WHEN she joined the X Factor judging panel, some fans asked whether Robbie Williams’ wife Ayda would have the industry clout to stand up to the boys. But those fearing she could become a wallflower spoke way too soon, after my sources at the ITV singing contest revealed she has already clashed with Simon Cowell — and won. After two girls failed to get through as solo artists, the former actress told Simon he was wrong to send them home and insisted they would work as a duo. A show insider said: “Ayda challenged Simon behind the scenes over his decision to not give them a second change. “He told the girls, Aaliyah and Acacia, it was the end of the road. But they really impressed Ayda so she went backstage and asked them to return as a group soon after. “Simon was insistent it was a bad idea but they sang Bang Bang when they re-auditioned and the crowd, and Simon, were blown away. They got a standing ovation. X Factor’s new judge Robbie … [Read more...] about Robbie Williams’ wife Ayda Field clashes with Simon Cowell on X Factor judging panel — and wins
Lindsay williams
Robbie Williams says Liam and Noel Gallagher’s flopped solo careers is real reason behind Oasis reunion
ROBBIE Williams once challenged Liam Gallagher to a fight at the Brit Awards in 2000. And he told his brother Noel to kiss his “perfectly formed backside” on stage a decade later. Now all these years on, the former Take That singer has reignited his feud with the Oasis duo claiming they will be forced to re-form the band because their solo careers won’t last. Asked if he thought there would be a reunion of the group, Robbie said: “I think there will be. “Liam Gallagher has just come back and he’s done pretty well. He had a platinum record with his solo album and I think that’s what everybody was waiting for. I think the next time he releases an album it won’t do as well. “Noel’s album didn’t do too good either. I think it sold like 70,000 copies or something, which for Noel isn’t great. “If they’re anything like me, which I think they are, they will want to be doing the most successful thing they can … [Read more...] about Robbie Williams says Liam and Noel Gallagher’s flopped solo careers is real reason behind Oasis reunion
William Dunlop in the words of his own Road Racing Ireland column
William Dunlop in the words of his own Road Racing Ireland column BelfastTelegraph.co.uk William Dunlop described the highs and lows of road racing over a 14 year period in his column for Road Racing Ireland. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/motorcycling/william-dunlop-in-the-words-of-his-own-road-racing-ireland-column-37126831.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/article37125812.ece/57dfc/AUTOCROP/h342/2018-07-17_new_42547261_I5.JPG Email William Dunlop described the highs and lows of road racing over a 14 year period in his column for Road Racing Ireland. Here are a selection of his words between 2004 and 2018: On his father Robert’s death: “My dad was a great man and as he said to me last year, ‘I would do it all again. I know I’ll be sore but it’s worth it’. The only thing I regret, and he was right again, it’s only human nature to take people for granted but I never told him how much I loved him. … [Read more...] about William Dunlop in the words of his own Road Racing Ireland column
Council to confer Honorary Freedom of the Borough on Sir William Wright CBE in January
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will confer the Honorary Freedom of the Borough on Sir William Wright CBE next January. Earlier this year elected members agreed on the prestigious award in recognition of Wrightbus founder Sir William’s contribution to global business and the local economy, and his service to Mid and East Antrim.It followed a motion proposed by then Mayor Councillor Paul Reid and seconded by Councillor Audrey Wales MBE.Sir William met with current Mayor Councillor Lindsay Millar and Council Chief Executive Anne Donaghy recently to plan the official conferment ceremony.The Mayor said: “The Freedom of the Borough is the highest accolade the council can award a citizen and we are delighted we will bestow this honour on Ballymena-based entrepreneur and pioneer Sir William Wright.“At this week’s meeting of full council it was agreed the conferment ceremony will take place on Friday, January 18 2019 in The Braid in Ballymena.“Sir … [Read more...] about Council to confer Honorary Freedom of the Borough on Sir William Wright CBE in January
Death of William Dunlop a ‘hammer blow for road racing’
Ulster Grand Prix Clerk of the Course Noel Johnston has described the heart-breaking news of William Dunlop’s tragic death at the Skerries 100 on Saturday as a hammer blow for road racing. Johnston himself was left reeling almost 12 years ago when Lisburn’s Darran Lindsay was killed at Killalane.The Dundrod race chief was Lindsay’s main sponsor and he remembers vividly the harrowing impact of his death in 2006.On Sunday, he told the News Letter that he questioned his own involvement in the sport after learning of the shocking news emerging from County Dublin on Saturday evening.“Last night, I questioned myself: I questioned why I am involved in this sport. I really looked hard at myself and I’m not saying I’m going to quit or anything, but I do this job because I think I can improve things,” he said.“In saying that, it’s hard to take when you think that Dan Kneen is gone and now William – two lovely lads with big futures in … [Read more...] about Death of William Dunlop a ‘hammer blow for road racing’