Celine Dion’s sister has issued a new update on her sister’s ongoing health issues.
The My Heart Will Go On hitmaker is currently living with stiff person syndrome. Earlier this year, the 55-year-old was forced to cancel the rest of her Courage World Tour, which was due to continue until April of next year.
In Celine’s case, stiff person syndrome causes rigid muscles, spasms, and even frequent falls, making her unable to to perform.
Now, Celine’s sister Claudette has shared a glimpse into how her sister has been coping as she tries to rehabilitate.
In an interview with Le Journal de Montreal, Claudette revealed that her sister Linda has now moved into Celine’s home, where she also lives with her three sons René-Charles, Eddy, and Nelson.
"When I call her and she's busy, I speak to my sister Linda who lives with her and tells me that she's working hard. She's listening to the top researchers in the field of this rare disease as much as possible,” Claudette expressed.
She then went on to explain that The Power Of Love singer had no choice but to cancel her world tour.
"I honestly think that she mostly needs to rest. She always goes above and beyond, she always tries to be the best and top of her game. At one point, your heart and your body are trying to tell you something. It's important to listen to it,” Claudette confessed.
Claudette concluded that Celine’s family “trust” her to find a rehabilitation that works for her.
"It's innate to her, she's disciplined in every area of her life… We can't find any medicine that works, but having hope is important,” she added.
In December of last year, Celine announced that she would be rescheduling and cancelling several of her tour dates, as a result of her health. Then, in May of this year, Celine confirmed that she had cancelled all of her remaining performances for the foreseeable future.
Strictly Come Dancing stars have been sending their support to Amy Dowden as she begins her chemotherapy treatment.
The professional dancer was diagnosed with grade three breast cancer earlier this year, which resulted in her undergoing a mastectomy.
Unfortunately, Amy confirmed last month that she had since been diagnosed with more tumours and a second type of cancer, meaning that she would have to begin chemotherapy.
The 32-year-old started her treatment earlier this week, and she has now taken to social media to share a candid update.
On her Instagram account, the Welsh dancer posted a snap of herself wrapped up in a hospital bed, with a cold cap on her head to reduce hair loss from the treatment.
“Chemo 1 done!” Amy declared at the beginning of her caption.
“I looked worse going in than coming out actually. I didn’t sleep, I got there and I just burst into tears, luckily my pink sister made sure I walked in and helped me through it and distracted from the brain freeze of the cold cap. (wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be!)” she praised.
Amy then went on to express how she struggled with aspects of her treatment.
“Red Devil went in, had another cry but I’ve left knowing chemo 1 done and not as bad as I thought. This is due to the incredible team and nurses! Thank you NHS! Hopefully not too many side effects,” she exclaimed.
The Strictly pro dancer concluded her message by addressing her dancing career. Before her diagnosis, Amy had been announced as part of this year’s Strictly lineup, but is now unable to take part.
“One step closer to being back on the dance floor. (that’s what’s hurting the most right now, I’d do anything to be there with my fellow pros right now). But for now chemo 1 [tick],” she penned.
Cosaint skincare, the award-winning Irish tech brand has just announced its launch into Allcare Pharmacies. The Allcare business is the largest Irish-owned pharmacy group with over 95 community pharmacies across Ireland. They have a unique offering as they focus on providing a top-class experience to their customers who are shopping for other pharmacy products such as vitamins, skincare and cosmetics. To do this, they ensure all staff members are fully trained across each category so they can guide customers to the best product choices for their needs. Stocking Cosaint products, is a natural addition to the Allcare business as they look to differentiate themselves from other pharmacy chains.
The Cosaint beauty tech uses EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) like treatments like EM Face and RF (Radio Frequency) the same tech as treatments such as EXILIS or EndyMed but usable every day at home. From the Irish word meaning defence or protection encapsulates the ethos of this homecare device brand. Cosaint aims to give you a home-based deep cleansing facial that mirrors a salon treatment with toning using home use EMS and RF. There are currently three products in the range:
The Skin Cleansing Brush with Eye Massage
The Ultrasonic Skin Peeler
The RF and EMS Eyecare Device
The beauty tech brand is highly esteemed with beauty editors and has won many awards including:
Skin Cleansing Brush with Eye Massage won ‘Best Cleansing Brush’ in the Social & Personal Beauty Awards in 2023.
The Compact Ultrasonic Peeler won the ‘Editor’s Choice’ Award in the HiStyle 2023 Best in Beauty Awards.
Cosaint's RF & EMS Eye Care Device won ‘Best in Toning’ in the Social & Personal Magazine 2022 Beauty Awards.
Cosaint skincare devices were devised by The Wicklow Street Clinic, the award-winning Dublin 2 clinic that specialises in protecting and reversing skin conditions from acne to premature ageing.
“We’re so delighted to be at the forefront of beauty tech devices in Ireland. It’s been a huge team effort from design to bringing the products to market and it’s been so wonderful to see a recognition of those efforts in the form of awards and now the wonderful news that we’re launching in Allcare Pharmacy. We’re thrilled,” says MD of Cosaint Skincare and The Wicklow Street Clinic, Rasa Levinaite.
As a strong presence in the beauty industry for over 30 years, The Wicklow Street Clinic has listened to their clients’ skin concerns. That wonderful feeling you get from a facial lasts several days, but every client wants to prolong the effectiveness of the treatment at home.
This is where Cosaint Skincare Devices can be invaluable. They bring a non-surgical facial toning experience home! Microcurrents lift and tone; firming the under-eye, facial and neck areas.
Thorough skin cleansing is just as important as using SPF every day. Incorporating toning into your regime will increase collagen production and lift and tone your skin, just like a facial does. Cosaint Skincare Devices are the new wave in home cleansing and toning.
Gemma Atkinson has opened up about her post-birth recovery.
The former Strictly Come Dancing star announced the birth of her second child, Thiago, with her fiancé Gorka Marquez last month.
As she settles into life as a mum-of-two, Gemma has shared an honest insight into her first outing since welcoming Thiago into the world via C-section.
The 38-year-old revealed she was taking her three-year-old daughter Mia to preschool and after carrying Thiago in his carseat for a short distance and walking for 15 minutes, her body reminded her to take it easy as her C-section scar started ‘throbbing’.
Detailing the painful experience to her 1.9M Instagram followers, Gemma explained, “As you can see I'm sweating. Mia has been wanting to take Thiago into pre-school and I said I'd do it today”.
“So we popped him in the car and mum's drove us but I've carried him in, in his car seat”.
“And then after that we walked for about 15 minutes, got him back in the car and just that on its own has set my scar off throbbing a bit”.
Credit: Gemma Atkinson Instagram
The former Hollyoaks actress added, “I feel a bit – not sick, but a bit ‘ooof’. And it's just a reminder, a constant reminder, of what your body’s been through if you've had a C-section and just to slow down”.
“So yeah, first one, I didn't expect it to be like, ‘Wahey! Plain sailing’, but we've done it. Took him to pre-school and had a walk. Now I'm gonna sit down and put my feet up”.
Writing a message on the video as a reminder to take postpartum recovery seriously, Atkinson added, “First outing done. Defo won't be doing long walks as planned yet. I'm gonna wait another week. My body has told me it's not quite yet ready and that's ok”.
Delving into more details of her C-section with Thiago, Gemma revealed the recovery had been easier than the emergency C-section she had with Mia.
“The first was definitely harder for me. Mentally I felt strange. With it being an emergency one & out of my hands and then having the haemorrhage I was in hospital for 4 days so spent a good few weeks wondering why & how it happened etc”.
“This time was different. Physically I'm sore (but I expect to be) but mentally I feel really good. Even with broken sleep I’m happy & calm and that for me is a biggie”, the mum-of-two added.
Three quarters (76%) of Irish homeowners have, or plan to make their homes more energy efficient That’s according to new research* by Chadwicks Group, Ireland’s leading builders' merchants. Reducing energy bills (45%) is the key reason for homeowners carrying out work followed by making a home warmer for the winter months (30%) while 16% say they want to make their home more environmentally friendly.
Of those who have recently made improvements to their home, more than half (54%) insulated the attic, 41% switched to more energy efficient lighting and 26% insulated external walls. Those who plan to carry out work in the near future are also planning similar upgrades. However, a third of those planning to carry out work also say they want to add solar panels to their home.
The research examining attitudes of homeowners towards retrofitting was carried out to launch Chadwicks Group’s partnership with YourRetrofit.ie – Ireland's most comprehensive retrofit platform which gives homeowners free, personalised advice on how to upgrade their homes’ Building Energy Rating (BER).
YourRetrofit.ie houses everything you need to know about retrofitting and offers very specific advice based on the details of an individual’s home and tailored to their budget. It begins by identifying where the home is deficient and then provides a clear set of options regarding what work to carry out to improve the home’s BER including detailed costs estimates information on available grants and other savings that can be achieved.
The platform makes it easy for those planning work on their home to optimise their budgets and get the best value when it comes to improved energy performance and the maximum available grants. It will also estimate the energy and mortgage savings per home after the work is complete, and the increase in the property’s value.
As part of the partnership, visitors to the site will be provided with a detailed breakdown of the materials required to get the job done from Chadwicks. They can also book a free appointment with a member of the Chadwicks team to come into their local branch or avail of an online or phone consultation to receive expert advice on the options for their home as well as the best products and materials required. Finally, the platform will connect users with local SEAI approved contractors.
BER Rating Knowledge
More than three quarters of homeowners (76%) are familiar with BER in relation to homes, while 8 in 10 (80%) are familiar with the term retrofit. 63% are aware of the BER of their own home, while just over half (52%) have had a BER assessment.
Ensuring the home is considered energy efficient (51%) is the top reason why homeowners get a BER assessment, followed by learning how to improve a home’s energy efficiency (41%). Costs come into play for almost three in 10 (29%), who consider the potential to save money the most important factor. When it comes to buying or building a home, BER is a consideration for almost two thirds (64%) of potential buyers.
Costs and uncertainty top the barriers to home improvements
When it comes to reasons not to carry out retrofitting work, cost is the main barrier for almost two thirds (64%). Uncertainty also comes into play, with a quarter (25%) unsure of what work would deliver the best impact, and 17% admitting they don’t know where to start.
Homeowners are missing out on crucial government grants
With cost being a major factor in deciding whether to carry out upgrades to the home, the Chadwicks Group research found that homeowners could be missing out on thousands worth of government grants. One in five (22%) admit they’re not at all familiar with government SEAI grants, while almost half (49%) say they’re only slightly familiar. When asked how they funded work to their home, just 22% availed of a government SEAI grant. 61% used their savings, while 23% went to the bank or Credit Union for a loan.
Launching the new partnership on behalf of Chadwicks Group, Eco-Builder and author of Build Your Own, Harrison Gardner, said: “I'm delighted to team up with Chadwicks Group to launch this exciting new partnership with YourRetrofit.ie. This new website will provide homeowners across Ireland with clear, simple and invaluable advice for improving the BER of their home based on their budget. The site offers everything you need to know about carrying out upgrade works to your home. There’s also an option to make an appointment with a member of the Chadwicks team in-branch or virtually to find out what products and materials you require to get the job done.
As a builder, I'm passionate about empowering people with the necessary skills and knowledge to upgrade their home to meet their needs, particularly when it comes to achieving higher standards for sustainable housing. This new partnership does exactly that. I'm looking forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on sustainable home upgrades nationwide.”
L-R: David Shiel, Managing Director of YourRetrofit.ie pictured alongside
Tara Brennan, Chadwicks Marketing & Development Director and eco-builder
& Chadwicks ambassador Harrison Gardner at the partnership announcement.
Patrick Atkinson, CEO of Chadwicks Group, said: “Our partnership with YourRetrofit.ie marks a new and exciting chapter for Chadwicks Group. We’re proud to partner with Ireland’s most comprehensive retrofitting platform which provides users with costed and grant assisted retrofitting pathways to achieve higher BERs for their homes.
Our research shows that for many homeowners, getting started on a renovation project can be daunting from understanding what upgrades will add the most value to what materials they require to get the job done. This platform has been designed to help demystify the process and arm people with clear, and concise information personalised to their own requirements. As the exclusive building materials partner, homeowners will be able to access to the full range of Chadwicks products to make it easier than ever to get the materials you need to improve your home’s energy efficiency – saving money and increasing the value of your home. There is also an option to make an appointment at your local Chadwicks team and meet with one of our experts who can advise on the best products and materials specific to each homeowner’s requirements and recommend local SEAI approved contractors.”
David Shiel, Managing Director of YourRetrofit.ie, said: “At YourRetrofit.ie, we are delighted to announce Chadwicks, the country’s largest building supplier, as a headline partner on our YourRetrofit.ie platform. Chadwicks' passion and expertise in this area perfectly aligns with our mission to drive significant increases in the number of retrofits being undertaken in line with the government’s Climate Action Plan. YourRetrofit.ie provides simple to understand, tailor-made, advice regarding the upgrade options suitable for every home and budget.
It is a free to use, unbiased, service which identifies the specific energy deficiencies of each home based on the contents of your BER data or our predictive model if you have no BER. As part of our partnership with Chadwicks, we are launching the option to book a free in-store or virtual consultation with the Chadwicks team through YourRetrofit.ie. This is a totally unique offering providing homeowners with invaluable insights and guidance for their retrofitting projects, helping them make informed decisions about the most suitable materials and connecting them with SEAI approved contractors who can complete the grant-qualifying work.”
For more information and to try out YourRetrofit.ie, visit www.YourRetrofit.ie.
Lizzo has broken her silence after being accused of creating a ‘hostile, abusive work environment’ for her dancers after they claim they were sexually harassed and weight-shamed when working for the singer.
Lizzo and her production company Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc. is being sued by three former dancers, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams and Noelle Rodriquez.
The women say they were subjected to sexual, religious and racial harassment, as well as body shaming, discrimination, false imprisonment and assault, among other allegations.
After keeping quiet on social media since the complaint was filed against her earlier this week, the About Damn Time singer has released a statement to her 13.4M Instagram followers.
The 35-year-old said, “These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing. My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned”.
“My character has been criticised. Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed”.
She continued, “These sensationalised stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behaviour on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional”.
“As an artist I have always been very passionate about what I do. I take my music and my performances seriously because at the end of the day I only want to put out the best art that represents me and my fans”.
“With passion comes hard work and high standards. Sometimes I have to make hard decisions but it’s never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team”.
The Good as Hell singer went on to say, “I am not here to be looked at as a victim, but also know that I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days. I am very open with my sexuality and expressing myself but I cannot accept or allow people to use that openness to make me out to be something I am not”.
“There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world. I know what it feels like to be body shamed on a daily basis and would absolutely never criticise or terminate an employee because of their weight”.
Lizzo closed off by adding, “I’m hurt but I will not let the good work l’ve done in the world be overshadowed by this. I want to thank everyone who has reached out in support to lift me up during this difficult time”.
Sofia Richie has been opening up about her relationship with her husband Elliot Grainge now that they’ve tied the knot.
The model and her record executive husband got married with a lavish ceremony in France back in April.
Now that the newlyweds are home from their tropical honeymoon, Sofia has been speaking about how their relationship grew from just being friends to eventually getting hitched.
While chatting to Who What Wear, the 24-year-old explained, “We started off just as friends. I would always tell him, ‘Whoever you end up with is the luckiest girl’.”
“I thought that person is going to be really loved, appreciated, and worshipped. And then I realised one day… Why can't that lucky girl be me?”.
Sofia then delved into the details of when their platonic relationship turned into a romantic one.
Sofia also spoke about how many of her past relationships, including with Justin Bieber, Brooklyn Beckham and Scott Disick, were ‘heavily documented’ by paparazzi, but with Elliot, they didn't have that issue.
Sofia and Elliot got engaged in 2022 after dating for over a year, and following years of friendship.
When announcing their engagement, Richie sweetly revealed, “Forever isn’t long enough @elliot”, alongside photos of their romantic proposal.
Previously, when reflecting back on her wedding day, Sofia admitted she felt like she was marrying her best friend.
Katherine Ryan is set to star in her own documentary series and fans of the comedian are thrilled.
Katherine and her family will appear in their new show, titled Katherine Ryan: Parental Guidance, which will be airing next year on W and UKTV Play.
The show, consisting of four 60 minute episodes, will delve into Katherine’s personal life of juggling parenthood with her three children while working as a comedian.
Announcing the brilliant news on Instagram, the W Channel posted a snap of Katherine with her partner Bobby Kootstra and their son Fred.
The channel revealed, “New show alert! Katherine Ryan: Parental Guidance is coming to W channel and @UKTVPlay next year”.
“The brand-new, original series will see Katherine explore a whole host of extreme parenting techniques as she juggles parenthood with the glamorous, and often intense lifestyle of being a comedian at the top of her game”.
Many fans of Ryan’s headed to social media to share their excitement over the news of the docu-series.
“Can’t wait”, one fan wrote, while a second penned, “Can’t wait. Love her”.
The Taskmaster star opened up about filming the series and explained, “Since filming Backstage with Katherine Ryan, I've been hoping to work with Expectation on another unique 'all access' project”.
“Parental Guidance gives plenty of food for thought while putting comedy front and centre. We are thrilled to bring this provocative new show to UKTV”.
Sharing more details of the show, UKTV channel revealed the documentary “offers a unique insight into unconventional parenting techniques and 'alternative' lifestyles”.
“From potty training at eight months to co-sleeping, some might consider Katherine's own parenting methods to be extreme – but that's nothing compared to the extreme parents she'll be meeting in this series”.
They added, “With special access to Katherine's family life, viewers will see how she juggles parenthood with the glamourous and often intense lifestyle of being a comedian at the top of her game”.
Katherine and Bobby share two children together- two-year-old Fred and baby Fenna, who was born in December 2022. Katherine is also mum to 13-year-old Violet from a previous relationship.
The Dublin Horse Show is back this month from 9th – 13th August in the iconic grounds of the RDS Dublin. A highlight of the summer, the show combines sport, style and socialising. It’s the perfect day out for you and your besties. Each day is action packed and is a dazzling social occasion where you and your friends can experience great food, drinks and shopping along with the now infamous ‘Best Dressed’ competition.
Decathlon is delighted to be back at this year’s show and the Decathlon stand, will be selling everything an equine lover needs!
For great value on 70 sports check out decathlon.ie or pop into the Ballymun or Limerick stores.
Giveaway Time!
To celebrate the return of The Dublin Horse Show, Decathlon is giving us a family pass for five to the show on a day of your choosing! The winner will also receive a €100 Decathlon gift card.
All you must do is fill in your details below. Best of luck!
***** This competition is now closed *****
Congratulations to Bronagh Fitzpatrick from Co Galway – well done Bronagh, we have sent you an email. Thank you to everyone who entered x
“Congratulations guys! He’s gorgeous,” replied Zoe Sugg, who is currently expecting her second child with her boyfriend Alfie Deyes.
“Ahhh absolutely gorgeous! Hello Jesse! Xxx,” exclaimed Louise Pentland, who is already a mum to daughters Darcy (12) and Pearl (5).
“Can’t wait to meet my new little nephew. Well done guys. Xx,” added makeup guru and Jim’s sister, Nicola Chapman.
Jim, who found fame in 2012 after becoming part of the famous YouTube ‘Brit Crew’, announced Sarah's pregnancy on February 7. The couple shared a heartwarming video of themselves with daughter Margot in the kitchen, as they baked biscuits that spelled out: ‘Big Sister’.
“Margot’s going to be a big sister! We are so happy and excited to have a little boy coming this summer,” they penned at the time.
Jim, who was previously married to former YouTube star Tanya Burr, first went public with his relationship with Sarah in June 2019.
After getting engaged in the following year, the lovebirds went on to tie the knot at a courthouse in California in March 2022, before having a more lavish ceremony in Spain six months later.
The Parent Trap star’s rep confirmed her son’s arrival to People just over two weeks ago but is yet to share photos of the bundle of joy online.
They released a statement that reads, “Lindsay Lohan and her Financier husband, Bader Shammas, welcomed a beautiful, healthy son named Luai. The family is over the moon in love”.
The cute name, Luai, is an Arabic name that means ‘shield or protector’.
Geary posted an adorable black and white photo of her new arrival holding onto his parents’ hands and explained, “Arrived slightly ahead of schedule, he couldn’t wait to get here”.
“Welcome to the world, Ronan Sexton. 01/08/2023”.
Ronan is of Irish origin and means ‘seal’, ‘pledge’ or ‘a promising oath’.
Anna was flooded with congratulatory messages in the comments of her sweet post.
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Gemma Atkinson penned, “Oh how lovely, congratulations”.
“Oh my God, he’s PERFECT!! Congratulations you three!”, said TV presenter Maïa Dunphy.
Operation Transformation host Kathryn Thomas added, “Amazing…. Hello little angels Ronan, huge congrats honey to you and kev!!!! Enjoy every second of the next few days and weeks xxx”.
The camogie star announced she was expecting her first child back in February when revealing, “A new teammate coming in 2023”, alongside a cute photo of a teddy, tiny hurl and a baby grow that reads, ‘Togging out in 2023’.
Anna and Kevin first met in 2014 and after years of dating, Kevin popped the big question in 2018.
The couple went on to tie the knot in 2019 in Anna’s homeplace of Cork.
Congratulations again to Anna and Kevin as they embark on this very exciting new chapter in their lives as a family-of-three.
