Fireworks on New Year’s Eve in London Credit: Google Images
By Megan Robinson
“New year, new me”, are the words uttered by many as we approach a brand new year. We often see tales on social media of those determined to hit the gym and become body positive, or those announcing that they will cut out the toxic people in their life. I applaud those who have such goals, and I always hope that they succeed in whatever they want to achieve, but this year I am done with New Year’s resolutions.
Every time I make a resolution, I can never stick to it. I know this must be something to do with my mindset and I can probably try harder, but I do not want that sinking feeling of knowing I have failed to stick to my goal halfway through January.
For as long as I can remember, my New Year’s resolution has been to “lose weight” or “be healthier”, and so far nothing has really changed. I always seem to do fairly well in the first week or two in January, but then I’ll have a bad day or I fancy a treat, so I tuck into a chocolate bar.
At the time, I would feel guilty for even looking at a bar of chocolate, nevermind actually scoffing one. Now that I am no longer a teenager, I know that there is nothing wrong with eating something unhealthy when I want to.
I wish I would have been a little easier on myself, but when I was 15 all I cared about was how fat and unattractive I thought I was, and how all the other girls I know were pretty and thin.
While fighting my own mind regarding my weight and body image issues, I also had to deal with the perfection we still see on social media pages, and comments from others.
“Ooh, should you be having that packet of crisps?”
“I thought you were on a diet?”
“New Year’s resolution going well then?”
They probably never meant to come across as patronising and nosey, but it is so deflating having people comment on what you are doing with your life. It made me feel like a failure and instead of trying to get back on track, I would just simply eat more junk to cover my sadness.
This would make me gain even more weight and I found it increasingly hard to try and get my weight back down. It seemed like it was so easy for me to gain weight but tremendously difficult to shift a mere pound.
I just have to accept the fact that I love carbs, chocolate, and cheese, and I should stop torturing myself to diet while restricting my happiness. Instead, I could make small changes to my lifestyle without making it my mission to completely change the way I eat, and change the way I look.
This year, I want to take each day as it comes as 2020 was such a turbulent year. I may find myself aiming for little goals throughout this year, but I will not see it as a failure if I cannot reach them.
I will not beat myself up for eating a whole wheel of camembert, and I will not be upset if I decide to sit in the house for several days. After all, that is what we have been advised to do…
This is the year for everyone to relax a bit more and not feel like terrible humans for not going to the gym, texting their ex, or quitting dry January after five days.
I will also never judge others if they decide to make a New Year’s resolution and struggle to stick to it. There is crushing pressure from friends, family, and strangers for people to stick to their New Year goals, so my suggestion is if you have made a resolution- tell no one.
I have been a fan of reality TV and entertainment shows ever since I can remember. I religiously watched the X factor every week, I was obsessed with Big Brother, and I was an avid viewer of TOWIE when it first aired in 2010.
My passion for rubbish telly has not changed, and it seems that many others this year have joined the club.
Reality TV 2020 starts with a bang
Before the nation was put on house arrest in March, we were treated to two reality shows about love and dating.
The immensely popular ITV2 show Love Island returned and was met with anticipation as this was a “winter” version of the usual show.
However, the format remained the same as the summer ones, except it was filmed in January and the location changed from Spain to South Africa.
The show brought the same amount of drama as previous seasons, as there were many recouplings, betrayals, and fall-outs.
As well as this, we also saw blossoming romances as two couples declared their love for each other on the show, and both couples are still in relationships.
Paige Turley and Finn Tapp were crowned the winners Credit: Google Images
The show was on our screens for six weeks, and when it ended many of us turned to a completely new American dating show on Netflix.
Love Is Blind was the surprise hit of the year as it became Netflix’s number-one trending show during the week which its finale aired, and racked up over 30 million views by April.
The format is very unique as the first few episodes show a stranger entering a booth, while talking to another stranger in another room without seeing their face.
They form emotional connections with one or more of those who they talk to, and after a few episodes, they can ask someone to marry them. Only then will they get to see who they have become engaged to…
The next batch of episodes focus on several couples’ engagements, the build up to the wedding, meeting the in-laws, and then finally, the wedding.
Not every wedding ended with “I do”…. Credit: Google Images
It is truly captivating TV but it was met with mixed reviews, as Rotten Tomatoes hailed it as: “An intoxicating binge, but its version of romance often comes off more toxic than aspirational”, while The Guardian described it as: “Toxic, revolting, but extremely addictive.”
What has been my favourite reality show to watch during lockdown?
The Only Way Is Essex
I had forgotten just how cringe and fake the entire show was, but this was not enough to stop me from binging 14 series in just a few weeks.
I am fully aware of how awful the show is, but I could not get enough of the fake tan, the awful catchphrases, and the nostalgia that brought me back to a simpler time.
Despite it being a “reality TV show”, the exaggerated lives of several people in Essex helped me escape my own reality, as they all led such simple but entertaining lives.
One iconic moment from the older series includes the original Essex diva Gemma Collins.
She heard that her on/off lover James “Arg” Argent had been commenting on her weight while in Marbella, so she confronted him in front of onlookers and stripped to her swimming costume while telling him “you aint ever gonna get this candy.”
Arg was visibly confused and embarrassed as Gemma told him off. Credit ITV2
The four shows that got us through the second national lockdown
The Great British Bake Off
The Channel 4 show proved popular once again this year as it received the highest audience rating of a TV series for 35 years with 11 million viewers.
This year’s series was more special than other years, as the 12 bakers decided to form a bubble with the judges, presenters, cast, and crew.
Fans of the show were especially thankful for this, as we were treated to 10-weeks of weird and wonderful bakes and diverse characters that we were all rooting for.
The challenges were fun, tense, and often strange as the bakers encountered never before seen bakes on the show which included; chocolate babka, matcha mille crepe cakes, and Sussex pond puddings.
Peter Sawkins won this series after becoming star baker twice. Credit: Google Images
His showstoppers were always intricate, awe-inspiring, and he produced high quality bakes that were often gluten-free and dairy-free. He is a deserved winner.
Highlight of this series: Every baker failing to bake a basic brownie.
Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly was another show jeopardised by Covid, but luckily the dancers, cast and crew formed bubbles and they are regularly tested.
Despite the lack of a live audience, changes to the judging panel, and one couple having to leave after testing positive for covid, this year’s show has still been joyous.
There have been some serious surprises this series as 19-year-old Eastenders actor Maisie Smith has been a consistent high scorer, but has been in the bottom two twice.
Another surprise has to be the amazing talent from the celebrities this year, as comedian Bill Bailey and newsreader Ranvir Singh are strong contenders for the glitterball trophy even though they had no prior dance experience.
Ranvir and Giovanni have danced beautifully every week. Credit: Google Images
My prediction is that either Bill or 21-year-old HRVY could win the show, as the singer received a perfect score for his contemporary dance in week 6.
The final will air on December 19 on BBC One.
Highlight of this series: Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse street dancing to Rapper’s Delight.
Gogglebox
This show has become part of my Friday night routine. I never miss an episode.
Nobody thought a show about people watching the telly would have such an impact on British culture, but after numerous awards and 16 series, it is a nation favourite.
Viewers cannot get enough of the gogglebox families, as siblings Pete and Sophie and caravan buddies Jenny and Lee often have us cracking up with their hilarious antics.
There are also some shows that we look forward to the goggleboxers watching every week, as we love seeing their reactions to the sultry chef Nigella, their views on the news, and the horror on their faces when they watch The Yorkshire vet.
Pete and Sophie have quickly become a fan favourite. Credit: Google Images
It has been refreshing and heart-warming to watch ordinary people react to the world around them and many can relate to their struggles with coping during a pandemic. It really emphasises that you are not alone.
Highlight of this series: Any time they watch Naked Attraction. Hilariously awkward.
I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here
Everyone knows that Christmas is around the corner when this festive favourite airs on ITV…
Traditionally filmed in Australia, this year saw a fresh batch of celebs reside in a Welsh castle- and it proved a hit.
Viewers were sceptical about the new setting, but the format remained the same with only very little differences, such as the cold weather.
The trials were still relatively the same as we had critters, rats, and slime, and we still had the glorious banter between Britain’s favourite presenters Ant and Dec.
The camaraderie was outstanding this series, as the celebrities were encouraging and warm to each other, and formed close bonds after just a few days in the castle.
There was very little tension, which usually makes for amazing reality TV, but this year it was so lovely to see 12 celebrities have a laugh and thoroughly enjoy themselves.
The final saw 11 million votes cast across two nights. Credit: Google Images
Author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher became the first queen of the castle, and she was known for being “the mum” of the group and keeping morale high.
Highlight of this series: Karaoke at The Castle Inn
Top South African drinks company DGB has purchased Fryers Cove Wines, which is one of the most unique boutique wineries in the country.
Fryers Cove has not only gained local and international acclaim because of its wines, but the place has become a tourist destination due to its location being at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. DGB is best known for its top brands including Boschendal, whereas Fryers cove is known for wines including Sauvignon Blanc.
Tim Hutchinson, Executive Chairman of DGB, added Fryers Cove to his empire of niche and artisanal wine sectors, and says it adds a “unique brand to the DGB portfolio.” Hutchinson previously acquired the Old Road Wine Co., which appeals to modern consumers based on its quality and emphasis on terroir.
Founder of Fryers Cove Jan “Ponk” Van Zyl said: “In DGB, we have found the perfect entity to continue the vision we had.” He is happy to have found a company who understands the brand, and knows it will build a future on quality and uniqueness.
Andrew Harris, marketing manager of The Old Road Wine Co. in Franschhoek, will be responsible for Fryers Cove, and he believes it will still be the most popular choice on the Cape West Coast as it is “underscored by the fact that 50% of the current sales are from the cellar door.”
DGB will use its international network and reinforce South Africa as a wine country like no other… Much of which is yet to be discovered.
The University of Birmingham’s Masters of Business Administration (MBA) is the first solely online MBA in the world to be accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA), who is the impartial authority on postgraduate management education.
The Birmingham programme is the first to be completely online, and the first to be AMBA accredited as other distance learning MBAs included a residential element.
Birmingham Business School is celebrated for their world-class research and teaching, as well as being internationally-focused and offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses in all things business.
Professor Simon Collinson, Dean of Birmingham Business School, said: “The accreditation is testimony to our innovative programme design and state-of-the-art online learning experience that benefits professional people around the globe, who would normally find it difficult to study at university full-time.”
As the course is solely online, this makes it easier for those learning all over the world to combine their lives with postgraduate study.
The university’s online learning platform means students can learn from a prestigious academic institution, while maintaining control over daily schedules effectively.
The courses are taught using live interactive tutorials, video lectures, case studies, webinars, interactive assignments, digital resources, and peer-to-peer social interaction.
Dr Michael Shulver, Designer and Director of the Distance Learning MBA, was aware that there may be criticism as no institution had applied for accreditation as a completely online programme, but said he was “delighted at the outcome”and they have“re-defined the Distance Learning MBA for a 21st Century market.”
The modules on the MBA are taught by scholars and experts, and the online programme is aimed at professionals with three to five years of management experience who want to build their careers.
AMBA Chief Executive Andrew Main Wilson said: “The University of Birmingham has been a pioneer in the creation of many innovative business programmes, during the past 40 years. Its achievement in being the first Business School in the world to receive formal approval for its online MBA, is testament to its innovative approach to post-graduate management education.”The University of Birmingham places in the world’s top 100 institutions, and is one of the largest providers of Distance and Blended learning programmes in the UK.
There has been a sharp increase in knife crime in the North London borough of Islington in the last decade, as some places in the area have become crime hotspots.
As well as Islington, there has been an increase across the capital, as London now accounts for over 30% of all knife crime in England and Wales.
Stop and search measures have been ramped up to try and help combat the rise in knife crime, but some are sceptical about its legitimacy as young, ethnic minority men are predominantly targeted and discriminated against.
Islington has been notorious for knife crime ever since 16-year-old Ben Kinsella was stabbed to death in 2008, and a charity was later set up in his name. Ever since this murder, knife crime in the area has unfortunately ballooned as 30 others were fatally stabbed in Islington. Victims include 17-year-old Nedim Bilgin, Stefan Appleton, 18, and Ryan Gray, 24. A majority of the victims and perpetrators have been under 25.
The average age of a stabbing victim is now 18, and the number of under-25s stabbed rose 25% each year from 2004-2014, according to The Guardian. Information from Islington council shows that 16-25-year-olds make up 15% of the population, and they are most at risk of being involved in violent crime.
Jan Trust, a charity that helps those impacted by knife crime, believes there are several ways to prevent such crime. Teaching knife crime in schools, reducing school exclusions, having more options for young people, and reform policing should all be introduced.
Kelvin Williams of StopWatch, an organisation that campaigns for fair and accountable policing, agrees that more can be done in a bid to stop knife crime.
“The increase in knife crime is likely to be caused by a variety of factors; this means that it would be intellectually dishonest to imply that knife crime has increased in Islington due to a single factor. Nevertheless, a notable factor that one should consider, among the various causes, is the impact of austerity politics and cuts to social expenditure.
“Many of these cuts have led to a reduction in services and resources for the youth; more youth clubs have been closed down and schools are now having to deal with severe resource limitations as a result of cuts since before the 2015 annual budget reductions. This is important to note since knife crime is somewhat concentrated among the youth.”
He believes that despite the numerous methods used to tackle knife crime, there may only be one way to deal with it.
“The main area of consensus is that knife carrying can only be reduced through a multi-agency approach, which deals with several spheres of an individuals’ life. This involves focus on home conditions, education, employment and many other factors.”
So, what are the real figures of Islington knife crime? An FOI was sent to the Metropolitan Police and they provided data of knife crime with injury offences, and people charged with possession of a knife.
The chart shows that knife crime in Islington seems to have dropped since its recorded peak in 2017. In fact, knife crime with injury offences was at its lowest for six years in 2019, contradicting data that knife crime is ever increasing. The chart also shows that even though there are less injury offences, more people are being caught with knives and are charged, which could be due to increased stop and search.
However, there are numerous issues surrounding the use of stop and search. Young black men have been singled out by police for decades, as the Brixton riots in 1981 highlighted this. Many young black men in Brixton believed officers targeted them through the use of the ‘Sus’ law, which meant anybody could be stopped and searched if the police merely suspected they might be planning to commit a crime.
The law was then changed so the police have powers to stop and search you if they have “reasonable grounds to suspect” you have committed a crime or are carrying an illegal item. Since crime has been sharply rising, the Government is responding to this by enforcing a Section 60 order if deemed necessary. This allows officers to search anyone who may not even be assumed suspicious for a certain time period. This usually occurs in areas where there has been a recent, dangerous spike in crime. Even the Home Office has introduced policies to make it simpler for officers to stop and search people, despite its own research revealing there’s no evidence that increasing stop and search can reduce crime.
Islington resident Zachariah ‘Zac’ Campbell has lost count of the amount of times he has been stopped and searched since 2012, even though he has never carried a knife.
“I had a group of mates when I was about 16 and one of them was in trouble with some other local boys… A few of them carried knives as a precaution. It’s stupid when I think about it because you’re more likely to get stabbed if you have a knife on you. I didn’t know this at the time, and I think my mates thought they could intimidate the other boys just by showing it off. They carried weapons for three days but they started to feel uneasy about it when they realised the severity of it.”
Zac is also conflicted on the use of stop and search to tackle knife crime. He said: “Some stop and search has been useful and weapons have been taken away, but I believe the police abuse their power. Even though I was a bit of a hooligan as a teen, a lot of the other boys in my area were not, and they still got stopped and searched continuously.
“I’m 23 now and I still get stopped and searched even though I have a good job and I don’t hang around the street. It’s very rare for my white friends to get searched even though we’re the same age and have similar backgrounds. I know the police are trying to make people safe, but there is definitely more emphasis on searching black youths and this has to stop. They wonder why we don’t trust the police”
The Islington Gazette obtained data that reflects the reality that Black people are more likely to be stopped and searched than white people. Officers stopped and searched 9,702 Black people in Islington over a three-year period last decade, with no action taken against 7,007, and 1,624 arrests. This is compared with 11,937 white people who were stopped and searched in the same area at the same time.
Campaigners are concerned that the rate of stop and search on Islington’s black population adds up to a similar figure of the white population. According to the 2011 census, Islington’s black population stands at 12 per cent, whereas the white population stands at 74 per cent. The numbers are disproportionate, and show that black men between 16-21 are most likely to be searched.
Data from an FOI request to the Metropolitan Police showed the number of people stopped and searched for offensive weapons in Islington over a few years, and it includes the ethnicity of those searched.
The table above confirms the speculation around the police and racial targeting. The number of black people stopped and searched for knives not only matches the levels of white people in Islington, it surpasses it. Most years have shown a steady increase in stop and search, although the number dropped by 310 between 2016 and 2017. This soon started to rise again as 2394 people in Islington were searched in 2019 which is nearly double that of 2018.
The disproportionately high number of stops and searches in 2019 does not match the number of those injured by knives in 2019. As previously stated, knife crime with injury offences were at its lowest since in 2019 for six years, and 103 people were charged with possession of a knife that year. This means less five per cent of those searched were later charged for knife possession. Does this mean that more stop and search can reduce crime despite contradictory evidence? The data found demonstrates the more stop and search that is conducted, the less people are injured by knives. This may be an effective way to prevent knife crime, but it can come at a cost for ethnic minorities.
The chart below also clearly outlines that 50% of those stopped and searched for knives from 2014-2019 were black. They make up 3366 of the 6793 people stopped in the borough of Islington during this time period, whereas white people make up 2725 of the total number.
As Section 60 orders are becoming more and more common, there is more excuse for the police to stop whoever they want. The independent published an opinion piece about violence and gang culture in Islington and highlighted that those stopped are also the victims of these crimes, “boys of colour and white working-class men.”
These young boys are likely to join gangs in order to feel protected. Young people often feel marginalised and segregated from the rest of society so they believe a gang could give them a sense of belonging. Sometimes youths feel like they have no choice, but this cycle carries on until a life is lost, causing the rest of us to wonder what could have been done.
Zac Campbell understands why young boys would want to join a gang. He said: “There’s a lot of gang culture in Islington and surrounding areas. Young boys have got nothing to do, they haven’t got money, they don’t pay attention in school, they just want to hang around with their mates- but this leads to meeting up with other groups and this can create tension.
“There’s just nowhere for these boys to go apart from wandering the streets. There needs to be something taught in schools because it is teenagers and young men who are likely to be involved in knife crime. There needs to be more preventatives, a better relationship with the police, and a focus on working class and ethnic boys in the area.”
Increased policing may not solve this crisis as officers are the same people who make young men feel marginalised and singled out. The data above demonstrates that black men are disproportionately stopped and searched, but they are also three times more likely to be arrested than white men.
Kelvin Williams of StopWatch believes that stop and search can be detrimental to black ethnic minorities and discrimination has progressively worsened over recent years.
“This can be seen through the 2018 UK.GOV report, which showed that despite the reduction in the use of stop and search, ethnic disproportionality of stop and searches increased, with the police being eight times more likely to stop a black ethnic minority individual than white counterparts. Nevertheless, ethnic disproportionality has been a pressing issue of stop and search policy for many decades.
“In 2014 then Home Secretary, Theresa May, introduced over ten reform measures to ensure that stop and searches were being carried out in a more fair, effective and safe manner. Despite her great intentions, the reforms did not address the ethnic disparities. One of the main ways to ensure that stop and searches are fair is to establish conditions for stop and searches which are clearer and more qualifiable, rather than due to mere police suspicion.
“Secondly, there is a need for more police accountability. Therefore, any mechanism which ensures that the police are being held directly accountable for their actions should be welcomed. Finally, statutory training should also be implemented, which ensures that issues of ethnic profiling are covered.”
Data obtained through the MET police stop and search complaints report showed that 16 complaints were made against officers in the Central North Command Unit between February 2019 and January 2020. This unit involves Islington and its neighbouring borough Camden. Grounds for complaints included: oppressive behaviour, discrimination and failures in duty, but it was not specified who made the complaints.
One MET police officer who is regularly based in Islington gave his advice on what his fellow officers should do when they want to stop somebody suspicious.
“Police officers should follow the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. Officers should only stop and search if there are reasonable grounds to believe that this person could be carrying an illegal item. Police officers are trained to conduct these searches safely and correctly, and should always make sure that they approach the situation in a professional manner.”
He also explained what else can be achieved instead of solely relying on the controversial use of stop and search.
“The trust in police needs to be restored and police officers need to build a relationship with the local youths. There is such a lack of trust and communication between the two and youths feel like they cannot go to the police.
“A while ago we implemented a ‘knife bin’ in Islington where people could bring weapons to their local police station and anonymously put them in the bin. I remember Islington and other inner-city boroughs did have quite a few knives in the bin and we believed this helped as those who brought them in felt safe to do so. They wouldn’t be in trouble and their conscience would be clearer.”
There was no data that showed the number of stop and search specific to weapons throughout the whole of London, but gov.uk released figures of all of the stop and search figures by ethnicity in London in 2019.
An FOI was sent to the Metropolitan Police to find out the figures of all stop and search in Islington. The 2019 figures of Islington were compared with the rest of London.
The chart above shows that the same amount of white people and black people were stopped and searched, despite there being a significant difference in population between these ethnicities. The 2011 census stated the overall white population in London was around 59%, whereas the black population in London was approximately 13%.
The data also shows that all of Islington’s stop and search make-up 4.5 per cent of all stop and search in London.
Kelvin Williams does not dispute the fact that stop and search can be beneficial when tackling some crime, but is it beneficial for tackling knife crime?
He said: “according to Home Office data, stop and search is mostly used for dealing with minor recreational drug offences and does not tend to affect the drug market nor deal with serious crimes like knife crime. This is just one of many studies which have similar findings.
“While it cannot be said that stop and searches have no effect on knife crime, it also cannot be said that stop and search has any significant impact on knife crime. Beyond this, stop and search has been found to have a damaging effect on police legitimacy and certain communities for decades.”
Data from StopWatch shows “less stop and search does not mean more knife crime.”
If this is essential for reducing knife crime, then we should see a large number of searches for weapons. Only two per cent of recorded searches carried out by Metropolitan Police officers last year were looking for bladed instruments.
Police often use this technique to search drugs and it may not be a way to prevent knife crime. StopWatch commented that “unjustified use of stop and search undermines trust and confidence in the police, jeopardising the legitimacy that is needed to truly prevent crime and save lives.”
Two per cent of searches in London were for bladed instruments, but can the same be said for Islington? The chart below represents the data from an FOI request obtained through the MET. It demonstrates the number of weapon searches in Islington compared with overall stop and search in the borough.
The FOI data made it clear that weapons include “pointed or bladed instruments” and other “offensive weapons” and they could not give data based solely on knife crime.
The data shows that overall stop and search in Islington has fluctuated from 2016- 2019, and the police recorded its highest stop and search numbers in 2019. Weapon stop and search in Islington was also at its highest in 2019, where it nearly doubled the figure in 2018.
The Islington data contradicts other data from various organisations such as StopWatch, as the number of stop and search for weapons including knives, did not account for two per cent of all stop and search. In fact, in 2016, the number of stop and search carried out for weapons was 14% of the total. In 2017 it was 17%, in 2018 it was 25%, and in 2019 it was 30%.
Although the numbers from the Islington Police does not equal the MET’s numbers on London’s stop and search, it does show that there is a pattern where stop and search for weapons are increasing. This does match other data that knife crime is rising each year and now there is more being done to try and prevent this.
So, stop and search for knife crime may not be beneficial in all areas, as it may only account for two per cent in all of London, but evidence from Islington could mean that this method is working. This method could be useful in other high-crime areas in other areas of London, such as: Haringey, Lambeth and Southwark.
However, it needs to be taken into account that stop and search massively disadvantages those from an ethnic minority and working-class background, and they are most likely to live in inner city areas. Stop and search will only be beneficial when it is conducted appropriately and without an unfair bias. More needs to be done to combat knife crime, as this may only be a short-term solution.
If it were not for a change in schools, musician Adam Hender might never have launched his music career.The up-and-coming Welsh singer released several singles in 2019 which have gained nearly 200,000 streams on Spotify and has already been praised “as one to watch” by critics.
He said: “I think I’ve always been into music. I guess I started taking it seriously when I was in secondary school, around 13 or 14.
“I don’t think I went that far in music because I changed schools and that’s where I learnt guitar. Maybe if I hadn’t changed schools, I might not have gone into a music career.
“The music teacher there, Mr Ampleby, was absolutely amazing. I joined a band and did some local shows, and that’s where it really got going for me.”
Since launching his music career, he has played venues all around the UK and gained new fans after being played on Radio 1.
Hender said: “I got Best New Pop on Radio 1 not so long ago for my soft release Burn, so that was amazing.”
The singer uploaded his reaction to the news of his win on his Facebook page in January shortly after singer and DJ Mollie King announced it.
The 21-year-old said he was always around music as a child as his mum would play Motown in the house, and his four brothers could all sing.
He cites John Mayer as one of his biggest influences.
Hender said: “I got into John Mayer around the age of 13 because that was when I was learning guitar. I think I learnt his albums back to front, not only on guitar but singing, and I used to do those songs in my sets and on open mic nights.
“I grew up listening to quite a wide range of music from pop to rap, and I like all kinds of music.”
Hender went on his first UK tour in February where he opened in Manchester and finished in Glasgow.
He was most looking forward to playing London due to its iconic status, and sang nine songs at his gig, including his latest release I Don’t Mind.
He said: “I’m kind of living in each different moment. Every time something happens, I’m like ‘oh that’s so cool’. So, at the moment there are little milestones that I’m checking off.
“My first show back in North Wales was amazing. We sold out a beautiful little chapel – 250 people, I think it was.
Following the release of singles Don’t Wake Me Up, Burn, and Once Chance, Hender was excited to reveal some details about his upcoming album.
He said: “We have been working on a record for that album, but we have got singles in the pipeline. If all goes well and everything’s moving, then we’re hoping to drop the album at the end of the year… maybe?”
A Kingston graduate has become a rising top comedy star, appearing regularly as a guest on popular TV show 8 out of 10 Cats.
Comedian Harriet Kemsley, 32, first started Stand-Up in 2011 in Brighton soon after graduating with a degree in English literature.
Her appearances on the show prompted a lot of recognition online, and she soon appeared on their spinoff show, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Critics praised Kemsley and said she “outshone” other panellists including regulars Rob Beckett and Katherine Ryan, as well as reality TV star Gemma Collins.
She said: “Ha, that is very kind of them but absolutely not true. It’s amazing to do these shows because you’re on with comics at the absolute top of their game so I am just very happy to be there.”
Kemsley was painfully shy during her time at Kingston and only pursued comedy after she graduated.
She was inspired to explore stand up by her parents, Fiona and Graeme, after they watched Live At The Apollo and believed their daughter should try it.
Kemsley said: “They were like ‘stupid embarrassing things always happen to you – maybe you could make a living out of that?’
“And then I did a gig, and that was that. And now they regret it every day.”
Kemsley has taken on numerous projects over the few, including podcasts and TV shows.
When she married comedian Bobby Mair in 2017, her wedding was commissioned by Viceland for a reality TV show titled Bobby and Harriet Get Married.
She loved making the series and said: “It was absolute chaos as we got the commission six weeks before we got married, so we were writing and filming, and poorly planning a wedding all at the same time.
“We learnt so much and just cast lots of our friends. It was such a collaborative project between my husband and our friend Stu Richards and this fantastic team of super talented, funny people.”
She bases her material on real-life incidents and deals with personal issues through her comedy sets.
She said: “The best thing about being a comedian is you get to lie in, and you’re surrounded by funny people. Also, when bad things happen if you can make them funny, then you can turn them into profit.”
Kemsley won several awards at the start of her career including Funny’s Funny Female Comedian of the Year 2011 and Brighton New Act of the Year 2012.
Kemsley will be at the Edinburgh Festival in August and will then be touring a new show at the end of the year.
Known for their indie-pop style, Blossoms third album Foolish Loving Spaces sees them go down a different path as they experiment with groovy guitars, disco and electro-rock.
The five-piece from Stockport gained popularity in 2016 after releasing their colossal hit Charlemagne from their self-titled debut album.
Their newly released album showcases a joyous, gospel sound with lyrics exploring broken promises, therapy and ending relationships.
The first track, If You Think This Is Real Life, starts abruptly as frontman Tom Ogden sings over a synth piano.
Your Girlfriend is a groovy tune with soft moans of an electric guitar incorporated between verses.
The song is about the forbidden love of a friend’s girlfriend and ends with a slow drum beat and the lyrics: “I heard they got engaged today.”
Their third single, The Keeper, is piano-heavy with rhythmic yet subtle drums. It is an optimistic tune that gives a euphoric feeling when it gets to the chorus as Ogden explains he wants to “spend this life as one” with his lover.
My Swimming Brain has a cool, summer vibe to it, especially when paired with the harmonies of the backing vocals, even though the lyrics are about someone who cannot change.
For their latest project, Blossoms have delved into sounds similar to vintage alternative bands such as Talking Heads and Fleetwood Mac.
The band has previously dabbled into sounds of the 1980s by putting a fresh spin on David Bowie’s Let’s Dance at Reading Festival in 2019.
Sunday Was A Friend Of Mine emphasises that 1970s sound as it introduces a funky guitar, rhythmic bass and “ooh’s” which adds to the smooth lead vocals.
The funky vibes continue through to track six Oh No (I Think I’m In Love) as this dance-like pop number is cheesy yet catchy with a repetitive chorus that will get stuck in your head.
“Come back, Oh come back babe” is the first line in seventh track Romance, Eh? It is slower than some of the other songs, but they keep their signature guitar and indie-synth sound with soppy and pitiful lyrics.
My Vacant Days is similar to the calm and sombre My Favourite Room from their debut album. The guitar is the only instrument heard until the one-minute mark, where a piano is introduced, creating a beautiful, melodic tune.
Their ninth track Falling For Someone sounds like a soundtrack to a teen flick from the 1980s as it emphasises that dreamlike daze of being in love.
The female backing vocals add to this as they sing: “Here I lay, lost in a moment, when will I wake up?”
The last song, Like Gravity, is unlike anything Blossoms have ever done. This electro-rock track has a guitar reminiscent of noughties rock bands, and the chorus is quite similar to The Strokes 2001 song, Hard To Explain.
Overall, this is the most ambitious Blossoms have been as the band continue to grow with every album produced.
The final week of love island has been and gone, and we have only got one show until we have to face our boring, mundane lives again.
What could possibly fill this void? Hopefully, we will not be waiting too long for the summer edition of our favourite trash reality show. Tribute to Caroline Flack
Monday’s episode started with a Voiceover from presenter Iain Stirling making a tribute to his friend and co-presenter Caroline Flack. He said some beautiful words as he spoke over the scenery of waves and mountains and the show started without the theme song.
The Just Eat adverts were also replaced by the Be Kind campaign inspired by the death of Flack. Noticeably missing from the episode was Stirling’s loud Scottish voice and sharp tongue as the crew paid their respects.
Baby challenge!
Once again, viewers were graced with the gift of watching the islanders try to take care of fake babies. This challenge is always entertaining, and we get an insight into what our islanders would be like as parents.
We discovered that Jamie, Ched and Callum are great single dads, Mike and Priscilla are the perfect parents and Luke T and Siânnise were robbed. How did they fail that challenge?
It’s the challenge we’ve all been waiting for… #LoveIsland
Jamie was especially funny in this challenge as he failed to put the brakes on the pram, sending it hurtling into the pool, then later stated that the baby had no feelings “just like his mum” Natalia, who said she “doesn’t trust the baby”.
Double dumping
After the baby challenge, couples had to vote on who they thought was the least compatible couple and unsurprisingly, every couple was voted for apart from audience favourites, Siânnise and Luke T, and Paige and Finn.
In the end, it was Natalia and Jamie (no surprise there) who were voted off first. Natalia made it painfully obvious that Jamie is not the one for her, so I doubt they will meet up on the outside.
Next to leave was Molly and Callum. This seemed to shake up the villa as Callum was one of two original male islanders left, but I am hopeful that this couple could make things work on the outside.
Final dates
The final five couples then embarked on their final dates of the series. Each date was unique and romantic, and all couples spoke about their futures together as Mike and Priscilla became boyfriend and girlfriend, Paige and Finn spoke about moving in together, and Siânnise and Luke T dropped the L bomb.
Jess and Ched also became exclusive, and Demi and Luke M planned future dates and spoke about travelling together. They all seemed to become stronger after their dates, and you could definitely feel the love in the villa.
Our hearts could not help but melt at all these adorable couples, and this may be one of the first series where all the remaining couples can actually see a future together.
Talent show
Where do we even start with this… We saw dancing, guitar-playing, singing, drumming and quizzing but it was the choreographed jazzercise routine by Jess and Ched that won the talent show and ultimately- a night in the hideaway.
Another staple of Love Island, this episode is always highly emotional and sweet. It was lovely to see all the islanders parents come in and greet their children as well as meeting their kids other half. All the parents seemed to get on with the couples, and Luke T’s mum even said that she “loves” Siânnise!
Get you someone who looks at you the way Eve looks at Jess #LoveIsland
Even Jess’s somewhat forgotten twin Eve turned up to have a catch up with her sister and meet Ched. It was unusual to see Jess back with her sister after weeks apart.
Unfortunately, not every couple can make it to the final, so one couple was booted out on Friday night. Priscilla and Mike were the latest couple to leave, but at least they are going together as boyfriend and girlfriend.
Final four
Jess & Ched – These two are lovable, funny and a great match. I am hopeful that this could work on the outside as they seem to bounce off each other, especially after they won the talent show.
Demi & Luke M –Perhaps the most smiley couple to ever grace the villa, these two cuties won over viewers after realising their feelings for each other. Their date was romantic, and they keep growing.
Paige & Finn –The longest-running couple in the villa, these two had an instant connection when hunky Finn entered the villa. They have had many ups and downs, but they are perfect for each other, and we expect them to last on the outside.
Siânnise & Luke T –Probably twitter’s favourite couple, these two bring joy, laughter and entertainment to the show. Like Paige and Finn, they have had their ups and downs, but they solidified their title of the best couple after THAT dance routine in the talent show.
What is in store for our last four couples? Who will leave with £50,000? Who will stay together when they get back to the UK? All I can say is that I will miss these gorgeous couples when the show finishes.
meganrobinson 