Kylie Minogue has secured her first Christmas number one in the UK with her hit track XMAS.

The Australian pop star, 57, is the first solo female artist in 12 years to secure the coveted festive spot, after Sam Bailey with Skyscraper in 2013, according to The Official Charts Company.

Minogue has also become the first woman to have number one singles across four different decades.

Her success comes after two consecutive years in which Last Christmas by Wham! was top.

Minogue said it was “hard to put into words” how special it felt to lead the singles chart.

She said: “Being Christmas number one really is the most wonderful gift. I’m so thankful to everyone who’s been listening and sharing the love and I’m wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.”

Her single – pronounced X-M-A-S – is accompanied by a music video that shows Minogue teaching a dance to a group of children and adults.

It also features a special appearance from Abba’s Bjorn Ulvaeus.

Xmas is followed in the singles chart by Last Christmas, with Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You at three.

Image:
Pic: AP

The top five is completed by Brenda Lee’s Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree at four and charity single Lullaby by Together For Palestine at number five – this week’s highest new entry.

Read more:
The recipe for a Christmas number one
Wham! make chart history

Kylie has previously topped the singles chart on seven other occasions.

Her other bestselling songs were I Should Be So Lucky (1988), Especially For You (1988), Hand On Your Heart (1989), Tears On My Pillow (1990), Spinning Around (2000), Can’t Get You Out Of My Head (2001) and Slow (2003).

Martin Talbot, chief executive of the Official Charts Company, said Minogue may now be placed to challenge Mariah Carey as the “queen of Christmas”.

He said: “Congratulations to Kylie – what an amazing achievement by our adopted national treasure.”

The last Australian artist to earn the Christmas number one title was Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman, who collaborated with Robbie Williams on Somethin’ Stupid in 2001.

SOURCE PAGE

Papaya Ex, during an interview on Yanga 89.9 FM in Lagos, defended the endless criticism of Bobrisky’s lifestyle and gender expression, stating that it is all about content creation.

Abike Halima Raheem, the Nigerian influencer and actress, who is popularly known as Papaya Ex, has made a striking revelation about controversial crossdresser Idris Okunneye, better known as Bobrisky.

Papaya Ex, during an interview on Yanga 89.9 FM in Lagos, defended the endless criticism of Bobrisky’s lifestyle and gender expression, stating that it is all about content creation.

According to her, Bobrisky is just having fun and will someday return to being a father.

She said, “If you’re mad at Bobrisky, you need to check yourself. I feel like he’s just having fun.

“Later in the future, Bobrisky will go back to being a father. For now, I think it’s all about content. People evolve with time.”

“If you’re mad at Bobrisky, you need to check yourself. I feel like he’s just having fun. Later in the future, Bobrisky will go back to being a father”

— Papaya Ex pic.twitter.com/hk8bpMhMSt

— Linda Ikeji Blog (@lindaikeji) December 19, 2025



SOURCE PAGE

• GehGeh has criticized Afrobeats star Wizkid for allegedly failing to acknowledge comedian and musician Carter Efe after the release of the 2022 tribute hit Machala.
• GehGeh described Wizkid’s silence as greed rather than humility, arguing that Carter Efe deserved recognition for creating one of the most impactful fan-tribute songs in Afrobeats.

Content creator GehGeh has sparked a heated debate online after calling out Afrobeats superstar Wizkid for failing to acknowledge Carter Efe.

The criticism stems from the 2022 hit song “Machala,” which was created as a tribute to the singer but received no public recognition from him.

GehGeh didn’t hold back, labeling Wizkid’s silence as a sign of selfishness rather than a reserved personality. “Carterefe dropped one of the biggest fanbase songs in the history of Afrobeats, yet Wizkid didn’t acknowledge him. That is not pride and it’s greed, he didn’t want to share his platform and glory with anybody,” he stated.

The creator further reminded Wizkid of his own beginnings, pointing out that his global success was made possible by the support of his former boss, Banky W. He noted, “If Banky W had not shared his platform with Wizkid, Wizkid might not be where he is today.”

“Carterefe dropped one of the biggest fanbase songs in the history of Afrobeats, yet Wizkid didn’t acknowledge him. That is not pride and it’s greed, he didn’t want to share his platform and glory with anybody. If Banky W had not shared his platform with Wizkid, Wizkid might not… pic.twitter.com/nQrf3jHp1u

— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) December 19, 2025

In other news…. Nollywood actress and Anambra State governorship candidate under the African Action Congress, Chioma Ifemeludike, has leveled serious accusations against fellow actress Doris Ogala.

In an Instagram post, Ifemeludike alleged that Ogala is connected to a case involving a missing child. She claimed that Ogala admitted to receiving N45 million in relation to the matter.

Although Ifemeludike did not clarify Ogala’s specific role in the case concerning the missing child, identified as Testimony, and her disabled mother, she suggested that the child’s mother is allegedly being held in detention, with Ogala allegedly aware of the situation.

Chioma Ifemeludike urged Doris Ogala to publicly clarify her knowledge of the case to Nigerians.

Fans also joined the conversation, questioning Ogala’s involvement and calling on her to speak up to clear her name particularly in light of her past disputes with a cleric, whom she claimed promised to marry her but later married another woman.

Previously, Doris Ogala had shared videos expressing her affection for Pastor Chris Okafor and her interactions with him. She recently posted a photo of the pastor and indicated she would release a video of him soon.

SOURCE PAGE

Kylie Minogue’s festive hit Xmas is this year’s Christmas number one.

The Australian pop star, 57, has also become the first woman to have number one singles across four different decades.

The track is Minogue’s first Christmas number one in the UK.

She is also the first solo female artist in 12 years to have the Christmas top spot, after Sam Bailey with Skyscraper in 2013, according to The Official Charts Company.

Her success comes after two consecutive years in which Wham! were first with Last Christmas.

Minogue said it was “hard to put into words” how special it felt to lead the singles chart.

She said: “Being Christmas number one really is the most wonderful gift. I’m so thankful to everyone who’s been listening and sharing the love and I’m wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.”

Her single – pronounced X-M-A-S – is accompanied by a music video that shows Minogue teaching a dance to a group of children and adults.

It also features a special appearance from Abba’s Bjorn Ulvaeus.

Image:
Pic: AP

Xmas is followed in the singles chart by Last Christmas, with Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You at three.

The top five is completed by Brenda Lee’s Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree at four and charity single Lullaby by Together For Palestine at number five – this week’s highest new entry.

Read more:
The recipe for a Christmas number one
Wham! make chart history

Kylie has previously topped the singles chart on seven other occasions.

Her other bestselling songs were I Should Be So Lucky (1988), Especially For You (1988), Hand On Your Heart (1989), Tears On My Pillow (1990), Spinning Around (2000), Can’t Get You Out Of My Head (2001) and Slow (2003).

Martin Talbot, chief executive of the Official Charts Company, said Minogue may now be placed to challenge Mariah Carey as the “queen of Christmas”.

He said: “Congratulations to Kylie – what an amazing achievement by our adopted national treasure.”

The last Australian artist to earn the Christmas number one title was Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman, who collaborated with Robbie Williams on Somethin’ Stupid in 2001.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the latest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

SOURCE PAGE

YouTube star Jake Paul will step into the ring with British heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua in a highly anticipated (and highly criticised) boxing event.

The event in Florida marks the end of a 14-month hiatus for Joshua, 36, while for 28-year-old Paul it will be the biggest and potentially most dangerous fight since his boxing career began in 2020.

Here’s everything you need to know, from timings to who’s on the undercard and how to watch it.

What time is the Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua fight?

The event is taking place on Friday 19 December at the Kaseya Center in Miami – but the time difference means it will be early on Saturday 20 December for viewers in the UK.

It is due to begin around 8pm local time, meaning for those in the UK, the main event will start at 1am.

Ringwalks for Paul and Joshua are scheduled for 10.30pm local time, which will be 3.30am in the UK.

Once in the ring, the fight will consist of eight three-minute rounds with regulation 10oz gloves being used.

Image:
Paul v Joshua. Pics: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images/Ahmed Yosri/Reuters

Who’s on the undercard?

• Alycia Baumgardner v Leila Beaudoin – unified super-featherweight world championship

• Anderson Silva v Tyron Woodley – six-round cruiserweight

• Jahmal Harvey v Kevin Cervantes – six-round super-featherweight

Preliminary fights, which start from 4.45pm local time and 9.45pm UK time include:

• Cherneka Johnson v Amanda Galle – undisputed bantamweight championship

• Caroline Dubois v Camila Panatta – WBC lightweight world championship

• Yokasta Valle v Yadira Bustillos – WBC strawweight world championship

• Avious Griffin v Justin Cardona – welterweight

• Keno Marley v Diarra Davis Jr – cruiserweight

How to watch it

The main event will stream live on Netflix with no additional purchase or pay-per-view needed.

All that’s required is a subscription to the streaming service.

How Paul and Joshua compare

What happened at weigh-in?

Joshua, Britain’s two-time world heavyweight champion, will boast an almost two-stone advantage over Paul, who has regularly fought at cruiserweight since he entered the world of boxing.

At the official weigh-in on 18 December, Joshua came in at 17st 5lbs (243.4lbs) to Paul’s 15st 6lbs (216lbs) – a hefty 1.9st difference.

Joshua, who could not weigh more than 245Ibs, is the lightest he has been since his first fight against Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021 when he was 240lbs. For his last fight against Daniel Dubois he weighed 252.5Ibs.

Image:
Pic: Reuters

It is also only the second time that Paul has weighed in over cruiserweight limit – the other time was when he fought 58-year-old Mike Tyson.

“I’m going to outclass this kid, I’m just going to outclass him,” Joshua said at the event in Miami, shrugging off confrontation as the pair raised their fists to each other.

“I’m a serious fighter, that’s the difference, I’m a serious, serious fighter.”

Image:
Joshua is counted for a knock down during his fight against Daniel Dubois in Sept 2024. Pic: Reuters

Paul yelled that he was “dialled in” as he flexed his muscles on stage. He said he had told Joshua he smelled fear.

“I see something in his eyes, I truly do,” he said.

“The pressure is on him. I’m fighting free, I’ve already won. This is a lose-lose situation for him.”

Why has the fight been criticised?

Given Paul’s 13-fight career consists mainly of former UFC stars or faded boxing greats, this contest and Joshua’s involvement has sparked a backlash in the boxing world.

One of those to speak out was Tyson Fury, the British former world champion who fans want to take on Joshua in a heavyweight battle.

Share

‘It could be his last day on Earth’

In a post on social media Fury called Joshua a “classless loser” for agreeing to fight Paul.

“He’s a 37-year-old at the end of his career fighting a YouTuber, a Disney Channel guy who Tommy (Fury) beat,” he said.

“You are a classless loser coming off a 15-month knockout defeat to a local lad. Imagine if someone from Morecambe knocked me out.”

Image:
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul in 2024. Pic: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn/Reuters

Equally, Paul’s career and past fights have been criticised, particularly his win over boxing veteran Mike Tyson in November last year.

Amid widespread speculation the fight was rigged, Paul’s promotions company was forced to issue a statement, labelling rumours as “incorrect and baseless”.

Read more from Sky News:
Actors vote for industrial action over AI concerns
Warner Bros set to rebuff hostile takeover bid

Does Paul really stand a chance?

The odds at the time of writing put Paul at roughly a 10% chance of winning, according to Oddschecker, with Joshua at an 88.9% chance and 2.8% for a draw.

However, to prepare for the showdown, Paul has been sparring with some top heavyweight contenders, including former world champion Lawrence Okolie.

Okolie, who has won world titles at cruiserweight and bridgerweight, admitted he was surprised by Paul’s boxing skills after spending a training camp with him.

Share

From November: Jake Paul’s attention ‘angers people in boxing’

He told Sky Sports News: “He’s way better now than when I first saw him. Genuinely I was scared for him when they said he was going to fight AJ.

“If he boxes how he sparred, he’s got a good chance of looking really good.

“Jake is a lot better than I thought. I think he’s got a very good boxing brain, good application, and good grit.”

SOURCE PAGE

Lateef Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe, the Nollywood power couple, are celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary.

Lateef, via his Instagram page, declared Mo Bimpe the greatest gift in his life and expressed gratitude for her every day.

The comic actor revealed that his wife’s love, strength, and grace inspire him more than words can express.

He stated that the way she cares for everything and everyone around her amazes him, and he is grateful for the light she brings to his life. Lateef appreciated her for being his partner, encourager, and his safe place.

He wrote: “My love, my wife, my joy, Ade aya Ade

“You are the greatest gift in my life, and I thank God for you every day.

“Your love, strength, and grace inspire me more than words can express.

“The way you care for everything and everyone around you amazes me, and I’m so grateful for the light you bring to my life.

“Thank you for being my partner, my encourager, and my safe place. You make me want to be a better person. I am so blessed to walk this journey with you. I love you more with every passing day.

“Happy TRADIVERSARY, MY LOVE @mo_bimpe

“Forever to go.

“This day four years ago in this town, Ado, and state Ekiti, we did our traditional wedding and today, making it 4years in the same town and state, we are making something great and magical, may Allah be praised”.

SOURCE PAGE

• During his sold-out concert at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, Burna Boy addressed critics and the idea of “cancel culture,” asserting that online backlash has not affected his global success.
• The Grammy-winning artist dismissed narratives of cancellation, pointing to his ongoing international tour and sustained fan support as evidence of his continued dominance.

Grammy-winning superstar Burna Boy recently took a moment during his sold-out performance at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto to address his critics and the concept of “cancel culture.”

Standing before a massive crowd, the “African Giant” underscored his continued global dominance despite various online controversies that have trailed his career over the years.

With a tone of defiance, Burna Boy challenged the narrative that public backlash can halt the momentum of a truly global artist.

He pointedly asked the cheering audience, “Tell me who else has done a tour, while being cancelled!” The statement served as a bold reminder that his ticket sales and international appeal remain untouched by social media trends or negative headlines.

“Tell me who else has done a tour, while being cancelled!”

— Burna Boy at the Scotiabank Arena 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/BCil27cyrA

— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) December 19, 2025

In other news….. Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has reinforced her earlier statements about Pastor Chris Okafor with her latest social media post.

Ogala has been vocal online about the hurt she feels over the cleric’s alleged actions, especially after he reportedly went ahead to marry another woman despite promises made to her.

The actress has even taken legal action, filing a case against the pastor and outlining her demands related to his unfulfilled commitment to marry her.

In her recent Instagram post, Ogala shared a rare photo of Pastor Okafor in a bedroom setting. The image shows him shirtless, applying deodorant under his arms.

According to Ogala’s caption, the photo was taken in the pastor’s bedroom after he had completed certain activities, though she did not reveal with whom.

She also hinted that the full video would be released soon and mentioned that another woman, who the pastor allegedly promised to marry, sent her a video that she intends to share as well.Read some comments below:

@anabelparadise:”See as everybody they hype you to push and post it I swear if he arrest you this comment section no go fight or do justice for you oh allow it slide na so life be sometimes”

@na_metusella:”If you post we go watch, life goes on, since una wan turn this con3 to blue filmm arena, we gather de wait una.”

@julmuna:”Burst everywhere, he’s my su daddy, my boyfriend come nd see.”

@obinna_joseph_chukwuka_:”Waiting for video before I go believe.”

@nneomaukpabi:”Heeeeeiiiiii, wahala don burst, pastor Chris what is your personal picture doing in the hand of Doris , I thought you said you don’t know her, Chineke.”

SOURCE PAGE

On the three most important things in his life, Wizkid mentioned his daughter Morayo, music and God.

Ayodeji Balogun, the Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, who is popularly known as Wizkid, has described himself as “boring.”

In a recent episode of the Close Friends Only Speed Round with his colleague, Asake, Wizkid explained that celebrities are “normal” people, too, and engage in normal life activities that may seem boring.

Asake asked: “What’s an interesting fact that fans don’t know about you?”

Wizkid replied: “I see myself as boring. I wake up in the morning at 6:30, I take my kids to school. We [celebrities] are normal human beings too, man.”

On the three most important things in his life, Wizkid mentioned his daughter Morayo, music and God.

He said he believes that the secrets for a longlasting career in music are authenticity, strategic collaborations, and hard work.

Asake: “What’s an interesting fact that fans don’t know about you?”

Wizkid: “I see myself as boring.” pic.twitter.com/EI9RMihuR9

— HYPETRIBE (@hypetribeng) December 18, 2025



SOURCE PAGE

• A viral video from the premiere of Toyin Abraham’s movie Oversabi Aunty has sparked controversy after actor Mike Ezuruonye was seen rubbing bundles of money over her head three times.
• The unusual act has fueled intense debate on social media, with some netizens expressing suspicion and describing the gesture as “fetish,” while others dismissed the reactions as overthinking a celebratory moment.

A viral clip from the premiere of Toyin Abraham’s movie, Oversabi Aunty, shows actor Mike Ezuruonye rubbing bundles of money over her head three times.

The unusual gesture has sparked “fetish” suspicions and heated debate across social media.

Online Reactions:

One Julianvowlet: “What kind of sorcery is going on here?”

One pearl_lawz: “No, something is wrong.”

One Akintitolola: “Why will you go round her head? What sort of dancing is that?”

One cheapest_okirika_lagos_vendor: “Wise woman no dey lose guard.”

One ogesplendour: “It reeks of fetish intentions. I mean, why cross it over her head 3 times?”

Watch the moment Mike Ezuruonye rubbed money all over Toyin Abraham three times and she threw the money at Segun Johnson that was performing. 👀 pic.twitter.com/BQTMhFIYpd

— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) December 18, 2025

In other news…..A Nigerian lady has sparked discussion online after criticizing Afrobeat superstar Davido for his recent appearance on comedian Carter Efe’s Twitch livestream on December 17, 2025, claiming it was unbefitting of his global status.

In a video that has gone viral on X, she questioned why the award-winning singer would publicly associate with the content creator during a live broadcast. She described Davido’s participation as an attempt to seek attention and suggested that he sometimes engages in public appearances to win approval from fans.

According to her, an artist of Davido’s level should maintain a sense of exclusivity to protect his brand and personal image. She argued that appearing on Carter Efe’s livestream could undermine his stature and send the wrong message about his personal and professional standards.

The critic also questioned Carter Efe’s significance in the entertainment industry, asking what he truly represents and why Davido would choose to promote his brand publicly. She commented:

“Davido does too much sometimes. You need to give yourself that level and respect. Who is Carter Efe? Why are you showing up for him?”

She further suggested that Davido’s actions might have been influenced by recent online discussions involving Wizkid and Carter Efe, in which the comedian criticized Wizkid for not supporting him. She implied that Davido may be trying to stay in everyone’s good graces by appearing publicly:

“Is it because Carter Efe called out Wizkid the other day, so you want to go out so that you can be in the good book of everybody?”

During her critique, the woman contrasted Davido’s approach with Wizkid’s more private public persona. She argued that Wizkid’s reserved lifestyle commands more respect and conveys the image of a genuine global star. She added that celebrities should be selective about their public appearances to maintain influence and professional respect:

“That’s why I respect Wizkid. You’re a star, respect yourself.”

SOURCE PAGE

The content creator stated that he bought a Range Rover Sport for over ₦30 million, hoping to enjoy the luxury of owning a high-end vehicle in Nigeria, but the excitement did not last long.

Nigerian skitmaker Aloma Isaac Junior, popularly known as Zicsaloma, has admitted that purchasing a luxury Range Rover Sport was his biggest financial mistake.

Zicsaloma made this known during an interview on Pulse.

The content creator stated that he bought a Range Rover Sport for over ₦30 million, hoping to enjoy the luxury of owning a high-end vehicle in Nigeria, but the excitement did not last long.

According to him, mechanical problems arose, forcing him to spend a significant amount on repairs. He stressed that approximately ₦10 million was spent fixing the car within just three to four months, but the problems persisted.

He further explained that the situation became unbearable, leaving him with no option but to sell the vehicle for far less than its purchase value.

Zicsaloma revealed that he eventually sold the Range Rover for ₦11 million, despite the money spent on repairs.

He said, “I think it’s buying a Range Rover Sport. That was one of my worst financial mistakes.

“When I bought that car, I bought it for over 30 million. I sold it 11 million in 3 or 4 months time. And I spent about 10 million naira fixing the car in those three months.

“So it’s just like I threw 30 million and got back 1 million, with a lot of stress.”

‘Buying Range Rover Sport Is My Worst Financial Mistake’ – Zicsalomapic.twitter.com/Jusw2mJTau

— Naija News (@NaijaNews) December 19, 2025



SOURCE PAGE