Harry Styles is getting ready to release a brand-new music video this afternoon, but fans are a bit preoccupied by his appearance.
The 28-year-old Cheshire-born pop superstar took to social media earlier on today to tease the new music video for one of his most-popular recent songs, Music for a Sushi Restaurant – which is opening track on his critically-acclaimed third studio album, Harry’s House, released back in May – by simply just sharing a photo of himself.
The music video for the song, which is serving as the album’s third single, is set to be released at 5pm, and the majority of the singer’s dedicated fanbase are – understandably – pretty excited about it.
But some, on the other hand, just can’t get over what he looks like.
With nothing but a picture to go off, and absolutely no plot line from the video revealed whatsoever, the usually clean-shaven and eccentrically-dressed Styles shared a photo of himself sat shirtless in what appears to be a dirty kitchen (maybe of the said sushi restaurant?) – but the major talking point is the massive unruly beard he’s sporting.
Even though it’s obviously not real and must be a feature of the character he’s playing in the music video, the beard has been grabbing headlines presumably for that fact Styles is very rarely seen with any kind of facial hair.
And for the fact that fans are convinced he looks like Ian Beale from EastEnders, when the iconic character famously played by Adam Woodyatt went through some troubling times back in 2012, found himself homeless, and took on a rather unkept look.
“It’s giving homeless Ian Beale,” was a typical reaction shared on Twitter.
Other shocked fan comments on Twitter ranged from “This isn’t you Harry, please,” to “Sometimes you just gotta wake up to Harry Styles having a massive beard,” and “Harry Styles with a beard, I don’t know how to feel.”
The iconic character Ian Beale famously fell on tough times back in 2012 and took on a rather unkept look / Credit: BBC
Given how much the picture has been trending on social media today, we also thought we’d ask our audience of over 930,000 followers on The Manc’s Facebook page who they think Styles looks like in the music video.
Cries of everything from a young Hagrid and a young Brian Blessed, to Jean-Claude van Damme, Tom Hardy, Jim from The Royle Family, and more were thrown out there.
One of the most common suggestions was Tom Hanks in Castaway – which is also pretty accurate.
Chester Zoo confirms sex of viral snow leopard cub after its first vet health check
Emily Sergeant
It’s the news we’ve all been for… Chester Zoo has confirmed the sex of its viral snow leopard cub after its first vet health check.
In case you need bringing up to speed, the new baby arrived to first-time parents Nubra and Yashin, who are both three-years-old, earlier this summer on 10 June, and since then, keepers at Chester Zoo said mum and cub had mostly spent their time quietly tucked away in a cosy den, away from the eyes of the onlooking public.
But just last week, it was time for the little one to see what the outside world is all about, and the zoo’s cameras captured it venturing outside for the very first time.
Back then though, we were still awaiting confirmation of the cub’s sex.
Now, Chester Zoo has confirmed that the adorable ball of fluff was taken to the zoo’s specialist vets and carnivore keepers this week to be examined, weighed, vaccinated, and most importantly, ‘sexed’ – and finally, it has been revealed as a female.
Keepers say the playful new arrival is now eight weeks old and growing in strength and confidence every day, with mum Nubra watching over closely.
“At eight weeks old, the cub has undergone the first of two all-important health checks,” explained Mark Brayshaw, who is the Head of Mammals at Chester Zoo.
Chester Zoo has confirmed the sex of its viral snow leopard cub after its first vet health check / Credit: Chester Zoo
“These quick examinations by the zoo’s vets are really important for us to make sure the cub is healthy and in good physical condition.
“We recorded the cub’s weight, checked its heartbeat, eyes, and teeth before swiftly returning the cub to mum Nubra, [and] we’re very happy to report that the cub was given a clean bill of health and we can finally reveal that it is indeed a female.
“Now comes one of the toughest tasks of all – choosing a name worthy of such a special arrival.”
Snow leopards are classed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and it’s believed there are as few as 4,000 now remaining in the wild.
Stay tuned to find out the little one’s name, expected to be revealed very soon.
In fact, you might as well throw in your own suggestion – we’ve already offered ours…
How about Medo? 🥹
It means ‘little flower’ in Tibetan, the same as her mother’s tongue. 🌼
Manchester Storm ban supporter and condemn discriminatory behaviour after online comments
Danny Jones
Ice hockey side Manchester Storm have come out to vocally condemn any and all forms of discrimination following recent concerns raised online and, more importantly, putting words into action after issuing a stadium ban to a match-going fan.
Writing a lengthy, passionate and defiant post on Wednesday, 6 August, Manchester Storm informed supporters that they had been made aware of multiple “derogatory and discriminatory comments” earlier this week.
The remarks in question were made across various social media platforms, as well as fan forums over the past few days, but thankfully were quickly identified and removed by admins.
Nevertheless, Storm recognised the importance of cracking down on this kind of behaviour as swiftly and firmly as possible, penning this pitch-perfect reply in terms of tone and practical action.
The official statement reads: “These comments are deeply concerning and go against everything our club stands for. Let us be absolutely clear: racism, homophobia, and any form of discriminatory or hateful behaviour will not be tolerated – online or at the [Planet Ice] Arena.
“We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive club that welcomes players, staff, and fans from all backgrounds. Anyone found engaging in racist, homophobic, or otherwise abusive behaviour will be banned and will not be permitted entry to The [Storm] Shelter.”
Storm also went on to detail that the individual in question regarding multiple related incidents has not only been issued with a ban, but that their season ticket has been revoked and will be denied all entry to their home ground in Altrincham.
They also assured that the matter has been reported to Greater Manchester Police, adding that the club “will continue to cooperate fully with their investigations” and”will not hesitate to pursue further legal action where necessary.
Proud to see such quick and decisive action from the local sporting organisation, which should help serve as a real deterrent for similar potential trouble in the future.
The response from the right-minded fans in the comments was great to see as well.
Regardless of the offensive remarks made on the forum, most Manchester Storm supporters welcome the statement fan ban. (Credit: IG)
One user on X wrote: “The storm is for everyone; we don’t need these people anywhere near the Storm Shelter. Thank you for acting so quickly.” Another on Instagram added, “Absolutely, hockey is for everyone, correct and firm stance/action. Well done, from a Belfast Giants fan.”
The club signed off by saying: “Manchester Storm remains committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. Hate has no place in hockey – or anywhere else.
“We thank our community for standing with us in upholding these values.
Emily Sergeant -
27th October 2022 
