Birmingham: Last News

Hollywood heavyweight Harrison Ford delivered a cheeky birthday directive to ITV's This Morning star Alison Hammond, telling her to "grow up" during a humorous video message.

In paid partnership with Priority from O2Tom Grennan has announced his biggest ever UK arena tour – and if you’re an O2 or Virgin Media broadband customer, you can get Priority Tickets right now ahead of general release.After headlining the 25,000-capacity Gunnersbury Park last summer, the Grennan ‘25 tour will see the indie pop star play 11 massive arena shows throughout September. The run of gigs will kick off September 3 at Bournemouth’s International Centre and include a show at London’s The O2 arena.Tom Grennan will also visit Glasgow, Dublin, Leeds, Manchester and others during the 16-day jaunt.SEPTEMBER3 – International Centre, Bournemouth4 – Utilita Arena, Birmingham6 – The O2, London9 – Utilita Arena, Cardiff10 – Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham11 – OVO Hydro, Glasgow13 – 3Arena, Dublin15 – P&J Arena, Aberdeen16 – Utilita Arena, Newcastle18 – First Direct Arena, Leeds19 – Co-op Live, ManchesterTickets go on general sale this Friday (February 7) at 10am but Priority Tickets for Tom Grennan’s Grennan ‘25 arena tour are available now here.The run of shows will be in support of Grennan’s recently announced fourth album ‘Everywhere I Went Led Me To Where I Didn’t Want To Be’, which is out August 15.Teaming up with pop producer/songwriter Justin Tranter (Britney Spears, Linkin Park, Dua Lipa) for the record, Grennan was inspired by artists such as George Michael, Prince and Queen’s Freddie Mercury.

Electric Six have announced details of a UK and Ireland tour, set to take place this autumn. Find ticket details and a list of new shows below.Formed in Detroit in the late ’90s and led by Dick Valentine, Electric Six have made a name for themselves by famously blending a number of genres, including garage rock, new wave, punk, disco and metal.The eclectic rockers have shared that they will be embarking on a 14-show run this autumn, and will play dates across York, Manchester, Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool, London and more.Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday (February 7), and you can find yours here.Valentine will also be embarking on a solo tour in the UK and Ireland this March, in support of his new solo release, titled ‘The Final Musician’.

The Doobie Brothers have shared details of a new UK tour for 2025. Find ticket details and a list of dates below.The California rock group will be heading over to the UK and Ireland later this summer for a number of new shows.

Marks and Spencer's Pure Cotton Crew Neck Relaxed Sweatshirt has become a hit with shoppers who have labelled it 'cosy, soft and comfy'. Priced at £29.50, the sweatshirt is a gorgeous lemon yellow shade that's perfect for the upcoming Spring season.The versatile piece is ideal for layering during chilly winter days yet stylish enough to wear on its own with jeans or a skirt when the weather warms up.

Nancy Xu has been flooded with love and support from her Strictly Come Dancing co-stars and fans as she was seen spending a special occasion with them while on the road.

Brandi Carlile has announced a UK and European headline tour for 2025 – find all the details below.The US singer-songwriter is due to head out on the run of live dates, dubbed ‘The Lost Time’, this summer.Her first show of the trek will take place at the historic Royal Albert Hall in London on Friday June 20.Carlile is then scheduled to play gigs at Dublin’s National Stadium (June 22), Birmingham’s Symphony Hall (23), Manchester’s Opera House (25) and Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall (26).From there, the artist will head to Europe for performances in Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin. This leg also includes an appearance at the Montreux Jazz Festival.“The Carliles are hitting the road y’all!” Carlile said in a statement, adding that she was “beyond proud” ‘The Lost Time’ tour.A post shared by Brandi Carlile (@brandicarlile)“When I was a kid, the thought of making the kind of music that could take me overseas to the UK and Europe was outrageous.

Jowita Przystal has sweetly declared her love for her friend and co-star after they were reunited on the road. The professional dancer is currently travelling up and down the country with the Strictly Come Dancing Live 2025 tour.

The Pogues have revealed the guest vocalists for their 2025 ‘Rum Sodomy & The Lash’ UK tour.The band will be heading on a UK tour in May, making stops in cities including Leeds, Glasgow, Newcastle, Birmingham and Manchester. Last Friday (January 31) they announced the guest vocalists who will join them for their 2025 ‘Rum Sodomy & The Lash’ tour, marking the 40th anniversary of their 1985 album of the same name.The tour will feature original members James Fearnley, Jem Finer and Spider Stacy along with guest musicians Holly Mullineaux (bass), Jordan O’Leary (banjo), Fiachra Meek (pipes/whistles – Alfi), John Dermody (drums – Lankum) plus brass section Pete Fraser, Daniel Hayes and Ian Williamson.The roster of vocalists includes Nadine Shah, Iona Zajac, John Francis Flynn, Lisa O’Neill and Lankum‘s Daragh Lynch.A post shared by The Pogues (@thepoguesofficial)The band are set to play their 1985 LP ‘Rum Sodomy & the Lash’ in its entirety along with B-sides, extended version tracks and a special selection of their most beloved material.

Shayne Ward was clearly feeling the emotions of being back on home turf as he was able to showcase a snippet of his Strictly Come Dancing journey on stage.

Next shoppers are retiring their jeans for a pair of versatile trousers that have been hailed as a 'comfortable alternative' to denim. The high street retailer's Elasticated Back Wide Leg Trousers come in at £34 and balance the sophistication of tailored pants with the comfort of an elasticated waist, making them perfect for casual and formal wear.

Manchester council's new chief executive has started his first day in the job as the town hall ushers in a new era.

Supermarket giant Aldi has trialled a new £10 charge for shoppers entering the store with new self-checkout rules. Customers have been left feeling angry as a store in Greenwich has introduced a £10 pre-payment for customers entering the checkout-free shop - Aldi Shop and Go.

It was a sad week for Manchester fast food lovers with the shocking news that burger pioneers Almost Famous had closed. The M.E.N's own Diane Bourne described the chain as a true Manchester original that spearheaded the "dirty food" trend in the city in 2012.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is reportedly on the cusp of announcing a substantial uplift to one of its benefits, potentially by as much as £319. A campaign is currently pushing for the new Labour government and the DWP to increase the Carer's Allowance to align with the national living wage, suggesting an upgrade to weekly payments of £400.40, or £1,601.60 every four weeks.

Lauren Mayberry kicked off her US tour in San Diego this week with a cover of The Verve’s ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ – see footage below.The Chvrches vocalist is playing a 24-date North American tour over the next five weeks and launched it on Tuesday (January 28) with a show at San Diego’s House Of Blues. See the full list of North American tour dates here and find any remaining tickets here.Towards the end of her main set, she played a tender version of Richard Ashcroft and co.’s indie anthem, which was originally released on their classic third album ‘Urban Hymns’ in 1997.

Alison Hammond and her son Aidan did their first joint interview on the latest episode of Loose Women.

As the temperature continues to pick up, many fashion fans will be gearing up to retire their heavy-duty winter coats for pieces that are a little more lightweight. While it's not quite shorts and t-shirt weather just yet, many will be on the hunt for outwear that is still warm without being too bulky - and Next has a piece that ticks all the boxes.

Vito Coppola is clearly missing the opportunity to be around his Strictly Come Dancing co-stars, as he was quick to respond to a fresh update from JB Gill.

Jamie Borthwick has jokingly shared what 'annoys him' about one of Strictly Come Dancing's professional dancers as they were drafted in amid changes to the hit dance show's live tour.

Janette Manrara has been flooded with complimentary messages after she made an admission over her appearance while on the Strictly Come Dancing tour.