Dancing On Ice legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean break silence on retirement – Daily Star

Dancing on Ice legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have dropped a bombshell, revealing they’ll hang up their skates for good after one final live TV performance. The pair, who’ve bagged an impressive haul of 16 gold medals in their time, bowed out of competitive skating back in ’98.

But it’s their unforgettable Bolero at the ’84 Sarajevo Winter Olympics that still has 24 million Brits spellbound, etching their names into telly history.

Since 2006, the dynamic duo has been dazzling us on Dancing on Ice, but now they reckon it’s time to take a bow. “This will be our last live skate – here on Dancing on Ice,” Chris revealed to the Mirror.

And with a farewell tour on the cards, he added: “We’re doing our last tour this year as well so once we’ve finished our last skate on tour, we won’t be performing again. There are lots of endings.”

At the ripe age of 66, Chris is ready to wrap up his and Jayne’s epic 50-year stint on the ice. “We’ve been doing it a long time and people our age shouldn’t be doing it now,” he confessed. “So we’re just happy that we can still do it.”

While they’re stepping away from the spotlight, the iconic twosome won’t vanish from the show entirely – they’re sticking around as judges, rubbing shoulders with Diversity’s Ashley Banjo and ex-Strictly sensation Oti Mabuse.

Jayne conveyed her deep connection to the show, stating: “Dancing on Ice feels like our baby because we were approached by ITV in the early days and we came up with this format together of how it might work.”

She also shared the collaborative spirit that underpinned the show’s development, adding: “We didn’t know much about TV but they didn’t know how skating works so together, the programme developed and it’s great that we were there from the beginning.”

Christopher revealed an intriguing activity he has taken up post-skating, sharing: “I’ve taken up beekeeping. It sounds like a good thing to do. It just sounds so idyllic. It’s outdoors, it’s gentle.”

In the latest instalment of Dancing on Ice, hosted by the dazzling duo Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern, viewers are being wowed by contestants including EastEnders’ star Charlie Brooks, former football ace Anton Ferdinand, reality TV’s Mollie Pearce from The Traitors, wildlife guru Michaela Strachan, and rowing legend Steve Redgrave.

Jayne and Chris have both praised this year’s high level of competition, specifically citing Corrie’s Sam Aston as one to watch.

“Sam has taken to it quite naturally,” declared Chris, while Jayne applauded another contestant’s approach, enthusing: “I was impressed by Anton as well. I like his attitude because of his football background.”

UK superstar invited to perform at star-studded Brit Awards at O2 arena

SHE ripped up the rulebook last year with her bold album.

And now Charli XCX is preparing to turn the Brit Awards into the Brat Awards.

I can reveal the singer has been invited to perform at the star-studded music ceremony at London’s O2 arena in March.

A source said: “Charli has become the poster girl for British music, and her album Brat was a global phenomenon.

“She was even involved with US politics after presidential candidate Kamala Harris rebranded her social media last year, using the same font and lime green colour as Charli’s Brat album.

“Her music became the soundtrack of 2024.”

A source added: “Charli will no doubt be up for plenty of awards in March after she was nominated for British Pop Act at last year’s Brit Awards even before the hugely successful Brat album hit the scene in June.”

Charli — who is also the face of clothing brand Acne Studios — inspired a messy, party-girl aesthetic last year following the release of her album.

Fans dubbed it a “brat summer” after ditching their clean-living lifestyles for partying into the early hours — inspired by the lyrics from the album.

In the song 365, Charli sings: “No, I never go home, don’t sleep, don’t eat. Just do it on repeat.”

Of what it means to be “brat”, Charli said: “It’s like this girl who goes to a rave and she is wearing a tank top.

“You can kind of see her nipples through it and she is sweaty but she is hot and she is dancing with her friends.”

Charli — real name Charlotte Emma Aitchison — landed her first UK No1 as a lead artist last year with her song Guess, featuring Billie Eilish from the remix version of Brat.

Thanking her team for the success of the album, Charli wrote: “Even when I’m being an absolute nightmare, you still stand by me and make me feel comfortable to be myself.”

I can only hope that I get a ticket to Charli’s Brits after-party.

LOVE ISLAND All Stars contestant Ekin-Su Culculoglu only agreed to take part in the show because producers promised not to bring in her ex Davide Sanclimenti.

Sources on the series say it was written into her contract with ITV that Davide – with whom she won Love Island in 2022 and collected a £50,000 prize – would not be approached to take part.

Now Davide is said to be angry Ekin-Su is will be up in lights again, as he fears what she will say about him on the show, which starts tomorrow, without him having an opportunity to hit back at her claims.

A source said: “Ekin-Su was heavily courted by the Love Island producers so she knew how much they wanted her and felt in a strong position to bargain.

“As well as getting a great deal financially, she made it a stipulation in her contract that there was to be no surprise appearance from Davide.

“The idea of him suddenly appearing in the villa, as a bombshell surprise, filled her with dread.”

But another source said: “Davide is furious about Ekin-Su’s decision to join Love Island All Stars.

“He feels like it’s a slap in the face – especially since he had already turned down the opportunity himself because it didn’t feel right. They’re no longer together but this has still hit a nerve for Davide.

“He feels like Ekin-Su’s decision shows a lack of emotional empathy, not just for him but for everything they went through as a couple.”

Ekin-Su and Davide first split in June 2023, after a year together, but quickly reunited before finally breaking up for good in January last year following her stint on The Traitors US.

Speaking in August, Ekin-Su said: “It was a toxic relationship that left a lot of emotional scars, but it’s all about looking forward now, and enjoying life.

“I wish Davide nothing but happiness.”

Looks like there will be plenty of All Stars drama off-screen as well as on.

FISHMONGER-turned-reality star Luca Bish said was in a “dark” place following his first stint on Love Island.

Luca was accused of “controlling behaviour” towards Gemma Owen, the daughter of former footie ace Michael, during the 2022 series.

Ahead of returning to the villa in South Africa on the spin-off series tomorrow, he said: “I was wrong and in the villa you might believe you were right.

“But on the outside it is not what people are seeing and it is not what I thought when the situation was happening.

“I was in two weeks’ quarantine – in total I was out there for over ten weeks, and just by the end I would say I probably wasn’t the same version of myself as on the outside.

“I was away from everyone I trust and care about. It was just a dark time for me towards the end, if I am honest.”

HAVING whipped up a storm in New York and Sydney, Titanique has finally washed up in London’s West End.

But it was worth the wait, as this camp 100-minute parody of James Cameron’s 1997 movie packs quite the punch and will have everyone cracking a smile.

It hilariously weaves in Celine Dion as a central character, played by Lauren Drew and is littered with her hits, while the talented cast stun with their energetic jokes and impressive pipes.

Running until the end of March, so don’t miss the boat.

Speaking at RuPaul’s DragCon UK 2025, the Welsh star said: “That was something I hold really dear to my heart because I wanted to open up that dialogue for other queens and trans icons.”

Maria review – Angelina Jolie excels as tragic Callas

Jolie goes full-blown diva in Pablo Larraín’s reverential portrait of the great soprano – a thoroughly operatic affair steeped in hauteur and grief

The final film in Chilean director Pablo Larraín’s triptych of portraits of wealthy, influential, melancholy women, Maria stars a magnetic Angelina Jolie as autocratic, temperamental soprano Maria Callas. Like Jackie and Spencer it’s a film about grief. But what Callas mourns, in the week leading up to her death in September 1977, is not a husband, as with Jackie Kennedy, or a marriage, as with Diana, Princess of Wales, but the loss of her younger self: the celebrated prima donna whose career broke records and whose voice broke hearts.

Naturally, Maria is steeped in opera. It’s present in the mise-en-scène, which turns the streets of 70s Paris into a grand stage, complete with full orchestra and chorus. La Divina, Jolie-style, is as much a performance as a person – a diva who never encountered a rococo staircase she couldn’t imperiously sweep down. There are operatic levels of drama, too, in the costume choices: fur, brocade and anything that can be swished are favoured.

Mostly, though, it’s a film about the music itself: recordings of Callas’s unique voice are blended with Jolie’s own singing. A few quirky fantasy elements and stylistic garnishes notwithstanding, Larraín’s approach to the Callas legend is reverential, almost to the point of open worship. Non-opera fans may find their tolerance tested.

Music vies with Aristotle Onassis (Haluk Bilginer, in flashbacks) for the title of significant other. Onassis, the film suggests, was Callas’s love, but music was her passion, her reason for living and, in a suitably operatic fictional flourish, her companion in death.

Wildcats Roar: Arizona Aims to Keep Momentum Against Resilient UCF Knights

Arizona’s Wildcats are on a tear—riding high with a season-best five-game winning streak as they gear up to face the UCF Knights in Tucson this Saturday. After a rocky start that saw them drop their only true road game to Wisconsin, the Wildcats have turned the tide, showcasing grit and determination against ranked opponents from the Big 12. Their latest victories? A heart-pounding 72-67 upset against No. 16 Cincinnati followed by a commanding 75-56 triumph over No. 21 West Virginia, both of which were emphatic statements about the team’s upward trajectory.

Coach Tommy Lloyd has been instrumental in this transformation, guiding his squad as they embrace accountability on the court. “Our guys have been getting better ever since the Bahamas,” Lloyd remarked, reflecting on the team’s growth since their return from the Battle 4 Atlantis event, where they suffered an overtime loss to the Mountaineers. “It’s been kind of just figuring it out,” he continued, underscoring the importance of constant adaptation both for him as a coach and for the players as they navigate the challenges of the season.

Notably, the Wildcats have tightened their defense considerably. They’ve limited their opponents to a mere 61.7 points per game over the last seven outings—compared to the 73.7 points surrendered in the early part of the season. Lloyd attributes this shift to their improved ball-handling and the ability to stifle fast breaks. “We’re finding when we take care of the ball, and we don’t give up runouts, our defense is pretty good in the half court,” he stated, a sentiment that has been echoed through the team’s recent performances.

On the other side of the court, UCF is looking to rebound from a staggering defeat to Kansas—yes, that brutal 99-48 whipping—but the Knights found their footing again by narrowly edging past Colorado with a 75-74 win. Coach Johnny Dawkins proclaimed, “It was huge for our guys,” acknowledging the mental fortitude required to regroup after such a heavy loss. Fifth-year guard Jordan Ivy-Curry has played a pivotal role in UCF’s resurgence, clocking in with 22 points against Colorado and proving essential to the team’s scoring depth. With Ivy-Curry averaging 15.4 points per game, alongside Keyshawn Hall, who is just a shade ahead at 15.6 points and 6.6 rebounds a game, UCF aims to present a formidable challenge to Arizona.

However, it’s not all roses for the Wildcats. Caleb Love, their leading scorer at 15.8 points a game, is battling a shooting slump—currently hitting just 30.3 percent from beyond the arc. As the team moves forward, his performance will be crucial, particularly against a UCF squad looking to exploit any weaknesses.

Both teams carry the pressure of expectations into this matchup, with Arizona hoping to solidify their position in the Big 12 while UCF aims for a statement victory to regain lost momentum. It’s a test of not just skill, but will—one that promises to deliver high stakes and intense competition.

Japan’s Strategic Shift: Strengthening Bonds with Indonesia Amidst China’s Shadow

There’s a palpable shift in the winds of diplomatic engagement in Southeast Asia, as Japan’s leaders embark on a mission to fortify bonds with their Indonesian counterparts. This isn’t merely a diplomatic nicety—it’s a strategic pivot aimed at balancing the growing shadow of China in the region. When Yoshihide Ishiba—Japan’s formidable political figure—stepped onto Indonesian soil, he brought with him more than just handshakes; he carried a promise of enhanced defense and energy collaboration that reverberates across the geopolitical landscape.,During his discussions, Ishiba articulated a clear message: Japan is committed to reinforcing its presence in Southeast Asia, a market teeming with potential—a staggering $3 trillion and home to nearly 700 million people. As he noted, his visit signals Tokyo’s desire to “boost engagement” in a region where both opportunity and tension exist, especially given the complex dynamics of China’s expanding influence.,In what could be considered a significant move, Japan plans to supply Indonesia with a patrol vessel through a grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. This agreement, inked back in December, epitomizes the growing military and logistical cooperation between the two nations. As Ishiba stated, “This step is crucial as we fortify our security partnerships against common challenges.”,But the wind doesn’t stop blowing there. Ishiba’s two-day excursion to Malaysia—the ink still fresh on the treaty—also emphasized cooperation in renewable energy. Discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim encompassed not only energy but also serious talks around the South China Sea, an area that’s drawn the lines of conflict sharper than ever. The South China Sea isn’t just a body of water; it’s a critical artery for global commerce where around 37% of the world’s maritime crude traverses its routes.,The stakes are alarmingly high. China, the heavyweight in this arena, has long sought to assert dominance, claiming a vast expanse of this important maritime corridor based on a nebulous map dating back to the 1940s—an assertion rejected by a United Nations tribunal and many nations watching the developments unfold with wary eyes. As the regional bloc, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), grapples with the allure of Chinese investments, there’s an undercurrent of trepidation regarding Chinese assertiveness.,Let’s not forget the context—China currently reigns as the leading trading partner for ASEAN with a staggering $911.7 billion in trade as of 2023, while Japan finds itself in fourth spot. But the tides may be turning; as Southeast Asian nations navigate the fine line between economic benefits and autonomy, Japan’s commitment to bolstering ties in the region could mark a new chapter in this ongoing saga of power dynamics.,As Ishiba prepares for a series of crucial phone calls with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and U.S. President Joe Biden, the undercurrents of collaboration and mutual interest in regional stability resonate louder than before. The moves being made now are not just about immediate benefits; they are about positioning—a calculated response to the shifting geopolitical landscape that promises to keep the world watching closely.

Arizona Wildcats Look to Extend Winning Streak Against UCF in High-Stakes Clash

After a shaky start to the season, the Arizona Wildcats are striding onto the court with confidence—boasting a five-game winning streak as they prepare to face UCF in Tucson. This impressive run has included victories against ranked Big 12 opponents, giving Arizona a new swagger as they push deeper into the season. The Wildcats currently hold a 9-5 record, with a perfect 3-0 in the Big 12—far from the team that suffered a harsh 103-88 loss to Wisconsin back in November.,The momentum began to build for Arizona after reclaiming glory against No. 16 Cincinnati with a final score of 72-67 on January 4th. They followed it up with an impressive drubbing of No. 21 West Virginia, taking the game 75-56 just days later. The Wildcats not only avenged a previous overtime loss to West Virginia in the Bahamas—an 83-76 defeat that rattled their early season confidence—but they also demonstrated a newfound defensive prowess that’s been key to their success. Coach Tommy Lloyd noted, “Our guys have been getting better ever since the Bahamas. It’s been kind of just figuring it out, for me as a coach, helping them figure it out.”,With the dawn of this new winning streak, Arizona’s defense has tightened significantly—limiting opponents to an average of just 61.7 points over the last seven games. Contrast that with the rather porous 73.7 points allowed in the initial stretch of the season, and it’s evident that Lloyd’s adjustments are bearing fruit. He emphasizes the importance of ball control—”We’re finding when we take care of the ball, and we don’t give up runouts, our defense is pretty good in the half court,” he added, showcasing a growing team mentality that prioritizes discipline and accountability.,Meanwhile, UCF arrives with a record of 11-3, fresh off a thrilling 75-74 win against Colorado, following a dispiriting 99-48 loss to Kansas that had rattled their confidence. UCF coach Johnny Dawkins expressed the need for his players to regroup—a pivotal moment that not only reaffirms their resilience but also proves that navigating the Big 12 is akin to running a gauntlet every game. “It was huge for our guys… we talked about regrouping and responding. That’s what this league is about. You’re going to be in tough battles every single night,” Dawkins stated.,Jordan Ivy-Curry emerged as the hero in their recent outing against Colorado, pouring in 22 points while also forcing the Buffaloes into a season-high 22 turnovers. He’s a firecracker on the court and has become a vital piece of UCF’s scoring arsenal—averaging 15.4 points a game, just behind the slightly higher 15.6 points of teammate Keyshawn Hall. As the Knights look to build on their recent win, the showdown with Arizona presents a chance to solidify their standing and gauge where they truly fit within the competitive landscape of the conference.,On the flip side, the Wildcats are leaning heavily on Caleb Love, who, despite grappling with a shooting slump, remains their top scorer at 15.8 points per game. Love’s perimeter struggles have seen him shoot merely 30.3 percent from beyond the arc—a statistic he’ll be eager to improve. With UCF’s defensive schemes set to challenge Arizona’s offensive flow, the key for the Wildcats will be to maintain their defensive discipline while gaining momentum in their scoring.,As excitement builds for this matchup, fans will undoubtedly see the grit and tenacity that both teams bring to the court. With Arizona poised to carry their winning streak forward, and UCF determined to respond to their previous defeat, Saturday’s game is shaping up to be a thrilling contest—one that promises to keep the adrenaline pumping and showcase the best of college basketball.

Amir Alston Strikes Gold: Ohio State Wexner Medical Center’s Athlete of the Week!

In a dazzling display of skill and determination, Amir Alston has bowled his way to the title of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center’s Athlete of the Week for the period of December 30 to January 5, amassing an impressive 5,900 votes in a competition that showcased some formidable talent. Alston’s prowess on the lanes reached new heights as he recorded a career-best series of 675—which breaks down to the impressive scores of 217, 244, and 214—placing him third in the Bellefontaine Classic, where he outshone all competitors from central Ohio.

With an average of 209 pins per game this season, Alston is no stranger to the podium—his performance at the Classic cemented his status as a formidable contender in high school bowling circles. The road to the Athlete of the Week title wasn’t an easy one, however. Alston faced stiff competition from fellow athletes, including Columbus Academy swimmer Lillian Bailey, who secured 25.2% of the votes, and Gahanna Lincoln’s hockey star, Sam Heckathorne, who garnered 23.2%. Another Gahanna Lincoln swimmer, Alexa Briseno, also made the list with 8.1%.

What’s particularly striking is how each athlete brought their A-game. Bailey not only conquered the 100 backstroke (1:02.12) but also triumphed in the 100 breaststroke (1:12.8), all while leading off the victorious 200 free relay in the Turn it Gold Invitational. Meanwhile, Heckathorne’s two goals in a nail-biting 2-1 victory over Thomas Worthington showcased his grit and determination. And let’s not forget the fierce competition that Briseno brought to the pool, edging out two-time defending Division II state champion Carrie Furbee by a mere tenth of a second in the 50-yard freestyle (24.29).

The Athlete of the Week voting process stands as a testament to the thrilling spirit of high school sports—fans and supporters rally behind their favorites, contributing to the community’s vibrant sports culture. Nominations for this accolade are collected every Monday morning, representing the fervor and dedication of the previous week’s competitions. Once the voting is live, it remains open until 4 p.m. on Fridays, allowing for an engaging week of competition among young athletes. It’s a dynamic environment where anyone can nominate an athlete by reaching out via email or tagging on X (formerly Twitter) at @BrianWhite13.

Let’s also recognize that once an athlete triumphs during the regular season, they’re out of the running for future ballots until the postseason—a smart move that keeps the competition fresh and exhilarating. Those who are yet to earn this prestigious recognition can be nominated as many times as needed, keeping the hope alive for emerging talents.

The excitement surrounding high school sports isn’t merely about the athletes’ skill; it embodies a community coming together to celebrate achievements and foster future stars. Whether on the bowling lanes or in the pool, these young athletes are not just competing—they’re creating memories, building friendships, and setting the stage for future endeavors. As the season progresses, one can’t help but marvel at the talent and tenacity that define these promising athletes.

A Tale of Redemption: From Accomplice to Crown Witness in a Kidnapping Nightmare

The courtroom was tense as Hamed Shahnawaz, once a co-accused in a deeply unsettling kidnapping case, took the stand against his former acquaintance, Samir Abdelgadir. In a gripping twist, Shahnawaz, who had previously found himself entangled in the dark web of crime, has pivoted to become a pivotal Crown witness. Under the scrutiny of Crown attorney Erin Pancer, Shahnawaz recounted the harrowing events leading up to the abduction of a 14-year-old boy—the very case that ignited an Amber Alert and captured the nation’s attention on that fateful night in March 2020.

“It didn’t go according to plan,” Shahnawaz testified, echoing Abdelgadir’s sentiment about the chaos surrounding the kidnapping. The unfolding story began early on March 4 when the boy was snatched from his neighborhood—dragged into a stolen Jeep Wrangler by a group of men. The boy, identified only as the traumatized victim in this saga, was eventually located alive but disheveled, 38 hours later in a barn in Brampton.

The plot thickens as Shahnawaz described his own chain of panic, catalyzed by news of the Amber Alert. He recounted how, just hours prior, he had set ablaze the very vehicle implicated in the heinous act—one that glimmered not with opportunity, but with the weight of moral reckoning. “I became nervous and started panicking,” he revealed, a stark admission of the cold realization of his involvement.

Their connection was forged in a prison cell, where Abdelgadir and Shahnawaz first crossed paths—vulnerable and trapped within the harsh confines of Maplehurst jail. Fast-forward to an innocuous Starbucks meeting in Mississauga, where Abdelgadir allegedly confided secrets about the kidnapping. “He was livid about it not being executed to plan,” Shahnawaz recalled, painting a portrait of a man unhinged, beset by the consequences of his actions.

This chilling account was further complicated by the suggestion from Abdelgadir’s defense lawyer, Manbir Sodhi, that Shahnawaz may have been involved far more than he admitted. “I suggest to you that it’s you in that Jeep, and you disagree with me?” Sodhi challenged, prompting Shahnawaz to respond with a firm denial, despite the probing insinuations.

The courtroom, often filled with moments of quiet unease, became a stage for Shahnawaz’s transformation from a purported accomplice to a bearer of truth. Dressed in a grey suit and a black tie—an emblem of his newfound purpose—Shahnawaz maintained composure, a stark contrast to the chaos of his past. In a crucial statement made shortly after his guilty plea in August 2023, he illustrated a moment of clarity: “It was the right thing… to set me free and change my life.”

The case also delved into the murky waters of retribution—an allegation that tied the kidnapping to the boy’s older half-brother, who had reportedly swiped a staggering 90 kilograms of cocaine from drug traffickers, worth a cool $4 million. According to the half-brother, Olalekan Osikoya, Abdelgadir had ties to this underworld, further entwining the fates of all those involved.

Osikoya’s testimony from a remote location added another layer of complexity—messages exchanged with the kidnappers, including a chilling call from Abdelgadir demanding the return of stolen goods with the implication that all would be well if they complied. Yet the chilling reality of the boy’s experience wasn’t simply a story of crime; it echoed deeper societal issues, revealing the impacts of a life steeped in drug culture and violence.

As Shahnawaz wrapped up his day on the stand, the weight of his testimony hung heavy in the air, not merely as a recount of events but as a reflection of choices, consequences, and the possibility of redemption. The trial, a tumultuous saga of crime and justice, continues to unfold, compelling the public to confront the realities that lurk behind the headlines—leaving one to ponder the intricate web of human decisions that lead us down paths we never intended to tread.

From Chaos to Clarity: The Testimony That Could Seal Samir Abdelgadir’s Fate

After a shocking turn of events, the trial of Samir Abdelgadir revealed the chaotic aftermath of a disturbing abduction that rocked Toronto. On the stand, Hamed Shahnawaz—a former co-accused now turned crown witness—unraveled details of the kidnapping of a 14-year-old boy, giving a glimpse into the fear and paranoia that ensued after he realized the vehicle he had set ablaze was linked to the heinous crime. The events unfolded on March 5, 2020, a date that Shahnawaz will likely never forget.

“It was just after midnight when I saw the Amber Alert,” Shahnawaz testified, ice-cold panic washing over him. “I became ‘nervous and started panicking’” as he grasped the gravity of the situation—his Jeep Wrangler, now charred remains, played a pivotal role in a real-life horror story. Until that moment, the only information he had was a simple text from Abdelgadir, instructing him to dispose of a vehicle. Little did he know, the stakes were life and death.

The boy was snatched outside his apartment, tackled, dragged into the Jeep by a trio of men, and held captive for a harrowing 38 hours before being discovered—disheveled yet miraculously alive—in a barn in Brampton. The kidnapping was rooted in a tangled web of drug trafficking retribution; Abdelgadir purportedly was entwined in a plot linked to the boy’s half-brother, who had stolen a staggering 90 kilograms of cocaine worth $4 million from their employer. It did not take long for the walls to close in on Abdelgadir, as Shahnawaz described him as a “dangerous individual,” riddled with paranoia and unease.

Sitting calmly in a grey suit, Shahnawaz faced intense scrutiny during cross-examination from Abdelgadir’s lawyer, Manbir Sodhi. Questions about Shahnawaz’s credibility darted through the courtroom like daggers. When pressed, Shahnawaz acknowledged that he had once suggested to police that others had urged him to torch the Jeep. The courtroom bristled with tension as Shahnawaz attempted to maintain his narrative: “It was Abdelgadir giving the direction through other people,” he stated firmly.

Sodhi did not relent, pressing further, “I suggest to you that it’s you in that Jeep, and you disagree with me?” The courtroom watched as Shahnawaz, eyes steady, replied, “Respectfully yes, sir.” Such high-stakes games of assertion and denial are not uncommon in trials of this nature, but the chilling nature of the accusations looming over Abdelgadir created a palpable unease.

Shahnawaz’s testimony was crucial for the Crown’s case against Abdelgadir. Both Shahnawaz and another co-accused had previously pleaded guilty to setting the Jeep on fire, a desperate act to cover tracks. Yet, as the trial progressed, one couldn’t help but wonder about the motivations of a man with a criminal background like Shahnawaz’s—a former drug dealer with a checkered history involving insurance scams. Was he a tragic pawn in a larger game, or did he revel in the chaos?

His confession was seemingly a moment of clarity, a “Eureka” moment, he described, where he envisioned setting the record straight, “It was the right thing in setting me free and changing my life.” His desire for redemption hung in the air, a stark contrast to the fear and manipulation surrounding the case.

Earlier testimonies had piled on the complexity of the narrative—Olalekan Osikoya, the boy’s half-brother, had shared how he received ominous messages and phone calls from the kidnappers. “One telling me to return what I had taken and everything would be okay,” he recounted, a reminder of the sinister undertones gripping this entire ordeal.

As the trial continues, the stakes remain high, marred with the shadows of past decisions and the terrifying reality of what a misguided quest for power can lead to. The courtroom lies poised to hear more as the truth seeks to emerge from the tangled web of deceit, fear, and ultimately—redemption.

Nikki Glaser’s Golden Globes Hosting Dreams: A Taylor Swift Absence Turns into a Superfan Triumph!

When it comes to hosting prestigious events, the Golden Globes hold a unique allure, and Nikki Glaser—comedian and self-proclaimed Swiftie—was undoubtedly dreaming of being host with Taylor Swift in attendance. But as fate would have it, Glaser found herself at the helm of the 2025 ceremony, and her reaction to missing Swift’s presence is one for the books. Following the awards show on January 5, Glaser responded to a social media post that suggested she might be “pissed” that Swift wasn’t in the audience this year. To the delight of fans, she quipped, “Oh you know I was!”—a candid acknowledgment that many can relate to when their idols aren’t around.

Swift, a five-time Golden Globe nominee, previously graced the ceremony in 2024 to support her much-acclaimed Eras Tour film, which snagged a nod for cinematic and box office achievement. For Glaser, the prospect of sharing the stage while Swift cheered from the sidelines was a missed opportunity that added a touch of bittersweetness to her hosting gig. One can only imagine the electric atmosphere that would have enveloped the venue had the pop icon been present—an undeniable synergy between Glaser’s wit and Swift’s star power.

Yet, while Glaser dealt with the disappointment of not hosting during Swift’s appearance, her love for the artist shines through her extravagant fandom. In a previous chat with PEOPLE, the stand-up star divulged just how deep her commitment runs—spending “close to $100,000” attending a staggering 22 shows of the Eras Tour. Yes, you read that right: six figures for concert experiences. This figure encompasses everything—from travel and hotel expenses to the crucial costs of securing tickets and merchandise. “I would’ve paid even more,” she admitted, a testament to the lengths she’s willing to go to support an artist she adores.

Glaser’s reasoning behind such lavish expenditures is rooted in a conscious life choice—her decision to remain child-free. “I want to be clear that we’re including travel expenses, hotels, and me also flying and putting up everyone that I would invite to go with me,” she explained, illustrating the logistics behind her financial commitment. The absence of children in her life meant that she could redirect those funds into experiences that resonate with her spirit.

This choice, though not without its emotional burdens, has allowed her to immerse herself fully in the self-actualizing experience that attending concerts provides. “Choosing not to become a mother wasn’t the easiest decision,” Glaser recounted. Yet, once she crunched the numbers on child-rearing costs, a psychological shift occurred. “And so once I saw that number,” she declared, “I thought, ‘It’s no problem for me to spend this on Taylor Swift.’”

In the world of celebrity fandom, few can match Glaser’s fervor—a reminder that passion comes in many forms and that we all justify our dreams in ways that align with our lives. Whether it’s the thrill of witnessing your favorite artist live or the pride of hosting an iconic award show, Glaser embodies the spirit of enthusiasm that fuels our pursuits. The comedy scene is undoubtedly richer with her unique blend of humor, honesty, and relentless drive for what brings her joy. And as the Golden Globes continue to evolve, one thing remains clear: Nikki Glaser is not just a host; she’s a Superfan—living her best life, one concert at a time.