“We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the Emily in Paris production family,” a spokesperson for Paramount Television Studios told Us in a statement. “Our hearts go out to the individual’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Borella had collapsed while the crew were preparing a scene at Venice’s Hotel Danieli, according to multiple local outlets at the time. In light of Borella’s passing, the show briefly halted production. Lily Collins, who plays the titular Emily, and her costars resumed filming two days later.
Emily in Paris follows an American marketing executive after she moves from the United States to Paris to begin a new job at a luxury marketing agency. By the end of season 4, Emily was tasked with leading a branch of the company in Rome with new love interest Marcello (Eugenio Franceschini) in tow.
After a whirlwind on-off romance, Emily and Marcello traveled to Venice in the season finale for the city’s fashion week — and the debut of Marcello’s eponymous line. Despite a successful presentation, the couple ended up breaking up when Marcello revealed his plans to move back to Italy to assume control of his family’s fashion house. Emily, for her part, wasn’t ready to say au revoir to the City of Lights.
Courtesy of Diego Borella/ Instagram
The final episode further hinted that Emily could reconcile with ex-boyfriend Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), who sent her a postcard to “meet [him] in Greece.”
“Gabriel is important. He’s part of the DNA of the show,” series director and executive producer Andrew Flemingexclusively told Usabout the chances of reconciliation for the fan-favorite pair. “When he and Emily are in a scene together, something undefinable happens. They have this chemistry. They do. There’s just something about the two of them that’s very watchable.”
Fleming further teased that there’s more to Emily and Gabriel’s story if Emily in Paris gets renewed for a season 6.
“Looking ahead, they’re part of each other’s journey. Who is to say who Emily is going to end up with, but Emily and Gabriel are going to interact with each other,” the director told Us. “Stuff is going to happen [but] I really can’t say anything about what’s going to happen next season.”
Bravo’s Gabriel left his job running the Michelin-winning L’esprit de Gigi restaurant to serve as the private chef on a British businessman’s yacht.
“The ‘sexy chef’ was very much part of me in season 1 and we grew apart season after season because of the choices he makes and because of the direction they make him take,” Bravo told IndieWire in October 2024. “I’ve never been so far away from him. … There is only so much I can do in the limits of a script. I tried for seasons to bring nuances but we don’t have much liberty on set. We cannot change a word or an emotion. They know what they want and we just have to comply.”
Emily in Paris season 5 is currently streaming on Netflix.
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Cape Town welcomes 2026 on a high note – January is peak summer, and the city comes alive with an unbeatable mix of concerts, festivals, sport, culture and outdoor experiences. From iconic events like the Cape Town Minstrels Street Parade and the King’s Plate to international music tours, open-air theatre and cricket at Newlands.
Cats, the Musical
2-11 January 2026 Artscape Theatre, Cape Town
Pieter Toerien and GWB Entertainment in association with Cape Town Opera by arrangement with The Really Useful Group presents CATS. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s world-famous musical Cats brings iconic songs, choreography and theatrical magic to the Artscape stage. Tickets from R180 on Webtickets.
WAV Festival by AfroNation
2 January 2026 Green Point Track, Cape Town
A festival R&B lovers cannot miss! Amapiano’s Kelvin Momo brings his deep, emotional sound to the festival, while Shekinah’s golden voice is set to light up the stage. The lineup also includes Mariah the Scientist, Wale, Langa Mavuso, and Kujenga. Cape Town, get ready for a high-energy stadium showcase featuring the best in R&B. Find ticket information here.
Milk & Cookies Festival
3 January 2026 Kenilworth Racecourse, Cape Town
This multi-genre festival celebrates music, food, and community. From amapiano to R&B, house to hip-hop, Milk and Cookies blends global sounds with local culture for one unforgettable celebration. Vibrant stages, curated food vendors, immersive art installations, and the kind of energy that turns a crowd into a community – it’s a gathering where culture, connection, and creativity meet. For tickets go to Howler’s website and for more information visit the official page here.
Step into the New Year with Blanche; an All-white outdoor celebration, curated by AfroFuture and PVO. This signature experience blends live music, an unmatched atmosphere, and the most vibrant crowd. Presented by Martell, set against Cape Town’s stunning backdrop. Click here for ticket information.
Freshlyground Reunion Concert
4, 11, 18 January 2026 Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Freshlyground reunites for a special open-air concert at Kirstenbosch, delivering feel-good hits in one of Cape Town’s most popular outdoor venues. Find more information and ticket information.
Cape Town Minstrels Street Parade
5 January 2026 Somerset Road & Fan Walk, Green Point
The iconic Cape Town Minstrel Carnival returns to the Mother City on 5 January 2026. The annual event fills the streets with colour, music and tradition, continuing into DHL Stadium for the Kaapse Klopse Choral Competition. Tap here for the latest event information.
St Tropez presents: Uncle Waffles – The ultimate day time escape
5 January 2026 Cabo Beach Club, Cape Town
Turn on the glitz and glamour at this epic Cabo Beach experience. Headlined by global sensation Uncle Waffles, expect nothing less than an unforgettable day of pulsating beats, high-energy performances, and pure sophistication. The event promises world-class local DJs spinning infectious sounds that keep the energy flowing from noon until sunset. Get your tickets now.
MI Cape Town vs Joburg Super Kings
6 January 2026 Newlands Cricket Grounds
Catch SA20 cricket action as MI Cape Town face the Joburg Super Kings at the historic Newlands Cricket Ground. For ticket info, email info@ticketpro.co.za or visit the website here.
Cape Town Jazzathon
9-11 January 2026 Amphitheatre, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Celebrating its 29th anniversary this year, the Cape Town Jazzathon is South Africa’s longest-running music festival. Often referred to as “The People’s Festival,” the event will feature performances daily, from 12.30pm to 8pm. Enjoy a rich variety of styles including Afro Jazz, Cape Jazz, Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, Neo Soul, and Straight Ahead packed into three days of non-stop entertainment… and its free!!! Learn more.
L’Ormarins King’s Plate
10 January 2026 Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse
The Running of the 165th King’s Plate – the L’Ormarins King’s Plate is one of South Africa’s most prestigious horse racing events, combining elite racing, high fashion and a vibrant atmosphere. The King’s Plate is a totally blue and white affair where guests can enjoy some of the country’s best racing, wine, food, antique car displays and renowned after party in the peak of Cape Town’s summer. Tickets start from R600. For more information visit here.
Maynardville Open-Air Festival
From 13 January 2026 Maynardville Park, Wynberg
Cape Town’s premier open-air theatre experience returns, featuring live performances in a magical forest setting. Opening on 13 January, the Shades of Blue Chamber Concert will feature music from composers influenced by the rhythms and harmonies of jazz. Next up is Jazz in the Park (14 to 15 Jan), a new two-day celebration featuring local jazz legends from Cape Town’s rich jazz tradition. From 16 to 17 January, another crowd-favourite Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra returns with a stirring classical programme. See the full festival programme.
Calum Scott – The Avenoir Tour
14 January 2026 Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
International singer-songwriter Calum Scott performs live at Kirstenbosch as part of his global Avenoir Tour. Gates open at 6pm. Concert starts 7pm. For more information, go to Big Concert’s website.
Sheer City Festival
17-18 January 2026 Harrington Street Precinct
Sheer City is launching its inaugural two-day inner-city festival bringing together Cape Town’s most influential underground nightlife crews with international acts like Horse Meat Disco, Tama Sumo & Lakuti, Make A Dance, Freudenthal, and more. It’s a multi-venue, walkable block party across Harrington Street and the City Bowl fringe, a celebration of Cape Town’s creative pulse, queer culture, music, fashion, performance, and community. Expect six venues, over twenty artists, a full weekend immersion in the city’s next cultural moment.
Sheer Drop at Texas – 2pm to 10pm Sheer Delight at The Electric – 5pm to 2am Sheer Disco at Harringtons – 6pm to 4am Sheer D.O.G at Zer021 Social – 8pm to 4am Sheer Assembly at District – 8pm to 4am Sheer Dive at Surfa Rosa – 9pm to 4am
Long, lazy afternoons, cool beats and Cape Town’s most iconic views. Summer at Durbanville Hills is super chilled, and with it, the popular cellar’s much-loved Sundaze Summer Series. DJ Stefanos will be spinning tracks from 2pm to 6pm while you enjoy crisp wines, cocktails, craft beer, wine slushies, and a mouth-watering selection of eats from the Olive Grove Bistro. Set against panoramic vistas of Table Bay and Table Mountain, Sundaze is the perfect way to vibe with friends and family. Tickets cost R100pp and available via Webtickets.
Shxtsngigs: Daddy’s Home – South Africa Tour
27 January 2026 Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town
The viral podcast duo James and Fuhad bring their Daddy’s Home live show to Cape Town, blending comedy, culture and crowd interaction. Whether you’re a die-hard Cult Baby or just discovering the podcast that’s racked up millions of streams and laughs worldwide, this live experience is your chance to see the boys like never before – live, loud, and uncut. Tickets from R440 via Ticketmaster.
DHL Stormers vs Vodacom Blue Bulls
27 January 2026 DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Get ready for a major rugby showdown as the DHL Stormers face the Vodacom Blue Bulls in one of the season’s most anticipated fixtures. Cape Town is set to bring the gees – get your tickets today on the Stormer’s website.
World Sports Betting Cape Town Met
31 January 2026 Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse
Prepare for the grand return of the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met, where the thrill of elite horse racing converges with a multisensory celebration unlike any other. The 2026 theme Symphony of Style combines fashion, music, and immersive moments. Book your tickets via Computicket.
The Hallmark Channel is far and away the best place to find the corniest, cheesiest holiday movies.
And during the Christmas season, that’s just what many people are looking for. They want to light a Yankee candle, brew some peppermint tea and sink into a world where beautiful people get just what they want for Christmas.
Watch With Us loves a good Hallmark Christmas movie, so we decided to do a civil service and rank the very best ones you can watch right now on Hallmark+.
Did your favorites make the cut? Read on to find out!
Humble seamstress Emily (Lacey Chabert) devotes herself to her family’s Philadelphia business, but she finds her world turned upside-down when she discovers that her European boyfriend, Leopold (Stephen Hagan), is a royal prince and heir to the throne of a small sovereign country. Leopold takes Emily back to his home to met his family for Christmas with intent to marry her. However, Leopold’s mother has other plans for him.
With some The Princess Diaries sprinkled in, A Royal Christmas hits all the notes you want from a royalty-themed Christmas Hallmark movie: everyone learns a lesson, everyone looks beautiful, love prevails and, of course, the beautiful gowns. Plus, Chabert and Jane Seymour shine in the film.
Estranged identical twin sisters Kate and Christ Lockhart (both played by Candace Cameron Brue) are stuck planning their respective holiday parties when they decide to switch things up. In order to see if one twin has things better than the other — and unbeknownst to their families — the twins swap lives, and the lessons they learn from the experience may just make for the best Christmas they’ve ever had.
Switched for Christmas makes for an adorable Christmas tale of family, friendship and learning to understand and appreciate your loved ones — and what would a Hallmark movie be without a little romance as well? It doesn’t hurt that the movie has a good sense of humor too, and with Cameron Brue playing an impressive dual role.
In a gambit to give his parents a good Christmas, speech writer Jaime (Tyler Hynes) makes a deal with his ex-girlfriend Emily (Bethany Joy Lenz) to come home with him for the holidays and pretend that they’re still together. However, it doesn’t take much before the act starts to unravel — especially when they realize their dormant feelings for one another are coming back.
This is a great Christmas Hallmark movie to watch for some silly antics, as Jaime and Emily do their best to maintain their week-long ruse in front of Jaime’s family, but it ends on a heartfelt note when the two exes realize they still love each other. Lenz and Hynes have wonderful, believable chemistry, and the film sports the perfect warm and festive holiday atmosphere.
Bachelor Zachary Stone (Brandon Routh) is only committed to one thing, and that’s being single. But when a stray cat winds up on his doorstep, he starts to realize that a little company in his day-to-day life might not be so bad. However, things take an unexpectedly romantic turn when he meets Marilee (Kimberly Sustad), a veterinary student who helps teach him how to take care of his new feline friend. Can the two make it work despite their differences?
The Nine Lives of Christmas is a fun rom-com with the perfect amount of schmaltz, made all the more enjoyable by Routh and his dynamic with Sustad. The movie is an ideal, easy Christmas watch, with some critics even feeling that the script and characters were better written than the book it was based on.
Hardworking single mom Jennifer (Brooke Burns) has become a bit of a Scrooge around Christmas, and her young son barely believes in Santa Claus. However, when her Uncle Ralph (Henry Winkler) brings over a man named Morgan (Warren Christie) whom he met on his flight, Jen and Morgan hit it off, but Morgan doesn’t like Jen’s attitude towards the holiday. For them to make it work, Morgan has to teach Jen how to get into the Christmas spirit.
While The Most Wonderful Time of the Year features a fairly familiar premise, it’s executed in a refreshing way through its smart scriptwriting, genuinely funny moments and the inclusion of Happy Days legend Henry Winkler. With fun, mismatched chemistry between Burns and Christie and a brisk script, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is a Christmas movie highlight.
The premise of the 1987 Tom Selleckmovie Three Men and a Baby gets a Christmas twist in Three Wise Men and a Baby, when three brothers named Stephen (Paul Campbell), Taylor (Hynes) and Luke (Andrew W. Walker) find themselves stuck caring for a baby over the holidays. After an abandoned infant is left at the doorstep of Luke’s work, the brothers, who have grown apart over the years, must now work together in an unexpected situation.
Well-written, genuinely funny and featuring a terrific cast, Three Wise Men and a Baby is a Hallmark holiday favorite for a reason. The characters are believable and have well-developed relationships with one another, and the movie balances the perfect mix of humor and heartfelt moments.
Screenwriter Lucy Hardgrove (Joy Lenz) has been hired to write the script for a remake of a beloved Christmas classic filmed at the historic Biltmore house. However, when Lucy’s script isn’t up to studio standards, she’s sent to the house for inspiration — where she finds herself traveling back in time to 1947 when His Merry Wife! was filmed. As she uses it as a chance to learn more about the film, she gets cozy with one of the stars, but her presence in the past threatens the film’s future.
Many consider A Biltmore Christmas to be the ultimate Hallmark holiday classic, but also a fantastic Christmas movie in its own right. The plot frees itself from many tired Christmas tropes while still hitting the right beats and heartfelt moments. The music, sets, costuming and performances all come together to make A Biltmore Christmas can’t-miss during the holidays.
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Heading to the HSBC SVNS Cape Town this weekend? You may want to take note of the road closures in the city to plan your trip accordingly.
The HSBC SVNS, also known as the Cape Town 7s, is back from 6–7 December! Don’t miss the world champion Blitzboks in action on their home turf, as two days of fast-paced rugby sevens light up DHL Stadium.
Between matches, soak up the gees with live entertainment, delicious food, and drinks all weekend long.
Road Closures
If you are travelling, here are the road closures:
Matches
The HSBC SVNS in Cape Town delivers fast-paced, action-packed rugby sevens matches over two days. Top men’s and women’s teams from around the world compete in pool matches in hopes of making it into the finals on Sunday.
Irish influencer Niamh Cullen’s husband, Jamie Gill, died weeks after their first wedding anniversary.
“The unimaginable has happened. Our worst nightmare. My beautiful husband has been taken from us,” Cullen wrote via Instagram in November 2025, announcing Gill’s death at age 33. “[He was] the light of my life. I was the luckiest to be loved and adored by you Jamie. I love you endlessly, not just now, but eternally.”
Cullen married Gill, who maintained a relatively private profile, exactly one year earlier.
“6 months married (last week) we only realized today,” Cullen captioned a set of Instagram selfies in May 2025. “In sickness and in health JJ, I love you forever. You’re my inspiration everyday.”
Keep scrolling for Cullen and Gill’s complete relationship timeline:
2017
The social media star revealed via Instagram that they met at Bingo Loco, a local bingo hall.
“8 years ago today. I’m so happy you picked up my card at Bingo Loco and changed your plans to come with us to Metropolis Festival,” Cullen wrote via Instagram in October 2025, celebrating their dating anniversary. “I still remember that warm, fuzzy, excited feeling like it was yesterday ✨. So grateful for everything that’s followed since, hopeful for better days and more memories to be made.”
At the time, Cullen was still living with her ex-boyfriend and asked to remain friends with Gill. Their bond turned romantic the next year.
July 2021
During an appearance on the “Good Glow” podcast, Cullen revealed that she and Gill had recently moved in together.
“I’m feeling super good. I’m in a really good place, [and] I’m living with my boyfriend, Jamie,” she said. “We’re excited.”
The “Unveiled” podcaster further gushed that Gill was a complete “gentleman” when they met.
December 2022
Courtesy of Niamh Cullen/ Instagram
Gill popped the question after several years of dating.
“And it went a little like this,” Cullen wrote via Instagram, sharing a snap of her diamond engagement ring.
November 2024
“I simply have no words,” she wrote via Instagram, sharing pics from their destination wedding. “Our wedding day 🕊️. Just the beginning of the [photo] spam.”
When Cullen and Gill embarked on their honeymoon to Italy, he subsequently got sick and was hospitalized for 10 days.
“Just two weeks before Christmas, Jamie underwent major surgery, where doctors discovered a cancerous tumor,” Cullen wrote via Instagram the next year. “Our world shattered in an instant, but we stayed strong. Jamie bravely faced 10 rounds of chemotherapy. There were ups and downs along the way, but nothing could have prepared us for what followed after his 10th session.”
The couple got legally married in Dublin in December.
August 2025
Courtesy of Niamh Cullen/ Instagram
Cullen took a social media hiatus amid Gill’s health struggles.
“Life has been interesting enough. We’ve had some stuff going on at home. I know we will share in time, but at the moment, it’s not my story alone to share,” she told VIP Magazine. “My husband has just been having some struggles with his health. We’re just taking it day by day. I’m trying to be busy but also spend time at home with Jamie.”
Later that month, Cullen shared throwback pictures of the couple from a Kylie Minogue concert the year before.
“This time last year [we were] going to see Kylie, Jamie still talks about it. After that, celebrating our first night in the house, we didn’t have a clue what was ahead,” Cullen wrote via Instagram. “But this makes me excited and hopeful that better days are coming. Life is short. Always make sure you are having a big ball. It’s something we always did together and will continue to do it soon.”
Fall 2025
Gill was hospitalized with pneumonia and sepsis, leading doctors to confirm that his cancer had returned.
“My blood still runs cold, but I know this: My husband is a fighter,” Cullen wrote via Instagram on November 14. “We will not give up.”
November 2025
Cullen marked her first wedding anniversary via Instagram amid Gill’s cancer recurrence.
“I can’t believe it’s already our one year wedding anniversary. I was too emotional over the weekend to even look through our photos or think about posting,” she wrote via Instagram on November 10. “Happy anniversary to my amazing, brave, and resilient husband ❤️🩹 You make my world a better place.”
The girlfriend of late Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland broke her silence after the NFL star’s sudden death.
“I’m grieving hard right now,” Catalina Mancera told the Daily Mail on Monday, November 10. “It will be a long time before I’ll feel ready to talk at any length.”
Mancera, 22, called the police the night before Kneeland’s death on the morning of Thursday, November 6. She expressed concern over Kneeland’s well-being, telling authorities her boyfriend had “a history of mental illness.”
After a brief police chase, Kneeland was found near his abandoned car on the Dallas Parkway, dead of an apparent suicide. He was 24 years old.
“We’re still in the early stages of everything,” Mancera added. “We are working on the funeral arrangements. I don’t know where it’s going to be yet.”
Kneeland was also survived by his father, Shawn, who is currently incarcerated in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and his three siblings: brothers, AJ and Shawn Jr., and sister, Yahmya.
The football star’s mother, Wendy, died in February 2024, just two months before he was selected in the second round by the Cowboys in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Mancera, a fashion designer, has been staying at the Plano, Texas, apartment where Kneeland lived prior to his death.
Courtesy of Catalina Mancera/Facebook
Nicole Kneeland-Woods, Marshawn’s cousin, told the Daily Mail that the NFL player started dating Mancera while he was a student-athlete at Western Michigan University.
“Marshawn shared a very special relationship with Catalina, whom he had been with since his sophomore year of college,” she said. “They supported each other through many stages of life. Catalina is an important part of our family and she’s hurting deeply too.”
Despite what 911 dispatchers allege Catalina told them, Nicole said, “There were no previous signs or indications that Marshawn was dealing with mental issues.”
“Marshawn was a strong, loving person who cared deeply about his family and everyone around him,” Nicole added.
In addition to the death of his mother, Marshawn also lost his grandfather in 2023, which Nicole said was “was incredibly hard for him.”
“But beyond that grief, Marshawn didn’t show signs of depression or mental health issues,” Nicole explained. “Our family is devastated and still trying to process something that feels unimaginable. We want people to remember Marshawn for his kindness, his sense of humor and his drive. He was loved deeply and that love will always be his legacy.”
Dallas Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, broke his silence about Marshawn’s death on Tuesday, November 11.
“I think we all have unfettered feelings about the people we love, people we work with, and this is just a time when you acknowledge that there’s no answers,” Jones, 83, said on Dallas’ 105.3 The Fan. “It makes you want to live life to the fullest. It makes you want to look for the very best in what we have for each other. And in some way make sense out of these times in terms of what they can mean from helping those that are here on earth right now.”
Jones added, “All of those things are very natural, come to mind, but his death is such a national awareness thing that it takes on some of that light when we think about how we go forward.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
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