plays Jo, a single mum, who is well respected by her colleagues. But things take a dark turn when her teenage son, Sonny (Harry Cadby), is arrested for murder in Sofia. As well as trying to raise cash for lawyers to prove his innocence, she needs to deal with a threat to his life in prison – and that involves smuggling drugs for the criminal underworld. Hollie Richardson

    The Big Pound Shop Swap

    8pm, Channel 4
    This frothy new series sees Denise van Outen challenge a family to survive for a week using only bargain-store products, from food to toiletries. First up are the Phillips clan from Kent, who usually rely on Sainsbury’s and Ocado for their groceries. Can they put together a decent meal plan when fresh veg is in such short supply? Graeme Virtue

    The Great British Sewing Bee

    9pm, BBC One
    Things get personal in reduce, reuse and recycle week, as the sewers use garments worn by family members and friends to create something new. One family’s collection of Christmas pyjamas is reworked as a party dress, and another clan’s collections of jeans are turned into a jumpsuit. HR

    Pompeii: Life in the City With Dan Snow

    9pm, Channel 5
    Et tu, Gluteus? The ever-enthusiastic Snow does an ancient Roman workout this week, before bigging up Pompeii’s party credentials of yore (“the French Riviera, Ibiza, Blackpool, Brighton, Vegas – all rolled into one!”) Meanwhile, fellow historian Kate Lister gets the short straw, as she samples a yeasty wine cake. Hannah J Davies

    Confessions of a Steroid Gang

    9pm, BBC Three

    In the spotlight … Confessions of A Steroid Gang. Photograph: BBC/Double Act Productions LTD/Rory Jackson

    “It’s like Breaking Bad … only in north Wales.” This three-part documentary tells the story of a father and son who started an illegal steroid empire (the biggest in the UK) and earned millions – until they were busted and convicted. They are undeniably great storytellers and their testimonies are convincingly told through actors. HR

    Resident Alien

    10pm, Sky Max
    Harry busts out of the Greys’ moonbase as season four opens – but his troubles are just beginning. A shape-shifting Mantid has been impersonating him back on Earth, and on his return he finds he is stuck in human form. There’s also an abducted baby alien to hide, while the Mantid gets inappropriate with Asta. Ali Catterall

    Live sport

    The Hundred Cricket: Birmingham Phoenix Women v Oval Invincibles Women, 2.45pm, BBC Two The men’s game follows at 6pm.

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  • Farm mechanics driving tractors across the UK for mental health

    Farm mechanics driving tractors across the UK for mental health

    Billy Kitcher Billy Kitcher sat on his tractor's front tyre holding his small white dog.Billy Kitcher

    Mr Kitcher admitted that he and some of his friends have struggled with their mental health

    Three farm mechanics plan to drive vintage tractors from John O’ Groats to Lands End in to raise money for a mental health charity.

    Billy Kitcher, 23, from Chideock near Bridport came up with the idea and hopes the challenge will raise awareness of the issues with mental health in the farming industry as well.

    His friends Bill Parsons and Jack Macey, from Wooton Fitzpaine, will join him for the for the more than 800-mile charity drive which starts in Scotland on 8 September.

    They will raise money for Will does, a young persons mental health charity set-up in memory of 14-year-old William Paddy from Dorset.

    Billy Kitcher A black tractor at the front of the image with a red tractor at the rear.Billy Kitcher

    The vintage vehicles travel at an average speed of 18mph

    Mr Kitcher admitted that he and some of his friends have struggled with their mental health and says “there’s not enough help for farmers”.

    He said farmers were “over-worked and over-think things and I think that’s why people have been giving up lately and don’t want to ask for help”.

    A recent survey from the Farm Safety Foundation found 94% of UK farmers under 40 rank poor mental health as the biggest hidden problem facing farmers today.

    “I just want to do a bit more to get help for people and raise awareness, there’s not a lot I can do other than do some fundraising,” Mr Kitcher said.

    ‘Great experience’

    The trio have raised more than £1,000 so far and Mr Kitcher joked that there was a poster with his face on “on every lamp post in the local area”, as friends and family have been showing support.

    Mr Kitcher has 11 vintage tractors that he takes to shows and said he will take an old 1954 Fordson Major for the journey, with Mr Parsons taking a Ford 6710.

    He said getting the old tractors ready has been a “walk in the park”, despite having to completely rebuild the engine on Mr Macey’s Nuffield 10/60.

    The vintage vehicles travel at an average speed of 18mph and they are hoping other drivers will be forgiving when stuck behind them on the roads.

    Mr Kitcher is anticipating it will take them between five to 10 days to complete the trek, which will see them camping along the route.

    He said it will be a “great experience” for them all, especially for 21-year-old Mr Macey, who “has never left Dorset before”.

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  • Burberry Returns to the City on a Red London Double-decker Bus

    Burberry Returns to the City on a Red London Double-decker Bus

    LONDON — Burberry has had its fun in the English countryside; now it’s coming back to the city.

    In a new series titled “Back to the City,” the photographer and filmmaker Angelo Pennetta captures the city’s landmarks from a red double-decker bus.

    “Think of it as a guided tour of this incredible city. A celebration of its famous skyline, the beautiful buildings and the Londoners who choose to call it home,” said Daniel Lee, chief creative officer at Burberry.

    Burberry’s Back to the City campaign.

    Courtesy

    The campaign features a handful of colorful characters, including musician Jimothy Lacoste, who produced an exclusive soundtrack for the film; TikTok’s Bus Aunty, otherwise known as Bemi Orojuogun, who goes around posing with the city’s famous red buses, and models Nora Attal, Rubuen Bilan-Carroll and Libby Bennett.

    “It’s the personality of its people that makes London feel so unique. Something you’ll find woven into the very fabric of Burberry,” said Lee.

    The campaign’s tongue-in-cheek humor is light and fun — elements that Burberry chief executive officer Joshua Schulman along with Lee have been incorporating into the British brand.

    Burberry's Back to the City campaign.

    Burberry’s Back to the City campaign.

    The red double-decker bus follows the city’s bus tour routes that spotlight London’s cultural landmarks, from the National Gallery and the London Eye to Trafalgar Square.

    The campaign is a stylish tour with the cast wearing pieces from Burberry’s fall 2025 collection, as well as new items such as the Fitzrovia, a new trenchcoat style with a double-breasted button closure; throat latch; epaulettes; a B buckle belt, and side button welt pockets.

    Other items that can be spotted throughout include a field jacket, a leather bomber jacket and the Strand bag that uses quilting and the brand’s knight logo.

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  • Taylor Swift fans convinced ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ features Sabrina Carpenter collaboration

    Taylor Swift fans convinced ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ features Sabrina Carpenter collaboration

    Taylor Swift fans are abuzz with speculation that the singer may be about to collaborate with Sabrina Carpenter on her newly announced 12th album The Life of a Showgirl.

    After Swifties began anticipating a major announcement on August 12, at 12.12 am ET, Swift announced her 12th album in the teaser of a New Heights podcast episode alongside her partner Travis Kelce. 

    While fans await more details which might be revealed in the full episode that drops today at 7pm ET, Carpenter, who previously opened for Swift on several Eras Tour dates, has been at the centre of fan theories since an official Taylor Nation update.

    The post featured photos of Swift in orange outfits during the tour, ending with an image of her performing alongside Carpenter during a “surprise songs” segment. The caption read, “Thinking about when she said ‘See you next era…’” Fans quickly connected the dots. 

    Adding to the speculation, Swift’s countdown launch on her official website coincided with a subtle change on Carpenter’s own site.

    On 11 August, fans noticed her homepage displaying “August 12th, 2025” above a prior update about her upcoming album. While some pointed out that the date changes automatically, others questioned why it appeared early in certain time zones.

    At the same time, Carpenter’s store page still showed August 11, creating further intrigue among fans convinced the detail was intentional.

    With the recent announcement of Swift’s 12th album, anticipation continues to build. Theories range from a surprise single to a live performance reveal and fans await official confirmation and additional details.

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