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Yearly Archives: 2018

It's that special time of year when I'm A Celeb hits our screens and the Christmas countdown is well and truly on.

So we were chuffed when the official line-up was released yesterday – but are ITV bosses keeping one celeb under wraps?

We are used to the twists and surprises the jungle brings us every year, but could one of these celebs be heading to the famous campsite?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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According to the Sun, there is a mystery camp mate yet to be announced and whispers indicate that it could be an American.

US publications have been hinting at the possibility of R&B singer Ray J. 

Ray J mightn't be someone you're familiar with, but Kim Kardashian certainly is.

The singer dated Kim in the early 2000s, but is known mostly for his involvement in Kim's sex tape – we can feel Kris Jenner's fury already.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Anyone who is a Celebrity Big Brother fan would have seen the 37-year-old in the 2017 show.

Ray J left the programme unexpectedly and has hinted at his return to UK telly with I'm A Celebrity.

"We gotta talk about that one, I’ve seen a bit of that and it looks a little scary. If I have to, I will. If the teams says to go, I’ll go and represent the team," he told the Metro when asked about the possibility of featuring in the ITV show.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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However, Made In Chelsea's Jamie Laing has also been tipped for the spot as reports said he was in talks with bosses since August.

Jamie could very well follow in the footsteps of his cast member, Georgia Toffolo, who won the hearts of the nation last year and was crowned queen of the jungle.

But the reality star could have competition for the place, as rumours have been circulating around The Only Way Is Essex star, Megan McKenna. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The Daily Star Sunday alleged that the 26-year-old hottie is a fave with producers and they are "keen to get Megan on board." 

But another member from The Only Way Is Essex has also suggested that she might be hopping on a plane to the land down under.

Fans of Lauren Goodger are certain that she will appear in the show.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The TV personality sent rumours flying when she posted a cryptic message on social media.

“Having a lovely meal before I have a flight to catch tomorrow for my mind body and soul cleanse holiday," she wrote.

“You know I love my training and my sunshine and thank you @thenailbar_walthamabbey for sorting my little toes and feet’s #imaceleb #getme #outtahere,” she added.

Regardless of whoever the final member of the camp will be – one thing is for certain, the show will definitely be entertaining this year. 

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If you're a fan of Strictly Come Dancing like us, you will know that Week Eight, also known as ''Blackpool'' serves as the half-way point in the competition and one every year, each contestant is desperate to get to – so much so that the show pokes fun at it itself. 

While we thought getting to dance at the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom was the reason that everyone also seemed so eager to get there, but we have discovered that this is not the case. 

Former Strictly pro dancer Brendan Cole has spilled the real reason and it's a lot less sweet. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

WE DID IT KING KEV…. B L A A A C K P O O L! Thank you, thank you, thank you gang 

A post shared by Stacey Dooley (@sjdooley) on

It also means that the pro dancers get a nice little raise in their pay packet.

Brendan said, ''Blackpool week is always a milestone for the couples.''

He continued, ''it's an incredible show to be a part of with a big crowd, a lot of fuss and and it's also a chance for a jolly up north. There's also a little added incentive for the celebs of a small bonus in their pay packet."

Well, that makes sense. 

Each celebrity gets the standard £25,000 for taking part.

If they reach Halloween, it goes up to £40,000.

Manage to make it to the quarter-finals? You're looking at fee of £60,000.

It hits £75,000 if they are a semi-finalist and whoever takes home the Glitterball will get £100,000.

As for Brendan, he won't be putting on his dancing shoes for Blackpool as his contract was not renewed by the BBC this year.

He said, ''I for one will slightly miss being there with everyone but won't miss the countless rehearsals.”

Tune in this Saturday on BBC One at 6:45pm to see all of the Blackpool fun. 

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St John of God Research Study Day are currently presenting findings from their studies, which show a rapid increase of people presenting with gender dysphoria.

Today is the 28th Annual St John of God Research Study day, and features researchers and academics from the medical field displaying the results of their analysis.

Consultant Endocrinologist at St. Columcille's Hospital Loughlinstown, Professor Donal O'Shea, has stated from his own exploration in the field that 210 people presented with the condition last year, increasing from 10 in 2007.

This represents a 2100% increase over the entire decade. Dr. Paul Moran, Consultant Psychiatrist at St John of God Community Services, has joined Professor O’Shea to discuss the imperative needs of transgender people.

This vital talk comes just ahead of the launch of the National Gender Service, which hopes to make a difference in the difficulties which numerous members of the transgender community face daily.

According to Professor O’Shea:

“We see the most positive outcomes for patients experiencing gender dysphoria when a holistic and better paced transition journey is taken, with family support. I have observed patients who transitioned hastily, ultimately regretting the decision after irreversible treatment has taken place."

"The new national gender service has been established to address the rising prevalence of gender dysphoria and to ensure that those individuals who require this service receive the best possible holistic care."

St John of God Research Foundation Study are aiming to further examine the theme of 'an evidence based path to service provision; as well as interim results on the gap in mental health care for teenagers and young adults.

Another disturbing fact raised today stated that 50% of the general population who are experiencing mental illness are not being referred for child and adolescent mental health services after the age of 18.

The adult mental health services could intervene at this crucial time in the lives of those experiencing mental illness such as suicidal ideation, eating disorders, depression and ADHD.

The St John of God Research Foundation is presently being funded by the European Commission, and the landmark MILESTONE study is being conducted across 8 European counties, Ireland included.

Professor Fiona McNicholas, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at St John of God Hospitaller Services and Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin is leading the Irish research on the MILESTONE study. She stated that:

“Mental health disorders are established early in childhood and for many persist into adulthood. The interim results of the MILESTONE study highlight that by not transitioning adolescents with established mental illness to an appropriate mental health service, we are leaving vulnerable teenagers without the support and medical care required."

"Without treatment, progress and recovery is hampered. Many will present only at times of crisis to emergency services, such as following suicide attempts or self-harm."

"They are prevented from receiving appropriate treatment that would help them live healthier lives, instead the huge percentage of young people not transitioning are more likely to be marginalised and experience homelessness, drug abuse and unemployment.”

Ireland's failure to effectively transition it's youth is not unusual for Europe. Broad European findings of the MILESTONE study which are being presented by Dr Helena Toumainen, from the University of Warwick supports this argument. 

Vanessa Lacey from the Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) will be speaking today regarding loss from a transgender family's perspective.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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For more information. please visit the St. John of God website.

Other support services include the national LGBT helpline, BeLonGTo, and advice for parents and a guide for terminology.

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It has been reported that GPs will receive up to €450 if they participate in the Government’s new abortion service programme.

A source told the Irish Times that the Irish Medical Organisation, HSE and Department of Health met to discuss fee costs for GPs who provide abortion services in Ireland.

It is believed GPs will be given between €400 and €450 for every three appointments with women who want to have an abortion.

Simon Harris has vowed to ensure that abortion services will be free in Ireland. He said the services will be available for all women from all financial backgrounds.

He said he wants the services to be available to everyone who needs them. The Minister for Health said cost should not be a barrier for women who need these services.

The Health Minister confirmed: “Yes, it is my intention that the services will be free.”

Ireland’s constitutional ban on abortion was officially lifted on September 19.

The 8th amendment was removed from the Irish Constitution, as President Michael D Higgins signed the formal repeal legislation.  

The 36th Amendment of the Constitution reads:

'Provision may be made by law for the regulation of termination of pregnancy.'

The Government are hopeful that abortion services will be made available in Ireland from January 1, 2019.

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Firefighters have been working tirelessly to put out the raging wildfires in California.

But it seems that Kim Kardashian and Kanye West paid for extra pairs of hands to save their neighbourhood.

Private firefighters – which are actually a thing – where allegedly hired by the couple to protect their home and the surrounding houses from being burnt to the ground.

Their $60 million mansion is situated at the end of a cul-de-sac, which means if it did catch fire, it would propose a risk to other homes.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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TMZ reported that the private firefighters dug ditches around their property to stop the spread of the fire.

Their actions saved the family home and their neighbours' houses too.

A move which was welcomed by grateful residents – so Kim and Kayne can probably expect a lot of thank you dinner invites.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on

From Kim's social media, it looks as if the young family found safety with Khloe after being evacuated last week.

The 38-year-old posted the CUTEST picture with niece, True.

In the caption, she said: "Trying to get my mind off of this fire and snuggling with my niece. We are all safe and that’s all that matters."

Other celebs that sought safety from the wildfires included Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and Orlando Bloom. 

Miley took to social media to announced that she sadly lost her home during the fire.

It is estimated that around 300,000 people had to flee their homes due to the fatal wildfire. 

 

Feature image credit: Kardashianlife/Instagram

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Asking For It is one of the most ground-breaking pieces of Irish literature to be published in a long time.

Since it hit shelves in 2015, Louise O'Neill's novel has been the catalyst in addressing rape culture in Ireland and giving sexual consent a vocal platform. 

For those unfamiliar with the plot, Asking For It follows Emma O'Donovan, a fifth year student from the fictional Ballinatoon in Cork, suffers a horrific gang-rape at the hands of her male friends, which is plastered across social media afterwards.

It's aim, as author Louise says herself, is to start conversations of consent, slut-shaming and sexual violence.

The book explores how Emma's family, friends, wider community and of course, how she herself, reacts to the rape and the ripple effects that that fateful night has on everyone in Ballinatoon. 

So, how did the book translate to the stage? 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Julie Kelleher came up with the idea to adapt the book for stage, a job which was taken on by Meadhbh McHugh in collaboration with director Annabelle Comyn under Landmark Productions.

And what an adaption it is.

It opens with Paul O’Mahony’s monolithic set, with it's fantastic use of glass panel buildings that transform into a bedroom, school, party and kitchen. 

Emma, played to perfection by Lauren Coe, is by no means a likeable character – she is a bully who belittles her friends.

Her girl group are well cast and fizz with chemistry, with a stand-out performance from Zoe (Venetia Bowe) who is harbouring a painful secret.

The dynamics of female friendship are explored as well as the teenage boys who are cringey in their attempts at overtly sexual banter.

Is this what being on the cusp of adulthood in 2010's Ireland is like? 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Sinéad McKenna’s lights show glimpses of writhing bodies at a house party along with Jack Phelan’s video images of girls in states of distress.

When Emma ends up in a room with the Football Captain, he forces sex upon her – all which happens off stage – with voice-overs of Emma thoughts narrating it. 

One of her thoughts is that if she moans, it will end quicker and sure he seems to be enjoying it. 

The gang rape itself which happens after is blurred out in a fog of alcohol and drugs, and the first act ends with Emma's parents and brother finding her, unconscious, blistered and bleeding on her doorstep.

She wakes up and sees the events of the night before on Facebook.

It is conveyed by a series of splintered images of naked limbs, with overlapping voices echoing things like ''great sesh'', ''she's a bitch'' ''she was asking for it.'

The second act is an agonisingly slow and claustrophobic build-up to a heart-wrenching crescendo.

The set closes in on a suffocating kitchen, streaked with rain, in which Emma is trapped – as are we as the audience watching her. 

It is one year since the sexual assault and we see how it slowly destroying Emma's family.

Mam, played by Ali White, is trying to hold it all together for her ''beautiful family'' but cracks are showing in her marriage to Dennis (Fran O'Connor) who has retreated from his daughter and cannot cope with the trauma she has suffered…and the whispers of the neighbours.

Emma loses her voice for most of this act, with voice-overs letting the audience in on her thoughts as she remains a prisoner in her own home, with no access to the outside world. 

She has to cope not only with her own forms of PTSD, but her toxic mother, absent father and brother Bryan, who is the only person that shows any real sympathy and support for her. 

The climax, when it comes, is like a valve releasing pent-up tension with lines that evoke audible gasps from the audience as well as sobs that could be heard around the theatre. 

Asking For It is not an easy watch – it is 2 hours and 40 minutes of raw dialogue, difficult questions and a searingly honest depiction of modern Irish society and family life.  

Tweets like these say it all:

''The stage adaption of Asking For It is SO IMPORTANT. I am in absolute bits. The whole thing is so real. THAT is what is being brushed under the rug for my generation.''

''‘They’re good boys really, this just got out of hand’ #AskingForIt in @AbbeyTheatre is powerful, heartbreaking & unapologetically intense. The audience sobbed silently in solidarity for the second half.''

It runs in the Abbey Theatre, Dublin from 9 – 24 November – please try go and see it, you will not regret it. 

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Tis the season to be jolly, but if you're feeling more naughty than nice, we have good news for you. 

Advent calendars are big business, from luxury chocolate to big-budget beauty. 

However, we've discovered an advent calender that will leave you satisfied in an entirely different way.

Sex toy retailer Lovehoney has launched the sauciest, steamiest sex calendar around, that will have you in the mood for some self lovin' in the countdown to the festive season. 

Festive frisky freakiness is on the cards thanks to the couple-focused erotic Best Sex of Your Life Kit c​​alendar, so Santa wont be the only one coming by Christmas Eve. 

The calendar includes  €270 worth of incredible sex toys and boudoir accessories for only €135. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Spoiler alert – behind the cardboard doors are sexy treats such as vibrators, dildos, bondage cuffs, sexy underwear, and anal toys. 

Feeling nervous about trying new things? Each window has information and tips on how to use the item of the day.

Last year, the calendar sold out, and this year's orgasmic offering already has stellar reviews.

The perfect gift that keeps on giving, we say. 

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Carpool Karaoke is full of surprises – from the fact that James Corden can sing to the guest appearances and random stuff the celebs get up to.

So it's not a shocker that we love the segment – and the latest act to buckle up and sing along is the trio – Migos.

Quavo, Takeoff and Offset have taken seats in Corden's car to rap some of their classic hits, such as Bad and Boujee, Motorsport and Stir Fry.

James revealed their appearance on the show by tweeting a clip – and in true Migos' fashion – it looks like chaos with the lads flashing a ridiculous amount of jewellery and cash.

The host of the popular programme, The Late, Late Show also undergoes a swag makeover – and it looks hilarious.

And if you're wondering where on earth dabbing came from, as you see 10-year-olds everywhere doing it – thank the Migos.

The Atlanta group discussed the massive viral trend that they are responsible for in the episode.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The sneaky look also reveals the three lads jamming along to I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me), by the great Whitney Houston. 

If anything, the segment due to air on Tuesday’s episode of The Late Late Show looks like pure entertainment – whether you're a fan or not.

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The Victoria's Secret fashion show took place last weekend, and the controversy surrounding the event has been mounting ever since, despite the fact that it hasn't even been aired yet.

Ed Razek, chief marketing officer of L Brands (VS's parent company) threw caution (and tact) to the wind in his exclusive Vogue interview about the fashion show, which first began in 1995.

The public were less than impressed, to say the least, about his statements regarding transgender models in his 'fantasy' show, as well as his attitude towards Rihanna's ground-breaking Savage x Fenty lingerie show.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Razek was quizzed about the lack of diversity in his own show, which features predominantly skinny, cisgender white models, and had more than a few things to say on the matter:

"Do I think about diversity? Yes. Does the brand think about diversity? Yes. Do we offer larger sizes? Yes….Shouldn’t you have transsexuals in the show? No. No, I don’t think we should. Well, why not? Because the show is a fantasy."

As you can imagine, this caused major drama, as it appears to imply that transgender models are not part of the 'fantasy' world of Victoria's Secret.

Razek later issued an apology regarding his comments about transgender models, which wasn't received well:

His outspoken opinions on the 'fantasy' which excluded transgender models were not the only bone of contention. Razek also shared his own thoughts on Rihanna's phenomenally successful show:

"It’s a 42-minute entertainment special. That’s what it is. It is the only one of its kind in the world, and any other fashion brand in the world would take it in a minute, including the competitors that are carping at us."

"They carp at us because we’re the leader. …We’re their first love. And Victoria’s Secret has been women’s first love from the beginning."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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"Everybody keeps talking about Rihanna’s show. If we had done Rihanna’s show, we would be accused of pandering without question."

Blogger and influencer Louise O'Reilly (@StyleMeCurvy) spoke out about the contentious chief marketing director in a tweet, which Bad Gal Riri LIKED.  The shade.

Her show featured a huge range of models ranging in size and ethnicity, as well as ability. Pregnant model and long-time Fenty ambassador Slick Woods walked the show while nine months pregnant.

Rihanna has yet to officially comment on the Victoria's Secret fashion show, but we highly doubt she'd be impressed by the now-infamous Vogue interview.

To think, it was only back in 2012 that Rihanna performed at the fashion show herself… how time flies.

2018 is a whole other fashion show ball game it seems.

Feature image: Syracuse.com

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It's the kind of love you don't expect to last in the hills of Hollywood – and yet, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend are defying all the odds.

Their love gives us hope as their relationship has just grown from strength to strength.

Chrissy was honoured at the Glamour magazine’s women of the year awards, and John took to the stage to express how proud he is of her – and it was just perfect.

We need a man like John to gush over us and make a special night, that little bit extra amazing – Chrissy is a lucky lady. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on

Starting with some spicy humour, John introduced himself as a “trophy husband.”

But he quickly turned his attention to Chrissy, describing her as a star and the “heart and soul of the family”.

"I am very much in love with this woman…But I’m not the only one who loves her. Many millions of people who aren’t married or related to her love her too," he confessed to the crowd.

“Everywhere I go, I meet people, fans, who used to ask me for an autograph or tell me how much they love my music. Now, the number one comment I get from people who used to be my fans is how much they love Chrissy. She gets bigger cheers than I do at my own concerts. They love her," he added.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on

John touched on why he thinks she's such a hit with fans and has captured the hearts of millions around the world – and he hit the nail on the head.

He gushed: “People love her honesty. Her humour. Her beauty and style. Her passion for food. Her sense of adventure and fun. And they love her big, beautiful heart."

"The heart she wears on her sleeve. She inspires so many people and so many women. I mean, she’s the kind of woman you write songs about.”

And John did just that in 2013 and wrote the smash hit All of Me, which was all about Chrissy – ugh, yay for love.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The 39-year-old couldn't finish up his speech without mentioning Chrissy's bad*ss online presences. 

He said: “I think the world may have missed out on Chrissy’s full awesomeness if it weren’t for social media. She would have never fully shone the way she does if she were filtered by publicists and handlers.

“Chrissy’s biggest impact may be the way she proves that just by being the person you are, you can make a difference. Being who you are, unapologetically, you can make a difference.”

 “I am amazed by the woman that you’ve become. And I’m truly glad that the rest of the world has finally found out about it, too,” he finished.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by John Legend (@johnlegend) on

The two of them were emotional messes as the model accepted the award.

Chrissy described John as the "most incredible husband on the planet” and added that "you are our everything."

“I didn’t cry during our wedding. I hate you John, I really do,” she said, later on, still touched by the speech – adorable.

The pair shares two children together, two-year-old, Luna and six-month-old, Miles Theodore.

Chrissy and John have been together since 2007 and going from their moving words about each other, they've truly found something wonderful in one another.

We do believe in love, we do, we do. 

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Olivia Buckland has had enough of queries about when she and new husband Alex Bowen are going to start a family. 

The couple said I do on September 15, after meeting on Love Island back in 2016.

However, the newlyweds have since been plagued with the 'when’s the baby coming' question. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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'We’ve always been questioned, because we were engaged for such a long time – we were engaged for longer of our relationship than not, so I think people started to assume we were engaged because we wanted to start a family,' Olivia told The Metro in their Fertility Month Series. 

Olivia explained how people still assume that marriage means having children, but that she feels there is much more she wants to do with her life. 

'I’m so career driven that I find it a little bit offensive when people keep asking me about having a child,' she said.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The reality TV star feels that while we have come on leaps and bounds as a society when it comes to sexism, women are still expected to want to have children by default. 

'One day, sure, there’s a chance we’ll have kids, but to be asked that constantly, it puts this expectation on you,' she told The Metro

'There’s more to life for women.' 

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It appears to be official – we have a new celebrity romance to get excited about.

And it's none other than the ride that is Channing tatum and pop superstar Jessie J.

An unlikely relationship perhaps, but one that seems to be going from strength to strength.

The 30-year-old took to Instagram to post about Channing's Magic Mike show in London. 

She posted a snap of the saucy stage production with the caption, ''Congratulations @channingtatum What a show…. Ladies and Gentlemen you don't want to miss this."

Jessie added several emojis including a tongue face and a cheeky aubergine. 

This seems to confirm reports that the pair are an item, as Channing has been spotted at two of Jessie's recent concerts in Seattle and Salt Lake City.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

#itsnotawig

A post shared by J E S S I E . J (@jessiej) on

The 38-year-old actor is single since he announced his separation from wife Jenna Dewan

The couple had been together for 12 years after meeting on the set of Step Up in 2006, and marrying three years later. 

At the time, they stated that, "We’re living in an incredible moment in time, but it’s also a time where truth can easily get distorted into 'alternative facts' so we want to share the truth so you know that if you didn't read it here then it’s most certainly fiction.''

"We have lovingly chosen to separate as a couple. We fell deeply in love so many years ago and have had a magical journey together.”

Well, it seems that Channing has found love again – and we wish him and Jessie all the best. 

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