POP icon Nelly Furtado has announced at she’s no longer going to be performing her music after a huge comeback last year.
It comes after she hit back at a flood of cruel comments about her figure after returning to the spotlight.
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Nelly Furtado is stepping back from performing after a huge comeback last yearCredit: SplashNelly is a pop music iconCredit: Getty
Nelly proudly embraced her natural curves while headlining Manchester Pride earlier this year.
Taking to Instagram, the Grammy winner made an emotional post expressing gratitude for all her career gave her and that she feels it’s now time for her to “step down”.
She celebrated 25 years in the industry, before adding: “I have decided to step away from performance for the foreseeable future and pursue some other creative and personal endeavours that I feel would better suit this next phase of my life.
“I have enjoyed my career immensely, and I still love writing music as I have always seen it as a hobby I was lucky enough to make into a career. I’ll identify as a songwriter forever.”
The star, 46, took over radio stations throughout the 2000s, well-known for her song Promiscuous as well as her feature on James Morrison’s ‘Broken Strings’.
HER breakout role saw her play Michael Douglas’s drug-addicted teen daughter in 2000 crime flick, Traffic.
Since then she’s starred opposite some of Hollywood‘s biggest names from Kevin Costner to Susan Sarandon.
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This famous actress found fame opposite Michael DouglasCredit: The Mega Agency
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She’s been in dozens of movies and films over the past three decadesCredit: The Mega Agency
And 25 years on from that career-defining role, the successful actress, 42, is embracing her natural self.
She was spotted out and about in LA in a vest top and ripped jeans freely showing off her armpit hair as she reached up to adjust her locks.
Going makeup-free, Parenthood star Erika Christensen looked at ease and radiant as she strolled in the sunshine.
Mom-of-two Erika currently stars in ABC crime drama Will Trent as the titular dyslexic detective’s on/off girlfriend Angie Polaski.
She hasn’t stopped working for the past three decades with dozens of film, TV and music video credits to her name.
Some of her best known work includes the films Swimfan, The Upside of Anger and Flightplan, while on the small screen she’s been in The Geena Davis Show and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Her first major role was back in 1995 when she appeared in Michael Jackson’s Childhood video, though she never got to actually meet the King of Pop.
She once told Blackfilm.com, “I wish I could have met him, I didn’t. We were green screened together. In the video he’s sitting in a forest and all the kids are in boats above him. He sent me an autographed photo and that was nice.”
The interview came out ahead of the release of her 2005 rom-com The Upside of Anger where she played the daughter of Joan Allen’s character Terry Wolfmeyer.
The family drama sees Terry fall for heavy drinking neighbor Denny Davies [Costner] after husband Grey upped and left the family for a life in Sweden with his secretary – though this doesn’t end up being the case.
Cheaper by the Dozen Official Trailer
Erika said at the time, “Kevin Costner and Joan Allen, who does not love Joan Allen? She’s fantastic, so cool as a person.
“She’s our mother, it’s about a family, there are four daughters, Alicia Witt, Kerri Russell, Evan Rachel Wood, and myself. It’s a great cast and it’s written and directed by Mike Binder. He stars in it too.
“It’s a bunch of us over a period of three years. It’s very dramatic and funny. It’s really character driven. I’m looking forward to see it so much.”
Erika was raised a Scientologist in Seattle and has defended the controversial religion in recent years.
She opened up about it to her Parenthood co-star Dax Shepard on an episode of his Armchair Expert podcast, explaining her beliefs.
She said: “I can justify things in all kinds of different ways, but basically, like, as a Scientologist, and I definitely cannot speak for every Scientologist about anything because everybody has their own beliefs and comes at it from even other religions and all kinds of stuff.
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Erika Christensen’s breakthrough role was in TrafficCredit: Alamy
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She currently has a lead role in crime drama Will TrentCredit: Getty
“However, I don’t believe this is the first time I have lived on this planet and I basically think I’ve probably done absolutely everything before.”
The foundation of Scientology is the belief each person is an immortal spiritual being with unlimited potential.
Erika poured scorn on Leah Remini’s stirring docuseries Scientology and the Aftermath as well as follow up Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief.
She said, “It honestly doesn’t have anything to do with anything that I’ve ever learned about the group or organization.
“To be specific about [Going Clear], if somebody has read a book, read Dianetics or some Scientology book and wants to philosophically tell me what they disagree with it, cool.
“That is a totally different thing. But, specifically with that documentary, the documentary was based on a book. The book was not even published in some English-speaking countries because the libel laws are stricter than they are here.”
Erika Christensen’s career timeline
Erika Christensen’s journey in Hollywood kicked off pretty early, even featuring in Michael Jackson’s “Childhood” music video back in 1995 when she was just twelve. She never actually got to meet the King of Pop on set though, as they were green-screened together for the video.
Her big moment arrived in 2000 with her captivating portrayal of Caroline Wakefield, a teenage drug addict, in Steven Soderbergh’s acclaimed film Traffic.
The role really put her on the map, earning her an MTV Movie Award for Breakthrough Female Performance and a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the ensemble cast. People magazine even named her one of their “Breakthrough Stars of 2001”.
After Traffic, Erika kept busy with a mix of film roles, diving into everything from teen thrillers like Swimfan (2002) to comedies such as The Banger Sisters (2002) and The Perfect Score (2004).
She also explored dramatic and thriller territory in films like Flightplan (2005), How to Rob a Bank (2007), The Tortured (2010), and more recently, The Case for Christ (2017), KIMI (2022), and Cheaper by the Dozen (2022).
Erika’s television career has been equally varied. She had early guest spots on popular shows like Frasier, The Practice, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and That ’70s Show.
A significant chapter of her TV career was playing Julia Braverman-Graham in the beloved NBC family drama Parenthood from 2010 to 2015, a role for which she won a Gracie Award in 2014.
She also appeared in shows like Six Degrees (2006-2007), Wicked City (2015), and Ten Days in the Valley (2017).
Currently, you can catch her starring as Angie Polaski in the ABC series Will Trent, which premiered in 2023.
Shoppers have been left totally divided after spotting an iconic noughties trend back on the high-streetCredit: tiktok/@christievian/
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But while many were desperate to live out their “early 2000 dreams”, others slammed the trend as “tacky”Credit: tiktok/@christievian/
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House of CB took to Instagram to announce the newsCredit: Instagram/houseofcb
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The new Sculpt Midi Bandage Dresses will set shoppers back £169Credit: Instagram/houseofcb
The bandage dress first hit the catwalk back in 1989 as the grand finale of Hervé Léger’s runway show, but it wasn’t until the likes of Victoria Beckham and other celebrities went crazy for the dresses in the 00s that they became mainstream.
Women were scrambling to get their hands on the high-street versions of the designer gowns, made with thick strips of fabric which work to “bandage” your shape and flatten out problem areas.
And now, shoppers will again be able to get their hands on the iconic bandage dresses, as they are now back in House of CB.
The much-loved chain took to Instagram to share the exciting news, leaving many totally stunned.
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Alongside the social media post showing off the new frocks, the chain penned: “She’s baaaaaack. Shop the birthday bandage collection now and be ready to serve some cake.”
According to those at House of CB, one of the “most iconic party dresses is back for another dance”.
The heavyweight stretch fabric of these £169 Sculpt Midi Bandage Dresses, which are available in a number of different colours and styles, features unique tension properties that contour your body and create curves to envy.
The dresses are now elevated with even more definition around the bust and waistline, as well as flattering halter neck straps and a low scooped back that shows just the right amount of skin.
A fashionista from London named Christie, was gobsmacked to see the figure hugging frocks back in stores and took to social media to share the news with others.
Posting online, the content creator gave her followers a close-up look at the House of CB dresses and gasped: “Bandage dresses are BACK??!!”
M&S’ must-have summer holiday dresses
She then questioned: “I fear I want one?”
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @christievian, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed 227,900 views, 23,000 likes and 215 comments.
I can’t shake the tacky vibes I get from them
TikTok user
But social media users were left divided by the return of bandage dresses – while some were overjoyed at the news, others slammed the frocks as “cheap.”
One person said: “Love it! I remember I bought my first bandage dress at 20 back in 2007.”
Fashion editor reveals the 90s trends that should stay in the past
NINETIES and noughties trends especially have become a hit with Gen Z – most likely because they didn’t wear them the first time round. Here, Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale gives the rundown of some of the trends that have made a comeback that we wish did not.
Disc belts
“A hit with celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Blake Lively, the belt itself did nothing that a belt should actually do – it was a mere fashion statement, not a piece to actually hold anything up.
“And it seems it’s not just me who is enraged by its return, with many taking to TikTok to give their views, saying: ‘Oh no not the disc belt! I don’t think I have the energy for it a 2nd time around’ – I feel you.”
Jelly shoes
“After not being seen on shelves for decades, they’ve made a reappearance and this time they’re not just for kids.
“Coming in a range of colourful patterns, you can get them all over the high street in either flat or heeled versions.
“Not only will you look very childish wearing such shoes, but people will also need to learn that they aren’t the comfiest – blister plasters will come in handy.”
Pedal pushers
“The cropped knee-grazing trouser were all the rage in the 1990s and 2000s, but this time the model fash pack are all over them – with both Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski wearing them out recently.
“The original IT girls, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot helped make the trousers – also called Capri pants – look effortlessly cool and glam.
“Somehow this time round they don’t seem to be having that same effect.”
Another added: “I can live my early 2000 dreams.”
A third commented: “YEEEEESSSS SORRY BUT I LOVE IT.”
However, at the same time, someone else sighed: “I can’t get behind it, I’m sorry.”
Love it! I remember I bought my first bandage dress at 20 back in 2007
TikTok user
A second disappointed shopper slammed: “They’re trying to make 2016 happen but it’s too early. Give it 10 years at least!! This isn’t how vintage and nostalgia works…”
Not only this, but another expressed: “They went away for a reason!”
Meanwhile, one woman penned: “I can’t shake the tacky vibes I get from them.”
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A NOUGHTIES boyband star has turned to a very racy job after their music comeback failed to take off.
Two decades ago they were hitting the UK Top Ten with hits like Blood, Sweat and Tears, and Hip to Hip.
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The boyband star on the red carpet in the noughtiesCredit: Alamy
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Do you remember this boyband?Credit: Alamy
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He is now a personal trainer and photographerCredit: Instagram/noraabuckingham
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Kevin McDaid is offering naked gym training sessions
They had a string of top ten hits in 2004 before disbanding.
The band reunited as a four piece last year to celebrate their 20th anniversary.
They played at Mighty Hoopla in London and teased new music.
However just months later they have split again, and Kevin McDaid, who once was engaged to Westlife’s Mark Feehily, is now working as a personal trainer – with a very niche offering.
He is offering fans hour-long sessions in the buff at a private London gym for £250.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Kevin, who is also a photographer, said alongside a naked photo of him lifting weights: “Who’s booking in for your naked PT session this week?”
The boyband comprised of five members with Kevin, Mark Harle, Leon Pisani, Antony Brant and Aaron Buckingham.
Last year two members reunited and stripped down to speedos to enjoy a sun soaked holiday together.
Kevin and Aaron beamed for holiday pictures shared to Instagram, as they showed their friendship was still going strong.
Aaron shared a series of pictures of the pair including some of the lads topless enjoying the sunshine.
Nepo baby boyband made up of four brothers go viral on Instagram – but can you guess who their famous dad is
In one picture Aaron struck a pensive pose, staring into the distance in just a pair of board shorts.
Former bandmate Leon is also still close with the pair, who despite not being on the holiday commented on the picture adding “My boys”.
Post band, V have gone on to very different careers after leaving the music industry.
Former bandmate Mark moved into the TV and film industry and has worked as an art assistant on TV series including Ghost Loop.
Leon has traded music for mortgages and is now a mortgage company owner and living in West Wales.
Aaron has stayed close to his music roots in becoming a songwriter for Spotify.
Despite the band splitting in 2005, they did reform for fans in 2023 without Harle and instead making up a four piece.
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Kevin dated Westlife star Mark Feehily, pictured here in 2009, and they were once engagedCredit: Getty
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The group have remained friends since their time in the boyband in the early noughtiesCredit: Instagram/noraabuckingham
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Aaron Buckingham is now a songwriter for SpotifyCredit: Instagram/noraabuckingham
Disney+ subscribers should be running not walking to their TVs this Bank Holiday weekend as a fan-favourite teen comedy has dropped.
Disney+ has just added a cult classic to its extensive library, which has already made its way into its top 10 most streamed films.
Mean Girls is a modern-day teen classic, and now millennials can relive the magic over and over again as the Lindsay Lohan film was released on Disney+ this week.
Created by 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live legend Tina Fey, Mean Girls originally hit the big screen back in 2004, with The Parent Trap’s childhood star Lindsay Lohan as Cady Heron.
After leaving her childhood behind in Africa, Cady joins a “normal” school in Illinois where her two new friends give her the inside scoop on everyone’s social status.
Her path then crosses with the infamous Plastics: “Fetch” creator Gretchen Wieners (Lacey Chabert), aspiring “weather girl” Karen Smith (Amanda Seyfried) and their leader, the terrifying Regina George (Rachel McAdams).
Cady initially doesn’t see what the issue is with the Plastics until she becomes smitten with Regina’s ex-boyfriend, Aaron Samuels (Jonathan Bennett).
Mean Girls’ Regina George is played by actress Rachel McAdams. (Image: PARAMOUNT PICTURES/DISNEY PLUS)
Disney+ membership
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Disney+ now costs as little as £4.99 a month, but members can get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront on the ad-free Standard or Premium plans.
Disney+ is the only place to stream hit shows like Rivals, The Bear and Shōgun, plus blockbuster franchises like Star Wars and Marvel.
Besides its star-studded cast, which also features Fey herself as Ms Norbury, Parks and Recreation actress Amy Poehler and Scrubs’ Neil Flynn, Mean Girls is a classic thanks to its stream of memorable one-liners.
Some of the classics that continue to be used in Reels today include “On Wednesdays we wear pink”, “That is so fetch”, “Is Butter a carb?” and “I’m sick”, followed by Karen’s pathetic cough and Regina’s response: “Boo you w***e”.
Mean Girls may not have the best Rotten Tomatoes rating with 84% but fans cannot help but express their love for the film, with it being labelled as “wickedly funny”.
Another remarked: “Undoubtedly the best teen comedy ever adapted from a sociological study…”
Mean Girls is now available to watch on Disney+.(Image: PARAMOUNT PICTURES/DISNEY PLUS)
A third agreed: “Mean Girls is a hysterical comedy about high school cliques, and may be the best teen satire since Heathers”, while another describes it as “comic gold”.
More than 20 years have passed since Mean Girls was first released but has been given a new lease of life with the 2024 remake starring Angourie Rice and Renee Rapp as Cady and Regina, respectively.
This version differs though, as it’s actually a musical and has since been made into a West End and Broadway musical.
