robmacca's entertainment news

Hear'Say: 25 Years Since Popstars

2026-03-25T13:07:00.003+00:00

Hear'Say (pic: UK Official Charts)

A quarter of a century ago Hear'Say became the winners of the reality music programme on British TV called Popstars (10M viewers) and were catapulted into the charts with their debut single Pure and Simple. The single sold 550,000 copies during the first week of release and became the 17th best selling UK single of the 2000's decade and was the fastest selling debut single, at that time.

Video: Hear'Say - Pure and Simple (2001)

Danny Foster, Myleene Klass, Kym Marsh, Suzanne Shaw, and Noel Sullivan became household names as Hear'Say became the biggest pop sensation of 2001. Fans filled record stores as singles and albums were released in quick succession and the five faces were plastered over magazines and newspapers almost daily. Hear'Say looked like they were here to stay.......

Hear'Say debut album Popstars, March 2001

The debut album Popstars was released on 26th March 2026, which was impressive since the quintet had only won the TV show bearing the same name. The album went straight to number one in the Official UK album charts, selling a whopping 306,631 copies in the first week, also breaking records for fastest selling debut album (at that time).

The Way To Your Love became the second number one single in July 2001 as Hear'Say went on from strength to strength. This was followed by some Summer festival appearances and a nationwide tour in August and September 2001. The record label were determined to milk Hear'Say dry by cramming in another studio album in time for Christmas 2001. Even though reality TV shows we're in their infancy, it became apparent very quickly that the British media would soon turn on the idols they had built up only months before.

Video: Hear'Say - Everybody (2001)

The second album Everybody was released in time for the Christmas charts, yet only managed to peak at number 24. Although the second Hear'Say album managed to go gold, the press had already written them off. The first track to be released was the title song and it managed a respectable chart position of number 4. There were six new entries in the UK Top 10 in the first week of December 2001 - competition was extremely fierce. S Club 7 were enjoying their eighth consecutive single to reach top three. The days for Hear'Say became numbered as Popstars the album and reality show faded into the background.

Hear'Say in 2001 (pic: ITV)

Much has been made about the rifts and splits concerning Hear'Say, but we wanted to celebrate the music, energy and happiness the band brought to thousands of fans around the United Kingdom and beyond. In August 2002, the final single, Lovin' Is Easy would feature a new addition to the band Johnny Shentall (replacing Kym Marsh). The track was another top 10 hit, reaching number 6 in the UK. After 20 months in the spotlight, Hear'Say were no more.

We are left wondering what could have been if the circumstances around Hear'Say had been different and the media had been kinder.

Listen to Hear'Say tracks on Spotify and last.fm 🎶🎧

*The Enemy - The Enemy Unofficial

Oscars Banned

2026-03-14T21:56:00.008+00:00

This year's Hollywood entertainment extravaganza Oscars ceremony coverage will be banned from all coverage and reporting from this website. This is due to the illegal actions of the United States of America government, which have killed thousands of innocent people in Iran - including around 165 schoolgirls on 28th February 2026.

The current U.S. administration have torn up the rules based order and replaced it with a regime of war and destruction of democracy. Therefore it would be wrong to cover any events coming from the U.S. at this current time.

*The Enemy - The Enemy Unofficial

PICTURES: Harry Styles Running

2026-03-05T12:52:00.004+00:00

Harry Styles on the cover of Runner's World Spring 2026

Harry Styles may be one of the biggest music artists in the world, with various accolades and chart topping albums - yet he is human and down to earth as his interview for Runner's World magazine demonstrates. It might be polar opposites from his Brit Awards performance or his Manchester concert, but running has been an important part of his life in recent times.

*photos: Laura Jane Coulson /credit: Runner's World

Harry Styles ran his first marathon in Tokyo, Japan in 2025, following with an impressive showing in Berlin, Germany. Having spent half of his life in the public eye, Harry has found running very therapeutic. Running has given him time to think, and this may have helped in the process for Stlyes's fourth album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally, released 6th March 2026.

Harry Styles (pic: Laura Jane Coulson)

Read the full interview with Harry Styles in the latest issue of Runner's World

Brit Awards 2026 - Winners

2026-02-28T22:41:00.029+00:00

Here are the winners from each category for the Brit Awards 2026, plus videos from the awards ceremony in Manchester.

Album Of The Year

Olivia Dean - The Art Of Loving

Song Of The Year

Sam Fender and Olivia Dean – Rein Me In

Artist Of The Year

Olivia Dean

Group Of The Year

Wolf Alice

Breakthrough Artist

Lola Young

Hip-Hop/Grime/Rap Act

Dave

Dance Act

Fred Again.., Skepta and PlaqueBoyMax

Alternative/Rock Act

Sam Fender

Best R&B Act

Sault

Pop Act

Olivia Dean

International Song Of The Year

Rosé and Bruno Mars – APT.

International Artist Of The Year

Rosalía

International Group

Geese

Critics' Choice

Jacob Alon

Producer Of The Year

PinkPanteress

Songwriter Of The Year

Noel Gallagher

Outstanding Contribution

Mark Robson

Lifetime Achievement

Ozzy Osbourne

*The Enemy - The Enemy Unofficial

Man Who Sold His Used Socks Becomes A Millionaire

2026-02-25T08:32:00.011+00:00

Zak Blackman on ITV's This Morning

A man who became the first man to be fired from Britain's Royal Navy for making adult content is having the last laugh as he has now become a millionaire. Zak Blackman the 23-year-old ex- Royal Navy sailor is now a self-made millionaire, earning £30,000 every month by selling his socks online. - with some pairs fetching as much as £1,500. He has had some strange requests along the way and spoke with ITV's This Morning about his money making socks.

Zak Blackman topless Instagram picture

Only Fans and other websites have certainly allowed users to come up with inventive ways of generating an income. We all remember Lily Allen's feet!

*The Enemy - The Enemy Unofficial

Watch Brit Awards 2026 Live Online

2026-02-24T09:16:00.009+00:00

Brit Awards 2026

Viewers worldwide will be able to watch the Brit Awards 2026 online via YouTube for the first time since it's launch in 1977. The glitzy ceremony will be live streamed on YouTube for the first time since it was first televised back in 1982.

The Brit Awards will also be moving venue, as Manchester Co-op Live Arena host the biggest annual UK music awards ceremony for the first time. Comedian Jack Whitehall will be hosting the show for the sixth year running.

Date: Saturday 28th February 2026

Venue: Manchester Co-op Live Arena

Time: 20:15 ITV1/ITVX/STV 20:45 YouTube

Brit Awards 2026 Nominations:

*The Enemy - The Enemy Unofficial

Gareth Gates In The Buff

2026-02-23T17:37:00.007+00:00

Gareth Gates - Pop Idol (Getty Image)

Back in late 2001 around 10M viewers tuned into Pop Idol, watching Gareth Gates and Will Young battling it out to see who would ultimately be crowned the winner. Both contestants went on to become household names. Although Gareth was the runner-up, he scored chart success with his solo career - releasing three studio albums between 2002 and 2007.

In 2002 Gareth Gates hit the headlines when Katie Price sold her story to the tabloids about taking his virginity while he was only 17 years old. His image may have been tarnished by the story, but it didn't stop him scoring more hits. Hitting the number one spot four times and earning eight Top 20 hits by the end of 2003.

Boyband In The Buff (YouTube)

Fast forward to 2026 and 41 year old Gareth Gates is hitting the headlines once again. Boyband In The Buff is currently appearing at twenty five locations around the UK, featuring a very toned and hunky Gates on stage. A night of nostalgia with boyband hits and an eyeful of semi naked men on stage, leaving little to the imagination. Some might be watching on, praying for a wardrobe malfunction!

Tickets: Boyband In The Buff

*The Enemy - The Enemy Unofficial

It Was Not An Erection (Honestly)!

2026-02-21T16:21:00.005+00:00

As the Winter Olympics 2026 drew to a close and the headlines revolving around Penisgate faded and flopped into the background - the memories of French Pole Vaulter Anthony Ammirati knocking the pole off with his penis, may just spring to mind from the French Olympic Games in 2024. The moment was caught on TV and beamed around the world to millions of viewers, as the video below shows. Maybe Anthony will never live that moment down, but at least viewers enjoyed watching him rise to the top!

Penis knocks off pole!

Memories cast even further back in time may recall a viral picture from London 2012 Olympic Games when US rower Henrik Rummel and his fellow team mates won a bronze medal in the coxless four rowing. It turned out to be anything but coxless as the medal ceremony pictures and footage appeared to show Rummel in a state of happiness, so to speak. Many viewers thought he had an erection in his tight lycra outfit - but Henrik Rummell later said,

"This is me and I swear it's not erect! I don't know why it ended up in that position but there you go."

Henrik Rummel (centre) London Olympic Games

The Enemy Return With New Album

2026-02-09T23:43:00.000+00:00

The Enemy are back with a brand new album for 2026, and things are hotting up for the Coventry trio as Social Disguises looks to keep Tom, Andy and Liam busy throughout the year.

The Enemy - Not Going Your Way

We had the taster track Not Going Your Way which was released in October 2025 and welcomed by new and old fans alike. This was quickly followed up with the sing a long tune Trouble and The Enemy tour. The new year kicked off with the third track from Social Disguises, The Boxer and this was quickly followed up by the announcement of album launch performances and signings. The new album will be out on Friday 20th February 2026 and fans can pre-order copies, available in various formats via The Enemy official website.

The Enemy - Trouble

The Enemy have proved over the past few decades how much they enjoy performing live, and even better when fans can get up close and personal at the smaller more intimate venues. Festivals are also an opportunity to attract new fans and introduce them to the energetic sounds of Indie - a growing list of Summer festivals and events have already been announced. The year will end with a supporting role on the tour with Ocean Colour Scene.

The Enemy Social Disguises album

Don't be surprised if Tom Clarke, Andy Hopkins and Liam Watts announce another tour very soon - after all, this is what The Enemy love doing!

To keep up to date with news, pictures and video about The Enemy, keep an eye on
The Enemy Unofficial.

A New Experiment Is Coming!

2025-01-06T18:17:00.004+00:00

A new experiment begins at the end of January 2025 in which surviving a 'nuclear' blast will be key as one individual locks himself away inside a bunker.

The Nuclear Bunker Experiment will test the endurance capabilities and survival instincts as the comforts of everyday life are exchanged for limited luxuries such as cold tinned food and battery powered devices.

The experiment supposedly sees a nuclear war break out as a 100,000 megaton nuke explodes in the centre of London - causing millions of deaths and catastrophic destruction at the heart of the country. As the warning siren sound, quick thinking and immediate shelter protection are the only hope for survival in this experiment. Even some 100 miles away from the blast dangers exist from fallout and radiation poisoning, and survival will depend on how safe the bunker will be as the days unfold.

Videos are being creating in the lead up to the fateful day on YouTube, and you can follow the progress before and during the experiment with blog posts on The Nuclear Bunker Experiment 🧪 🥼

There will be no running water, heat or outside contact during the time in the bunker - in fact, not even normal shower/toilet facilities will be available. The average outside temperatures are 4C/39.2F, which means life inside the unheated bunker will become unbearable as time goes on. Will the experiment work? Tune in and find out.

UK Top 10 TV Ratings (w/c 15/01/24)

2024-02-03T14:45:00.002+00:00

UK Top 10 TV viewing figures for week 3, from #BARB 15th - 21st January 2024.

BBC dominated the charts, captivating viewers with The Traitors and Gladiators.

Coronation Street returned to the top 10 as the highest rated UK soap opera for the week.

UK Top 10 TV Ratings (w/c 08/01/24)

2024-01-24T13:35:00.006+00:00

Top 10 UK TV viewing figures for week 2, from #barb 8th - 14th January 2024.

Gladiators returned to UK television and was an instant winner for the BBC, previously a popular ITV Saturday night entertainment show. The Traitors helped the BBC to dominate the Top 10 this week, while ITV enjoyed continuing success with Vera.

UK Top 10 TV Ratings (w/c 01/01/24)

2024-01-17T20:07:00.000+00:00

Top 10 most watched TV shows in the UK for week commencing 1st January 2024.

ITV's Mr Bates vs The Post Office became the most watched programme on UK TV during the first seven days of the New Year, causing quite a stir in the media as the nation talked about the scandal. The Masked Singer and Vera helped ITV lead over the BBC - which had to contend with 4 programmes inside the Top 10.

UK Top 10 TV Ratings (w/c 25/12/23)

2024-01-13T14:53:00.009+00:00

Top 10 most watched TV shows in the UK for week commencing 25th December 2023.

BBC1 dominated the Top 10 over the festive period with favourites Dr Who, Strictly Come Dancing and Call The Midwife all riding high. ITV's Vera was the sole entry for the final viewing figures of 2023.

UK Top 10 TV Ratings (w/c 18/12/23)

2024-01-08T12:44:00.001+00:00

Top 10 most watched TV shows in the UK for week commencing 18th December 2023.

BIF50: Growing Up In The 70's

2019-09-22T09:58:00.001+01:00

Growing up in 1970's Coventry wasn't always easy, especially in our family. Fashion, bullying and false teeth all feature in this video.....

BIF50: A Typical Day In Our House

2019-09-15T22:09:00.001+01:00

Growing up in Coventry in the 70's and 80's certainly was fun.

My parents, like so many other people, came to the city during the boom times.

Working class life can be clearly seen in this video, which described a typical day in our house.

#BIF50: Before I Forget

2019-01-17T14:14:00.000+00:00

A new project entitled, Before I Forget will be celebrating half a century of life in Coventry.

Looking back at places, people and pop tunes, all interwoven into the life of a weird Cov kid who has never really grown up.

During the first week of March 2019, robmacca will be presenting a monologue with a difference.

What was it like growing up in the rough parts of Coventry?
How did religion and politics influence life?

Remembering some long forgotten places and sharing some humourous memories, this promises to be an evening to remember!

To find out more, search #BIF50

VIDEO: Melanie C - Dear Life and Anymore

2016-12-11T15:02:00.000+00:00

Melanie C may have been be part of the world's most successful girl band the Spice Girls, but did you know she has been producing her own albums since 1999 and has just released her sixth studio album, 'Version of Me'

For 20 year's Melanie C has been one of the UK's most successful female artists, constantly evolving her own brand of music and changing her appearance. While many of her contemporaries would have just retired from making music, having made their millions, Melanie C has continued to do the very thing she loves - make music and perform those tracks live.

VIDEO: Melanie C - Dear Life

Back in 1996 we knew her as Sporty Spice, with track suits and high kicks ....... 20 year's later and Melanie C is still as fit as ever, if her social media feeds and photo shoots are anything to go by. The mother of one has shown how to balance celebrity life with a healthy lifestyle that is the envy of most women in their 40's.

VIDEO: Melanie C - Anymore

Rumours of a Spice Girls reunion have certainly done the rounds and Mel C has made it clear that she is happy to leave the girls at the peak of their career with the lasting memory of the closing ceremony of the London Olympics in 2012. Her latest album Version of Me entered the UK album chart at number 25, and while not commercially successful - has continued to satisfy fans around the world.

Melanie C will be going on tour in April 2017 and tickets are available: HERE

PIC: Melanie C in Love Magazine

Shedaloogoo: Episode 1

2015-09-30T16:41:00.000+01:00

Just watch one episode and the programme title will be in your head for the rest of the day!
Shedaloogoo is a crazy mix of fun, quizzes and general mayhem.

Can you guess the song in Shedaloogoo Lyrics? Name This Location? Work out 'Who Am I?'
We take a trip down memory lane with the Teletubbies and ask, 'Where Are They Now?' Episode 1 takes us on a journey through Children's TV from the very beginning until today - how many programmes will you recognise?

Let us know your thoughts - completely bonkers or good fun?

Mel B - For Once In My Life (Video and Lyrics)

2013-09-21T15:11:00.000+01:00

VIDEO: Mel B - For Once In My Life

Lyrics:

I've been gone in the dark and the shadows
Been afraid to throw my heart in the battle
Yesterday felt the weight of the shackles

Not anymore… not anymore

Turn the lights, turn the lights, turn the lights on
Wanna rise feel the rush, wanna free fall
Through the night cause tonight
I'm unstoppable
Unstoppable

I wanna feel.....
I wanna feel.....

For once in my life, I'm gonna let go
For once in my life, I'm gonna do it for me
This is the time I've been waiting for
Stripping it all away I'm runnin’ free
For once in my life
For once in my life

Here I am, think you know what I came for
Make it loud, cause the world is my dance floor
Standing strong and it feels so incredible
Gimme some more, gimme some more

Turn the lights, turn the lights, turn the lights on
Wanna rise feel the rush, wanna free fall
Through the night cause tonight
I want it all
I want it all

I wanna feel.....
I wanna feel.....

For once in my life, I'm gonna let go
For once in my life, I'm gonna do it for me
This is the time I've been waiting for
Stripping it all away, I'm runnin’ free

For once in my life
For once in my life
(it’s now or never)

For once in my life
For once in my life
(it’s now or never)

Oh ohh ohhh ohhh ohhhh
Oh ohh ohhh ohhh ohhhh

I wanna feel….

For once in my life, I'm gonna let go
For once in my life, I'm gonna do it for me
This is the time I've been waiting for
Stripping it all away, I'm runnin’ free

For once in my life, I'm gonna let go
For once in my life, I'm gonna do it for me
This is the time I've been waiting for
Stripping it all away I'm runnin’ free

For once in my life
For once in my life
(it’s now or never)

For once in my life
For once in my life
(it’s now or never)

The Making Of The Video ' Love Is A Bourgeois Construct'

2013-08-22T09:42:00.003+01:00

It took a week to make the spoof music video 'Love Is A Bourgeois Construct - Pet Shop Boys 'v' robmacca, but what was the inspiration behind the video? These two 'Making Of' videos explain how the video was created, with unseen footage and deleted clips. These videos might appeal to Pet Shop Boys fans or anyone who follows robmacca online and knows he is a little bit crazy!

Making of the video - Part 1

Making of the video - Part 2

VIDEO: Love Is A Bourgeois Construct (lyrics) - Pet Shop Boys 'v' robmacca

2013-08-17T08:37:00.000+01:00

VIDEO: Love Is A Bourgeois Construct (album version) Pet Shop Boys 'v' robmacca

I've been taking my time for a long time
Putting my feet up a lot
Speaking English as a foreign language
any words that I haven't forgot
I've been thinking how I can't be bothered
to wash the dishes or remake the bed
What's the point when I could doss instead?

I've been hanging out with various riff-raff
somewhere on the Goldhawk Road
I don't think it's gonna be much longer
'til I'm mugging up on the penal code
Love is a bourgeois construct
so I've given up on the bourgeoisie
Like all their aspirations, it's a fantasy

When you walked out you did me a favour
you made me see reality
that love is a bourgeois construct
It's a blatant fallacy
You won't see me with a bunch of roses
promising fidelity
Love doesn't mean a thing to me

Talking tough and feeling bitter
but better now it's clear to me
that love is a bourgeois construct
so I've given up the bourgeoisie

While the bankers all get their bonuses
I'll just get along with what I've got
Watching the weeds in the garden
Putting my feet up a lot
I'll explore the outer limits of boredom
moaning periodically
Just a full-time, lonely layabout
that's me

When you walked out you did me a favour
It's absolutely clear to me
that love is a bourgeois construct
just like they said at university
I'll be taking my time for a long time
with all the schadenfreude it's cost
calculating what you've lost

Now I'm digging through my student paperbacks
Flicking through Karl Marx again
Searching for the soul of England
Drinking tea like Tony Benn
Love is just a bourgeois construct
so I'm giving up the bourgeoisie
until you come back to me

Talking tough and feeling bitter
but better now it's clear to me
that love is a bourgeois construct
so I've given up the bourgeoisie

Love Is A Bourgeois Construct (Radio Edit)

Viva Forever! The Musical - The Final Curtain

2013-06-30T08:30:00.000+01:00

Fans of Viva Forever! The Musical were at London's Piccadilly Theatre in the heart of the West End to say a very Spice Girls 'Goodbye' to the musical.

Melanie C was given a loud reception as she took her seat with the other theatre goers.

After a spectacular stage performance from the cast of Viva Forever! The shows producer, Judy Craymer took to the stage to deliver some final thoughts.

Judy Craymer praised the team at Viva Forever! The Musical, saying "everyone created a great family."

Sporty Spice (Melanie C) and Baby Spice (Emma Bunton) joined the cast on stage to say a few final words. Melanie C said, "Us girls are so so proud that our music made it onto a West End stage." Emma thanked fans saying, "This was for you!"

The audience danced and sang as Viva Forever! The Musical came to a close in London.

While the musical may have come to an end, the music of the Spice Girls will live on forever!

VIDEO: Viva Forever! The Musical - The Final Curtain with Judy Craymer, Melanie C and Emma Bunton with the cast.

2012: Top 40 Biggest Selling Albums

2013-01-19T21:48:00.001+00:00

Here is the official Top 40 biggest selling albums in the UK for 2012....

1	OUR VERSION OF EVENTS	EMELI SANDE	1393000
2	21	ADELE	786000
3	+	ED SHEERAN	784000
4	BORN TO DIE	LANA DEL REY	719000
5	TAKE ME HOME	ONE DIRECTION	616000
6	BABEL	MUMFORD & SONS	573000
7	RIGHT PLACE RIGHT TIME	OLLY MURS	570000
8	CHRISTMAS	MICHAEL BUBLE	503000
9	MYLO XYLOTO	COLDPLAY	476000
10	UNAPOLOGETIC	RIHANNA	475000
11	FALL TO GRACE	PALOMA FAITH	449000
12	THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE	P!NK	446000
13	TAKE THE CROWN	ROBBIE WILLIAMS	445500
14	MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY	ROD STEWART	421000
15	UP ALL NIGHT	ONE DIRECTION	372000
16	WHO YOU ARE	JESSIE J	370000
17	18 MONTHS	CALVIN HARRIS	354000
18	THE VERY BEST OF	NEIL DIAMOND	334000
19	TALK THAT TALK	RIHANNA	333000
20	IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW	OLLY MURS	332000
21	NOTHING BUT THE BEAT	DAVID GUETTA	315000
22	NUMBER 3	THE SCRIPT	312000
23	SOME NIGHTS	FUN.	310000
24	UNORTHODOX JUKEBOX	BRUNO MARS	307000
25	MAGIC OF THE MOVIES	ANDRE RIEU & JOHANN STRAUSS ORCHESTRA	302000
26	DOO-WOPS & HOOLIGANS	BRUNO MARS	291000
27	BATTLE BORN	THE KILLERS	271000
28	EVERY KINGDOM	BEN HOWARD	269000
29	OVEREXPOSED	MAROON 5	263000
30	CEREMONIALS	FLORENCE & THE MACHINE	262000
31	GRRR	ROLLING STONES	258000
32	THE 2ND LAW	MUSE	255000
33	NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS	NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS	247000
34	STORYTELLER	ALFIE BOE	245000
35	ORA	RITA ORA	242500
36	HEAVEN	REBECCA FERGUSON	242300
37	PINK FRIDAY - ROMAN RELOADED	NICKI MINAJ	242000
38	EL CAMINO	THE BLACK KEYS	239000
39	DNA	LITTLE MIX	234000
40	STEREO TYPICAL	RIZZLE KICKS	233900

*Official Chart Company