Kellie

This morning (Monday 30th September on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show) Country 2 Country Festival have announced their line up for the festival with  Grammy award-winning, CMA award-winning and reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year  Lainey Wilson,  CMA award-winning and multi-platinum artist  Dierks Bentley and  CMA award-winning Cody Johnson who is making his C2C debut  headlining between Friday 14th - Sunday 16th March with a ll three artists are headlining for the first time in their careers. They are joined by further C2C debutants, Dylan Gossett, Tyler Hubbard, Chayce Beckham, Shaboozey, Tucker Wetmore and Niko Moon, as well as Nate Smith, 49 Winchester and Avery Anna who are returning but performing on the main stage for the first time after appearing on the spotlight stages in past years. With C2C also consistently celebrated emerging talent in the genre with rising stars Wyatt Flores and Tanner Adell progressing from the festival stages to perfo...

Over recent weeks, viewers have seen DS Lisa Swain be there for Carla Connor through a mutual friendship for the pair having seen them lean on each other in there time of needs. Coronation Street episodes viewers are set to see sparks fly between the pair as they share a tender moment leaving Carla confused.  Vicky Myers and Alison King work well together and I am interested to see what is next for the pair of characters. With Lisa and Carla being strong characters in Weatherfield over the past few months these two extremely strong ladies have let their strong guard downs and explored their vulnerabilities with Lisa as a parent and widow and Carla as a divorcee and business woman. Photo Credit: ITV/ Coronation Street Alison King recently opened up about filming with Vicky Myers and the characters friendship stating "I’m loving working with Vicky, she’s an absolute trooper and she’s very talented. I'm enjoying seeing their friendship coming through, with this friendship we’re s...

It's safe to say that from the very moment, Cait Fitton joined Coronation Street in November 2022 that her character, Lauren Bolton was a very complex character. Over her time on the Weatherfield based soap, Lauren has been involved with some brilliant storylines along with some funny, heartfelt, and tough scenes. Lauren is one of those characters that I've enjoyed to see develop within a soap. With Cait Fitton having returned to Weatherfield during Monday 8th July's episode, Lauren has become a lot more of a vulnerable character and rightly so after everything the character has been through. However, it was during Tuesday 9th July's one hour long episode that saw Lauren reveal her pregnancy with Joel Deering's baby in some emotional scenes  I have nothing but praise for this episode and for both Cait and Calum Lill. The emotional journey that Cait took you on was brilliant and showed what a great young actress she is! Photo Credit: ITV/ Coronation Street During Fri...

Last Friday (13th September)   singer-songwriter, Dawson Anderson  formerly of Temecula Road released his brand new single, Beaches in Oklahoma. Photo Taken By Me in 2017 during a UK show Beaches in Oklahoma shows the vulnerable side of Dawson especially within the chorus and his songwriting being allowed to shine through. From the very first line comes in you it's obvious that the relationship is coming to and a break up is coming with a lot of heartbreak as you both realise that you both want different things from the relationship and moving across towns or states in this case is hard. It's obvious that the love was there but it's ok to want different things from life and sometimes walking away is the best thing to do, however at the time it's ok for it to hurt as it means that it meant something to you. One thing I have learnt from Dawson's solo music is that he isn't afraid to wear this heart on his sleeve and be vulnerable whilst being very honest. Can'...

Since Isabelle Smith  arrived on our screens back in January, Hollyoaks viewers have seen a hard-hitting storyline for her character, Frankie Osborne who since  February has had tough relationships with Osborne family especially Nancy and Jack, and looking back now you can see the cries for help with her moods, attitude, and vulnerability that have changed across the past 6 months. Frankie's used dance as her escape seeing her audition for dance school. With Darren having been the one wanting to protect Frankie with everything that has arose. One of my favourite moments was Frankie learning sign language so she could communicate with Oscar allowing people to see the caring side to the character. The first appearance of Frankie Osborne came in Wednesday's episode (4th September) where her dance place got deferred leaving her devastated as Darren continued to support Frankie seeing her become emotional about her return to school it was clear how much Darren has Frankie's best...

With Hollyoaks entering the first week of their brand-new 3 episodes a week next week in typical Hollyoaks style a stunt is involved. Who doesn't love a Hollyoaks stunt? Next week will see Grandfather and Granddaughter, Jack and Frankie Osborne run into Suzanne Ashworth and JJ Osborne outside The Dog patio. With the support of Sally St Claire and Jack, Frankie confront Suzanne about her not believing her as she goes into detail about what she experienced.  This can't be an easy conversation to have, but thankful she has people she trusts around her.  Jack later adds the pressure and challenges Suzanne about what she knew.  I have a feeling that these scenes could lead to some emotional moments. Photo Credit: Lime Pictures/ Hollyoaks Inside The McQueen house are Marie Fielding, Jack, Suzanne and Frankie. Later, Leela Lomax breaks the news of the accident in The Dog to The Osbornes and Tony Hutchinson as Darren Osbornes races to his daughter, Frankie and father, Jack. Quest...

During next week's visits to Hollyoaks, viewers will see Frankie Osborne have an emotional as things become a little tense for the young character who a couple of weeks ago opened up to Darren Osborne about everything she had suffered in some highly emotional scenes. With Frankie due to go to Dance School, things don't go to plan when she receives a letter saying that her dance place has been deferred - leaving her gutted to have to go back to school with JJ.  You can't help but feel anxious for her and how will move could affect her going forward.  With Darren trying to comfort his daughter she is distraught by this setback - however, Frankie gets emotional as shares a heartfelt moment with her dad. Things get worse as JJ gets into the Osbornes and challenges Frankie.  Why does this make me worry for Frankie and her safety even more. Photo Credit: Lime Pictures/ Hollyoaks Things continue to get heated as the divided Osbornes face each other at Hollyoaks High when JJ arri...

It's hard to believe that Isabelle Smith only arrived on our screens in the Chester based soap Hollyoaks in January 2024 which has seen her character, Frankie Osborne go through some tough times. Over the past few months in Hollyoaks, Frankie Osborne has had a tough time, but viewers have seen Grace Black support Frankie during Monday 22nd July's episode on E4 where Frankie opened up to her uncle, Freddie Roscoe who was in a coma at the time.  You could see a change in the character once this had happened as the vulnerability shines through in an emotional scene. You can really understand the turmoil in Frankie as all she wants to do is protect her loved ones. Photo Credit: Lime Pictures/ Hollyoaks *Written as I watched on E4* During last Thursday's episode (15th August) viewers saw the start of Frankie breaking down following her ordeal which saw her become even more anxious around her brother, JJ following her slip-up during a conversation with Darren Osborne, you only ha...

This Friday (Friday 23rd August) US singer-songwriter,  Lainey Wilson  will release her brand new album, Whirlwind which is made of 14 songs. Whirlwind is being released via BBR Music Group/ BMG Nashville. Lainey is known for taking her fans on a journey with her music and Whirlwind is no different with Keep Up With Jones bringing Lainey's fun country loving side to the song with catchy lyrics whilst letting listeners know that it is ok if you don't put up with your friends.  Country's Cool Again  follows on wonderfully with it being one of my favourite songs of the album that is also released - what makes you country to everyone is every different and I like that Lainey embraces this. The chorus is super catchy and the sass is spot on along with the vocal delivery being great with the softer tones mixed in beautifully.  Good Horses featuring Miranda Lambert  is a duet, I never knew I needed to hear with the beautiful story-telling mixed with a lot of love....

Next week's Hollyoaks episodes are set to be emotional ones for Frankie Osborne as she continues to open up to her loved ones and to think that Isabelle Smith only arrived on our screens in January of this year. When asked how would you describe the Osborne/ Ashworth family dynamic over the past few months, Isabelle said  "The family dynamic between the Osborne’s and the Ashworth’s has been tricky to navigate for each individual family member..." Before continuing "Her mum Suzanne, Darren and Nancy clash on differing opinions and the outbursts that Frankie has. These acts of defiance are Frankie’s way of coping and they seem to be dividing the family when all she really wants is for them to surround her with support." Frankie's sibling relationship with Oscar has grown over the past few months since she learned sign language, can you please us about this?  "The relationship between Frankie and Oscar is some of my favourite scenes to play! It’s like Fran...

Over the past two weeks in my opinion, Coronation Street has included the perfect mix of comedy and drama you only have to look at last Friday's alone (2nd August) with the drama of Lauren Bolton having been mugged which led to the character's premature labour to light hearted moments from many characters in that episode. The only part of the previous week that frustrated me was that one minute, Joel Deering didn't care about Lauren Bolton giving into premature labour following his actions which I will never understand you only had to watch the final scene in last Friday's episode (2nd August) where he visited Lauren in hospital and the close up of his face. To Monday's episode (5th August) of Joel becoming emotional when he sees his newborn son laying their helpless, I do think the realisation has finally hit him, and maybe he is regretting his actions but I doubt this is what he is thinking - I just wish Dee-Dee Bailey would open her eyes to see what her fiancé is...

Since Lauren Bolton returned to the Weatherfield soap in Monday 8th July's episode as she visited Roy Cropper's bedside, with Tuesday 9th July seeing a special two handler episode revealing that Lauren was pregnant. Photo Credit: ITV/ Coronation Street Later this week, Lauren suffers with stomach pains, however, with her son in an incubator during next week's episode the new young mother is terrified.  Let's be honest it is a worrying time for any new mother, let alone someone who has been through what Lauren has but I think we will see another side of Lauren. I just hope that she has people supporting her. But DS Swain is intent to ask Lauren some questions about her ordeal. But the question reminds will Lauren give her the answers she wants?  It's obvious DS Swain isn't going to give up. Photo Credit: ITV/ Coronation Street Later in the week, Max decides to take an emotional Lauren out for lunch.  Why do I think this will see their friendship return and Max be...

Tonight's episode (Friday 26th July) of Coronation Street was a special episode dedicated to Paul Foreman's MND journey as he and his husband, Billy Mayhew had a very special day in some emotional scenes. Tonight's episode was written wonderfully by Debbie Oates, directed by Vicky Thomas and produced by Verity MacLeod.  Thank you for your attention to detail and care with this episode. The episode opened with a dream like sequel that was beautifully thought through with Peter Ash's voiceover being timed brilliantly allowing for many emotional and heartfelt moments. The way that Billy comforted his husband, Paul throughout the episode within their special moments that were powerful with the way that it captured thanks to Vicky's attention to detail with camera angles especially the close ups especially during the heart-to-heart moments. The attention to detail during their trip to the church where they got married in heartfelt moments and the flashbacks to their wedd...

Following the release of their debut album, Blonde today (Friday 26th July), I was lucky enough to catch up with sisters Kendra and Krista aka  Tigirlily Gold  to talk about their debut album as well as what their plans are for the rest of 2024. Hey Kendra and Krista, Congratulations on your debut album being released today - how are you feeling about people to hear the album? We are so excited for Blonde to finally be out. We started working on this record three years ago and are so incredibly proud of it. We can’t wait for people to choose their favorite songs! Some of your fans were lucky enough during C2C to attend your first UK fan club party, how was that for you? We absolutely love touring over in the UK. That fan party was so special because that was our very first fan party over in the UK and the first time we shared the recorded version of “Bleeding Love” with anybody. It’s so cool to see the support we’ve received from the UK, and we plan on being back very soon. P...

Today (Friday 26th July) will see  Tigirlily Gold  made up of sisters, Kendra and Krista will release their debut full length album called Blonde. Blonde is made up of 10 tracks, and is being released via Monument Records. You can read my interview with Kendra and Krista  here . Opening their debut album,  Blonde begins with a guitar instrumental from Krista which sets the tone for the song perfectly with Kendra's soft vocal tones coming in on the first verse allowing for Kendra's sassy side come through that I have to say is brilliant with lyrics that are wonderfully written. Ahead of the chorus both sisters Kendra and Krista on lead vocals showcasing their fantastic harmonies and there wonderful bond with the lyrics. The storytelling within the lyrics are brilliant especially as the catchy lyrics of the song comes in thanks to the party vibes that the song comes in with - I can definitely see why people at C2C 2 weeks ago were loving this song was such an atmo...

Today (Friday 26th July) will see US singer-songwriting band,  Jess and The Bandits  released their brand new single, God Did Good. God Did Good was written by Kristian Bush, Jeff Cohen and Diana Corcoran. Photo Credit: Christopher Peavey God Did Good  is an upbeat song that has a great instrumental throughout. The love story feel to God Did Good is great as you can hear that the song has a lot of personal meaning to Jess about how she met her husband and just meeting that special person in general that you want to begin a relationship with. It's the little things they do and you notice that make you realise at certain points that you have a good person on your hands and you thank God for bringing them into your life! During the second verse, you hear the marriage era creeping in as you start to push one another's buttons and the annoying moments begin - let's be honest all relationships have them. The final verse is my favourite as it's when you bring your children int...

During next week's visits to Weatherfield, Coronation Street viewers will see Max Turner comfort his friend, Lauren Bolton following her being mugged. However once alone, she doubles over in pain clutching her stomach, what does this mean for Lauren and her unborn baby? Will Max help? A few weeks ago, viewers learnt that Lauren was pregnant following a showcase with Joel Deering when she came back to visit Roy Cropper in hospital when asked  about the storyline, Cait Fitton revealed during a press event last month  "Yeah it was a shock. It wasn't anything that me and Callum expected."  Before continuing  "I was kind of like I wonder why they decided to go down that route but then when I kind of thought about it you know Lauren's never had stability in her life, she's never had love, unconditional love and the thing with a baby is you're that baby's role model like that baby's going to look up to you and you're going to always look out for ...

Today (Friday 12th July), American singer-songwriter,  Megan Moroney will be releasing her sophomore album, Am I Okay? which is made up of 14 tracks. Opening Megan's sophomore album,  Am I Okay?  with her crisp vocal tone with heartfelt moments. Am I Okay is filled with one rather relatable moments as well as a being filled with vulnerability regarding relationships. The chorus is brilliant and filled with lots of fun. The second verse showcases the good sides of a relationship after a few terrible experiences and the shock that good ones exist. I personally enjoyed how the final verse is a lot softer naturally ending the song. Up next is  Third Times A Charm which begins with a soft instrumental complimenting Megan's soft vocal tones throughout. The song showcases some heartfelt moments along with some vulnerability of being hurt and being OK to open up about her previous experience. The chorus is beautiful with some brilliant storytelling and honesty. The seco...

A few weeks ago, Sydney Martin appeared on our screens revealed as the daughter of PC Lisa Swain's daughter, Betsy. During a press event last month, Sydney revealed a little about her character and her relationship with Vicky Myers. During a recent press day interview last month in Manchester, Sydney opened up about getting into acting saying:  "I loved during shows. I was really shy like when I was on the stage. Never knew it was a career, didn't know it was something you could go into. Got into sixth form had the most amazing drama teacher that I literally owe everything too! Then I happened to get a place, then just graduated drama school and entered the industry then just grafted and then somehow just got here *laughs*." Talking about how the role of Betsy came about  "So, I initially went up for 2 smaller roles which was great to obviously get seen by Coronation Street was fabulous, didn't get them. Two weeks later, they were like do you wanna audition f...