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Yearly Archives: 2019

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We never knew that our true crime obsession would find its way into our make up bag, but here we are. 

Makeup a Murder is the new cosmetics brand created by self-taught makeup artist Theresa Spencer, and it has us DEAD.

With cinema, literature, podcasts, audiobooks, documentaries and television shows dedicated to solving true crime mysteries, it's hardly surprising that morbid curiosity has been reborn through cosmetics.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The indie beauty brand has over 31,000 Instagram followers, and is building up a name for itself in the cosmetics industry.

The products reference grim topics such as poison, gore, crime scenes, murder and mass incarceration.

The caption on the brand's website is; "Slay faces with crime scene investigation makeup", so they certainly want to make a spooky statement. The capital letters are the final nail in the coffin…

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The collection itself is relatively small, with some noteworthy product names. 

The colour-shifting eye shadow comes in shades such as Ricin and Radioactive Waste, packaged in scientific test tubes. 

Luxury Blood Chunk Glitter, Evidence Marker Lashes, Finger Print Setting Powder, the Bloody Blender Sponge (relax, it's just dyed red) and the Criminology Forensic Brush kit make up the collection.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The Instagram page is positively FULL of incredible make-up looks, with neon colours standing out from the crowd.

There's nothing inherently ghoulish or zombified about the actual looks except for the names and product packaging, so don't worry about resembling a particularly macabre Halloween.

We have to admit, the eyeshadow powders look matte as f*ck. Those colours bring some intense light to the darkness of the branding.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Makeup a Murder won't break your bloody bank balance either, with prices coming in at between €4.45 and €26 on their website.

The crime-investigation make up is also cruelty-free and vegan, so it's ethical despite it's links to crime.

We highly recommend the brand, even if it does fuel us to watch yet another Netflix murder documentary…

Feature image: Instagram/@makeupamurder

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In today’s world, there is always something ”on”. We could be out every night of the week. Snapping away pictures for our social media accounts. Exhausted. Probably bored. Wishing we were curled up on the couch, clad in a onesie and flicking through Netflix.

So why aren’t we? Yes, this little thing known as FOMO that most of us are aware of. FOMO – the Fear Of Missing Out.

Of what? A mediocre night that gave you blisters, emptied your already-empty bank account and stole hours of much-needed beauty sleep from you?

Even if that is the case, a shockingly high number of us feel FOMO and we feel it intensely. But what about the people who choose to say f-you to FOMO?

Most of the time I cannot be arsed to RSVP ”yes” to a million and one things that I know I’ll end up bailing on hours before anyway.

And it seems I’m not alone in this bizarre new phenomenon of…wanting to stay in and relax. Shocker.

A survey by Porch.com spoke to 1,000 people and showed that people admitted how much the would rather stay in.

If a nightclub is on the schedule, 48 percent would rather stay on the sofa, for the the gym it’s 29 percent and a surprising 26 percent would skip happy hour.

Maybe it comes down to social anxiety as it seems like food affairs made people more comfortable as less than 10 percent of people would rather stay home than go out to brunch, a fancy dinner or just somewhere casual to eat.

And what about the classic bailing?

C’mon we’re all guilty of it – but what’s our method of choice?

Well, 68.2% cancel by text, 24.2% do the right thing and cancel by text while 4.7% brave people opt for in person leaving 2.2% by email and(thank God) only 0.7% of those who admit to ghosting. You cruel, cruel people.

We might feel fab cancelling until we see all the fun snaps we’re missing online – the survey showed 43.4% of us feel regret after looking at Instagram. And a whopping 69.% feel ashamed for staying in.

Saying no to things isn’t a crime, more and more of us are doing it and you know what? It feels good.

So this week if someone asks ”heading out for the weekend?”, it’s a no from us.

Bring on an American Horror Story marathon and a dirty takeaway.

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The release of The Testaments by Margaret Atwood is one of the biggest literary moments of the year. Fans of The Handmaid’s Tale author have been awaiting this release forever and it’s safe to say they will not be disappointed.

It has already been shortlisted for The Book Prize 2019 and it hasn’t even hit bookshops yet.

Chair of Booker Judges, Peter Florence said, “[It is] a savage and beautiful novel, and it speaks to us today, all around the world, with particular conviction and power… The bar is set particularly high for Atwood and she soars over it… I can’t wait for everyone to read it.”

The Testaments will answer everything readers have wanted to know about Gilead and its inner workings. Atwood said, “The other inspiration is the world we’ve been living in,” so there’s no doubt this tale with hit home, especially for female readers.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Atwood brings the iconic Handmaid’s Tale story to a dramatic conclusion in this gripping sequel. More than fifteen years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale, the theocratic regime of the Republic of Gilead maintains its grip on power, but there are signs it is beginning to rot from within. At this crucial moment, the lives of three radically different women converge, with potentially explosive results.

Two have grown up as part of the first generation to come of age in the new order. The testimonies of these two young women are joined by a third voice: a woman who wields power through the ruthless accumulation and deployment of secrets.

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood will cement itself in the literary world and become one of the most iconic books of our time.

Published by Penguin on Tuesday, September 10, 2019.

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Liam Gallagher isn't one to be pinned down by any work opportunity, that's for sure. He makes his own rules, including when it comes to requesting a part in his favourite TV show…

He's renowned as one of the most famous frontmen in the world, for one of the best bands in the world, but he's also started his own fashion label. A man of many talents, indeed.

Now the Manchester rocker has said that he may be trying out a new venture; swapping music for cameo acting in BBC One's 1920s gangland show, Peaky Blinders.

Now, take this with a pinch of salt because the musician loves a good joke on social media. He took to Twitter shortly to originally say; "Ohhh what a beautiful morning ohhhhh what a beautiful day."

However, when a user by the name of @issytate asked if he had any plans, he replied:

"Thought you'd never ask, yeah I'm off to meet a man about a part in Peaky Blinders. Why me, why not. See ya." he said.

The latest series of Peaky Blinders has confirmed that Cillian Murphy's turn as Tommy Shelby is as popular as ever, opening to its highest viewing figures yet for season five.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The series launched to an audience of 6.2 million, according to BBC Press Office. A Peaky Blinders music festival is even taking place in Birmingham later in the year.

As well as featuring stars of the show, there's also a full music line up that includes Primal Scream, Frank Carter, The Streets, a mystery superstar and more.

Kate Phillips (Linda Shelby), Finn Cole (Michael Gray), Paul Anderson (Arthur Shelby) and Paddy Considine (Father John Hughes) will meet fans across the weekend.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) on

Tommy Shelby (AKA Cillian Murphy, Prince of Ireland) has recorded the poems 'Futility' by Wilfred Owen and 'The Ballad of Tommy Shelby' to be exclusively broadcast across the festival.

Tickets to The Legitimate Peaky Blinders Festival are on sale now and are available here.

Can you see Liam in a Paddy cap sporting a Brummy accent? We can't imagine him without his Manchester voice though, or squaring up to Tommy Shelby and coming away without a scratch.

Feature image: Instagram/@liamgallagher

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Love Island 2019 winners Amber Gill and Greg O'Shea have reportedly broken up after only five weeks, and we're already campaigning for Amber's justice.

22-year-old Geordie beautician Amber was supposed to fly to Ireland tonight to see the rugby player, but The Sun is reporting that 24-year-old Greg has split with Amber over busy schedules.

Now, bear in mind that anything The Sun says must be taken with a pinch of salt, but a 'source' told the publication; 

"Amber feels used by Greg. He was always aware of the distance and his career in their relationship, and yet he chose to seek out Amber in the villa knowing there would always be the distance."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Greg O’Shea (@gregoshea) on

"He hasn’t made any effort to come to London to see Amber, despite it being over five weeks, it’s always Amber who had to make the effort."

Amber was apparently 'devastated' by the cruel-hearted dumping, although she 'had a feeling' that things were gradually coming to an end. BY TEXT THOUGH? Greg, we thought you were different.

The Newcastle beauty wrote on Instagram just two days ago; "My babes. Squinty squinterson. Miss ya" alongside a photo of Greg, although Greg last posted an Instagram picture of her on August 18. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Greg O’Shea (@gregoshea) on

The couple were scheduled to appear on The Late Late Show tonight with fellow islander Maura Higgins.

The pair were the shock winners of the fifth series of Love Island after being coupled up for only 12 days, deciding to share the £50,000 prize.

Soon-to-be-solicitor Greg was a late arrival and charmed Amber after she was pied by Michael Griffiths, who chose to recouple with Joanna Chimonides in the Casa Amor twist.

The winners haven’t been seen much together due to the distance between Limerick and Newcastle.

Amber had visited Ireland only two weeks ago, with the couple going sightseeing at the Cliffs of Moher. 

If the split is real, then Amber and Greg have the honour of being the fastest-winning couple to break up. We'll most likely discover the real story tonight, if they appear together on Ryan Tubridy's couch.

Great job, Greg. You've lost plenty of fans for losing Amber, she's an absolute gem. Ovie, any help?

Feature image: Instagram/@gregoshea

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Hudson Taylor are one of the greatest Irish bands around at the moment. The Feel It Again singers deserve just as much praise and success as Picture This, yet they can often be overlooked.

Their latest single Back To You should be on everyone’s Spotify playlist because it is one of their best songs to date. It’s got that pure Irish folk sound with Hudson Taylor’s heartfelt lyrics.

To mark the release of their new single, the brothers have confirmed a string of Irish dates and you can guarantee we’ll be heading along to see them.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Hudson Taylor (@hudtaymusic) on

They’ll be performing all across the Emerald Isle, including five nights at Whelan's.

Do yourself a favour and go to one of their December shows in Whelan's. Their Christmas week gigs makes my December ten times better. It is by far one of the best gigs of the year, so don’t miss out when tickets go on sale next week.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Hudson Taylor are undoubtedly one of the best bands to come out of Ireland in years so bless your ears and head along to see them on their Irish tour.

You can buy tickets here. Tickets go on sale on Friday, September 13.

Check out the full list of tour dates below:

10th October – Blackbox Theatre, Galway

11th October – Big Top Dolans, Limerick

12th October – Speigeltent, Wexford

13th October – Cyprus Avenue, Cork

17th October – Set Theatre, Kilkenny

19th October – Lukers, Shannonbridge

24th October – Kenny’s, Lahinch

25th October – Ruby Room, Castlebar

27th October – The Guildhall, Derry

31st October – Mike The Pies, Listowel

1st November – Debarras, Clonakilty

17th – 21st December – Whelans, Dublin

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If our hearts felt cracked and fragile before, they're smashed to smithereens now.

Just weeks on from initial reports, the Spider-Man situation remains woefully the same after Sony Pictures CEO Tony Vincinquerra confirmed that “for the moment the door is closed” on the MCU return.

Marvel Studios and Sony's financial talks have broken down, and now Tom Holland's Peter Parker will no longer be part of the MCU, with Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige now absent from Spidey's next movie.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Many fans were hoping that the impasse could be overcome, but it seems that Sony is doubling down on distancing themselves from Disney after the entertainment giant asked for 30 percent of the earnings from the next few Spidey films.

To put this in perspective, they were only earning five percent before…so it's quite the leap on Disney's part to be fair. 

Speaking at Variety’s Entertainment and Technology summit, Sony Pictures CEO dispelled fan's queries on the superhero;  “We had a great run with Kevin Feige on Spider-Man movies,” he said.

“We tried to see if there’s a way to work it out… the Marvel people are terrific people, we have great respect for them, but on the other hand we have some pretty terrific people of our own. Kevin didn’t do all the work.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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He continued: “Spider-Man was fine before the event movies, did better with the event movies, and now that we have our own universe, he will play off the other characters as well. I think we’re pretty capable of doing what we have to do here.”

Sony seem confident that following the box office success of Venom and the widespread critical and public acclaim for the Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, it can spin its own compelling web of spider tales.

Director Jon Favreau, the MCU the filmmaker behind Iron Man and Iron Man 2, and actor of Happy Hogan in Homecoming and Far From Home – still hopes that an agreement can be made.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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“I’ve been talking to everybody about it… I’m cautiously optimistic,” he said at Variety’s summit.

“I think it’s a long way away and I think the collaboration has been really strong up to this point so I’m hopeful that there’s a way for us all to play together going forward.”

PLEASE solve this tangled web of a problem, Jon. We can't handle the idea of the adorable Tom Holland not featuring in the MCU, he stole scenes in the Avengers as Iron Man's protégé.

Feature image: Instagram/@tomholland2013

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Grey’s Anatomy fans will be relieved to hear the show is set to return in the coming weeks, but season 16 features quite the big twist.

The season finale left fans feeling pretty overwhelmed as so much happened within the one episode. Not only did Meredith, Alex and Richard lose their jobs, but Jackson disappeared into the fog, Teddy and Owen welcomed their baby and DeLuca is in prison.

We’ve been itching to find out how all these storylines will play out and it looks like we’ll find out straight away.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Showrunner Krista Vernoff told TVLine that the new season will pick up moments after all of these explosive storylines took place.

She explained, “The lingering cliffhangers — i.e. Meredith, Richard and Alex receiving pink slips, DeLuca wearing prison orange and Jackson vanishing into… thick fog — will be addressed “pretty immediately.”

However, it’ll come as no surprise to hear that the Grey’s Anatomy creators have a massive twist up their sleeves.

Apparently, there will be a time jump once each of these major storylines are addressed.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Grey's Anatomy Official (@greysabc) on

Vernoff revealed, “We will then span a little bit of time over the course of the hour…”

The showrunner would not reveal just how much time will pass but we’re hoping it is no more than a year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Grey's Anatomy Official (@greysabc) on

Luckily, the time jump isn’t going to let current issues between the show’s characters pass. Vernoff stressed that Meredith and DeLuca will still have to face their relationship problems.

“They’ve got to navigate the complexities of a new relationship in the wake of Meredith having been fired and having broken the law,” she told the publication.

Grey’s Anatomy airs later this month.

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YouTuber Zoe Sugg has decided to film her smear test for her five million subscribers and 9.7 million Instagram followers to educate them on cervical cancer screenings.

The 29-year-old warms at the start of the 43-minute-long video that it features "raw conversation around cervical screenings and cervical cancer" and "a teeny bit of blood (not up close!)"

Zoella rose to fame on the video-sharing platform years ago and has since decided to make her intimate health examination public to encourage more women to book in smear tests.

Zoe explains her reasons in her car prior to the appointment for bringing cameras with her, saying that she had asked professionals;

"Is there anything I can do to help encourage more women to book in their smear tests or make people feel a little bit more at ease when they get their letter through the post?".

She decided to dash the uncertainty by filming the whole process and passing on her fans' questions to a nurse; "After ten years of vlogging, this is a moment! I've never done this before!"

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Zoe first sits down with a nurse to discuss any concerns and questions from her subscribers, and the nurse urges anyone with worries to contact their GP and get more information.

She also explains how important it is to get the test done as young as possible, as it can detect cells which could later become cancerous.

Zoe then sits in the medical chair after changing into a gown, while the nurse talks viewers through the equipment she will be using. Zoe adds a timer to the screen to show how short the process is.

Image: Pinterest

The timer revealed that the test took only 48 seconds, and the vlogger didn't appear to be in any discomfort. There had been some blood due to the oestrogen in her contraceptive pill, the nurse mentions.

Zoella chats more to the nurse following the procedure and discovered that she had never found anyone to have cervical cancer in all her time of doing smear tests.

She did found evidence in the past of cells which needed removing as soon as possible before they became dangerous. The nurse also urges viewers to check their breasts for lumps.

Zoe was praised by fans for using her platform for a worthy cause, seeing as the procedure is incredibly important for women's health.

Smear tests check for any abnormalities in the cervix which could cause cervical cancer if left untreated, and are offered to women aged 25 and above by the state.

New data from the charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust found that those aged 25 to 35 are put off by the idea of a stranger examining them, and the latest figures show that cervical screening rates among all ages are at their lowest in 20 years.

Feature image: Instagram/@zoesugg

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With the end of summer and the beginning of autumn comes a change in scenery, and a change in our food palettes to accommodate the soon-to-be festive season.

Despite the cold weather, one of the best things about the winter has to be the food. Gourmet meals, culinary masterclasses and a cosy setting are all on the menu of Taste of Dublin's new event.

The festive edition is set to run from November 28 to December 1 in the RDS, and is modelled on a similar winter food festival in London. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Taste of Dublin (@tasteofdublin_) on

The winter version of Taste of Dublin will have fewer sessions (six over four days) but will feature huge indoor square footage and a comfortable experience.

While 32,000 flocked to the Iveagh Gardens in June, 18,000 attendees are expected over the festive four days. What does this mean? More room to manoeuvre around and get the best views of masterclasses.

Entertainment, food and more will be housed inside the RDS, Merrion Road, for the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

From November 28 until December 1, 2019, get inspired in time for Christmas.

Fifteen of Ireland’s top restaurants and food experiences will be present in this winter wonderland, ready to serve up a selection of over 50 dishes for audience members.

A packed line up of cooking demos, drinks masterclasses and live entertainment are all in the works, with 30 top chefs warming up the kitchen.

Taste of Dublin's summer festival has taken place in the capital for the last 14 years, and is now building on the hype and success just in time for the cold weather. Food is the perfect warm-up, we say.

Inspired by Tesco Finest, we can't wait to sit in on the beautiful baking shows, food and drink sampling with Ireland's top brands and enjoy the live musical entertainment.

Indulge yourself in all things food and book your tickets for Taste of Dublin: Festive Edition online here before they sell out. 

Dont worry: We won't be judgemental like Ginny Weasley if you eat your way through the RDS:

harry potter eating GIF

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Celebrities posting images which aren't airbrushed, photoshopped or edited in any way is a rarity, but one singer is now taking a stand against body-shaming once and for all. 

27-year-old singer and actress Demi Lovato has had her struggles when it comes to loving her body, but now she has conquered her 'biggest fear' by revealing an unedited bikini photo with cellulite included.

"I'm just literally soooo tired of being ashamed of my body, editing it (yes the other bikini pics were edited—and I hate that I did that but it's the truth) so that others think I'm THEIR idea of what beautiful is, but it's just not me," she wrote in a lengthy caption.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on

"This is what I got," she said of her motivations to share the photo. "I want this new chapter in my life to be about being authentic to who I am rather than trying to meet someone else's standards."

"Guess what, it’s CELLULITE!!! So here’s me, unashamed, unafraid and proud to own a body that has fought through so much and will continue to amaze me when I hopefully give birth one day," the star continued.

"It’s such a great feeling to be back in tv/film while not stressing myself with a strenuous workout schedule before 14 hour days, or depriving myself from a real birthday cake rather than opting for watermelon & whip cream with candles because I was terrified of REAL cake and was miserable on some crazy diet shit."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on

Lovato is guest-starring in the final series of Will and Grace, which marks her long-awaited return to the screen after suffering from a drug overdose last year and almost losing her life.

The incident was heavily publicised and saw the singer take a break from social media while she attended a rehabilitation facility for addiction. The Confident singer concluded the post by teasing new music;

"Anyway, here’s me, RAW, REAL! And I love me. And you should love you too! Now back to the studio. I’m working on an anthem. Just so everyone’s clear.. I’m not stoked on my appearance BUT I am appreciative of it and sometimes that’s the best I can do. I hope to inspire someone to appreciate their body today too."

Feature image: Instagram/@ddlovato 

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Former One Direction bandmember Niall Horan is gearing up to release his sophomore album (just like Harry…) and revealed on Twitter how excited he is for his fans to finally hear it.

The 25-year-old will be releasing the follow up to 2017's Flicker, and shared his readiness to have it in the hands of his fanbase;

“I’m laying here listening to songs from my new record and I’m so excited to get going,” he shared. “Can’t wait for you to hear the fun I’ve been having over the last year.”

He added that the experience of writing on the road gave him an insight into “what kinds of things get people dancing, what makes them sad and everything inbetween.

“So I’ve observed and I’m ready,” the Slow Hands singer said..

Niall also took the time to thank fans for supporting his debut solo release, explaining how the music “reached a lot more people than I thought it would… as it’s very different to what’s out there”, adding: “Thank you so much for making my dreams come true and really taking it on board.”

The star is set to show his softer side with an Adele-style ballad inspired by a recent break-up set to be released soon.

Horan hosted an intimate album playback session at the Electric Room in London last night, where he played four tracks from his second LP.

Put A Little Love On Me, was co-written by respected songwriter Greg Kurstin, who has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney and Adele, so it’s safe to say the tune will most likely be great.

Niall described the tear-jerker ballad as his "favourite song he’s ever written", and revealed he wrote it after going through a recent break-up. "It was very real to go through and sit at the piano to write it and speak it," the singer explained.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Niall Horan (@niallhoran) on

His only request to Greg was; "I want you to Adele the s**t out of this ballad." I mean…fair. Niall was more recently linked to actress Hailee Steinfeld, who he split from in December of last year.

His upcoming single, Nice To Meet Ya, is a big anthem undoubtedly destined to become a hit. The singer described wanting to "make the craziest song we can make".

It's expected to drop later this month, so gear yourselves up ladies and gents.

Feature image: Instagram/@niallhoran

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