Ed Sheeran’s two scheduled concerts at Robert Kraft’s Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts have been cancelled because of severe weather, as the singer’s US tour continues to face fallout from the removal of Macklemore from the line-up.

Sheeran was due to perform at the Foxborough stadium on Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26 as part of his Loop Tour. The promoter and tour made the decision to cancel the shows after consulting local officials, citing severe weather and safety concerns.

Ticket holders will receive refunds, with the cancellations coming as Sheeran’s tour remains caught up in controversy over Macklemore’s departure.

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Macklemore had been scheduled to perform as one of Sheeran’s opening acts. During his September 4 and 5 appearances at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, he performed his song Hind’s Hall and voiced support for Palestinians, including calling for a “Free Palestine”.

His comments drew criticism from pro-Israel organisations and became a source of dispute over his remaining appearances on Sheeran’s tour.

Robert Kraft, who owns the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, became involved in the dispute after Macklemore’s MetLife performances. Sheeran later said he had spoken with Kraft and other venue representatives but maintained that the promoter, Messina Touring Group, ultimately made the decision to remove Macklemore from the tour.

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Macklemore has given a different account. He said Sheeran told him Kraft would not allow him to perform at Gillette Stadium and claimed other stadium owners had also been encouraged to take the same position.

The dispute was followed by further changes to Sheeran’s touring line-up. Finneas, Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe withdrew from upcoming dates, while Sheeran’s backing band Beoga also announced that it would no longer participate in the tour.

Sheeran addressed the controversy during his September 19 concert in Philadelphia. He spoke about the Israel-Gaza conflict, saying he had struggled with how to respond publicly while expressing concern about civilian suffering.

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Macklemore later pledged to donate the $1 million he earned from Sheeran’s tour to organisations supporting Palestinians and challenged Kraft to match the contribution. Kraft subsequently said Sheeran had asked him to commit $2 million towards humanitarian aid in the region.

The Gillette Stadium cancellations were announced separately from the dispute, with severe weather forecast across New England.

The promoter said the decision was made following consultation with local officials, with heavy rain and strong winds expected in the area.

Photo: Andy Kropa/AP/File

The cancellation affects the two Gillette Stadium dates, while Sheeran’s subsequent US shows remain scheduled.

The two concerts would have taken place days after Sheeran publicly addressed the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal. The dispute has involved Sheeran, Macklemore, venue owners, promoters and other artists, with political expression at concerts becoming a central issue.

For now, Sheeran’s Gillette Stadium dates have been called off, with fans being offered refunds for the cancelled shows.

Justin Bieber and Harry Styles are reportedly among the names being considered for the 2027 Super Bowl halftime show, although neither singer has been approached about the performance.

Both artists are reportedly on Roc Nation’s shortlist for the Super Bowl LXI halftime show. Roc Nation has worked with the NFL on its live music entertainment since 2019, with Jay-Z involved in the selection process for the halftime performer.

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Sources familiar with the discussions reportedly said Bieber and Styles have not yet been contacted about performing at the event. The same sources indicated that either singer could decline the opportunity if approached.

The reports come as preparations begin for next year’s Super Bowl, which is scheduled to take place on February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

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For Bieber, the reported consideration follows a run of major live appearances in 2026, including his performance during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. He has also previously been linked with the Super Bowl halftime show.

Bieber was approached about performing at the 2024 Super Bowl, which was headlined by Usher, but ultimately did not take part in the halftime performance. He later explained that he was not ready to take on the commitment at that point.

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Styles has also remained a major live performer, following his return to the stage in 2026. His performances have included a residency at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

Neither Bieber nor Styles has publicly confirmed any involvement in the 2027 halftime show, and the NFL has not announced its performer.

For now, both singers remain reported possibilities for the show, with no confirmed offer or performance deal in place.

Big Brother is back, and this year’s housemates have already been given plenty to talk about.

The 2026 series launched on ITV2 and ITVX on Sunday, September 13, with AJ Odudu and Will Best returning to welcome a new group of contestants into the house. The series will run for eight weeks, making it the longest edition since the ITV revival, with nominations, tasks and live evictions expected to shape the competition.

There are 16 contestants in the launch line-up, ranging from an 18-year-old student to a 57-year-old housewife. Their backgrounds are just as varied, with the cast including a social worker, teacher, fitness coach, property developer, radio presenter, content creator and jewellery seller.

But one contestant arrived with a job beyond simply surviving the house.

Rhianna, 21

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The Chelsea-based stay-at-home daughter has already attracted attention because of her privileged upbringing. Rhianna has spoken about wanting to challenge assumptions people make about her and believes her appearance can make her seem less approachable than she really is.

She says she wants to prove she can stand on her own, with winning the prize giving her a chance to become financially independent.

Harry, 30

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Croydon fitness coach Harry describes himself as someone who enjoys meeting people but also needs his own space. He is a self-confessed night owl, which could become an issue in a house where sleep schedules rarely stay predictable.

His approach is to take things as they come rather than arrive with an elaborate plan.

Charlotte, 18

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The youngest housemate is Oxford student Charlotte, who is a quadruple amputee.

Charlotte has spoken openly about how people can be surprised when she does everyday things such as cooking, getting dressed or doing her make-up. Entering the house gives viewers a chance to see her life beyond assumptions about disability.

If she wins, she has a practical reason for wanting the prize money: her prosthetic legs can cost around £25,000 each.

Johanne, 44

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Originally from Los Angeles and now living in Salford, Johanne works in online marketing.

She says she intends to be herself in the house and is unlikely to ignore uncomfortable conversations. Her personal experience with alopecia has also influenced what she would do with the prize money, with plans to create a haircare line aimed at people living with the condition.

Omar, 21

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London jewellery seller Omar wants to challenge the assumptions people make about him.

He says he does not fit the stereotype some people may attach to his appearance and hopes the show will allow viewers to see more of his personality.

His plans for the prize are equally personal. Omar wants to invest in himself and his family, while helping children from his estate with school shoes.

Philip, 53

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Liverpool content creator Philip is one of the oldest contestants this year and is not expecting to sit quietly in the background.

He describes himself as a loyal friend but someone who will confront people when necessary. With 24-hour scrutiny and limited privacy, his direct approach could prove useful or become a source of friction.

Pauline, 31

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Essex carer Pauline has an unusual background outside the house. Before becoming a carer, she worked as a private investigator.

She describes herself as direct and says she is not interested in telling people what they want to hear simply to avoid confrontation. Her caring responsibilities have also shaped her decision to take on the experience.

Tays, 23

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Tays is the contestant with a secret.

The Manchester streamer and content creator entered the house as part of a launch-night twist after taking part in the pre-series Big Brother dry run with the Bov Boys. He has been given a mission to operate as the show’s mole, keeping his real role secret from the other contestants.

His task is to create chaos while avoiding detection. He is expected to remain in the house for only a week.

Rochelle, 57

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Essex housewife Rochelle applied for Big Brother almost as a joke and ended up making the cast.

After 33 years of marriage, she has described the experience of living away from her husband as something she is actually looking forward to. At 57, she is also the oldest housemate in this year’s line-up.

Millie, 19

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Paisley bartender Millie is entering the house at just 19 and is already a mum to a two-year-old son.

She describes herself as loud and spontaneous but says there is more to her than the “girly girl” impression people might initially have. She also has a creative side, including playing musical instruments and painting.

Frankie, 23

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London marketing manager Frankie appears to have no intention of taking himself too seriously.

He has joked about spending time in the hot tub and has made it clear that he expects plenty of attention in the house. Beneath the bravado, however, his prize-money plans are focused on his family, particularly his grandmother, with whom he has lived for several years.

Samuel, 21

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Administrative apprentice Samuel from Slough says honesty is one of his defining traits.

He has never had a partner and is hoping to build genuine friendships inside the house. His biggest potential weakness may be domestic life, as he admits he can leave a mess behind and does not react well when his sleep is disturbed.

Chelsey, 29

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Manchester social worker Chelsey has a personal reason for choosing her career.

She spent part of her childhood living in a women’s refuge with her mother and sister and later became a social worker herself. She says having experienced support from a social worker when she was younger helped inspire her career choice.

Yasmin, 29

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Teacher Yasmin, also from Manchester, has three degrees but jokes that academic qualifications have not necessarily given her common sense.

Her family is central to her motivation for entering the competition. If she wins, she wants to help her mother, who raised six children as a single parent.

Lynx, 24

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London property developer Lynx says he is not entering the house with a detailed game plan.

Instead, he wants to remain himself and avoid becoming trapped by a strategy. His admission that he is not particularly good at lying could become significant once nominations and alliances begin to take shape.

Rob, 25

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Bideford radio presenter Rob plans to bring plenty of energy to the house.

He describes himself as someone who enjoys entertaining people and wants to make the experience fun. His unusual claim to fame includes jumping into the water from Ilfracombe Pier dressed as an elf during a carnival event.

With such a mixed cast, the early question is less about who looks like an obvious winner and more about who can adapt once the introductions are over.

The house has also been redesigned for the new series, with colourful communal spaces and a new Diary Room set-up. Producers have promised unexpected twists and high-stakes nominations, while the new companion show, Big Brother: The Group Chat, replaces Late & Live and is hosted by former winner Kate Lawler and GK Barry.

For the housemates, however, the real test has now begun. Sixteen strangers have moved in, but only one can leave with the prize.