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    We were really nervous about working with Noel Gallagher… he’s the chord lord!, say The Black Keys ahead of new album

    When The Black Keys were looking for guest artists for their new album, they aimed high. Very high.First, the duo of singer/ guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Pat Carney contacted one of their abiding inspirations, the genre-hopping Beck.When The Black Keys were looking for guest artists for their new album, they aimed high – signing up Beck and Noel GallagherCredit: Larry NiehuesThe duo of singer/ guitarist Dan Auerbach, right and drummer Pat CarneyCredit: Larry NiehuesOf the 14 tracks on Ohio Players, seven are co-writes with Beck and three resulted from a whirlwind trip to London for sessions with Noel GallagherCredit: Image credit: Matt CrockettThen they decided to “hit up” Noel Gallagher, Britpop hero and primary songwriter in Oasis.Both their targets responded brilliantly, helping them make their 12th studio record, Ohio Players, a vibrant, freewheeling triumph.Of the 14 tracks, seven are co-writes with Beck and three resulted from a whirlwind trip to London for sessions with Noel.Reflecting on Beck’s involvement, Carney says: “I’ve had negative experiences of meeting my heroes, but he is a really funny guy, very dry and so cool.”MORE BIG MUSIC INTERVIEWSOn working with the older Gallagher brother, Auerbach adds, “We were really nervous because he is the chord lord.“But he’s so likeable and man, we hit it off instantly.”The pair found out later that this is the first time Noel has written songs for a band outside of his High Flying Birds and Oasis.In anticipation of their new album’s imminent release, Auerbach and Carney are speaking to me from their adopted hometown of Nashville.Most read in MusicAs Americans would say, both are stoked by their efforts.‘Dive into Memphis rap blew my mind’Carney reports: “I’m excited to hear the reaction. We’ve worked harder on this than anything else we’ve ever made.”Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Council Skies, official video, first 17 secondsWhile the title Ohio Players is a nod to their formative years in Akron, it is also a reference to the funk/soul band of the same name who were big in the Seventies.Maybe it also acknowledges the Midwest state’s diverse music scene that produced Chrissie Hynde, Guided By Voices and Carney’s early favourites Devo.I’ve been a lifelong rap fan. Ever since we were kids, it’s been the most popular type of musicDan Auerbach Auerbach says: “The original Ohio Players always seemed to have a woman’s backside prominently displayed on their album covers.“Often being touched by pieces of ice,” laughs Carney, adding that their more modest cover shows a clothed rear view of Auerbach’s girlfriend in a bowling alley.And Auerbach again: “That is about as gratuitous as we could get.”There’s also room on Ohio Players for contributions by Juicy J of Three 6 Mafia (Paper Crown) and Lil Noid (Candy And Her Friends), continuing The Black Keys’ infatuation with rap and hip-hop.“I’ve been a lifelong rap fan,” confesses Auerbach. “Ever since we were kids, it’s been the most popular type of music.“But only recently did I get introduced to the Memphis underground scene of Tommy Wright III, Lil Noid and Three 6 Mafia.“I’d never even heard of them but I took a deep dive and they blew my mind.”When The Black Keys sent Paper Crown to Juicy J, he sent his vocal contribution back two days later.“J also put the scratching on the top of the song,” says Auerbach. “We would never have thought to do that but he felt compelled. It’s a collaborative record!”Ohio Players keeps up a creative streak that began with 2019’s Let’s Rock, continued into 2021’s collection of Mississippi hill country blues covers, Delta Kream, and then on to 2022’s Dropout Boogie.“We’ve been working at a high level recently,” Auerbach tells me. “Sharpening the blade for the last five years.”The new album confirms the duo’s growing willingness to let other artists into their world, something that never happened when they first set out from their childhood stomping ground hoping to make it big.Auerbach remembers how it used to be: “Well, here’s the thing,” he says. “In the past, we were never able to collaborate.“A) because we were from the middle of nowhere and didn’t know anybody. B) because we were always too insecure to ever truly collaborate in a meaningful way.”By the time of Delta Kream, however, Auerbach and Carney opened the door to authentic hill country blues musicians who greatly enhanced their endeavours.Then Dropout Boogie ushered in cameos by ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Reigning Sound’s Greg Cartwright and their producer pal Angelo Petraglia, best known for his work with Kings Of Leon.‘Beck was integral in our early development’Auerbach picks up the story again: “When the time came to do our next album, we just continued with the process.“Pat said, ‘Maybe we should dig into the Rolodex a little deeper’. And Beck was the first name.”Why him in particular? I venture. “Because we’d been such huge fans for so long and he was integral in our early development,” he replies.In 2003, The Black Keys were introduced to Beck at a Saturday Night Live after-party in New York. They gave him a copy of their newly minted second album, Thickfreakness and, to their delight, he responded by asking them to be the support act on his next tour of the States.“Beck gave us a really good shot early on,” says Auerbach. “It was huge for us. We’d never played big beautiful outdoor places like Red Rocks before.“He was right in the middle of the Sea Change record, which I absolutely loved, so I got to hear those songs every night in these echoey amphitheatres — it was amazing.“He also introduced us to all these people in the music world who we’re still in contact with to this day.”Among those playing in Beck’s band on that tour was Greg Kurstin, who went on to produce albums by Macca, Adele, Foo Fighters, Gorillaz and many more big acts. He co-writes the Ohio Players emphatic finale, Every Time You Leave.We could understand where he was coming from. It was snotty, it was bratty, it was smart, it was stupidThe Black Keys on BeckThe Black Keys had been Beck fans since the mid-Nineties when, as teenagers, they started making music in a dingy basement in Akron.They marvelled at the creative spark behind albums such as Mellow Gold and Odelay which were wonderfully unconstrained by convention.Auerbach continues: “He showed us possibilities because we grew up in the hip-hop generation.“So hearing hip-hop drums with slide guitar, I was like, ‘Oh, s**t, I understand both those things’.”He also loved the “thrift store chic aesthetic” of Beck’s videos which, he says, had a “skater, handheld quality”.“Being two kids from Akron everything about it was appealing to us.“We could understand where he was coming from. It was snotty, it was bratty, it was smart, it was stupid.Carney recalls the first time he heard Beck’s breakthrough song Loser.“I was 14, in my mom’s car, and my ears perked up but it was Odelay that blew me away. My uncle Ralph Carney, a musician who played with Tom Waits and a bunch of people, had been sending me cassettes in the mail of really far out stuff.“He was introducing me to Can, The Shaggs, Sixties comedy routines and lounge music. It was a broad, eclectic mix.“And Odelay was like hearing someone taking a lot of these influences and making something amazing and pleasing to the ear.”Since touring together in 2003, Beck and The Black Keys “always talked about working together” and, 20 years later, they finally managed it.From day one at Auerbach’s Easy Eye Studios in Nashville, they knew they were onto something special.They wrote This Is Nowhere, which became the opening song on Ohio Players.It starts with a gloriously scuzzy baseline before flowering into a rip-roaring singalong. “That set the album in motion,” says Auerbach. “It was music discovery, interaction and collaboration — everything that we’ve been into recently.“We’ve always gotten along with Beck. We’re studio rats and so is he. We’re there to serve the songs. That’s why we wrote so many with him and why it felt like second nature.”Carney loved working with him, too, and says: “He’s the kind of guy who will actually listen to a CD if you hand it to him. He’ll follow through.‘Studio the size of a broom closet’“If you write a song with him, he’ll call you two weeks later just to change two words.“He’s a perfectionist. It was a good combination because Dan and I are the opposite,” he adds, alluding to The Black Keys’ desire to keep things rough round the edges.This brings us to the other very special guest on Ohio Players, a certain Noel Thomas David Gallagher.“He was also at the top of our list but we didn’t know him,” admits Auerbach.“We reached out and his people said, ‘He doesn’t do that type of thing but we’ll ask’.“We crossed our fingers and a few days later, we heard he’d be interested but we’d have to go to him. So we booked flights and a week at our favourite hotel in London.”They spent three days with Gallagher at Liam Watson’s Toe Rag studios in Hackney, known for its old-school recording techniques.Auerbach says: “It’s the size of a couple of broom closets. Noel was sat to my left playing his Gibson 335, Pat was on the drum kit and our friend Leon Michels was on a weird little German keyboard.”The sessions produced a song a day, the Beatlesesque On The Game, the down and dirty Only Love Matters and airy You’ll Pay with a great Auerbach falsetto.“Pat and I were absolutely comfortable sitting back and letting Noel do his thing, to flex his superpower,” continues the singer. “He would endlessly cycle through chords and we would wait until he was satisfied with the sound.”Carney offers his perspective: “Of course Dan and I are fans of Oasis, not just for their music but for the brothers’ sense of humour.“Even when Noel was really focusing, he would make everybody laugh.“Watching him cycle through transitionary chords, you could see his insane talent — and he lets you know he has it!”Carney reveals that they considered pushing for a fourth track with Gallagher but decided that three was enough.He says: “My biggest fear was trying to do another song and it sucked — and that being Noel’s last memory of us.”As a postscript to their fruitful trip to Britain, Auerbach tells this funny anecdote.“Toe Rag Studios is very cold and dingy but in a heartwarming way. The fact that it’s bare bones is its appeal and it’s why we had so much success there.“But as Noel was leaving on the last day, the owner said, ‘Well, we’ll see you next time Noel!’ And he replied, ‘You’re not going to see me again, mate!’ ”Auerbach accepts that the combination of The Black Keys and Fab Four superfan Gallagher was likely to produce a song with a Beatles vibe, hence On The Game.“I came from a Beatles household,” he says. “Before I’d even heard Oasis, I knew every Beatles song. Before I knew I wanted to be a musician, I knew them — they’re part of my vocabulary.”Having focused on their guest musicians, it’s time to ask Auerbach and Carney about their enduring relationship with each other.The older I get, the more I appreciate the special connection that Pat and I have. It’s like we won the lotteryOhio Players arrives at the same time as an unvarnished, officially sanctioned documentary about their journey called This Is A Film About The Black Keys, charting euphoric highs and crashing lows.“It’s very squirm-worthy,” says Auerbach. “I’m glad I don’t have to watch it again. Ha! Ha!“It tells our story, more or less, and maybe it’s interesting to young bands who can learn from the ups and downs. We didn’t want to make a movie that’s boring.”Of Carney, he says: “The older I get, the more I appreciate the special connection that Pat and I have. It’s like we won the lottery.Reflecting on Beck’s involvement, Carney says: ‘I’ve had negative experiences of meeting my heroes, but he is a really funny guy, very dry and so cool’Credit: Getty Images – GettyOf Auerbach, Carney, left, says: ‘We’re closer now than we’ve ever been’Credit: Larry Niehues“We didn’t know how to wield the power when we started. Then things got too big and we didn’t know how to pump the brakes and take care of ourselves.“But now we’re in such a good place that I feel we can do this indefinitely. We’re in the groove.”Of Auerbach, Carney says: “We’re closer now than we’ve ever been.“Moments of success can be overwhelming and highly stressful but we’ve been lucky enough to figure things out.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s not just about support and understanding. We have a similar work ethic, similar tastes and we’re not afraid to express an opinion.”Those teenage wannabes have come a long way. They are from Ohio and they are certainly Players.The Black Keys, Ohio Players is out April 5Credit: PRTHE BLACK KEYSOhio Players★★★★★ More

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    Dani Dyer reveals TV return as she opens up about meeting fiance Jarrod Bowen when her son was eight months old

    DANI Dyer reveals she’s returning to TV after giving birth to twins.The Love Island star has opened up about working alongside bringing up her family after meeting fiance Jarrod Bowen when her son Santi was eight months old.Dani Dyer has spoken out about motherhood and going back to workCredit: InstagramDani with her ex-EastEnders dad Danny DyerCredit: InstagramJarrod Bowen with Dani’s son SantiCredit: InstagramThe pair went on to have twins – with Dani left to hold the fort while footballer Jarrod is at work.In a Q&A with fans, Dani said: “I think you just learn how to manage.. the kids always keep me busy, but yeah it is hard and I become a bit clingy when he’s home.”Asked if she found it easy to meet someone as a single mum to her first child, Dani replied: “Santi was about eight months. I honestly think if you meet the right person they will make it the most easiest experience for you.”The 27-year-old was also quizzed on when she’s going to be back on TV screens – and if her podcast with her dad Danny Dyer is returning.READ MORE ON DANI DYERDani said: “Soon I promise.. motherhood has completely eaten me up since having the twins, but I’ll be back this year.””I’m so glad you all loved [the podcast]. Something is happening this year.”Dani won Love Island in 2018 alongside her former boyfriend Jack Fincham. they split soon after in 2019.Most read in CelebrityDani was then in a relationship with Sammy Kimmence and the pair had a baby together in 2020.The Love Island winner was heartbroken when Kimmence was jailed for 42 months after scamming OAPs out of £34,000.Dani later found love with footballer Jarrod Bowen.Mum-of-three Dani Dyer admits she has nightmares about nits & reveals her mum’s trick to ensure they never came backDani with baby Santi More

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    Katie Price defends romp with teenage Gareth Gates while pregnant in new revealing interview

    KATIE Price has defended taking Gareth Gates’ virginity while she was six months’ pregnant.The former glamour model has opened up about their romp in a new revealing interview.Katie Price has spoken out about her infamous affair with Gareth GatesCredit: InstagramPop Idol star Gareth had a fling with Katie when he was 17Credit: GettyKatie was expecting her son Harvey when she had sex with 17-year-old Gareth, who strongly denied the fling when it was made public.Speaking on the podcast Anything Goes with James English, Katie said: “I took his [Gareth Gates’] virginity when I was six months’ pregnant.”After the host shook his head, Katie laughed: “What? You’re asking me. What you looking at, because I was pregnant?”Just because I’m pregnant don’t say I can’t have a boyfriend.”READ MORE ON KATIE PRICEOne viewer said: “Are we all gonna just ignore she said she broke Gareth gate’s virginity when she was 6 months pregnant no respect at all.”Another added: “Don’t know why everyone hates on Katie, I love her xxx.”Their one-night stand led Gareth to quit showbiz for while after his lies were exposed.Speaking in 2016, Gareth explained: ““I denied the whole Jordan thing because I was 17, I didn’t want my family to find out about my sex life.Most read in Celebrity”If I hadn’t lied it wouldn’t have been a big deal, my family, friends and fans wouldn’t have felt as let down I guess.”Katie also revealed today she’s set to enter the boxing ring against an opponent 20 years younger than her – and she fully expects to lose.Katie Price reveals ‘regrets’ over getting her ‘biggest ever boobs’ saying ‘surgery is like going shopping for me’The mum-of-five has completed the necessary medical checks and is gearing up to face off against a Jersey Shore star in a bout for Misfits boxing.Misfits is a crossover boxing promotion founded by English YouTuber KSI and run by singer Mams Taylor, and brothers Kalle and Nisse Sauerland.The exhibition fights feature popular influencers and are attracting a new online audience to boxing who have never followed the sport before.Katie, who turns 46 in May, said: “I’m hoping to do this Misfits boxing fight.”I’ve just had all my brain scan, blood tests, and all my things done, so…”I think they want me to fight an American girl from Jersey Shore.” More

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    Model Charly Jordan shows off sensational figure as she ‘marries’ Hollywood A-lister

    MODEL and DJ Charly Jordan clutches at straws — as she pretends to marry a Hollywood superstar.Charly, 25, pictured wearing a straw hat in a photoshoot, slipped into a wedding gown and veil to play a blushing bride in Avengers actor Jeremy Renner’s latest music video Wait.Model, actress and DJ Charly Jordan stunned in this white bikini paired with a straw hatCredit: Mikel Roberts / CMAShe pretended to marry Avengers actor Jeremy Renner in music video WaltCredit: InstagramVegas-based Charly rose to fame thanks to posting videos online and has now amassed eight million followers on TikTok and four million on Instagram.Since then she has become a huge DJ and has a residency in a club in Las Vegas.She also runs a series of businesses, including a rolling papers one.Speaking about her career shift, Charley previously told Forbes:  “I loved doing social media when I first started, but as we all know, social media has changed rapidly over time. READ MORE ON CELEBRITIES“As the times changed, I changed as well.“Music was always a passion of mine, especially being from Las Vegas.“I’ve always been passionate about going to music festivals and seeing so many artists. “I decided that I wanted to build something more long-term for myself, and that’s why I got into music.Most read in Celebrity“It kind of naturally came with what I was doing. I never really planned on it being my career or my job, but it was something that I was extremely passionate about.”Charly recently landed her first big telly acting role.First look at iconic comedy’s spin-off TV series – Ted is just months away from hitting screensShe is in two episodes of Peacock comedy Ted — a spin-off from the 2012 film about a foul-mouthed teddy. More

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    Irina Shayk wows in dazzling look as she models crystal-adorned bra and skirt for Swarovski

    SUPERMODEL Irina Shayk looks a glass act in a glittering crystal-adorned bra and skirt.The Russian, 38, was in matching ­jewellery to complete the dazzling look as she fronted the Swarovski spring/summer campaign.Supermodel Irina Shayk posed in this glittering crystal-adorned bra and skirtCredit: Swarovski/Steven MeiselImaan Hammam also shone in a metallic two-pieceCredit: Swarovski/Steven MeiselDutch model Imaan Hammam, 27, also shone in a metallic two-piece and quirky beads.The model has dated a variety of stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Valerio Morabito, Arthur Sales and Bradley Cooper.Irina Valeryevna Shaykhlislamova – professionally known as Irina Shayk – was born in Russia on January 6, 1986.She is a model and television personality best known for being one of the faces of Victoria’s Secret and, more recently, Rihanna’s buzzing lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty.READ MORE ON IRINA SHAYKHowever, the model has grown globally and walked the runway for fashion brands including Fendi, Chanel, Tory Burch, Vivienne Westwood, and more.She also never fails to grace the covers of magazines like Vogue, Bazaar, and Allure.Due to her high success in the fashion world, Shayk has accumulated quite a fortune.Her net worth is believed to be around $25million, as per Celebrity Net Worth.Most read in CelebrityShayk became the first Russian to appear on the cover of the SI swimsuit issue in 2011 after making her debut in the magazine four years earlier.In addition to being a successful model, Shayk has also dabbled in film, appearing in 2014’s Hercules alongside star Dwayne Johnson and other A-list actors.I’m a model at 50 and tried amazing dress from Dunnes Stores and it’s perfect for special occasions More

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    Shamed ‘billionaire’ Stephen Bear wears £16 knock-off Gucci shoes as he’s ordered to pay Georgia Harrison £27k

    SELF-proclaimed “billionaire” Stephen Bear showed up in court today wearing knock-off Gucci shoes – which cost just £16.The disgraced reality star was this afternoon ordered to pay ex-girlfriend Georgia Harrison £27,000 – or risk being thrown behind bars. Stephen Bear showed up in court today wearing £16 Gucci knock-offsCredit: Louis WoodThe disgraced star was told he would have to pay Georgia Harrison £27k for her sex tape hellCredit: PAThe self-proclaimed ‘billionaire’ was sporting Asos loafersCredit: AsosThe slip-ons are dupes of these £815 Gucci slippersCredit: GucciBear, 34, made £22,305.46 from sharing a secret sex tape of him and Georgia on OnlyFans.And a judge today told him he’d have to pay that money back to the Love Island star. At the time Bear uploaded the video of Georgia, he was pretending to be a “billionaire” as he sold sexual content online. But standing in the dock as he heard his fate, Bear was sporting £16.50 Asos loafers. Read more on showbizThe slip-on shoes have a gold snaffle detail across the top of black faux leather and are filled with faux fur. The loafers are a dupe of Gucci’s Pricetown slippers – made with lambs’ fur – which cost a whopping £815. Bear once boasted he made a fortune from various businesses and OnlyFans videos with his model ex-fiancée Jessica Smith.In 2021, he even claimed he made “$1million” (£720,000) in just 12 hours after posting an explicit clip online.Most read in ShowbizBut after he was jailed for 21 months over the sex tape, it emerged his lifestyle was worlds away from the flashy image he portrayed on Instagram.Bear claimed he was on Jobseeker’s Allowance and could only afford to pay £10-a-week due to his financial struggles.Love Island’s Anton breaks silence on facing Georgia Harrison’s vile ex Stephen BearThe criminal allegedly had just “£60,000 in a house and little else” to his name.And when he was released from prison he was said to be staying at his parents’ house in Walthamstow, north London.Bear was reportedly spotted buying a £3.79 frozen stuffed-crust pizza from Aldi – which he picked up on an old bike.At the time the video of Georgia was uploaded, he was “pretending to be a billionaire on his Twitter account” selling sexual content.But Financial Investigator Laura Mackenzie, from Essex Police’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “He wasn’t a billionaire at all, no. His bank account was overdrawn.”Bear’s missing ‘billions’THE Ex on the Beach star recently claimed he was skint after his prison release as he begged for a date from fans.
    She told the court Bear charged $9.99 (£7.95) to view the video on his OnlyFans account, which had 1,061 subscribers.He originally made £1,650.98 but this figure increased to £22,305.06 when his subscribers rose by 822 in the month before Georgia was made aware of the clip.Bear was previously told to pay Georgia £207,000 in damages for the leak on a “grand scale” after she took him to the High Court in a separate civil case.A judge today told the disgraced star to pay two separate orders of £22,305 in confiscation and £5,000 in compensation.If the higher amount is not paid within three months, Bear will have to apply for an extension – or faces nine months in jail.Georgia speaks out on nightmare ordeal following ruling
    “I am grateful to the CPS [Crown Prosecution Service] and Essex Police for all their hard work to ensure the confiscation order was enforced today.
    “And for the court for awarding me the money earned by the defendant from the proceeds of crime.
    “Nobody has the right to earn money from any crime.
    “But to earn so much from image based sexual abuse is quite frankly abhorrent.
    “I think it’s important that anyone who commits this awful crime should be made to give any money they made back to the victim and also the judicial system, especially after a successful conviction.
    “I’ll be giving some of the money to charities of my choice who supported me throughout this ordeal.
    “And I just want to thank Essex Police Force, everyone who represented me, Judge Christopher Morgan for ensuring that justice once again is served.
    “And also I think this is a clear example why it is so important to report these sorts of crimes to the police. They are there to help you so please do let them.”

    Speaking after the case, Georgia said she would be giving some of the money to charities who supported her during the ordeal.Georgia earlier told Chelmsford Crown Court how the leaked tape left her feeling the “lowest” she had ever been.As she revealed how Bear has not shown “any remorse or apologised”, he shouted out: “How am I meant to apologise. I have a restraining order. I would be nicked.”Andrew Bousfield, prosecuting, said he could have said sorry through his barrister, adding: “The more Mr Bear speaks the more comes out about his character too.”Georgia bravely revealed how she had “lived in fear” over the tape and told the court she “hated herself” for it.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe added: “This whole situation has had a massive effect on every aspect of my life. It put me back financially and has had a huge effect emotionally.”One thing that will always really affect me is that if one day I want to have children that footage is still out there and will always be out there. He made money from the video which I do not think is fair.”Georgia wore a long black coat and a white collar as she was supported by loved onesCredit: PABear has been told he could be thrown behind bars if he doesn’t pay GeorgiaCredit: PAGeorgia recently left the Love Island villa with AntonCredit: Getty More

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    Inside UK’s most exclusive private members club but string of celebs will be disappointed when they’re rejected at door

    IN the words of Groucho Marx, “I refuse to join a club that would have me as a member.”No such concerns for stars such as Meghan and Harry, the Beckhams, Taylor Swift, Margot Robbie, Kate Moss or James Corden.Soho House is expanding to Manchester – over five floors of the former Granada Studios in the city’s St John’s districtCredit: Soho House ManchesterSoho House is one of the most celebrity-heavy private members’ club in the worldCredit: Soho House ManchesterFootballers and their Wags are already vying for membershipCredit: Soho House ManchesterFor almost 30 years, Soho House has been the most sought-after, celebrity-heavy private members’ club in the world.And now, for the first time, the franchise is branching out in Manchester — over five floors of the former Granada Studios in the city’s St John’s district, complete with rooftop pool, opening later this year.Already footballers and Wags, the likes of Erling Haaland, Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden and Wayne and Coleen Rooney, are all vying for membership.Noel and Liam Gallagher, members already, will be popping in when in their home city, and the new opening is also likely to see an influx of email applications from Corrie and Emmerdale stars — would-be guests must be recommended by two members and fill in a form as to why they’d be suitable candidates.READ MORE SHOWBIZ NEWSEvery quarter, a dedicated committee wades through applications and approves (or declines) prospective new members. It’s squeaky bum time up in Manchester.Uber-trendyBut after her recent undignified street brawl, Tina O’Brien (Corrie’s Sarah Barlow) is unlikely to be seen in the gym any time soon. And bankrupt Bill Roache, 91, (Ken Barlow) may well baulk at the fees.Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham could well sail through the application process, and with Media City, the beating heart of showbiz north of the M25, conveniently located near the site, several BBC presenters are also likely to become regulars.Most read in CelebrityPaddy McGuinness, already a member, is bound to be spotted on the rooftop too.Inside axed Dancing on Ice star Ben Foden’s Soho House getaway with wife Jackie after early exitOne thing is for sure though — no celebs will be getting any freebies.“It’s a club policy — absolutely no free memberships, no matter how rich, famous or uber-trendy you are,” says an insider.“We’ve had Hollywood stars and arrogant Instagram influencers shamelessly offering to be photographed going in . . .  in return for a little black card.“But Soho House never has and never will need to cut deals — the demand never wanes.“For the Manchester opening though, it’s going to be interesting, given the demographic — it will be a strategic call on just who is let in and who isn’t.“Several reality TV stars and prominent Wags have already expressed interest in joining but the Soho House vibe has always had more high-end celebs, less The Real Housewives Of Cheshire.“Obviously the franchise wants to maintain its exclusivity but also they pride themselves on inclusivity and diversity. So each application will be judged on a case-by-case basis.”If I were a betting woman, my money would be on Haaland in, Lauren Simon out. Once, the club’s only rule was no suits or ties, but even that’s relaxed now.After the club was opened by Brit entrepreneur Nick Jones in 1995 it gained traction in the late Nineties as the place to see and be seen, then in 2003 it sprang to global fame after being featured in Sex And The City.The show’s quartet — Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte — were shown sunbathing poolside at the club’s New York offshoot in the Meatpacking District, after Samantha Jones “blagged” it using another member’s name. (We’ve all been there, Sam.)Haaland will not struggle to get membership to the private members clubThe Real Housewives Of Cheshire stars, such as Lauren Simon, may struggle to get a membershipCredit: SplashAfter her recent undignified street brawl, Tina O’Brien is unlikely to be seen in the gym any time soonCredit: RexLast month the club came in for an unexpected bashing from financial analysis firm GlassHouse which slammed the company’s “broken business model and terrible accounting”.The damning report valued Soho House at zero, and indeed, shares in the organisation have fallen around ten per cent — though they’re still valued at $1billion, which doesn’t exactly scream “cutbacks”.Soho House vehemently denies the allegations, claiming the report is a nefarious attempt to drive down the company’s share price to benefit from the financial trick of short selling. Of course, in 2002, the wheels of the Soho House celebrity bus almost came off altogether.In something of a PR nightmare, Jude Law and Sadie Frost’s two-year-old daughter Iris picked up and swallowed an ecstasy tablet at a toddler’s birthday party at Soho House’s Greek Street venue in London.PR nightmareShe was, happily, absolutely fine after the actress managed to extract the pill, but police and an ambulance crew were still called. As they say in politics, the optics weren’t great.Today though, Soho House is thriving, with a waiting list of 99,000.On Wednesday Gillian Anderson, Billie Piper and Rufus Sewell supped champagne at the Netflix premiere afterparty of Scoop — the film about Prince Andrew’s infamous Newsnight interview. Alas, Andrew himself was nowhere to be seen — presumably too busy in Pizza Express — although his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie are Soho House regulars.American rapper Eve held her Universal Brits after-party at the Strand branch last month and Cat Deeley was spotted celebrating herThis Morning appointment in Soho House’s Kettner’s champagne bar.Last weekend Brummie Cat’s co-star Rochelle Humes celebrated her 35th birthday at Soho Farmhouse, the uber-luxe Cotswolds offshoot, complete with rowing lake.David and Victoria Beckham built a £12million country manor literally next door to Soho FarmhouseCredit: Refer to CaptionIn 2016, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle enjoyed their first date at Soho HouseCredit: CONSTANT MEDIAThe club was opened by Brit entrepreneur Nick Jones in 1995Credit: Rex FeaturesIt is here where David and Victoria Beckham have set up camp — building a £12million country manor literally next door.The whole brood are regulars there, and David regularly hosts boys’ weekends in the club’s Barn. Of course, Soho House was also home to the world’s most famous First Date. In 2016, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle enjoyed cocktails at Grade II listed townhouse 76 Dean Street — and liked it so much, they returned the next day.Arguably, then, Soho House rewrote the course of royal history.Says a source: “Meghan has long been a member, and to this day still goes. She and Harry have secret date nights at one of the Houses every few months.“Often now they go in disguise — baseball caps, oversized glasses and massive hoodies. Harry, in particular, is partial to a picante.”For the uninitiated, a picante — a lethal chilli-laced, tequila-based cocktail — is the Club’s signature drink. A staggering 1.2million were sold last year. Meghan has long been a member, and to this day still goesA hilarious p**s- taking Instagram account, Sohohousememes, has now started flogging picante merchandise in between taking the mick out of the club’s louche reputation.Bafflingly, for several years, Soho House didn’t want me as a member. Like a showbiz game of cat and mouse, I’d sneak in, pitifully root around for celebrity crumbs . . .  and then get unceremoniously thrown out by the figurative ear.Because whenever you go to a Soho House — and there are 43 worldwide now — invariably an A-lister will be sitting.Amazingly though, a few years ago, the team relented and let me in on the basis: “What happens in Soho House, stays in Soho House”.And no photos are allowed. Ever. And yes, I’ve seen a few things. No photosA memorable trip to Los Angeles’s club saw me knocking back margaritas with Sharon Osbourne — and in her case, literally knocking back, as she smashed glass after glass in an increasingly drunken state.Leonardo DiCaprio, looking every inch the celebrity pretending he didn’t want to look like a celebrity, skulked beneath a baseball cap.Last summer, back in the UK, I went for drinks with TV’s Steph McGovern and a Channel 4 exec.“Look over there,” she suddenly hissed, “It’s Bono! And look, he’s with David Cameron! And who’s that other bloke? I recognise him.”That other bloke was, in fact, the drummer of an iconic Sixties rock band, who later asked me not to name him. My last visit just before Christmas saw me propping up the bar beside Doctor Who’s Matt Smith, a man who likes a drink.Over the years I’ve seen Harry Styles, Victoria’s Secret models (they all look the same), James Corden, Eddie Redmayne and Taron Egerton, the latter whose mate was chatting up my friend before he found out she worked for an upmarket magazine.“Cut it NOW,” he barked, making throat-slashing gestures, as he dragged his pal away from my mortified mate.READ MORE SUN STORIESAt almost £3,000 a year for global membership, Soho House really isn’t your average bar-next-door.But losing its star appeal? Not from where I’m standing (propping up the bar).Kate Moss on the lash at Soho House in 2008Credit: MagicMomentsUKNoel, a members already, will be seen popping into the Manchester clubCredit: Getty More

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    Sir Paul McCartney hands family 5-figure thank you fee after they returned £10m guitar he lost in 1960s

    SIR Paul McCartney has handed a hefty reward to a family who returned his beloved bass guitar 50 years after it was stolen.The Beatle, 81, has also sent his thanks to Cathy Guest, who found the four-string Höfner instrument — worth an estimated £10million — in her loft.Sir Paul McCartney has sent a hefty reward to an East Sussex family who found his beloved bass guitar 50 years after it was stolenCredit: EPACathy Guest found the guitar in her loft last year and realised it was Sir Paul’s after Googling itCredit: Ian Whittaker – The SunIt comes after weeks of negotiations between Cathy, 52, and his music publishing company MPL.We exclusively revealed last month that the Höfner 500/1 electric bass, Macca’s favourite guitar which he bought for £30 in Hamburg in 1961, had been returned to him. A source said: “They have now agreed a deal and the family have been given a very significant thank-you fee.“Sir Paul has also expressed his gratitude to Cathy and the family.”READ MORE ON THE BEATLESIt is understood the reward is a five-figure sum.Mum-of-two Cathy, of Hastings, East Sussex, said: “I can’t talk about the amount, but I won’t be moving or doing anything to change my life. My lifestyle won’t be changing.”After the guitar’s theft in West London, it was discovered the thief sold it to a pub landlord for “not much money plus a few free pints”.It was later given to Cathy’s late husband by his brother. Most read in MusicShe found it while clearing her loft last year and realised it was Sir Paul’s after Googling it. Cathy’s son holding the original guitarThe Beatles returned for a glorious last hurrah with new single Now And Then More