Another one bites the dust! Louis Walsh’s band Hometown break up

Celebrity

Dec 8, 2016

Irish boyband, Hometown, have announced that they are taking a break from music.

The band, who were formed in 2014 by Louis Walsh, released a statement to say that due to circumstances "out of their control" they have decided to pursue individual interests.

In a Facebook post on the band's page, it read: “A message for our fans… Hi guys, first of all we want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for all the support over the last 3 years.

“We have done some amazing things, from number one singles to sold out shows, trips around the world and so much more, and it’s all down to the support you have all shown us.

“We regret to say that at this point in our career we have decided to take a break and pursue our own thing individually.

“We hope you all understand that it is not a decision we have taken lightly but due to many things out of our control it is the best thing for us at this moment in time.

“We can’t express enough how much we appreciate everything you’ve done for us, our lives have changed so much and we can’t wait to take you on our individual journeys.

“As a band we remain the best of friends and look forward to supporting each other in whatever we go on to do.

“Thank you all for taking the time to read this, and again, we hope you understand. Lots of love, Brendan, Cian, Dayl, Dean, Josh and Ryan.”

Liam from the block: Yep, Liam Payne is writing songs for JLo now

Celebrity

Jan 27, 2016

by Amber Saunders

Liam Payne might be just a few weeks in to One Direction's two-year hiatus, but he's already back to work.

The singer is reportedly planning to pen some songs for Jennifer Lopez's new album, at her request.

According to The Sun, Liam and J-Lo met recently to discuss the possibility of working together, and both agreed their styles "gelled" very well.

As well as some recent writing work for Louis' Walsh's post-Westlife effort Hometown, Liam is also credited as a co-writer on a massive 35 of One Direction's songs.

While it's true that Niall, Harry and co. are also listed as writers on several of the band's hits, Liam has by far the most writing credits. On Made In The AM alone, he worked on eight out of the total 13 songs, and is even listed as producer on Love You, Goodbye.

Liam tweeted last week to say how happy we was that fans were enjoying 1D's latest single History, which he called "the fandom's theme tune/anthem."

2016 marks two years since Jennifer's last album release, so hopefully we won't have to wait long for some Payne-inspired tracks.

1D’s Liam reveals new music as he collabs with new Irish boyband

Dec 22, 2015

by Amber Saunders

One Direction have only been gone a hot second and one member is already sharing the fruits of the bands dreaded hiatus.

Liam Payne has revealed that he co-wrote the song The Night We Met, the new single of Louis Walsh's boyband, Hometown.

The six Irish lads can be seen in the video breaking into the Olympia theatre in Dublin to perform the song on stage.

While the single has been doing the rounds on Irish TV and radio, it was not until Liam tweeted the song that we realised it was co-written by boyband royalty.

Hey everyone almost Christmas check out this song I did with hometown and Jamie Scott https://t.co/iQwk532Rew listen loud and enjoy!

— Liam (@Real_Liam_Payne) December 21, 2015

One Direction announced that they would be taking a one year hiatus from the group in order to take a well deserved break and pursue solo projects.

Hometown were put together by Louis Walsh in 2014 and just released their debut self-titled album.

Ho, ho, ho… Penneys has a limited edition Late Late Toyshow jumper!

Nov 11, 2015

by Amber Saunders

This yuletide season, two (or should that be three?) of our favourite festive stables are FINALLY joining forces: yes, step forward The Late Late Toyshow AND the Christmas jumper – as released by Penneys, no less.

Ho, ho, ho!

Toyshow jumpers: women's [left] and men's [right], both €20

After all, little could get us in the mood for seasonal festivities more than a brightly-coloured geansaí, sourced from our favourite affordable store, along with the airing of a certain live television classic.

Available in chic grey shade and classic navy shades and featuring an adorable Christmasy owl surround by snow, the €20 tops also feature The Late Late Toyshow logo.

Along with a stash of fabulously comfy loungewear [priced from €14], and cute kids' items [priced from €10], the attire hits Penneys nationwide this month… all in time for the Ryan Tubridy spectacle, which this year airs on RTE on November 27.

Better still, with €2 from every purchase going to the Temple Street Foundation, there is really no excuse (we didn't need one, mind) not to get your hands on these festive treats.

Women's lounge set, €14
Men's longe top and bottoms, €15 for the set

To celebrate the launch of the collection, home-grown boyband Hometown earlier visited the children’s hospital to spread some music and Christmas cheer.

Speaking about the collaboration, CEO of The Temple Street Foundation, Denise Fitzgerald, confirmed: “The Toyshow is a beloved national institution and many of our little patients will be watching from their hospital beds on November 27.”

Liam Payne’s first solo project is a song with ANOTHER boyband

Oct 25, 2015

by Amber Saunders

Although Liam Payne was hit with a nasty illness (or rumoured meltdown) last week and cancelled one of the bands Belfast gigs, it seems the singer is already looking toward the One Direction split next year.

The boyband star has released a song without the help of Harry, Niall, and Louis this week as he penned a track with co-writer Jamie Scott for Irish boyband Hometown.

The Night We Met is only available for pre-order and streaming in Ireland but there are some pretty heart-wrenching lyrics behind the song: "I know when your heart's aching / It’s like you’re in glass breaking / and I just wanna look at you / the way I did on the night we met."

Fans are already wondering why Liam didn't include the track as a One Direction song on their new album Made in the A.M., but Harry's already said that the whole group is the proudest they've ever been of an album so chances are Liam wrote the song after 1D's new album was finished.

Can it really be the end for Louis?

May 10, 2015

by Amber Saunders

Uh-oh: after months of rumour, it's being reported that Louis Walsh has officially been axed from The X Factor.

The pop-music manager has been a judge on the show for an incredible 11 years – but it seems that Simon Cowell has now wielded the axe, telling Louis in person that there's no room for him in this year's line-up.

A source told today's Sun On Sunday: "They are close friends so Simon wanted to do this the right way."

With falling viewing figures and critics calling the show past its prime, Mr Cowell is under pressure to seriously shake up the format for 2015.

A second source added in The Sun that audiences had become "sick of Louis's constant use of tired cliches and the same old jokes".

Mel B's contract will also not be renewed, but Cheryl Fernandez Versini has already signed a multi-million euro deal to return.

Still, it is unlikely that Louis, 62, was shocked by the recent revelation. Last month he told Lucy Kennedy and Martin King on TV3's The Seven O'Clock show: "I’m done with X Factor, honestly.

"I've done 11 seasons and that's a long time in television – I don't think I'll be going back."

Louis is currently managing Hometown. The six-piece boyband has enjoyed two No.1 hits in the Irish charts.

S! TV: We caught up with Irish number one hitmakers Hometown!

Apr 14, 2015

by Amber Saunders

Louis Walsh's latest boyband Hometown hit the number one spot earlier this month with their single Cry For Help.

With a packed summer of gigs ahead as well as their UK single launch, the lads have a big year to look forward to.

S! TV's Lisa Kavanagh caught up with the band at the launch of Dundrum Town Centre's Shop For Good initiative to find out about their best chat-up lines, their pal Olly Murs and of course, the big question… are they all single?!

Check it out above.

S! TV EXCLUSIVE: Is this Irish band tipped to be bigger than 1D?

May 29, 2014

by Amber Saunders

It’s time to get excited girls, Ireland has a brand new boyband!

Hometown are the newest band from Louis Walsh’s management and we think they are going to be a success. The six lads are set to follow in the footsteps of Boyzone and Westlife in true Louis style, by launching on the Late Late Show this Friday.

We caught up with Louis and the band this week to talk all things music, X-Factor and of course the number one Christmas hit. Check out what they had to say!

Kian Egan’s stalker moves to his hometown in Sligo

Celebrity

Mar 11, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Reports say Kian Egan’s stalker has moved to his hometown of Sligo.

Kian said he had not seen the individual for some time until recently: “I didn’t see her for years until I pulled up outside my house in Sligo at 1am, turned around and there she was standing there.”

The former Westlife singer spoke about receiving a letter in relation to his marriage from the women saying she: “sent me a letter saying my marriage to my wife was nothing but a ‘publicity stunt’ and for this reason she was going to stop being a fan.”

The woman obviously did not keep her promise as she has now turned up in Sligo, where Kian is originally from.

Kian’s biggest worry is for his family: “I’ve been strong enough to deal with that so far but if she ever went near my wife or child I would go straight to the Gardaí.”