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NEXT WEEK ON HOLLYOAKS - FRANKIE CONTINUES TO STRUGGLE

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During next week's visits to Hollyoaks, viewers will see Nancy Osborne interrupt Frankie Osborne and Vicky Grant to tell her that her twin, JJ isn't responding to his treatment which sees Frankie realise that they may look to her to be a donor, however, Vicky is quick to assure that she doesn't have to do anything she doesn't want  this is something I like about Vicky and Frankie's friendship as they are always there to support one another. With JJ ill, and trying to hide in the village he leaves a note in Frankie's place of work - Price Slice, however, JJ collapses as Mercedes McQueen tries to talk to him leaving Nancy to call for an ambulance before Darren Osborne is told that JJ has pneumonia. Later, outside the hospital Darren is upset and tries to tell Frankie he hasn't taken JJ's side but also can’t abandon him and asks her to try and understand. I feel for Darren as he is torn and at the end of the day JJ is his son despite everything. Photo Credi...

SINGLE REVIEWS - ALANA SPRINGSTEEN - COWBOY/ HOLD MY BEER

Today (Friday 18th October) singer-songwriter,  Alana Springsteen release not one, but TWO songs - Cowboy and Hold My Beer. Cowboy  opens up the a new era of Alana Springsteen music perfectly. The first verse is brilliant and opens the song up wonderfully with the traditional country boy feel and everything you would expect from a cowboy, however it's the chorus that you can hear the tides changing as it is fantastically catchy heading into the second verse that the story changes that I find really interesting and very cleverly done - it's a story of love that turns to hate. The final lines allow for Alana's soft tones to let the listeners in to her personal connection, so powerful. Hold My Beer  is a very edgy song that I absolutely love and am really enjoying this new era of Alana Springsteen music. The songwriting is fantastic reminding me of music I grew up listening to from the early 2000's and has a very dark meaning at times, however it could have a two way meani...

INTERVIEW WITH MADISON OLIVIA AS WE DISCUSS HER LATEST SINGLE, 24/7

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This week's interview is with a brand-new artist to this page, American singer-songwriter,  Madison Olivia who last week I had the pleasure of speaking with to discuss her latest single, 24/7 alongside her plans for the rest of 2024 and 2025 aims. Hello Madison. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us.  As you are new to many of our readers can you please ask you to introduce yourself to our readers? Absolutely! I’m Madison Olivia, a pop/country artist originally from Flint, Michigan. I’ve been fortunate to open for artists like Dylan Scott, Parmalee, and recently, my idol Kassi Ashton which was an absolute dream come true! And yes, she’s just as sweet in person as I imagined. I’ve been working hard as an independent artist, carving my own path in country music. My sound blends soulful, heartfelt vocals with the storytelling roots of country music. My main goal when writing songs is creating something that people can connect with on a deep, emotional level. I have been...

NEXT WEEK ON CORONATION STREET: DEE-DEE MEETS A SOCIAL WORKER AS LAUREN ADMITS HER TRUE FEELINGS

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During next week's visit to cobbles of Coronation Street, viewers will see Lauren Bolton give Dee-Dee Bailey some flowers as a thank you for offering her and her son, Frankie a home.  The way these two ladies have supported one another recently has been wonderful to see as Cait Fitton and Channique Sterling-Brown are both brilliant actresses. Photo Credit: ITV/ Coronation Street As Lauren's social worker pops up to see her, Dee-Dee makes a cup of tea and finds an old love note from Joel Deering which leaves her upset and dashing out.... Are things all beginning too much for Dee-Dee? Bobby Crawford visits number 8 to ask why Max Turner is avoiding him, only to find Lauren there too. Photo Credit: ITV/ Coronation Street Later in the week, wanting to take her mind of Joel's funeral, Lauren extends an olive branch to Bobby by inviting him to visit Frankie in hospital. However, in the baby unit, Lauren is taken aback when Max confesses that he does in fact have feelings for her...

INTERVIEW WITH AMERICAN BLONDE ABOUT THEIR LATEST SINGLE, BROKE BRIDESMAID

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On Friday 13th September, American Blonde released their brand-new single, Broke Bridesmaid, and I recently caught up with Natalia and Christina to talk about the single and their plans for the rest of the year. Hey Natalia and Tinka, it's been a very long time since we last did this. How are you? Hi Kellie! We have been so great! It has definitely been a busy year, that’s for sure! We are so happy to chat with you again!  You recently released your brand-new single,  Broke Bridesmaid can you please tell us a little about the song? "Broke Bridesmaid" is an upbeat, funny song poking fun at the struggle of saving up and being responsible, especially when you get hit with another financial obligation when wedding season rolls around! There is no doubt that wedding culture has gotten a little out of hand, but at the end of the day, you will go above and beyond for the ones you love! What made you want to release the song now? We felt like it was the perfect time to release ...

INTERVIEW WITH ERIN KINSEY ABOUT HER LATEST EP OUT TODAY

This week's interview is with singer-songwriter,  Erin Kinsey  who today (Friday 11th October) releases her latest EP, and I caught up with her this week to discuss the current single as well as the EP. Congratulations on the release of your latest single from the EP, Gettin' Away With It which happens to be the title track is out now, what has the reaction been like to the song? People are seeming to really like the song! It’s definitely pretty rockin, and a little bit sassy, so it’s been fun to see girl’s using it as a hype song for themselves or their best friends! How are you feeling about your brand-new EP being released today? I am so excited for this project. I’ve never had a group of songs I’ve been more proud of. They feel like a mix of who I’ve been, who I am, and who I hope to be. If someone was to listen down too to bottom, they’d end up knowing me pretty dang well *smiles* What was the songwriting process like along with the recording? How long did it take to comp...

HOLLYOAKS CONFIRM LUCAS HAY RETURN

During next week's visit to Hollyoaks, viewers will see Lucas Hay return to the village following his stint in Young Offenders for what he did to JJ wanting to protect his friend Frankie Osborne who has been through a difficult and emotional time. However, as Lucas returns he realises that a lot has changed. In Wednesday's episode (16th October), as Lucas surveys the village on his return, Frankie is emotional to have her best friend back. Later at the Lomaxes, Lucas is reunited with his father, Ste Hay who recently woke up from a coma and meets his nephew, James who his sister Leah Barnes gave birth to before jetting off to America. As Lucas shares how much he has missed his dad and feared that he would never get him back, he is more nervous about going to see Dillion Ray but is reassured by Leela Lomax that his boyfriend as missed him and looked after his sister when she was pregnant. However, at Price Slice Dillion is trying to talk to Frankie out of telling her best friend ...

EP REVIEW - MADELINE MERLO - ONE HOUSE DOWN (FROM THE GIRL NEXT DOOR)

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This Friday (11th October) will see rising singer-songwriter and 2024 CCMA, Female Artist of the Year nominee, Madeline Merlo is set to release her latest EP, One House Door (from the girl next door). Broken Heart Thing featuring Dustin Lynch is filled with a lot of vulnerability that is also filled with many honest moments that tells a rather personal story one that is written beautiful as I have a feeling many people will be able to relate with. Dustin's verse adds another layer to the story allowing for some beautiful harmonies.  Bar Fight begins with a soft vocal tone with the chorus being a head over heart moment seeing some wonderful song-writing bought to life that I caught myself getting rather emotional over. Thank you, Madeline for writing a brilliant song from the heart. It's the uptempo during the final verse and chorus that are everything! Same Car  gave me goosebumps as the love story vibes kick in with her higher vocal tones being shown that bought up so many me...

C2C 2025 FESTIVAL LINE UP REVEALED AS HEADLINERS ARE ANNOUNCED

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...

COMING UP ON CORONATION STREET: SPARKS FLY BETWEEN DS SWAIN AND CARLA CONNOR AS ALISON KING OPENS UP ABOUT WORKING WITH VICKY MYERS

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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...

*OPINION* WHY CAIT FITTON IS A GREAT ADDITION TO CORONATION STREET

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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...

SINGLE REVIEW - DAWSON ANDERSON - BEACHES IN OKLAHOMA

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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'...

HOLLYOAKS REVIEW - FRANKIE OPENED UP AS ISABELLE SMITH DELIVERS SOME EMOTIONAL SCENES

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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...

NEXT WEEK ON HOLLYOAKS: FRANKIE CONFRONTS SUZANNE AS A STUNT ROCKS THE VILLAGE

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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...

NEXT WEEK ON HOLLYOAKS: DARREN SUPPORTS FRANKIE WHO HAS A DIFFICULT WEEK

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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...

HOLLYOAKS REVIEW - ISABELLE SMITH CAPTURES THE EMOTIONAL AND VULNERABLE SIDE OF FRANKIE BRILLIANTLY

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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...

ALBUM REVIEW - LAINEY WILSON - WHIRLWIND

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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....

ISABELLE SMITH TALKS ABOUT THE UPCOMING HOLLYOAKS EPISODES

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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...

TWO WEEK CORONATION STREET REVIEW - LAUREN'S ORDEAL

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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...

NEXT WEEK ON CORRIE: LAUREN STRUGGLES AS SHE WORRIES FOR HER SON

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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...