Ella Henderson says she struggled with not being a ‘Polly Pocket pop star’ and opens up on journey to accepting herself
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ELLA HENDERSON found fame on The X Factor aged 16 and she has now opened up about her struggles as a female singer.
She admits she did not fit the mould of the perfect pop star in an age of fad diets and social media filters.
But now, 12 years on from her time on the talent show, Ella has talked to me about her journey to accepting her true self.
Speaking backstage after her set at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Ella, said: “I knew I wasn’t the perfect-looking Polly Pocket pop princess star.
“But I have found my feet at 28.
“It has taken ten years to get where I am with my confidence.”
Magic Mabel
MABEL was a lady in red as she hit the stage at Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
The star was all smiles yesterday as she wowed the crowd with hits including Mad Love, Don’t Call Me Up and Finders Keepers in the sun at Luton’s Stockwood Park.
Mabel recently returned with new song Vitamins about the importance of being a supportive partner.
The daughter of music legend Neneh Cherry said: “This song is a reminder to the man I love to take care of himself but also that in difficult times I’ll always be in his corner.”
Jade’s big F you… But who is it to?
LITTLE MIX star Jade Thirlwall will feature ANOTHER bombshell song on her highly anticipated debut solo album.
The talented singer has written a diss track with the working title F**k You, which appears to take aim at a friend who betrayed her.
She has already had a pop at her former X Factor boss Simon Cowell in track Angel Of My Dreams, as I revealed last month, and broken the internet with a Raye collab.
Fans might wonder if the latest pointed song is about her ex-bandmate Jesy Nelson, who left the girl group in 2020.
A source tells me: “Everyone who has heard the song thinks it sounds like it could be about Jesy. It will definitely get people talking. Jade’s music is amazing and her lyrics are so poignant. Fans are in for a treat.”
However, Jade’s spokesman insisted: “Jade hasn’t written a diss track about Jesy Nelson.”
Opening up three years ago, Jade said she and her bandmates Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock relied on therapy to deal with Jesy’s departure.
She said: “When such a big change happens in your life it’s really hard.
“Getting through that and moving forward. I think for us as well, we were still promoting the album (2020’s Confetti) and doing TV shows.
We were just cracking on, and I think we were in a bit of shock for a long time.
“It wasn’t until we had time off at Christmas that it dawned on us what had happened.
“It was hard. It would have been for anyone and we’ve got each other, we have group therapy, we have our own therapists.”
In April last year Jesy confirmed she hadn’t spoken to the girls since she left.
She told The Sun: “Being in a girl band, you are a machine going all the time. You don’t have a minute to breathe and take time out if you just need space. That was something I struggled with.
“For me, my mental health issues were an ongoing thing while I was in Little Mix. I was struggling with my body issues, I was constantly being trolled – and I really, really struggled with it.
“I don’t have any regrets because I had to do what was right for me. I will always cherish the memories I had in Little Mix.
“So no, we haven’t talked since then. Never say never, but I honestly wish them the best on their solo journeys.”
I can’t wait to hear the track . . .
Joel to DJ at Scott bash
HE is the DJ Sorry hitmaker who famously “defrosts” for summer with no shortage of club anthems up his sleeve.
But Joel Corry has taken time out of his hectic schedule to DJ for Scott Mills as the Radio 2 presenter ties the knot with his fiancé Sam Vaughan in Sitges, Spain, next weekend.
The star-studded ceremony will see guests including Rylan Clark and Zoe Ball party the night away as Joel takes to the decks.
At Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Joel told me: “Scott and I have been mates for years – he is one of the first people to support my music. So when he asked me to go to his wedding, of course I saved the date.
The DJ, who is dating ex-Love Island star Coco Lodge, added:“It will be a weekend for me that I am not touring so I’ll be having a bit of a party myself.”
It sounds like the wedding guests are in for a treat . . .
Eddie: Interview lies don’t work
TURNS out celebs also tell fibs in job interviews – even Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne.
He was keen to impress a legendary film director, but dug himself into a big hole.
He said: “I met with Martin Scorsese and he talked about 1930s Japanese cinema. I lied saying I’d seen some of the films, but then had to keep up the conversation.”
On the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, he added: “The words vomited out of me before I realised I was lying. I didn’t get the part.”
Ouch. We’ve all been there, Eddie. . .
Adele’s eau so fancy
ADELE has revealed her new fancy for posh perfumes.
She recently learned about layering multiple scents, and splashed out on some French cologne.
On stage in Las Vegas, she said: “I’m surprised it took me this long to know there was a whole world of perfumes and layering.
“I met this lady at a dinner party and she smelled f*g delicious. I was like: ‘What are you wearing?’ She said: ‘Three different perfumes.’
“Tonight I’m layering a couple, but it’s a very expensive hobby.
“Perfume is a personal preference – others might think you smell disgusting.
“I don’t want to be too pungent.”
Harri’s looking for love
MEET Love Island’s sexy new recruit Harri Blackmore, stunning personal shopper and BFF of YouTuber Saffron Barker.
She feels very comfortable in a bikini and recently topped up her tan on a Dubai trip with her bestie.
A source said: “Harri is no stranger to living in the fast lane and often joins Saffron on trips around the world and to glamorous parties. She is recently single and thinks Love Island will be the perfect way to put herself back out there.”
The new season, hosted by Maya Jama, launches on Monday June 3 at 9pm on ITV1, ITV2 and ITVX.
Caught Live: Fawlty Towers @ Apollo Theatre, London
RATHER than taint the TV hit’s legacy, West End stage show Fawlty Towers was an almighty celebration of it.
Creator John Cleese replicated the magic of the comedy at London’s Apollo Theatre, as Basil and co were revived in hilarious fashion.
ADAM Jackson-Smith had Basil down to a tee in the 90-minute slapstick production, and Paul Nicholas was outstanding as the Major.
You cannot Fawlt it.