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Tom Cruise’s unconventional acceptance speech

<p dir="ltr">Tom Cruise has given one of the most unique acceptance speeches at the 2023 MTV Movie &amp; TV Awards.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 60-year-old, who famously performs his own stunts and is a licensed pilot himself, delivered a pre-recorded speech on May 7 while flying a World War II propeller plane.</p> <p dir="ltr">Cruise won best performance in a movie for <em>Top Gun: Maverick</em>.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Things we'll never forget: <a href="https://twitter.com/TomCruise?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TomCruise</a>'s performance in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TopGun?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TopGun</a>: Maverick 🎥</p> <p>Congrats to Tom Cruise on winning Best Performance in a Movie at the 2023 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MTVAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MTVAwards</a>! <a href="https://t.co/dZr3Wglpdq">pic.twitter.com/dZr3Wglpdq</a></p> <p>— Movie &amp; TV Awards (@MTVAwards) <a href="https://twitter.com/MTVAwards/status/1655367059994456065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr"> “Hi everyone, thank you so much for this award,” he said from the cockpit. “I make these films for you. I love you. I love entertaining you. To know how much you enjoy it, how much you appreciate it, there’s just no better feeling.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In his acceptance speech, Cruise appears to be piloting the P-51 Mustang plane that he owns, which was featured in Top Gun: Maverick.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You have a wonderful summer," Cruise said in his speech. "Thank you again for letting me entertain you. It’s an absolute privilege. We’ll see you at the movies.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Cruise also recorded a similar message from the same plane that was played for King Charles II during the coronation concert on May 8. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Pilot to pilot," Cruise said. "Your Majesty, you can be my wingman any time.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Twitter</em></p>

Movies

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00-No: US traveller puts border security to the test with a golden gun

<p>A 28-year-old traveller from the United States has been arrested after Australian Border Force officers allegedly discovered a firearm in her luggage. </p> <p>According to a report on the ABF website, the weapon - a 24-carat gold-plated handgun - was unregistered, and the passenger was not in possession of “a permit to import or possess the firearm in Australia.”</p> <p>If convicted, she will face up to 10 years of imprisonment. And while she was arrested and charged, she was released on bail at Downing Centre Local Court, and is expected to face court again in a month’s time. She remains subject to visa cancellation, and faces the likelihood of being removed from Australia. </p> <p>As ABF Enforcement and Detained Goods East Commander Justin Bathurst explained, the discovery was made with a combination of ABC officer skills and detection technology, one that served to prevent a dangerous weapon from entering the Australian community. </p> <p>“Time and time again, we have seen just how good ABF officers are at targeting and stopping illegal, and highly dangerous, goods from crossing Australia's border," he said.</p> <p>“The ABF is Australia's first and most important line of defence. ABF officers are committed to protecting our community by working with law enforcement partners to prevent items like unregistered firearms getting through at the border."</p> <p>Photos distributed by the ABF present the image of the gun in its case, as well as a scan of the passenger’s luggage, with the gun clearly visible among the rest of her possessions. </p> <p>While travellers on domestic flights within the United States are able to carry firearms in their checked luggage - granted they are unloaded and securely locked away, and the proper authorities have been informed - Australia has much stricter laws surrounding firearms. </p> <p>In the wake of a 1996 Tasmanian tragedy, in which 35 people lost their lives to a gunman, all automatic and semi-automatic weapons were outlawed in the country. Meanwhile, in the United States, a frightening sum of 6,301 were confiscated at checkpoints as of December 2022, according to the Transportation Security Administration.</p> <p>For many, the news was broken on social media, with comments sections reflecting the shock - and disapproval - of the masses, with the occasional 007 reference thrown in. </p> <p>“Smuggling firearms into Australia is a serious offence,” wrote one on Twitter, “and should be met with the full force of the law as it endangers citizen safety.”</p> <p>“That’s a fantastic bit of security work by our airport staff,” someone commended. </p> <p>Another had one very important question, asking “how did she get it out of the US to begin with...??? TSA should have caught that at the airport before she even left. Even if it was in a checked bag, it still had to be declared.”</p> <p><em>Images: Australian Border Force</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Olympian makes surprise announcement of new baby boy!

<p>Tom Daley and husband Dustin Lance Black have announced the news of their second child's arrival.</p> <p>The pair shared the news with the <em>Times</em> before taking to Instagram to reveal their son’s unique name, giving fans quite a surprise as they had not publicly revealed what they were expecting.</p> <p>Daley posted a picture of his now family of four and a sweet picture of him holding the newborn, paired with the caption, “🧡 PHOENIX ROSE BLACK-DALEY 🧡”</p> <p>"Our family has grown in the last week, we welcomed Phoenix to the world on 28/03/23 and he's just perfect 🧡 Robbie is loving being a BIG BRO! 👨‍👨‍👦‍👦”</p> <p>Friends and fans were quick to celebrate the couple’s new addition to the family in the comment section.</p> <p>Fellow Olympic diver Matty Lee wrote, “Can’t wait to meet him! Love you all ❤️”</p> <p>"Oh my god tom 😍💖 congrats angel!!!!” wrote social media star Holly H.</p> <p>Black also took to Instagram, posting a photo of the four of them, writing "And then there were four. Our second son, Phoenix Rose Black-Daley, arrived at 3:34 pm on March 28, 2023. ❤️"</p> <p>His comment section was also filled with excited friends and celebs wishing them well.</p> <p>“Congrats fellas!!!!” NSYNC singer Lance Bass wrote.</p> <p>“MAZEL TOV!!! ❤️🙌” TV presenter Andy Cohen said.</p> <p>The couple, who were married in 2017, welcomed their first child, five-year-old Robert Ray via surrogate in 2018.</p> <p>Young Phoenix isn’t the only newborn with an unusual name in the news at the moment, with proud mum <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/my-whole-heart-paris-hilton-shares-new-photos-of-baby-boy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paris Hilton announcing the birth of her first child</a>, a son with a name you won't forget.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Tom Cruise dines with legends on Sir Michael Caine’s big day

<p>Tom Cruise has spent the night with fellow industry heavyweights while out for dinner for Sir Michael Caine’s 90th birthday. </p> <p>The evening marked the first time that the 60-year-old actor, best known for his work in <em>Top Gun</em> and <em>Mission Impossible</em>, was spotted publicly since his absence at the 2023 Oscars was noted - while his film was nominated for Best Picture, Cruise was not in attendance at the event. </p> <p>He was one of a few select guests at Caine’s birthday celebrations, with the 90-year-old screen legend host welcoming the likes of Cruise, David Walliams, screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie, and Denise Welch to his private dinner at the River Cafe in London. </p> <p>Author and comedian Davia Walliams immortalised the gathering by sharing pictures with keen fans to his social media accounts, a series of snaps he captioned “Happy 90th Birthday to the legendary Sir Michael Caine.”</p> <p>“I have no idea why it brings me so much joy to see Tom Cruise & you hang[ing] out together for Michael Caine's birthday, but it does,” one eager supporter wrote. “Thanks for sharing!”</p> <p>“Looks like a fun night. Sorry I couldn’t make it,” joked another. </p> <p>“Easy to see why he skipped out on the Oscars,” one said. “He knows where the real power lies.” </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpye3ruDG95/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpye3ruDG95/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by David Walliams HQ (@dwalliams)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Meanwhile, actress and TV personality Denise Welch took a slightly different approach to showcasing the party, opting instead to post a clip of a joke for mature audiences she’d shared with the party, writing that it was “such an honour to be asked by Shakira to say a few words at Sir Michael Caines’ 90th birthday!!! He loves a dirty joke and so does @tomcruise it appears!!!!” </p> <p>Her fans loved it, with one quipping “Tom Cruise skipping the Oscars to watch Denise perform stand up was not on my 2023 bingo card.” </p> <p>Denise liked the comment so much she later tweeted a headline that quoted it, calling it her “favourite headline ever.” </p> <p>“No way is that Tom Cruise & Michael Caine.... just fainted. I can't imagine being at the same table as Hollywood Royalty,” another admitted on the original post, starstruck. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpzeNmPITWi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpzeNmPITWi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Denise Welch (@denise_welch)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In both posts, it appears that Cruise was seated right next to Caine for the celebration, with many voicing their surprise that the two were friends. </p> <p>The pair have never technically appeared together in a movie, but both actors did have parts in the 2002 film <em>Austin Powers in Goldmember</em>. However, Cruise’s role was only a cameo at the beginning of the comedy, while Caine portrayed Nigel Powers. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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"Back to the kitchen": Granny Guns flexes down at online trolls

<p>A body-builder granny has hit back at trolls after showcasing her killer biceps online.</p> <p>The TikTok star, 62, shows herself pumping iron, and doing various workouts on her account, with nasty individuals leaving comments saying she belongs in the kitchen.</p> <p>The 62-year-old enjoys making TikTok fitness videos, and she’s proved to be extremely successful online, having just shy of 800,000 followers.</p> <p>In one video, the granny is pumping iron at the gym.</p> <p>The video then cuts to her dancing around with a tray of homemade cookies, which she says is how she acts “any other time”.</p> <p>However, trolls online labelled her as just a woman made for the kitchen, and that’s when the biceps came out.</p> <div><iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7208386374041423146&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%4065_strong%2Fvideo%2F7208386374041423146%3Flang%3Den&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2F632c57901f47459e97728aea3dbe7729_1678333249%3Fx-expires%3D1678683600%26x-signature%3DQUziUnUI1Gk%252FIjO45MfLA8OhWNk%253D&amp;key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p> </p> <p>The granny made a video where she threw shade at a few hate comments such as “women are weak” or “back to the kitchen”.</p> <p>The video then cuts to her friends lifting weights in a show of strength.</p> <p>The gym granny was showing off a tough move at the bicep curl machine.</p> <p>As she pulled the bar to her chest, her biceps flexed to reveal some serious muscle.</p> <p>She captioned her TikTok, “For all my fellow female fitness lovers”.</p> <p>Fellow users flocked to the comments to show their support.</p> <p>“I have a crush on everyone,” one user said.</p> <p>Another exclaimed: “I love this! And all the amazing women in this video!”</p> <p>“I love you grandma”, a third gushed.</p> <p>To which the granny replied, “Love you back”.</p> <p><em>Image credit: TikTok</em></p>

Body

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Tragic update on Tom Sizemore’s health condition

<p>Actor Tom Sizemore’s family have shared a tragic update surrounding his health condition, 10 days after he was rushed to hospital after suffering a brain aneurysm.</p> <p>In a statement issued to Variety, Sizemore’s manager, Charles Lago, revealed that there is “no further hope” for the actor and his family are in the midst of “deciding end of life matters”.</p> <p>The actor, best known for his roles in films such as <em>Saving Private Ryan</em>, <em>Black Hawk Down</em> and <em>Pearl Harbor</em>, suffered an aneurysm at his home in Los Angeles on February 18 and was hospitalised in critical condition.</p> <p>“Doctors informed his family that there is no further hope and have recommended end of life decision. The family is now deciding end of life matters and a further statement will be issued on Wednesday,” Lago said in a statement updating the media on the 61-year-old star’s condition.</p> <p>“We are asking for privacy for his family during this difficult time and they wish to thank everyone for the hundreds of messages of support, and prayers that have been received. This has been a difficult time for them.”</p> <p>The US Sun reported that an unknown person found Sizemore lying in his house and called 911, where emergency services then transported him to a local hospital.</p> <p>Sizemore rose to fame in the 1990s with a string of supporting roles in successful action and war roles, including distinguished roles in the heist film <em>Heat</em>, an award-nominated turn in the comedy <em>Heart and Souls</em>, and an acclaimed role in what turned out to be his most successful film, <em>Saving Private Ryan</em>.</p> <p>However, personal scandals eclipsed his acting career in the 2000s, with substance abuse, legal issues and allegations of on-set sexual abuse.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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Saving Private Ryan star in critical condition

<p>Tom Sizemore has been hospitalised and is in intensive care after suffering a brain aneurysm, his spokesperson, Charles Lago, told CNN.</p> <p>Sizemore is in critical condition and is in a “wait and see situation,” said Lago. </p> <p>"His family is aware and waiting for updates," Lago told the outlet. "There is no further update at this time.”</p> <p>At 61 years of age, the Saving Private Ryan star hails from Detroit and has appeared in several hit crime and war movies in the ‘90s and 2000s, including the films Heat, Natural Born Killers, Pearl Harbor and Black Hawk Down.</p> <p>Often portraying a tough guy, he is likely best known for playing Sergeant Mike Horvath in the World War II movie Saving Private Ryan. </p> <p>Sizemore was nominated for a Golden Globe Award in 2000 for Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for his role in Witness Protection. </p> <p>More recently, the actor appeared in episodes of Cobra Kai and Twin Peaks.</p> <p>Sizemore has long struggled with drug addiction and has had a catalogue of legal issues during his career.</p> <p>In 2003 he was convicted on domestic violence charges stemming from his relationship with former fiancée Heidi Fleiss. In 2006 he pleaded no contest to using methamphetamine outside a motel. He was then arrested in Los Angeles in 2009 for suspected battery of a former spouse and then again in 2011 for the same offence. </p> <p>Speaking to Larry King on CNN in a 2010 interview, Sizemore revealed he had been addicted to cocaine, heroin and meth. He also participated in the 2010 season of the reality show Celebrity Rehab with Dr Drew.  </p> <p>Image credit: Getty</p>

Caring

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Why why WHYYYY Tom Jones' biggest hit is ‘cancelled’

<p>Choirs have been informed that they are no longer allowed to perform Welsh singer Tom Jones’ classic “Delilah” during international rugby matches at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.</p> <p>The announcement, made on Wednesday, came after allegations of misogyny, sexism, racism, and homophobia within the Welsh Rugby Union. Prior to banning the song, claims of a toxic culture within the WRU’s governing body were made public during a TV documentary, and chief executive Steve Phillips issued his resignation. </p> <p>Previously in 2015, the WRU had removed “Delilah” from its Test match playlists and half-time entertainment, but now guest choirs have been asked not to perform it. </p> <p>“‘Delilah’ will not feature on the playlist for choirs for rugby internationals at Principality Stadium,” a spokesperson for the stadium confirmed. </p> <p>“Guest choirs have also more recently been requested not to feature the song during their pre-match performances and throughout games,” he continued, “the WRU condemns domestic violence of any kind.</p> <p>"We have previously sought advice from subject matter experts on the issue of censoring the song and we are respectfully aware that it is problematic and upsetting to some supporters because of its subject matter."</p> <p>The lyrics of concern, written in the 1960s, reference a woman’s murder at the hands of her jealous partner. </p> <p>“I crossed the street to her house and she opened the door. She stood there laughing,” the song goes, “I felt the knife in my hand and she laughed no more.” </p> <p>The decision to ban the song has been met with mixed response, with many unsure that it was the right step towards tackling the WRU’s issues - or if it was even a step at all. </p> <p>“All the things they need to do,” tweeted WRU wing Louis Rees-Zammit, in what is believed to be a comment on the situation, “and they do that first…”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">All the things they need to do and they do that first….😶</p> <p>— Louis Rees-Zammit ⚡️ (@LouisReesZammit) <a href="https://twitter.com/LouisReesZammit/status/1620804107392155654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>“Wrongheaded,” was what Welsh Conservative shadow sport minister Tom Giffard said of the decision. “One that amounts to simple virtue signalling, designed to ease the pressure the WRU are currently under. Calls to ban the song span at least the last decade, yet the WRU have chosen now to act.”</p> <p>He went on to state that people would rather see “institutional change” within the WRU, with better working practices and a refined complaint process. </p> <p>But, as he put it, “instead they are choosing to ban a much loved Tom Jones song. This action will solve nothing."</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Music

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The biggest winners and losers of the Oscar nominations

<p>The nominees for the 95th Academy Awards were announced overnight, with fan favourites in for a shot at snagging the coveted Oscar awards. </p> <p>Actors Riz Ahmed and Allison Williams made the announcements from the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.</p> <p>Some nominees came as no surprise to avid film fans, while others were a shock, with some favourite apparently snubbed by the Academy. </p> <p>Sci-fi comedy drama Everything <em>Everywhere All At Once </em>scored 11 Academy Award nominations, the most for any film in 2023, with Best Picture well within their sights. </p> <p><em>All Quiet on the Western Front </em>and <em>The Banshees of Inisherin </em>came in second with a total of 9 nominations each.</p> <p>Australian actor Cate Blanchett was honoured with a chance at Best Actress for her leading performance in the psychological drama <em>Tár</em>. Cate is a favourite in this category, and a win would see her with three Oscar awards to her name. </p> <p>In the Best Actress category, many were shocked to see Viola Davis snubbed for her work in the historical drama <em>The Woman King</em>. Viola had been a contender for the award all season, with recognition at the BAFTA Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.</p> <p>Australia’s own Baz Luhrmann missed out on a nomination for his directing work on <em>Elvis</em>, but the film didn’t miss out entirely, bagging nominations in eight categories, including the sought after Best Picture. </p> <p>James Cameron, director of <em>Avatar: The Way of Water</em>, best known for directing <em>Titanic</em>, did not receive a nomination for Best Director either. </p> <p>Catherine Martin, the most awarded Australian in the history of the Oscars with four wins to her name, received two nominations for her work on <em>Elvis</em> for both Costume Design and Production Design. </p> <p>The nominees for Best Actor came with no surprises, though many thought Tom Cruise may feature there for his performance in<em> Top Gun: Maverick</em>. Hugh Jackman also missed out on a nomination in this category for his work in <em>The Son</em>. </p> <p>Despite snubs in other categories, most films were acknowledged with multiple nominations, though perhaps not always in the areas they wanted. Fans were certain the likes of <em>The Woman King</em>, <em>Babylon</em>, and <em>The Whale </em>would be up for a chance at Best Picture, but each was left disappointed when the list of contenders was announced. </p> <p>With six nominations, <em>Top Gun: Maverick </em>looks set to take home at least one award, but all eyes are on Tom Cruise and his chance for a first Academy Award win. While he wasn’t nominated for Best Actor, the film did secure itself a chance at Best Picture, with many praising the Academy for honouring a box office success. </p> <p>The winners of the 95th Academy Awards will be announced on March 13 (Australian time), with comedian Jimmy Kimmel set to host the event. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Iconic Top Gun and Die Hard actor dies at age 66

<p>Clarence Gilyard, best known for his roll as computer hacker Theo in Die Hard and naval flight officer Marcus “Sundown” Williams in Top Gun, has died at 66 years of age.</p> <p>His death was announced on Monday November 29 in a statement from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he had been working as an associate professor at the College of Fine Arts.</p> <p>"It is with profound sadness that I share this news," Dean Nancy Uscher said in the statement shared on instagram.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClhujkALoIh/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClhujkALoIh/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by UNLV College Of Fine Arts (@unlvfinearts)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"His students were deeply inspired by him, as were all who knew him. He had many extraordinary talents and was extremely well-known in the university through his dedication to teaching and his professional accomplishments.”</p> <p>Heather Addison, UNLV film chair remembered Gilyard as a "beacon of light and strength for everyone around him at UNLV".</p> <p>She added: "Whenever we asked him how he was, he would cheerfully declare that he was 'Blessed!' But we are truly the ones who were blessed to be his colleagues and students for so many years. We love you and will miss you dearly, Professor G!”</p> <p>He landed his first role on the TV show Diff'rent Strokes in 1981 and in 1986, Gilyard made his film debut in Top Gun, in which he played Sundown, one of the elite fighter pilots.</p> <p>Two years later, he was cast as Theo, the computer expert who helps Hans Gruber's terrorist group, in the movie Die Hard.</p> <p>He got his big primetime TV break in 1989, when he landed the role of Conrad McMasters on the NBC legal drama Matlock, starring opposite Andy Griffith. He then portrayed Chuck Norris' crime-fighting partner Jimmy Trivette on Walker, Texas Ranger.</p> <p>Despite having a thriving on-screen career, Gilyard stepped away from acting in 2006 to start teaching at UNLV and directing productions at the university's Nevada Conservatory Theatre.</p> <p>No further details surrounding his death have been made public.</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

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Queen Elizabeth’s “unlikely friendship” with Tom Cruise

<p dir="ltr">Queen Elizabeth II really enjoyed meeting Tom Cruise in the weeks before her death that she organised to have him celebrate her Platinum Jubilee. </p> <p dir="ltr">The late British monarch “really hit it off” with the <em>Top Gun</em> star but the pair were unable to rekindle at the Platinum Jubilee due to the Queen’s mobility issues.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, the Queen was adamant on seeing Tom again that she organised a tour of Windsor Castle. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The Queen let it be known that she was really disappointed not to have met Tom at the pageant, so he was invited to have a special tour of Windsor Castle with everything laid on for him. Afterwards, just the two of them had tea together,” the source said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Tom enjoyed his time at the castle that he was also given the opportunity to fire a ceremonial gun.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She loved seeing him and they really hit it off, so much so that she invited him back for lunch. He was even allowed to fly in by helicopter,” the source continued. </p> <p dir="ltr">Unfortunately, the lunch never happened with the Queen passing away at the age of 96 on September 8. </p> <p dir="ltr">Tom has previously spoken of his admiration for Queen Elizabeth saying everything she has achieved are historic.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She’s just a woman that I greatly admire. I think she is someone who has tremendous dignity and I admire her devotion. What she has accomplished has been historic,” he said at the time.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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5 genius ways to use hot glue around the house

<p>If you’re the proud owner of a hot glue gun, then you’ll know this nifty little invention is worth its weight in art and craft gold. But did you know it can also be super useful around the house? Read on to find out a whole bunch of new and ingenious ways to use your hot glue gun.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Create sticky soles</strong> – If you’ve got wooden floors and your grandchildren are still getting the hang of walking, then this is for you! Create non-slip soft shoes for the little ones in your life by personalising the bottom of the shoe with their name or a pattern to stop any slips or slides in their tracks.</li> <li><strong>Keep your shirts in place</strong> – Silky shirts and tops have a bad habit of slipping of their hanger and onto the floor. Keep them in place by dolloping a bit of glue on the hanger to create enough friction to keep straps in place.</li> <li><strong>Breathe new life into a chair</strong> – If sewing and upholstery isn’t your thing, fear not. Give a chair a new lease of life by securing new fabric with your hot glue gun.</li> <li><strong>Plug a hole</strong> – Small hole in a grandchild’s favourite toy or even in your trusty airbed? Plug it with a dab of hot glue.</li> <li><strong>Hem a pair of pants</strong> – If you’ve ever been about to dash out the door only to realise that your hem has been knocked down and isn’t getting back up then this is for you. Use small dabs from your hot glue gun to temporarily repair the offending hem. You can either leave the glue on when you eventually hem the pants properly or peel it off easily.</li> </ol> <p>Are you a hot glue gun user? Have you ever used it for any of the above?</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Speculation swirls around the new James Bond

<p dir="ltr">With Daniel Craig sipping his last shaken-not-stirred martini, the identity of the next James Bond continues to be one of Hollywood’s greatest mysteries.</p> <p dir="ltr">After years of rumours and speculation, top candidate Idris Elba is out of the running, with Hollywood sources revealing he is prioritising other roles.</p> <p dir="ltr">As a result, the new top contender is 26-year-old <em>Spiderman </em>star Tom Holland - with Ladbrokes placing odds of 40/1 on him - though it’s unclear whether he will take on the challenge.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Tom Holland might not be the traditional Bond type, but the odds suggest he has a slight chance of replacing Daniel Craig, and plenty of punters seem to think the same,” Ladbrokes’ Alex Aparti told <em><a href="https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/1655037/next-james-bond-tom-holland-spider-man-daniel-craig-007-odds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Express UK</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though Ladbrokes are still placing <em>Superman </em>star Henry Cavill as the favourite for the next Bond, helped by the fact he auditioned for the role back in 2005 and lost out to Craig, recent reports have revealed that producers are looking to cast an actor who is under 5’10” (178cm) and looks younger than previous Bonds, per <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/celebrity-photos/producers-have-strengthened-rumours-tom-holland-next-007/news-story/7b99d27f81c29f50dad395ed95180993" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite these new reports, bookies have rounded out the list of likely picks for the next 007 with former <em>Bridgerton </em>heartthrob Regé-Jean Page, Tom Hardy of <em>Mad Max </em>and <em>Venom </em>fame, and Scottish <em>Game of Thrones</em> star Richard Madden.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The race to replace Daniel Craig is firmly on,” Apati said.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the franchise’s producers, the next Bond film is unlikely to be in cinemas until 2025, with the eighth Bond actor to be announced in the next year.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-9ee6fc2c-7fff-0370-7e4d-78c1ed9cd7b9"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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“He can be that guy!!!”: Top Gun actor’s grandma’s sweet campaign

<p dir="ltr">One of the stars of the latest <em>Top Gun</em> movie has been put up for the role of James Bond by one of his biggest supporters: his grandmother.</p> <p dir="ltr">Miles Teller’s grandma, Leona Flowers, recently took to Twitter to campaign for him to replace Daniel Craig as the famed spy, saying her grandson had all the skills needed for the job.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They’re looking for an actor to replace Daniel Craig for future 007 movies,” she tweeted.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I think my grandson, Miles Teller, has proven that he has everything they’re looking for - talent, looks, strength, worldwide appeal, and oh, so cool.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b979a01e-7fff-27f3-6bee-3171f2be0b4e"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“He can be that guy!! Wouldn’t that be great?”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">They’re looking for an actor to replace Daniel Craig for future 007 movies. I think my grandson, Miles Teller, has proven that he has everything they’re looking for- talent, looks, strength,worldwide appeal &amp; oh, so cool. He can be that guy!! Wouldn’t he be great?</p> <p>— Leona Flowers (@MupTheQueen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MupTheQueen/status/1542206491691737088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Teller, who plays Rooster in the latest <em>Top Gun</em> instalment, has since admitted he’d be open to the opportunity while speaking to Entertainment Tonight.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Yeah, I mean, yeah perfect,” the 35-year-old said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I think we’re actors, you know, so maybe you can mix it up a little bit.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-dbcc04ca-7fff-44cb-8668-05d34fbfdeae">Flowers added that her American grandson would be welcomed by portraying the famous Brit, having even “charmed” the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the London premiere of <em>Top Gun: Maverick</em>.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Miles charming Prince William &amp; Princess Kate in London. He sat in the Royal box &amp; watched Top Gun Maverick with them. New friends😊Folks just can’t help liking him. He’s so relatable♥️ <a href="https://t.co/RjTRcktoXs">pic.twitter.com/RjTRcktoXs</a></p> <p>— Leona Flowers (@MupTheQueen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MupTheQueen/status/1530601184490299392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“I think our English friends would welcome him as 007,” she wrote in a follow-up tweet.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The folks in London loved him when he was just there with the premiere of <em>Top Gun: Maverick</em>. He even charmed William and Kate.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-c0a5b50a-7fff-68e7-fe8a-51c48915ddc5"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Flowers even turned to author Ian Fleming’s original concept for the martini-drinking super spy to argue her case, writing that not only does Teller serve as a good lookalike, but he shares a love of golf with Bond and Fleming.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is Ian Fleming’s original concept of James Bond. Add a beautiful head of hair and Miles closely fits that image. 007 supposedly had a scar on his cheek as well. Like Miles, Fleming and his character, James Bond, both had a love of golf😊 <a href="https://t.co/4AydjqL2Lq">pic.twitter.com/4AydjqL2Lq</a></p> <p>— Leona Flowers (@MupTheQueen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MupTheQueen/status/1543338775979462658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“This is Ian Fleming’s original concept of James Bond,” she tweeted along with a black-and-white drawing of Bond.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Add a beautiful head of hair and Miles closely fits that image. 007 supposedly had a scar on his cheek as well. Like Miles, Fleming and his character, James Bond, both had a love of golf.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Barbara Broccoli, a producer for <em>James Bond</em>, recently said the search for the next 007 is yet to begin, though the new movie will see his character reinvented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Nobody’s in the running. We’re working out where to go with him, we’re talking that through,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There isn’t a script yet and we can’t come up with one until we decide how we’re going to approach the next film because, really, it’s a reinvention of Bond. We’re reinventing who he is and that takes time. I’d say that filming is at least two years away.”</p> <p dir="ltr">With that in mind, two years feels like plenty of time for Flowers to convince Broccoli and her team that her grandson is the best choice.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-45e88cd7-7fff-82db-7049-4f708fcf6f42"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @MupTheQueen (Twitter)</em></p>

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Tom Hanks questions why Tim Allen wasn’t in Lightyear

<p dir="ltr">Tom Hanks has questioned why Disney replaced <em>Toy Story</em> voice actor Tim Allen with Chris Evans in <em>Lightyear</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Toy Story</em> featured both Hanks and Allen as voices for Woody and Buzz respectively across the four films from 1995 to 2019.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Lightyear</em>, a spin-off of the series did not feature either Hanks or Allen, instead had Chris Evans who voiced Buzz.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hanks was asked about how he felt about his new film <em>Elvis</em> going head-to-head with Lightyear. </p> <p dir="ltr">“How ’bout that? I actually wanted to go head-to-head with Tim Allen, and then they didn’t let Tim Allen do it. I don’t understand that,” he told CinemaBlend.</p> <p dir="ltr">It comes as Allen revealed why he was not involved with the making of <em>Lightyear</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is a whole new team that really had nothing to do with the first movies,” he told Extra.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The short answer is I’ve stayed out of this ’cause it has nothing to do [with his character].</p> <p dir="ltr"> “There’s really no ‘Toy Story’ Buzz without Woody.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Allen said he was hoping that the spin-off would have more of a connection with the original series. </p> <p dir="ltr">“[It is] a wonderful story, it just doesn’t seem to have any connection to the toy.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Tom Cruise celebrates his 60th!

<p dir="ltr">Tom Cruise has turned 60!</p> <p dir="ltr">In honour of his 60th birthday on July 3, <em>Mission: Impossible</em> director Christopher McQuarrie shared a rare photo of Cruise performing a crazy stunt. </p> <p dir="ltr">The actor, known to perform his own insane stunts, could be seen hanging on from an airborne red biplane. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Mission: Impossible movie, Dead Reckoning Part One</em> is due to be released in 2023. </p> <p dir="ltr">Cruise however spent his actual birthday watching the F1 Grand Prix in the UK, with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and Lewis Hamilton’s family.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Anthony Hamilton, Antonio Pérez Garibay and Tom Cruise watching the podium celebrations together is everything ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/KvtgU19ssH">pic.twitter.com/KvtgU19ssH</a></p> <p>— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNF1/status/1543665585913008128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hamilton and Tom Cruise showed love after the race 🤝❤️ <a href="https://t.co/TDHCHh8FFh">pic.twitter.com/TDHCHh8FFh</a></p> <p>— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNF1/status/1543640030354329601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">The one and only Maverick. Happy birthday, <a href="https://twitter.com/TomCruise?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TomCruise</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TopGun?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TopGun</a> <a href="https://t.co/OWSUMwVWJY">pic.twitter.com/OWSUMwVWJY</a></p> <p>— Top Gun (@TopGunMovie) <a href="https://twitter.com/TopGunMovie/status/1543640720216510466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Also, an avid Adele fan, Cruise was spotted singing and dancing to Adele at Hyde Park where he was also surprised with a birthday cake backstage. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Tom looked like he had an absolute blast. He was really going for it with his dancing and seemed to know all the words to sing along,” an onlooker said. </p> <p dir="ltr">"After the set finished, staff brought the cake out for him and he couldn't stop saying thank you. He hugged his favourite hostess as they sang Happy Birthday.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Then he gave a speech about how nice it was for everyone to be able to come together for events again after Covid.</p> <p dir="ltr">"And Tom said Adele was phenomenal. He was so upbeat and living his best life."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Singer’s fiancée dies on wedding day

<p dir="ltr">Tom Mann, a former contestant on The X Factor in the UK has been left heartbroken after his fiancée and mother of his child died on the morning of their wedding. </p> <p dir="ltr">The singer shared the tragic news to his Instagram on Monday revealing that “the love of my life” Danielle Hampson died on June 18. </p> <p dir="ltr">The touching post was accompanied with a black-and-white selfie of Dani holding the couple’s son, Bowie. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I can’t believe I am writing these words but my darling Dani - my best friend, my everything and more, the love of my life - passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning, 18th June,” the post began. </p> <p dir="ltr">“On what was supposed to be the happiest day of our lives ended in irreversible heartbreak. I feel like I have cried an ocean. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We never made it to the alter; or got to say our vows, or dance our first dance, but I know you know that you were my entire world and the best thing that has ever happened to me, Danielle.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Tom said he will continue wearing the ring she gave him to show his “unconditional love” toward her saying that he is lost but will do everything he can to raise their son. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfCO8xPj1mH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfCO8xPj1mH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tom Mann (@tommanninsta)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“I will wear this ring that I was always supposed to wear as a sign of my unconditional love to you.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I am completely broken trying to process this and I honestly don’t know where to go from here, but I do know I need to use any strength I can muster for our little boy. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I will not be a mark on the parent that you had already become but I promise I will do my everything to raise Bowie just the way we always wanted. I promise you he will know how amazing his mummy was. I promise to make you so so proud.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The most beautiful person inside and out. The most incredible soul. We have lost such a special person and I am sure we are about to see an abundant outpouring of love that reflects that. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I will try to find peace in your messages and comments, but right now I am grieving and I will be for a very, very long time.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My darling Dani, the brightest light in any room, my world is nothing but darkness without you. I will miss you forever.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Danielle’s cause of death is still unknown. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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