Jon Bon Jovi has finally spoken out publicly after his son and Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown announced their engagement.
It’s fair to say the showbiz world blew up a bit when the British actress, who is best-known for her starring role as Eleven on Netflix’s hit show Stranger Things, hopped on social media to casually announce one Tuesday morning that wedding bells were ringing.
The 19-year-old confirmed that her boyfriend, 20-year-old Jake Bongiovi, had popped the question and the two were now engaged.
The young star took to Instagram to share a beaming black and white photo showing off a huge ring on her left hand and her now-fiancé embracing her – with the confirming caption: “I’ve loved you three summers now, honey, I want ’em all.”
Jake also proclaimed it was “forever” for the pair in a series of engagement announcement pictures he shared on his Instagram.
The couple are believed to have been in a relationship for three years, and struck up their romance after connecting on Instagram.
Of course, given the fact that many would consider the relationship to be in the relatively early stages, and the fact that Millie Bobby Brown is a child star who first rose to stardom after appearing on our screens at the age of 11, the engagement was slammed by fans.
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Their young age, though, was what appeared to draw the most public criticism.
But aside from the age of the pair, the other major talking point was that many were shocked to learn that Jake Bongiovi is, in fact, the son of rockstar Jon Bon Jovi – which left many questioning what the legendary Bon Jovi frontman thought of the engagement, and if he would ever publicly address the situation at any point.
Now, Jon has spoken out to have his say on everything during an interview with SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live yesterday.
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When host Andy Cohen asked the 61-year-old rocker if he was worried about Jake and Millie getting engaged at such a young age, Jon responded that he “doesn’t know if age matters”.
He explained: “If you find the right partner and you grow together, I think that would be my advice really, growing together is wise. I think that all of my kids have found the people that they think they can grow together with, and we like them all.”
The rockstar also added that Millie is “wonderful”.
“Her whole family are great, and Jake is very, very happy,” Jon concluded.
Jon Bon Jovi’s decision not to buy into the public concern of his son’s engagement will likely make sense to fans who know the musician himself found love at a young age and married his high school sweetheart, Dorothea.
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Jon and Dorothea have four children together, with Jake being the second youngest.
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
There’s a farm in Greater Manchester where you can meet Lilo and Stitch
Thomas Melia
Any fans of the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch are in luck because there’s a farm in Greater Manchester which is hosting a special meet and greet event.
Who doesn’t love a sci-fi comedy drama film, especially one where the lead character’s sidekick is none other than the adorable little blue experiment with a voice we still imitate to this day?
Originally released in 2002, the Lilo and Stitch film is receiving a live-action version in 2025 and we’re sure to fall in love with Lilo and her little blue fur ball pal over again, 23 years later.
Ahead of the new live adaptation, Cockfields Farm in Greater Manchester is hosting a meet and greet event dedicated to this huge Disney film.
This is the perfect opportunity for little ones and grown-ups alike to come and meet two of their favourite Disney characters while also getting a chance to venture around the farmland as well.
As the event is taking place at a farm, this means that the Lilo and Stitch experience won’t be the only event guests will be able to take part in; there’s also a handful of fun farm-based activities to try your hand at too.
There are tractor rides, a giant bouncy pillow and a carousel running all throughout the day for any kids looking to let off some steam.
And those after a quieter and less energetic itinerary can head on over to the cuddling corner, feed meerkats and handle some reptiles too, this farm is catering for all.
With the meet and greet experience occurring during May, meaning more chance of that gorgeous sunshine, anyone attending is also advised to come dressed in their ‘Hawaiian best’.
Lilo and Stitch are coming for a special meet and greet at Cockfields Farm in Ashton-under-Lyne on 17 and 18 May, with tickets already live HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd May 2023 
