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Brit music superstar lined up to join Taylor Swift at Wembley as she prepares for ‘hardest concert’ of her career
Recent horrifying events have shaken the superstar to her core
WALKING on to the stage at Wembley Stadium this evening, Taylor Swift will be faced with a sight she is more than familiar with.
Some 80,000 screaming fans will pack the stands for the first of her final five Eras Tour shows on our shores.
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But this performance is going to be like no other she has ever played before.
Recent horrifying events have shaken the superstar to her core.
First the heinous murder of three little girls at a Taylor-themed dance class in Southport last month, then a foiled terror attack which led to the cancellation of her three shows in Vienna, Austria, last week.
This will be the first time the Shake It Off singer has taken to the stage since then and the pressure will no doubt weigh heavily on her shoulders.
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She has already released a heartfelt tribute to Southport victims Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, writing: “These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”
Insiders say Taylor, who has a deep connection with her fans, is likely to say something to unify them, knowing that every person in Wembley tonight will have thought long and hard about being there after what happened in Vienna.
Insiders also told me her pal Ed Sheeran was planning on supporting her tonight, with a possible turn on stage.
Bulletproof vehicles
A source said: “Everything Taylor does is for her fans and she will be putting on the best show of her life when she returns to Wembley.
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“Hate never wins and Taylor absolutely stands for that.
“Her shows are about love, unity and acceptance, and this is a message she will always want to convey.”
Taylor Swift fans to be protected by a ring of steel at the remaining Wembley dates
As this paper told yesterday, Taylor was seen for the first time in London this week after putting on a huge party for more than 200 of her crew to thank them for pulling together over these past few weeks. It was a touching gesture I have become used to seeing from Taylor.
Insiders told me it was likely to be the last time she would be spotted in public ahead of her live shows, with the superstar staying in one of London’s most exclusive hotels.
When travels in discrete bulletproof vehicles and will be whisked to and from Wembley before she will leave the UK following her final show on Tuesday next week.
The last time the US superstar was here, for her sold-out shows in June, she booked 11 suites at the five-star venue, which has a private entrance for her, meaning she could come and go without being seen.
I’m told she hosted friends including Cara Delevingne for dinner during her stay and will, I’m sure, be doing the same this time, with her pals no doubt wanting to spend time with her in light of recent events.
The responsibility on her right now is massive, but if anyone can bring people back together, and give us something to smile about, it’s her.
Perfect Madge
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It’s amore for good old Madonna, who has whisked her boyfriend off to Italy to celebrate turning 66 tomorrow.
I told you yesterday how Madge had hired a superyacht in Capri and organised a special birthday dinner in Pompeii to celebrate with Jamaican footballer Akeem Morris, who is 37 years her junior.
The pair walked arm-in-arm in Portofino with pals – and the Hung Up singer, wearing this summery, black lace dress, looked pretty smitten.
If I’m able to pull blokes half my age when I’m close to 70, I’d be smiling too.
Paloma's feeling a Ma-vel
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She was forced to cancel a few gigs in the summer but Paloma Faith is ready to take to the stage again.
The How To Leave A Man singer is headlining tomorrow’s Margate Summer Series.
In an exclusive chat ahead of her gig in the Kent seaside town, Paloma said: “I was exhausted and some of the ones I had to cancel was because I got laryngitis and I was run down.
“I can’t believe I’ve actually done it. It’s my first tour that I’ve done as a single parent.
“I think it took a lot more out of me than previous ones have.
“I’ve just come back from a two-week holiday so I’m really refreshed, revived and excited to play.”
A bit of sunshine does us all the world of good.
The third Mamma Mia! film is gaining traction, with star Christine Baranski revealing she has met director Judy Kramer to discuss plans.
Christine played the riotous Tanya Chesham-Leigh in the 2008 original and the sequel in 2018.
She added: “We’ll all be on some fabulous Greek or Croatian island having a blast.” As a big fan, I can’t wait.
Fans fire up pistols
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Sex Pistols and Frank Carter have announced a fourth London show after their first three special concerts all sold out.
The punk rockers will play a night at the O2 Forum Kentish Town on September 26, with tickets on sale tomorrow.
On Tuesday they took to the stage at Bush Hall for the first of their three huge gigs, which is helping to raise money to keep the iconic grassroots venue going.
Steve Jones told me: “The response to the Bush Hall shows has been overwhelming and it’s a privilege to help out a local venue like that.
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“And it became obvious that there are many more fans who want to see us.
“Playing with Frank, above, has been such a pleasure that we wanted to extend the fun. So Kentish Town, here we come.”