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( MENAFN - IANS) Kolkata, Dec 30 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be visiting Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district on Monday -- a first since the sexual harassment controversy broke out earlier this year. Several local women had made allegations of sexual harassment and land grabbing by local Trinamool congress leader sheikh Shahjahan -- who has since been suspended by the party -- and his two aides, Shibu Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar. The Chief Minister on December 26 announced that she would be going there to attend an official programme on December 30 and hand over documents of public services to 100 beneficiaries there. On Monday, 20,000 individuals will be handed over such papers from different camps established there on that day," Banerjee said. Earlier, when the controversy broke out, doubts were raised from different quarters, including the opposition parties in the state, as to why the Chief Minister was avoiding a visit to Sandeshkhali. Political observers feel that the Chief Minister's visit to Sandeshkhali now is significant as she is expected to make important announcements there. On January 5, Sandeshkhali hit the headlines as a group of Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials and their escorting Central Armed Forces Personnel (CAPF) personnel were attacked after attempting a raid and search operations at the residence of Sheikh Shahjahan in connection with the multi-core ration distribution case in West Bengal. After that, the local people whose land was allegedly grabbed by Shahahjan and his associates and the women, who had become victims of sexual harassment by them, came out on the streets protesting the issue. The Trinamool then said the allegations of sexual harassment were politically motivated and meant to defame the party ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The BJP, however, claimed the allegations were an example of the Trinamool misrule and exploitation of women. In the Lok Sabha election, the Trinamool Congress won the Basirhat seat, within which the Sandeshkhali Assembly constituency is located. Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested on February 29 after he managed to evade the police for around two months. Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition, BJP's Suvendu Adhikari has announced that he would hold a 'Jana Sanjog Yatra' in the area a day after the Chief Minister's visit. MENAFN29122024000231011071ID1109040150 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
ver since last year's , where and defeated and Iowa, the rivalry between these has been a major talking point. This rivalry has carried over to the professional level in the . By rivalry, I don't mean in a , but rather that they will likely be for years to come, pushing each other to become even better players. Of course, there will be and more meaningful comparisons as their careers progress. For now, both are in the , but their approaches are different. to , making appearances at , games, , concerts, and charity events without making a big deal about it. Reese, on the other hand, tries to let everyone know what she's up to, mainly through , which releases new episodes every Thursday, and by being very active on social media like and . Reese's Skims Post Sparks Buzz Last night, shared an featuring , a brand owned by . Reese posted a , seemingly inviting reactions from admirers - or maybe someone special. Let's not forget, she's and she has been commenting a lot on her podcast about what she would like his . This boldness is a trademark of Reese, who is not afraid of . It's commendable, especially considering that Reese often in her "rivalry" with , which inevitably attracts more criticism. But that's not all. She also posted showing her determination after missing the playoffs - a disappointment that left her , especially given her incredible winning record at LSU. Seeing than she did in the likely added to her motivation. relentlessly for the season. But first, she'll be competing in , an innovative six-team, six-player, . The league's inaugural season will debut in Miami this January. Unrivaled Teams Are Set Unrivaled, co-founded by , announced its rosters today, a big step ahead of its inaugural season, which . Unrivaled features six teams consisting of , with two rosters still holding open wild-card spots. Reese's team and lineup is as follows, and includes a teammate of Caitlin Clark's.A nuclear energy start-up backed by the billionaire entrepreneur Sam Altman has agreed a data centre tie-up to help meet the rising power demand from artificial intelligence technologies. Oklo, the California-based developer of advanced nuclear technology, has signed an agreement to supply as much as 12 gigawatts of electricity to Switch, the Las Vegas-based data centre operator. The non-binding agreement runs through 2044. Oklo will develop nuclear reactors, called the Aurora powerhouse, which each have a maximum power level of 15 megawatts of electricity according to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Altman, 39, is the co-founder and chief executive of OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT that has fuelled a frenzy around generative AI. Oklo went public in May through a merger with Altman’s blank-cheque firm.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is to receive $728.1 million to upgrade its core digital systems over the next five years. The funding, revealed in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) budget update [pdf], will "enhance energy security and reliability" for the national electricity operator. AEMO, which is 60 percent government-owned, mentioned its uplift of "operational digital systems" and ongoing work to "strengthen AEMO's cyber security posture" in its FY24 annual results [pdf]. The operator, which also oversees retail and wholesale gas markets in south-eastern Australia, has been contacted for more details about its digital transformation plans. Meanwhile, the MYEFO will also see the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) gain $110.4 million over two years from 2024–25 to boost fraud-detecting information technology systems. This will be in addition to the $83.9 million revealed earlier this year for the systems which fall under the 'Crack Down on Fraud'...
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Middle East latest: Defense minister acknowledges Israel killed Hamas leaderIn a rapidly evolving digital age, one name is emerging as a beacon of hope within Nigeria’s tech landscape—Obie Okoye. This dynamic entrepreneur from Anambra State, raised in Enugu, is not only revolutionizing how technology is integrated into local businesses but also setting new standards for community engagement and education. Okoye embarked on his entrepreneurial journey fueled by a desire to help local enterprises overcome technological barriers. He founded his first startup, creating bespoke software that streamlined operations and solved real-world challenges for small to medium-sized businesses. Understanding that local entrepreneurs often lacked access to advanced technological resources, Okoye tailored his solutions to meet their specific needs. As his reputation grew, so did his ambition. Okoye transitioned into Software as a Service (SaaS), launching platforms that provided scalable solutions for companies at every stage of their growth. His innovative approach garnered significant attention from investors, resulting in successful acquisitions and solidifying his position as a leading figure in Nigeria’s tech community. However, what truly distinguishes Okoye is his commitment to giving back. Recognizing that technological advancement should benefit all layers of society, he has dedicated considerable resources to developing educational programs aimed at empowering youth. His partnerships with local educational institutions focus on implementing tech literacy initiatives that prepare the next generation for successful careers in technology. “Empowering our youth with technology is essential for building a prosperous future,” Okoye stated at a recent community event. “We must equip them with the skills needed to navigate and thrive in a digital economy.” Okoye’s impact reaches beyond just technical mentorship; he has also launched a scholarship fund to support underprivileged students pursuing careers in technology. This initiative has opened doors for several young talents who may otherwise have never had the opportunity to study tech-related fields. With numerous awards celebrating his contributions to both the tech sector and community development, Obie Okoye is not just an entrepreneur—he is a movement. His vision for an inclusive and tech-savvy Nigeria is driving change and inspiring countless individuals to embrace technology as a tool for personal and professional growth. As he continues to innovate and uplift communities, Obie Okoye stands as a testament to the positive influence that one person can have in shaping the future of technology and education in Nigeria. His journey underscores the belief that technology, when paired with social responsibility, can create endless possibilities for empowerment and growth.
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Boxing Day shopper footfall was down 7.9% from last year across all UK retail destinations up until 5pm, MRI Software’s OnLocation Footfall Index found. However, this year’s data had been compared with an unusual spike in footfall as 2023 was the first “proper Christmas” period without Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, an analyst at the retail technology company said. It found £4.6 billion will be spent overall on the festive sales. Before the pandemic the number of Boxing Day shoppers on the streets had been declining year on year. The last uplift recorded by MRI was in 2015. Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, told the PA news agency: “We’ve got to bear in mind that (last year) was our first proper Christmas without any (Covid-19) restrictions or limitations. “Figures have come out that things have stabilised, we’re almost back to what we saw pre-pandemic.” There were year-on-year declines in footfall anywhere between 5% and 12% before Covid-19 restrictions, she said. MRI found 12% fewer people were out shopping on Boxing Day in 2019 than in 2018, and there were 3% fewer in 2018 than in 2017, Ms Matthews added. She said: “It’s the shift to online shopping, it’s the convenience, you’ve got the family days that take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.” People are also increasingly stocking-up before Christmas, Ms Matthews said, and MRI found an 18% increase in footfall at all UK retail destinations on Christmas Eve this year compared with 2023. Ms Matthews said: “We see the shops are full of people all the way up to Christmas Eve, so they’ve probably got a couple of good days of food, goodies, everything that they need, and they don’t really need to go out again until later on in that week. “We did see that big boost on Christmas Eve. It looks like shoppers may have concentrated much of their spending in that pre-Christmas rush.” Many online sales kicked off between December 23 and the night of Christmas Day and “a lot of people would have grabbed those bargains from the comfort of their own home”, she said. She added: “I feel like it’s becoming more and more common that people are grabbing the bargains pre-Christmas.” Footfall is expected to rise on December 27 as people emerge from family visits and shops re-open, including Next, Marks and Spencer and John Lewis that all shut for Boxing Day. It will also be payday for some as it is the last Friday of the month. A study by Barclays Consumer Spend had forecast that shoppers would spend £236 each on average in the Boxing Day sales this year, but that the majority of purchases would be made online. Nearly half of respondents said the cost-of-living crisis will affect their post-Christmas shopping but the forecast average spend is still £50 more per person than it was before the pandemic, with some of that figure because of inflation, Barclays said. Amid the financial pressures, many people are planning to buy practical, perishable and essential items such as food and kitchenware. A total of 65% of shoppers are expecting to spend the majority of their sales budget online. Last year, Barclays found 63.9% of Boxing Day retail purchases were made online. However, a quarter of respondents aim to spend mostly in store – an 11% rise compared with last year. Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: “Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it is encouraging to hear that consumers will be actively participating in the post-Christmas sales. “This year, we’re likely to see a shift towards practicality and sustainability, with more shoppers looking to bag bargains on kitchen appliances and second-hand goods.” Consumers choose in-store shopping largely because they enjoy the social aspect and touching items before they buy, Barclays said, adding that high streets and shopping centres are the most popular destinations.Thames Water: Navigating Economic Rapids
Ohio State AD: Ryan Day ‘absolutely’ back in 2025The speculation can finally end . Universal took to social media Monday to give film fans everywhere a present: the first official description of Christopher Nolan’s next movie . It’s called The Odyssey which, yes, is an adaptation of Homer’s poem. “Christopher Nolan’s next film The Odyssey is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology. The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026,” the statement read. Written by Homer centuries before the birth of Christ, The Odyssey is the follow-up to The Illiad. It follows Odysseus, a Greek hero who travels home after the Trojan War. A sprawling adventure featuring mythical creatures, battles, and more, it’s a story that has been adapted in seemingly every medium in seemingly every era. But, coming from Nolan, you can be sure this will be the biggest, most faithful, and massive adaptation yet. Plus, it’s a far cry from previous rumors about the film, such as it being about helicopter cops or the one reported on by this website which was it was a period film about vampires. Hey, at least it is a period film. Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and Lupita Nyong’o star though there’s no word on who is playing who. But let’s speculate a bit. We’re thinking—and this is totally from my io9 colleague Sabina Graves—that it would make sense to see Matt Damon as Odysseus, Holland as his son Telemachus, Hathaway as Penelope, Theron as Athena, Pattinson as Poseidon (or the Cyclops), Nyong’o as Circe ,and Zendaya as Calypso. But, again, pure speculation. And what’s the “brand new IMAX film technology” the studio is touting? Sounds exciting. But not as exciting as Nolan going for the biggest story of his entire career, and maybe his second Oscar. The Odyssey , directed by Christopher Nolans, opens July 17, 2026.
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, says the Government is positioning Jamaica as a regional hub for technology and innovation as part of the economic growth strategy. The Minister, in a speech delivered by Permanent Secretary, Sancia Bennett Templer, during the Global Services Association of Jamaica (GSAJ) President’s Breakfast Forum at the Grand-a-View Restaurant and Event Place in Montego Bay on Thursday (November 22), said the Government has been providing incentives to encourage innovation and digital transformation, fostering an environment that is conducive to high-quality research and development in digital technology, including artificial intelligence (AI). “We have also been engaging in public-private collaborations that intentionally stimulate innovation. This forms part of a broader strategy to further develop and expand high-potential outsourcing sectors, which are critical for the country’s digital transformation and global competitiveness,” he added. Senator Hill said the Administration is not shying away from AI as an emerging technology, pointing out that a National AI Task Force was established last year to provide an evidence-based foundation for the development of an AI policy framework. The policy, he noted, is expected to leverage “this emerging technology” to improve productivity, while ensuring safe applications and data security. “AI is expected to be integrated into sectors, like health, agriculture and education and, of course, Global Digital Services (GDSS), to enhance productivity. “By actively supporting the development of technology-driven industries, we are enabling the creation of high-paying, knowledge-based jobs by attracting foreign direct investment and retaining local talent. These efforts will also further position Jamaica as a regional hub for innovation, driving economic diversification and resilience,” he said. Senator Hill said with these strategic initiatives, Jamaica is not just participating in the digital revolution, but “we are leading it” and transforming challenges into opportunities for sustainable development. Meanwhile, he encouraged businesses involved in the GDSS sector to take advantage of benefits available through the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) regime. The Government provides incentives to encourage business growth in firms operating in the SEZs, including those involved in outsourcing operations, the Minister said, noting that entities can benefit from a 50 per cent reduction in their corporate income tax rate. He pointed out that in the domestic economy, companies pay 25 per cent to 33 1/3 per cent corporate income tax, while the SEZ companies pay as low as 12.55 per cent, which can be further reduced to 7.75 per cent with the application of promotional and employee tax credits.
Building on Amazon’s ongoing mission to develop technology that makes more possible, we strive to make our products and features inclusive of and accessible to everyone—including the more than 1 billion people worldwide living with a disability. Today, we’re introducing three new accessibility updates across Fire TV and other Amazon products that we hope will delight our customers when it comes to their options in streaming and home entertainment. Customers using hearing aids can soon enjoy Fire TV alongside friends and family Fire TV supports the Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) protocol, which sends TV audio directly into a customer’s hearing aids. Now we’re expanding our ASHA support, and making the streaming experience on Fire TV more communal. Coming soon, Fire TV is introducing Dual Audio on our most powerful and immersive smart TV, the Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series . Dual Audio is a new feature that allows Fire TV customers with ASHA-enabled hearing aids to enjoy TV shows and movies together with friends and family. With Dual Audio, customers using hearing aids can stream programming alongside friends and family, getting high-quality audio delivered directly to their hearing aid while other viewers listen through the TV’s built-in speakers. Clearer dialogue, better recs, and more: How Prime Video is using AI to improve your streaming experience Features include Dialogue Boost, improved personalized recommendations, recaps of your favorite shows, and more live sports insights. Dual Audio marks the first time Fire TV customers with ASHA-enabled hearing aids will be able to listen to streaming content simultaneously with others using two different audio outputs, creating a more enjoyable and social experience for all viewers streaming their favorite entertainment together. Dual Audio will be available on the new Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series through a free software update in the coming weeks. Once the feature is available and installed, customers can turn on Dual Audio through the Quick Settings menu by pressing and holding the Home button on their remote. From there, they can visit Settings → Accessibility → and turn on the Dual Audio feature to pair a compatible hearing aid to the TV to begin streaming. Alternatively, if a customer’s hearing aid is already paired to the TV, they can press and hold the Home button on the remote to access Quick Settings and navigate to Hearing Aid → Output Mode → Dual Audio to get started. Fire TV expands ASHA support globally Fire TV is expanding ASHA support to include all Widex Moment behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids through our collaboration with WS Audiology (WSA), a leading global innovator in hearing aid technology and solutions. Now, customers with Widex BTE and RIC hearing aids can stream sound directly from ASHA-enabled Fire TV devices , including the Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series, Fire TV Omni QLED Series, Fire TV Cube, Fire TV 4-Series, Fire TV 2-Series, and Fire TV Omni Series to their hearing aid devices. Amazon’s Fire TV built in is now available in Panasonic's new smart TVs in the U.S. Announced earlier this year, Panasonic smart TVs come with Amazon Fire TV built in—giving customers high-quality, personalized streaming experiences. WSA joins Amazon’s collaborations with global leaders in hearing technology, Starkey and Cochlear , providing more accessible entertainment to people with hearing loss. To begin using this feature and pair a compatible hearing aid, customers can visit Settings → Accessibility → Hearing Aids → Add Hearing Aids on their Fire TV device, and then follow the on-screen instructions. For help and more information, they can visit Amazon’s customer service and troubleshooting page for pairing hearing aids. QR codes with raised dots make Quick Start Guides more accessible Amazon recently introduced new tactile-marked QR Codes globally in select device packaging , which will help customers who are blind or have low vision quickly digitally scan for device setup instructions and help and troubleshooting topics. The new QR codes include tactile, raised UV dots to improve discoverability, and are located on the top left corner on the back panel of the device Quick Start Guide inside the box. When a customer scans the QR code using a smartphone, they will be directed to the device’s enhanced digital Quick Start Guide on Amazon.com, where they will find localized product information, helpful setup and troubleshooting tips, video guides with captions, and more about how to use a product’s accessibility features. Amazon’s 8 most helpful accessibility features, including Reading Ruler and Dialogue Boost on Prime Video Amazon has been working to make its products accessible to everyone for a decade, and the company is just getting started. Amazon’s device packaging, accessibility, and customer support teams collaborated to develop these tactile QR codes after identifying a need while working directly with blind and low-vision customers and employees. The teams used feedback from the user studies about packaging preferences, and ultimately applied those insights to develop the final product. These new tactile-marked QR codes are included in a growing number of Amazon device packages now, including the Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series, Fire TV Soundbar Plus Series, Fire TV Soundbar, Echo Show 15, Echo Show 21, Echo Spot, Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Colorsoft, and Kindle Scribe, and will be coming to more product packaging from Fire TV, Fire Tablets, Kindle, and Echo soon. To use these QR codes, customers can feel for the tactile, raised UV dots on the back of a device’s Quick Start Guide and scan the QR code with a smart phone camera to be directed to the product’s enhanced digital Quick Start Guide on Amazon.com. Across Amazon Devices & Services, we invent to make life easier and better for everyone. We’re working hard to make all of our devices and services great for customers with disabilities. To learn more about accessibility features across Amazon’s constellation of devices, visit amazon.com/accessibility . Next, learn how to create unique artwork using your Fire TV and generative AI .SHE plays picture-perfect Good Witch Glinda in the big-screen adaptation of West End hit Wicked. But despite having a dream role in a hit Hollywood film, Ariana Grande has lifted the veil on her own path to stardom — revealing that she first saw a therapist at the tender age of eight. Advertisement 5 Ariana Grande has lifted the veil on her own path to stardom Credit: Getty The Thank U, Next singer told how she struggled to “process things” after mum Joan Grande and dad Edward Butera ended their marriage in 2001. She said: “I first saw a therapist when I was eight after my parents’ divorce — but I don’t think I was really mature enough to process things. “But as I have gotten older, my therapist has been everything to me.” Ariana previously credited therapy with helping her process the aftermath of the terror bomb attack on the Manchester Arena which tragically killed 22 at her concert in May 2017. Advertisement Read more on Ariana Grande MOVIE MAGIC Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo dazzle at UK premiere of musical movie Wicked The pop star suffered further heartbreak when her rapper ex Mac Miller died from an accidental drug overdose in 2018. She added: “Therapy has saved my life. That is why I am so passionate about making therapy and mental health services available for all. "It shouldn’t just be for those that can afford it.” Meanwhile, the US singer also opened up about her close relationship with Wicked co-star and British actress Cynthia Erivo , who plays Elphaba in the film, which hit cinemas on Friday. Advertisement Most read in Bizarre Exclusive MY LORD Rangers poised to name new chairman as Lord emerges as main contender for top job RANGERS 1 DUNDEE UTD 1 Snow joke as Clement gets blizzard of abuse over more dropped points COLD BEERS SPFL side spotted going for a PINT after their bus got stuck in the snow WAITING GAME Rangers-Dundee Utd kick off DELAYED amid Storm Bert chaos as new time revealed She said: “We have become such criers — especially in the last few weeks. "As we have been able to see the final product of what we have done, as we have been able to see people’s reactions to the movie — it’s just been so emotional. Wicked fans furious after Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's Mattel doll promos leak crucial movie plot “ Cynthia and myself just randomly burst out crying — but don’t worry, they are good tears! “Honestly, she has become my sister. Advertisement "The first time we met we had what we thought would be a short conversation about what we wanted to achieve creatively — and it ended up with us talking for hours, bonding over so many things. “Creatively we wanted to do all we could — but we also decided early on that we would be there during shooting for each other — no matter what. “I am so proud of what everybody on Wicked has achieved — but the greatest thing for me is that I have gained a sister for life.” Sabrina lives the American gleam 5 Sabrina Carpenter glittered in a fuchsia bodysuit and matching suspenders as she posed backstage earlier this week Credit: Instagram Advertisement 5 Pop superstar Sabrina has wrapped up the North American leg of her Short n’ Sweet Tour Credit: Getty POP superstar Sabrina Carpenter is in the pink as she wraps the North American leg of her Short n’ Sweet Tour. The Espresso hitmaker glittered in a fuchsia bodysuit and matching suspenders as she posed backstage earlier this week. She said: “I have always dreamt of bringing this tour to life but it was even better than I could have imagined because of every crowd that showed up and gave 100 per cent of their energy and time.” Advertisement Sabrina added: “Cry because it’s over for now, but we can’t wait to see you in the new year in Europe.” She kicks off in the UK on March 6 at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena. I cannot wait. Lotts of cash LOTTIE MOSS plans to ditch her OnlyFans career to bag brand deals. It sounds like she is following the lead of her model half-sister Kate, who previously had deals with Diet Coke and been the face of Calvin Klein. Speaking to Biz on Sunday at Boohoo’s party at Kachette in Shoreditch, East London, Lottie, said: “I want to do brand deals to make the money that I’ll lose from OnlyFans.” So ma, so good, Adele 5 Adele was joined by her mum on stage as her Las Vegas residency came to an end Credit: Getty Advertisement FAMILY matters were on Adele's mind when her mum joined her on stage as her long-running Las Vegas residency drew to a close. Penny Adkins appeared alongside her daughter on Friday night at the singer’s penultimate show at Caesars Palace. Adele, who shares 12-year-old Angelo with ex-husband Simon Konecki, said: “My own motherhood has helped me see my mother as a person rather than as a mum. “My [social media] feed used to be about pets and nail results and the motivational meme was: ‘Go easy on your mother – it’s her first time living too.’ Advertisement “And that really, really changed my perspective on everything to do with myself as a mum, her as a mum or all parents. “Because life is hard. Life sucks. It doesn’t matter what situation you’re in. The problems never, never disappear – they just come in different forms.” Adele, who completed her 100th show on Saturday night, said the residency has been the perfect “bookend” to her album 30, which she released in 2021. She said: “All I wanted to do was do some shows – I didn’t mean to do this many. Advertisement “I wanted to do some songs from 30 and just fall in love with performing again. Adele revealed: “My last tour in stadiums f * g freaked me out”, adding that she performed before “so many people, it took me a long time to kind of wrap my head around it. “This [residency] felt perfect and was the bookend to this story and this album.” Las Vegas won’t be the same without her. Advertisement Craig wed-dy HE famously sang about wooing a woman every day of the week, but Craig David is ready to settle down. The 7 Days hitmaker said: “I would have said I was commitment-phobic. I was all about the music. Now my heart is saying, ‘Open up’.” Craig, left, will kick off his aptly named Commitment tour in Leeds next year, with special guest Lemar joining him for 11 UK dates. Ed to Ed for film 5 Hitmaker Ed Sheeran with Bridgerton star Claudia Jessie Credit: Supplied ED SHEERAN has been spotted getting into the Christmas spirit. The Thinking Out Loud hitmaker was filming in Southwold, Suffolk, with Bridgerton star Claudia Jessie also starring in a video for his new festive track Under The Tree, earlier this month. The song is set to feature in a new Netflix animation film, That Christ-mas, directed by Love Actually and Notting Hill writer Richard Curtis. Advertisement A fan filmed the pair sitting in a beach hut with their arms around each other as Richard gave them instructions. Claudia – best known as Eloise Bridgerton – could also be seen making cups of tea as pals stopped by to chat. Earlier this year, Ed said of Richard: “He came to me two years ago to play me the rough [version] of That Christmas. “It was just sketches and voices, but it blew me away. So emotional, yet so heartwarmingly funny.” Advertisement The film is set in the fictional town of Wellington-on-Sea and tells the story of the worst snowstorm in history, which causes havoc for everyone – including Santa. Let’s hope Storm Bert doesn’t do the same... JAMES BOND actor Daniel Craig reckons 007 movie bosses gambled on him. He said: “They took a big risk and I am eternally grateful.” Advertisement But the Brit star of five Bond films had to take the job. He said of franchise producer Barbara Brocolli: “If you ever tried to tell Barbara ‘no’, you may understand. SIMONE ASHLEY has swapped Bridgerton for Bastille in her latest project. The Netflix star, who rose to fame as Kate Sharma, in the hit regency series, is the star of the band’s short film for their track Eve and Paradise Lost. It sees Simone crying as she takes on the role of Eve with the lyrics delving into love, loss and betrayal. Advertisement Read more on the Scottish Sun FESTIVE FIZZ Coca-Cola Christmas truck in Scotland: Dates, locations & all you need to know AND RELAX Scots seaside hotel with outdoor hot tub and firepit named UK's top spa resort Lead singer Dan Smith, who worked with British director Dominic Savage, said: “I was totally blown away by Simone’s performance on the day which surpasses anything I could have imagined.” Simon added: “When I first heard this song, I immediately felt a connection to it. I loved working with Dan and Dominic and feel so proud of what we have created."Google renews push into mixed reality headgear