Entertainment
Liv Kristine Covers Mike Oldfield’s Classic: A Personal Tribute

In a recent interview, Liv Kristine reflected on her deep connection to the music of Mike Oldfield, explaining why she chose to cover his iconic song “To France” for her band’s album, Meredead. Kristine, who co-founded the symphonic metal band Leaves’ Eyes in 2003 and departed in 2016, shared insights into her artistic inspiration and personal journey with music.
Kristine’s musical influences began in her childhood, where she found herself captivated by the sounds of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne. Yet, it was Oldfield’s work that truly resonated with her. “I’ve loved Mike Oldfield’s music since I was a little girl,” she said. “I remember trying to imitate Maggie Reilly in front of the mirror with a hairbrush!” Her fondness for Oldfield’s music is rooted in nostalgia; she recalls listening to “Tubular Bells” on cassette and hearing his songs frequently on Norwegian radio.
Oldfield remains a prominent figure in Norway, with Kristine stating, “He’s still huge in Norway. One of my best friends has driven his tour bus!” She emphasized the emotional power of his music, describing it as “like sitting in a field and breathing in nature,” evoking feelings of tranquility and serenity.
Understanding the Inspiration Behind the Cover
When the opportunity arose to cover a song for Leaves’ Eyes’ upcoming album, Kristine immediately thought of “To France.” “The vocals are in a comfortable range for me. It’s also my favourite song of his,” she explained. Before recording, she conducted thorough research to fully grasp the song’s meaning. Initially believing it to be about Mary, Queen of Scots, Kristine discovered that the song encompasses much more than that singular narrative.
“I hope I’ve done it justice because it’s such a special song,” she added, expressing her dedication to honoring Oldfield’s legacy. The accompanying music video was filmed in a grand castle in Sweden, a location that added to the song’s dramatic essence.
Kristine also noted her admiration for Maggie Reilly, who sang with Oldfield on the original track. “I’ve seen video clips of Mike performing the song live with Maggie, and I really enjoyed watching her face while she was singing,” she remarked. This observation highlights Kristine’s commitment to learning and growing as an artist.
Musical Growth and Influences
Without formal musical education, Kristine has relied on self-teaching methods, often learning by singing along to the works of other artists. She cited Kate Bush as another significant influence, stating, “Her vocals are spellbinding.” Kristine keeps Bush’s greatest hits album, The Whole Story, on her MP3 player during tours, demonstrating her appreciation for diverse musical styles.
Reflecting on her journey, Kristine’s blend of nostalgia, admiration, and personal connection to the music of influential artists like Oldfield and Bush shapes her artistic identity. Her cover of “To France” not only pays homage to a beloved song but also showcases her growth as a musician who continues to explore the depths of her creativity.
Entertainment
Christina Milian Celebrates Yacht Day in Tropical Getaway with Friends

Christina Milian recently shared vibrant moments from her tropical vacation, showcasing a lively yacht day with friends. The 43-year-old actress and singer, known for her role in *Claws*, posted a series of images on Instagram, revealing her enjoyment under the sun with fellow models and friends. Milian, who has relocated to Paris with her family, described their nautical adventures as “yacht-hopping,” emphasizing that they were aboard two different yachts during their outing.
Milian donned stylish swimwear from FWRD and Revolve, captioning her posts with the playful phrase “Revolve around the world.” Her friends, including renowned actress Eva Longoria and model Chanel Iman, showed their support by liking her photos, which captured the fun atmosphere on the water.
Life in Paris and Family
Having moved to France last year, Milian has embraced her husband’s culture, as he is French singer Matt Pokora. Their decision to settle in Paris was driven by a desire for their children—four-year-old Isaiah and three-year-old Kenna—to receive their education in the city. “My husband is French and we’ve been together for over seven or eight years,” Milian explained in a previous interview on *The Jennifer Hudson Show*. “For the last three or four years, we were commuting back and forth every six months.”
Milian is also the mother of 14-year-old Violet from her previous relationship with music producer The-Dream. She expressed excitement about the educational opportunities in Paris, noting, “What better than an opportunity than that?”
The actress, who is bilingual in English and Spanish, has been learning French to better integrate into her new surroundings. Milian recounted a moment that motivated her to improve her language skills, explaining that a restaurant experience highlighted her need for fluency. “I had been challenged so many times,” she said, recalling how she often found herself in social situations where she was surrounded by French speakers.
Upcoming Projects and Personal Reflections
Milian’s professional life remains vibrant, with a new film titled *Meet Me Next Christmas* set to debut on November 6, 2025. She described her initial meeting with Pokora in 2017, a serendipitous encounter during a night of dancing in Paris, which eventually led to their relationship. “I was in France dancing away at a restaurant,” she shared, explaining how an introduction by the restaurant host changed her perspective on finding love.
The couple discovered they share the same birthday, a detail Milian found significant in their connection. “So it was our birthday that really brought us together,” she said, reflecting on their journey from casual acquaintances to partners.
Milian’s recent yacht outing is just one of the many highlights in her life as she balances family, language learning, and a flourishing career in the entertainment industry. As she continues to adapt to her life in France, her social media posts offer a glimpse into her vibrant lifestyle and the joy she finds in both her personal and professional endeavors.
Entertainment
Mary Goskirk’s Bandaged Hand Raises Questions in Emmerdale

Mary Goskirk, a character on the long-running ITV soap opera Emmerdale, recently appeared with a noticeable bandage on her hand and wrist, sparking concern among viewers and characters alike. This marked her return to the screen after a brief absence, and the injury raised questions about her wellbeing during the episode aired on October 20, 2023.
In her scenes at The Woolpack, Mary, portrayed by actress Louise Jameson, was seen struggling to use her injured hand while serving customers. When Jacob Gallagher, a medical student and character in the show, noticed her injury, he inquired about how she sustained it. Mary explained that she had fallen down the last few steps of her staircase at home, but did not provide specific details regarding the severity of her injury, such as whether it was broken or sprained.
Mary’s Response and Viewer Speculation
Despite Jacob’s concern, Mary assured him that she was “fine” but would need a few weeks of rest before the bandages could come off. She downplayed the situation, declining Jacob’s offer to examine her injury further, indicating that it was not necessary. This nonchalant attitude left viewers wondering about the true nature of her injury and whether it would lead to a storyline development.
There has been speculation among fans that the bandaged hand might not be a scripted element of the show. Some suggest that Jameson could have sustained a real-life injury, which was then incorporated into the storyline. This practice is not uncommon in the television industry; for instance, Jacob Roberts, who plays Kit Green on Coronation Street, had a leg injury that was woven into the show’s narrative after his surgery.
Mary’s scenes in the pub coincided with significant events, including the announcement of Jacob and Sarah Sugden‘s engagement. Mary was quick to congratulate the couple, further establishing her presence in the unfolding drama. Meanwhile, Victoria Sugden expressed her surprise at the engagement, particularly as Sarah had recently been with another character, Kammy.
Community Engagement and Future Episodes
As the storylines continue to develop in the Yorkshire Dales, fans can stay updated on the latest news, secrets, and spoilers through the newly launched Emmerdale WhatsApp community. Participants can join this group for real-time updates and exclusive content directly on their phones.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 19:30 (GMT) on ITV1 and is available for streaming on ITVX, including a special hour-long episode every Thursday. Viewers are eager to see how Mary’s storyline unfolds and whether her injury will play a more significant role in the upcoming episodes.
Entertainment
Ant and Dec Celebrate Byker Grove’s Streaming Comeback

Iconic British television show Byker Grove is making a comeback, returning to streaming services, much to the delight of its fans. As part of the celebration, stars Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly revisited one of the show’s most memorable moments, the “he can’t see” scene, captivating audiences with their nostalgia.
Launched in 1989, Byker Grove played a significant role in launching the careers of several actors, including McPartlin and Donnelly, who have since become household names. The show is renowned for its engaging storylines that resonate with themes of friendship and adolescence. Its return to streaming platforms in 2023 marks an exciting revival for both new viewers and long-time fans.
Ant and Dec Reflect on Byker Grove’s Legacy
In a recent video shared on social media, Ant and Dec shared their reactions while watching the iconic scene, reminiscing about their time on the show. Their enthusiasm illustrates the enduring impact of Byker Grove, which not only entertained audiences but also tackled relevant social issues for its time. This nostalgic moment serves as a reminder of the show’s cultural significance in British television history.
The return of Byker Grove to streaming services is part of a broader trend where classic shows are being revived to reach new audiences. Streaming platforms recognize the value of nostalgia in attracting viewers, especially those who grew up watching these series. This strategic move could also enhance subscriber numbers for platforms looking to diversify their content offerings.
A New Generation of Fans
With the revival, there are hopes that Byker Grove will capture the attention of a younger audience who may not be familiar with the show. The blend of classic storytelling with modern streaming accessibility could introduce the series’ themes to a new generation, potentially fostering new discussions around the issues it once addressed.
The excitement surrounding the return is palpable, as fans eagerly anticipate the chance to revisit their favorite characters and story arcs. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Byker Grove stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and its ability to connect across generations.
As fans prepare to enjoy the series once more, the combination of nostalgia and new content offers a unique opportunity for both the show’s legacy and its creators. The revival of Byker Grove is not just a return of a beloved series; it symbolizes the ongoing evolution of television and the ways in which audiences consume media today.
Entertainment
Chappell Roan Launches US Tour, Donating to Trans Youth Charities

Chappell Roan has unveiled a short tour across the United States to promote her upcoming album, with a meaningful commitment to support trans youth. The singer announced that she will donate $1 from each ticket sold to charities focused on aiding transgender youth in the cities she visits.
The announcement came on July 23, 2023, along with a teaser for her new single, “The Subway.” In the promotional clip, the artist, known for her hit “Pink Pony Club,” expresses her frustrations with a catchy lyric: “I made a promise if in four months this feeling ain’t gone I’ll f**k this city / I’m moving to Saskatchewan.”
Roan’s “Visions of Damsels and Other Dangerous Things” tour will kick off with four performances at Forest Hills Stadium in New York from September 20 to 24. Following the New York shows, she will perform at the Kansas City Museum and Memorial Park on October 3 and 4. The tour will conclude at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on October 10 and 11.
The singer expressed her enthusiasm for the tour, stating, “I am sooooo excited to announce my Pop-Up Shows in New York, Kansas City, and Los Angeles this fall. I love these three cities so much and wanted the chance to do something special before going away to write the next album.”
To keep ticket prices affordable and minimize scalping, Roan has partnered with Cash App to provide a 15 percent cash-back offer for purchases made using their Visa debit card. Additionally, she is employing a ticketing system known as Fair AXS, which aims to combat ticket bots and ensure that tickets reach genuine fans.
In her announcement, Roan emphasized her commitment to social responsibility, stating, “Also, we are giving $1 per ticket to organizations dedicated to supporting and providing resources for trans youth in each city.”
The tour announcement follows a series of intriguing posters teasing the new single, with one featuring Roan mostly obscured by an extravagant wig and facial hair, while another displays her face with the playful message, “Going through a break up? Get bangs!” Fans have noted a tag on the second poster reading, “Best before August 1,” adding to the excitement surrounding her upcoming release.
With this tour, Chappell Roan not only aims to entertain but also to make a significant impact on the lives of trans youth, combining her passion for music with activism. As fans eagerly await her performances, the commitment to charitable donations reflects a growing trend among artists to use their platforms for social good.
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