Shane MacGowan’s widow Victoria Mary Clarke shared on Instagram on Wednesday how an ice bath helped her stop ‘crying like crazy’ and feeling ‘very depressed’.

Her husband, the frontman of The Pogues, died in November at the age of 65 after a battle with viral encephalitis.

Victoria wrote: ‘People have been talking to me for years about how great ice baths are, especially when you do the @iceman_hof breathing.

“The other day in Tulsa I had a really rough day, crying like crazy and feeling really depressed.

“I happened to see that you could book an ice bath with @manifestation.dude Derek and I thought I might as well give it a try.”

She continued: ‘Before we got on the ice, we did some stretching and then about 20 minutes of Wim Hof ​​breathing and I started to feel more alive, more centered and calm.

‘I was scared to get into the ice bath, but I thought I could do it for 30 seconds! But amazingly, I lasted 3 minutes. And I felt so completely present and I wasn’t thinking about the past or the future, it was just completely zen!

“Many people have said that getting into our bodies is the antidote to nostalgia and wishing things were different. Like in The Power of Now by @eckharttolle, you discover that you feel completely different when you get out of your head!!!

‘I will definitely do this again and always come back to the breath. Really happy with this breakthrough! Thank you @manifestatie.dude and @iceman_hof! ‘

The post comes after she admitted she was a “blubbering mess” ahead of Valentine’s Day this year.

Victoria shared it with X, formerly known as Twitter an emotional tribute to the star who sings Victoria’s name and hums along to his own tune.

She wrote: “I feel like an absolute blubbering wreck today and it’s not even Valentine’s Day yet!”

In the 52-second clip, Shane sat on a green armchair with a crucifix around his neck and a black polo shirt.

Shane started the video with a question: “Who’s the best?” Before screaming Victoria’s name over and over again.

A smile appeared on his face as he continued to belt out his tunes, nodding along to his wholesome melody.

The clip ends with the rocker singing her name before declaring, “That’s what the streets sang in 1969.”

Since the musician’s death, Victoria has opened up to fans and shared exclusive insights into the couple’s relationship.

In January, the Irish journalist revealed that she had received messages from the late singer since his tragic death.

Victoria took to Instagram to share an emotional tribute, revealing she had received ‘nudges’ from her late husband after being unable to pick up a guitar since his death.

Victoria shared a photo of Shane with the instrument and wrote: ‘I haven’t played guitar since @shanemacgowanofficial died but last night while trying to watch TV I kept getting nudges from him to open his desk drawer.

“I kept trying to ignore the nudges and I tried to keep watching TV, but something wouldn’t let me and I had to get up and open the drawer.

“There was a pick in the drawer, so I picked it up and then I picked up the guitar and played a few chords.”

‘And it really felt like an energy came through that formed a tune!!!

‘Who knows what we on the other side are capable of? I do know that it felt really good to play the guitar!’

Just a fortnight earlier, on Christmas Day, she paid a heartfelt tribute to the singer on what would have been his 66th birthday.

The journalist took to Instagram to share a sweet photo of the couple and said the festive period had been much harder than she expected.

Victoria, who had been in a relationship with Shane since she was 16, captioned the post: “Today is really hard, much harder than I expected. I just can’t stop crying and I want to be with him so bad it physically hurts.

“I don’t know how people get through this, but I know they do and people feel joy even after losing their person.

“Shane always said that even though he was born on Christmas Day, he was much more focused on Jesus’ birthday and he felt that was the most important thing about Christmas, so I’m asking Jesus and the angels to help me today.”

Victoria also broke her silence on Wham!’s Last Christmas, beating The Pogues’ 1987 hit The Fairytale of New York to Christmas number one, despite a gathering of fans.

She took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and wrote: ‘I love Wham!!! We loved George.

Emilia Clarke looked in good spirits as a light breeze arrived at the Loewe show during Paris Fashion Week on Friday.

The Game Of Thrones star, 37, beamed from ear to ear as she put on a very leggy display in a short gray knitted dress.

The actress protected herself from the cold as she wrapped herself in a beautiful camel-colored trench coat that concealed her entire outfit.

Emilia completed her look with a pair of cream high heels as she was joined by Alexa Chung and Eva Green for the fashionable event.

Alexa, 40, looked chic as she waved to fans in a stylish layered coat.

The cream coat featured both a black collar and a brown fur interior, while she wore the garment open over a simple white T-shirt and dark gray trousers.

The model completed the look with a pair of sparkling high heels as she clutched a metallic silver handbag.

French actress Eva Green looked beside herself with excitement as she waved to fans on arrival in a fashionable dark brown blazer coat.

The 43-year-old completed the look with funky black sunglasses, while she kept the rest of her look casual with jeans and a simple black top.

Meanwhile, Eiza Gonzalez, 34, wowed in a stylish cropped black leather jacket with a beige lining.

She paired the jacket with a neat white shirt, buttoned up to her neck, and black pants and heels.

Adding a pop of color, she opted for a bold red lip and tucked her damp brunette locks behind her ears.

Pop star Shawn Mendes joined the stylish women as he showed off his chest as he went topless under a khaki padded jacket with a cream and brown hood.

The Stitches hitmaker, 25, was smiling from ear to ear as he completed the look with a pair of mossy green cords and black shoes.

Sophie Wilde caused a storm when she opted for a brown fur jacket which she paired with oversized baggy jeans.

The BAFTA Rising Star Award nominee showed off plenty of skin as she paired the coat with a black cut-out top.

American actress Meg Ryan opted for a khaki green, black and white checked blazer which she combined with some round shades.

The 62-year-old styled her hair in natural waves and completed the look with black trousers.

Pharrell Williams embraced his inner cowboy as he arrived in a cream cowboy hat, leather Louis Vuitton jacket and flared jeans.

The musician looked incredibly trendy as he accessorized the look with a shiny belt, to which he attached a gold keychain, and yellow shoes.

Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece looked stylish in a gray sleeveless top and black midi skirt.

Emilia Clarke may not have gotten the Iron Throne, but Prince William gives her her own prize.

William, 41, presented the medals for the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) to Emilia, 37, and her mother, Jennifer Clarke, at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, February 21. The mother-daughter duo received the award for the help they provide to people with brain injuries through their organization SameYou, which helps brain injury survivors receive better mental health care.

“From Westeros to Windsor, it's a real pleasure today to present @emilia_clarke and her mother Jennifer with the award for their charity work with @sameyouorg in support of brain injury recovery care ,” the Prince and Princess of Wales wrote via Instagram next to a video of the ceremony. “Congratulations to all today's recipients!”

In the clip, Jennifer said it was “such an honor,” while Emilia was excited about being recognized for a cause close to their hearts.

“To receive such an award… icing on the cake,” said the Game of Thrones said alum. “I'm going to have my picture taken because of this prize. And people will say, 'Why did this person that we recognize get this award?' And we're going to say, 'It's for brain injury recovery.'

Last month, Emilia and Jennifer reacted when they learned they had been selected as one of the recipients of the prestigious award.

“Still so stunned and amazed that my mother and I have been given the incredible honor of MBEs…!,” Emilia wrote via Instagram in January. “But all this glamor and excitement is pictures, this MBE really is for anyone who has had or continues to have a brain injury.”

Emilia and her mother decided to found SameYou in 2019. Upon founding the nonprofit, the actress revealed that she was inspired to start the organization after surviving two brain hemorrhages while working Game of Thrones.

During an interview with The New YorkerEmilia recalled feeling ill during a training session and was later diagnosed with a subarachnoid haemorrhage, a life-threatening form of stroke caused by bleeding into the space around the brain. She underwent emergency brain surgery.

Although the procedure was successful, it also caused many side effects, including memory loss and aphasia. After Emilia recovered from the initial hemorrhage, a doctor discovered another aneurysm, which required more invasive surgery.

After revealing her near-fatal experience, Emilia said she felt compelled to share her story so she could help others in a similar situation.

“I knew I had to tell this story because I wanted people who suffer from it to know that this is also what a brain injury looks like, and that you can do it,” she said. Additional in April 2019. “I wanted people not to feel alone when they did. I knew it was my duty, but it's hard.'

William has appeared solo at most royal events in the past month, like his father, King Charles IIIand wife, Princess Kate Middleton, are facing their own respective health battles. Kate, 42, is still recovering from her planned abdominal surgery that took place in January. That same month, Charles, 75, underwent prostate surgery to treat an enlarged prostate. The monarch later revealed that he had been diagnosed with 'a form of cancer'.

While attending the BAFTAs on Sunday, February 18, William apologized for Kate's absence from the ceremony. “I'm sorry Catherine isn't here,” he said Elaine Bedell, CEO of the Southbank Center, at the awards ceremony, adding that he and his wife always watched the nominated films together. “She really likes the BAFTAs.”

RUSSELL MARTIN'S Premier League hopefuls Southampton want to win the race for Sunderland star Jack Clarke.

Saints are planning a £15million bid for the 23-year-old Championship superstar winger.

1

Ex-Spurs boss Clarke wants to score another goal in the top flight and is open to a move if the Black Cats do not go up.

Sunderland may have to cash in on their best player, who is also loved by Brentford.

While West Ham were heavily tipped to make a bid for the 15-goal star in January.

Crystal Palace are also keeping tabs on Clarke and could make an approach this summer, especially if Michael Olise leaves.

Even Serie A giants Lazio have shown interest, reportedly submitting a £15 million bid last month.

Tottenham have a 25 percent sell-on clause that could impact Sunderland's valuation for their star player.

Saints have also completed a £15m deal for centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

The 22-year-old Manchester City star is on loan at St Mary's, but that will become a full-time contract at the high price if Southampton rise this season.

HOW TO GET FREE BETTS ON FOOTBALL

Martin's side are two points clear of an automatic promotion place, but have a game in hand against second-placed Leeds.

Their 25-match unbeaten run was ended by Bristol City last week, but they bounced back with a 2-0 win over West Brom on Friday.

The Traitors star Harry Clarke is set to 'give up his job in the army' as bosses at ITV are reportedly trying to sign him up for I'm a Celebrity.

The 23-year-old army engineer stormed to victory in the final of the hugely popular BBC game show, taking home a whopping £95,000.

On Thursday, Harry revealed he would be leaving the army to spend more time with his girlfriend CBBC's Anna Maynard.

But a source told it The mirror the career change may be motivated by increasing opportunities in TV – particularly with a possible stint in the jungle.

“Since the win he has been approached by ITV casting directors who want him to appear in the jungle this year,” the source said.

It has been reported that Harry was approached by as many as ten talent agents following his huge win, indicating signs of huge TV potential.

The source said the finalists' feet have “barely touched the ground” since the explosive final episode aired.

And as the winner, Harry was at the center of the frenzy.

Speaking about his offers to join I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, the source added: 'He would be a great asset to them and he is seriously considering saying yes – it would be a truly incredible opportunity.'

The source said that with the skills he acquired in the army, Harry could carry out many of the tasks in the jungle as ITV tries to cash in on the success of the BBC show.

It comes after Harry said his career change was motivated by love, dduring an interview with the British Forces Broadcasting Service radio station on Thursday.

Harry praised his six years in the army for 'making me the man I am today and helping me win the game', but said it was time for a 'new chapter'.

“I wanted to start the next chapter of my life before the TV show came out,” Harry explained. “I had been in the army for six years, I had already been sent away.”

Harry, who previously revealed how his military background helped him win The Traitors, said he quit for love, declaring: 'I'm a lover, I'm a hopeless romantic, it sounds so cringe but there's that special someone necessary for .

“I never wanted a full career in the military because I wanted to move back home. I was away Monday to Friday and when I'm deployed it's months of missing birthdays or making memories with your partner and that just wasn't for me.”

Harry is happily in love with his CBBC star girlfriend Anna, sister of I'm A Celebrity star Jack Maynard and singer Conor Maynard.

“When I met my girlfriend, my decision was: I'm going to get what I can,” he explained, “and I'm ready to leave now.”

'Luckily during my supervisor course for work I got a message to do the TV show, but I had already opted out.'

“They've been great though and will hopefully let me out sooner because I'm having so many crazy meetings with management and stuff so who knows what's next.”

Harry has revealed how he managed to finance his lavish lifestyle before winning the £95,150 show.

The 23-year-old confused fans with his talk about money, saying on the show that he wanted to win to spoil his family, while later saying on Uncloaked that he 'didn't need the money'.

A quick look at his Instagram shows that he lived a comfortable life before he became famous, with photos of the star on private jets and dripping in designer accessories.

So fans were stunned when Harry revealed in a recent interview that he has 'no pot to p**k into' and has borrowed money from his father while waiting for his top prize to be sent.

To clear up the confusion, Harry revealed his glamorous social media page was not what it seemed and mentioned his famous girlfriend Anna.

Kyly Clarke caused a storm on Wednesday night when she stepped out in a stunning black dress for the Argylle premiere in Sydney.

The ex-wife of cricketer Michael Clarke, 42, looked every bit the femme fatale as she rocked a bold red lip for the fun outing.

Putting on a leggy show, the former model proved she's still got the looks as she flaunted her incredible body in the figure-hugging dress.

Kyly carried a vintage Louis Vuitton handbag worth a whopping $2,800 and accessorized with huge gold hoop earrings.

The brunette beauty curled her dark locks and then elevated her look with a pair of black strappy heels that contrasted beautifully with her red nail polish.

Heavily pregnant Simone Holtznagel also appeared at the star-studded event, with partner Jono Castano on her arm.

The model, who is about to have her first child with the famous personal trainer, opted for an all-black ensemble to hide her growing bump.

The bombshell let her blonde locks tumble around her shoulders and highlighted her stunning features with expert contouring before donning several gold rings.

Jono's ex-wife Amy showed up to the event, apparently without her AFL player boyfriend Aaron Evans.

Nevertheless, she looked every bit the bronzed goddess in a very flattering brown two-piece ensemble with suggestive lace inserts and a sheer top.

The fitness fanatic, 31, and co-founder of the ACERO gym, pulled her brunette locks back into a '90s-inspired spiky bun before licking a plump nude lip.

Elsewhere, heavily pregnant Jade Tunchy, 28, and partner Lachie Brycki, 30, wore very similar turtleneck looks.

The lovebirds kept their arms wrapped around each other as Jade rocked a baby blue look, while Lachie opted for all black.

Former Miss World Australia Erin Holland, 34, turned heads with her stunning beauty as she donned a short red dress that shimmered under the lights.

The TV presenter licked a bold red lip and dressed up in beige strappy heels, elongating her incredibly toned legs even further.

The Traitors winner Harry Clarke reunited with his fellow players as the group enjoyed a night out together ahead of the final airing on Thursday. 

The 23-year-old British Army Corporal fought off competition from 20 other contestants all vying to win up to £100,000 in the famous castle as part of the intense psychological game.

After a well-deserved win, Harry and his former victims put his traitorous lies and deceits in the past as they enjoyed a boozy evening out at a pub in London.  

Harry reunited with fan favourite Diane Carson as the pair embraced in a tight hug while beaming from ear to ear. 

Yet fellow finalist Mollie Pearce was noticeably missing from the reunion after she stormed out of the roundtable upon discovering Harry was a traitor.

After convincing the 21-year-old that he was faithful throughout the show, she was left in turmoil as she weighed up whether to vote out Jaz or Harry at the end the game. 

Yet Mollie stayed loyal to her friendship, changing the name on her chalkboard at the last minute from Harry, to Jaz only to find out the heartbreaking truth that Harry was a traitor. 

Despite confirming on The Traitors: Uncloaked that her and Harry are ‘still best friends’ the disability model was absent from the celebratory pub trip. 

Meanwhile Harry walked alongside fellow traitor Paul and Diane as the threesome put all bad blood between them in the past as they linked arms together while making their way to the pub. 

They were also joined by fellow traitors Ash and Miles as well as faithfuls Jonny, Brian and Charlotte.

As the group headed inside Harry got a round of drinks in for his pals after bagging the £95,150 cash prize. 

In the final episode host Claudia Winkleman congratulated Harry on his spectacular victory as she announced: ‘Harry you did it, you’ve played the game of your life, you’ve played an extraordinary game…£95,150! At 22 years old you have beaten everybody, you are our winner!’

Overwhelmed Harry said: ‘My legs are shaking, oh my, oh my God! I just won £95,000! She’s like crying and stuff.

‘Mollie basically is the reason I am here, I need to gain her trust back, I don’t know if that will be possible, but I am going to try my hardest I promise you that. 

‘My family know I am a good guy, to everyone else, if you don’t think I am a good guy – I promise you I am. 

‘I came here for my family, my loved ones, they are my motivation, they are the reason I go on in life, and I can’t wait to be able to ring them and be like ‘I’ve just won 95 grand!’ it makes me so excited.

‘I feel like I can breathe, cause I am me again, I am Harry again… I underestimated this massively, you come here and there is 22 amazing people, and from the off I have been a Traitor, I’ve had enough of being naughty and being bad because that was next level!’

Meanwhile Mollie was overcome with emotion as she cried: ‘Oh my f*****g god,’ before storming out of the studio. 

Harry was faced with a series of tough decisions during his time as traitor, and betraying Mollie was undoubtedly the hardest. 

Earlier in the episode Evie was banished by her fellow contestants, despite her strong defence that she was a faithful.

Andrew also fell victim to Harry’s incredible tactics as he too was banished after all three remaining players voted him out. 

Both Evie, Andrew and Jaz were also absent from the reunion.  

The Army corporal also explained during the show that the traitors chose to murder Diane as they felt they had to ‘put her in her place’, therefore deciding she would drink from the poison chalice. 

Yet that is now all in the past as Harry and Diane were seen embracing in a hug, the school teacher grinning from ear to ear as she reunited with the army engineer. 

Charlotte and Ash also looked delighted to be back with Harry as they shared a group hug outside before army veteran Jonny also joined. 

Harry and Jonny struck up a firm bond in the castle due to their shared background in the army. 

Jonny’s banishment devastated the 22-year-old as broke down in tears after he revealed he was faithful. 

Harry explained at the time: ‘I feel like I need to protect Jonny. Obviously being in the army you’re taught the values and standards of being a soldier.

‘Me and Jonny have a brotherhood so I want to try and deflect it. I couldn’t live with myself. I love that guy and I want him to stay in the game.’

Harry continued: ‘He literally lost his leg fighting for our country and his is still smiling every day.’

Adding to the camera Jonny said: ‘when you find someone who has served in the military you do gravitate towards them. You have the same values. We have a brotherhood.’

Paul, who became notorious for his Oscar worthy acting performances and manipulation tactics, looked in great spirits. 

One shot even saw the business executive practising his famous evil laugh.  

Meanwhile Harry was also seen reuniting with Miles, despite siding with Paul at the roundtable as the villain, once again, decided to point the finger at a fellow traitor. 

After Diane’s dramatic funeral, Paul told how Diane had named Miles as her murderer after she drank from the dreaded poisoned chalice and sealed her fate. 

The tense round table saw Miles refuse to go down without a fight as he then turned on Paul, with Harry using the moment to secretly whisper to Zack his theory that they could both be Traitors.

While the guys were seen enjoying a pint, Diane and Ash cracked open a bottle of fizzy rose, the drink which sealed the Irishwoman’s fate. 

After accepting a glass of fizzy rose from Miles, Diane was poisoned by the traitors, but it is still clearly her tipple of choice.  

Once inside the group were also joined by Brian who was one of the earliest players to be banished after he cracked under pressure after he was called a ‘sheep’. 

Viewers were in hysterics after Brian crumbled under the pressure at the round table and suffered a meltdown as his nerves were sent into overdrive as he panicked and asked his fellow contenders why they had voted for him.

Struggling to get his words out, he said: ‘Can I asked, who thought I was a sheep and who thought I amn’t.’

With fear evident in his eyes, he stuttered: ‘I need to know who thought I am and who thought I amn’t.’

He later said to camera: ‘I lost my head, I don’t know why I acted like that. I’m not even guilty. There’s just something in that room that throws you off.’ 

While Diane enjoyed her night out her son Ross was notably absent from the evening. 

The mother and son managed to keep their relationship a secret throughout the show, with Ross hoping to avenge her murder when he was recruited by the traitors. 

After Harry boasted that they murdered Diane ‘to put her in her place’, Ross saw red as he told to the camera: ‘My mum was murdered. So, I will take revenge. If I’ve got an opportunity, they are getting it’. 

Yet sadly his plan didn’t work and Ross lasted less than 24 hours as a traitor before he was banished at the roundtable. 

After spending the day in Zach’s firing line based on a theory surrounding the shield, the group ultimately voted to banish him.

However, as the video director, 28, stood ready to leave the castle, he dropped the bombshell that he had not been playing the game alone. 

‘I will just leave you with one little Easter egg before I go,’ Ross said. ‘I was actually the son of someone in this game… and that person was Diane.’

The reveal sent shockwaves around the round table, and the double reveal of Ross both being a Traitor and Diane’s son overwhelmed the group. 

‘Oh my days Rossy Ross,’ said Harry, who was involved in Diane’s murder and meant Ross had to watch her be buried in a coffin.

‘We obviously killed Diane and made Ross go to his own mum’s funeral. This game is mad.’ 

Other faithfuls Charlie, Jasmine, and Zach were also absent. 

By Kelsey Wilkie for Nca Newswire

Published: 02:17 EST, January 15, 2024 | Updated: 05:41 EST, January 15, 2024

EXCLUSIVE

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern has tied the knot with her longtime fiancé Clarke Gayford in a lavish wedding surrounded by friends, family and politicians.

The wedding took place on Saturday afternoon at the Craggy Range vineyard in Havelock North, in the heart of New Zealand's Hawkes Bay.

Ardern, 42, dressed in a white halterneck dress, wore a full-length sheer white veil – remarkably similar to the one her mother Laurell wore when she married her father Ross Ardern 47 years ago.

Ms Ardern arrived from her neighboring accommodation in a 4WD vehicle before walking through the vineyards, shaded from the sun by an entourage of parasols.

The wedding took place under a large tree next to the vineyard, with the former politician standing in the shade of a bridesmaid who held an umbrella to keep her cool during the ceremony in high temperatures.

The star-studded soirée was a Who's Who of New Zealand society, including Dame Annette King, the New Zealand High Commissioner to Australia; celebrity chef Peter Gordon; and Labor Opposition Leader Chris Hipkins and his partner Toni Grace.

Guests began arriving at the sprawling estate from 2 p.m., some arriving by luxury vehicle and others in a coach with blacked-out windows.

Each guest was required to provide security with their full name and photo ID before being allowed through the venue gates.

There was a heavy police presence due to several protesters carrying signs reading 'This s*** is bananas', with many still blaming Ms Ardern for vaccine-related illnesses and lockdowns during the Covid era.

Hours before guests were due to arrive, a male protester carrying a sign reading “Lest we forget the jab mandate” was seen patrolling the edge of the lavish property.

Another protester was seen waving “death signs” with photos of New Zealanders who allegedly died from vaccine side effects due to mandates.

A marked police car was seen driving up and down the country road where the vineyard is located.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia from nearby Te Mata Peak, a local mother of three, who did not want to be named, said she was shocked there were not more protesters scrutinizing the former prime minister's wedding .

“She is not the person the world media has made her out to be,” she began.

'In New Zealand she is called 'JABcinda' with her vaccination and lockdown agenda.'

A female protester was later seen at Craggy Range holding a sign reading 'This s*** is bananas' while playing anti-mandate propaganda on a large boombox.

The flow of demonstrators comes as no surprise to locals, who say demonstrations have become increasingly common in the final year of Ardern's premiership.

The demonstrations included violent mass protests against vaccine mandates, which culminated in a standoff outside Parliament House, and a wave of death threats against the former prime minister.

“I wouldn't be surprised if someone puts a sign up at the top of Te Mata Peak (overlooking Craggy Range) to protest Jacinda's big day,” said one Māori resident.

A marked police car was seen parked at the top of Te Mata Peak.

Several private security vehicles have also been seen coming and going from the picturesque location.

The vineyard's electric gates are closed and a security guard stands nearby, letting in suppliers and staff.

The ceremony comes almost a decade after their first date – and two years after a previously planned wedding was derailed by Covid-19.

The venue – described as the 'world's most Instagrammable vineyard' – features parasols next to an outdoor bar and a large white tepee-style tent where post-wedding dinner and fine wines will be served.

Craggy Range was fully booked by the happy couple as of Friday, including exclusive use of the accommodation and award-winning restaurant.

The guest list includes many of Ardern's former colleagues in the now-opposition Labor Party, including party leader and former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and his wife Jade, who were staying at a nearby motel.

It's understood that Grammy Award-winning singer Lorde will entertain those in attendance.

British singer Ed Sheeran had previously expressed interest in performing at the wedding, but was unable to do so due to a scheduling conflict.

The wedding day comes after the intimate wedding rehearsal on Friday in a neighboring building.

The couple and their friends and family have remained extremely tight-lipped about the details of the wedding, with the venue considered the 'worst kept secret' in New Zealand.

Preparations for the star-studded wedding accelerated on Wednesday as workers arrived to erect the marquee opposite the vineyard's manicured gardens.

On Thursday, the marquee was fully erect with large tables where guests could enjoy the winery's famous food, which has earned two hats at the Cuisine Good Food Awards.

The venue's current summer menu includes deer tartare, roasted Hohepa halloumi, fried local fish and glazed lamb shoulder.

It is understood Ardern traveled to Hawke's Day earlier this week. She was spotted with twelve other women at nearby Hastings Distillers on Wednesday.

Top Kiwi designer and personal friend of Ardern Juliette Hogan is rumored to be responsible for the former Prime Minister's wedding dress.

It is believed Ms Hogan will also attend the ceremony as a guest.

Reality TV star and celebrity hairstylist Tane Tomoana is believed to be styling Ardern's hair on the all-important day.

He previously styled Ardern's hair for her appearance on the cover of Time Magazine.

Dan Awha, creative and fashion director at Viva and style editor at Canvas, said he has high hopes for Ardern's bridal ensemble.

“Jacinda's fashion style is well documented and she has always been keen to support New Zealand designers,” he told the NZ Herald.

“She knows what works best for her and has built some special relationships with the best in our industry, including Kiri Nathan, Juliette Hogan and Kate Sylvester.

'Her style is contemporary and minimalist at heart, so her wedding dress will reflect this. I'm sure Clarke will also be wearing something smart, sleek and complementary.”

Flowers for the event were created by Field of Roses, a small floral design studio in the Waingake Valley, outside Gisborne.

Jacinda Ardern’s wedding preparations have officially kicked off in a predictably Covid-safe manner.

The former New Zealand Prime Minister spent Friday morning preparing and ironing out her highly anticipated wedding to TV fisherman fiancee Clarke Gayford at Craggy Range Winery tomorrow.

Jacinda, 43, was joined by her mother Laurrell Ardern and friends at Sen Nails & Beauty in the heart of Havelock North, in Hawke’s Bay on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island.

She did her best to disguise herself during her manicure – she wore a straw hat and a surgical face mask.

“Jacinda and her mother were the only two people in the entire salon wearing masks,” said a witness who saw the couple.

“It’s clear the pandemic isn’t over for the queen of lockdowns.”

Dressed in a casual black flowing dress, Ardern was later spied being escorted to a back exit from the salon before making a mad dash to a waiting vehicle.

On Wednesday, Ardern reportedly held her bachelorette party with a dozen girlfriends at nearby Hastings Distillers, a boutique bar known for its “organic, artisanal spirits and liqueurs.”

The former Labor Party leader will tie the knot on Saturday at the $25,000-a-night venue.

She was forced to postpone her 2022 wedding as her government introduced Covid-19 restrictions, reducing the size of gatherings to 100.

In a bizarre twist, Ardern’s long-time friend and fellow Labor Party MP Kieran McAnulty has also booked this weekend to marry his fiancée Gia Garrick, former press secretary to Prime Ministers Ardern and Chris Hipkins.

According to a source, many mutual friends have since accepted invitations to Ardern and Mr Clarke’s big day, despite McAnulty having set the date of his wedding months in advance.

Mr McAnulty and Mrs Garrick will say on Saturday that I will do so at the Orua Sea Grotto overlooking Hot Water Beach in The Coromandel.

Ardern, 42, has long been a fan of the Craggy Range Winery.

In 2020, she was pictured alongside the team of Michelin-starred chefs at the winery’s Two Hats restaurant.

“Honoured that Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had dinner with us last night,” the audience said in a photo caption.

‘Thank you for coming and supporting Hawke’s Bay!’

The globally renowned winery is nestled between the beautiful Te ​​Mata Peak and the Tukituki River and was named the world’s most Instagrammable vineyard in 2021.

The picturesque location offers on-site accommodation for up to 30 guests which must be booked for hosting weddings.

Nestled among vineyards, Craggy Range offers an impressive wedding package for couples, including an intimate sit-down function in the winery’s restaurant for 70 people.

Alternatively, they offer a marquee for large events, with a minimum spend of $25,000.

Ardern, 43, and Mr Gayford, 47, first met at an awards ceremony in 2012 but did not start dating until 2014 when Mr Gayford contacted the then Labor politician about proposed legislation in 2013.

Before dating Ardern, Mr Gayford was famous in New Zealand, with various roles in the media as a radio host, DJ and broadcaster.

Mr. Gayford is the current host of “Fish of the Day,” a series dedicated to Pacific fishing, and “Moving Houses,” a show that revolves around the process of moving houses.

The couple share a daughter together, Neve, who was born in 2018 while Ardern was in office.

New Zealand was swept up in ‘Jacidamania’ when Ms Adern was elected Prime Minister in October 20117 – the world’s youngest leader was regularly harassed for selfies wherever she went.

Two years later, the country was rocked by the worst terrorist attack it had ever seen, when a white supremacist gunman stormed two mosques in Christchurch, killing 51 people.

Ardern won praise around the world for her response, donning a hijab to meet survivors and relatives of victims and tightening New Zealand’s gun laws.

She won global admiration for her response to Covid – summed up by her mantra ‘go hard and go early’ – when she closed New Zealand’s borders after just a hundred cases.

It meant that seven weeks later the country was able to achieve a level of freedom that was the envy of other countries around the world and also helped deliver a landslide victory for the Labor Party in October 2020.

But her decision to implement repeated lockdowns in the second half of the pandemic was widely seen to have hurt small business owners and hurt the Kiwi economy.

Her push for more progressive reforms, in the areas of water, the health care system, resource management and Maori rights, has provoked wave after wave of domestic opposition in recent years.

By the time she announced her shock resignation last January, her popularity had plummeted.

After her resignation, she claimed that she “no longer had enough left in the tank” after her five-year term.

She then made light of the wedding debacle and gave a special shout-out to her partner in the speech, telling him, “And to Clarke, let’s finally get married.”

‘I am a human. Politicians are people. We give everything we can, while we can – and then it’s time. And for me it’s time. I know what this job costs,” she said at the time.