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LAST MINUTE: 2021 Miss World pageant cancelled after 23 contestants test positive for COVID-19

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The Miss World 2021 beauty pageant billed to be held December 16 in Puerto Rico was postponed at the last minute after 23 participants tested positive for COVID-19.

The organisers said the global broadcast finale was postponed due to health and safety interest of contestants, staff, crew and general public

The finale will be rescheduled at Puerto Rico Coliseum Jose Miguel Agrelot within the next 90 days.

Here is the statement issued late Thursday:

After meeting with the virologists and medical experts hired to oversee the Miss World 2021 event and discussing with the Puerto Rico Health Department, the decision has been made by the organizers of the event to postpone the globally broadcast finale at the Puerto Rico Coliseum Jose Miguel Agrelot to be held within the next 90 days.

As of yesterday, additional safety measures were implemented in the best interest of the contestants, production team and spectators, understanding the event increased risks on the stage and in the dressing room.

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However, after additional positive cases were confirmed this morning after consulting with health officials and experts, the postponement decision was made.

The next step according to the medical experts is immediate quarantine, pending observation and further testing according to best practices in situations like this.

Once and only when contestants and staff are cleared by health officials and advisors, will contestants and related staff return to their home countries.

“We are very much looking forward to the return of our contestants, (who we have grown to know and love), to compete for the Miss World crown” said Julia Morley, CEO of Miss World Ltd.

Puerto Rico offers a safe environment and a spectacular backdrop for filming the Miss World Festival!”

One of the contestants affected by COVID-19 is Telangana native Manasa Varanasi, who would have represented India at the international contest.

“We were in great disbelief that she might not be able to grace the world stage inspite of her immense hard work and dedication, however her safety is of utmost importance to us,” the Miss India Organisation posted on their Instagram.

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“We can’t wait to welcome Manasa back home, nurture her back to health and send her back stronger, healthier and happier.”

The Miss World Malaysia organisation also confirmed that their contestant Lavanya Sivaji had tested positive.

Last year’s Miss World was cancelled due to the pandemic and so the reigning beauty queen is 2019 winner Toni-Ann Singh from Jamaica.

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Entertainment

BREAKING: Veteran actor Olu Jacobs dies at 84

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Veteran actor, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

Jacobs’ passing was disclosed by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a post on Instagram on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, saying the family was grateful for his life and asking the public to respect their privacy.

“It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo.

Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR)

11/07/1942-16/09/2026

We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families privacy at this time.”

Olu Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most prominent veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film.

He was also a film executive and a major figure in the development of Nigeria’s contemporary film industry.

Olu Jacobs was widely recognised for his commanding performances and roles across Nigerian and international productions, earning him a lasting place in the country’s entertainment history.

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Nollywood actress Tope Osoba laid to rest in Iperu Remo

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The remains of late Nollywood actress, Tope Osoba, were laid to rest on Thursday in her hometown of Iperu Remo, Ogun State, weeks after her death.

The burial service was held at Akesan Club, Iperu Remo, after her body left the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu.

The remains were were later interred at the Iperu Remo Cemetery.

Colleagues, friends and family, all dressed in white, gathered to pay their last respects to the actress.

Osoba’s death was announced on August 5, months after she underwent breast cancer surgery.

Following her passing, the family initially set August 13, 2026, for the burial, following a candlelight procession and an artistes’ tribute night in her honour on August 11.

The burial was postponed to allow further arrangements and the resolution of outstanding matters.

Prominent Nollywood figures present at the funeral included Foluke Daramola, Kunle Afod and Joke Jigan.

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Osoba was known for her roles in Yoruba movies.

Her passing drew tributes from colleagues, who described her as dedicated and passionate about the industry.

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Another Nollywood actress, Atinuke Kareem, dies after battling cancer

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The sad mood among members of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), has continued to linger with the announcement of the death of Nollywood actress, Atinuke Kareem, who passed away after battling breast cancer.

The news of her passing was officially announced on Tuesday in a statement by her colleague and the Executive Governor of TAMPAN Ogun State, Owolabi Ajasa.

The statement was accompanied by a video clip of Kareem seeking support and prayers during her battle with breast cancer, highlighting the physical toll of the illness on her.

“I’m a breast cancer patient. It has been going on for a while. My family has spent a lot of money; I’ve come to seek help. The association I belong to, TAMPAN, has tried too, but it’s not enough,” Kareem said in the video.

“Don’t allow me to die this way; I have two young children. Nigerians, please help me with any amount you can use to help.”

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In the release signed by the state Public Relations Officer, Femi Solaja, on behalf of Ajasa, the association expressed deep appreciation to colleagues, fans, and well-wishers who provided financial and moral support during the actress’s medical battle.

“We sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed financially, offered prayers, encouragement, and support towards the treatment of our dear colleague, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem,” the statement read.

“Your kindness and sacrifice during her difficult moment meant so much to her family and all of us. We are deeply grateful.”

Tampan further expressed sorrow over her demise, describing it as an irrecoverable loss that members must accept as the will of God.

“Sadly, despite all our efforts and prayers, Atinuke has passed on and answered the final call.

“We cannot question the Almighty God. We can only submit to His will and pray that He grants her eternal rest and gives her family, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear this painful loss. Rest in peace, Atinuke Remilekun Kareem,” the statement concluded.

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The actress’ death comes barely over a week after the Yoruba film industry was thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who also succumbed to stage-four cancer.

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