Beauty influencer causes gridlock

Celebrity YouTube blogger and beauty guru, James Charles (19) social media star from Bethlehem, New York, is believed to have brought Birmingham city centre gridlocked after 8, 000 fans flocked to the Bull ring at 16:00 GMT on Saturday. Suffolk Street, Queensway, Navigation Street and Hill Street were all heavily congested as some motorist opted to abandon their vehicles overnight.

The beauty influencer was greeted by four floors of screaming supporters during his visit to the shopping centre.

Charles tweeted a video showing the huge crowds at the shopping centre. On Snapchat he said it was the biggest meet-and-greet session he had ever done.

He has YouTube channel followed by 14 million people were he uploads make-up tutorials, reviews and challenges.

The beauty influencer makes millions of dollars through his own merchandise and clothing range and sponsored social media posts and he calls his fans “sisters” and his fan base “the sisterhood”.

Last year he released his own eye shadow palette that sent millions of teenagers and make-up lovers into a tailspin and the palette was sold out worldwide within hours0- twice.

Tara Sara