Former Big Brother beauty Imogen had hosted the feature for the ITV1 show and announced the winner today in Marbella's Buddha Beach Bar. But Imogen made sure she stole the spotlight in a skimpy striped bikini top and bright pink sarong. She paraded around the four finalists and threw the losing three into a swimming pool before declaring Mr Bournemouth as the winner. Imogen, who made headlines earlier this year after bedding married footballer Ryan Giggs, had earlier been snapped going over her lines while sunbathing at the Spanish hangout. Imogen Thomas gets hunks' hearts racing
IMOGEN Thomas made sure she turned the heads of the hunks in trunks today when she appeared on telly in a bikini.
Thursday, 1 September 2011
Spanish police said Thursday they had detained 73 suspects - mostly Italians and Britons
Spanish police said Thursday they had detained 73 suspects - mostly Italians and Britons - and seized a huge quantity of drugs in raids on the party-loving resort island of Ibiza, AFP reports.
Twin operations netted more than four kilograms (eight pounds) of cocaine, half a kilogram (one pound) of speed, almost a kilogram (two pounds) of hashish, 5.5 kilograms (12 pounds) of ecstasy, 300 doses of anabolic steroids, and EUR 90,000 n cash, police said in a statement.
In a swoop on eight homes, run with the cooperation of Britain's Serious Organised Crime Agency, police arrested 13 people - nine British, three Irish and one Polish - over trafficking related offences.
"Those detained are part of one of the most active organizations on the island, the main provider of cocaine and other designer drugs in discothèques and other entertainment spots," police said.
Katie Price disgusted by bullfight in Marbella
Katie Price watched on in horror and disgust last week as she attended abullfight with boyfriend Leandro Pennaand his family. Bullfighting, which sees large spikes driven into the animals' flesh before the eventual slaughter, has been condemned by animal rights groups worldwide. ‘I admit I was shocked by its brutality and I would not go again,' she says. ‘But I can now say that with knowledge of the experience.' Katie, 33, went to the arena withLeandro, 26, and his parents Hector and Mercedes - children Harvey, 9, Junior, 6, and Princess, 4, were not present to watch the gory display. ‘Leo and I were invited and I did not want to offend, especially given Leo's Latin origins,' she tells The People. ‘I did not imagine it would be so shocking but it is part of Spanish culture. I don't want to disrespect that.'
fact a tanned and tattooed male couldn’t help but come over for a chat with the Derby-born TV personality as she sunbathed on a large bed at Buddha beach,
Saturday, 27 August 2011Yesterday she indulged her wild side in an animal print bikini and today Maria Fowler showed her metal. The reality star, 25, was seen sipping on champagne cocktails as she enjoyed the pool party during her second day on holiday in Marbella. Maria, who is currently on a girls' holiday having left her boyfriend Craig at home, showed off her trim figure in a strapless black and gold bikini. Chain reaction: Maria Fowler donned a strapless black and gold print bikini with chain detail today as she spent the day at Sisu boutique hotel And the Ann Summers two-piece not only boasted a link print but also had a chain attaching her bikini top to the bottoms for a bondage-inspired seductive look. Maria and her friends descended on the Sisu boutique hotel for a pool party organised by Unique Parties, Mark Wright's promotions company. Party girl: Maria made the most of her fab figure by donning a strapless bikini from Ann Summers with chain detailing for the pool party Relaxing with the girl: Maria was seen sunbathing on a large bed at the party, which was held by Unique Parties, Mark Wright's promotions company And it seems that Maria was certainly in for a large day as she posed with a methuselah of Belvedere vodka for a snap to post to her Twitter account. Yesterday Maria displayed her intentions for the wild weekend through her dress sense and donned an animal print bikini by Caprice, as she soaked up the sunshine yesterday. Taking a dip: Maria cooled off in the pool with her friends but made sure she took her drink with her Party planner: Mark was seen keeping a watchful eye on his guests making sure they had a good time Maria, who told her Twitter fans she wasn’t feeling very well, mad the most of her holiday and was seen sipping on cocktails and enjoying a dip in the pool with her girlfriends. And with her boyfriend Craig staying put in Essex as she enjoys a girlie break the glamour model wasn’t short of male attention. In fact a tanned and tattooed male couldn’t help but come over for a chat with the Derby-born TV personality as she sunbathed on a large bed at Buddha beach, but Craig needn't worry it was just one of her friend's boyfriends. Walk on the wild side: Maria Fowler soaked up the sunshine in Marbella yesterday showing off her figure in an animal print bikini Girls only: The 25-year-old reality TV star has left her boyfriend Craig back at home in Essex, enjoying a girlie holiday with her pals in Spain And Maria isn't the only TOWIE star in Spain at the moment, Mark Wright is also making the most of the long weekend on a boys holiday in the area. Yesterday Maria complained that she was feeling under the weather and tweeted her boyfriend and Nubar manager Craig to tell him she wished he was with her. First she appealed to her followers and said: ‘Ohhhh first night in marbs can hardly speak my throat is so bad :( don't know weather to go out or stay in :( xxxx’ (sic) Sun worshipper: The reality TV star was working on her suntan at Buddha beach in Marbella yesterday Centre of attention: With her boyfriend back home Maria certainly wasn't short of male admirers While her followers encouraged her to live it up Craig replied by saying: ‘@MariaFowler , ah well u got all week babes?Worth goin out and feelin worse or save it?Only u know,few cocktails maybe?hope u feel better x’ (sic) Maria replied and said: ‘@MrCraigChurch wish u werre here to look after me... Miss u (a bit )’ (sic) Last week Craig auditioned for a place on the third series of the show, which conveniently took place at the bar he manages. Making a splash: The Derby-born glamour model was seen sipping on cocktails and taking a dip in the pool with friends Lads only: Maria's co-star Mark Wright is also in Marbella and is enjoying an all-boys holiday without his fiancee Lauren He was seen speaking to one of the show’s bosses in front of a camera and microphone.
Spanish tourists prefer Marbella
SPANISH tourists have not changed much over the years, and their favourite holidays still include the beach, gastronomic routes and cultural trips.
Free insurance comparison site Seguros.es asked more than 300,000 users what their preferred destination for a holiday by car is.
Marbella comes in at first place with 17.5 per cent of the votes, followed by Cadiz (17 per cent) and Barcelona (16), the remaining top ten are Santiago de Compostela, San Sebastian, La Manga del Mar Menor, Madrid, Benidorm, Toledo and Salamanca in that order.
Nineteen per cent of men prefer Marbella, while 24 per cent of women would prefer Barcelona.
Twenty-four per cent would prefer holidays on the beach, followed by 21 per cent who like gastronomic tours and 13 per cent who enjoy cultural trips. Less popular are spending the day at a theme park (3.5 per cent), preparing a barbecue in the countryside (3 per cent) or attending an open-air film festival (1 per cent).
Other options were a day in the mountains, a tour of local bars and discos, a trip around the city, or attending the local fiestas.
The majority of women (32 per cent) prefer the beach, while most men (23 per cent) would rather go on a gastronomic tour.
Katie Price is upset after her friend Gary Cockerill turned down an invitation to go to Spain with her to fly out to Greece with Tamara Ecclestone instead.
Friday, 26 August 2011
The reality TV star had asked Gary and his TV presenter husband Phil Turner to join her in Puerto Banus, Marbella, for a break but the celebrity make-up artist chose to join the stunning socialite - the daughter of billionaire Formula 1 mogul Bernie Ecclestone - on the Greek island Mykonos.
Gary and Phil spent two weeks on the island and arrived back in England last weekend.
They have also been personally invited to Tamara's sister Petra's wedding to businessman James Stunt which is taking place in Italy over this weekend, and Gary will be doing the 27-year-old beauty's make-up for the big day.
The boys' decision to snub her Marbella invite left Katie - who is currently on holiday with her boyfriend Leandro Penna and her three children - extremely disappointed.
A source told BANG Showbiz: "Katie was really keen for Gary and Phil to come to Marbella with her and have some fun as it's the place to be this summer. When Gary said he couldn't go because he was flying to Greece with Tamara she was gutted. They have been friends for such a ling time and Katie believes his loyalty should lie with her."
Gary has been Katie's make-up artist for several years and has appeared in a number of her reality shows.
Mark was spotted on a lads’ holiday in Marbella
It’s not that long ago that Mark Wright’s fiancé and TOWIE co-star Lauren Goodger ‘banned’ him from going on holiday without her, but according to the Daily Mail, he’s done just that.
Mark was spotted on a lads’ holiday in Marbella – where he previously allegedly kissed former girlfriend Lucy Mecklenburgh – along with his brother, footballer Josh Wright.
After his last trip to the Spanish resort, Lauren reportedly said, “He was on a stag so he got away with that one. I won’t allow it again.
“He’s lost that trust. He will never go to Marbella without me. Ever.
“There’s a limit to what I can take. If I could prove he’d cheated, I’d leave.
“But because I’ve not got that evidence and everyone’s going ‘Oh that’s just what they make it look like,’ what can I do?
“If he does disrespect me, it’ll come out in the end.”
However, the paper adds, “Wright and his friends kicked off their Marbella break by partying at Pangea nightclub on Wednesday, before hosting a second bash at Tibu on Thursday.”
Last night, Mark wrote on his Twitter page, “Missing Lauren and my little Wrighty (puppy) but nice to spend some quality time with Josh.”
Two people now arrested for supplying fatal jimson weed at Getafe rave
Two people thought to have supplied the stramonium, or jimson weed, at a rave party in Getafe last weekend which caused the death of two people have been arrested by police. El Mundo names them as 23 year old Iván M.G., and his 19 year old girlfriend, Cristina V.L., and says they were arrested in Coslada on Wednesday evening.
Pablo E.L. and Alberto O.G., both aged 18, were buried in the cemetery in La Almudena on Wednesday. Friends who attended the rave with them told police that another man at the party had offered them a liquid which he said produced effects similar to hallucinogenic mushrooms. The autopsies confirmed the presence of both alcohol and stramonium in the teenagers’ bodies. El Mundo notes that a minimal dose of stramonium causes poisoning and hallucinations similar to LSD, but a larger dose will kill.
Another youngster who was taken ill and who was in Intensive Care for a time was discharged from hospital on Wednesday.
Initial investigations indicate that the two suspects each took a small bottle of stramonium infusion which they had made at home with them to the rave and were offering it free to ‘open up the market’.
Jimson weed is a relatively common weed in Spain. A team from Getafe Town Hall has started clearing up the area around the abandoned building where the rave was held and had removed some 300 plants by Wednesday afternoon. The local council is also studying the possibility of demolishing the building.
Extras sought on Mallorca for Wachowski brothers’ film of Cloud Atlas
Casting starts in Palma de Mallorca next week for extras for the film ‘Cloud Atlas’, based on the award-winning novel by David Mitchell. It’s directed by the Wachowski brothers and Tom Tykwer and stars Tom Hanks, Halle Berry and Susan Sarandon, amongst others.
Shooting is planned for the second half of September and casting for the more than 200 extras who are needed is next Monday and Tuesday, August 29 and 30, at Calle Socors, Number 22, in Palma. Further information is available on the Mallorca Film Commission web page.
There are three categories of extras being sought: people of all ages who El Mundo reports will play a group of slaves on a plantation. The second category is men between the ages of 25 and 45, with longish hair and a scruffy beard, to play the part of sailors, and the final group is men between 40 and 65 to represent characters from the period of the mid-19th Century.
It’s understood that doubles are also being sought for some of the actors, including Jim Sturgess and Jim Broadbent.
El Mundo notes that there has however been no confirmation as yet that Mallorca will be the definitive location for some of the scenes in Cloud Atlas.
Italian and Spanish police swooped on Salvatore D'Avino, one of Italy's most wanted fugitives, as he was filling his car with petrol in a town on the Costa del Sol.
D'Avino, 39, alleged to be a member of the Naples-based Camorra mafia, had been on the run for four years.
Italian police said he had been living under an assumed identity in Morocco.
A few days ago he travelled to Spain by boat with his Moroccan girlfriend, who is pregnant.
The young woman, who has not been named, wanted to show off photographs from their holiday and uploaded a number of pictures to her Facebook page.
But the images enabled Italian police to pin-point the whereabouts of D'Avino, who was on a list of Italy's 100 most wanted alleged mafia gangsters, and they arrested him on Tuesday near Marbella.
D'Avino is alleged to be a member of one of the drug-dealing clans that make up the Camorra, the Neapolitan cousin of Sicily's better known Cosa Nostra.
He was wanted on charges of drug trafficking and mafia association and if convicted faces up to 20 years in prison.
Facebook proved to be the undoing of another alleged mafia mobster last year, when police located him by tracking the internet key he used to log onto the internet.
Pasquale Manfredi, 33, who called himself "Scarface" in tribute to the gangster film starring Al Pacino, was wanted for killing a rival godfather with a shoulder-fired rocket launcher in 2004.
Had an excellent night at the Tom Jones concert at the Puento Romano hotel in the centre of Marbella last night.
Had an excellent night at the Tom Jones concert at the Puento Romano hotel in the centre of Marbella last night. My first time at this venue and what a great intimate location this is. Great for a concert. It is basically a tennis court, the Puento Romano’s centre court with its seating both on the court and around the court, with the stage set up over the seats at one end of the court. So no matter where you sit you are no more than a tennis courts length away from the performer. And Tom, despite his 70+ years did not disappoint. Coming onto the warm open air stage around 10:30 he played until around midnight, starting with a few evangelical songs and songs from his days in Vegas, were he sang after the shows with Elvis, and then moving on to the old favourites which got the crowd to their feet – Sex Bomb, Green Green Grass of Home, Delilah and many more were performed superbly. His strong voice is still very much present. The performance of Delilah, done with a local twist with strong excellent backing on Spanish guitars was the highlight for me! Great venue, great night, great performance – will be back!
During a Spanish cruise and in front of friends including tycoon James Packer, Warnie got down on one knee and popped the question,
Tuesday, 23 August 2011CRICKETER turned commentator Shane Warne will marry British model and actress Liz Hurley, a London tabloid reports.
During a Spanish cruise and in front of friends including tycoon James Packer, Warnie got down on one knee and popped the question, the Daily Star newspaper reports.
"The boat was moored in Marbella and the Packers were on board along with about 15 people, just close friends, no one famous," an unnamed source told the Star.
"Shane and Liz flew in for a few days and looked so in love during their time.
"It was just a really beautiful moment when he proposed. Really romantic, and she said yes. There was no hesitation."
The Star suggests the couple may wed before the end of the year, during a trip Down Under by Hurley which is due to begin in November.
News of the pair's romance broke in December as the Aussie spin king and face of Estee Lauder exchanged a number of loved-up messages on Twitter.
Hurley, 46, separated from husband Arun Nayar just months earlier.
"Liz didn't think she'd want to move on so quickly from Arun so quickly but she's smitten with Shane," a friend of Hurley's told the Star.
Warne, 41, has split his time this year between his Melbourne home and London, where he has commentated on cricket matches including the England versus India Test series.
The beer-swilling, cigarette-smoking cricketer has gone through a physical transformation in recent months, admitting to shedding 12.7kg and adopting a suave look including slicked hair, which has prompted comparisons to a waxwork model.
GRANDFATHER has slammed the “awful” Spanish justice system for locking up his grandson without charge for more than six weeks.
Sydney Barnett, 85, said there was no way Kyle Thain, who is accused of attempted murder, would have harmed two men during a weekend trip to Alicante.
Kyle, 24, of Sandringham Road, Southend, and his friend James Harris, 29, of Pelham Road, Southend, have been held in jail since July 8, but Spanish police are yet to press charges.
Mr Barnett, who lives in Thorpe Bay, said: “When I was told about it, I could not believe it at all.
“Over there, you are guilty until proven innocent, which is awful. He could not have done this. It’s against his nature.”
Kyle and James, both former pupils at the King John School, Thundersley, were arrested as they were checking in to fly home from Murcia Airport on July 5.
The pals were accused of beating up and stabbing two men in a bar near their hotel the previous night.
However, the men maintain they never went to the bar, and their families say there has been a terrible case of mistaken identity.
The friends were taken to separate prison cells, before being transferred to Fontcalent prison, Alicante, on July 8, where they have been ever since.
Despite an ongoing internet campaign to get the two men home, the Spanish authorities have refused to release them until the police investigation is finished.
Mr Barnett, who has run Sydney Barnett barbers in London Road, Westcliff, since 1971, said: “Kyle used to help me in the shop when he was younger, with shampooing and sweeping. The clients loved him.
“He is a lovely fellow. I know he didn’t do it. Something is not right about it. My customers have been supportive, but they can’t believe it either.”
Jordan is impressed by the way Leandro Penna treats her boy
Katie Price: Leo is better with Harvey than any of my exes
Katie Price is enjoying a long summer holiday in Spain with Leandro Pennaand both their families.
They're all sharing a luxury villa near Marbella and Jordan's 3 kids - Harvey, 9, Junior, 6, and Princess, 4 - are loving it.
'Harvey rules the roost,' she reveals. 'He's 9 years old but he's the boss. There are 16 of us in this villa but it's all about Harvey.
'We all know when Harvey's up, when it's lunchtime, when we have to get out of the pool - he's very controlling, but that's part of his autism.'
Katie, 33, loves the way Leo, 25, treats her son.
'Out of all the guys I've been with, Leohas been the best with Harvey, definitely,' she says.
'He has a real love for him and Harvey loves him back - he wants to cuddle hm all the time.'
FIESTA FREEDOM - GREEN PARTY III - WITH DJ WARREN
Saturday, 20 August 2011FIESTA FREEDOM - GREEN PARTY III - WITH DJ WARREN - SATURDAY 15th OCTOBER - LOCATION - EL GREEN, SAN ROQUE, CADIZ KM124, LA LINEA - COSTA DEL SOL, SPAIN. 20 DJ'S, 3 MC'S, 24 HOUR EVENT THE DANCE MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR!
PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE AT THE MIJAS RACE COURSE (Hipodromo)
PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE AT THE MIJAS RACE COURSE (Hipodromo). Andy Claridge and Steve Nelson present the best tribute to Pink Floyd EVER! This is a concert NOT to be missed! ... DATE 17th SEPTEMBER 2011 STARTING AT 8.20 PM. The Concert also includes a British Beer Celebration, concert goers get to sample the Best in British Beer, for FREE!
THE MARBELLA REGGAE FESTIVAL 2011 .. LOCATION PLAYA DEL PINILLO .. MARBELLA
THE MARBELLA REGGAE FESTIVAL 2011 .. LOCATION PLAYA DEL PINILLO .. MARBELLA... DATE: 19TH AUGUST 2011 ... STARTING AT 9PM .. MORE INFORMATION ... www.reggaeshack.org
STARRING ... TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS ... BE THERE .. OR BE SQUARE !
ONE of the Costa del Sol’s most celebrated timeshare conmen is said to have moved to Turkey.
Thursday, 18 August 2011Katie Price returns to Marbella with Leandro Penna - and this time she's brought the family
The rumour mill has been going into overdrive with suggestions that Katie Price will be going into the Celebrity Big Brother house when the show returns on Thursday.
But quite aside from the lady herself dismissing such speculation on Twitter, the fact she is out of the country should put an end to those whispers.
For Katie has returned to Marbella - where she enjoyed a romantic break with boyfriend Leandro Penna in May - and this time she has taken her children along too.
Enjoying the sunshine: Katie Price was spotted in Marbella looking relaxed in a multi-coloured maxi dress
The 33-year-old was spotted wearing a colourful striped maxi dress, big gold bangles and sunglasses as she took daughter Princess for a shopping trip in the Spanish resort.
And she clearly had her hands full, carrying both the four-year-old and an oversized bright green bag as she made her way to the car.
There was no sign of Leandro on their outing - although the 25-year-old model has joined them on the trip, and was seen clutching a bottle of water and wearing headphones as he went for a run.
Family holiday: Katie was seen with her daughter Princess on the latest trip, as the pair hit the shops
Meanwhile Katie has taken to Twitter to personally deny the rumours that she is set to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house.
'I PROMISE everyone I AM NOT doing Big Brother I'm away with my family and I'm signed to Sky Living so impossible,' she tweeted.
Clearly the message did not get through to everybody, as she later returned to say, 'People should know I don't lie so I'm telling you again I'm not doing Big Brother so drop it.'
Getting a lift: Katie had a lot on her hands, carrying both Princess and an oversized green bag to their car
TOWIE star Amy Childs, actress Tara Reid, wacky pop twins Jedward, Speaker's wife Sally Bercow and Kerry Katona and her mother Sue are among those who are rumoured to taking part in Celebrity Big Brother, which has moved to Five after Channel 4 dropped the show in 2010.
Katie and Leandro previously holidayed in Marbella earlier this year when she showed off a tattoo marking the date they met - which reads 'Leo 27-02-11'.
The pair struck up a whirlwind romance after meeting on that date at Elton John's post-Oscars party shortly after she separated from ex-husband Alex Reid.
Keeping fit: While Katie took Princess shopping, Leandro appeared to be making the most of having some time to himself and went for a run
Katie recently revealed that despite her rocky love life - which has seen both her marriages to Peter Andre and Reid end in divorce - she is happy with the life she has now.
She said: 'These things happen. There are so many people who i know who aren’t in the industry who have the same dramas as me but because I'm in the public eye it's well documented.
'I have no regrets about any men or any paths I have taken. I’m laughing, I’ve got everything i want in life so it’s good!'
SIMON COWELL WANTS SEX, SCANDAL AND ALCOHOL ON X FACTOR?
Wednesday, 17 August 2011There's already a lot to take in when you're watching X Factor... horrendous voices, crazy people, sob stories, the talent, judges arguments, fashion-offs, Louis Walsh's nonsensical comments ... but according to The Sun Simon Cowell wants MORE. This year he wants more sex, more scandal and more alcohol inspired by shows like The Only Way is Essex.
Hmmmm. Is this a good idea?
Reportedly, there will be 24 hour camera coverage of the wannabes as well as free drinks in the hope naughty things will happen.
Apparently, the 250 bootcamp contestants were offered free champagne and cocktails at the Selsdon Park hotel in Croydon in the hope they'd get frisky in the hot tub. Finalists will get the same treatment. In the X Factor house there'll be lots of cameras including some in the bedrooms, the fridges will be stocked with booze and contestants will be encouraged to have pool parties.
A source for The Sun said, "Producers want scandal, sex and break-ups. They know it will freshen up the series and boost ratings.
"The house is going to be one long party for the singers. And it will all be filmed to titillate viewers."
IF this IS true then we're conflicted. Yes, last year it would have been nice to see One Direction topless in a pool but isn't this a talent show? Shouldn't it be about singing and not watching people disgrace themselves?
Imogen is returning to what she is best known for as she shoots pictures for her 2012 calendar in Marbella.
Wednesday, 10 August 2011 After Big Brother, Imogen Thomas made a name for herself in the lads' mag industry, posing in skimpy underwear and swimwear for various publications. And now, after her much-publicised affair with Ryan Giggs, Imogen is returning to what she is best known for as she shoots pictures for her 2012 calendar in Marbella. The 28-year-old star was seen showing off her curves in a purple bikini as she soaked up the sunshine and enjoyed a cooling dip in the swimming pool in between shots. Pretty in purple: Imogen Thomas showed off her curves in a pretty two-piece as she shot her 2012 calendar in Marbella Imogen was later seen relaxing in a hammock, before changing into a pair of black bikini bottoms, and not much else, for another photograph. It certainly looks like Imogen's calendar is set to contain some of her sexiest photographs yet, as Imogen was seen earlier this month shooting more pictures sitting atop a motorbike in little more than underwear and a leather jacket. Meanwhile, Imogen came forward on her Twitter page to defend herself after receiving criticism when she stepped out wearing a cheeky 'Your Boyfriend Says Hi' T-shirt. Having a giggle: Imogen certainly looked in good spirits as she enjoyed a cooling dip in the swimming pool Soaking up the sunshine: Imogen looked slightly uncomfortable as she soaked up the sun on the edge of the pool But while many thought the top was a reference to her affair with Giggs, Imogen insisted it was just chance she happened to be wearing the T-shirt. She tweeted: 'My Tshirt yesterday is a gym TSHIRT. I didnt know there was paparazzi outside my home! 'The Tshirt doesnt mean anything. Get a life saddos!!!' Defensive: Imogen was forced to defend her joke T-shirt on her Twitter page yesterday, insisting it didn't mean anything It has been a busy few months for Imogen, who has been presenting segments on ITV programme This Morning. And the former Big Brother star also recently revealed she is aiming to make it in the movie industry after landing a role in a big Hollywood film. While she said she couldn't reveal much about the movie, Imogen did say: 'I want more acting roles to come along. I see that being my future. 'I'd love to do an action flick or be a Bond girl - that would be amazing. That would be my goal. Or to play Lara Croft. Basically, I just can't wait for people to see me in a bit of a different light.' Imogen's affair with married Giggs was exposed earlier this year, despite him taking out a so-called super injunction to prevent her talking about their relationship.
BABY has been left orphaned after his parents were killed in a quad bike crash as they honeymooned on a paradise island.
Monday, 8 August 2011
Newlyweds Jonathan and Emma Gray, described as being “totally in love”, died in the Maldives just a week after getting married.
Their son, Jake, believed to be around four months old, was being cared for by relatives as they set off on their dream trip to the Kuredu island hotel and Spa last Thursday.
But just two days later, their Indian Ocean trip ended in tragedy when the powerful vehicle left a sand-covered road and smashed into a tree. Jonathan, 25, a chemical company manager, died at the scene and primary school teacher, Emma, also 25, lost her fight for life as she was about to be ferried to a nearby island for treatment.
The unnamed driver, who was giving them a lift back to the hotel, was serious but stable in hospital at the island’s capital, Male.
Detectives are waiting to question him over the tragedy, which is said to have happened at around 4.15am on Saturday.
A guest who met Emma and Jonathan, said: “They were a fantastic couple and so totally in love.”
Floral tributes, teddy bears and an opened champagne bottle from the wedding were left outside the couple’s home in Halifax, West Yorks, yesterday.
Jonathan’s twin brother Michael fought back tears as he said: “It’s such a shock. It hasn’t sunk in.”
Geri Halliwell has split from boyfriend Henry Beckwith
Geri Halliwell has split from boyfriend Henry Beckwith after nearly two and a half years together. The former Spice Girl was seen welcoming in her 39th with a host of female friends on Saturday night, but without her man on her arm. Doomed romance: Just a month before their split, Henry Beckwith and Geri Halliwell were seen holding hands on holiday in Sardinia The seven year age gap eventually took its toll on Geri, with the mum-of-one wanting to settle down and the socialite continuing to party. A source told The Sun: 'Geri came to the realisation that things weren't going to work with Henry. 'The age gap meant he had a wandering eye when it came to other women and he was interested in partying. She doesn't trust him.' Henry, cousin of socialite Tamara Beckwith and son of millionaire property developer Sir John Beckwith, was pictured holding a hands with another woman last year while leaving a nightclub, but Geri forgave him. The insider revealed Henry, 32, did not want to be a husband, or father to Bluebell - the singer's five-year-old daughter with director Sacha Gervasi. Inconsolable Geri, who met Henry in March 2009, has now turned to sister Natalie to get over her ex. Geri already has a long list of former flames, including Robbie Williams, Chris Evans and Italian multiillionaire Fabrizio Politi. A spokesman for Geri refused to comment. Single girl: Geri celebrated her 39th at Annabel's Club in London without Henry on Saturday night
JESSICA Wright is getting her money's worth from her boob job with a second bikini-clad trip to Marbella this year
Tuesday, 2 August 2011The Only Way Is Essex star showed off her impressive cleavage in a miniscule La Senza bikini while relaxing in the Spanish town over the weekend. She and the rest of the cast of the cult hit had already travelled to the town - nicknamed Marbs - in May. The bronzed 25-year-old - who is Mark Wright's sister - took her bust from a 32C to 32DD earlier this year and set about showing it off with some skimpy swimwear. She was clearly having a great time downing champagne on her sunshine-filled break writing on Twitter: "Loving marbs!! Been working loads out here today is time to relax and enjoy! [sic]" After catching the sun at her hotel's pool the ITV2 star decided to cover up with a leopard print number for a quick trip round the town. The "living soap" star's passion for bikinis could keep her in good stead if she manages her ambition of winning a place in I'm A Celebrity. Jessica said: "I'd love her [Nanny Pat] to join me in the jungle, even though I'm scared of everything - heights, spiders, snakes, flying even sleeping in a tent.".
Mr Granville was a trained barrister who was previously involved in the real estate business in Marbella, Spain.
Steven Granville, former CEO of the failed Puravarna project in Rawai, has been released from jail after 18 months, after all charges against him were dropped, thephuketinsider.com reports.
Mr Granville was arrested in April last year on charges of deceiving buyers into paying for homes at the project that were never built. Nineteen buyers claimed they had paid a total of B217 million – an average of B11.4 million each – but that Phase 1 of the project had stalled and Phase 2 had never begun.
Mr Granville denied the deception charges and the judge in return denied him bail for the period leading up to his trial.
Local property commentators wondered almost from the start about the feasibility of selling Puravarna’s expensive homes, which were to be built in an area with no sea view.
It was also unpopular with other people living in the area, especially over the possibility of noise pollution when the project revealed plans to include a helipad.
To counter the lack of a sea view, Puravarna bought the Phuket Yacht Club hotel on Naiharn beach with the intention of making it the project’s “beach club”. The hotel is now the company’s sole functioning asset. But given that it is tied into the Puravarna tangle, attempts to sell it have so far come to nothing.
Born Steven James Shorrock in Cheshire, in the UK, Mr Granville was a trained barrister who was previously involved in the real estate business in Marbella, Spain.
Paz Vega at the Marbella Club Hotel in Marbella, Spain
Paz has been staying at the Marbella resort and giving fellow vacationers quite the view of her fabulous form. It’s hard to believe that she is a mother of three, the youngest of whom was born just last August.
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Supreme Court backs Juan Antonio Roca's dismissal from Marbella Town Hall
Thursday, 21 July 2011
The Supreme Court has turned down the latest appeal from Juan Antonio Roca, the ex municipal real estate assessor and the man at the centre of the Malaya corruption affair, against his sacking from Marbella Town Hall.
Roca was sacked as a disciplinary measure in August 2008 for his continued absence from work, during his time on remand in the Malaya case following his arrest in 2006. A Social Court in Málaga backed his dismissal as justified in January 2010, and Roca took his appeal to the Andalucía High Court.
They, too, considered it to be justified and the appeal then went to the Supreme Court. Europa Press indicates that the appeal was based on the argument of contradictions between different court rulings on cases similar to his, but that argument was thrown out in Wednesday’s ruling.
Juan Antonio Roca faces a possible 30 years in prison in the Malaya case and a fine of more than 800 million €.
Illegal Houses - Big Problems Need Big Solutions
informal meeting took place today in the headquarters of the Asociación Provincial de Empresarios del Mármol (APEM), Maceal to review the draft decree to “regularise” houses in Andalucia. Participants included 7 mayors of the Valley of Almanzora, as well as various representatives of promoters, citizens, ecologists, architects, lawyers, local authority members, notaries, planners and other social agents.
We had a constructive meeting with various representatives from social, political and economic spheres who came together to seek a way out of the maze of judicial insecurity and urban chaos which has blighted the area. We exchanged opinions on the draft decree in a clear an open way. We believe that this is the first time that such an exchange has taken place and we hope that it will be repeated in other parts of Andalucia just as this will be the first in a series of meetings that we are planning to hold.
We think that whilst there are some beneficial aspects within the draft, the truth is that they are very limited. It is nothing more than a panacea. In reality it only helps some situations but further complicates others without making the profound changes necessary that would require an amendment to current planning laws at regional and state level.
At its heart this is an invoice for the homeowners without taking into account that many of them have already paid the bill. Neither does it offer immediate solutions to the most serious problems such as legal proceedings and lack of services. This decree needs to provide interim measures until the final situation of each house is known.
There was a wide range of opinions from the participants. However, we believe that the majority sentiment is that this decree will not solve the problems in the Valley of Almanzora.
In our opinion the most important thing is not the decree rather the fact that this meeting took place. We have started the process of collaboration between interested and affected parties in the area. We are going to establish a working party and in the short term we are going to present our request for amendments to the decree to the Junta de Andalucia.
Big problems require big solutions and this draft decree is far from being the big solution required.
SUSPECTED professional hitman who blasted a British drinker to death following a row at Spanish bar has been convicted of murder.
Friday, 15 July 2011
Eric Wilson shot roofer Dan Smith, 24, eight times in the face and body.
Dubliner Wilson, 27, whose nickname is Lucky, faces up to 25 years behind bars.
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Mr Smith, himself on the run from UK police over a 2007 attempted murder, had tried to stop Wilson “touching up” a woman in a Costa del Sol bar, a court heard.
Wilson raced by motorbike to his rented home, grabbed a 9mm pistol and returned to shoot Mr Smith, known as Tall Dan, on the bar terrace.
Police raided the killer’s home two days later in June 2010 and found the bike, hand grenades, explosives and ammunition.
A jury in Malaga was shown documents which suggested Wilson had killed 11 people in Ireland.
He is due to be sentenced in the next two weeks.
The pilot has featured parts of Marbella and nearby Puerto Banus. With an abundance of nightclubs, yachts and millionaires, a fly-on-the wall series there could go down a treat.
Bosses of The Only Way Is Essex want to make a new reality show based in holiday hotspot Newquay, Cornwall.
Plans are underway to film group of twenty-somethings living in the seaside town, which is popular with surfers, clubbers, teenagers and stag and hen parties.
Producers have been thrilled with the success of the original ITV2 series – which stars Lauren Goodger, Mark Wright and Joey Essex among others – and believe Newquay’s wild night life and eclectic mixture of people can be just as popular.
TOWIE chiefs have already commissioned the first series of The Only Way Is Liverpool and ITV2 bosses have proposed a spin-off set in Marbella, Spain - a holiday destination which is already very popular with the Essex gang.
Referring to the proposed Marbella show, a source said: ‘Producers think a show would work amazingly well in Marbella.
‘The pilot has featured parts of Marbella and nearby Puerto Banus. With an abundance of nightclubs, yachts and millionaires, a fly-on-the wall series there could go down a treat.’
owner of FC Malaga Football Club, Quatari Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al Thani, will create a new luxury marina in Marbella.
Wednesday, 6 July 2011The owner of FC Malaga Football Club, Quatari Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al Thani, will create a new luxury marina in Marbella. With an investment of 70 million Euros he plans to expand La Bajadilla Marina (Puerto Pesquera Marbella),. The aim at La Bajadilla is to create 400 more mooring areas which would allow cruise liners and larger yachts to enter the area. The Sheikh planned to buy Puerto Banus itself, but was unable to do so because the area cannot be expanded, reported the local press.
If the Junta de Andalucía gives the project the go-ahead then private investors can express their interest. Miguel Gomez, the President of the Tourist Initiative Centre in Marbella has said that other Arab investors have their sights set on Marbella and the Costa del Sol as they consider it a safe place to invest. New and exciting times are coming to Marbella once again.
An initial investment of 84 million Euros will be made in the project, the first jointly public privately funded venture in the region. This will include extending the wharf to accommodate cruise ships, bringing in a new wave of possibilities for the town as a tourist destination. Plans to incorporate luxury leisure facilities including a shopping mall and a 5-star hotel will notch up a total investment of some 400 million Euros, creating thousands of jobs into the bargain.
Currently the port is the hub of the town’s fishing activities, which according to the plans, will be moved to one side of the port, making way for a spectacular new circular pier of some 900 metres competing with very similar project build at present in Malaga.
Spain has a party capital in the sun-kissed shape of Puerto Banus on the outskirts of Marbella.
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
It's a millionaires' playground and, while there, I mingled with celebs who love being in the public eye, including Jordan, Kerry Katona and Corrie star Ryan Thomas.
The stars of TV reality show The Only Way Is Essex made sure everybody knew they were heading "sarf" too by telling fans that they weren't eating "carbs before Marbs".
During the 45-minute journey from Malaga airport, I passed signs for historic Ronda and pretty, sleepy resorts in the Andalucian hills.
In comparison, Puerto Banus is always wide awake. It consists of a marina which is home to yachts worth millions that even Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich would be proud of.
Parked overlooking the water are rows of super expensive cars which would have footballers dribbling with excitement.
Then there is a strip of bars and restaurants - and designer shops including Chloe, Missoni and Dior - where the rich and famous can be spotted.
If you are on a budget, then save up first before stepping foot in Puerto Banus. There are no tapas bars for a cheap meal here and even a salad will set you back at least £12.
But what you can get here is a lot of fun and partying - day and night.
I heard a whisper that Jordan had arrived with her toyboy Leandro Penna so headed to celeb hangout Ocean Club (oceanclub.es).
Partygoers amble round the day club with champagne bottles in their hands and then relax - with full make-up and freshly blow-dried hair - on large leather beds overlooking a central pool.
The Ocean Club's champagne parties are legendary. Expect to pay £200 per couple for a bed and a bottle to spray over your friends.
People-watching from the exclusive restaurant or drinking at the bar is a much cheaper option.
After a mini siesta the real action in Puerto Banus begins shortly after midnight at Pangea (www.pangea-club.com).
You need to dig deep again with the entry fee costing £10 and a gin and tonic setting you back nearly £15.
But it is worth every penny. This rooftop club has spectacular views over the port and a relaxed atmosphere. It is the perfect place to chill out and dance.
Going to bed before 5am is unrealistic if you want the full experience and most clubbers head to nearby nightspot Tibu (tibubanus.com). This has an open-air terrace too but is for mainstream clubbing and has a VIP area where I spotted footballers and TV stars galore.
The perfect place to people-watch is at the famous Sinatra's Bar, where most holidaymakers flock. It stands on the corner of the port and drinkers spill out on to the street while the rich - and often famous - drive past in their Ferraris, Porsches, Bentleys and Aston Martins.
But to get a glimpse of a celebrity you don't always have to stay in the port.
La Sala restaurant and bar in Nueva Andalucia, just five minutes away, is a fantastic place for an early evening drink and live music.
I was thrilled to see Jordan and her boyfriend having dinner there - and I am sure I spotted her eating carbs!
Despite wanting a party-filled holiday I was pleased that I'd booked a hotel a ten-minute taxi ride out of Puerto Banus.
Arriving at the Hotel Melia La Quinta Golf and Spa was a truly relaxing experience, and receptionist Juan - one of the few Spanish people I met during my holiday - made check-in a breeze.
The beautiful hotel is flanked by rugged mountains and gorgeous scenery, and is perfect for recuperating after a heavy night.
Each room has a private balcony and the hotel has a range of restaurants where you can actually get to eat Spanish tapas. You could spend a whole week here relaxing by the pool without ever going into the port.
But then what would be the point of heading to the Costa del Sol's glitziest resort and missing out on all the fun?
MARBELLA Town Hall estimates that there are some 400 billboards in the town, of which most are illegal and on private land.
Saturday, 2 July 2011
The Councillor for Public Highways, Jose Eduardo Diaz, announced that the town hall plans to create a municipal law which will require billboards to be legalized or removed. It will give companies or owners of the billboards eight days to comply with the law, and those who fail to do so will face fines of up to €1,500.
There will be a group of Public Highway Inspectors to make sure that the laws are abided by and enforced throughout the town.
Horror smash as tanker lorry brakes fail in Marbella.
TWO people died in a traffic accident at the roundabout at the entrance to Marbella from the Ojen road, and another two were injured. A tanker lorry approaching the roundabout from the A-355 (Ojen road) was unable to brake and collided with the side of a vehicle. The driver of the car suffered whiplash.
The tanker then went over the roundabout and crashed into another car, pushing it forward for several metres before rolling over it, police said. The car, totally wrecked, burst into flames due to it having been dragged along the road, and the two occupants, a 35-year-old woman and a man who has not yet been identified, were killed by the fire.
The tanker then hit the side of the road, before impacting with a third vehicle, rolling on top of it and crushing the passenger side. The 50-year-old woman driver sustained a deep cut to her hand but was not seriously injured. The two men in the lorry were uninjured but were treated for an anxiety attack. The driver was not drunk and was travelling at less than 80kph at the time of the accident despite going downhill, the tanker being full and the brakes failing.
Man acquitted of Marbella shooting in 2004
MALAGA Provincial Court has acquitted a Serbian man accused of shooting another at a Marbella shopping centre in 2004. The public prosecutor was asking for 20 years in prison for murder and weapons possession.
The sentence concludes that the accused, who spent three months in prison in 2005, the victim, and another, unidentified man, were at a restaurant at the shopping centre, when an argument broke out, during which the victim punched the accused in the head.
After this, the other man pulled out a gun and shot the victim several times on the restaurant terrace in broad daylight. The accused claims he was dizzy from having been punched and ran away when he heard the shots. He said his car was later found abandoned because he left the keys at the restaurant.
The court considered that the testimony of one of the protected witnesses is not objective as he has unresolved problems with the accused, and also disregarded the statements of two National Police officers, as the accused did not confess to the crime. On the other hand, it has taken into account the testimonies of two other protected witnesses who were close by at the time and who claimed that the accused was punched in the head and did not fire the shots.
Souvenirs of a different kind will be on offer to cruise ship passengers arriving at Marbella’s new EUR 400 million marina...
Souvenirs of a different kind will be on offer to cruise ship passengers arriving at Marbella’s new EUR 400 million marina...
In addition to the usual Spanish offerings of trips to hilltop Ronda, stuffed fighting bull dolls, castanets and flamenco CDs, "Day ashore" passengers will be able to snap up luxury villa bargains during Meet & Greet viewings organised by enterprising local estate agents.
With current recessional prices expected to revive in the next two to three years, the timely opening of the resort’s spectacular circular marina and cruise ship pier in 2015 could provide early equity gains for passengers persuaded to inspect and invest in local real estate.
Once complete, La Bajadilla will be as big an attraction as jet-set Puerto Banus and expected to bring millions of tourists to Marbella. It provides an additional 500 berths arranged on a spectacular circular pier, 220m pier for cruise liners, a waterfront five-star hotel as well as bars, restaurants and shops.
The marina investment by Qatari billionaire, Sheikh Abdullah Ben Nasser Al-Thani, has gained planning consent and completion is planned for 2015.
Said one local estate agent: “Investments made in Marbella at today's prices are bound to increase in value. Now is the time to consider buying a home in and around the Marbella area - whether you are buying as an investment, family holiday home or a permanent residence.”
A spokesman for Spanish-based investment specialists, Walker Fortune said: “We have buyers flying in for a day’s property viewings in Barcelona and Ibiza already, so we’ll provide our usual VIP Meet & Greet at the quayside for cruise passengers. Wealthy clients can find and secure the best property deal in a day.”
Currently there are Spanish bank repossessions and distressed sales from bank controlled developers and private owners in Costa del Sol, but shortages in the mid-price ranges. The best buy currently is in Coto Real Duquesa, close to Puerto Banus where brand-new, key ready sea and golf view apartments start at EUR 141,000 with 100% mortgage offers due to the excellent loan to value.
British soul sensation Mica Paris, 42, is heading to Marbella for two solo shows.
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Following a smash appearance at London's Royal Albert Hall, where she covered a moving Dusty Springfield classic All I See is You, she will perform at restaurant Polo House
