Celebrity & Style Mag

Thursday 8 May 2014

Jennifer Lopez on divorce, new love and how her twins helped her 'grow as a human being'

It's been a tough few years since her split from husband Marc Anthony in 2011.

But Jennifer Lopez has revealed: 'I wouldn't change anything because it's made me who I am.'

The 44-year-old pop star admitted that she 'went through a tremendous low' after her break up, in an interview with People.

Putting it out there: Jennifer Lopez, seen at the iHeartRadio Awards in Los Angeles on May 1, talked about love and personal growth since splitting with ex-husband Marc Anthony in 2011, in an interview with People

In fact, although Marc filed for divorce in April 2012, J-Lo didn't return the final divorce papers until last December after protracted negotiations.

However, ending the seven-year marriage allowed her to 'take a look at what was going on' in her life.

'As women we can sometimes give ourselves away. I was certainly guilty of that for some time. Now I realize I am good on my own, so now I can share my life with somebody.'

Power couple: The 44-year-old, pictured with Marc in 2011 before the rift, said of the tumultuous past few years, 'I wouldn't change a thing because it's made me who I am'

And that somebody is her choreographer and backing dancer Casper Smart, 27, who has been her beau for the past three years - and has become a favourite with her six-year-old twins Emme and Max.

'Having my babies allowed me to realize what real unconditional love was,' the beautiful brunette told People. Of motherhood she said, 'I just feel like I went through a real growth spurt as a human being.'

J-Lo, who has been married three times, addresses love and past relationships on her tenth studio album A.K.A., due for release on June 17.

New kid on the block: J-Lo has found love with 27-year-old choreographer and backing dancer Casper Smart

The star posted the cover on Instagram on Monday and shared the lyric video of her new single, First Love.

In it she croons: 'See I know a little bit something good, Always comes out of a little bit something bad, And I wasn’t looking for someone new, 'Till you came down.'

The chorus continues: 'I wish you were my first love, ‘Cause if you were first, Baby there wouldn’t have been no second, third or fourth love.'

Family man: Casper joined Jennifer and her six-year-old twins Max and Emme on a shopping trip

Jennifer will become the first female recipient of the Icon Award at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards, airing May 18 on ABC.

As well as her busy music career, the singer is a television producer and judge on American Idol.

And she has three film projects coming up, Lila & Eve, The Boy Next Door and Home

Red hot and ready for release: The star's new album, A.K.A, is due out on June 17

Bearded Austrian drag queen splits opinion ahead of first Eurovision performance with song Rise Like A Phoenix

She is yet to perform in the Eurovision Song Contest semi-final, but already bearded Austrian drag queen Conchita Wurst has found herself in the spotlight.

The alter ego of 25-year-old Thomas Neuwirth has both shocked and won over audiences by challenging stereotypes of masculine and feminine beauty with her song Rise Like A Phoenix.

The transvestite has also faced a barrage of homophobic and transphobic attacks from within her own country and from other countries including Russia, Armenia and Belarus, who branded the contest a 'hotbed of sodomy', the BBC has reported.

Challenging views: Bearded Austrian drag queen Conchita Wurst, pcitured during rehearsals, has found herself in the spotlight ahead of the EurovisionSong Contest semifinal

'I can only say thank you for your attention. If this is only about me and my person, I can live with it', Wurst said about her critics in emails with The Associated Press.
'You know, I have a very thick skin. It's just strange that a little facial hair causes that much excitement.'
Speaking ahead of the semifinal in Copenhagen on Thursday, she added: 'I have to add that 80 percent of the autograph requests that I get are from Russia and eastern Europe — and that's what is important to me'.

'Excitement': The alter ego of 25-year-old Thomas Neuwirth has both shocked and won over audiences by challenging stereotypes with her song Rise like a Phoenix

The European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the event, has not received any formal complaints from the participating broadcasters, spokesman Jarmo Siim said.

Neuwirth, who was born in Gmunden, central Austria, entered show business eight years ago, taking part in an Austrian TV talent show.

After joining a boy band that quickly broke up, Neuwirth first appeared as Wurst in another talent show in 2011. She has also taken part in two reality shows, including one where candidates had to survive in the Namibian desert with native tribes.

Backlash: The transvestite has also faced a barrage of homophobic and transphobic attacks from within her own country and from other countries including Russia, Armenia and Belarus

Thick skin: The drag queen was pictured partying with Tijana Dapcevic who is representing F.Y.R. Macedonia and Conchita during the show on Tuesday

As she prepared for her performance in Copenhagen, Wurst said she wasn't paying much attention to the controversy about her.
'Hey, I'm just a singer in a fabulous dress, with great hair and a beard,' she also told AP.

Contest watchers believe Wurst will advance from the second semifinal this week, while Armenia, Azerbaijan, Malta and Hungary's New York-born singer Andras Kallay-Saunders also considered strong contenders.

The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in the Danish capital on May 10.

UK hopeful Molly Smitten-Downes, who will perform Children of the Universe, is one of the big five acts who automatically qualifies for the final alongside France, Germany, Italy, Spain and host Denmark.

Peter Barlow gets into a fight with Steve McDonald after turning up drunk to Tina McIntyre's funeral

The Coronation Street cast looked far from sombre as they filmed Tina McIntyre's funeral on Tuesday.

However the scene was a different one the following day as tempers appeared frayed when a seemingly drunk Peter Barlow turned up to pay his respects.

Clutching a bottle in one hand, the character - who was having an affair with Tina before she was murdered - appeared to get into a scuffle with Steve McDonald who tries to calm him down.

Is guilt driving him to drink? Peter Barlow clutches a bottle as he arrives at Tina McIntyre's funeral, as the cast film scenes on Monday

Out of my way: Steve McDonald tries to step in as Peter, played by Chris Gascoyne, tries to get closer to the graveside

Peter, played by actor Chris Gascoyne, tries to move his friend out of the way in attempt to get closer to the graveside where her family and friends are stood.

Eva Price, Gail Platt and her son David are amongst the mourners who were seen flashing forlorn looks to each other and wiping away their tears.

Catherine Tyldesley was left sheltering from the rain in a large orange coat in between scenes, before throwing on a rain hood as well.

Mourning: Peter was having an affair with Tina, played by Michelle Keegan, before she was murdered in scenes yet to air in the soap

In a hurry: Peter tried to push past Steve, however his pal appeared to have a firm hold of him

A friend in need: However all seemed well later as the pair hugged in the graveyard while the rain poured down

The 30-year-old was even spotted being given a pair of fluffy pink slippers by a crew member, which looked out of place with her smart black dress.

She tweeted in the evening to say: 'Pooped!!! Looooong, cold day'.

Ryan Thomas (Jason Grimshaw), Alan Halsall (Tyrone Dobbs), Marc Bayliss (Rob Donovon), Alison King (Carla Barlow) and Jenny McAlpine (Fiz Stape) were also required for the scenes.

Yvonne Strahovskias wows in 1980s two-tone dress

She stars as a CIA field operative in upcoming miniseries 24: Live Another Day.

But there was nothing secretive about Yvonne Strahovskias on Tuesday night as she was seen departing the premiere of the action series at Old Billingsgate Market in London.

The blonde beauty appeared to have enjoyed the season as she couldn't stop smiling while exiting the building.

All smiles: Yvonne Strahovskias showcased her slim pins in a 1980s-inspired two-tone dress as she left the 24: Live Another Day premiere

Blonde beauty: The star, who plays Kate Morgan in the miniseries, couldn't stop smiling as she departed Old Billingsgate Market in London

Yvonne - who plays Kate Morgan in the movie – showcased her slim pins in a 1980s-inspired two-tone dress.

She was joined by several co-stars at the event including leading man Kiefer Sutherland, who plays main character Jack Bauer in the TV series.

Yvonne's fellow female star Emily Berrington was also in attendance at the premiere and was seen leaving the event later on Tuesday.

The flame-haired beauty - who rose to prominence as Jane Shore, one of King Edward IV mistresses in BBC drama The White Queen - also opted to showcase her slim pins by wearing a pale lace dress

ustin Timberlake looks casual as he leaves Copenhagen hotel with his wavy-haired mom Lynn ahead of gig

He famously had a full head of blonde curls during his days in boyband 'N Sync.

However, despite now preferring a much shorter style, Justin Timberlake undoubtedly gets his trademark 'do from his mother Lynn after they stepped out together on Tuesday.

Keeping his own hair hidden underneath a black woolly hat, the 33-year-old's mom's wavy mane was hard to miss as she left with her son.

Not a bad thing: Justin Timberlake gave fans a wave as he left Copenhagen's D'angletere Hotel on Tuesday with his prior to his concert at Parken Stadium

It's in the genes! It was obvious where the singer got his famous wavy locks from after his mother Lynn stepped out of the hotel

The Suit & Tie crooner gave fans a wave as he made his way to Denmark's Parken Stadium ahead of his gig later that evening.

Opting for a casual ensemble, Justin teamed a grey hoodie with a beige pair of chinos, before throwing on a stylish black coat on over the top.

He excitably tweeted a snap of his latest venue, writing: 'Parken from the top. Copenhagen. 5:30pm...'

His shocked face: The 33-year-old however kept his hair hidden under a black hat for his outing, while opting for very casual attire

Where's your Suit & Tie? The heartthrob opted for a grey hoodie and beige chinos, before keeping out the cold in a stylish, black jacket

He finished off his low-key outfit with a white pair of hi-top trainers, which looked as though they might not have been worn before.

Justin is famously close to his parents, especially his mother, who was even his date to the 83rd Academy Awards three years ago.

She is also thought to be one of his managers, and he previously said: 'My mother has been there so much for me, and has helped me level things out when things got crazy'.

Myleene Klass styles her hair into a braided updo as she leaves the ITV studios in a floral dress

Myleene Klass is known for her flowing brunette hair, but on Wednesday she pulled it back into a braided updo.

The Loose Women host complemented her Heidi-esque look with a floral dress as she left the ITV studios.
Myleene certainly seemed to enjoy filming the show earlier, as she got to chat about motherhood with Lily Allen.

Pretty: Myleene Klass styles her hair into a braided updo

Klass grabbed a quick picture with the Sheezus singer and posted it to her Instagram account.

‘Life's about film stars and less about mothers...except today!’ the presenter wrote with the snap.

Myleene, who has two daughters Hero and Ava, got to meet Lily’s little girl Ethel, who had accompanied her mother to the studio.

Summery: The Loose Women host wore a floral dress and towering nude heels on Wednesday

Glamorous: Myleene wore a pair of black shades and carried a quilted Chanel bag to complete her look

Talking to Klass on the show, Allen said she is thrilled to be invited to big events like the Met Gala but insisted they aren't 'fun' and that she would rather spend time with pals.

'It's not a night out with your friends, it's not fun, everyone is like lets pose for the camera and is a little bit stiff', Lily added.

Myleene, who was formerly a member of Hear’say, has taken a step back into the pop world by collaborating with Basement Jaxx.

Rihanna goes demure in pink dress at the Dior Cruise Fashion Show in Brooklyn

She's about as famous for her scantily-clad ensembles as her catchy pop songs.

But racy Rihanna donned quite a demure pink dress at the Dior Cruise Fashion Show in Brooklyn Wednesday.

The 26-year-old tattooed diva looked ladylike in the short-sleeved silky frock, which she paired with Dior pumps, purse, and jewelry.

Covered up for once: Racy Rihanna donned quite a demure pink dress at the Dior Cruise Fashion Show in Brooklyn Wednesday

The seven-time Grammy winner grinned as she showcased the French brand's pearl earrings, silver cuff with matching necklace, and the pearl cuff retails at $1,500 - according to Rihanna Overdose.

It was a far more conservative Rihanna than fans saw at Monday's Up & Down after-party (gold slinky gown) and Met Gala (white Stella McCartney).

Riri - born Robyn Fenty - managed to flash both her sideboob and derriere while rocking the backless creation.

The selfie enthusiast took a social hit Monday when her Instagram account mysteriously disappeared.

Pretty in pink: The 26-year-old tattooed diva looked ladylike in the short-sleeved silky frock, which she paired with Dior pumps, purse, and jewelry

Margot Robbie wears low key look showcasing her slim legs the morning after THAT eyebrow-raising Met Gala outfit

Margot Robbie looks pleased to be back in casual clothes.
The Wolf Of Wall Street actress was spotted leaving the Mark Hotel in New York on Tuesday, the morning after she attended the Met Gala in a questionable red carpet ensemble.
The 23-year-old former Neighbours actress looked comfortable in a chic off-duty outfit of white blouse, black skinny jeans and a pair of black heeled boots.
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The morning after: Australian actress Margot Robbie was dressed in a casual outfit in New York on Tuesday - the day after she wore a complicated shocker to the Met Gala

Off-duty style: The 23-year-old was dressed in a simple white blouse, black skinny jeans and boots and carried a large black handbag as she left her hotel

Ms Bleakley shows off her muscular arms in a sleeveless peach blouse at the ITV studios

She said four years ago that she was cutting back on the gym so she didn’t end up with ‘Madonna arms’.

But Christine Bleakley - who is engaged to Chelsea footballer Frank Lampard - still looked pretty muscular when she left ITV studios on Wednesday.

The TV presenter showed off her toned arms in a sleeveless top after co-presenting This Morning.

Welcome to the gun show: Christine Bleakley shows off her toned arms as she leaves the ITV studios

In 2010, Christine built up her triceps and biceps while training for a 22-mile water-ski across the Channel for Sport Relief.

‘I couldn’t have done the challenge without the training, but I was pure muscle,’ Christine said in 2012 as she released her fitness DVD The Christine Bleakley: Work out. ‘I had the thickest legs, and my arms bulked up like a builder. I was very aware of them!

‘It was just amazing how it changed my body. It was six months of probably the toughest training that I’ll ever do, and as soon as the challenge was over, I stopped exercising for a few weeks and let everything go down.

Christy Turlington treats herself to a visit to a hair salon in New York

She’s a top model who’s used to looking polished.

And evidently wanting to look her best, Christy Turlington treated herself to a haircut in New York's trendy Tribeca neighbourhood.

The original supermodel, 45, left the salon with bouncy hair, which was styled into a side-parting and soft curls.

Looking great: Model Christy Turlington gets her hair done at a salon in Tribeca, New York City

The model, who represented Calvin Klein for some 20 years, looked as stylish as ever, wearing a grey and white, art-inspired dress in an irregular striped design.

The frock featured a statement hemline with a draped effect, while Christy completed her outfit with a large black tote bag and simple black and beige sandals.

Meanwhile, the star has recently been unveiled as the face of beauty supplement brand Imedeen to become its global ambassador.

Pampering: Christy's hair was pinned up and trimmed before it was styled into curls

Padma Lakshmi opts for elegant midnight blue halterneck (and NO accessories) as she joins Tyra Banks at Flawsome Ball 2014

Sports Illustrated models new and old dominated proceedings at the Flawsome Ball in Manhattan, but Padma Lakshmi caught the eye as she made an entrance at the event on Tuesday evening.

The 43-year-old actress and cookbook author opted for a midnight blue evening dress that clung to her slender frame as she posed for photos at swish Wall Street venue Cipriani Club 55 as proceedings got underway.

Padma’s sleeveless outfit showed off a pair of nicely toned arms, and the actress ensured it dominated by choosing to forgo accessories ahead of her night out.

Standing out: Padma Lakshmi caught the eye as she attended the 2014 Flawsome Ball with host Tyra Banks in New York City on Tuesday evening

With her use of make-up subtle and limited, the Top Chef host’s overall look was minimal and considered – thus guaranteeing she stood out on a red carpet overflowing with otherwise vibrant ensembles.

Padma was joined at the event by model Chrissy Teigen, with whom she posed for a fun snap that eventually found its way onto her Twitter account.

A tweet accompanying the shot, which finds Teigen licking the TV personality’s ear, reads: ‘Me and this girl…’

Looking good: TV personality Padma, 43, opted for a striking blue halterneck gown and no accessories for her night out at the annual event

Me and this girl: A fun snap with model Chrissy Teigen found its way onto Padma's Twitter account on Tuesday evening

Taking centre stage at the event was host Tyra Banks, who sported a glittering gold down.

While Teigen is this year's Sports Illustrated covergirl, Tyra took the cover spot 17 years ago in 1997.

The two-time Emmy winner is famed for bringing self-coined terms like 'smize,' 'booty tooch,' and 'flawsome' to the mainstream.

So it was easy for Banks to name her latest bash for the TZONE Foundation program, which benefits the Lower Eastside Girls Center.

Bohemian Jade Jagger opens gem of a store in New Bond Street as she goes upmarket

She's Rolling Stone Sir Mick Jagger's daughter and boho chic has always been the name of the game for jewellery designer Jade.

But the pregnant entrepreneur has wound down her cool Notting Hill store and opened up in smart New Bond Street days after attending the memorial service of her father's partner, L'Wren Scott.

The daughter of Mick’s first wife, Nicaraguan beauty Bianca, flung open the doors to her by-appointment London showroom on Tuesday and appeared delighted with the new venture with support from A-Lister Joley Richardson.

Sparkly launch: Jewellery designer Jade Jagger (left) gets support from pal Joely Richardson at opening of the new Jade Jagger store in New Bond Street on Tuesday

No doubt she will appreciate a little less time working on the shop floor as she prepares for the births of both her first grandchild and her own third child.

Looking swell to say the least, Jade, 42, wore a black loose silk top over her bump, a sequined navy jacket, and pretty blue flats. And, of course, she strung a blue gem from her exclusive collection around her neck.

Meanwhile, actress Joley, 49, sported a red stone ring and wore a glittering silver top, leggings and flesh-coloured ballet pumps to the pristine atelier.

A-list support: Jade is joined by Hollywood star Joely at the launch of the new 'Jade Jagger' showroom in New Bond Street

Jade, a former creative director of jewellers Garrard, has been supporting her father in recent weeks as he grieves the death of Ms Scott who tragically took her life.
She accompanied him to the designer's funeral in Manhatten, New York, in March, and has been keeping a low work profile since.

Her baby by DJ husband Adrian Fillary is due soon, while her daughter, homeopath Assisi, 21, is expecting her own child at the same time.

Kerry Katona breaks down as she recalls terrifying moment daughter Dylan-Jorge Rose stopped breathing in first TV appearance since birth

Kerry Katona broke down in tears as she relived the terrifying moments she and daughter Dylan-Jorge Rose almost died in labour.

Fighting back tears, the former Atomic Kitten singer told ITV's This Morning how an epidural sent her body into 'some kind of weird out-of-body experience' and left her daughter struggling to breathe.

Cradling the one-month-old baby in her arms as she sat beside fiance George Kay, Kerry, 33, said: 'They put her on my chest and something just didn't feel right... the baby's not breathing, so they took her off me.

Distressing: Kerry Katona, sitting beside fiance George and cradling baby daughter Dylan-Jorge Rose, told This Morning how the traumatic birth nearly claimed both their lives

'A crash team came and took her off me and she completely died,' the teary singer explained.

The star revealed how her newborn was revived by emergency doctors while she suffered post birth complications.

'I started contracting on the Thursday evening and was really excited... my waters went, had fun with the gas and air... it was really bonding for us both - and then I decided to have an epidural.'

She told hosts Christine Bleakley and Holly Willoughby: 'It was like I passed out but I know I passed out. I could still hear everyone else talking and I really wish I hadn't had the epidural.'

Kerry Katona shows off baby number five after traumatic birth

How big brand shops and restaurants sell ritually slaughtered meat - but don't label it

Supermarkets and restaurant chains are selling halal meat to millions of customers without telling them.
The switch to slaughtering animals in line with Islamic ritual saves money because the end product can be eaten by Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
More than 70 per cent of all New Zealand lamb in supermarkets is from halal abattoirs – a fact not stated on labelling. Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Waitrose and Marks & Spencer all confirmed yesterday they sell the imported meat.

It also emerged that all chicken served by Pizza Express is halal – something made clear only on the company's website.
Chains including Domino's, GBK, Nando's, KFC, Ask and Slug & Lettuce use halal meat in some dishes, mainly chicken, and locations.
When contacted by the Mail yesterday, many of the restaurants were reluctant to discuss the issue. Only Subway and KFC overtly label halal meat products on their menus.
Other chains directed us towards their websites where information was included but hard to find. Subway has removed ham and bacon from almost 200 fast food outlets and switched to halal alternatives in an attempt to woo Muslim customers.
In conventional slaughterhouses, cows, sheep and chicken are stunned, usually with an electric shock, to ensure they are unconscious before their throats are cut.
This minimises suffering but in most Muslim countries halal animals are not stunned.

This technique has been condemned as cruel by experts on the Farm Animal Welfare Council, the Humane Slaughter Association and the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe. Muslim religious leaders have responded to these concerns by allowing halal animals to be stunned before they are killed.

Sheep carcases hang on hooks awaiting distribution at a halal slaughterhouse in Birmingham (file picture)

However 19 per cent of halal sheep are not pre-stunned along with 16 per cent of cattle and 12 per cent of poultry. Jewish religious authorities deny cruelty and refuse to allow pre-stunning for kosher food.
The British Retail Consortium, which represents supermarkets, claims there is no need to label meat such as New Zealand lamb as halal if it comes from animals that are pre-stunned.

Andrew Opie, its director of food, said: 'As the overwhelming majority of meat sold in UK supermarkets is own brand and from animals that have been stunned prior to slaughter we do not see the requirement to separately label meat based on the method of slaughter.
'However, if the Government believes there is a need for more information on meat for those animals that have not been pre-stunned we would be happy to have further discussion in the context of animal welfare.'
But Peter Stevenson, of Compassion in World Farming, said: 'We don't believe that religious freedom should extend to the point of causing unnecessary suffering.
'If you are going to have an exemption to normal rules for religious slaughter, then we believe that meat should be labelled when it gets into the wider food chain.'
The British Veterinary Association and the RSPCA want a new labelling system to spell out whether an animal has been stunned or not.
They have set up an ePetition on the Government's website in the hope of getting 100,000 signatures to ensure a debate in Parliament.

Graphic: Last month, undercover investigators secretly filmed inside a halal abattoir near Banham, Norfolk, as more than 100 sheep appeared to writhe in agony after being ritually killed

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