B&M shoppers fill their baskets with household essentials scanning for just £1 instead of £29 15 Apr 2025, 11:36 pm

B&M SHOPPERS are going wild after spotting household items and gadgets scanning for just £1 compared to the original £29 price tag.

Massive savings have been spotted in stores across the country, including branches in Manchester, Birmingham , Liverpool, Glasgow, and Leeds.

Lucky customers are scooping up high-ticket items for pocket change.

One of the biggest shockers? Vibrant LED light bars, perfect for bedrooms, gaming rooms or cosy living spaces, have been found scanning at just £1, down from a whopping £29.

Another tech steal is the smartphone mini projector, ideal for turning any wall into a cinema screen.

Shoppers have picked it up for only £3, even though the box still shows £25.

Customers have taken to Facebook groups to share their finds, with one shopper posting: “The projector omg!!!”

Another added: “Worth checking x”.

Others also tagged their friends in the comments.

Some of the other eye-popping deals turning heads include Aldi’s £39.99 Corded Mini Circular Saw, a budget-friendly garden and DIY tool.

It’s priced at just £39.99, significantly cheaper than Bosch’s comparable model, which retails at £140.

Aldi’s Dubai-Style Chocolate Ice Cream for £3.99 is another standout, a sweet treat inspired by the viral pistachio-filled chocolate bar from the traditional Arabic dessert, Knafeh.

This ice cream, featuring a creamy pistachio center wrapped in smooth milk chocolate, offers a unique taste at an affordable price.

For tech lovers, Amazon’s Fire 7 Kids Tablet has been slashed to £64.99, making it an excellent deal for parents looking for a durable, kid-friendly tablet at half the original price.

Exact tiny ‘mark’ missing from rare 50p coin sold for 150 times its value & what it means if you have one 15 Apr 2025, 11:25 pm

A RARE 50p has sold for 150 times its usual value – due to a tiny missing “mark”.

The King Charles Atlantic Salmon 50p was first produced in 2023 in celebration of Charles‘ ascension of the throne.

ebay

EBay

Most of the coins were minted with what’s called a “privy mark” – a small crown symbol stamped onto the heads, tails side or rim.

In the case of the Atlantic Salmon, this is a small Tudor crown, stamped just behind the King’s head.

However, a “non privy mark” version recently hit eBay – and sold for a whopping £75.18.

The sale went through on April 13 following a bidding war between 40 coin enthusiasts.

It is not the first time the coin has seen major profits for its owner.

Last year, one sold for over £100 last year – 200 times its usual value.

Others have sold for around the £110-£120 mark – while a bag of the coins went for an eye-watering £1,700.

Only a small number of coins in circulation have a privy mark, as they’re only etched on for special occasions – such as coronations and jubilees – and collector’s editions.

The limited number of coins with privy marks means they have a greater collectability factor – and are generally more valuable.

But, confusingly, 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p coins are actually more valuable without privy marks.

There were only 200,000 of these mark-less coins put into general circulation, making them even rarer than the Kew Gardens 50p – and therefore extremely valuable.

It comes after another 50p was listed on eBay for a staggering £150,000 last week – 300,000 times its usual value.

The rare 2017 coin features Elizabeth II’s head on one side, and Beatrix Potter’s beloved Benjamin Bunny on the other.

How to spot rare coins and banknotes

Rare coins and notes hiding down the back of your sofa could sell for hundreds of pounds.

If you are lucky enough to find a rare £10 note you might be able to sell it for multiple times its face value.

You can spot rare notes by keeping an eye out for the serial numbers.

These numbers can be found on the side with the Monarch’s face, just under the value £10 in the corner of the note.

Also if you have a serial number on your note that is quite quirky you could cash in thousands.

For example, one seller bagged £3,600 after spotting a specific serial number relating to the year Jane Austen was born on one of their notes.

You can check if your notes are worth anything on eBay, just tick “completed and sold items” and filter by the highest value.

It will give you an idea of what people are willing to pay for some notes.

But do bear in mind that yours is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it.

This is also the case for coins, you can determine how rare your coin is by looking a the latest scarcity index.

The next step is to take a look at what has been recently sold on eBay.

Experts from Change Checker recommend looking at “sold listings” to be sure that the coin has sold for the specified amount rather than just been listed.

Horoscope today, April 16, 2025: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg 15 Apr 2025, 11:01 pm

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

ARIES

March 21 to April 20

Smooth talking Mercury is your latest planet guest, and this brings you words you have been waiting for.

You start to unpick a set of communication problems that have lasted longer than expected.

At work, your ability to connect small ideas into one Big Plan is a gift.

Love needs patience, plus passion.

 TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

Looking closer at a set of dreams you’ve kept on the sidelines may feel a risky move but when you pace yourself, you can make progress.

Consider each prospect on its own merits.

If you’re in love, give your flirty side free rein.

If you start the day single, the third phone call can contain a destiny name.

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

You have a knack for turning feelings into words that hit home, but remember this can work two ways – to make people happy or to hurt them.

You know which one is closest to your generous self.

A work team can get a new lease of life when two members swap roles.

Listen carefully to a “P” celebrity.

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CANCER

June 22 to July 22

The moment you admit to yourself you want more, in luck or love, you can unlock a special part of your confidence that’s been waiting for a chance.

A time of ticking over can end as you plan steps to change.

In love? Two very different paths can be back in tune.

Single? The One is wearing outdoor gear indoors.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

LEO

July 23 to August 23

Understanding what you don’t know is your key step to filling in learning gaps.

So take time to think through where your knowledge is, and where you’d like it to be.

This can include love, as Venus is perfectly placed to take you deeper.

If you’re single, your soulmate sits in the middle chair of five.

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

A few weeks of pretending can end as Mercury moves on.

Now you can come clean about your thoughts and feelings, and take action to share them.

At work, this ends a time of letting someone less talented take all the glory.

At home, when everyone knows exactly where they stand, the true future can appear.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Getty

LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

With a moon of communication and Mercury in your negotiation zone, this can be a day of sealing great deals.

You see the weak spots in a current cash agreement and how to fix them.

Plus you can quickly suss out where a friendship, or work bond, would benefit from more time and attention.

Luck circles “K”.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

The perfect way to put the work changes you long for into action can appear to you overnight, so do listen carefully.

It may mean cutting certain contacts or habits out of your future, but you can see why this is needed.

As for love, time alone together counts double today, so do make sure to seek some.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

Your chart mix of moon personal insight, Mercury creative power and Neptune sensitivity is a one-off winner in terms of finding the one big idea that’s deep inside.

When you think of the future you want, the image that appears is a surprise but today can be your first day of working towards it.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

Family addresses, from the present and the past, can combine in lucky ways – even just mixing two very different home styles can spark success.

You have a sixth sense for difficult feelings – but use this carefully around a workmate who is proud.

Don’t rush a conversation.

Passion buys three items.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Supplied

AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

You have one of the most sociable charts and when you make the first move to start or finish a special conversation, you can trust yourself to do the right thing.

But you could break the rules a little, perhaps at work, as Mars challenges beliefs that are out of date.

The luck factor spins a circle of golden shapes.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

PISCES

February 19 to March 20

Not talking about money, has become a habit but it is one you can break.

When you decide to face facts and figures, you start to see how simple a fix could be.

Mercury steps up to help you speak up, then cash can start to add up.

As for love, a fascinating Libra longs for you to show your true self.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

Supermarket giant giving out DOUBLE loyalty points across Easter weekend 15 Apr 2025, 11:01 pm

A SUPERMARKET giant is offering double loyalty points to all members shopping in-store or online throughout the Easter weekend.

Morrisons is boosting its More Card loyalty programme with double points for all items purchased over the Easter weekend.

Ian Whittaker

From Friday, April 18 to Monday, April 21, shoppers will accrue ten More Card points per product, effectively doubling the standard rate of five points.

Promotional offers will also see their points doubled during this period.

This temporary boost to the More Card scheme will allow customers to accumulate points more rapidly, enabling them to reach the 5,000-point threshold needed to claim a £5 Morrisons Fiver voucher faster.

These vouchers can then be redeemed against future purchases both in-store and online.

Morrisons has unveiled the latest promotion following the recent decision to allow shoppers to earn points on all products across stores.

Previously, customers could only collect More Points or enjoy discounts when purchasing selected items.

However, in early December, the supermarket expanded its loyalty programme to include a broader range of products.

Morrisons rebranded its loyalty scheme as MyMorrisons back in 2021, replacing the original Morrisons More brand and temporarily suspending the points collection system.

Under the earlier scheme, customers were rewarded with digital vouchers that provided instant savings.

By 2023, Morrisons reversed course and reinstated its More Points programme, much to the delight of loyal shoppers.

To locate your nearest Morrisons store, visit my.morrisons.com/storefinder.

The latest change from Morrisons after Tesco and Asda made some tweaks to their reward schemes as well.

Tesco recently launched a trial offering shoppers personalised discounts and offers.

Meanwhile, Asda has ditched Star Products, with some shoppers saying they’ll boycott the retailer following the move.

How does the Morrisons More Card work?

The Morrisons More Card lets you earn points on purchases which can be used to get money off future shops.

Once you get to 5,000 points you can keep saving, or convert them into a voucher worth £5 to spend in-store or online.

You can’t earn loyalty points when buying certain products though, including tobacco and gift cards.

The full list of excluded products is on the Morrisons website.

The More Card also gives you access to personalised offers based on your shopping habits, including discounts on specific products or extra points on certain purchases.

You can get a physical More Card and scan it at the till or swipe a virtual card via the app when shopping in-store.

If you’re shopping online, you can link the More Card to your online shopping account and automatically get points on your purchases.

Mobile firms ranked best to worst as big suppliers drop down the list – plus how to save £100s on your bills 15 Apr 2025, 11:01 pm

THE best and worst mobile phone suppliers have been revealed in a new annual survey, with the biggest providers slipping down the list.

Consumer website Which? asked thousands of customers to rate their experiences with 16 major providers.

Customers were asked to consider a range of factors including customer service, technical support and network reliability.

EE, O2, Three and Vodafone were all largely outshone by smaller rivals like Smarty, Voxi and Lebara.

Provider Three came bottom of the rankings for the second year in a row, receiving a customer score of 63%.

The firm ranked poorly on network reliability, customer service and value for money when roaming.

Meanwhile, only two in five Three customers said they had not experienced a problem in the past 12 months – fewer than for any other provider.

O2 and Vodafone fared slightly better with customer scores, earning 68% and 69%, respectively.

Customers said O2 rated poorly for customer service, ease of getting in touch and technical support.

Vodafone also received mediocre scores and was rated particularly poorly for communication with customers, network reliability, and incentives and rewards offered.

EE fared better than the other big providers this year, coming in mid-table with a customer score of 71%.

The firm still received mostly average scores across the board, but was rated well for download speeds.

Incentives and value for money when roaming were rated poorly, with just two stars out of five.

It comes as the “Big Four” providers are hiking their annual prices, with O2 hitting customers with an annual increase of £1.80 a month for Sim-only contracts.

This compares to £1.50 a month for EE customers, £1 to £1.50 for Three customers and £1 to £1.80 for Vodafone customers.

At the other end of the scale, most smaller providers are not imposing mid-contract price hikes, making their cheaper, more flexible Sim-only deals even better value, Which? said.

This includes Smarty, Voxi and Talkmobile, which all received customer scores of 80% or more.

Smarty topped the table with a score of 82%, with customers rating it highly for value for money.

Voxi and Talkmobile followed just behind with scores of 81% and 80%.

Both networks performed particularly well for network reliability, value for money, download speeds and quality of communications.

Both firms also offer affordable deals without mid-contract price hikes.

Which? said the results of the survey showed how the smaller mobile firms are outperforming their bigger rivals in several areas, especially regarding value for money.

It said rolling monthly Sim-only contracts for the Big Four networks start from £19, whereas these are available for less than £5 from some of the top-performing smaller firms, with more data included.

Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said: “Our research shows that smaller providers are outshining the biggest mobile network firms across the board.

“Many smaller providers offer better customer service, more reliable connections and cheaper Sim-only deals without any mid-contract price hikes – giving their customers more certainty about what their monthly bill will look like.

“Any customers who are nearing the end of their contract and are unhappy with their current provider, or could stand to make savings, should not hesitate to vote with their feet and move to a different provider.”

The Sun asked EE, O2, Three and Vodafone for further comment.

How to slash your mobile bill

It’s worth checking whether you qualify for a social tariff, available to those on certain benefits like Universal Credit.

They’re usually cheaper than standard mobile phone packages and could save you hundreds of pounds a year.

You can find out the list of providers that offer either type of tariff on the Ofcom website.

If you can switch to SIM-only deal, it’s worth doing as well, as this will most likely save you money each month.

Really think about how much data you need each month too, so you don’t end up paying for internet you don’t actually need.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

Britain’s vaping craze has peaked as scientists say incoming ban could dent popularity 15 Apr 2025, 11:01 pm

BRITAIN’S vaping craze has peaked, a study suggests.

Fourteen per cent of over-16s puffed on e-cigarettes between January 2024 and January 2025 — the same percentage as the previous year.

Their use also levelled off among young adults — some of the heaviest users — with 27 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds using them during the same period.

Scientists believe plans to ban single-use vapes — due to come into force in June — have dented their popularity.

Study author Dr Sarah Jackson said: “The research cannot tell us why vaping rates have levelled off.

“But in the past we have seen changes in smoking habits before a policy change.

“Action is likely still required to reduce high vaping rates.

“But now the situation has stabilised, policymakers may be sensible to avoid stricter options that might deter smokers from using vapes to quit.”

The University College London study of 88,611 people in England, Wales and Scotland between 2022 and 2025 also found use of disposable vapes last year tumbled.

It went from 63 to 35 per cent among young adults.

And 12 per cent of all ages still smoke tobacco.

Labour’s Lisa Nandy stuns in chic trench coat & suit for Elle magazine shoot, after making monarchy U-turn 15 Apr 2025, 11:01 pm

LABOUR minister Lisa Nandy looks dandy in a trench coat and suit for Elle magazine. 

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport kept to muted colours for the fashion publication’s photoshoot. 

 ELLE UK / Adama Jalloh

PA

Ms Nandy, 45, last week did a U-turn on her 2020 support for abolishing the monarchy, saying: “We do need a Royal Family able to help us deliver benefits to Britain.” 

She appeared in the posh women’s magazine as Labour continues to drop in the polls in favour of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party. 

This follows claims Britain is broken, according to more than two-thirds of voters in a key political battleground.

A damning poll, carried out in Labour’s Red Wall, came after another day of Channel crossings and unions rejecting a bid to ­settle the long-running bin strike.

Voters demand radical reform of immigration, the NHS and the economy.

Just 23 per cent say Britain isn’t broken and nine per cent “don’t know”.

Two thirds believe “the country is heading in the wrong direction”, with only 21 per cent saying it is going the right way.

The shock survey shows Reform on course for big gains in May’s elections — and Mr Farage beating Nandy’s boss Sir Keir head-to-head on who would make the best PM.

It comes as worried Labour has ­dramatically increased attacks on Mr Farage in recent months.

Almost a third said Mr Farage is the man to end small boat crossings, compared to 17 per cent for the PM.

• Lisa Nandy UK Site Elle Magazine

PA

Dozens of road closures across Britain are LIFTED for Easter weekend in huge boost for drivers – check your journey 15 Apr 2025, 11:01 pm

MOTORISTS will benefit from thousands of miles of roadworks being lifted ahead of the Easter getaway.

Workers will down tools across 1,127 miles of repairs nationwide to get the country moving across the four-day break.

Estimates from the AA say more than 19 million drivers will make car trips on Good Friday, 18.5 million people will drive on Easter Saturday and 18.2 million on Sunday and Monday.

Around 97 per cent of major roads across England will be completely free from roadworks helping to speed up journeys.

Significant routes being lifted or completed by big getaway include 130 miles on the M25, 100 miles on the M1 between London and Chesterfield and 31 miles between Great Yarmouth and Peterborough.

Ministers say they can save drivers £500 per year through £59 on the fuel duty freeze along with filling in potholes which can cost families £460 in repairs.

National Highways are relaunching their ‘TRIP’ campaign to prevent breakdowns calling on drivers to top-up their fuel, rest, inspect tyres, and prepare for all weather conditions.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “We are tackling the real problems that drivers face by lifting 1,127 miles of roadworks over Easter and cracking down on disruptive streetworks to make journeys to see loved ones as smooth as possible.

“This Government is also saving drivers up to £500 a year, with councils soon to receive their record £1.6 billion pothole funding and the continued freeze on fuel duty.”

Meanwhile, a new measure to implement a digital service to speed up roadworks and reduce accidental strikes on underground pipes which currently amounts to 60,000 per year will be brought in – costing the UK economy £2.4 billion each year.

The National Underground Asset Register will create a map of the country’s underground pipes and cables allowing construction workers to see their exact location rather than the current time frame of six days.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Technology must be first and foremost used to make people’s lives better, and that includes tackling the misery of traffic caused by road works.”

Fines of up to £10,000 a day for utility companies whose work that overrun will also apply at  weekends and bank holidays in addition to weekdays under government plans.

Labour accused of ‘banter ban’ as football fans could be stopped from shouting ‘Are you blind?’ at refs under new law 15 Apr 2025, 11:01 pm

Getty

FOOTBALL fans could be stopped from shouting “Are you blind?” at refs under Labour’s “banter ban”, a peer has warned.

Lord Young fears the Employment Rights Bill will threaten free speech as bosses would be liable to be sued by their staff for any harassment.

AFP

He said it could mean a partially-sighted steward could take a club to court if offended by chants.

He added: “It would force clubs to insist on absolute silence during matches.”

Angela Rayner’s law makes bosses liable for failing to take “all reasonable steps” to prevent an “intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment” for people with a protected characteristic like a disability.

Fears have also been raised of pubs stopping punters from speaking on contentious issues in case if offends bar staff.

Ministers have categorically denied that the sweeping legislation will impose curbs on offensive remarks.

A government spokesman told The Times: “The Employment Rights Bill will not affect anyone’s right to lawful free speech, which this government stands firmly behind.

“Upsetting remarks do not fall within the definition of harassment.

“We are strengthening workplace protections to tackle harassment and protect employees from intimidating and hostile abuse as well as sexual harassment.”

Getty

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Horse racing tips: ‘This race should set up perfectly for him’ – Templegate’s 9-1 NAP on a cracking day of action 15 Apr 2025, 10:59 pm

TEMPLEGATE tackles a brilliant midweek punting treat confident of finding winners over both codes.

There is top action at Newmarket and Cheltenham. Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

APOLLO ONE (3.00 Newmarket, nap)

He is no whipper-snapper anymore but improved plenty last season and this race should set up perfectly for him. He goes on any ground and horses that can go the early gallop and race prominently tend to do well on the Rowley Mile, especially at this time of year. He runs well fresh and has a good record at the track.

DARK CLOUD RISING (1.50 Newmarket, nb)

Opened his season in style at Pontefract and this race should suit him perfectly. He is back out quickly under a penalty and looks a step ahead of the handicapper. The ground will be spot on for him and not many in here have had a run yet.

EAST INDIA EXPRESS (2.05 Cheltenham, treble)

Was well punted when only seventh in the Martin Pipe here at the Festival. He tracked a fast gallop and probably got involved earlier than he needed to. A more patient ride will suit and there is no doubt there is more to come from him.

Templegate’s verdicts

NEWMARKET

1.50

DARK CLOUD RISING opened his season in style at Pontefract and this race should suit him perfectly.

He is back out quickly under a penalty and looks a step ahead of the handicapper.

The ground will be spot on for him and not many in here have had a run yet.

Charlie Appleby always does well at this meeting and his Al Misbar will be popular.

He gets cheekpieces on now but was beaten in his only handicap last season and needs to step forwards.

Defence Minister was tried in a Group 1 at the end of his juvenile campaign and could yet prove better than a handicapper.

Double Rush bolted up at Wolverhampton on his return and looks smart.

He beat little there and has to prove himself in a big field.

Ryan Moore is an eye-catching jockey booking for The Dragon King.

Moore has a healthy strike rate for trainer Clive Cox and he is proven over track and trip having won a big sales race here at the end of last season.

2.25

THE paddock and betting will be your best guide here but on paper ALTAREQ makes plenty of appeal.

John Gosden has a great record in this historic maiden and this Frankel colt is related to some smart performers.

He will stay further in time but this looks a lovely place to start.

Stablemate Caughtredhanded went unsold at the sales but is related to some smart horses that Gosden has trained over the years.

Spy Kingdom cost 100,000 guineas and has more speed in his breeding than plenty in the line up.

William Haggas is no stranger to a winning debutant so keep an eye on his Muhaajim.

Hard Endeavour looks first string from Jane Chapple-Hyam.

3.00

THERE’s been no winning favourite of the Abernant since 2017 and APOLLO ONE is worth chancing.

He is no whipper-snapper anymore but improved plenty last season and this race should set up perfectly for him.

He goes on any ground and horses that can go the early gallop and race prominently tend to do well on the Rowley Mile, especially at this time of year.

He runs well fresh and has a good record at the track.

Romantic Style is another Godolphin horse to return from Dubai.

She was dropped to this trip last time and bolted up but still has a bit to prove.

Sajir has to be respected from the Andre Fabre team.

He won a conditions race in style last time and is well-touted.

Lethal Levi is another who will relish this sprinting test and could be dangerous if allowed an easy lead.

3.35

OPERA BALLO can hit the right notes in the Craven Stakes.

Charlie Appleby loves using this race as a springboard to Classic success and I prefer what is his No2 on paper.

He could not have won any easier on his two starts at Kempton and clocked a brilliant time on his last outing.

He lacks some experience and may want a little further in time but could be a classy horse in time.

Stablemate Aomori City is shorter in the betting but was turned over a few times last season and a few of these may improve past him.

Wimbledon Hawkeye was rock solid at two and his Acomb second is red-hot form. His trainer has said he will need this.

Field Of Gold should improve plenty but will reach his peak over further and New Century is already a top-level winner.

CHELTENHAM

2.05

EAST INDIA EXPRESS was well punted when only seventh in the Martin Pipe here at the Festival.

He tracked a fast gallop and probably got involved earlier than he needed to.

A more patient ride will suit and there is no doubt there is more to come from him.

Deploy To Spy was progressive in the autumn and comes here off a break. This sort of trip is likely to suit.

Typhoon Flyer hit the line hard when bolting up at Haydock last time.

A 6lb rise underestimates him and he rates a leading contender.

Ballytechno caught the eye when flying home for third at Kelso in December and title-chasing Dan Skelton saddles last year’s winner Doyen Quest, but he’s much higher in the weights this time.

2.40

If you can’t beat them, join them.

It’s worth following that proverb because Willie Mullins is throwing everything but the kitchen sink in his bid to defend his title.

And his O’MOORE PARK looks the one to beat after a cracking third here in the Jack Richards at the Festival.

The form looks strong with the winner Caldwell Potter going on to Grade 1 glory at Aintree and the seventh The Other Mozzie hacking up in a handicap at Ayr on Saturday.

This trip might be on the short side but rider Sean O’Keeffe won’t be hanging about.

His stablemate Classic Getaway is a class act but has plenty of weight to carry.

Moon D’Orange looks the biggest danger.

He was pulled up in the same race as the selection last month but had earlier won a strong contest here in January. He’ll love the ground.

Bhaloo is next best after a smooth win at Newbury last month and last week’s Ayr winner Riskintheground makes a quick return.

Templegate’s tips

NEWMARKET

1.50 Dark Cloud Rising (nb)

2.25 Altareq

3.00 Apollo One (nap)

3.35 Opera Ballo

4.10 Seren Star

4.45 Push The Limit

5.20 Fifty Nifty

CHELTENHAM

1.30 Toad Hall

2.05 East India Express (treble)

2.40 O’Moore Park

3.15 Regarde

3.50 Long Draw

4.25 Hymac

5.00 King William Rufus

BEVERLEY

1.40 Ali Shuffle

2.15 Elegant Erin

2.50 Hiya Maite

3.25 Adoon Valley

4.00 Lightening Mann

4.32 Marioento

5.07 Law Degree

5.37 Crown’s Lady

FFOS LAS

4.37 Deep Purple

5.12 Scorpio Rising

5.45 Star Walking

6.15 The Dream Goes On

6.45 Ninth Loch

7.15 Bampton Star

7.45 Just Aidan

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Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

I’m a football WAG but still love M&S fashion – my spring picks are giving luxury 15 Apr 2025, 10:55 pm

THERE’S no doubt that M&S have upped their game this season, with spring staples sending fashion fans into a frenzy.

And even a footballer’s girlfriend has insisted the high street giant is “slaying” with its new pieces.

@nicci_claassen

@nicci_claassen

Instagram/Jack Mackenzie

Kenny Ramsay

Nicola Claassen lives in Aberdeen with her boyfriend Jack Mackenzie who plays for the Dons.

The 24-year-old financial accountant regularly shares her fashion finds and outfit of the day picks on her social media.

In a recent video, the fashionista revealed she was heading to the newly renovated M&S store in Union Square, Aberdeen.

She said: “I’ve been so excited for it to open up because M&S has been slaying, I’ve been loving them.

“It’s giving luxury and take my money.”

First up, she tried a £69 tailored collarless blazer in the colour of the season, buttermilk.

Designed in a comfortable regular fit with a sleek and modern silhouette, the blazer offers easy layering for work or beyond.

It’s currently sold out on the website, so you’ll have to be fast to nab it in your nearest store.

Nicola also found a gorgeous dark indigo denim waistcoat with large gold buttons for £39.50.

And she snapped up the high street giant’s £65 utility trucker jacket before it sold out – and joked it stops her from freezing while watching Jack’s games.

Nicola earlier revealed the healthy snack she whips up for her footballer boyfriend that still satisfies a sweet tooth.

So if you’re trying to up your protein or watch what you eat, then you’ve come to the right place.

When she’s not working her corporate job, she enjoys cheering on her beau at matches and coming up with new recipes for him to enjoy.

In a TikTok video, she said: “My boyfriend is a professional footballer but there is no private chef around here. It’s me, I am the private chef.

“So I love playing around with recipes to create something that exactly suits his needs and his taste.”

She added: “Eating healthy and meeting protein goals does not mean boring and it also doesn’t mean tasteless.

“I love meal prepping different snacks and different meals so that when he gets home from training he does not have to worry about cooking at all.

“Being a supportive girlfriend means that I do what I can to make his life easier when he gets home and he looks after me.”

And the footie WAG has hailed one of her recent creations, high protein cheesecakes, as the “yummiest, healthy snack”.

Jack Mackenzie, 24, is a left-back with Aberdeen and won his first senior Scotland call-up last year after his impressive form.

His contract is set to end this summer, with him already being linked to Championship clubs Preston, Sheffield United and Stoke City.

Why everyone is loving M&S

Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale revealed to Fabulous why M&S is the shop of the moment. She explained:

“M&S has really pulled it out of the bag this season, there is so much good product to be excited about.

“A brand once known for its ‘frumpy fashion’ that notion is long gone with it now being one of the leading high street stores for womenswear.

“Its handbag range in particular is super strong with them selling 170% vs plan, with lots more designer dupes for just a fraction of the price.

“The brand is now also the #1 for style perceptions, compared to the #3 spot it had last year, this comes from a really strong design team focused on modernising the brand, not only taking into consideration how the pieces look, but how easy they are to wear also.

“Price is also a big factor with you being able to get many good quality pieces all for under £30.

“After having a sneak peak of the upcoming collection there are so many more amazing pieces that are dropping over the next few months to keep your eyes on.

“Think leopard print dresses, colourful co-ords, embroidered boho jackets, plus lots of swimwear and amazing accessories, as well as great wardrobe staples that will last year on year.”

TV fitness guru Jody Bunting cleared after being accused of trying to kill his boss with chocolate bar 15 Apr 2025, 10:54 pm

A TELLY fitness guru accused of trying to kill his boss with a chocolate bar has been cleared.

Jody Bunting, 45, was arrested for attempted murder after his hotel health club manager had a severe allergic reaction.

He left a fruit and nut bar while Kim Hoskins, 27, was off.

Days later she was in hospital with anaphylactic shock.

Police seized Jody after a 2023 Morocco holiday.

After 17 months on bail prosecutors are taking no further action.

Jody, who had a slot on C4’s Big Brother in 2001, said: “I am glad Kimberley recovered.

“But it has nothing to do with me.”

Ms Hoskins is suing Derby’s Mickleover Court Hotel Leisure Club for disability discrimination.

In legal papers she said Jody was “plotting with colleagues to throw chocolate into my office to get rid of me”.

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Lewis Hamilton’s beloved dog Roscoe suffering from pneumonia as caretaker gives health update 15 Apr 2025, 10:45 pm

LEWIS HAMILTON’S beloved dog Roscoe is suffering from pneumonia.

And the dog’s caretaker issued a health update on the hound.

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Roscoe the bulldog is looked after by animal lover and trainer Kirstin McMillan while Hamilton travels the world as a Formula One driver.

But a social media update revealed he is currently unwell.

McMillan revealed vegan Roscoe has been diagnosed with pneumonia.

However, the canine is being treated with medication – and even receiving acupuncture treatment, too.

And the expectation is he will recover because the illness is not too serious.

In an Instagram story, McMillan showed Roscoe devouring a sweet potato and peanut butter dog treat.

She then recorded a video to update fans on the famous dog.

McMillan said: “Roscoe, because I know you are going to ask, he is going to his vet today.

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“This is a vet that practises veterinary medicine where she combines Eastern and Western, that’s an intergrative pet practice.

“So she’s a real vet, she went to Davis and everything, but she went for a few years of additional training in holistic methods, Chinese medicine, accupuncture and things like that.

“What she is going to do with him today is a high-dose Vitamin C IV drop and this is supportive care.

“This is in addition to the strong antibiotics that he is correctly on for his pneumonia.

“And she’ll do acupuncture on him. So this supports him.”

Roscoe has been a constant companion for seven-time F1 world champ Hamilton over the years, regularly rocking up at tracks with his owner.

He has more than 1.1million Instagram followers and his latest post on Monday night in America showed the pooch – who gets an annual birthday party – lying on a sandy beach in the sunshine.

Plenty of fans took to the comments to wish Roscoe well.

One said: “Get well soon. We love our favourite beach boy way too much!!”

Another wrote: “Feel a whole lot better soon sweet boy.”

A third added: “Get well soon Roscoe, we love you.”

And a final user replied: “Oo Roscoe my love, you are better sunbathing, vitamin D, fresh air on the beach. Take care of yourself, I hope you get better, I love you.”

Hamilton currently sits seventh in the F1 drivers’ standings after four races with Ferrari – but was disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix.

Instagram @adventuresindogtraining

Instagram @adventuresindogtraining

Instagram @adventuresindogtraining

Coronation Street star gives birth to first child and reveals adorable name 15 Apr 2025, 10:41 pm

CORONATION Street star Sacha Parkinson has given birth to her first child.

The actress, who is best known for playing Sian Power on the ITV soap, revealed she welcomed her daughter last week as she shared the first snaps of her.

Sacha, 32, also announced her daughter’s name, writing: “1 whole week of Sadie.” 

Sacha’s followers, including her former Corrie co-stars were quick to congratulate her on the news.

Lucy Fallon, who plays Bethany Platt, wrote: “Gorgeous. Hope you’re all ok.” 

While Corrie and Strictly star Ellie Leach gushed: “Soooooo beautiful congratulations.” 

And soap legend Sally Dynevor posted: “Ooooh wow congratulations. How wonderful. She’s so beautiful.”

Sacha revealed last December that her and her fiancé Jon were expecting their first child. 

The actress told fans that she was expecting 2025 to be a “wild” year as she shared photos of her baring her baby bump.

She announced she was engaged to partner Jon in 2023 after he popped the question on holiday. 

The actress appeared on Coronation Street for almost four years before quitting in 2011 to focus on other roles.

Sacha made Coronation Street history during her time on the soap after being one half of the soap’s first ever lesbian couple.

Since leaving the soap, Sacha has gone on to land a number of other acting jobs and has appeared in shows including Waterloo Road, Mr Selfridge and Cold Feet.

Most recently, she starred in 2023 ITVX thriller Platform 7.

Europe’s human rights laws should be reviewed, ex-Lord Chief Justice says, amid fury they are blocking deportations 15 Apr 2025, 10:40 pm

EUROPE’s human rights laws should be reviewed, the ex-Lord Chief Justice says, amid fury they are blocking deportations.

Lord Burnett said the “time has probably come” to look at Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

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Lawyers have used the right to a family and private life as means to fight removals of dangerous foreign offenders often on ludicrous grounds.

Yvette Cooper has launched a review of ECHR application in migration court cases following a slew of bizarre appeals.

An Albanian crook had his deportation halted partly as his son disliked foreign chicken nuggets.

An immigration tribunal ruled it would have been “unduly harsh” for the child to be deported to Albania with his father due to his sensitivity around food as well other “additional” needs.

Lord Burnett also raised concerns over ECHR judges’ behaviour following a controversial ruling against Switzerland for not doing enough on climate change.

He told Times Radio: “There’s a case where there is a perfectly legitimate argument to be had.

“It is about whether the Strasbourg Court has perhaps overstepped the judicial function and entered the political sphere.

“But I don’t think that one or two cases that cause concern should lead to an overreaction and a desire to throw away the whole system.”

Popular UK restaurant in iconic ‘Baltic Triangle’ suddenly closes with ‘furniture removed’ as diners left devastated 15 Apr 2025, 10:32 pm

A popular UK restaurant in the trendy ‘Baltic Triangle’ has suddenly closed overnight leaving diners heartbroken.

Horus Bar and Grill, located in Liverpool, had been serving Egyptian cuisine for around a year.

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But now, the once-busy venue is shuttered, with furniture reportedly removed and no sign of reopening.

It’s listed as permanently closed on Google, and even the restaurant’s Instagram page has vanished, leaving loyal customers in the dark.

The restaurant was known for its authentic halal menu, attracting foodies from across the city, especially the Muslim community, who relied on it for its halal meat options.

From grilled kebabs and lamb chops to stuffed vine leaves and creamy baba ghanoush, Horus Bar and Grill carved out a unique place in the city’s food scene.

But over the last few weeks, the doors have remained firmly shut.

Locals say the place looks stripped bare, with key furnishings and decor already removed from the premises.

Attempts to contact the owners have been unsuccessful, and no explanation has been posted online or on the venue itself.

The sudden closure has sparked speculation, with diners expressing disappointment and confusion over the restaurant’s silent exit.

One regular said: “It was a proper gem. Really sad to see it go, there’s nothing else quite like it around here.”

The shock news comes just days after another popular name in the Baltic Triangle revealed it was also shutting up shop.

Richie’s, a staple of the Baltic Market, announced it would be leaving the food hall after several years.

Known for its indulgent burgers, cheesy bites and loaded fries, Richie’s had built up a cult following.

In a statement, Baltic Market said: “We’ve got some huge, and potentially heartbreaking, news. Richie’s will be leaving us next week.”

“After an unforgettable run… it’s time to pass the torch.

“We’re making way for a brand-new trader to join us and serve up some next-level scran.”

Staff from Richie’s were praised for their creativity and passion, with the market adding: “Who remembers the Cheetos mozzarella stick? Iconic.”

This is the latest in a growing list of hospitality closures across the UK, from independent restaurants to household chains.

In London, the country’s oldest Indian restaurant, Veeraswamy, is facing the axe after 99 years.

The legendary spot on Regent Street, which has hosted royalty and politicians, may be forced out after landlords refused to renew its lease.

Despite holding a Michelin star and hosting the likes of Princess Anne and King Abdullah of Jordan, the restaurant may soon be turned into office space.

Co-owner Ranjit Mathrani slammed the decision, saying: “They don’t care a bugger for history.”

Elsewhere, in Peterborough, two town-centre restaurants, Franco Manca and Harvester, shut down on the same day in March, dealing a double blow to local food lovers.

Franco Manca closed its site just three years after opening, while Harvester in Alwalton shut its doors ahead of a major refurbishment to become a Miller & Carter steakhouse.

Meanwhile, Caribbean chain Turtle Bay closed its Blackburn branch for good after eight years, citing the “good times” but leaving fans devastated.

Financial expert Craig Rachel, of AlixPartners, warned: “The accumulation of external pressures in 2024 is significant.

Some businesses have tried to adapt, but consumer spending is under pressure.”

Even iconic spots like Hakkasan in London have been forced to close.

The high-end restaurant recently shut its original location on Hanway Place after 24 years of service.

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Wayne Rooney sends message to Marcus Rashford after Man Utd loanee’s ‘fantastic’ showing for Aston Villa 15 Apr 2025, 10:30 pm

WAYNE ROONEY sent a clear message to Marcus Rashford following Aston Villa’s exit from the Champions League.

PSG dumped the Villans out of Europe despite a brave performance at Villa Park in the second leg.

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Rashford, 27, was one of the more impressive players during the 3-2 victory and even claimed an assist for Villa’s third.

The forward took on two PSG defenders before laying off the ball to Ezri Konsa to fire home.

However, the win was not enough to book the West Midlands side a spot in the Champions League semi-finals due to the 3-1 defeat in Paris last week.

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney was impressed with Rashford’s performance for Villa.

The retired striker insisted that he is keen on the idea of Rashford returning to Old Trafford this summer.

Speaking on Amazon Prime, he said: “I hope Rashford goes back to Manchester United and performs like he did tonight.

“That’s what we all want to see as Manchester United fans.”

Rashford was sent out on loan during the January transfer window after falling out of favour under boss Ruben Amorim.

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The forward struggled to show his best form following the arrival of the Portuguese manager, but has improved since swapping red for claret.

Rooney also claimed that Rashford would want to be playing at Old Trafford and creating a “legacy” at the club.

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He added: “Marcus Rashford wants to play for Manchester United, 100 per cent.

“He’s a Manchester lad, a Manchester United fan.

“He needed to play and it was clear he wasn’t going to play for the rest of the season.

“Sometimes, you have to put the manager in a position where he cannot leave you out.

“Marcus Rashford, in an ideal world, would want to play and leave a legacy at Manchester United.

“Whether that’s possible, I don’t know, but that’s what I’d love to see.”

Manager Aston Villa Unai Emery was asked about the future of Rashford after the defeat.

The former Arsenal boss praised his efforts against PSG but admitted it was “difficult” to plan.

He said: “It is difficult to plan it now.

“He is feeling better and he played a fantastic match. We are very happy.

“If he is happy, we are happy. It depends on the circumstances for now and the next weeks.”

While Rashford received praise for his performance against the French giants, two Villans were slammed for errors.

Clarence Seedorf singled out full-backs Lucas Digne and Matty Cash for their “unacceptable” attitude that allowed PSG to put themselves clear of their hosts.

Ideal walking pace for a smaller waist, weight loss and reduced risk of killer heart condition revealed 15 Apr 2025, 10:30 pm

SCIENTISTS have shared the ideal walking pace to slash the risk of dangerous heart rhythm problems, while slimming down your waist and boosting weight loss.

Arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm that causes the organ to beat too quickly or too slowly,

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A new study walking at a brisk pace “may be a safe and effective exercise to reduce arrhythmia”.

Academics from the University of Glasgow analysed data from 420,925 people from the UK Biobank who’d revealed their walking speed in questionnaires.

They defined a slow amble as less than three miles an hour, while an average pace was three to four miles an hour and a brisk clip was more than four miles an hour.

Some 221,664 people reported walking at an average pace, while 171,384 said they tended to walk quickly.

Over a period of 13 years, some 36,574 people developed heart rhythm problems.

Their conditions included atrial fibrillation (AF) – when the heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly and too fast – an abnormally slow heartbeat, and ventricular arrhythmias, when an abnormal heart rhythm starts in the lower chambers.

Heart rhythm problems can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and cardiac arrest if left untreated.

They happen when there’s a fault with the electrical system that makes the heart beat and can also be caused by conditions like high blood pressure, heart attacks, or some medicines or viruses.

Researchers found an average walking pace cut the risk of heart rhythm problems by 35 per, compared to slow walkers.

Meanwhile, a brisk pace lowered the risk arrhythmia by 43 per cent.

The risk of AF was slashed by almost half (46 per cent) among those who walked the fastest, the study found.

Participants who favoured speedwalking also had smaller waists and weighed less, researchers noted.

On top of this, they had better grip strength – a marker of healthy ageing – lower levels of blood fats and blood sugar, and fewer long term conditions.

Researchers said the findings, published in the journal Heart, “reinforce the promotion of faster walking pace” in exercise recommendations.

Some 81,956 participants also wore activity trackers, meaning researchers were able to see how long they spent walking at their usual pace.

Of these people, 4,117 went on to develop arrhythmias during the follow-up period.

Researchers found that spending more time walking at an average or brisk pace was linked to a 27 per cent lower risk of developing heart rhythm problems.

But they did note that this was an observational study – meaning authors couldn’t say for certain that brisk walking lowered the risk of heart issues as they couldn’t show cause and effect.

Researchers also acknowledge that part of the study relied on self reporting.

The team concluded: “This study is the first to explore the pathways underpinning the association between walking pace and arrhythmias, and to provide evidence that metabolic and inflammatory factors may have a role: walking faster decreased the risk of obesity and inflammation, which, in turn, reduced the risk of arrhythmia.”

Number of low-deposit mortgages available at highest since 2008 financial crisis 15 Apr 2025, 10:25 pm

MORE low-deposit mortgages are available now than at any time since the 2008 financial crisis.

There are 442 home loans with a five per cent deposit to choose from, more than double the number from two years ago.

Borrowers able to stretch to a ten per cent deposit have the pick of 845 deals — up by a third in two years.

It makes it the highest number of such offers in 17 years, according to analysts from Moneyfacts.

In March 2008, there were 575 five per cent deals on offer and 957 ten per cent deals.

Finance expert Rachel Springall, from Moneyfacts, said: “A rise in product availability for aspiring homeowners is a healthy step in the right direction.

“However, there is still much more room for improvement.”

And while it is a boost for first-time buyers, house prices and mortgage rates are markedly higher than they have been for much of the past 17 years.

A borrower with a smaller deposit still has to pay a mortgage rate of well over five per cent on average.

And the lowest deposit loans account for just six per cent of the thousands of mortgage deals on offer.

The price of a typical new property on the market in April is £377,182, £5,312 higher than a month previously, according to property website RightMove.

The average asking price in London in April soared to a record high of £699,200.

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Jesse Lingard ‘refused to give police statement’ during investigation into sexual abuse by his grandad 15 Apr 2025, 10:15 pm

Reuters

FORMER England star Jesse Lingard refused to give police a witness statement during their investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by his grandad, a court heard yesterday.

The footballer, 32, now based in South Korea, was contacted over claims that Kenneth Lingard, 86, had targeted his alleged victim over 15 years, starting when she was just five.

Investigating officer DC Scott Chambers told jurors ex-Man United star Lingard and his mum had both declined to give a statement.

Kenneth, of Warrington, Cheshire, denies 17 counts of indecent assault between 1970 and 1985.

His alleged victim came forward after watching a Channel 4 documentary about Jesse’s rise to stardom.

The woman, who is now 60, said that she reported the OAP to cops because the documentary portrayed him as “some kind of hero” and that Lingard had told “loads of lies”.

The court heard from the complainant’s second husband yesterday, who said that he had gone to see Kenneth over the allegations in the mid 1990’s.

He told the jury: “I confronted him about it – the abuse.

“I remember him looking me straight in the eye and saying that he didn’t do it.”

The man, who divorced the complainant after eleven years of marriage, said that she had taken an overdose during their relationship and had been treated in hospital.

The jury was told that Kenneth voluntarily gave a police interview in January 2023 – two months after the documentary aired – and dismissed the allegations.

He said: “None of it happened.

” My grandson cannot believe what she is saying.”

The trial continues.

Reuters

Olivia Attwood takes swipe at ex Chris Hughes over his flirty behaviour with JoJo Siwa in CBB 15 Apr 2025, 10:09 pm

OLIVIA Attwood has taken a swipe at her ex Chris Hughes over his flirty behaviour with JoJo Siwa on Celebrity Big Brother.

Tonight, JoJo and Chris were accused of being “gameplayers” for “screentime” as they continue to get close – and now his ex has had her say.

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Rex

Eroteme

Eroteme

Rex

During their time in the house JoJo – who identifies as gay – and Chris have grown a very close bond.

They have been seen snuggling in bed, holding hands and writing secret notes.

Chris‘ Love Island ex Olivia has now thrown some shade on their time in the house.

While hosting the KISS Breakfast Show with Pete Wicks today, Olivia, who dated Chris after they met in the villa in 2017, talked about the CBB fan reaction online.

She told Pete: “I’m getting tagged in thousands because obviously Chris and I used to date – we’re going back like six or seven years but we did.”

Discussing her former boyfriend’s friendship with JoJo, Olivia said that the “clips look like there could be something there’ but “I guess it’s how you interpret it.”

She added: “The internet is going two ways – the internet is going that there’s something there, there might be feelings from one side or the other.

“The other side of the internet is asking is Chris playing the game – she has a lot of followers, she’s very famous…”

Chris and Olivia had a very on/off romance and split up about a year after leaving the villa.

CLOSE FREINDSHIP

Chris and JoJo’s close friendship has become hotly discussed both in and out of the house.

The pair have continued to confuse fans as they have grown closer and closer

Chris and JoJo instantly bonded after becoming housemates.

In a previous episode the pair were caught secretly holding hands in the bedroom.

They were were also seen lying together in bed.

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JoJo, who was lying on her front, had her back scratched by Chris before she slipped back into her own bed.

They were both then seen smiling in the dark as they reflect on the moment.

In the morning, Chris admitted he “missed” JoJo while he was asleep and she asked why he hadn’t dreamt about her.

JoJo, who came out as gay, is in a relationship with someone who identifies as non-binary, while Chris is straight.

To watch The Sun’s new CBB podcast click here.

Celebrity Big Brother 2025 line-up

Celebrity Big Brother is back for a brand new series, with a whole host of stars set to live it up in the famous compound.

Here’s the FULL line-up of star housemates:

Trisha Goddard – Talk show host

Mickey Rourke – Hollywood actor – REMOVED

Donna Preston – comedian and TV star

JoJo Siwa – influencer and singer

Chris Hughes – Love Island hunk 

Jack P. Shepherd –  Coronation Street star 

Patsy Palmer – EastEnders legend

Daley Thompson – Olympic athlete

Chesney Hawkes – 90s singer

Ella Rae Wise – Towie star

Michael Fabricant – former Tory politician – EVICTED FIRST

Angellica Bell – former CBBC presenter

Danny Beard – Drag queen and Britain’s Got Talent

Huge blaze erupts at recycling plant as vid shows flames ripping through building & locals urged to keep windows closed 15 Apr 2025, 10:09 pm

A HUGE blaze has erupted at a recycling plant – as locals are urged to keep their windows closed.

Footage from the scene shows flames ripping through the Derbyshire building – after breaking out shortly before 8.30pm on Tuesday night.

Eight fire engines are currently tackling the blaze, said Derbyshire Constabulary.

The force is urging all locals in the Ikeston area to “please avoid the area”.

In a statement shared to Facebook, a spokesperson said: “We currently have 8 fire engines and an aerial ladder platform dealing with a fire at a recycling centre on Crompton Road in #Ilkeston.

“Firefighters were called to attend the fire following a 999 call to our control room at 20.32 hours.

“If you can see or smell smoke, please keep your windows and doors closed.

“Please avoid the area while emergency services deal with the incident.

“No further information is currently available.”

Locals quickly took to social media with footage from the scene.

In one clip, black smoke can be seen billowing from the plant – as the cameraman describes a “popping” sound.

A large fleet of fire engines can be seen in the foreground.

Another clip, filmed from inside a car, shows orange flames coming from inside the building – as firefighters gather outside.

‘They will be first to suffer’: Russia’s chilling warning to the Baltics & Poland revealed by Putin’s top spy chief 15 Apr 2025, 10:06 pm

RUSSIA will target Poland and the Baltics if they continue to feel threatened by Nato, Vladimir Putin’s top spy chief has warned.

Sergei Naryshkin, Director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, blamed “provocateur countries” for edging Europe closer to an all-out conflict with the Kremlin.

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Doug Seeburg

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Naryshkin claimed in a snarling statement that Poland and the Baltics are yet to fully understand what a conflict between Nato and Russia will truly mean for them.

He announced: “In the event of aggression by the North Atlantic Alliance against the Union State, the damage will be done, of course, to the entire Nato bloc.

“But to a greater extent, the first to suffer will be the carriers of such ideas among the political circles of Poland and the Baltic countries.”

His quotes were first reported by pro-Kremlin news outlet TASS on Tuesday after Naryshkin met with Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko.

Naryshkin also accused Poland and the Baltic states for being “highly aggressive” through their comments and “rattling their weapons”.

One particular incident he referred to was Warsaw’s alleged plan to deploy up to two million anti-tank mines along its borders with Belarus and Russia’s Kaliningrad region.

This would be done to protect Poland from any potential joint Russian and Belarusian invasion threat, according to the state-run news agency BelTA.

Latvia is also said to be “looking into all possible options” to help strengthen its deterrence and defense capabilities”, according toLatvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds.

Sprūds called on the Baltic nation to “prepare as Russia continues to pose a serious threat to the region”.

Many of the Baltics are even building a joint defence line on their border with Russia that will have some six-hundred bunkers across each border.

It will also include tank ditches, forests, dragon’s teeth, hedgehogs, and rocket systems.

Alongside Poland, the Baltics have also withdrawn from an international treaty banning anti-personnel landmines.

Another comment Naryshkin took issue with was around Poland’s President Andrzej Duda urging the US to send some of its nukes to Warsaw.

During his rant the Russian crony accused Poland of “very much wanting to receive nuclear weapons from the Americans”.

Back in March, Duda asked Donald Trump to hand over some of his nuclear weapons so Poland could turn itself into Europe’s frontline fortress.

Poland believe storing the powerful weapons with them will act as a deterrent to Putin but also help to bolster up their own personal safety.

Duda made a similar appeal to France who currently are the only EU nation to have its own nuclear force.

Naryshkin added: “It’s sad they cannot understand that it is the increase in military activity near the borders of Russia and Belarus that has become one of the reasons for the current large, acute and very dangerous crisis on the European continent.”

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Despite Naryshkin only targeting Eastern European nations, much of Europe is said to be preparing for a potential war on their doorstep in the future.

The continent is re-arming as it fears Putin is only years away from a war to push Nato out of Eastern Europe and rebuild the Russian empire.

The EU believes Russia could attack at some point around 2029 if Vlad is successful in Ukraine and the Commission has said the bloc must prepare for a large-scale war with Moscow.

Russia could launch a widespread invasion of Europe within four years, according to the chief of Germany‘s military.

Putin will have amassed a 3 million-strong army by next year which many fear Vlad will use to bulldoze more nations.

European leaders have reacted to this worrying statistic by working to improve their defences and bulk out their army’s.

France and the UK have issued survival how-to-guides in recent weeks.

Germany also announced its first permanent troop deployment since the Second World War with 5,000 soldiers to Lithuania.

And many nations have started to implement conscription for their civilians such as Poland.

Norwegian officials are also preparing for mass evacuation drills for citizens in some of the country’s most northern towns.

Norway, which shares a 121 mile border with Russia in the Arctic, is hosting a Nato exercise next year and wants civilians to also take part.

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Jurgen Klopp tipped for shock return to management almost one year after leaving Liverpool 15 Apr 2025, 9:42 pm

FORMER Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been tipped for a return to management – and with a huge club.

The 57-year-old left Merseyside at the end of last season, putting an end to his nine-year spell with the Reds.

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Klopp has since taken up a new role as Global Head of Football at Red Bull.

He is responsible for guiding philosophy and the development of young players.

The German is also in a position of power when it comes to managerial appointments and transfers across all Red Bull teams.

But Klopp is now being tipped for a sensational return to management.

Spanish outlet Sport has claimed that Real Madrid officials may consider the former Liverpool boss as a potential replacement for Carlo Ancelotti should Los Blancos miss out on the Champions League and La Liga title.

Xabi Alonso had initially been the main target, but his inconsistent campaign with Bayer Leverkusen has led to doubts among the camp.

The prospect of Klopp taking over has excited officials at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He was allegedly considered as a potential managerial candidate a few years ago but president Florentino Perez did not approve at the time.

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Sport has also reported that Perez would go “all out” for a charismatic coach.

Klopp is currently understood to be more than happy in his new role with Red Bull.

However, he does have a special clause that could see him cut short his contract and return to management.

Should he be approached by the German national team, Klopp will be allowed to quit his job at Red Bull immediately.

‘Unacceptable at this level’ – Matty Cash and Lucas Digne singled out for ‘so wrong’ approach as Aston Villa crash out 15 Apr 2025, 9:38 pm

CLARENCE SEEDORF singled out Aston Villa defenders Matty Cash and Lucas Digne for an “unacceptable” first half against PSG.

Villa put up a brilliant fight to push the French side all the way in a thrilling Champions League quarter-final second leg.

Unai Emery‘s men trailed 2-1 at the break but stormed into the lead early in the second half thanks to goals from John McGinn and Ezri Konsa.

But they couldn’t find the elusive equaliser to force extra time, going down 5-4 on aggregate.

Seedorf joined former England striker Wayne Rooney on Prime Video at half-time to discuss the opening 45 minutes.

PSG led 2-0 early in the contest thanks to goals on the break from Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes.

And the ex-Netherlands star called out both Cash and Digne for neglecting their defensive duties and failing to track back in such a huge game.

Seedorf blasted: “The full-backs were completely out of attitude. The attitude was so wrong.

“They’re not giving any importance to running back with the whole defensive line.

“To cover each other, to help the goalkeeper with the second ball, all these things.

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“They were like three against two at certain times. Unacceptable at this level.”

The two first-half goals ultimately proved enough for PSG, who had led 3-1 after a pulsating first leg in Paris.

Rooney agreed with Seedorf that the Villa defence was too wide open in the opening exchanges.

The ex-England striker said: “Marcus Rashford has a bad first touch and loses the ball, but as a forward you don’t expect to concede a goal from there.

“I think Kamara should stay in the middle of the pitch but he doesn’t, he gambles.

“From there, Matty Cash doesn’t run back quick enough.

“It’s a very dangerous position now for PSG to be in.

“Hakimi makes the inside run and Digne doesn’t follow him. It’s a good goal from PSG but sloppy from Villa.”

Homeware chain launches closing down sale as it prepares to shut branch after just two years 15 Apr 2025, 9:31 pm

A HOMEWARE chain has launched a closing down sale as it prepares to shut its branch after just two years.

Melbe Home, which opened in Watford’s shopping centre in July 2023, is now offering discounts with signs proclaiming “all stock must go” ahead of its imminent closure.

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The store, known for its authentic Turkish and bohemian-style rugs and pillows, has attracted many customers.

All items are sourced directly from Turkey, ensuring top-quality craftsmanship.

However, the design team is based in the UK, blending both Turkish and British styles.

The store’s unique offerings and the warm, inviting atmosphere made it a favorite for many, especially those looking to add a touch of boho-chic to their homes.

Despite the closure of this location, Melbe Home’s other stores in Hemel Hempstead and St Albans remain unaffected.

Customers from Watford and the surrounding areas will now need to travel to these other locations if they wish to shop for their signature rugs and home décor.

The Watford store’s sudden exit follows the closure of Paperchase six months earlier.

The stationary giant, which had been a staple at Atria Watford, shut its doors after being excluded from a rescue deal that saw the brand bought by Tesco.

This closure is part of a broader trend in the retail industry, where many businesses are struggling to stay afloat in the face of rising costs and shifting consumer habits.

While Atria Watford has generally seen more businesses open than close in recent months, Melbe Home’s departure leaves another unit vacant.

Shoppers are now left wondering what will take its place, as Atria Watford continues to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions.

There has been no official announcement regarding a new tenant for the space, but the centre is likely to seek out a business that can bring new energy to the mall.

As the “all stock must go” sale continues, loyal customers have flocked to the store to grab the last of its offerings at discounted prices.

Many expressed their sadness at the news of its closure, with some sharing fond memories of their shopping experiences there.

The closure of Melbe Home highlights the pressures facing many independent retailers, especially in shopping centres that have seen shifts in foot traffic and changing consumer habits.

While Atria Watford has remained a popular shopping destination, the future of vacant units will be critical in shaping its retail landscape going forward.

Similarly, Turtle Bay in Blackburn recently shut down its site, after eight successful years of serving Caribbean cuisine.

The restaurant chain, known for its vibrant Caribbean flavours, closed the Blackburn branch as part of an ongoing strategy to consolidate and focus on larger markets.

Fans of the location were left disappointed, with many expressing their regret at seeing a popular dining spot disappear.

Retailers are also pulling out of shopping centres.

Franco Manca, the popular pizza chain, closed its Peterborough outlet in March 2024 after just two years of operation.

The closure followed a series of similar shut-downs across the UK as the restaurant chain looked to refocus its efforts on more profitable areas.

Meanwhile, Veeraswamy, the UK’s oldest Indian restaurant, has faced uncertainty after 99 years of operation.

The restaurant, located on London’s Regent Street, may soon close its doors for good as the landlord plans to convert the space into offices.

This closure is part of a larger trend, with many businesses struggling to adapt to changing consumer spending habits, the dominance of online shopping, and rising operational costs.

The high street is feeling the pressure, as retail parks and online shopping continue to reshape the landscape of traditional shopping centres.

UK high streets have faced a steady decline in recent years, largely due to the rapid rise of online shopping.

Additionally, high inflation has put extra pressure on consumers’ budgets, further impacting spending habits.

A recent PwC report highlighted the ongoing trend of retailers moving away from high streets in 2024.

The report noted that shops in town and city centres are facing increased closures, while retail parks and locations outside these areas are seeing a rise in new openings.

This shift is largely driven by larger retailers and leisure outlets, which are drawn to the convenience retail parks offer shoppers.

The Centre for Retail Research revealed that over 13,000 high street stores closed in 2024, with even more closures expected in 2025.

The analysis found that 13,479 stores, or roughly 37 each day, permanently shut their doors last year.

Independent shops bore the brunt of this decline, with nearly 11,340 closing their doors, marking a 45.5% increase compared to 2023.

The Centre predicts that around 17,350 stores will close in 2025, attributing the rise to a combination of factors, including higher employer National Insurance contributions and an increase in the national minimum wage.

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I could die if I eat a single bite of fruit or veg… my allergies are so bad I haven’t touched them since I was 7 15 Apr 2025, 9:29 pm

A WOMAN has not eaten most fruit or veg in 20 years — as a single bite could kill her.

Recruitment consultant Chloe Raisbeck, 27, was diagnosed with oral allergy syndrome in January 2005 after her lips swelled up while eating a peach at school.

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She has developed a “fear of eating”, carries an EpiPen and even makes her boyfriend brush his teeth if he’s eaten anything green.

Chloe, a recruitment consultant from Solihull, West Midlands, said: “My allergies came out of nowhere.

“I was able to eat fruit and vegetables normally with no symptoms.

“But since taking a bite of that peach, my relationship with food has changed.

“If I eat any of my five-a-day, I develop swollen lips, an itchy throat, and lumps in my mouth.

“I’m lucky my symptoms aren’t too bad, but every time I eat, there’s a constant fear.

“It has made eating very difficult – and I’ll have to rely on giving myself multivitamins every day to treat my allergies.”

However, Chloe has this year managed to eat raspberries.

She added: “I will be allergic to those foods for the rest of my life.

“So I’m trying to reintroduce stuff that I’ve been so scared of eating.

“Over the next few years, I hope to have more varied diets and that I can eat more things.

“But for now, I’m going to take it slow, one bite at a time.”

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‘We were told it was a done deal’ – KSI’s promoter reveals Conor McGregor walked away from shock fight on Alcatraz 15 Apr 2025, 9:18 pm

KSI and his team were told a fight with Conor McGregor was a “DONE DEAL” before their shock showdown fell through.

The YouTube sensation was on course to throw down with the UFC icon in a boxing match on Alcatraz.

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The crossover clash was trending in the right direction before McGregor, 36, walked away from the lucrative bout.

In an interview with Misfits Boxing‘s YouTube channel, KSI’s manager, Mams Taylor, said: “We thought it was a done deal and we were told it was a done deal.”

Taylor admits he’s in the dark over why the fight fell through, adding: “I don’t know exactly because I wasn’t part of the negotiations with Conor.

“But I think Conor made a statement recently about that and referenced it subtly, so go back to that.”

Former two-weight UFC champion McGregor confirmed he was in talks to throw down with social media sensation KSI last month.

And he claimed he pulled the plug on a bout with the influencer as the offer on the table wasn’t a true reflection of his “worth”.

The Irishman said: ” There was an opportunity, or should we say a deal, to fight on Alcatraz recently in June.

“And they came to me, and it wasn’t my worth. As a fighter, we have to know our worth.

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“I hold every pay-per-view record in the book. I hold every gate record in the book.”

McGregor hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier nearly four years ago.

He hinted that he may never fight again moments before revealing he’d snubbed the chance to box KSI.

But he performed a U-turn just SECONDS LATER by doubling down on his promise to deliver the “greatest comeback in sports history“.

The UFC’s first simultaneous two-weight world champion said: “My comeback would be slated as the greatest.

“Or the biggest, most anticipated comeback of all time. So it has to be right.”

Marcus Rashford’s £700k Rolls-Royce towed AGAIN after second tyre blowout in three weeks – just 10 yards from the first 15 Apr 2025, 9:13 pm

MARCUS Rashford’s £700,000 Rolls-Royce had to be towed AGAIN after a second tyre blowout in three weeks — just ten yards from the last. 

The same tyre – on the driver’s rear side – burst on Monday morning, resulting in the Mansory Wraith being towed for a second time in 24 days. 

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A source said: “I bet he can’t believe his run of bad luck. 

“It’s such a fancy car but Rashford’s had his fair share of problems with it. 

“He only just got it fixed and now it’s needing to be repaired again. 

“Let’s hope he has more luck on the pitch.” 

It’s not known who was behind the wheel when it broke down – just a mile from where the Rolls has twice been towed.

His first Mansory Wraith was written off. 

The forward, 27, who is on loan from Manchester United at Aston Villa, was forced to replace the vehicle after it was involved in a collision on the M60 in September 2023. 

The motor was wrecked during a horror crash with a 74-year-old gran as he left United’s training ground in Carrington. 

Photos showed the car took a pounding, with extensive damage to the front, left front wing and a mangled rear left wheel and bumper. 

Both drivers escaped without injury. 

Rashford sold it for a hugely discounted £184,000 at auction – more than half a million less than he paid for it – and replaced it with an almost identical vehicle last May. 

Rashford, who pockets £350,000-a-week, ordered his new Rolls-Royce almost immediately – choosing white instead of grey. 

But his new model was seen being towed away on March 21 after breaking down on the same road for over an hour. 

The 6.6-litre ultra-luxury supercar can do 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 155mph. 

Rashford also owns a £390k Black Badge Cullinan and a £560k Cullinan Blue Shadow. 

His luxury car collection also boasts a £280,000 McLaren 765 Long Tail and a £350,000 Lamborghini Urus Performante. 

In July last year he was handed a six-month driving ban for speeding on the M60. 

He was travelling in his Rolls-Royce Cullinan Blue Shadow when clocked exceeding the 70mph limit. 

Last month, he was hit with a £800 fine for failing to give Cheshire Police information about who was driving his £100,000 electric BMW I7 motor on October 30 last year. 

At the time he was banned from the roads after being clocked at 104mph on a motorway in December 2023. 

Crystal Palace are said to be lining up a Rashford transfer if Villa don’t sign him at the end of the season. 

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Celebrity Big Brother shock as second star evicted after shock vote – just days after Mickey Rourke’s exit 15 Apr 2025, 9:10 pm

THE second star has been evicted from Celebrity Big Brother following a week of drama and tension.

The housemates were left gobsmacked as Trisha Goddard got the boot, just days after Mickey Rourke was kicked out.

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The TV presenter, who is living with stage four breast cancer, lost to EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer and Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd, who had also been nominated for the public vote.

As she left the house, she was greeted by cheers of “Trisha, Trisha, Trisha”, which the audience on her former talk show used to chant.

She said she was feeling “a bit sad” when she departed after revealing during the latest instalment that she wanted to stay in the show as it was a “respite” from her cancer diagnosis.

EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer received the most nominations from the housemates and was put up for eviction alongside Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd and TV presenter Trisha Goddard.

Trisha, 67, had speculated that Patsy, 52, would be the second evicted after a public vote.

She said: “I think Patsy might be evicted tomorrow because maybe she does too much meditation and people are not arsed about that.”

Trisha and Jack both received four nominations each, with Trisha being nominated Chesney Hawkes, Chris Hughes, Ella Rae Wise and Patsy while Jack was selected by Angellica Bell, Danny Beard, Donna Preston and Trisha.

It follows the departure of US actor, Mickey, 72, who agreed to leave the ITV1 show at the weekend after “further use of inappropriate language” and “instances of unacceptable behaviour”.

Trisha, 67, had said that the reality show was a chance for her to “just have fun and things like that”, and not have to worry about health.

She added: “It’s a bit of a bubble, it’s been my risk, not that I expected it to be.

“I’m completely surprised at that, but it’s been a respite from treatment and slightly more shitty stuff, I have survived worse.”

She revealed in February 2024 that she had been diagnosed in 2022 with stage four breast cancer.

The London-born presenter, who has been an Dancing On Ice contestant, was treated for breast cancer in March 2008 after a lump was found during a routine mammogram, and recovered.

She hosted her talk show, Trisha, between 1998 and 2005 on ITV, before presenting The Trisha Goddard Show on Channel 5 until 2010.

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SAS man jailed for leading £1million fraud and splurging cash on ‘Love Island lifestyle’ 15 Apr 2025, 9:05 pm

AN SAS pay clerk has been jailed for leading a £1million fraud and splurging the cash on a Love Island lifestyle.

Cpl Aaron Stelmach-Purdie, 34, got his teeth whitened and a hair transplant, as well as buying a Range Rover.

Stelmach-Purdie admitted fraud and money laundering offences and was yesterday jailed for three years and four months.

But Judge Philip Bartle KC spared five of his former colleagues.

He said: “Without him, none of the other defendants would have become involved in the offences.”

Stelmach-Purdie joined the Army at 16 and had a successful career until suffering post traumatic stress from his service in Afghanistan.

He then took a clerical job at Regent’s Park Barracks in London — the admin HQ of the Special Forces.

From November 2014 to January 2016, he stole more than £910,000 by making 161 bogus claims for flights, subsistence and allowances.

The cash was funnelled through colleagues’ accounts to fund a lifestyle described by one of his co-defendants’ lawyers as ‘straight out of Love Island’.

When police raided the home of Stelmach-Purdie in Oldham, they found nine pairs of Christian Louboutin shoes, Louis Vuitton luggage and pricey watches.

He had been to Turkey for cosmetic surgery including abdominal implants to create a six-pack.

He was dishonourably discharged from the Army in 2016 over child sex offences.

Yesterday, four colleagues got suspended terms of a year to two years for letting him use their bank accounts.

His former boss was given a 12-month community order at Southwark crown court.

Aston Villa vs PSG (agg: 4-5) LIVE RESULT: Heartbreak for heroic hosts as they fight back but can’t complete comeback 15 Apr 2025, 9:00 pm

HEROIC Aston Villa came close but could not quite complete a dramatic Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain.

Villa’s players walked out to raucous noise at Villa Park, with a huge tifo and Price William and George making themselves heard for a massive game.

But Unai Emery’s side conceded two early goals to find themselves 5-1 down on aggregate against the Ligue 1 champions and staring at an exit.

Youri Tielemans then scored to give the hosts hope before John McGinn and Ezri Konsa scored to leave Villa needing just a goal and PSG seriously wobbling.

Villa piled on the pressure – Ian Maatsen having a goal-bound effort cleared off the line – but PSG managed to hold on to earn their place in the semi-final, where they play the winner of Real Madrid and Arsenal.

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Borussia Dortmund 3 Barcelona 1 (agg 3-5): German giants pay price for dismal first leg despite Guirassy’s hat-trick 15 Apr 2025, 9:00 pm

SERHOU GUIRASSY scored a hat-trick but it was not enough as Barcelona moved into the Champions League semi-finals.

Trailing 4-0 from the first leg, the Borussia Dortmund striker enhanced his reputation as the German giants gave their Spanish opponents a major scare.

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Guirassy’s treble means he is the competition’s top goal scorer with 13 goals – one more than Barca’s Raphinha.

And he now holds the record for the most goals scored by an African player in a single Champions League campaign.

The Guinea forward, 29, netted his first in style.

He dinked a Panenka from the penalty spot down the middle after Wojciech Szczesny wiped out Pascal Gross.

Guirassy grabbed his second to keep the tie alive four minutes into the second period.

The forward rose highest at the back post to nod home from a yard out.

Dortmund’s fans were starting to believe an unthinkable comeback might just be possible.

But their hopes were dashed five minutes later.

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Barcelona sucked the life out of Dortmund and their partisan crowd by scoring a vital goal.

Fermin Lopez attacked down the right flank before Ramy Bensebaini sliced the ball into his own goal.

Although the tie belonged to Barca, Guirassy did ensure the night belonged to him with quarter of an hour to go.

He netted his third after he made no mistake when Ronald Araujo fired his clearance straight at him – completing his perfect hat-trick by sweeping in with his left foot.

Barcelona now face the winners of Bayern Munich or Inter Milan in the semi-finals.

Inter take a 2-1 advantage into tomorrow’s second leg at the San Siro.

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Inside Strictly dossier that ‘CLEARS’ shamed Wynne Evans – including bombshell videos that ‘change everything’ 15 Apr 2025, 9:00 pm

WYNNE Evans has launched a dramatic fightback against BBC bosses who he fears are trying to scapegoat him over their past mistakes.

The Go Compare star, 53, has submitted a dossier of evidence to BBC bosses which friends believe clears him of lewd behaviour claims on Strictly. A pal said it “changes everything”.

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It includes video and screenshots which the opera singer’s pals insist prove he is not guilty of making an inappropriate sexual comment.

Investigators have also been sent a video – which the BBC itself suppressed – where dance partner Katya Jones, 35, explicitly clears him over the “gropegate” scandal.

Friends of the Welshman — who was suspended from the Strictly live tour — believe the Beeb have an agenda against him.

By contrast, they said Go Compare – whose adverts propelled him to fame – is standing by him.

It comes after the BBC battled a barrage of bad publicity over pro dancer Giovanni Pernice’s alleged bad behaviour on the ballroom dance show the series before.

Last night a friend said: “These past few months have been absolutely torrid for Wynne. He has had his name dragged through the mud.

“He feels he’s been thrown under a bus and left to fend for himself.”

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However, they insisted there is “a very different context” to the original leaked video, in which Wynne was overheard saying “spitroast” at the live tour launch, apparently about Strictly dancer Janette Manrara.

The friend went on: “Wynne’s team have had the clip sent off to a cyber forensics team which has come back with a word nobody had previously picked up on before; they believe it changes everything.

“In it, he can be heard saying ‘old spitroast boy’ to Jamie Borthwick. It may seem like semantics, but the ‘old’ and the ‘boy’ proves he was addressing Jamie and NOT making a crude sexual remark about Janette, as originally thought.

“This is apparently a reference to Jamie putting his legs above his head, and looking like a spitroast chicken. It’s as simple as that.

“He also has supportive messages from various pros including both Janette and Aljaz Skorjanec, her husband, saying they back him 100 per cent.”

In one message seen by The Sun, Janette expressed concern for his wellbeing, saying: “Wynne please know you DO NOT need to worry about me for a second.

“Look after yourself and try to focus on the mind staying calm. Deep breaths and one hour at a time.”

She sent it on January 25, a day before the original “spitroast” story broke. It was after the BBC had been approached for comment, and those involved were made aware.

Wynne first came under pressure last year after footage showed him putting his hands around Katya’s waist on Strictly before she batted them away.

He then tried to high-10 her only for her to snub him. It was something the pair planned in advance — but the fallout became known as “gropegate”.

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The Mega Agency

Crucially, the pair filmed a video straight away explaining the joke, and apologising for any confusion, which they then planned to push out on Instagram.

However, sources claim BBC bosses would not let Wynne post it.

In the video, which has been seen by The Sun, the duo say: “We felt the need to clarify something.”

Katya adds: “We find it quite fascinating how people take time to look into such detail, every gesture and every look. So tonight we said we’d mess around.”

Wynne continues: “We said, ‘Ah, I’ll put my hand on your waist and you pretend to move it away.’ And now everybody thinks I’m a weirdo! But really, I promise you I’m not!”

Another friend said BBC bosses got wind of the video and instructed Wynne not to post it – something they now apparently realise was a huge mistake.

His friends have had to rally around him because he’s just a normal bloke, one who loves and respects women.

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They went on: “If Katya and Wynne had been allowed to clear it up immediately it would have just gone away. Instead, people have been left to think Wynne is some sort of pervert.

“His friends have had to rally around him because he’s just a normal bloke, one who loves and respects women, and doesn’t want to lose his entire career – one he’s worked so hard for – over a stupid misunderstanding.”

It is understood Wynne is prepared to speak out after supportive comments from Katya in an interview with The Sun on Sunday’s Fabulous mag last weekend.

She called him “incredible” and said he had “never made me feel uncomfortable in any way”.

Meanwhile, Wynne’s legal team are understood to be bemused by the BBC’s handling of the scandal.

They claim that when Wynne asked for evidence against him, they simply emailed him a link to the original spitroast story in a newspaper.

Exemplary record

The team insist Wynne had an exemplary record prior to this, and has had no complaints – formal or otherwise — against him.

It comes a year after Strictly pro Giovanni quit following complaints from actress partner Amanda Abbington and others. It led to the show’s first external investigation.

People are scared to make jokes in case they get cancelled. At this rate, there will be no blokes left on telly in five years’ time

A BBC insider

The BBC is expected to make a decision on Wynne this month.

However, a corporation insider said: “It’s a huge problem. If they fire a man for making an off-the-cuff joke, where does it end?

“They are making a rod for their own backs, and pernicious cancel ­culture – if they keep pursuing it – will lead to no one’s job being safe.

“People are scared to make jokes in case they get cancelled. At this rate, there will be no blokes left on telly in five years’ time.”

Last night Wynne and the BBC declined to comment.

JoJo Siwa reveals what she REALLY wrote on Chris Hughes’ hand as the pair are punished for rule break 15 Apr 2025, 8:54 pm

JOJO Siwa has revealed what she was trying to write on Chris Hughes’ hand after breaking a huge rule.

The 21-year-old singer, who was punished for her actions alongside Chris, made a surprising admission about her gender as she explained it to Big Brother.

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When quizzed about it in the Diary Room, she said:  “It’s something that I’m not ready necessarily to be open about or upfront about but it has to do with gender and how do I feel.”

She continued: “Let’s put it this way. Oh my God, this is a lot. Essentially, you have female, you have male. I’ve met a lot of females and love them but don’t feel like I’m them. Met a lot of males, love them but definitely not them. 

“I’ve met a lot of people in my life that are non-binary and these beautiful non-binary people are who I feel the most like. It’s not something that I want to say about myself yet but it’s something that is confusing. So, that’s probably why we were talking about it last night.”

Big Brother replied: “JoJo, thank you for being so honest and sharing with Big Brother.”

JoJo added: “Of course. It’s important to be honest and I think it’s important to show that it’s ok to not know.”

Chris told her: “That was good. Good job.”

JoJo, who came out as gay, is in a relationship with someone who identifies as non-binary, while Chris is straight.

The star later became emotional as she told the other housemates what she had told Big Brother.

Last night Jojo, and Chris, 32, continued to confuse fans last night as they grew closer than ever.

And things came to a head when in shock scenes, JoJo was seen writing a message on the Love Island star’s hand with her finger as they lay in the dark.

After she wrote it out, she told him: “It makes sense, just think about it.”

Fans were convinced that JoJo was writing something about Ella and her supposed feelings towards Chris.

In tonight’s episode, the pair were they had to use a megaphone to speak on the ITV series, angering their fellow contestants.

The Only Way Is Essex (Towie) star Ella Rae Wise, who JoJo had previously accused of spreading “drama” about her and Chris, spoke about their punishment away from the two friends.

Ella, 24, told the other housemates, including Daley, Danny Beard and TV presenter Angellica Bell: “I told you they’ve been having secret conversations.”

Daley, 66, said the megaphone was “not a punishment, that’s a punishment for us”.

“They’re laughing because they’re annoying us,” the two-time Olympic decathlon gold medallist added.

He also said: “You know it’s part of the plan. Every time they get a punishment and all that, they get the air time.”

In the diary room, Daley said: “In athletics, you go to a major competition, and you’ve got to spend two or three weeks with people who actually you don’t like, because you’re all after to try and win the same things.

“And this is a little bit like that. JoJo and Chris, they’ve been on all of the (reality TV) shows, they know how it’s played, so they’re playing the professional game as they should, because that’s what they are.”

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It’s peak lash ‘shedding season’ but shoppers swear by a £5.99 Amazon oil for regrowth & it’s ‘like Botox’ for skin too 15 Apr 2025, 8:49 pm

IF you have spotted more eyelashes falling out than usual lately you are not alone.

According to experts we are currently in “eyelash-shedding season,” which typically takes place in spring and autumn.

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Dr. Allison V. Coombs from Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital told the New York Post: “Similar to how we shed more hair in the spring and fall, our eyelashes go through a similar cycle —unofficially known as ‘lash-shedding season.”

This means you shouldn’t panic if your lashes seem more sparse during this time.

However, Dr Coombs said shedding less than five lashes a day is typically considered normal.

Beauty lovers have raved about a £5.99 product which could help with lash growth.

Pure Cold Pressed Castor Oil is said to “provide nutrients needed for the growth of eyelashes and eyebrows.”

Available from Amazon, it is 100 per cent natural and organic and comes with a brush, which can easily be applied to eyelashes,eyebrows and hair roots.

One person who left it a five-star review said: “Only used for three weeks and just look at the difference. 

“I seriously recommend this to anyone who wants to grow hair.”

Not only can it be used for lashes, but it is also “great” for skin softening and can be a moisturiser for nails and feet.

The reviewer added: “Also tried it on all my face and my face looks like I have had Botox.

“I have never had so many compliments about my eyes and skin . Love love love this stuff!”

Many eye doctors say there are a number of factors that are responsible for lash shedding, including exposure to allergens, changes in temperature and humidity.

And lashes have a number of important functions for your face.

Amazon Reviews

Amazon Reviews

Dr Coombs added: “While lashes are often appreciated for their cosmetic appeal — hello, lash extensions! — they actually play a crucial role in protecting the eye.

“Eyelashes act as a physical barrier, helping to keep particles, dust and debris out of the eyes. 

“They also serve a sensory function — when touched, lashes trigger a reflexive blink that helps shield the eye from potential injury.”

If you don’t have this barrier, your eyes can be susceptible to irritation, and dryness.

Dr Coombs advised that you contact a specialist if you notice bald spots along the lash line, clumps of lashes fall out simultaneously, lash loss near a mole, or crusty lashes which could be blepharitis, which is caused by bacterial or mite overgrowth.

Aston Villa 3 PSG 2 (agg 4-5): Unai Emery’s side fall agonisingly short after epic second-half turnaround 15 Apr 2025, 8:48 pm

DEFEAT has rarely been so glorious, elimination rarely soundtracked with such fervour and miracles rarely so tantalisingly close. 

Aston Villa’s great European adventure is over, but it ended in appropriate fashion with a ferocious fightback and a cacophony of Brummie noise. 

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GETTY

ALAMY

With 34 minutes of this second leg played, Unai Emery’s men were 5-1 down on aggregate and staring down the barrel at a thorough gubbing.

Yet after 57 minutes, following goals from Youri Tielemans, John McGinn and Ezri Konsa, they were ahead on the night, just one goal adrift overall and reaching for the heavens. 

That Luis Enrique’s men should have clung on to book a semi-final date against Arsenal or Real Madrid said much for their prospects of winning a first Champions League title in Munich next month.   

Because they will rarely encounter an atmosphere as hostile or an opponent as ravenously hungry as Villa. 

When Emery was in charge of PSG in 2017, he saw his side surrender a 4-0 first-leg lead to be knocked out by Enrique’s Barcelona and for a while during the white heat of a hectic second half, it looked for all the world as though the Villa boss would exact an extraordinary revenge. 

Villa had started the night by playing the wrong music – the Europa League theme instead of the Champions League anthem.

And when PSG’s full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes fired them into a four-goal aggregate victory, that looked a taste of things to come. 

But Villa are only a point outside the top-five qualification places for next season’s Champions League and after this thrilling run to the last eight, they would be very welcome back at the top table. 

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While Emery denied its significance, there was no doubt that Nuno Mendes’ late third goal at the Parc des Princes had seriously altered the scale of the task facing his side. 

The Spaniard, with four Europa League triumphs on his CV, stuck with Marcus Rashford up front, with Ollie Watkins starting on the bench alongside Paris loanee Marco Asensio. 

It wasn’t a hell-for-leather attacking starting line-up. Emery was prepared to play it patient against the perennial French champions, who have been arguably the best team in Europe over recent months. 

It was a filthy old Birmingham night, but the piddling rain didn’t dampen the atmosphere; the home supporters were full-throated while many of the Parisian ultras were as topless as Geordies in the rain.  

Weirdly, they played the Europa League before a belated blast of the Champions League anthem.

But straight from kick-off, it was an assault on the senses. A couple of early Villa corners were greeted with insane decibel levels, the Holte End waiting to erupt like some great Brummie Vesuvius. 

From one, Amadou Onana flicked a near-post header but Joao Neves deflected it wide. 

Even Prince William and Prince George were getting involved, but the French, with very different ideas about hereditary monarchy, set about putting Villa to the guillotine.

And on 11 minutes, the early Paris they had all been dreading duly arrived. 

Mendes released Bradley Barcola, who outpaced Matty Cash down the left and centred low.

Emi Martinez, public enemy No.1 with the PSG fans, delighted the travelling Frenchmen by allowing the ball to squirm out of his grasp, with Hakimi on hand to spank it past him.   

Villa continued to attack, but Rashford was struggling to make an impact, squandering several moments of promise. 

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Pau Torres lashed a shot goalwards but Gianluigi Donnarumma repelled him. 

Morgan Rogers cut inside William Pacho but placed his shot wide of the far post. 

And when Paris attacked, there was greater control and purpose, with Cash being targeted mercilessly. 

Soon, Enrique’s side broke and Villa were caught with their pants down – two defenders against four marauding attackers – and Ousmane Dembele squared for Mendes to ping a low shot in off the post. 

Paris had scored five unanswered goals in less than 80 minutes of football across the two legs – a start which scarcely overplayed their dominance.  

At most stadiums, that would have been the moment the pin pricked the balloon.

Here, they just kept on howling – especially when Tielemans tumbled in the box and the ref was unmoved. 

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Still, no matter, within a minute the Belgian had pulled one back – reducing the overall deficit to three – receiving a McGinn pass and rattling off a shot which took a massive deflection off Pacho, giving Donnarumma no chance. 

Surprisingly, there were no half-time changes from Emery, but perhaps he knows what he’s doing because within 12 minutes of the restart, Villa were ahead on the night and back to within a goal of parity. 

First, McGinn rumbled forward from the halfway line and let rip with a 25-yard shot which deflected off Pacho’s knee and made it level on the night.  

Then, Rashford cut in from the left and Donnarumma tipped over at full stretch.

The corner was initially cleared, but Rashford skinned two defenders on a weaving run and cut back for Konsa to ram home. 

Forty thousand throats created a sonic boom. PSG were deafened and punch-drunk. 

Donnarumma needed all of his 6ft 7in frame to claw away a Tielemans header.

Emery sent on Asensio and Jacob Ramsey for Onana and McGinn. And soon, Asensio was clean through on goal from a gorgeous Torres through-ball, with Donnarumma advancing to save with a foot.

Watkins was sent on for Rashford 15 minutes from time, but Martinez was soon needed to thwart Dembele, Paris retaining their attacking threat amid the bedlam. 

Finally, Emery’s men ran out of puff – an Ian Maatsen shot blocked in injury time. 

But Villa’s supporters never lost their voices and PSG’s players will need some time to regain their composure and their hearing after this.

Energy watchdog slashes red tape to allow new wind and solar farms to connect to electricity grid faster 15 Apr 2025, 8:48 pm

ENERGY watchdog Ofgem is slashing red tape to allow new wind and solar farms to connect to the electricity grid faster.

Projects that can be up and running by 2030 will be fast-tracked in a bid to help the Government hit its clean power targets.

PA:Press Association

Ofgem said the changes should benefit “houses, hospitals, electric vehicle charging stations, data centres and the emerging AI sector”.

Developers have complained for years about the time it takes to get a cable to connect their wind or solar farm to the grid.

The current first-come, first-served approach means that a major project which could provide electricity to millions of homes is often stuck behind more speculative schemes in the queue.

Some companies have waited up to 15 years to be connected, leaving promising businesses “gridlocked”.

Ofgem chief Jonathan Brearley, said the regulator had taken action because the grid-connection queue had grown tenfold in five years.

He said: “These reforms cut through red tape, consigning zombie projects to the past and accelerating homegrown renewable power and energy storage connections.”

Mr Brearley claimed the new streamlined fast-track approach “will help boost energy security and drive down bills”.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Too many firms are facing gridlock because they cannot get the clean energy they need to drive growth and create jobs.”

He added that the lack of access to grid connections has been a significant factor holding back investment in UK industries, but he hoped that would now change.

Ofgem reckons the new more targeted approach will help unlock up to £40billion a year of mainly private investment.

The new system will be managed by the National Energy System Operator.

The regulator wants the ­first energy projects to be ­connected under the new regime in 2026.

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B&M’S BOSS BID

BUDGET retailer B&M said it is acting to halt falling sales — with a new boss confirmed “in the coming weeks”.

In February, chief exec Alex Russo announced he would step down after sales fell in each of the last four quarters.

Its UK business saw a 3.1 per cent drop in like-for-like sales over the year, with a 1.8 per cent slide in the last three months.

However, positive sales at its French arm saw revenue climb by 3.7 per cent.

Some 45 new shops were opened, with 45 more planned over the following 12 months.

CHANGING GEAR

MOTORING and cycling business Halfords has got a new boss who aims to help the business bounce back.

Henry Birch, formerly at retailer Very Group, has replaced Graham Stapleton, Halfords’ chief of seven years.

In his first move, Mr Birch warned that the “challenging consumer and economic outlook appears unlikely to subside in the short term”.

However, sales rose 2.3 per cent in the last year and profits were close to £37million.

Mr Birch added Halfords is “well-positioned for success”.

PAY RISES BUT JOBS DROPPING

AVERAGE weekly pay grew by 5.9 per cent in the three months to the end of February, official figures show.

But the number of vacancies fell below pre-pandemic levels for the first time since 2020.

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The number of available jobs slipped to 781,000 for the three months to March, according to the Office For National Statistics.

ONS economist Liz McKeown said yesterday: “Regular pay growth remains strong having increased slightly in the latest period.”

Growth accelerated in the public sector, she added, while pay in the private sector saw little change.

The figures showed that the UK unemployment rate stayed at 4.4 per cent in March.

Analysts warned that could grow amid “a backdrop of significant uncertainty”.

The employment rate for those aged 16 to 64 was 75.1 per cent. Labour hopes to increase it to 80 per cent.

ASHLEY’S OZ PUSH

MIKE Ashley’s Frasers Group has signed a deal with Accent Group to launch Sports Direct in Australia and New Zealand.

The move is the retailer’s latest step in its bid to spread its brands across the globe.

Accent said it plans to build a large Sports Direct business in Australia, with an initial roll-out of at least 50 stores in the next six years.

It will have access to Fraser brands Everlast, Slazenger, Karrimor and USA Pro.

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Celebrity Big Brother in bullying row as fans accuse star of being a ‘snake’ and ‘two faced’ to housemate 15 Apr 2025, 8:48 pm

CELEBRITY Big Brother has become embroiled in a bullying row as the feud between JoJo Siwa and Ella Rae Wise escalated.

Fans were shocked by Towie star Ella’s behaviour as she became increasingly annoyed about JoJo’s relationship with Chris Hughes.

Rex

Eroteme

Rex

Despite making it clear to everyone else and in the Diary Room that she was not a fan of the American singer, Ella decided to be paley with her.

In surprising scenes, she sat with JoJo in the garden and comforted her as she admitted she was falling homesick.

Shortly afterwards she joined Danny, Jack and Angellica in stealing JoJo’s popcorn and laughing she said it tasted even better because she knew it was hers.

Those watching at home were not impressed with her antics, and one person remarked: “Ella being a snake in the grass…literally! Rather aptly, the grass is as fake as her!”

A second said: “After b***hing behind her back, Ella has gone over to JoJo to console in her. Fake much?”

While a third added: “Boohoo I’m not getting attention so I’ll be a mean girl and start bullying Jojo. Danny and Ella giving pure bully behaviour, y’all piss me off.”

“Ella the main one instigating the “hating on Jojo group”. Mean girl and bully behaviour hun,” said another.

JoJo had previously made it clear she wasn’t keen on Ella – saying she thought she had been spreading drama about her and Chris.

As she put her up for eviction, JoJo said: “I find that conversations with Ella… (are) very forced and (I) feel like I really have try to come up with something to talk about. I feel like I’m really on eggshells.

“I overheard her say something today when I was in the garden with Chris – (she said) something about me and Chris whispering at night.

“And so that got me thinking, (she is) trying to spread drama in a way, and, I don’t know, I feel like it’s an interesting dynamic, I don’t like gossip.”

The singer and YouTuber added that she enjoys “silly gossip”.

However, she said that “catty” gossip, which takes place behind someone’s back, is “not for me, and I don’t think it’s for this house, I think it can kill the vibes”.

‘Can’t say anything’ – Thierry Henry leaves Kate Abdo in stitches as Micah Richards butchers pronunciation of legend 15 Apr 2025, 8:39 pm

THIERRY HENRY has been left baffled by Micah Richards’ pronunciation of his former teammate.

The CBS pundit was in stitches after hearing Richard’s bizarre way of saying ‘Franck Ribery‘ during Tuesday’s broadcast.

CBS

CBS

Reuters

Richards was joined by host Kate Abdo, as well as fellow pundits Henry and Jamie Carragher to preview Tuesday’s European games.

Ribery played alongside French legend Henry at the 2006 World Cup.

The former Bayern Munich winger came up in conversation as the CBS gang looked ahead to Paris Saint Germain’s trip to Aston Villa.

Richards was profiling PSG’s star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, comparing him to wizard wingmen of the past 20 years.

He said: “Back in the day when you used to play against Robben, and Ribery, and Gareth Bale.

“The touch, go, the cross. Honest to God, the game has changed.

“But I love seeing this guy doing what he is now, because it reminds me of the old school.”

During Micah’s segment, both Henry and Abdo had begun to giggle.

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Rather than putting a French flair to Ribery’s name, he’d pronounced it “Rubery”.

The camera panned to Henry, who was pointing to a laughing Abdo.

Henry hit back: “It’s Ribery. Rib-ery.”

Abdo added: “I made the mistake of looking at Thierry.

“You know that the Thierry is the pronunciation police.”

Richards tried again, only for the effort to come out “Rubbery.”

He spluttered: “I can’t say anything on this show!

“Kate move us on please, before I get cancelled.”

One fan laughed in response to the viral clip: “Rubbery is crazyyyy.”

Another said: “I love this show man.”

And a third giggled: “Micah is a mess.”

Aston Villa came close but could not quite complete a dramatic Champions League comeback against PSG.

Unai Emery’s side conceded two early goals to find themselves 5-1 down on aggregate against the Ligue 1 champions and staring at an exit.

But then Youri Tielemans scored to give the hosts hope before John McGinn and Ezri Konsa scored to leave Villa needing just a goal and PSG seriously wobbling.

Villa piled on the pressure but PSG managed to hold on. Villa won 3-2 on the night but went out 5-4 on aggregate.

PSG progress to the semi-final, where they play the winner of Real Madrid and Arsenal.

Labour’s capitulation to the unions mean their chiefs think Government is a pushover 15 Apr 2025, 8:25 pm

Fickle friends 

THERE is a rich irony in this Government being bewildered by the intransigence of union leaders. 

Being shocked that militants don’t care if Birmingham’s council tax payers are subjected to Third World squalor during Unite’s six-week bin strike. 

Alamy

Labour will doubtless be similarly shaken if the hard-left dolt running the biggest teaching union organises a schools strike over pay too. 

For years in opposition they acted as Westminster shop stewards for these outfits, piously backing every specious walkout, hoping to damage the Tories. 

Now they’re the bosses, having to control the finances, reaping the whirlwind. 

Worse, their capitulation to Aslef and others last year has led the brothers to believe this Government is a pushover. 

Increasingly those unions are led by Marxist rabble-rousers, relishing a power they could never dream of securing from the voting public. 

Their calibre was neatly illustrated yesterday by the bumbling feebleness of Unite executive Onay Kasab. 

He had no defence to the notion that Birmingham, infamously bankrupt and in eye-popping debt, could safely now man every bin lorry with three employees, like other councils, instead of four.

He just didn’t like it. 

Other “political choices” could be made, he wibbled. Funding should somehow be found . . . the feckless “magic money tree” economics of Corbynite numbskulls everywhere. 

His overall boss at Unite, meanwhile, is happy to see strikes nationwide if other councils try to cut staff. 

Labour empowered these clowns. 

And here is the result: 

A major city awash with rotting bin bags, alive with rats. And more chaos to come. 

Brexit surrender 

WHY, when the US Vice-President believes a “great” trade deal with Britain is close, would our Government drag us forever back under EU control? 

This nightmare scenario would hand the European Court of Justice power over our food and agricultural imports despite us not being a member of it. 

Our rules would be dictated by a foreign court, this time with no UK representation there: A staggering price which Labour are reportedly poised to pay for their idiotic “reset” with the EU. 

Why do it at all, let alone if it jeopardises or weakens the US deal which JD Vance says has “a good chance” of being quickly agreed? 

For all its turbulence, America is still the world’s biggest economy. A trade deal, maybe binning tariffs, is a huge prize.

It would be the fruit of Donald Trump’s love of Britain but also of Keir Starmer’s commendably calm handling of him before and during his tariff madness. 

But it is also, crucially, because Brexit now allows us to strike such deals. Yet Labour Remainers aim to hand Brussels a stranglehold on our food imports. 

It is shameful . . . and utterly bananas. 

The viral DIY gardening hack you should never attempt – it’s ‘backbreaking, takes hours & will crumble within a year’  15 Apr 2025, 8:23 pm

A HOMEOWNER is warning against a popular DIY gardening trend that ruined her outdoor space in under a year.

Victoria shared before and after photos after painting her patio using a stencil.

TikTok @victoriajane6x

TikTok @victoriajane6x

On her @victoriajane6x account, she urged people to think twice before doing the home transformation this year.

She wrote: “Your annual reminder not to paint a concrete patio.

“Thinking of painting your concrete patio? Don’t do it! 

“Don’t be tempted by the stencilled pretty patterns. It doesn’t last.”

Victoria shared how she “spent ages” cleaning and scrubbing her concrete outdoor space.

She then found a weathershield masonry paint to use with her stencil, and “spent hours back breakingly stencilling a pattern.”

Her hard work appeared to pay off, as the finished result looked beautiful and she “loved” how it looked.

Victoria said how she’d even used a patio sealant to help it to last – but it hadn’t worked.

She added: “But then by the next summer it peeled up in big chunks.

“It left a mess of my garden.

“Paint flakes everywhere.”

She added: “I did it when the weather was really dry but I think there was potentially still damp in the concrete!”

Many people agreed with her that you should avoid being tempted to stencil your outdoor space, not matter how good it looks.

One shared: “painting concrete or cement floors really never works, no matter the paint. So indeed the only good advice is to not do it.”

Another person added: “I paint mine every year I change it so it’s always different. 

“I love painting mine.”

Victoria replied: “I will never do stencilling again. It took forever!”

How to repair broken patio slabs

THE paving specialists at Simply Paving told Fabulous how you can repair broken patio slabs, without the faff.

The experts advised: “If you have a loose paving slab, then it’s unlikely it can be lifted straight by hand. Instead, you will probably need a hammer and chisel to prise the paver free of your patio. 

“To remove loose paving slabs without damaging your flagstones, carefully chip away at the mortar around the paving slab with the plugging chisel and rubber mallet until the slab comes completely loose. 

“Then, slide the spade into the gap left by the mortar and prise the paver free of the patio.

“As you lift it up, place a short piece of timber underneath the spade to act as a lever, making it easier for you while protecting the slab underneath. 

“When the paver starts to give, place the cylindrical wood underneath it and roll the slab out of the patio.” 

Fury as just 41 bin workers said to be behind strike holding Birmingham to ransom 15 Apr 2025, 8:21 pm

JUST 41 bin workers are said to be behind the strike holding Britain’s second biggest city to ransom in a pay dispute.

The group rejected a deal to end the six-week walkout in Birmingham, council officials admitted yesterday.

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And union leaders warned the crippling strike could spread to Sheffield and Peterborough.

Rubbish has piled up in the streets, attracting an influx of rats.

But the city council expects to have collected 22,000 tons of rotting waste by the weekend.

Operations chief Craig Cooper said around 130 of 170 waste recycling collection officers have accepted redundancy or to re-train as drivers.

He added: “There are about 40 that haven’t, and I urge those 40 to look again.

“I urge Unite to come to the table as swiftly as possible and for us to resolve this.”

Shadow Cabinet minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “Forty-one workers holding Britain’s second largest city to ransom shows how ideological and one-sided the unions are.”

Unite chief Sharon Graham said strikes could spread.

She told LBC Radio: “Well, if other councils decide to make low-paid workers pay for bad decisions, then absolutely.

“Of course, we all have to take action in those other areas.”

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SWNS

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Legendary rock band sack drummer after massive fall out 15 Apr 2025, 8:18 pm

A HUGE rock band have sacked their drummer, after playing together for decades.

They are said to have parted ways following a “huge fall out”.

2019 Samir Hussein

News Group Newspapers Ltd

Reuters

It’s been revealed how The Who’s Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend have sacked their long-time drummer Zak Starkey.

A spokesperson for band said: “The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall.

“They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.”

According to sources, Roger and Pete’s decision has “upset” Zak, who is the son of legendary The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr.

An insider told The Mirror: “It’s a little acrimonious to say the least.”

The fall out is believed to have occurred during two recent Royal Albert Hall performances.

Sources claim there were some questions raised over Zak’s drumming at the March shows, which were in honour of Daltrey’s Teenage Cancer Trust charity.

While fans seemed to be thrilled with the band’s shows at the iconic venue, insiders claim there were a “few issues with the drumming….and the standard wasn’t as high as everyone wanted.”

However, another source told the outlet that it’s a blow to the band to see Zak go.

“He is an extremely talented drummer and it doesn’t make any sense.” they said.

Zak joined The Who – who’s original drummer was the late Keith Moon – in 1996 on their Quadrophenia Tour.

He is also known for playing with Oasis, and was previously tipped to join them on their reunion tour.

ROGER’S ILL HEALTH

During the same Royal Albert Hall concerts, Roger opened up about his ill health.

Standing on stage in his trademark purple-tinted glasses, he said: “The joys of getting old mean you go deaf, I also now have got the joy of going blind. 

“Fortunately I still have my voice, because then I’ll have a full Tommy.” 

Tommy is the name of the band’s iconic 1969 rock opera album, which follows the story of Tommy Walker, an army soldier who later becomes deaf, dumb and blind.

Bandmate Pete also joked he was “Superman” now after getting his knee replaced, and told the audience: “Maybe I should auction off the old one.

“Elton John had one done, and he wears his as a bracelet.

“Unfortunately, mine’s in three bits.”

Shock figures reveal prison officers face attacks almost 30 times a day – with number reaching 10,000 last year 15 Apr 2025, 8:12 pm

PRISON officers face attacks almost 30 times a day, figures reveal.

A record 10,496 assaults were logged in the year to September 2024 — up from 8,516 the previous 12 months.

AP

And 972 were serious assaults, up from 765.

There were 19,721 attacks on fellow prisoners, the Ministry of Justice statistics show.

Last weekend, Hashem Abedi — brother and accomplice of the Manchester Arena suicide bomber — severely injured three warders in a stab and scald attack at HMP Frankland, Co Durham.

Steve Gillan, of the Prison Officers Association, said: “These figures expose the true picture of violence in jails.”

POA national chair Mark Fairhurst added: “We need urgent and sustained action to protect our members and the prisoners they look after.

“It is time prison leaders left their ivory towers and started listening to the front line.”

Overcrowding has been blamed for the rise in violence.

The prison population is at 99.3 per cent capacity with just 551 free spaces in male prisons.

The Ministry of Justice said: “There are far too many attacks on our hardworking staff and the Government will do whatever it takes to keep them safe.

“The Government is investing in maintenance and security, and prisoners who are violent will face the full consequences.”

Eleven-cap England star Tammy Abraham set to complete £20m transfer that could see him link up with ex-Chelsea boss 15 Apr 2025, 8:08 pm

TAMMY ABRAHAM is set to complete a permanent move to Milan from Roma in the summer.

The English striker has been on loan at the San Siro this season and has struck 10 times, although only three of those goals have come in Serie A.

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Getty

Abraham impressed most in the Coppa Italia as his four goals across three rounds has helped Milan to the semi-finals.

His most recent goal in the competition came in the first leg against archrivals Inter.

Even though Milan are likely to sack current boss Sergio Conceicao in the summer, Abraham, 27, looks set to complete a move for about £20million.

Abraham, 27, scored 37 times in three years at Roma after leaving Chelsea for £34m although 27 of those came in the first season.

Kyle Walker could also make a summer permanent move from Manchester City to Milan, who are in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.

But they are ninth in Serie A, which is why Conceicao could get the boot.

Former Spurs and Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, currently at Napoli, is one manager who Milan could turn to.

Ex-Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille, is also in the frame.

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The Italian has guided the French giants to third in Ligue 1, but a turn in form has seen them drop away in the title race.

He was recently slammed by former Marseille star player Christophe Dugarry following the 3-0 defeat to AS Monaco.

He said: “The coach has never found the right combination.

“No player plays in the right place and none are in their favourite position.”

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Getty

I came back from holiday & was SWARMED by cops saying I stole my own car… I was victim of crook’s plot & YOU may be next 15 Apr 2025, 8:07 pm

A BAFFLED driver returned from holiday only to find his car was swarmed by police claiming he stole his own car.

Motorcycle sales account manager Eathan Cooper, 24, owed bailiffs £2,500 in unpaid fines and had a bitter feud with Transport for London (TfL) over the confusion.

Jam Press

Jam Press

Jam Press

While he was away, a crook had copied Eathan’s car registration – and racked up a hefty amount of fines.

The criminal racked up £360 worth of ULEZ fines and more than 20 fines for speeding, parking and bus lane penalties.

Eathan told NeedToKnow: “As the letters started to come through you realise this is serious now – something has happened here.

“I contacted the police. I was panicked. I was scared to drive my own vehicle.”

At one point during the eight-month-long dispute, Eathan, of Sawtry, near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, was “swarmed” by police.

Cops had mistaken him for the plate-cloning criminal and surrounded his car.

He said: “I started getting pulled over by the police.

“I got swarmed by police officers while running errands – they thought I was the cloned vehicle.

“I was also going to the Christmas markets in Manchester when I was pulled over on the M6.

“I was scared already knowing it could happen, then it started to happen.

“They [Manchester Police told] me [to] put stickers on my number plate so they knew I wasn’t the cloned vehicle.“

He said the nightmare first started when he received a bus fine while on holiday in Madrid.

The penalty detailed an offence offence took place at 2am in Essex – one that Eathan didn’t commit.

The sales account manager said his brother called him, leaving him “confused.”

He said: “He called me and said, ‘You’ve got a letter here, it looks like a speeding ticket.”

“I live over an hour from Essex, so I wouldn’t have been driving around at 2am.

“I was just really confused – because I was away in Madrid, I didn’t know what to think.”

Confused, he initially thought the penalty may have been a mistake but when a further 10 fines arrived over the following week, he knew something was seriously wrong.

As the fines flooded in, Eathan suspected his car number plate had been cloned.

Car plate cloning is when someone steals your vehicle’s licence plate number and puts it on a different car.

The other vehicle can then get fines or tickets but they are sent to you because your plate was used.

Eathan reported the crime to police who advised him to get a private number plate, setting him back £300, but things only got worse from there.

Jam Press

Over the next few months, he managed to have his fines and penalties overturned by every authority – except Transport for London.

Jam Press

Jam Press

He said: “TfL didn’t want to acknowledge anything.

“I had six tickets from them in total – I had to provide evidence for every single ticket.

“For a couple of them, I could prove I wasn’t even in England.

“I submitted the evidence – which included a ferry ticket, hotel bookings and a statement from my manager when I was working.

“They didn’t accept that and said it wasn’t enough evidence.

“When I got the statement from the police, I called TfL and they wouldn’t let me add the letter in as part of evidence as it went past evidence stage.”

In a final attempt to avoid court after TfL rejected his appeal, Eathan went to Peterborough Magistrates’ Court to make a declaration statement.

He paid £30 per document to have six signed by legal professionals.

The torment finally came to an end last month when the BBC reached out to TfL.

The organisation apologised and confirmed his vehicle had been cloned.

Although the nightmare now seems to be behind him, Eathan admits that he stress has deeply affected his family.

He worries the criminal responsible may never be caught and that the same thing could happen again.

The uncertainty of being pulled over or receiving fines has caused a lot of arguments.

Eathan said: “The worst thing is I’m a UK motorcycle sales account manager.

“I’m constantly away – so it’s a case of getting all the letters through, my mum opening the letters and putting stress on her.

“It [has] caused a lot of arguments.

“We [don’t know] whether [the police has] found anyone [the criminal].

“That uncertainty has made it worse.”

A TfL spokesperson said: “We’re sorry that Mr Cooper has been a victim of vehicle cloning.

“Unfortunately, as we did not receive the evidence of cloning needed to support the representation made, the case progressed to an enforcement agent and warrants were issued in line with this.

“Having reviewed the case, we are satisfied that it is a cloned vehicle and have cancelled the penalties.”

The Sun has reached out to Greater Manchester Police for comment.

Jam Press

Jam Press

Jam Press

Three ways to create affordable egg hunts for the kids this Easter 15 Apr 2025, 8:00 pm

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EGG hunting is great fun for kids at Easter.

But buying multiple choc treats to hide can become pricey, if you have several children taking part in the springtime activity.

Instead try these easy tips to create affordable challenges. 

SCAVENGER HUNT: Instead of buying and hiding multiple eggs, you can create a scavenger hunt with the prize, once completed, being an egg.

Challenge kids to find some blossom petals or take a bark rubbing, for example.

Hobbycraft has a free spring scavenger hunt that can be downloaded and printed if you’re struggling for ideas.

Or you could ask a set of questions with the answers hidden around your home or outdoor space.

For instance, how many ­daffodils can you count in the garden?

POM ALONG: Instead of hiding eggs, try scattering craft pom poms or similar small balls, which can be used as ­currency for the chocolate treats.

For example, three pom poms equal one egg.

It means you won’t have to hide ­endless amounts of pricier eggs and you can also keep control of distributing eggs when there are multiple kids.

For example, you could stipulate older children need to find four or five poms per egg. A pack of 150 craft pom poms are £1 from The Works.

MARK IT OUT: Wash and save up the sticks from ice lollies and use them to create markers for the hunt.

Cut out egg-shaped pieces of card and glue them to the sticks. Or Hobbycraft has packs of sticks for £1.

Write out the “start” of the hunt on one, then pointers such as “this way” or “look here” to help make sure eggs aren’t missed.

Buy a bag of mini eggs and put a cople each in plastic refillable eggs — a pack of ten is £1.50 from Tesco.

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• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability

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How does Manchester Arena terrorist end up enjoying cookery and gym in jail? It’s time to put these monsters in solitary 15 Apr 2025, 8:00 pm

QUITE how one manages to fashion two blades out of a metal baking tray is anyone’s guess.

But that’s exactly what convicted terrorist Hashem Abedi managed to do whilst residing at His Majesty’s Pleasure at HMP Frankland — one of the UK’s supposedly top security’ prisons.

PA

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Prior to this illuminating episode, like me, you probably thought that a special unit in a “Category A” jail meant solitary confinement, constant monitoring via CCTV and zero privileges.

In other words, an actual punishment for aiding and abetting a terrorist attack that took the lives of 22 innocent people during the Manchester Arena bombing in May, 2017.

On top of that, he also attacked two guards while being detained in Belmarsh, so you’d imagine he’d be considered high risk and monitored 24/7.

But no. The devil is in the detail that beggars belief.

For not only did Abedi have access to a self-cook kitchen but he was able to store a stash of butter sachets which he was then heated to boiling point before hurling it at a female prison guard.

We also learn that some of his fellow “isolation” buddies — including hate preacher Anjem Choudary — were “in the gym” at the time of his attack on the three guards, two of whom remain in hospital.

Sorry? Is this a prison or a luxury Airbnb? Choudary has now been moved out of the unit, leading to reports that he may have encouraged Abedi to attack the guards.

There’s also the suggestion that, as the prison staff are mostly Brits who don’t speak Arabic, the Islamic terrorists being kept there were able to converse freely without fear of anyone in authority knowing what they were saying.

Look, it’s very simple. The majority of people in this country would agree that, when evil people like Abedi wilfully plot carnage against children and families attending a pop concert, they simultaneously wave goodbye to their own human rights.

So it’s a political slam dunk to treat such people with the same severity as, say, the US penal system.

ADX Florence in Colorado is what the Americans call a “supermax” prison “for the secure housing of those prisoners most capable of extreme violence towards staff or other inmates”.

They are confined for most of the day in single cells made of smooth concrete (to deter self-harm) and the high staff to prisoner ratios mean they are monitored under 24 hour supervision.

It is considered to be the most secure jail in the world.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for education and rehabilitation schemes in our jails for those whose circumstances meant they had a lousy start in life and who show promise for rejoining society in a meaningful and law-abiding way.

But dead-eyed men like Abedi are a lost cause.

Former prison governor Ian Acheson, who carried out a 2016 review in to Islamist extremism in jails, says: “We don’t have the death penalty so the only other alternative is extreme custody — if it turns him mad then so be it.”

Hear hear. Some might suggest he’s dangerously deranged already.

So no more gym sessions and home cookery — just lock him up and throw away the key.

AP

ZOOM IT HOYLE

PA

SEEMINGLY undeterred by the furore surrounding his taxpayer-funded trips abroad, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has recently returned from a £25k jaunt to Malaysia.

Taking his total travel bill on ‘non-regular’ foreign trips since 2019 to, gulp, just over £320k.

Apparently, it’s to ‘further parliamentary relations,’ whatever that means.

Surely that’s the job of cabinet ministers and diplomats?

And even if foreign dignatories are chomping at the bit to speak to a bloke that most would struggle to name, it can be done via Zoom and save us a fortune.

ROCKET RIDE IS BIT LIMP

Instagram

It’s hard to know what was funnier about the all-female, 11-minute ‘space mission’ involving, among others, pop star Katy Perry and Meghan Markle’s mate Gayle King.

The fact that the rocket resembled a giant penis and was organised by a man called Dave Limp.

Or that Jeff Bezos’s fiancée Lauren Sanchez gushed: “I am proud of this crew . . . protect this planet we’re on.”

By going on a completely unnecessary jaunt that will have released the equivalent of a lifetime’s worth of an individual’s carbon emissions? Yeah right.

Space cadets indeed.

RAISE YOUR GAME SNL, TO RAISE A REAL SMILE

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BackGrid

WHITE Lotus actress Aimee Lou Wood has described a Saturday Night Live sketch making fun of her teeth as “mean”.

She’s right. The American comedy show’s White Potus skit replaced all the main characters with political impersonations of Donald Trump, his family and advisers – except for Aimee’s whose role was reduced to comedian Sarah Sherman wearing prosthetic teeth and saying, ‘Fluoride? What’s that?’

“I have big gap teeth not bad teeth,” says Brit Aimee, 31.

SNL is a TV behemoth in the States and has featured stars such as Goldie Hawn, Tom Hanks, Will Ferrell, Bill Murray and Eddie Murphy.

And now its creator Lorne Michaels is launching a UK version next year.

But, whisper it, having watched it many times in the States and seen mostly slapstick clips online, I just don’t find it funny.

And the cheap Aimee dig has confirmed that they need to raise their game if they want laughs over here.

A NEW poll has revealed that nearly half of us are secretly pleased when social plans get cancelled at the last minute.

‘Secretly’ pleased?

I do cartwheels.

BOATS ISSUE GROWS

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THE lovely weather on Saturday saw the highest total of small boat arrivals this year – 656 people to be precise.

Which brings the total number this year to 8,064 – and it’s only mid-April.

A Home Office spokesperson says: “We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security.”

Indeed. These mass arrivals are also changing the face of this country.

Take the village of Datchet near Windsor, in Berkshire, where a local, 54-bedroom hotel is being used to house some of them.

Datchet’s Conservative MP Jack Rankin says: “There shouldn’t be 70 unvetted asylum seekers who are young single men in a quaint little village in England. It’s also not fair on local businesses.”

Remarkably, he has managed to persuade the Home Office to close the asylum hotel by the end of May because of its impact on GP waiting lists and the ‘social cohesion of the village.’

They will be moved to other hotels near Heathrow airport where, it is claimed, they’ll have less of an impact on local communities.

Which isn’t solving the problem; just shifting it somewhere else. Sigh.

METTLE NEEDED

HOW is it the UK’s steel industry has ended up in such dire straits?

Well, a letter to The Times by long-standing energy executive Neil Bailey might provide a partial answer.

He writes: “Companies I worked for have offered significant investment to increase efficiencies in the steelmaking process, all of which were soundly rejected by the unions … it is a travesty that the taxpayer is now bailing out these archaic industries and allowing the unions to continue to have a future say in any changes that are made.”

As George Bernard Shaw once said: “Progress is impossible without change and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

IT’S been reported that Prince William has been keen to make a supportive visit to war-torn Ukraine for some time, but officials have stopped him on security grounds.

Meanwhile, his estranged brother Harry flew there straight from the Royal Courts of Justice where he’s been arguing that it’s too risky for him to visit, er, the UK without full-scale security protection. Go figure.

As he left court, Harry told waiting press that “people would be shocked by what’s being held back” by the other side.

I’m sure that, once he’s told Meghan and she’s told Omid Scobie, we will all be reading about it in due course.

My cruel husband is cheating again – he laughs at me and says he should be ‘allowed to be a man’ 15 Apr 2025, 8:00 pm

DEAR DEIDRE: WHEN deliveries of designer clothing started arriving at the house for my husband, I knew he was at it again – cheating.

He’s done it throughout our marriage. He knows that I know, but laughs at me and says I can’t afford to live anywhere else.

He says he should be “allowed to be a man” and see other women if he wants. He’s 41 and I’m 38. 

We have a daughter of eight and my son is 15, from a previous relationship.

I found out he was cheating before the pandemic.

He was starting to stay away more but when he was confined to home he went stir crazy.

I caught Covid and was really ill. My son looked after me and his little sister.

My husband blamed me for catching the virus and was so uncaring.

When I recovered, I found messages and explicit photos on his phone.

I confronted him but he said I was imagining it, then blamed my illness and said I was neglecting him.

He did everything he could to deflect the subject away from him. We went to counselling but he wouldn’t talk. I finally forgave him when he told me his affair was over.

When the parcels started arriving, I checked his phone again and found messages from three different women. He ignored my tears, saying he was a man with needs.

He calls me names and denies he has a drink problem – but I know he has.

I talked to his mother but she said as long as he came home to our matrimonial bed, I didn’t have anything to complain about.

I long to start a new life.

READ MORE FROM DEAR DEIDRE

DEAR DEIDRE

I want to rebuild my marriage but thoughts of husband's affair sneak up on me

DEAR DEIDRE

Tracking my husband's car has convinced me he is cheating on me again

DEIDRE SAYS: You do have rights. His cheating is enough reason to seriously consider divorce, never mind the abuse, the gaslighting and the emotional and financial blackmail.

He brings nothing to your relationship but misery for you. Your children will also be picking up on the tension, which is damaging for them.

Despite what he is telling you, you do have a choice.

My pack Abusive Partner explains how to find help and you can find out more about your rights through the charity Surviving Economic Abuse (survivingeconomicabuse.org, 0808 196 8845).

DAUGHTER IS SO SHY AND LONELY

DEAR DEIDRE: OUR dream move to the coast has left my daughter feeling isolated and lonely.

She’s 30 and is very shy. As she had never had confidence, she has always lived with us.

I’m her mum and I’m 62. My husband is 66 and recently retired.

We hoped a move to the coast would be good for her. A fresh start. She found a job working for a printing company and seemed to be enjoying it.

But she fell for a guy who works there and he’s in a friends-with-benefits situation with another woman from work.

She’s so upset and now wants to leave. She says that anyone she is ever interested in lets her down or treats her badly. My heart breaks, I want to help but I’m not sure how.

DEIDRE SAYS: Relationships at work aren’t always the best move.

It would be better to find somebody who has similar interests outside of the workplace, to expand her horizons. She can reinvent herself in some ways then.

My pack called Widening Your Social Scene and Shyness And Social Anxiety can help.

She can find out what is going on through a great website, meetup.com.

I WANT TO ASK MY MATE’S EX OUT

DEAR DEIDRE: I REALLY fancy my mate’s ex, but he’s still struggling after their break-up.

We work together in a car bodywork garage. We’ve always got along well and when he introduced me to his new girlfriend a year ago, I could see why he fancied her.

She’s drop-dead gorgeous, 22, and very pretty. My mate and I are both 25.

They started to have some issues a month ago when she kept going out on the weekends without him.

He was constantly worried about what she was up to. I was his shoulder to cry on but secretly I was hoping it was the beginning of the end. Then they split up two weeks ago. She said she didn’t feel the same about him.

He’s gutted and had to take time off work.

As far as I know, she’s still single. I really like her and want to date her but I don’t know how she feels about me.

When we met though, I thought that we had a connection.

Is it worth me contacting her to see if she felt there was a spark between us? I worry my mate won’t be happy about it though.

DEIDRE SAYS: You’re right. He won’t. He’s hardly even had time to process what’s just happened and you’re jumping into his seat.

At least give your friend some support.

You don’t know that this woman is remotely interested in you.

Don’t jump in without knowing her better. You know little about her other than she hurt your friend. Her good looks do not mean she’s necessarily a good catch.

Save yourself the aggro and find somebody completely new for a relationship.

Get out with other friends and network or try to find somebody through interests or hobbies.

My support pack, Finding The Love Of Your Life, will help.

Incredible bravery of ‘warrior’ girls football team who play as they dodge drones in Ukraine’s most dangerous city 15 Apr 2025, 8:00 pm

PARENTS stare nervously at the sky, scanning it for Russian drones as their children practise penalties during football training.

But distant artillery fire brings an abrupt end to spot kicks for the U12 girls’ team of Krystal Kherson FC in Ukraine’s most dangerous city.

AFP

AP

AFP

AFP

The ”warrior” kids and coaches play on in the war-torn frontline city, despite Putin’s daily bombings — his troops dug in just a few miles away across the Dnieper River.

Their stadium has been blitzed and the training pitch attacked by kamikaze drones, sending youngsters, mums and dads scattering in terror.

Now, in a sickening twist, Russian drone pilots are hunting down kids and civilians in the streets in a horrifying new war crime dubbed “human safari” by locals.

The operators of the devices drop grenades onto people, cars and buses, and also use kamikaze drones — the latest weapons in a conflict which has raged for three years, killing or maiming some one million innocents.

The southern city of Kherson resembles an almost post-apocalyptic landscape as Russian forces shell the “ghost” city every day.

Packs of abandoned dogs scavenge for food as more than three-quarters of residents have fled the battle-scarred area.

Russian drones have even dropped butterfly mines here, which explode when stepped on or driven over.

‘No one is safe’

The injuries they cause have led to many casualties losing a foot.

But the Krystal Kherson coaches and parents are determined to let the children keep playing the game that they love as it distracts them from the horrors of war — especially while crucial peace talks between world leaders stall.

The kids play only away games, as home fixtures are too dangerous.

And in spite of the huge challenges they face, Krystal’s U12 girls’ team have reached the final of the Ukrainian Championships.

Star striker Ulyana Kachan, 12, goes to training every couple of days, despite the grave dangers.

Her mum Alyona, 31, said: “She loves football and it takes her mind off the bombs and the war.

“But I’m terrified she’ll get hurt when she goes out and I hear the bombs or see drones in the sky. It’s so dangerous — our home has been bombed. It’s a nightmare.

Ulyana was training when a drone landed nearby, but it didn’t hurt anyone. Everyone was very scared. But still the girls go to training — they are so brave

Alyona, mum of star striker Ulyana Kachan

“Ulyana was training when a drone landed nearby, but it didn’t hurt anyone. Everyone was very scared. But still the girls go to training — they are so brave.”

Lawyer Alyona, who has stayed in the bombed city to look after her 90-year-old grandmother, said: “Ulyana’s school lessons are all online, so football is one of the few times she can meet up with her friends.

“I worry, but she has been through so much and she would be heartbroken if I took away football.

“Football shows her life, not death. It’s scary to hear the bombs everyday and watch as the city is slowly being destroyed.

“No-one is safe — my friend lost an eye when a drone hit his car. A lot of Ulyana’s team don’t live in the city any more as it is so dangerous. We all meet up for tournaments in different cities in Ukraine.”

Ulyana, who is the team’s top scorer, admitted: “I am scared at night when I hear the bombs.

“But football makes me happy — especially when I score. I like being striker.”

The team’s goalkeeper and captain, Amina Seredenko, 12, added: “I am happy when I play. Football makes me forget about the war.”

The girls sing the Ukrainian national anthem before each game and coach Vyacheslav Roll decorates the pitch with national flags, to “help inspire the girls”.

But he warned: “I had to hide the flags when the Russians occupied the city.”

The U12s won all three games in a group stage of the Ukrainian Futsal Championship semi-finals in the city of Poltava in late February.

Ulyana scored eight of the team’s ten goals. The squad is now in training for the final in a few weeks’ time.

Club volunteer Andrij Petronka, 56, said: “We hope they will win the final. They are one of the best teams in Ukraine.

“But their home is so dangerous. Football brings a smile to their faces. We feared the children would be afraid to play, but they are very brave.”

Team coach, Vyacheslav, 68, has survived numerous bombings, six drone attacks and even interrogation by Russia’s FSB security service since Putin’s forces invaded the city.

The grandfather said: “I am so proud of the girls and the other children who play. The girls have become one of the best teams in the country.

“They are warriors — nothing will stop them playing. One drone even landed when we were training.

“Thankfully, it wasn’t close enough to injure, but it was very frightening for the children. Football gives them life around such horror.”

Of his own terrifying brushes with Russian shell and drone fire, Vyacheslav recalled: “I was in the stadium when a shell landed. It damaged the roof, but I wasn’t hurt.

They are warriors — nothing will stop them playing

Vyacheslav Roll, team coach

“Where I live, drones fly all the time. They are like bumble bees in summer. One hit a policeman’s car when I was very close.

“My landlady was recently killed in a drone strike when it hit her car.

“Her husband is heartbroken. He cries every time he talks about her.”

The club also has a boys’ team. Mum-of-two Svetlana Kramarenko, 33, whose nine-year-old son Igor has just started playing there, said: “He is afraid when he hears the bombs, especially at night.

“Sometimes he has nightmares and I have to sleep in the same bed as him. But he always has a smile on his face when he comes back from training.

“He likes to play football, like so many kids, and playing in the city proves the people of Kherson will not give up so easily.”

Supplied

AFP

‘Like a zombie film’

Waves of Russian drones have been sent across the river to terrorise the 80,000 residents who remain in the city.

Statistics from January showed 12,000 attacks recorded in the last five months of 2024, leaving 64 dead and 609 injured. This has intensified since the new year.

The head of Kherson’s military administration, Oleksandr Prokudin, said: “This is targeted terrorism. They see and understand who they are attacking, and at the same time they boast on social media with videos of how they kill and injure civilians.

“People walking, driving, cycling, going to work or standing by grocery stores, are all under attack.”

Residents have told how they fear a drone attack whenever they leave their homes.

Cafe worker Svetlana Andrychak, 43, said: “Two drones chased my car from work. It was terrifying. One dropped on my window and smashed it. I crawled out of the car and hid in a building.

“They were hunting me like it was a kind of sport.”

And shop worker Olha Chernyshova, 29, revealed: “My car was hit twice in one day by a drone. Now I carry a gun. It is like a zombie horror film.” 

The people of Kherson have suffered some of the worse atrocities of the war. The city was occupied for eight months by Russian forces who brutalised the local population.

It is thought more than half of those arrested were tortured in detention centres, including one dubbed The Hole.

People walking, driving, cycling, going to work or standing by grocery stores, are all under attack

Oleksandr Prokudi, Head of Kherson’s military administration

Salesman Andriy Andrushcenko was held for 47 days by Russian soldiers after being caught daubing pro-Ukraine graffiti on walls.

The 31-year-old said: “They beat me and put electric wire on my genitals and ears.

“It was hell. They knocked my teeth out, beat me unconscious. They put dumbbells on my neck and a knife at my back and made me squat down. I just thought I was going to die.”

He went on: “I could hear the screams of other people being tortured in the next rooms.

“It was horrible. I still have nightmares.” Children have also been abducted from their schools and sent to Russia away from their families, with thousands still missing.

And the city was flooded when the Russians blew up the nearby Kakhovka dam, leaving mines floating in the streets.

Residents hope that the war will soon end, despite the delay in a ceasefire. Meanwhile, the bombings and drone attacks have continued.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s home city of Kryvyi Rih was recently bombed, leaving 18 dead — including nine children.

Waiting for a bus near the market in Kherson, grandfather Rudolph Nevetsky, 68, said: “I don’t trust Putin and neither should Trump.

“We have been through much, but I am proud to be still here in this city. Life goes on despite the hell.”

Supplied

Supplied

From controversial casting to why it will be darker than the books… inside new Harry Potter TV series Chamber of Secrets 15 Apr 2025, 8:00 pm

IT’S one of the most eagerly awaited TV series ever – and landing a part in HBO’s new Harry Potter reboot could be a sprinkle of magic for the actors involved, or a bit of a curse. 

For many fans, no cast could live up to the stars of the original much-loved movie franchise. 

Alamy

But for others, the chance to dive back into the much-loved stories — which are set to be told as a decade-long TV series — is spellbinding. 

So there was a mixed reaction when HBO confirmed the first cast members yesterday – with John Lithgow set to play Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu will star as Severus Snape. 

They will be supported by Paul Whitehouse in the role of Argus Filch, Nick Frost as Hagrid and Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrel. 

The casting of Paapa Essiedu, who also starred in Gangs Of London and The Lazarus Project, as “sallow-skinned” bully Professor Snape has proved the most controversial. 

But the choice of an actor known for roles exploring marginalisation and prejudice seems a clear sign from producers that they plan to show a different side to Professor Snape, who clashed with Harry’s father James as a teen. 

Snape was originally played by the late Alan Rickman in the movies – a tough act to follow. 

There are also big shoes to fill in Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, who played the original leading roles of Harry, Ron Weasley and Hermione Grainger. 

While the young leads have yet to be cast, more than than 32,000 kids from across the UK and Ireland have auditioned. 

Rumours are also swirling that Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy is set to become the evil Lord Voldemort. 

With his intense style, he could be the perfect choice for a series that promises to be much darker than the original movies. 

In charge are showrunner Francesca Gardiner, who worked on Succession, Killing Eve and the BBC’s His Dark Materials, and director Mike Mylod, also known for Succession and Game of Thrones.

Both have a taste for psychological warfare and a splash of horror – and Gardiner has spoken in the past about her dislike of patronising children. 

So expect a grittier version of JK Rowling’s classic stories, with each of the seven books adapted into an entire season. 

And don’t be surprised if the show isn’t scared to ruffle feathers – as it has already done so by its embrace of JK herself. 

The author, 59, has been under fire in recent years for her outspoken gender-critical views which have even led to a split between her and the stars at the heart of the original films. 

But HBO have refused to bend to criticism, and have Rowling on board as an executive producer for the show. 

“J.K. Rowling has the right to express her personal views,” HBO told Variety in a statement last month. 

“We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.” 

Her inclusion will be a relief to those fearful that a TV adaptation could ruin what many consider to be an already-perfect set of films. 

And Rowling’s direct involvement is just one of many reasons to be confident this new series will make a whole new generation wish they went to Hogwarts. 

‘Wizard-like touch’

Chris Columbus, director of the first two Harry Potter films, called the HBO series a “spectacular idea”. 

“You can get all the stuff in the series that we didn’t have an opportunity to do,” he told People magazine. 

Producers have said they want to dig into the lives of the Hogwarts staff – and a key role will be headmaster Albus Dumbledore, set to be played by American actor John Lithgow 

He recently starred alongside Ralph Fiennes in this year’s Academy Award-winner Conclave and will no doubt be taking notes from Fiennes, who played arch-villian Lord Voldemort in the films. 

He’ll need to as he’s not a big Potterhead himself – confessing he doesn’t know the Harry Potter series by heart, “as 98 per cent of the world’s population seems to.” 

In the films, Dumbledore was played by Richard Harris, and the late Michael Gambon, who died in 2023. 

And based on what Lithgow has said so far, we can expect his take on the character to be pretty faithful to the headmaster we know and love. 

He said: “I was a huge admirer of Michael Gambon. I never met him, but I always kind of idolized him. 

“And Michael Gambon and I happened to have the same birthday, so I thought that was a kind of wizard-like touch.” 

The casting of five-time Bafta winner Paul Whitehouse as cranky Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch suggests a bigger role for this character, who knows the school’s many secret passageways and hidden doors better than anyone else. 

Paul Whitehouse is also the only cast member announced so far who appeared in one of the previous Harry Potter films, playing Sir Cadogan – one of the “living” portraits who hangs on the castle’s walls – in The Prisoner of Azkaban. 

Meanwhile, there will be light relief in the character of Hogwarts groundsman Hagrid – who will be played by Nick Frost, casting many fans have described as “genius.” 

Frost – known for Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead fame – is expecting to bring lots of warm “buddy” energy to the gentle giant. 

And he’s also well aware of the huge footsteps he’s following in – those of the late Robbie Coltrane. 

Posting to Instagram, Frost said: “Thank you for trusting me with such a loyal, gentle, and courageous half-giant like Rubeus Hagrid. Robbie, I promise I won’t let you down.” 

Cast as Professor McGonagall is the twice Academy Award nominated actress Janet McTeer, star of Ozark. 

She’s previously starred alongside Daniel Radcliffe in horror hit The Woman in Black. 

The young stage actor Luke Thallon, meanwhile, is set to take on the role of Professor Quirinus Quirrel – a young, stammering teacher who joins Hogwarts the year Harry starts. 

Lesser known than some of the other stars, the series could prove his big break. 

“We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life”, said showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod. 

There’s still a bit of a wait before the magic hits screens – with the series expected to debut in 2026, almost 30 years after the first Harry Potter book was published. 

But this week’s announcements show the Hogwarts Express is gathering steam. 

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The EU doesn’t care about UK’s food safety… just the £40bn we spend post-Brexit importing everything from beef to butter 15 Apr 2025, 8:00 pm

ONCE they accepted that Brexit was going to happen, Eurocrats had one overriding aim. 

They wanted to hang on to Britain as a market for their exporters and especially for their farmers. 

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The UK buys around £40billion of EU food exports each year — a quarter of everything Europe sells to the rest of the world. 

We take twice as much as the EU’s next biggest customer the US, and four times as much as the one after that, China. 

For Europe, Britain is a treasure island. As long as we are not free to source our food from elsewhere, we will buy all the Irish beef, Danish butter and German pork the EU can sell us. 

To keep things that way, Brussels must ensure that we don’t diverge from its food standards.

Otherwise, British consumers might start buying Canadian or Australian rather than French or Irish beef. (Yes, we eat plenty of British beef, too, but we still import much of what we consume.) 

This EU demand lies behind most of the rows we had after Brexit. 

Captive market 

The nonsense about the Irish border, the scare stories about “chlorinated chicken” and “hormone-treated beef”, the refusal to discuss anything else until we had promised not to diverge on food standards in Northern Ireland — they were all really about keeping the UK as a captive market. 

Now Labour is reported to have capitulated to the EU’s key demand.

It has promised to amend our food safety laws so as to follow whatever Brussels might decree in the future.

That is what EU officials mean by “dynamic alignment”. 

It is important to understand what a vast and pointless concession this is.

There is nothing wrong with agreeing to follow EU rules on a case-by-case basis when we think that doing so is cheaper or more convenient. 

Britain is making an open-ended commitment to shadow whatever the EU might choose to do.

Hannan

Equally, we could simply declare that both British and EU standards will apply on our territory. 

But that is not what is happening here.

Britain is making an open-ended commitment to shadow whatever the EU might choose to do. 

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We are, in other words, handing our regulations to officials who are beyond our control, officials who won’t even have to pretend to have us in mind when they set their rules. 

It is a massive climbdown. Ever since the Brexit vote, we have been holding out for a mutual recognition deal with the EU.

Food passed as fit here should be recognised there, and vice versa. 

There is nothing unreasonable or unusual about mutual recognition.

No one in Brussels argues that British food is less safe than Continental food. Nor do they claim that our animal welfare standards are lower. 

On the contrary, we ban several practices that are widespread in Europe: rearing pigs in sow-stalls, for example. 

Indeed, the EU has a mutual recognition deal with New Zealand, whose standards — though again perfectly safe — diverge much more from its own than ours do. 

No, this has nothing to do with food safety and everything to do with domination. 

By keeping us as a captive market — above all for Irish beef and dairy farmers, but also for French, Spanish, Dutch and German exporters — the EU makes us a far less attractive trading partner for the rest of the world. 

My sense is that Labour will manage to scrape together some kind of trade deal with the US.

But it will be much thinner than it might have been because of our refusal to talk about food. 

Having spent a few days meeting officials in Washington last week, I think there will be a trade deal focused heavily on tech and AI. 

Don’t get me wrong, this is all to the good, and Labour will deserve credit if we can come away with a zero-tariffs agreement. 

What serious country contracts out its laws to foreign officials? When did we become so diminished as a people? 

Hannan

But an American ask throughout — not just an American, but also a Canadian, Indian, Australian and South American ask — is that we follow the global science on food regulations instead of keeping protectionist barriers that we inherited from the EU. 

Barriers that even the EU’s own scientific advisory body says are baseless. 

Plenty of British farmers would gladly ditch these barriers and become more competitive in world markets. 

But the National Farmers’ Union, which would have preferred to remain in EU, wants to stay where we are.

And, of course, the civil servants and Labour MPs who secretly long to go back in don’t want to diverge. 

For the sake of privileging EU imports, we are losing the prospect of becoming a successful global trading nation. 

Even worse, we are agreeing to take someone else’s rules without discussion or negotiation forever. 

What serious country contracts out its laws to foreign officials? When did we become so diminished as a people? 

• Lord Hannan of Kingsclere is a Conservative peer and President of the Institute for Free Trade 

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Brewery rebrand bins ‘outdated’ ale names in bid to attract younger drinkers 15 Apr 2025, 8:00 pm

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A BREWERY has binned traditional beer names like “bitter” and “mild” in an attempt to attract younger drinkers.

Bosses at Wye Valley believe the new generation of pub-goers are put off by “outdated” terms and will order something else.

The move was announced at the relaunch of Wye Valley Bitter, which the Herefordshire beer-maker has given a trendy new name — Pyoneer.

It also marked the drink’s 40th anniversary by making it weaker.

Wye Valley’s marketing chief Abbie Gadd said: “The decision to rebrand was driven by evolving tastes and terminology within the beer-drinking community.

“Terms such as bitter and mild are seen as outdated and off-putting to younger drinkers, which is why we took a bold step in renaming this classic ale.”

She said the new name is a nod to Canon Pyon, the Herefordshire village in which the brewery was founded in 1985, and to its “pioneering values”.

The beer’s taste would remain unchanged, she insisted, but its ABV has been lowered from 3.7 to 3.4 per cent.

Brewers can currently take advantage of a lower rate of tax on alcohol under 3.5 per cent.

Big-name beers have also been cut in strength, including Stella Artois, Foster’s and Carlsberg.

Japanese beer giant Asahi last year reduced Grolsch from five to 3.4 per cent and reformulated its 3.8 per cent Hophead ale to a weaker 3.4 per cent.

At an anniversary event at Shropshire’s Ludlow Racecourse, Ms Gadd added: “We want to support pub licensees in offering an excellent session ale.”

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‘He wasn’t happy’ – Micah Richards reveals England star told him to ‘liven up’ after damning Match of the Day analysis 15 Apr 2025, 7:56 pm

MICAH RICHARDS has revealed that Aaron Ramsdale messaged him after he failed to acknowledge the goalkeeper’s two penalty saves on Match of the Day.

Ramsdale stopped two spot-kicks from Aston Villa midfielder Marco Asensio on Saturday.

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It wasn’t enough to earn Southampton anything from the match, however, as the Saints went on to lose 3-0 at St Mary’s.

Villa substitutes Ollie Watkins, Donyell Malen and John McGinn fired the visitors to the win.

It was the first time in Premier League history that three different substitutes on the same team scored after coming on.

And that was the main focus for Richards, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer when they were discussing the result on Match of the Day.

They failed to mention the two penalty saves – much to the annoyance of Ramsdale.

Richards even revealed that he received a message from the goalkeeper after the show.

Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast this week, Richards explained: “I don’t normally bring people’s names into it because I don’t think it’s right.

“But I think he’s got a point on this particular occasion… Villa win 3-0 and he saved two pens.

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“But my analysis was Villa’s substitutions, their squad really could impact the game.

“So Watkins comes on and scores, Malen comes on and scores and McGinn comes on and scores.

“That is the bigger story. And because Southampton have had a bad time it was almost like, Villa have won, let’s leave Southampton alone.

“However, he (Ramsdale) texts me. I won’t tell you what he texted me on.

“Let’s just say he wasn’t happy. And he told us to basically liven up.”

Lineker concluded by saying: “But well done, Aaron Ramsdale.

“To save two penalties in one game is pretty rare.”

SunSport revealed earlier this week that Manchester United are monitoring Ramsdale ahead of the summer transfer window.

The England goalkeeper has also been linked with Bournemouth and West Ham.

Mikel Arteta admits it’s ‘impossible’ to block out overpowering Real Madrid message ahead of Champions League tie 15 Apr 2025, 7:53 pm

MIKEL ARTETA has urged his Arsenal stars to ignore Real Madrid’s ‘comeback’ narrative and do their talking on the pitch.

The Gunners will step out onto the Bernabeu turf with the Champions League odds firmly stacked in their favour – bringing with them a 3-0 quarter-final first-leg advantage.

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If statistics and pub quiz-style factoids won football matches, Arteta’s side would already be in the semi-finals.

The numbers are overwhelmingly positive.

On the previous 13 occasions Arsenal have headed into a second leg European tie with a three-goal cushion, they have progressed on every occasion.

Of the 11 previous English teams to have won a Champions League first-leg knock-out tie by three goals or more, all of them have advanced.

It has been 79 games since Arsenal last conceded three goals in a single match in all competitions – a 4-3 Prem win away at Luton in December 2023 – and the last time they lost a game 3-0 was nearly two years ago, at home to Brighton in the Prem in May 2023.

Of the 47 teams to go into the second leg of a Champions League knock-out match with a lead of three or more goals, only four of them have not advanced. That is just 8.5 per cent.

This second leg should be a mere exhibition, a formality, Arsenal’s procession into the competition’s final four for the first time since 2009.

And yet, there remains an air of doubt because they are playing Real Madrid – the 15-time European champions who have also earned the title of Champions League comeback kings.

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Their reputation of never knowing when they are beat is stuff of legend, making them one of the most feared beasts on the continent, no matter the context nor the scoreline.

Rumour has it the footballing gods bow down to Real Madrid.

The Spanish press know this, hence their intense propaganda machine over the past few days in an attempt to convince Arsenal that a comeback is not just possible but inevitable.

On the back page of every major outlet has been the phrase “Remontada”, meaning “comeback” in Spanish.

Arteta laughed: “It’s impossible [to block that out], but outside we can do it on the pitch.

“Now I understand that it’s the narrative that is going to give the fuel to them.

“We have tried to repeat the opposite message. So in the brain of the players, what they have here in the last 72 hours is something completely different.

“We are very close to them and hopefully that’s more powerful than anything else.

Arsenal ratings vs Real Madrid as Declan Rice's free-kick thunderbolts earn him an ELEVEN out of 10

BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…

It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid – and the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.

Thibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.

Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.

Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night.

Rice’s epic showing was enough to earn him an unprecedented ELEVEN in our player ratings.

Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Gunners…

“But you have to be out there, you have to experience it, you have to feel it and you have to go through it. That’s what we have to do.

“I understand [comebacks] are a part of their history and they have the right to be talking about these kinds of scenarios.

“Ours is very different and our mindset, preparation, our thoughts and how we’re going to have the best chance to be better than them in the aspects that are crucial.

“To prepare for a semi-final like this and be convinced that we can handle any situation and we’re going to enjoy actually playing any kind of game that we have to be thrown in.

“But we’re going to try to take the game to places very different to their intentions and if we do that we’re going to have a good chance to win the game.

“The first leg, that’s in the past. We have to prove it now in this context. And that’s the beauty of it. That’s the challenge and that’s the great thing about sports.

“We’ve shown that we are capable of doing it. Now, let’s talk on the pitch and do it on the pitch. It’s the only thing that matters.”

It would be natural for this Arsenal squad – one that is young and inexperienced – to perhaps fear the wave of noise and pressure coming their way in the Bernabeu.

This group have only experienced one other Champions League journey – last year’s progression to the quarters only to be knocked out by Bayern Munich in a gut-wrenching second leg in Germany.

Arteta argued: “I wouldn’t use that word [fear].

Mikel Arteta's striker shopping list

By Jordan Davies

ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.

Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.

But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.

And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:

BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)

One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.

VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)

Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.

ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)

Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.

JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)

Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.

XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)

An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him.

“Respect, admiration for what they’ve done in the competition as a club over the years, the history they have, the values that they defend.

“Unbelievable. Amazing. And inspiration for any coach, any manager, any team. But after that is the competition.

“It’s what we are going to face tomorrow, an opposition that we know very well and that we are determined to go out there and try to win the game.

“When you have to create a story, when you have to build a story, first of all you have to be excited about it. Then you have to be really convinced about what you want to achieve.

“A lot of clubs have built their history by doing it many times, trying many times, sometimes failing, sometimes being successful.

“Last year we had an experience and we want to be better this season.”

Love Island couple spark split rumours with series of worrying social media posts 15 Apr 2025, 7:46 pm

A POPULAR Love Island couple have sparked split rumours with a series of worrying social media posts.

Zachariah Noble and Molly Marsh met on the ITV2 dating show a few years ago, but fans think they have parted ways – again.

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The couple briefly split last year, only to get back together shortly after.

But fans think they have parted ways after they both shared cryptic posts.

It all started when Zachariah reposted a clip of a man sharing his life plan which was: “Plan A married by 26, house by 28, kids by 30.”

However, the video then quickly showed the man running away and it had the new caption: “Plan B, cool uncle.”

Molly shared an equally cryptic post, where she talked about needing a break away.

Sharing a video of her enjoying some yoga, she wrote over the top of it: “Googled my symptoms and turned out all I needed was do be in the sun with my family, doing what I love.”

Discussing their post on Reddit, one fan said: “I think there’s def something up with them, probably arguing.”

Another added: “Yeah their current social activity is unusual.”

Referring to the video that Zach shared, this follower said: “I think you might be right. Zac reposted this.”

The new split rumours come just months after fans were convinced they had got engaged after Molly flashed a ring on her left hand.

The blonde stunner showed off the huge rock on her wedding ring finger as they set off on their flight to China.

Zach shared a snap of his girlfriend’s hand on his Instagram story as they boarded their flight.

“That time of year,” he captioned the mysterious post.

MEETING ON LOVE ISLAND

Molly and Zach met on series 10 Love Island in 2023.

The pair both entered the villa on day one – but weren’t originally with each other.

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Molly was coupled up with Mitch Taylor, while Zach was paired with Catherine Agbaje.

They soon realised that they were attracted to each other and things were going well until Kady McDermott entered the villa as a bombshell.

The Love Island legend picked Zach in a recoupling ceremony, which meant that Molly was sent home in a shock twist.

However Molly returned as part of Casa Amor – and the couple couldn’t ignore their feelings.

Molly and Zach ended up placing fourth on the series.

BREAK UP AND MAKE UP

After trying to navigate life outside of the villa, and long distance, the pair went their separate ways after seven months together.

But then by April this year there were plenty of clues that they were back on and soon went public with their relationship again.

Then in August they took their relationship to the next level and bought a house together.

Molly captioned the post: “Well this happened,” with the hashtag “incompatible”, as she took a swipe at ex-Islanders who said the pair were not well suited.

They also own a puppy together.

In October, Molly opened up about their split for the first time.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Molly said: “It’s great at the moment, we absolutely [needed that time apart], we’re stronger than ever and after moving in together, things are definitely going in the right direction.

“It’s what we needed, it’s going really well.”

When asked if all their issues have been ironed out, Molly shared: “Yes, it’s all good, we’re very happy now.”

Our idyllic countryside is being ruined by giant SLIDE & screaming kids – we can’t open our windows… it’s horrendous 15 Apr 2025, 7:44 pm

DESPAIRING locals say their idyllic countryside home is being “ruined” by a giant slide and screaming kids.

Residents in the quaint Cornish hamlet claim they can’t even open their windows due to the persistent noise.

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Kernow Slide near Bodmin originally opened last summer, without planning permission.

A planning application was subsequently denied by Cornwall Council on February 24 – due to the slide’s “incongruous” appearance and noisiness.

Despite this, the four-lane waterslide is now set to return on May 24 in time for the May half-term – with scaffolding spotted at the site.

James Lance, the man behind the 145-metre inflatable structure, says he is appealing the council’s decision.

One local told CornwallLive: “We all rang each other delighted that it had been refused – a day later the scaffolding went up again.”

Another added: “The last day of it operating last year was horrendous.

“We opened all our windows and doors because it was lovely weather, and I sat doing my jigsaw and I thought, ‘I can’t stick this noise – all the shouting and screaming and that’. We had to close everything up.”

A gripe amongst locals is that the slide is situated within Cornwall Council’s Active Travel ‘Quiet Lanes’ network.

The council report also states that the location is “unsuitable” due to its relative inaccessibility via public transport.

James has claimed he will arrange transport options for those wanting to visit the attraction, however.

The report continues: “The benefits to the tourist economy from the scheme do not outweigh the harm caused through the unsustainability of the location.”

It also argues that the rural character of the location would be compromised by “the introduction of an incongruous man-made structure and erosion of the tranquillity of the landscape”.

And, since no noise assessment was carried out, the attraction could be deemed to “cause significant noise harm to neighbouring properties which would be considered unacceptable”.

When approached by The Sun for comment, James argued that the attraction was a positive addition to the community – and no specific road accessibility issues had been raised.

He said: “Planning is an ongoing process and Kernow Slide is taking the opportunity to appeal the planning refusal with the legislated timescales.

“Our planning consultant is in regular contact with Cornwall Council’s planning team, and we are following the process.

“In their professional assessment, the local highway authority raised no objections to the safety of the access into the site or to the suitability of roads serving the site; the application was not refused on highway safety grounds.

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“The only thing that has made access harder is a local resident regularly removing directional arrow signs along the road.

“There is access to footpaths/cycle trails just around the corner linking to Cardinham Woods.

“From Cardinham Woods it’s a 1.9 mile walk or an 18-minute cycle to Kernow Slide; this route is largely off road.

“I have arrangements in place for anyone wishing to travel by public transport, details are on the website.

“We can arrange a taxi to meet guests at the closest bus stop or train station.

“The site is well related to other attractions around Bodmin and there is also strong local support.

“Kernow Slide employs 20+ people from the local area, mostly students between college / University terms.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to earn over the summer and gain valuable work experience. Kernow Slide also uses the services of several local companies.”

Despite locals’ concerns, the announcement of the slide’s return on Facebook garnered a generally positive reception, with over 170 comments.

The Sun has approached Cornwall Council for comment.

Mum-of-5 reveals £5 Ikea holiday essential that ‘saves many headaches’ packing & unpacking & kids never nag for snacks 15 Apr 2025, 7:37 pm

PACKING when you have kids can be chaotic, but one mum has a very easy hack which is a game-changer.

Ola, who is mum to five kids, shared how she uses one key item to transform her holiday organisation.

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On her channel – The Pelo Family – she shared how she uses a hanging shoe storage organiser to put all her family’s outfits in their suitcases.

Ola, who shares Mayah, Micah-Remi, Dream, Nubia and Shaka with husband Darcy, said: “I know it looks like serious business, I’m packing for seven. 

“But this hack here I’m about to share with you, I’ve been using for over five years. 

“You’re going to roll it, pocket it, drop it in your suitcase.

“And when you get to the hotel, you’re simply just going to hang it up in your wardrobe.

“You simply just pick it and hang it in the wardrobe.

“Labelled underwear bags for each of the kids.

“Hang up the bits that need to be hung up and then boom, this will save you so much headache. Honestly, nobody’s asking, where’s my shorts?”

The savvy mum uses a £11.49 Amazon storage organiser which has 24 pouches, but you can also pick a 16-pouch version from Ikea for £6.

Her Amazon item description reads: “The foldable shoe bags for storage behind the door shoe rack could easily be cut in half horizontally, and can be fold very small for travel storage.”

Ola showed how she covers her floor with the hanging organisers and adds outfits for each kid into the pouches.

When she is done, she simply folds it up and puts it in the suitcase, ready to be hung up at the hotel at the other end.

She also fills one with snacks so her kids can’t complain about being hungry.

Many people were impressed with her easy tip, with one saying: “This is serious business! I am in AWE.”

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Another added: “I have no kids. But I’ve saved this for my future children lol.”

And a third commented: “Ola you are a literal superwomen.”

Ola also shared a number of her other packing hacks.

She added: “I even pack a ready-made beach bag for if you want to head to the beach when you get there. 

“My steamer comes everywhere with me.

“Trust me, these little things make a big difference.”

Haunting internet searches by Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy revealed as she researched worrying symptoms days before death 15 Apr 2025, 7:35 pm

ACTOR Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa researched COVID-19 symptoms on the internet days before her tragic death, it has been revealed.

Arakawa, 65, died at the couple’s remote Santa Fe mansion in February from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease linked to rodents.

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The disease could include flu-like symptoms and severe respiratory distress.

Hackman, 95, died roughly a week after his wife from heart disease.

He also had advanced Alzheimer’s disease, which was a contributing factor to his death and could explain why he did not notice his wife had died.

The two were found on February 26 by maintenance and security workers.

Their dog, Zinna, was also found dead, likely from dehydration and starvation.

On February 8 and February 12, Arakawa’s computer showed that she was searching medical conditions linked to COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms, according to a report that authorities released on Tuesday.

She was researching whether COVID-19 could cause dizziness or nosebleeds.

Her last internet search was on the morning of February 12 when she looked for a health care provider in her city.

Arakawa also said in an email to her masseuse that Hackman woke up with flu or cold-like symptoms on February 11.

She said that her husband tested negative for COVID-19 but that she would have to reschedule her appointment “out of an abundance of caution.”

Hackman had no food in his stomach when he died but he showed no signs of dehydration.

RODENT INFESTATION

New details about the rodent infestation at the couple’s $3.8 million estate have come to light.

A live rodent, a dead rodent and an entire nest were found in the three detached garages on the property, the New Mexico medical investigator’s office said.

There was also rodent droppings in the three garages, two casitas and three sheds.

Live traps were also found in the outbuildings on their estate.

Experts theorize that Arakawa could have been infected with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome by cleaning those specific areas.

‘DEVASTATED BY THE LOSS’

Following Hackman and Arakawa’s death, the star’s daughters – Elizabeth, Leslie, and Annie Hackman – paid tribute to their father and his wife of 34 years.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy,” they said.

The daughters continued: “He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa.

“We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”

Hackman rose to fame with his 1967 role as Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde.

He went on to play Lex Luthor in the Superman movies and appeared in hit films like Mississippi Burning, Unforgiven, Crimson Tide, and The Poseidon Adventure.

He won an Oscar for Best Actor in 1972 for his portrayal of Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection.

Arakawa was also talented at the arts – she was a classical pianist.

EuroMillions results and numbers: National Lottery draw tonight, April 15 15 Apr 2025, 7:24 pm

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THE draw for tonight’s National Lottery EuroMillions (April 15, 2025) has taken place, with life-changing cash prizes at stake.

Check the results to see if you have just won a fortune and bagged enough to start that jet-set lifestyle you always dreamed of.

Every EuroMillions ticket also bags you an automatic entry into the UK Millionaire Maker, which guarantees at least one player will pocket £1million in every draw.

You can find out if you’re a winner by checking your ticket against tonight’s numbers below.

Tonight’s National Lottery EuroMillions winning numbers are: 03, 31, 33, 38, 44 and the Lucky Stars are: 06, 12.

The UK Millionaire Maker Selection winner is: MRLH58692

Tonight’s National Lottery Thunderball winning numbers are: 08, 15, 23, 31, 36 and the Thunderball is 14.

The first EuroMillions draw took place on February 7, 2004, by three organisations: France’s Française des Jeux, Loterías y Apuestas del Estado in Spain and the Camelot in the UK.

One of the UK’s biggest prizes was up for grabs on December, 4, 2020 with a whopping £175million EuroMillions jackpot, which would make a winner richer than Adele.

Another previous UK winner who’s whole life was altered with their jackpot was a player who wanted to remain anonymous on October 8, 2019. They walked off with a cool £170,221,000.

Colin and Chris Weir, from Largs in Scotland, netted a huge £161,653,000 in the July 12, 2011.

Adrian and Gillian Bayford, from Haverhill, Suffolk, picked up £148,656,000 after they played the draw on August, 10, 2012, while Jane Park became Britain’s youngest lottery winner when she scooped up £1 million in 2013.

The odds of winning any EuroMillions prize are 1 in 13.

Could tonight’s jackpot of £25million see you handing in your notice and swapping the daily commute for slurping champagne on a super yacht or lying back on a private beach in the Bahamas?

Premier League closes PSR loophole that saw former champions escape points deduction 15 Apr 2025, 7:11 pm

PREM chiefs have moved to close the rules loophole that saw Leicester escape a PSR sanction.

League bosses were left furious and embarrassed in September when an appeal board ruled the Prem did not have the right to charge them for losses in excess of the permitted limit of £105m in the three seasons up to 2022-23.

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The Foxes had been facing a six-point deduction this term after returning to the Prem as Championship winners last season.

But the panel upheld Leicester’s claim that the Prem could not sanction them when the club had become a member of the EFL following their relegation that season.

The appeal board accepted that Leicester were not subject to Prem rules because the club’s accounting period ended on 30 June 2023, “after the point the club had ceased to be a member of the League”.

Prem bosses promised to rewrite the rulebook to prevent other relegated clubs taking advantage of similar situations in future.

And in a series of changes introduced into the rulebook only on Friday, but which will take immediate effect, League chiefs have now tightened the regulations.

That includes ending the flaw that meant new clubs were able to claim the full £35m allowance for their promotion season, rather than have losses for that campaign in the EFL capped at £13m.

Crucially, the new Rule E.49 states that relegated clubs “remain bound” by Prem regulations, effectively aligning the top flight with the EFL in enforcing financial rules.

Leicester were able to successfully argue their two successive seasons of changed membership meant they were not subject to the regulations of either league.

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However, the new rules, agreed by the clubs and enacted last week, state that any punishments recommended by an EFL disciplinary panel can now be imposed by the Prem board in the top flight.

Leicester are destined for an immediate return to the Championship next season.

Ruud van Nistelrooy‘s appointment in November has failed to spark the Foxes’ season into life.

The ex-Manchester United striker has won just 3 out of 21 games at the King Power.

Leicester have earned only four points in total from their last 17 games. 

After Wolves’ 4-2 win over Tottenham last weekend, the Foxes’ fate could be sealed as early as next week.

If they fail to win their next match, at home to leaders Liverpool on April 20, their relegation will be confirmed.

Worst time to travel this bank holiday weekend as 19MILLION to hit roads on busiest Easter in 3 years – check your route 15 Apr 2025, 7:11 pm

THE worst time to travel over the Easter bank holiday has been revealed – as a whopping 19 million drivers are expected to hit the roads.

It is set to be the busiest Easter for road users since 2022 when Brits had just come out of lockdown, according to the RAC.

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Research suggests that holiday seekers will face severe traffic on Thursday, Friday and Sunday around this upcoming break.

Drivers are estimated to plan around 2.7 million trips every day during this busy period.

The number of trips will slightly drop on Easter Sunday to 2.5 million, before jumping up again to a further 2.7 million on Bank Holiday Monday when millions are set to return home.

The Bank Holiday Monday will come just before many schools open up again to signal the new term.

On top of that, a further 6.2 million journeys are expected over the bank holiday weekend – but drivers for these trips are unsure when they will travel.

They are likely to be bearing the unpredictable weather in mind before they lock down a schedule.

The RAC revealed the best and worst times to set off this Easter in order to avoid lengthy delays.

On Thursday April 17, the best time to set off would be before 12pm, while the worst time to leave would be between 2pm and 7pm.

On Good Friday, motorists have been told to leave home before 10am, and the heaviest traffic is expected between then and 5pm.

The best time to leave the following day, Saturday April 19, will be before 10:30am or after 2pm, while the worst time to travel is expected to be between 11am and 1pm.

Alice Simpson, RAC Breakdown spokesperson said: “The late bank holiday weekend clashes with the end of the Easter break for many schools – which we think will change the nature of this year’s getaway. 

“Although journey numbers are still very high, we’re anticipating more day trips and weekend breaks than people heading off on one and two-week stints, reflected by INRIX’s predictions that the worst delays will be along routes from Gatwick to the rest of the country.

“This could lead to a ‘hat-trick of hold-ups’ on Thursday, Friday and Saturday as drivers visit family and friends.”

For those travelling on Easter Sunday, setting off after 1pm wil be ideal as the worst time on the roads is predicted to be between 11am and 1pm.

Motorists returning home on Easter Monday should set off before 11am – as experts stressed that road users should avoid journeys between 11am and 6pm.

Simpson added: “But while getaway journeys may be shorter in length, we’re still expecting to see extremely high levels of traffic from Thursday onwards, with the greatest number of Easter getaway trips planned for three years.

“Drivers shouldn’t expect to escape the queues if they don’t plan the best time to set off.

“It’s always best to travel as early as possible in the morning or later in the day when most of the traffic has eased, especially if headed to popular holiday destinations such as the West Country, Scotland or Wales.”

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Shoppers race to B&M for £20 light-up garden gadget that’s scanning for £2 & ‘better quality than Home Bargains’ 15 Apr 2025, 7:10 pm

SHOPPERS are racing to B&M for a light-up item that could transform your garden for summer.

Bargain hunters have shared how they spotted the retailer is selling a solar-powered wisteria garland that comes with warm LEDs.

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Although the sticker on the box says £18, don’t let that put you off.

The pretty wisteria garland has been scanning for £2 at the till, having previously been £20.

For those who are fans of Netflix drama Bridgerton, which has numerous houses decorated with wisteria, this could be just the purchase for you.

A shopper took to the Facebook group Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK to share how they had snapped it up for their outdoor space.

They wrote: “B&m yesterday marked at £18 coming through at £2.”

The wisteria decoration is 180cm in length with 20 LED lights.

The product also comes with an AA rechargeable battery (which is included) so the B&M product can light up even if there has been limited sunlight.

You’ll need to hunt at your local B&M if you want to add the wisteria to your garden, as it is not currently available online.

If you are lucky enough to snap it up, it could be a beautiful addition to the front of your house or along the edge of a shed or pergola.

The post has racked up hundreds of likes, with one person saying: “need some.”

Another added: “be so nice for the garden.”

Meanwhile, one person said they had already bought them and added: “They look gorgeous when lit up.”

However, some people offered their warning to other shoppers.

One person who had bought the product chimed in: “All the flowers blew away.”

Meanwhile, we shared how Dunelm is selling £39 essential that will instantly transform your garden into a Mediterranean paradise this summer.

The Cream Crank Parasol is being whisked off shelves as Brits prepare for the fast approaching summer months.

Featuring a simple crank opening system, it’s said to be easy to use whilst also providing immense amounts of much-needed shade.

Available to buy online, the parasol has already proven a real hit among shoppers.

8 must-have plants to brighten up your garden

Nick Hamilton owner of Barnsdale Gardens has shared his favourite plants and flowers you should consider adding to your garden, borders and pots.

Tricyrtis

A spectacular plant that gives a real exotic feel to any garden with its orchid-like, spotted flowers giving the impression that this plant should be tender but it is “as tough as old boots!”.

Penstemon

I love this plants genus of because most will flower all summer and autumn. They’ll grow in sun or semi-shade in a well drained soil and produce a non-stop display of tubular flowers in an array of colours and colour combination to suit all tastes.

Luzula sylvatica ‘Marginata’

With the evergreen leaves edged with yellow it’s great asset is that it
will grow in sun or shade in any type of soil and is great as groundcover in the hardest spot to fill – dry shade.

Eryngium x zabelii ‘Big Blue’

A stunning, nectar-rich plant that will feed the beneficial insects in your
garden. Leave the flowerheads once they have turned brown because they look stunning with winter frost and snow, extending the plant’s interest period.

Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Winter Gem’

If you need winter scent then look no further than this compact, evergreen shrub. The scent is stunning and the evergreen leaves create an excellent backdrop for the summer flowers.

Cornus sanguinea ‘Anny’s Winter Orange’

A dwarf version of ‘Midwinter Fire’ the very colourful stems create a stunning winter display, particularly on sunny days.

Rosa ‘Noisette Carnee’

A very well-behaved climbing rose that is perfect for training over an arch, pergola or gazebo. The small, “noisette” flowers are blush-pink and produce the most amazing clove scent constantly from June to November.

Sanguisorba hakusanensis ‘Lilac Squirrel’

I’ve never seen a squirrel with a drooping, shaggy lilac tail, but this variety will give your garden an unusual and different look throughout summer. It does need a moisture retentive soil but will grow in sun or semi-shade.

Aston Villa awkwardly play wrong anthem before Champions League quarter-final 15 Apr 2025, 7:07 pm

ASTON VILLA’s DJ dropped an absolute clanger moments before their Champions League clash with PSG – by playing the EUROPA LEAGUE anthem.

Both teams lined up to hear the traditional and world-famous anthem moments before the second leg of their quarter-final tie got underway.

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But they and the thousands of fans in attendance at Villa Park were instead treated to the Europa League anthem.

Unai Emery‘s troops were visibly stunned by the gaffe as the camera went past the starting XI.

The Villa Park faithful were equally as flabbergasted and started to boo the error.

The astonishing mistake, unsurprisingly, went viral.

One footie fan said on X: “Why did they play the Europa League anthem?”

Another said: “EUROPA LEAGUE ANTHEM ON UCL NIGHT.”

And another said: “The players’ faces say it all.”

One remarked: “Someone’s getting sacked in the morning.”

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Another chimed in: “How do you f*** up this bad?”

Amazon commentator Adrian Clarke said of the gaffe: “The first misstep of the night, someone’s miscued the Champions League anthem.

“Stirring music but not quite what we’ve come to expect to a prelude to games like this.”

Villa’s DJ tried to atone for their error by belatedly playing the Champions League anthem.

But the damage, however, had already well and truly been done.

The anthem mixup was not the start Emery and his charges would’ve liked to the match.

It was seemingly a bad omen as Achraf Hakimi struck in the 11th minute to fire the visitors into a 4-1 lead on aggregate.

And Nuno Mendes killed off the Villans’ slim hopes of making the final in the 28th minute to send the French side into a 5-1 aggregate lead.

Famed outdoor retailer abruptly shuts with NO notice after 35 years in ‘end of an era’ 15 Apr 2025, 7:07 pm

A WELL-loved bike shop that served generations of cyclists for decades has closed its doors for good.

The Bike Shop, in Derby, had been a fixture of the local community since the 1980s.

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Known for expert advice, friendly service, and a stock of more than 400 bikes, the closure marks the end of an era for local riders.

The shock news was confirmed by a short, 10-word message posted on the store’s Facebook page: “Sad to say but we are now close for good.”

No prior announcement was made, and the shop closed without warning, leaving loyal customers stunned and saddened.

It’s been an incredible journey and we’re grateful to all our customers over the years.

“Closing wasn’t an easy decision, but the time felt right. Thank you, Derby”

Tributes poured in online from heartbroken customers.

Susanne Wilkins wrote: “”You’ve always been amazing and really helpful. Nothing too big a job.”

Will Maynard, who did work experience at the shop as a teen, added: “Had a great week, felt really welcome. Thank you for the opportunity.”

Derbyshire Scouts Bike Team member Paul Gant commented: “Very sad to hear.

“You’ve supported us for 20 years-over 100 bikes and countless repairs. Best wishes.”

The building itself, 100-102 Monk Street, was quietly sold in February through SDL Property Auctions.

It had been listed with a guide price of £190,000.

An SDL Property Auctions spokesperson confirmed the sale and said:

“The ground floor accommodation provides a combination of open plan retail accommodation with a staircase providing access to the upper floor retail accommodation.

“There is also a good-sized storeroom to the rear of the property.

“The first floor comprises further open plan retail accommodation along with a small office situated to the rear of this level.

“A staircase leads to the rear of the premises and provides access to the second-floor accommodation which comprises useful retail/storage accommodation.”

UK high streets have been struggling for years, largely due to the growth of online shopping.

Rising inflation in recent years has also had a significant impact, reducing consumers’ spending power.

A recent report from PwC highlighted the ongoing shift away from high streets in 2024, with more retailers opting for locations outside town and city centres.

These areas are experiencing fewer closures and more openings, with retail parks becoming an increasingly popular choice.

This shift is driven by the convenience they offer to shoppers.

According to the Centre for Retail Research, over 13,000 high street stores closed in 2024, and the trend is expected to continue in 2025.

The centre’s data revealed that 13,479 stores, or roughly 37 each day, shut down over the past year.

Around 11,340 of these closures were independent shops, marking a 45.5% increase compared to 2023.

The centre projects that approximately 17,350 stores will close in 2025, linking the rise in closures to increased employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) and the national minimum wage hike.

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Ella Purnell, Keely Hodgkinson & Cole Palmer named among Europe’s most influential stars under 30 as Brits lead way 15 Apr 2025, 7:00 pm

ACTRESS Ella Purnell and Olympic Gold star Keely Hodgkinson are among a host of Brits to make Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe list.

They are joined by England footie star Cole Palmer upcoming Beatles biopic star Harris Dickinson and singers Lola Young and Myles Smith as the “change-makers of tomorrow”.

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Ella is the star of Amazon Prime sci-fi hit Fallout.

Runner Keely stormed to Gold glory in the 800m at last summer’s Paris Olympics.

Scottish actress Frankie Corio, 14, who starred in Bafta-winning 2022 drama Aftersun, is the youngest to make the cut.

The lists include 30 stars over ten categories, chosen by Forbes magazine staff with judges including singer Sam Smith.

Forbes’ Alexandra York said: “As we celebrate the tenth edition of Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe, Forbes recognises the incredible achievements of young innovators shaping the future of this region and beyond, especially during a time of rapid cultural and technological change.

“This year’s honourees are breaking boundaries and tackling new challenges with innovation, resilience and bold ideas.

“This milestone edition highlights both the incredible talent of today, but the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow.”

ELLA PURNELL

Actress

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ELLA, 28, rose to fame as a child movie star and last year starred in the a leading role as Lucy MacLean in Amazon Prime sci-fi series Fallout.

KEELY HODGKINSON

Olympic Champion

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MIDDLE-distance runner Keely, 23, stole the nation’s hearts as she won gold in the 800m at last year’s Paris Olympics.

She was named BBC Sport Personality of the Year.

COLE PALMER

Footballer

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COLE, 22, has seen his career take off since joining Chelsea for £40million in 2023, and scored England’s only goal in last summer’s Euros final defeat.

MYLES SMITH

Singer

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MYLES, 26, rose to fame on TikTok and bagged the Rising Star Award at the Brit Awards in March, after his single Stargazing hit No1 in the charts.

LOLA YOUNG

Singer

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LOLA, 24, was nominated for the Brits’ Best Pop Act after song Messy hit No1 in 2024.

She sang Together In Electric Dreams for John Lewis’ Christmas ad, 2021.

HARRIS DICKINSON

Actor

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HARRIS, 28, will play the Fab Four’s John Lennon in the upcoming four-part Beatles biopic.

He starred alongside Nicole Kidman in last year’s Babygirl.

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Woman dies and driver left fighting for life after car smashes into wall in horror Scots crash 15 Apr 2025, 6:59 pm

A PENSIONER has died, and another is fighting for his life after their car careered off the road and crashed into a wall.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Corsebar Road in Paisley earlier this afternoon.

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The incident, which occurred at around 12:30 pm, involved a silver Kia Ceed that left the road and struck a wall.

A 76-year-old female passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.

While the driver of the car, a 78-year-old man, was rushed to hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Police closed the road for around six hours to conduct an investigation, with it reopening fully at 6:25 pm.

Authorities are now appealing for information and urging members of the public to come forward if they have dashcam footage from the area.

Officers paid tribute to the woman who lost her life as they launched their appeal.

Sergeant Ally Wright said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman involved.

“Our investigation to establish the full circumstances is ongoing, and I would urge anyone with information, or who may have dashcam footage from the area, to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 1328 of 15 April 2025.

This comes just days after a motorcyclist tragically died in a separate collision in the Highlands.

Emergency services were called to the scene on the A827, around six miles east of Killin near Lawers, at approximately 4:25 pm on Friday, 11 April.

The incident involved a black Ducati M1200 motorcycle that left the road and collided with a wall.

The rider, a 67-year-old man, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Heartbreak for Prince William & George as Villa lose nail-biting Champions League clash by a goal after valiant battle 15 Apr 2025, 6:51 pm

PRINCE William and George have been left heartbroken after they watched Aston Villa narrowly drop out of the Champions League.

The royal pair watched through 90 minutes of ecstasy and turmoil as they saw PSG score twice early on before Unai Emery‘s side pulled back three goals.

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Young Prince George, 11, donned a half-and-half scarf as he played with his hands nervously pre-game.

The Prince of Wales, 42, was also seen with a drink in his hand as he stood in the hospitality box at the packed out stadium.

Fans soon took to their seats as the match kicked off but the stadium was quickly left frustrated when PSG scored twice in the first 27 minutes.

William held his head in his hands as PSG defender Achraf Hakimi slotted home the first.

A second left the hopeful crowd stunned.

PSG were leading the tie by four goals at this point and cruising into the semi finals – leaving Unai Emery‘s side with a mountain to climb.

Despite the daunting scoreline, a big comeback was still on the cards as Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans pulled one back in the 34th minute.

A valiant Villa came out for the second half raring to make history.

They were inspired by Scottish skipper John McGinn who scored within 10 minutes of the restart.

Before towering English centre back Ezri Konsa gave Aston Villa the lead on the night.

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William was seen jumping for joy as the Villa players celebrated with a passionate George roaring on the team.

The pair were also joined in the VIP box by the Duke and Duchess of Westminster.

Billionaire aristocrat Hugh Grosvenor, 34, and his wife Olivia, 32, were seen cheering on the Villans after recently announcing they are expecting a baby.

Aston Villa pushed for an equaliser in the tie for the final 30 minutes but couldn’t find a fourth goal on the night.

Despite winning the game 3-2 at Villa Park, they narrowly missed out on the semi-final due to a 5-4 aggregate scoreline for PSG.

The Premier League outfit were let down by their first leg performance where they were outclassed in Paris.

A Morgan Rogers’ opener was ruled out by three good PSG goals which saw them take firm control of the tie.

Proud Villa fans tried their best to play a part in what turned out to be a European classic but they couldn’t push McGinn’s men across the line.

The future King of England joined over 40,000 fans in Villa Park this evening – including over 2,000 French supporters.

Hopes were still high for a win with Villa on a 17-match unbeaten run at home in all competitions which stretches back to November 2024.

William and George also went to the first leg in Paris as they went through a roller coaster of emotions in the game.

The Prince of Wales was seen wildly celebrating and hugging his son after Villa’s first-half goal.

But later on, the Prince was seen with his head in his hands as the full-time whistle blew at 3-1.

William was in the crowd for Villa’s victory over Bayern Munich earlier in the competition and away to Monaco in January.

He first fell in love with Aston Villa after being taken to a match by friends as a boy.

The heir said he was gripped by the “sense of belonging” and the passion of his fellow football fans.

Wills also revealed he visits fan forums anonymously online — and moves his kids around when watching at home to bring the team luck.

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Inside Rory McIlroy’s stunning £16MILLION mansion Masters champion will return to with huge pool and tennis courts 15 Apr 2025, 6:49 pm

RORY MCILROY is going to need a bigger trophy cabinet – so it’s a good job he has the space at his incredible Florida home.

The Northern Irishman, 35, completed a historic golfing Grand Slam after winning the Masters at the 17th attempt on Sunday.

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The Mega Agency

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McIlroy is renowned for valuing his privacy away from the links and will now take a week away from the limelight to savour his historic win.

The 33-year-old is set to unwind at his stunning £16million ($18.3m) mansion with wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy, 4.

The outrageous nine-bedroom pad is located in the sought-after neighbourhood of Jupiter, Florida.

It sits among the prestigious private members Bear’s Club, with 69 golf courses located within a 15-mile radius.

McIlroy’s neighbours include his fellow fairway stars Dustin Johnson, Tiger Woods and Patrick Cantlay.

The mansion itself has a golfing pedigree, with McIlroy purchasing it from four-time major winner Ernie Els in 2012.

Situated on a 2.4-acre plot, Rory’s dream home features nine bathrooms and ten bedrooms.

The mansion boasts 13,000 square feet of floor space and even has its own recording studio.

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There is also a cinema, infinity pool and games room for McIlroy to kick back after his Masters triumph.

While a tennis court, putting green and gym are ready and waiting for when the five-time major winner is ready to work up a sweat.

The Sunshine State home is just one part of McIlroy’s real estate empire.

He owns a gorgeous six-bedroom mansion in La Quinta, California, bought in 2019 for £7m ($9.2m).

And the golfer also owns exclusive apartments in New York and the United Arab Emirates.

McIlroy grew up in the humble surroundings of County Down, where he now has his own 19th century house with a golf course in the back garden.

Inside Rory McIlroy's whirlwind love life

RORY MCILROY enjoyed a high-profile romance with former tennis world number one Caroline Wozniacki before their split in 2014.

The following year, the golf ace began dating Erica Stoll, who he had first met on the PGA Tour in 2011.

Erica often interacted with players through her role as the PGA’s manager of championship volunteer operations.

She even prevented McIlroy from missing his tee time at the 2012 Ryder Cup after some confusion over the time zone.

The incident began a firm friendship between the pair, four years before their relationship turned romantic.

McIlroy and Erica were spotted on a string of dates in Rochester, New York, in the early days of their relationship.

Just eight months later, the couple got engaged in Paris and walked down the aisle at Ashford Castle in Ireland in 2017.

The pair then welcomed daughter Poppy into the world three years later.

Throughout their time together, McIlroy and Erica have kept their relationship to themselves, with the golfer keen to protect his family from the cameras during filming of Netflix’s Full Swing documentary series.

However, after seven years of marriage, McIlroy filed for divorce from Erica.

The reasons for the divorce were not disclosed, but the Northern Irishman submitted documents to a court in Florida.

However, a few weeks later, performed a U-turn on their decision to divorce.

McIlroy told the outlet: “Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”

Rory’s parents, Rosie and Gerry, were in tears as their son sealed an emotional Green Jacket triumph in a playoff against Justin Rose at Augusta.

McIlroy explained: “My mum couldn’t stop crying.

“Dad said it was the first time ever that he’s watched me play golf on TV and he’s had to pour himself a drink.

“He was going through the emotions just as much as everyone else.

“I can’t wait to see them next week. I can’t wait to celebrate this with them.”

Masters 2025

RORY McILROY finally won the Masters to complete an epic Grand Slam after YEARS of waiting.

The fans’ favourite fell to his knees and roared in celebration after beating Justin Rose in a dramatic play-off.

McIlroy later broke down in an emotional TV interview as he said: “A moment like that makes all the years and all the close calls worth it.”

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• Latest reaction LIVE after McIlroy’s incredible win
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• How much did Rory McIlroy earn for winning the Masters?

McIlroy, 35, will have a week off at his Florida digs before returning alongside close friend Shane Lowry as they defend their Zurich Classic of New Orleans title next week.

His next individual event is set to be next month’s Truist Championship, where he is the reigning and four-time champion.

That will be his only other event before the PGA Championship starts at Quail Hollow on May 15.

He added: “To get over that hump feels a massive weight off my back.

“I’m playing with house money now – it’s going to free me up.

“Hopefully it’s the start of a really great period of my career.”

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Dani Dyer horrified as dad Danny reveals last time he had sex with her mum Jo – and X-rated reason behind Dubai holiday 15 Apr 2025, 6:46 pm

DANNY Dyer left his daughter Dani squirming as he opened up about his sex life – or lack there of it.

The actor, 47, claimed he hasn’t slept with his wife Joanne for six months and was planning a trip to Dubai to reconnect between the sheets.

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In a very candid conversation on their podcast Live and Let Dyers, Danny joked she hadn’t seen his ‘winkle’ for months and he was jealous that she was massaging Dani’s feet instead of his.

He also revealed that Joanne even massages Dani’s fiance’s Jarrod’s feet – but not his.

Danny moaned: “You were sitting on the settee and mummy was on some vibe and she started to massage your feet. She never goes near her husband’s feet, she’s not seen me winkle for six months.”

Dani could be heard awkwardly giggled as the Marching Powder star explained how he hoped to end the dry patch.

He told his daughter:  “We’re going to Dubai to f*****ing live it up and that’s why I’ve planned a holiday for the very small chance that might get a roll about.”

He teased: “You’ll be lucky not to get another sibling, because mum’s due to have another one, every ten years I get her pregnant. 

“But actually I don’t think my jook, shall we call it jook? Is what it was.”

Danny and Jo – who have been together since 1992-  share three children Love Island‘s Dani, 28, daughter Sunnie, 18, and son Arty, 11.

Former EastEnders star Danny and Dani previously opened up about Jarrod’s stag do ahead of their wedding.

Dani and Jarrod got engaged last summer on a romantic boat trip in Ibiza, having escaped for a minibreak.

The couple left their one-year-old twin daughters Star and Summer at home with family, along with Dani’s son Santiago, three, from a previous relationship.

She will be saying I Do to the West Ham star this summer – and celebrated her second hen do this weekend.

Expressing her fears, Dani said on the podcast: “If you can go, Jarrod gets back on the Thursday and we’re married Saturday.”

At this point, Danny swiftly interjected by cheering: “Strippers!”

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His daughter, however, proceeded to disagree with this possibility, saying “no, you’re not.”

She added: “We had a butler in the buff, but we had to draw him. We had to draw the naked man.”

Danny remarked: “That’s what we would do. We’d probably draw the…”

Dani cut in: “It’s different, I’m sorry, it’s so different.”

Danny Dyer's career so far

By Conor O’Brien

Danny Dyer has played several film and TV roles across a three-decade acting career.

Here’s a look back at some of his most memorable performances.

• Prime Suspect (1993): Danny made his screen debut in an episode of the long-running ITV police procedural. He appeared as a character named “Martin Fletcher”.
• Human Traffic (1999): Danny’s debut film saw him portray “Moff”, a dealer. Directed by Justin Kerrigan, the coming-of-age comedy drama also featured John Simm, Andrew Lincoln and Richard Coyle.
• Mean Machine (2001): An adaptation of The Longest Yard, this sports comedy also featured Vinnie Jones and Jason Statham. Danny played “Billy the Limpet”.
• The Football Factory (2004): Loosely based on the novel of the same name by John King. Danny led the cast of this sports drama, directed by Nick Love. He portrayed “Tommy Johnson”.
• EastEnders (2013-2022): Danny appeared in the London-set BBC soap opera for almost a decade. He played Queen Vic landlord “Mick Carter”, opposite Kellie Bright as his on-screen wife Linda.
• Rivals (2024): The actor was among an all-star ensemble cast in this Disney+ series based on Jilly Cooper’s novel. Danny played the role of “Freddie Jones”.

‘She’s smelling really bad’ – Brit tennis star tells umpire to get opponent to wear DEODORANT in shock outburst 15 Apr 2025, 6:42 pm

HARRIET DART sensationally claimed her tennis rival STUNK and she should “wear deodorant”.

The British No4 was caught on court-side microphones attacking Lois Boisson’s personal hygiene during a 6-0 6-3 defeat in the first round of the Open de Rouen.

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At a changeover, Dart, 28, rose from her chair and then told the official: “Can you tell her to wear deodorant?”

She then repeated the question, saying: “Because the smell.

“Can you tell her to wear deodorant? She smells really bad.”

The unkind public comments leave her potentially at risk of action for unsporting behaviour from the WTA, the sport’s governing body.

Dart – who played last weekend’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers – was swept aside in the opening set in 28 minutes by Boisson.

She put up more of a fight in the second set, but failed to win any of her six break points.

Wildcard Boisson made her first WTA Tour appearance of the season after struggling with injury.

Dart currently sits at 110 in the WTA world rankings.

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She was appearing in just her second clay-court match of the season.

Dart took to Instagram to apologise following the incident.

She wrote: “I want to apologise for what I said on court today, it was a heat-of-the-moment comment that I truly regret.

“That’s not how I want to carry myself, and I take full responsibility.

“I have a lot of respect for Lois and how she competed today. I’ll learn from this and move forward.”

The drama comes as Emma Raducanu prepares to return to front-line tennis competition next week in Madrid.

Since returning home from the Miami Open – where she lost last month in the quarter-finals to American world No3 Jessica Pegula – the Brit has focused on a training block behind-closed-doors.

This hiatus has meant she skipped the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in Holland where Britain beat the hosts and Germany to secure their spot in the eight-team finals in China in September.

It has also meant she did not play at this week’s Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart despite a previous contractual link to the title sponsors there.

Yet having had a fortnight to train at the National Tennis Centre, Raducanu, 22, is now going to play her first match on clay in the WTA event in the Spanish capital.

After that she will head to the Italian Open in Rome in early May with the clay-court campaign climaxing at the French Open in Paris later that month.

Jude Bellingham confidently claims ‘everyone thinks it’s nailed on’ that Real Madrid will win Arsenal tie from 3-0 down 15 Apr 2025, 6:42 pm

JUDE BELLINGHAM has claimed that there is a lot of belief that it is “nailed on” that Real Madrid will beat Arsenal.

The Spanish giants face an uphill battle to overturn a 3-0 deficit against the Gunners after a crushing defeat at the Emirates last week.

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Getty

Getty

Mikel Arteta‘s side are hopeful of reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 16 years.

The North London club would have to produce an astonishing collapse as Real have NEVER come back from this position before.

However, England international Bellingham, 21, has insisted that there is plenty of belief that the 15-time European champions can do just that.

He said: “Everyone thinks it is nailed on that we will come back.

“It is a weird environment, but it is a nice feeling. It means there is a lot of trust in the talent. 

“There is an expectation from around the world that when we get into these kinds of holes, we can come back, even if it is a really tough one. 

“It is a night made for Real Madrid, and would go down in history, but also something people are familiar with around this part of the world.

“Hopefully, we can add another special night.

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“It is something that you want to be a part of, it is something that you want to add to the history of this club. 

“There is not a lot you can do for Real Madrid in the Champions League that has not already been done.

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“This is an opportunity for us to do something for the first time. That is really important to us.”

Arsenal can take comfort in knowing that out of the 11 previous English teams to be in this position, all have advanced to the next round.

Real Madrid have shown they are capable of the incredibly improbable in the past.

Back in the 2021/22 season, they stunned Manchester City with a 6-5 aggregate victory despite being 4-3 down.

They have also produced similar turnarounds against Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

Bellingham has also insisted that a comeback is possible and pointed to Liverpool‘s famous win over Barcelona in 2019.

He added: “Probably in England it is not as common but it has happened, Liverpool did it a couple of years back [against Barcelona in 2019].

“What makes us confident is the quality we have, the history of the club, the fans that will turn up and give everything on the night, the aura of the Bernabeu and these Champions League nights, that is always something. 

“The more you get to speak to the other lads and you see how confident they are, the more it rubs off on you. They have experienced these kinds of nights before.

“It is infectious and it makes you a lot more confident, a lot more comfortable with the situation you are in.

“If we just increase our level numbers a bit more, we can be in it. We are not stupid but also we are confident in the ability we have.”

I live in a council home but nobody can tell as it’s glam – I love marble tiles & people say my windows are the giveaway 15 Apr 2025, 6:30 pm

A WOMAN has amazed people with her very glam council home that she and her partner renovated themselves.

Celene Francis showed a before and after video of their bathroom, which was very chic after the makeover.

TikTok/@61thecouncilhouse

TikTok/@61thecouncilhouse

The finished result looked so stylish that Celene said people can’t tell they have a council home at all.

On her @61thecouncilhouse account, she wrote: “POV you live in a council house but nobody can tell.”

The first thing they did was rip out the plain white tiles from around the bath.

They also removed the bath tub and completely stripped the walls back.

Celene showed how they added new marble-effect tiles to the walls and floor and it completely transformed the look.

The main difference in the room was the black shower that they added in the place of the bath.

She explained that they asked for permission before doing the DIY work and it was approved.

The finished bathroom looked unrecognisable, and people couldn’t believe it was the same room.

One said: “Looks lit.”

Another added: “Seriously though, good work.”

Meanwhile, a third person claimed there is one way you can tell a house is a council home, despite any renovations inside.

They explained: “You can always tell from the outside and area!”

And one person pointed out: “Fingers crossed you can buy it next year as this is MAD expense to put into a house that isn’t yours currently.”

According to the Gov website, the improvements you can make to your council property depends on the type of tenancy you have.

If you are introductory tenants, typically you are limited to minor improvements like redecorating inside.

However, if you’re a secure tenant, you have the right to carry out improvements to your property, including installing a new bathroom or kitchen, building an extension, putting up a garden shed or greenhouse and installing a new gas fire or fireplace.

Chloe Brockett breaks silence on Jack Fincham split as she confirms she’s living apart from him already 15 Apr 2025, 6:26 pm

CHLOE Brockett has broken her silence on her split from Jack Fincham and confirmed she’s already living apart from him.

The Sun revealed earlier this month how they had broken up for a SIXTH time after a string of heated rows.

Instagram/@chloebrockett

Instagram

Instagram

Instagram

Over the last two years, Chloe, 24, and Jack, 33, have repeatedly split and got back together,.

Now, Chloe has broken her silence on the break-up and revealed how she is moving on with her life.

During a Q&A session with her Instagram followers, she was asked if she is still in a relationship.

The reality star responded: “No I’m not in a relationship anymore… just want to focus on myself and the things that make me happy.”

When asked if she was moving in with Jack, she explained: “No I am moving to Brentwood on my own… I can’t wait to show you all my little place it’s so pretty.”

Last week, The Sun were first to reveal how the reality pair’s relationship had once again hit rock bottom.

A source told us: “Chloe’s been making it very clear it’s over with Jack by posting a lot of quotes and pictures on Instagram.

“They’ve been breaking up and making up time and time again over the last few months, so no one thinks it’s over for good.”

They added that some time apart will give them a chance to reassess things and decide once and for all if they’re right for each other.

“They’ve both been through a tough time lately and are trying to figure out if they’re better together or apart,” the source added.

ROCKY ROMANCE

Chloe and Jack have kept their fans updated on the highs and lows of their relationship over the years.

Their followers have probably lost track at the number of fallouts and savage swipes they’ve taken at each other on social media.

Last March, Chloe slammed Jack after a series of “jealous rows”.

A friend of the couple told The Sun at the time: “Jack and Chloe tried really hard to make things work but they’ve been fighting a lot.

Instagram

Instagram

“It’s meant to be the honeymoon phase but Jack’s been acting jealous of the attention Chloe gets from other guys.

“She’s been getting sick of having the same row over and over again.

“They’ve been on/off for years but really thought this was the right time to make a real go of it.

“There’s a lot of love between them, so never say never for the future.”

While November last year, Chloe savagely dumped Jack in a public Instagram post.

Chloe said: “Me and Jack are no longer in a relationship, carrying the weight of a 32 year old who refuses to pay any bills has become somewhat tiresome.

“Girls, remember to never settle. Always bites you in the backside.”

The reality star quickly removed snaps with former Love Islander Jack from her Instagram page.

Chloe Brockett and Jack Fincham relationship

The reality star couple have had their ups and downs over the years - leading to the repeatedly splitting and getting back together. Here we take a look at their relationship over the years

2019 – Start dating and have an on/off relationship before splitting

Oct 2023 – They get back together and go Instagram Official at a spa retreat

Feb 2024 – Chloe and Jack split for the second time

March 2024 – Chloe and Jack get back together just weeks after fallout 

Oct 2024 – Chloe slams Jack on social media – sparking rumours they’ve split for the third time

Oct 2024 – Later that month, Chloe and Jack reunite

Nov 2024 – Just a month later, Chloe publicly dumps Jack for the fourth time on Instagram in a scathing statement 

Nov 2024 – Chloe quickly deletes it and later admits their brief split was a mistake

Jan 2025 – Chloe stands by Jack during his recent court drama

March 2025 – Chloe and Jack spark speculation they’ve split for the fifth time after ‘blazing rows’ and unfollowing each other

March 2025 – The pair have ‘crisis talks’ as Chloe feels growing pressure amid Jack’s prison scare

April 2025 –  Chloe and Jack have split for the sixth time, a source claims

Tiny rundown UK town where abandoned shops line the streets is being transformed by one man in £200million refurb 15 Apr 2025, 6:25 pm

A TINY rundown town where abandoned shops line the streets is being transformed by one man in a £200 million refurbishment job.

Billionaire Jonathan Ruffer is splashing the cash to breathe life back into a tired northern town.

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Alamy

Alamy

The mega-rich City investor and art buff is backing a project by charity Auckland Project to turn Bishop Auckland, County Durham, from a ghost town into a top tourist hotspot.

The high street has been full of boarded-up shops and shuttered cafes in recent years.

But now it is seeing signs of a stunning revival thanks to Jonathan’s cash injection.

He bought up Bishop’s Palace for £11m to stop a set of priceless Zurbarán paintings being shipped off abroad.

The palace’s lush gardens alone have swallowed nearly £10m, with £300k spent on topsoil alone.

The revamped Paradise Garden even has a heated wall for growing melons, and a stylish new cross-shaped water feature designed by top garden guru Pip Morrison.

Meanwhile, the Grade II-listed McIntyre’s, once a posh leather shop, has reopened as a cute cafe flogging handmade crafts and £6 artisan chocolate.

The shop also offers work experience to youngsters – as well as career and educational resources.

Its hospitality coordinator, Fiona MacAlpine, told the Telegraph that the project had had a “fab” impact on the area.

She added: “Bishop [Aukland] was dying. Things had to change.”

The project has also been praised by businessman Gary Ewing – who opened a cycle shop on the newly buzzy highstreet.

He recalled how after seeing “the improvements that all this regeneration would bring”, he “opted to establish ourselves in the town centre”, adding: “It’s been tough, but we’ve no regrets.”

However, not everyone has been thrilled by the town’s dramatic makeover.

Some have dubbed the Auckland Tower, for example – a 15-metre-high viewing platform that was introduced as part of the refurb – a “sore thumb”.

It is hoped that one million annual visitors will eventually come to the town – which has also seen the addition of two art galleries under the project.

Plus, a whopping 60-room hotel, called The Northside Hotel, is set to open in 2027.

It comes after Porthcawl in Wales also saw a £20 million makeover to its seafront area, including a number of new attractions being built and a £4million makeover of the historic Grand Pavillion theatre.

The much-loved art deco theatre closed in February 2024 for the construction work.

It will now be re-opened with enhanced facilities, giving the building a new lease of life.

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PA

Real reason why Chris Hughes isn’t interested in Celebrity Big Brother romance with Ella Rae Wise 15 Apr 2025, 6:16 pm

She’s been getting more than a tad testy due to the lack of a love interest in the Celebrity Big Brother house.

Now we know why Towie star Ella Rae Wise hasn’t had much joy trying to win over Love Island hunk Chris Hughes.

ITV

It turns out he is pals with Dan Edgar – who like his pal Kem Cetinay is an Essex boy – and making any moves on his ex girlfriend while on the ITV show would break “The Bro Code.”

Ella revealed – in rather explicit detail – how she’d decided to axe her relationship, just as she went into the house, so it couldn’t have failed to escape Chris’s attention.

A TV insider said: “Hitting on a pal’s ex so soon after splitting up just isn’t the done thing – particularly if you do it in front of millions of viewers on a national TV show.

“Which is why, despite Ella saying she wouldn’t mind a flirt with hunky Chris, the feeling hasn’t been reciprocated, much to her disappointment.

“So she’s had to watch, frustrated, while he’s turned his attention to Jojo Siwa.

“With all the interlinked relationships and simmering tension, it’s starting to look and feel like a series of Love Island, which will at least feel familiar for Chris.”

Although they were on the rocks when Ella went into the house, she seemed to carry out an autopsy on their 18 month relationship very publicly.

She even said that the sex was great with fellow Towie star Dan, who’s just been on the final series of ITV’s Dancing on Ice, but it wasn’t enough for her and she needed more.

Then in a teary chat with housemates she went on to reveal: “I just knew he weren’t going to be what I wanted him to be. And I thought maybe he might for me.

“And I don’t want to waste years trying to change someone do you know what I mean?”

But if she plans on moving on with Chris, it seems she’s only destined to spend the rest of Celebrity Big Brother in floods of tears.

It’s fool’s gold for Ches

After days of living under Mickey Rourke’s cloud, the Celebrity Big Brother housemates have rediscovered their sparkle.

Cheesy Chesney Hawkes was up for a giggle as he modelled a sequinned golden blazer to play the Big Fame Board Game.

Rex

Rex

Rex

Danny Beard and Daley Thompson donned shiny blue and green jackets too.

But they weren’t laughing for long as the task turned savage, with Angellica Bell branded the biggest celebrity namedropper.

Later Chesney revealed he once made headlines when he was whipped by a “butch guy in a thong” in a sex club.

The series is going great guns, especially across social media where content has racked up 145million views in one week. Celebrity Big Brother continues tonight at 9pm on ITV1.

Sue Perkins will host Have I Got News for You for the first time in a decade.

The former Bake Off presenter will be joined by US stand-up comedian Michelle Wolf and The Times’ parliamentary sketch writer Tom Peck.

The episode will air on May 2 at 9pm on BBC One.

Fans get return to Oz

The Osbournes are heading back to TV with their legendary reality show.

Viewers will be able to relive the antics of parents Sharon and Ozzy alongside children Kelly and Jack when the series launches its free ad-supported streaming service.

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The Osbournes became one of MTV’s highest-rated programmes when it was broadcast from 2002 to 2005.

An insider said: “New audiences will enjoy discovering this crazy family, while fans of the series will love reliving their incredible television moments.”

The Osbournes channel will start later this month on Plex, Rakuten TV, LG Channels, Xumo Play, TCL, Vizio, Anoki, Sling Freestream and Vidaa.

Ron and Reggie in Prime

Unheard tape recordings of the Kray twins during their time in jail will feature in a new documentary series.

The Prime Video two-parter will tell how notorious brothers Ronnie and Reggie built a criminal empire in London’s East End in the 1950s and 60s.

Hulton Archive - Getty

It will also examine the relationship between the pair before and after being jailed.

Krays: London’s Gangsters is one of a batch of true-story documentaries that the streaming service has acquired as part of a deal.

Another, The Murder of Joanna Yeates, which launches on April 22, will look into the case of the 25-year-old woman found murdered in Bristol on Christmas Day in 2010.

Other documentaries include The Crossbow Killer about murderer Stephen Griffiths, plus ones on serial murderer Joanna Dennehy and the terrorist attack on a Tunisian beach in 2015.

A major documentary looking at the learning disabled and autistic people working behind and in front of the camera in film and TV is being planned. Producer-director Lizzie Evans is thought to have signed up a number of celebrities for the project, which has not yet found a broadcaster.

Alan: Joan is a devil

TV funnyman Alan Carr went to see the new musical version of The Devil Wears Prada about icy style queen Miranda Priestly.

But the poor comedian got a shock when he ended up being judged on his own fashion choices – by Dame Joan Collins

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Famous for playing acid-tongued Dynasty soap bitch Alexis Carrington, she channelled that energy into slating his outfit that night.

Talking on his podcast, Life’s a Beach, he said: “Do you know what she said to me… because I was seeing her the week after?

“She said to me ‘Alan you won’t be wearing that hideous jumper next week, will you?’

“I had that lovely white jumper on and I thought ‘There’s Miranda Priestly upstairs on the stage and I am sitting next to another one’. She could be an understudy. It was like sitting next to Alexis Carrington.

“She was on fire. She is amazing, she’s 91 and she has still got the energy to slag me off!”

A bittersweet realisation.

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Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona (agg 3-5) LIVE: Germans fall short of courageous comeback despite Guirassy hat-trick 15 Apr 2025, 6:03 pm

BORUSSIA DORTUMUND’s bid to make history against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final fell short despite Serhou Guirassy’s poaching masterclass.  

The Spanish giants ran rampant at home in the first encounter as they raced into a four-goal advantage.

However, marksman Guirassy would be the man to spark a potential comeback as he dispatched with ease from the penalty spot to kick-start the second leg.

Four minutes after the interval, Guirassy would bundle in a set-piece to add a second.

Chances of a comeback would be halted as a sweeping Catalan counter was fired in by Ramy Bensebaini – into his own net.

Nonetheless, Guirassy’s willingness was too much to handle as he was handed his opportunity to complete a perfect hat-track and took it from close range.

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Jessie J gives HUGE music update as she confirms emotional sixth album during incredible secret performance 15 Apr 2025, 6:00 pm

WALKING out on stage at a very crowded Ronnie Scott’s to perform comeback track No Secrets, Jessie J is on top form.

“I love that I’m nervous,” Jessie tells us. “It means I still give a fk.”

Hannah MacGregor

Hannah MacGregor

As she takes off her oversized jacket, music industry top brass packed into the London nightspot start to whoop and Jessie jokes: “Don’t cheer, it’s creepy.

“That’s what makes celebrities start acting weird. Then they’re like, ‘You’ve changed!’ “Yeah, you fing made us change. You whooped when we took our f*ing jacket off.”

As I revealed last month, Jessie is preparing to drop new music and during the top secret playback yesterday, she teased her sixth album as well as unveiling No Secrets, out later this month.

Her voice is incomparable and the song is the perfect choice to be the lead track from the album, as it’s unapologetic and honest.

“This sets the tone. It reminds people that I make music because I’m human,” Jessie explains.

“I go through real-life s**t. I’m the artist that doesn’t put on costumes — just don’t Google me from 2010.

“In life, I’ve had highs of highest. And I’ve had the lowest of lows. I love being the soundtrack to people’s good and bad times. It’s the joy that literally makes me feel like my life has a huge purpose.”

Jessie’s long-time boyfriend Chanan Colman, the father of her son Sky, is sat close to the front, along with a gaggle of female friends who laugh loudly as she cracks jokes.

“I’m getting wild and I’ve not even had a drink,” Jessie laughs.

This Essex girl is clearly still a handful, but a truly brilliant one.

As a huge fan of Jessie since day one, I was thrilled as she sang incredible acoustic versions of hits including Bang Bang and Do It Like A Dude during the slick set.

But Jessie warned Gen Z label staffers not to test her age.

“Please don’t come up to me and go, ‘I grew up listening to your music’. Because I can’t take it any more,” Jessie says with a grin.

“I’ve got my hair out today so you can see I don’t get Botox. I usually slick it back so I look like a testicle. Don’t you laugh.”

This is Jessie’s first album in seven years and follows her split from Republic Records in 2023.

I’ve been sworn to secrecy on Jessie’s new sound and lyrics, but I can tell you her song with Grammy award-winning producer Ryan Tedder is a heady, Eighties-influenced banger, while another track is searingly honest about her life experiences, which I think will strike a chord with new fans, as well as old.

A third, which I was lucky enough to hear, is like a diary of the past ten years and references Jessie’s previous relationships and how she’s had to fight to get her name back in lights, without theirs being attached to it.

Jessie says: “I truly feel like I’ve gone back to 2010, but 2.0.

“My worth and my value is more than anything. Any success, any achievement, any chart number, any album sale.

“It just makes me feel so powerful and roots me deep back in the ground when I need it.”

Forget being grounded Jessie, it’s time for you to soar.

Pete: Can’t sand me now

Splash

Splash

Splash

Splash

NOW he’s celebrating the fact his trotters aren’t going to fall off, Pete Doherty is hitting the beach.

But given his toes – which turned black due to type 2 diabetes – almost dropped off, the Libertines rocker was keen to protect them from the sun.

So when he went for a day out at Bondi Beach in Sydney, he kept on his now trademark Homer Simpson slippers and socks.

Pete must be very fond of the flannel blue slingbacks though, because after a quick dip he plonked them back on to sit down and catch some rays.

His poor wife needs to put them in a bin sharpish.

Kai’s keen on Chloe

Supplied

STRICTLY pro Kai Widdrington has moved on from his split from Nadiya Bychkova.

Insiders have revealed Kai has been on a string of dates with Chloe Wells, who works in the city as an executive assistant.

And unlike most stars who meet their other halves on celebrity dating app Raya, Kai met his new love at his local boozer.

A pal said: “Chloe and Kai met in a pub in West London and hit it off from the start. They have a real laugh together and although it’s early days, they’re planning on moving in together in the coming months.

“Kai found it very damaging to his mental health having his past relationship with Nadiya played out in public, and thankfully Chloe has no interest in being in the spotlight.

“She also isn’t a Strictly superfan which makes things easier.

“They’re super content, and Kai attributes a lot of his looking so well to being in a happier place in life thanks to her. They make a really cute couple.”

Rita’s hot right now

RITA ORA is back with new music after taking time away from the industry to focus on her acting career.

She is currently supporting pal Kylie Minogue on her Tension Tour in North America, but confirmed fans will be hearing new music from her sooner than they might think.

Dressed in a Miami Heat jersey and leggings, Rita belted out some of her biggest hits before teasing the new track on stage on Monday night.

Bizarre can reveal the song is called Heat and is set for release in the coming weeks.

Stepping off stage after performing a snippet of the sexy new track, Rita said: “Oh my god, I just sang my new single and I’m gonna get in so much trouble with my management but that’s what we do, ‘cause we are in Miami, and the song’s called Heat. It’s coming out really soon.”

Rita has been quietly working on her fourth album for months and hopes to release it later this year.

The record will be her first since 2023’s You & I which peaked at No6 on the charts.

Another summer banger from Rita might just coax the sun back out again.

Natalie’s Virgin voyage

Supplied

PREPARE to give a very Albert Square welcome to Natalie Cassidy, who has landed her very own Easter special on Virgin Media UK.

Nat, who played Sonia Fowler in the BBC soap, will present a show from 1-4pm on Easter Monday.

“I’m very excited,” Nat said of joining Chris Evans and co on Virgin.

“This year I’m trying to do brave things, and I feel honoured to have been given a chance on Virgin Radio.

“I would love to play Oasis for my first show, just one track, as I love them to pieces.”

Nat’s show, also on the Virgin Radio app or on your smart speaker, will see her have a rest from her usual Easter antics.

She added: “I don’t really sit down. I’d probably be cleaning and doing the washing.” It’s all a life of glamour eh, Nat?

Roger’s cancer letter plea

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ROGER DALTREY is calling on the public to get behind an open letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting to urge the Government to listen to young people’s voices in the upcoming National Cancer Plan.

Launching the #AndYoungPeople campaign, The Who rocker told me: “Teenagers and young adults deserve to be diagnosed at the earliest opportunity.

“This may mean more training of GPs to recognise the early symptoms and be aware that this age group can get cancer.

“Early referral to a specialist consultant is paramount. So many young people are missing out on the help they need and that Teenage Cancer Trust provides.”

To sign the letter go to teenagecancertrust.org/get-involved/campaign-us.

Wake-up call by Craig

ONE of my favourite men, Craig David, is dropping a new album this summer called Commitment.

His ninth record will feature collaborations with Jojo, Tiwa Savage and Louisa Johnson and will be out on August 8 – 25 years after debut album Born To Do It.

Craig, right, who has just dropped a single from it called Wake Up, said: “The new album is everything to me now that Born To Do It was to me as a teen.

“That’s what Commitment feels to me, that’s what it means to me.

“And I hope that when people listen to it they have that same feeling all over again.

“Making music still turns me into that giggly, excited, little kid who wants to feel the magic of it all – but with 25 years of experience.”

Lil Nas-ty spell in hospital

lilnasx/Instagram

LIL NAS X has updated fans from his hospital bed after revealing he was suffering with facial paralysis.

The Old Town Road singer shared a video of himself in a hospital gown and showed his 10.4million Instagram followers that he had lost control on the right side of his face.

He said: “This is me doing a full smile right now by the way.

“It’s like, ‘What the f**k?’ “Bro, I can’t even laugh right now, bro. What the f***? Oh my god.”

Showing the other side of his face, he added: “We normal over here,” before saying he was tired of being stuck in hospital.

Lil Nas promised his fans he was in good hands however and said: “I am OK.

“Stop being sad for me. Shake your ass instead.”

Emily Ratajkowski blasts Katy Perry & Blue Origin astronauts for ‘destroying planet’ in video rant after space flight 15 Apr 2025, 6:00 pm

MODEL Emily Ratajkowski has given a rocket to Katy Perry and her fellow Blue Origin astronauts over their 11-minute space flight.

The 33-year-old launched into one because the trip was organised by billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The Mega Agency

BBC POOL

Tik Tok

In a social media video rant, left, Emily said: “That space mission this morning.

“That’s end time s**t. This is beyond parody.

“Saying that you care about Mother Earth and it’s about Mother Earth and you’re going up in a spaceship that is built and paid for by a company that’s single handedly destroying the planet?

“Look at the state of the world and think about how many resources went into putting these women into space.

“For what? What was the marketing there?”

Her attack came the day after Firework singer Katy, 40, headed to space in an all-female crew with Bezos’s fiancée Lauren Sanchez, 55, and TV anchor Gayle King, 70.

Katy insisted she was doing it to inspire her daughter and other women — but mother-of-one Emily, also an actress, railed: “Having a man who has gained his power and become part of the one per cent purely through exploitation and greed, deciding to take his fiancée and a few other women to space for space tourism is not progress.”

She found an unlikely ally in TV’s Vicky Pattison, 37, who said: “I don’t think we need to see a bunch of uber-rich women fired into space in a schlong-shaped space ship for five minutes.”

But Gayle hit back: “Anybody criticising it doesn’t really understand what is happening here.”

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Aston Villa vs PSG live stream FREE: How to watch Champions League quarter-final without paying a penny 15 Apr 2025, 5:59 pm

ASTON VILLA host Paris Saint-Germain in a HUGE Champions League quarter-final clash at Villa Park TONIGHT.

The Villans have enjoyed a fruitful return back in Europe’s elite club competition.

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Getty

AP

Unai Emery’s side earned their first quarter-final passage since the 1982-83 season with a top-eight finish in the league phase and a win against Club Brugge in the last-16.

However if the dream run is to continue, they’ll have to overturn a two-goal deficit suffered in last week’s first leg.

• LIVE – Follow all the action from Aston Villa vs PSG as it happens

The 3-1 aggregate score fairly reflected the proceedings in Paris as PSG’s blossoming talents shone.

Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue will be looking to bring sought-after European success to the Qatari-backed project after another title procession in Ligue 1 this season.

SunSport can reveal how to watch Aston Villa vs PSG for FREE.

When is Aston Villa vs PSG?

• Aston Villa vs PSG will take place on Tuesday, April 15.
• Action from the Midlands will kick-off at 8pm BST.
• Villa Park hosts the second leg of the competition.

How to watch Aston Villa vs PSG for FREE

• This season Amazon Prime has acquired part of the rights to show the Champions League.
• That means Prime members can watch the action from Villa Park at NO additional cost to their regular subscription.
• Action is also available for free to non-members, as you can sign up for a 30-day free trial.
• Alternatively, follow SunSport’s comprehensive blog.

‘Rude, sneaky and sly’ rant Celebrity Big Brother fans as they turn on ‘jealous’ housemate 15 Apr 2025, 5:57 pm

CELEBRITY Big Brother fans have sensationally turned on a housemate that they deemed as ‘jealous’.

Fans of the hit ITV eagerly watched the housemates deliver their second round of nominations on last night’s episode.

Eroteme

Rex

TOWIE star Ella Rae Wise chose to nominate former Love Island star Chris Hughes for nomination.

On the show, she told Big Brother that she felt excluded from his friendship with US popstar Jojo Siwa.

For her part, former Dance Moms personality Jojo nominated Ella to face the public vote.

This was after Ella, 24, confessed to CBBC presenter Angellica Bell in the garden that she just did not gel with the singer.

However, some Celebrity Big Brother fans have seemingly turned on Essex personality, claiming that she is jealous of Jojo and Chris.

Taking to the social media forum platform Reddit, one fan wrote: “Ella is obsessed with Chris. Literally every time Chris talks she makes a face or eye roll.

“Every time she speaks it’s always ‘Chris this’ or ‘Jojo that’ followed by ‘oh I don’t give a toss anyway’… Like who are you lying to?!

They added: “Someone in the crowd please warn Chris and Jojo about Ella – she’s not good news!”

Other enthusiasts of the social experiment flooded the thread with their own insights, as they seemed to agree.

One viewer wrote: “I found it so weird when she said she doesn’t fancy him, so she’s not bothered about being friends with him. Totally warped view.

A second exclaimed: “I got the impression she was flirting with him last week in the few conversations they aired. She’s jealous of JoJo for sure.

“Jojo heard Ella throw her name around… thats not nice at all.
Sneaky and sly. I don’t know Ella but she’s doing herself no favours. Her rudeness is off-putting,” exclaimed a third fan.

While a fourth user speculated: “I think she specifically broke up with Dan [Edgar] so she could have a showmance with Chris and that’s really backfired for her.”

And a fifth added: “She’s jealous. Full stop!

Celebrity Big Brother 2025 line-up

Celebrity Big Brother is back for a brand new series, with a whole host of stars set to live it up in the famous compound.

Here’s the FULL line-up of star housemates:

Trisha Goddard – Talk show host

Mickey Rourke – Hollywood actor – REMOVED

Donna Preston – comedian and TV star

JoJo Siwa – influencer and singer

Chris Hughes – Love Island hunk 

Jack P. Shepherd –  Coronation Street star 

Patsy Palmer – EastEnders legend

Daley Thompson – Olympic athlete

Chesney Hawkes – 90s singer

Ella Rae Wise – Towie star

Michael Fabricant – former Tory politician – EVICTED FIRST

Angellica Bell – former CBBC presenter

Danny Beard – Drag queen and Britain’s Got Talent

On last night’s Late and Live, former housemate Tiffany Pollard appeared on the panel of the spin-off show.

After sharing a house with the likes of Stephanie Davis and Jeremy McConnell, she speculated that Ella is attracted to Chris.

She declared: “Ella has every right to be p***** off with Chris.”

“He’s ignoring her ovaries, her advances, her beauty and her oversized eyebrows.

Adding: “This girl wants this man and I would be p***** off too.”

Eroteme

Eroteme

Eroteme

To watch The Sun’s new Celebrity Big Brother podcast click here.

Loved up Eamonn Holmes enjoys tender kiss with new lover Katie Alexander amid divorce battle with ex Ruth Langsford 15 Apr 2025, 5:54 pm

EAMONN Holmes was kissed on the nose by new lover Katie Alexander during a tender public display of affection.

The couple puckered up amid a crowd of fans as they cheered on her eldest son in an amateur cup final.

nb press ltd

nb press ltd

nb press ltd

And TV host Eamonn stood from his wheelchair, holding on to a railing, as they got into the tense game in Wakefield, West Yorks – with onlookers describing them as “loved up”.

Glamorous blonde-haired Katie, in a green anorak and black outfit, held Eamonn’s hand and lent in for a smooch as he clutched a drink.

The silver-haired broadcaster sat pensively on the sidelines in blue trousers, jumper and coat. But at one stage he impressed his partner by clutching a barrier in front of him and unsteadily lifting himself from his chair.

The duo showed how strong their love is while Eamonn and ex-wife Ruth Langsford continue to debate their divorce settlement.

But the breakfast TV favourite was only focused on football as he joined marriage counsellor Katie at Crofton Community Centre for the FA Presidents Cup clash between local sides The Last Bank FC and Vulcan FC.

A source said: “Katie so often heads down to be with Eamonn in his bachelor pad in South West London, but Eamonn showed her just what love means by heading north so she didn’t miss her son’s important match.

“And on the touchline the pair looked deeply in love. They were incredibly tactile, spending as much time gazing at each other as they did concentrate on the pitch.

“Katie showed just how deeply she cares for her celebrity partner by leaning down and kissing him gently on the nose as he sat pensively in his wheelchair. It was a sensitive moment demonstrating just how grateful she was to have him by her side.”

And Katie was ecstatic as her eldest son Ben, 23, won the final with his Vulcan teammates 2-0, applauding enthusiastically as they lifted the cup on Sunday afternoon.

The Sun exclusively revealed last May that Eamonn and Ruth were getting divorced. The couple gave us a statement confirming their split.

We also told how Eamonn lavished treats on Katie. A year before his marriage broke down, Eamonn attended a small fundraising event in Yorkshire mental health counselling charity Platform 1 – agreeing to become a patron.

It was just minutes from Katie’s home in Mirfield. The charity is where she worked for up to two years.

Eamonn’s and Ruth’s divorce will finally be sealed within weeks.

nb press ltd

nb press ltd

nb press ltd

Getty - Contributor

Ruth and Eamonn's relationship timeline

Before the shock split announcement, Ruth and Eamonn seemed like one of the strongest couples on UK TV – even with their signature bickering style.

Here’s how their romance played out…

1997 – The couple first meet after being introduced by mutual friends, two years after Eamonn splits from his first wife, Gabrielle, with whom he has three children.

1997-2002 – To be respectful to Gabrielle, the couple kept their relationship out of the limelight. Ruth told Daily Mail: “I thought it spoke volumes about the sort of man he was, the sort of father he was and the integrity he had. It made me love him more, not less.”

2002 – Ruth and Eamonn welcome their son, Jack, to the family.

2005 – Eamonn finalises his divorce with Gabrielle.

2006 – The pair begin to host Friday episodes of This Morning together.

2010 – Eamonn proposes to Ruth while at the Cheltenham Races, after asking Ruth’s mother for her hand.

June 2010 – Eamonn and Ruth marry at Elvetham Hall, Hampshire.

2016 – Eamonn undergoes a double hip replacement in the first of many health battles.

June 2019 – On This Morning, Ruth and Eamonn say the secret to their happy marriage. Eamonn credits “compromise, consideration and lots of conjugal,” while Ruth said it was “laughter and an equal marriage”.

November 2020 – Ruth and Eamonn are replaced on their regular Friday slot by Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary in a ‘show shake-up’.

December 2021 – After a year of being moved to the bank holiday presenting slot, both Eamonn and Ruth left This Morning.

January 2022 – Eamonn debuted on GB News, while Ruth stayed with ITV in her long-standing role on Loose Women.

September 2022 – Eamonn undergoes spinal surgery after years of back issues including a trapped sciatic nerve.

November 2022 – Eamonn falls down the stairs of his Surrey home with Ruth and breaks his shoulder, requiring a new operation.

September 2023 – Eamonn has a spine and neck stretching procedure as part of his year-long recovery.

May 2024 – Ruth and Eamonn announce they have split after 14 years of marriage and a 27-year relationship.

September 2024 – Eamonn was spotted on a luxury holiday in Barcelona with his new girlfriend Katie Alexander. Ruth calls in a ‘fierce’ divorce lawyer.

Why Rory McIlroy will be confident of adding to Masters Grand Slam glory at US PGA Championship in May 15 Apr 2025, 5:43 pm

RORY MCILROY has been installed as the favourite for next month’s USPGA Championship.

The County Down ace is fresh-off his Masters playoff victory over Justin Rose which saw him join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods as the only players to have ever won all four majors.

And now he’ll be looking ahead to next month’s championship after he ended his 10-year wait for a fifth major title.

The 2025 PGA Championship is scheduled to take place from May 15–18 at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina – a course McIlroy knows all too well.

Holywood hotsot McIlroy has turned Quail Hollow Club into his personal playground.

He’s racked up four PGA Tour victories at the Charlotte venue – more than any other course in his career.

His first win came in 2010, when he shot a stunning final-round 62 to claim his maiden PGA Tour title at just 20 years old.

The world number two returned in 2015 to dominate the Wells Fargo Championship, setting a course-record 61 en route to a seven-shot win.

McIlroy added a third title in 2021, edging out the field before making it a quartet of wins with a commanding performance in 2024 where he finished five shots clear in the signature event.

The venue sets the perfect stage for his assault on the 2025 PGA Championship.

2010 Quail Hollow Championship

At just 20 years old, McIlroy captured his first PGA Tour title with a stunning final-round 62, setting a new course record and finishing four strokes ahead of Phil Mickelson.

2015 Wells Fargo Championship

McIlroy returned to Quail Hollow and delivered a dominant performance, shooting a course-record 61 in the third round and winning by seven strokes.

2021 Wells Fargo Championship

McIlroy secured his third victory at the venue with a final-round 68, edging out the competition by one stroke.

2024 Wells Fargo Championship

McIlroy’s fourth triumph at Quail Hollow came with a commanding final-round 65, finishing five strokes clear of the field and reinforcing his dominance on this course.

Rory McIlroy’s 29 PGA Tour victories

• 2025 Masters: $4,200,000
• 2025 Players Championship: $4,500,000
• 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: $3,600,000
• 2024 Wells Fargo Championship: $1,620,000
• 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans (with Shane Lowry): $1,199,350
• 2023 Genesis Scottish Open: $1,440,000
• 2022 CJ Cup: $1,755,000
• 2022 Tour Championship: $18,000,000
• 2022 RBC Canadian Open: $1,566,000
• 2021 CJ Cup: $1,755,000
• 2021 Wells Fargo Championship: $1,458,000
• 2019 WGC-HSBC Champions: $1,745,000
• 2019 Tour Championship: $15,000,000
• 2019 RBC Canadian Open: $1,368,000
• 2019 Players Championship: $2,250,000
• 2018 Arnold Palmer Invitational: $1,638,000
• 2016 Tour Championship: $1,530,000
• 2016 Deutsche Bank Championship: $1,530,000
• 2015 Wells Fargo Championship: $1,278,000
• 2015 WGC-Cadillac Match Play: $1,570,000
• 2014 PGA Championship: $1,800,000
• 2014 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational: $1,530,000
• 2014 Open Championship: $1,665,788
• 2012 BMW Championship: $1,440,000
• 2012 Deutsche Bank Championship: $1,440,000
• 2012 PGA Championship: $1,445,000
• 2012 Honda Classic: $1,026,000
• 2011 U.S. Open: $1,440,000
• 2010 Quail Hollow Championship: $1,170,000

Kylian Mbappe ban confirmed after Real Madrid star’s sickening tackle on Alaves rival 15 Apr 2025, 5:42 pm

REAL MADRID forward Kylian Mbappe has received a one-match suspension for his appalling challenge on Alaves midfielder Antonio Blanco on Sunday.

The 26-year-old saw red for a high tackle on Blanco during Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Alaves at Mendizorroza.

EPA

AFP

He didn’t appear to go for the ball and caught his opponent just below the knee as a result.

Mbappe was subsequently shown a straight red card which usually leads to a three-game ban.

However, the Frenchman’s suspension has been reduced to just one match – despite the severity of the tackle.

He will now only be absent for this Sunday’s La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao.

It means he will be available for the two upcoming El Clasico fixtures, the first of which is the Copa del Rey final on April 26.

Los Blancos then face Barcelona in the league on May 11.

Fans have been left furious with the punishment handed to Mbappe for his “disgusting” tackle – which was likened to the career-ending challenge that Roy Keane committed on Alfie Haaland in 2001.

One person commented: “Absolute disgrace.”

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Another said: “1 game ban is crazy.”

A third wrote: “Shameful!”

While a fourth added: “A 1 match suspension for that challenge is scandalous! Genuinely one of the nastiest fouls I’ve seen in recent years.”

Real Madrid went on to win the match against Alaves 1-0 thanks to a 34th-minute goal from Eduardo Camavinga.

The Spanish giants face Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.

They trail 3-0 going into the match.

James Corden wins battle with his neighbours over gym and spa at £11.5m London home after string of noise complaints 15 Apr 2025, 5:32 pm

JAMES Corden has won the planning battle to build an extension at his new £11.5M London home after it was hit with a barrage of complaints and branded an “eyesore”.

The TV host bought the swanky property last year and put in plans to the local council for an add-on with a gym, office, “den”, spa and shower room.

Getty

Getty

But the design was blasted for being oversized and more like a bungalow than a single-storey extension – with 18 letters of objection.

One complainant claimed that the family already created enough noise, adding: “One of them plays the drums, which can often be heard on my terrace and occasionally inside my flat even with the windows closed. 

“What happens if they decide to move the drum kit out of the house and put it in the den?”

The funnyman’s planning team applied for a Lawful Development Certificate, which proposes that the plans don’t require full planning permission if it means a certain criteria such as the size of the structure. 

The planning officer agreed in their report that the application had satisfied requirements.

They dismissed any complaints about noise and use of the outbuilding as moot, but in its decision notice stated that James’ construction team should be careful not to damage nearby trees and can’t be used as a “granny flat”. 

Some residents, conservation groups and the local society had expressed concerns over the plans. 

Many question the size of it and the impact on surrounding trees in neighbouring gardens even though none will be felled.   

Last year Gavin and Stacey star James spoke about moving back to England with his family – wife Julia and three kids Max, 12, Carey, 9, and Charlotte, 7.

“It’s been brilliant, and hard, and overwhelming. I think moving house is hard enough, moving children, moving schools – picking it up and going so far, from everything they knew from life in Los Angeles – it’s been a real challenge,” he told the Today show.

“It’s been tough. But at the same time, immensely rewarding. But my son was 3 when we moved [to America], my daughter was 12 weeks. When we left, he was 12, my daughter was 8, and our younger daughter – who is an American, and we treat her as such …

“No, really for us, it was the notion that it was time. We wanted them to know their grandparents.

“And with my son finishing 6th grade, it was just an absolute pull to go home, and root that period of their lives in — we wanted them to know Britain, and their extended family.”

JoJo Siwa’s mum hits out at ‘jealous’ Ella Rae Wise in CBB row over Chris Hughes 15 Apr 2025, 5:25 pm

JOJO Siwa’s mum today hit out at “jealous” Ella Rae Wise in the latest Celebrity Big Brother row over Chris Hughes.

Last night, Ella, 24, was seen moaning about JoJo, 21, again and complaining about how much time the US star was spending with Chris Hughes, 32.

Getty - Contributor

Rex

ITV

Chris and JoJo have grown incredible close inside the house, something which has annoyed Ella in process.

The Sun revealed how she is frustrated because her hopes for a “showmance” with the Love Island hunk have backfired, thanks to his friendship with the Dance Moms star.

Now JoJo’s mum has weighed into the row, and called Ella “jealous”.

Jessalynn Siwa – who is controlling JoJo’s social media accounts whilst she’s in the house – took to TikTok to voice her opinion.

Today, she shared a video of her daughter exclaiming: “Don’t be shocked, you’re shocked?”

Jessalyn captioned the post: ‘JoJo’s little friendship with Chris is the recipe for a jealous Ella – ooooo the dramaaaaaaaa triangle has entered the chat. Love, Dance Mom Jess’.#

EL’ OF A FEUD

Chris and JoJo have been setting tongues wagging of late thanks to their super close relationship.

Many fans have echoed Jessalyn, and have called Ella is “jealous” over their bond.

Ella appears to have beef with Chris’ attetion being monopolised by JoJo.

Last night she seen asking CBBC star Angellica Bell is she was a “b**ch” for accusing JoJo of being “fake”.

She said: “This is going to sound so bad, but I’m honest so I’ll just say it. JoJo, lovely girl. Not my cup of tea.

“I just don’t feel like there’s an off switch for being who you actually are, because you’re not actually like that all the time. I’m sorry, you’re not.”

Ella continued: “Chris… I think… The more I’m around him, the more he’s getting on my nerves. They’re so secluded.

“Listen, each to their own. If you feel like you’ve got more of a connection on that side, that’s absolutely fine but don’t forget about us, cos we are still here.”

ITV

SHOWMANCE HOPES DASHED

Days before Ella entered the CBB house, it was revealed she had split with her boyfriend Dan Edgar, who is also her Towie cast mate.

There was widespread speculation that she would make a beeline for single Chris, who found fame on Love Island, for a “showmance”.

And despite JoJo being opening gay, CBB fans are certain Ella is “jealous” by the amount of time she is spending with Chris.

In fact, viewers even believe the reality star has muddled her telly shows and fear she thinks she’s on Love Island or The Only Way Is Essex.

Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: “It’s Big Brother not Love Island Ella!!! #cbb.”

Another added: “Does Ella think she’s on Love Island and she’s annoyed Chris hasn’t pulled her for a chat #CBBUK.”

And a third wrote: “Just wait till Ella finds out she isn’t on Love Island or TOWIE. God she’s annoying as hell, her jealousy towards Chris and JoJo is weird and her constant ‘do you know what I mean’ p****s me off #CBBUK.”

The Sun revealed on the weekend that Ella dumped boyfriend Dan in a bid to have a “fake showmace” in Celebrity Big Brother.

To watch The Sun’s new CBB podcast click here.

Celebrity Big Brother 2025 line-up

Celebrity Big Brother is back for a brand new series, with a whole host of stars set to live it up in the famous compound.

Here’s the FULL line-up of star housemates:

Trisha Goddard – Talk show host

Mickey Rourke – Hollywood actor – REMOVED

Donna Preston – comedian and TV star

JoJo Siwa – influencer and singer

Chris Hughes – Love Island hunk 

Jack P. Shepherd –  Coronation Street star 

Patsy Palmer – EastEnders legend

Daley Thompson – Olympic athlete

Chesney Hawkes – 90s singer

Ella Rae Wise – Towie star

Michael Fabricant – former Tory politician – EVICTED FIRST

Angellica Bell – former CBBC presenter

Danny Beard – Drag queen and Britain’s Got Talent

‘Master football first please’ – Man Utd fans lose the plot as club release GOLF RANGE 15 Apr 2025, 5:24 pm

MANCHESTER UNITED fans have lost the plot after the club released a new GOLF RANGE.

The Red Devils have woefully underachieved this season and are set for a bottom-half finish in the Premier League.

INSTAGRAM @manchesterunited

INSTAGRAM @manchesterunited

INSTAGRAM @manchesterunited

The club’s last hope of success this campaign comes in the Europa League, but they face a tricky battle against Lyon.

The Ligue 1 side earned a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the quarter-final in France last week, ahead of the second leg on Thursday.

Despite struggles on the pitch, it has not stopped the club from releasing more merchandise.

Its latest clothing line has taken inspiration from the Masters golf tournament, which was won by Man United fan Rory McIlroy on Sunday.

The line includes branded jumpers, jackets and gilets for fans to wear out on the course.

A post on Instagram showed off the new items with the likes of Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund and Diogo Dalot all modelling the clothes.

But supporters have not reacted positively to the new products in the comment section.

One posted: “Master football first please.”

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A second wrote: “The timing of this.”

A third commented: “Seriously… commercial club.”

Getty

A fourth said: “Thought we were a football team.”

A fifth joked: “We get worse and worse on the pitch yet somehow we still find the time to advertise golf products.”

Another added: “At this point, you might as well sell all the players to golf.”

Results on the pitch have not been the only issue for the club this season, which saw manager Erik ten Hag sacked and replaced with Ruben Amorim.

The Old Trafford outfit has announced hundreds of job cuts since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe last year.

Ratcliffe even admitted in March that the club could have run out of cash before the end of the year without drastic cutbacks.

Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus
in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford

Stunning £950,000 apartment put up for sale at iconic race track with room for EIGHT cars… but no bedroom 15 Apr 2025, 5:16 pm

A LUXURY apartment that overlooks an iconic Formula One track has been put up for sale – but it does not have any bedrooms.

The property is on the market for £950,000 ($1.25million) having been built last year.

Jam Press/Moreland properties

Jam Press/Moreland properties

Jam Press/Moreland properties

Jam Press/Moreland properties

It overlooks the prestigious Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas – home to the USA Grand Prix since 2012.

The 2,250 sq ft, two-floor apartment is located at turn 11 of the track.

It boasts one bathroom and an open kitchen-living area as well as a modern mezzanine which overlooks the entrance to a huge garage, also included in the price.

The private garage has space for six to eight vehicles with a charging area and remote doors.

However, the property does NOT have a bedroom.

On the apartment, COTA told Luxury Auto News: “We are introducing the T11 Car Community at Circuit of the Americas, the only automotive enclave in North America located on a purpose-built Formula 1 track.

“Owners can customise their units or opt for a COTA Interior Upgrade with designer finishes and top-tier appliances.

“With five floor plans accommodating 4-24 vehicles, this exclusive development offers an unmatched experience for car enthusiasts, combining premier automotive culture with world-class amenities and track access at an iconic racing venue.

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Jam Press/Moreland properties

Jam Press/Moreland properties

Jam Press/Moreland properties

“Beyond the garage, T11 is just steps from COTA’s amphitheater, go-karting, mini-golf, and the highly anticipated amusement park.

“Making this community not only a haven for auto connoisseurs, but a destination for everyone.”

The next USA Grand Prix is set to take place on October 19 this year.

F1 2025

THE new Formula One season is up and running and has already seen huge drama in the opening weeks.

A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have hope of ending Max Verstappen‘s recent dominance.

The Red Bull ace is hoping for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.

INFORMATION

• F1 2025 calendar, race times, TV and live stream info
• How much does each driver earn and are there bonuses?
• Full list of drivers and teams for 2025
• Track guide – were there any changes this season?

LATEST NEWS

• Lewis Hamilton gets new team-mate in Bahrain
• FIA in turmoil at shock exit
• Carlos Sainz risks another fine for X-rated rant

SEASON SO FAR

• Race One – Australia
• Race Two – China
• Race Three – Japan

Brit woman, 59, fighting for life & 2nd tourist injured in horror car crash as they’re pulled from wreck on hols island 15 Apr 2025, 5:14 pm

A BRITISH woman is fighting for her life after a horrific car crash on the popular holiday island Menorca, Spain.

The 59-year-old was rescued from the devastating crash on Tuesday morning at around 10.30am local time.

Solarpix

Solarpix

Solarpix

She was admitted to intensive care at Mateu Orfila Hospital in the holiday hotspot‘s capital Mahon after being rushed from the scene.

At the time of the crash, she was in the vehicle with one other Brit who was also injured.

Local reports said one of the three cars was driven by a 21-year-old Spaniard who was also critically injured.

They were also taken to the same intensive care unit as the British woman after the horrifying pile-up involving three cars.

It is believed the Spanish man strayed onto the wrong side of the Me-1 road near Alaior as he headed in the direction of Mahon.

Firefighters also had to cut him out of his vehicle after the devastating collision.

Two women aged 19 and 29, one of whom is Spanish, were also taken to hospital.

Pictures from the scene of the crash showed the mangled wreckage of two of the cars involved.

Civil Guard traffic officers have launched an investigation and will report to a local court.

An ambulance service spokesman confirmed the severity of the incident.

They said: “Three cars were involved and five people injured.

“Firefighters had to free two of the casualties, a woman aged around 60 and a man in his twenties.

“One of the five injured people were treated at the scene and didn’t require a hospital transfer.”

In September last year, a Brit dad and his two sons were injured in a head-on fatal crash in Menorca.

The trio were travelling in a taxi which smashed into a rental car carrying a female passenger who died.

It also comes after two Brit golf trippers were “decapitated” after a suspected drug trafficker’s speedboat came loose and smashed into their car on a Spanish motorway last November.

The boat reportedly came off a trailer and flew through the air at 120km/h before brutally hitting their Seat Leon as they travelled near the popular resort of La Manga.

Solarpix

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.

Major new lead in hunt for missing girl and boy who vanished with camping gear over a week ago 15 Apr 2025, 5:03 pm

A MAJOR new lead has come to light in the hunt for a missing girl and boy who vanished with camping gear over a week ago.

Isabelle and Daniel, both 16, disappeared from their home in Ceredigion, Wales, on April 7.

Dyfed Powys Police

Dyfed Powys Police

Worried family members have since taken to social media, pleading with the pair to return home and insisting they are “not in any trouble”.

But cops have now confirmed a new sighting of the teenagers in Aberystwyth, north Wales – suggesting they are still on the move.

In the update, Cardigan, Crymych, and Newcastle Emlyn Police said Isabelle and Daniel had been spotted on Alexandra Road near the town’s train station at 12.30pm on Friday.

It is believed they then caught the T1 bus which departed at 12.36pm.

Dyfed-Powys Police shared the post, with a fresh appeal to help find the teenagers.

They wrote: “Please let us know if you have information that could help us find them.”

Isabelle is described as 5ft3 with blonde hair – but it is believed she may have since dyed her hair a darker colour.

She was last seen wearing a black parker style coat with a fur edge and grey jogging bottoms.

Daniel, who is thought to be around 6ft 1, has short dark brown hair with shaved sides.

He was last seen wearing dark blue jeans, a black t-shirt, a black collared coat and a black baseball cap with white markings on the front.

However, both teens are understood to have taken a change of clothes with them.

While Isabelle was carrying a large black backpack, Daniel was spotted with a black, red and grey camping backpack.

Prior to their sighting in Aberystwyth, the pair were last seen at Llandunno train station at around 8.20pm on Thursday, where they asked for directions to the Dolgellau.

They have connections to Gloucestershire, Merseyside and the North Wales area.

In an initial appeal, DI Rebecca Thomas said: “We are continuing our search to find Isabelle and Daniel.

“We know that they purchased camping equipment but they have left their homes without any communication and their family and friends are becoming increasingly concerned as they have had no contact with Isabelle and Daniel for almost a week.

“It is also known that they don’t have their mobile phones on them.

“I would ask anyone who has seen them to get in touch.

“I would especially appeal to Isabelle and Daniel to get in touch with the police or family so we can ensure that they are safe.”

Isobel’s aunt Laura Wilkins-Whitehead said: “Still missing, please share if you have connections in Machynlleth, Gloucestershire or Merseyside.

“Help bring my niece home, we are all worried sick.”

Whilst Dan’s sister, Jen Voce-Russell wrote on social media: “Hi, I am Dan’s sister – this appeal states last seen Llandudno however please share everywhere – particularly Forest of Dean and general Gloucestershire region as we have had numerous reported sightings there.”

His father has also spoken out, describing Daniel’s disappearance as “out-of-character” as he pleaded for his son to return home.

Dave told WalesOnline: “Dad’s here waiting for both of you, just get in touch. Your relationship will carry on and we will support it.

“Just get in touch so we have you here safe and sound and then we will look at the future for both of you, which is a good future.”

Anyone with information about their whereabouts should contact the police force for Cardigan, Crymych and Newcastle Emlyn Police quoting the reference 141 of April 7.

Dyfed Powys Police

Dyfed Powys Police

Watch as ‘Kabul Nine’ crack Ukrainian drone unit ‘tears up’ Russian-occupied territory with kamikaze flying bombs 15 Apr 2025, 4:58 pm

THIS is the moment a specialised Ukrainian drone unit carries out a number of kamikaze flying bomb strikes on unsuspecting Russians.

Incredible footage shows the Kabul Nine team unleashing pinpoint attacks on Vladimir Putin‘s frontline logistics and hitting military trucks, cars and secret hideouts.

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X/Defense of Ukraine

X/Defense of Ukraine

FPV operators from the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine unit shared the clips online.

Ukraine‘s Armed Forces described the attacks as “tearing up” the Russian frontline by eliminating its key logistics areas in the occupied region of Zaporizhzhia.

The first clip shows a kamikaze drone soaring towards a truck travelling down a path.

The flying bomb tracks the military vehicle for some time before finally making its move and smashing into car just above the driver’s seat.

A huge number of sparks set off as the drone hit before a flash of orange filled the screen.

An abandoned and badly damaged building was the next target as the drone crashed into it at speed.

The third incident from the Kabul Nine team saw one of its FPV drones track a building from afar before suddenly striking.

The home, which was again in ruins, was sat next to dozens of others in a similar state.

A near identical attack plan was also carried out on another run-down home.

The drone collided through the window at speed – causing a large flash of light.

More clips showed attacks taking place in the dark.

One saw a black car being hit under darkness as it travelled across Zaporizhzhia.

A second shows what appears to be a military truck being blown to pieces.

Ukraine’s use of kamikaze flying bombs have been widely praised in their conflict with Russia so far as well as dozens of other guerrilla war tactics.

Their army has long been seen as an innovative and remarkable force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

And their military might has been widely praised for how they continue to develop drones, planes and even modified super weapons to help them valiantly strike back at Putin’s forces.

The Ukrainian army has quickly become specialists in aerial warfare with their arsenal of drones becoming particularly advanced.

One of their finest weapons is their dragon drone which spews flesh-melting thermite onto Russian fighters.

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X/Defense of Ukraine

X/Defense of Ukraine

Past footage has also shown Ukrainian drones equipped with machine guns being used for the first time to ambush Russian troops.

They have also unleashed a shotgun-wielding drone to hunt down and destroy Russians on the battlefield.

This advancement in aerial warfare has even led to combat drones becoming the dominant killer on the battlefields of Ukraine, The Sun on Sunday revealed last week.

Up to 80 per cent of casualties on both sides of the conflict have been caused by what are known by the military as “unmanned air systems”.

The figures from Western officials mean that eight out of ten soldiers being killed and wounded in the conflict are being targeted remotely by devices piloted by young soldiers often miles behind the front line.

It comes as Putin’s forces continue to launch attacks on Ukraine.

A Russian missile strike on Sunday killed 35 people and injured more than 100 more in the city of Sumy.

The world condemned despot Putin’s actions including US President Donald Trump who said Vlad was the “number one” reason for the war breaking out in 2022.

The Republican also hit out at Volodymyr Zelensky for “allowing” Russia’s invasion.

Reuters

Snooker world champion Kyren Wilson goes to extreme lengths to break Crucible Curse in hilarious video 15 Apr 2025, 4:57 pm

KYREN WILSON is going to extraordinary lengths to avoid the infamous Crucible Curse.

The reigning world champion, 33, will head to Sheffield later this month to defend his crown.

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No first-time winner of the World Snooker Championship has retained the title since the Crucible began hosting in 1997.

But World No2 Wilson is determined to end that streak in South Yorkshire later this month.

The 33-year-old uploaded a hilarious video to social media in an effort to break the curse.

It saw Wilson undertaking a selection of tasks believed to bring on bad luck.

He is seen smashing a mirror with a rest to start the viral clip.

Holding his World Championship tropy in his garden, Wilson is then passed by a black cat.

And he ends the video by opening up an umbrella inside, a superstition long believed to cause the owner bad luck.

A smiling Wilson twirled the brolly round in his hand, with his management company TW adding: “Curses are made to be broken.”

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One fan laughed in response: “My anxiety through the roof when he smashed that mirror. Surprised he didn’t walk under a ladder and tip some salt. 7 years bad luck now I’m afraid.”

And another said: “The curse will be broken this year, mark my words, no pressure.”

Wilson has enjoyed a strong 2025 and comes into the tournament in superb form.

He has won four ranking events so far this, racking up £961,100 in prize money.

The Kettering native has taken the title at the Xi’an Grand Prix, the Masters, Northern Ireland Open and the Players Championship.

Looking ahead to this world title defence, Wilson said: “Nobody has won it for the first time and defended their title [at the Crucible].

“So, that’s definitely right up there with something I would like to try to achieve,

“I’d love to reach world No. 1, too. I was one game away at the Saudi Arabia Masters from reaching it.

“I was this close, but, I’m sure it will come.”

Sam Thompson’s mystery woman revealed – and she’s married 15 Apr 2025, 4:45 pm

SAM Thompson was spotted on a bike ride over the weekend with a mystery woman – while ex Zara McDermott lived it up in America with new man Louis Tomlinson.

The Sun can now reveal he was in fact out with a performance coach, who has a long history of training celebrities for sporting feats.

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It seems heartbroken Sam is throwing all his energy into a challenge as he has enlisted the help of Tracy Corbett.

Tracy has worked with radio stars Greg James, Jordan North and Arielle Free on various charity challenges over the years.

She runs her own coaching company after giving up her very successful hedgefund career following a life changing bike accident in 2012.

Tracy is thought to have recently tied the knot.

Over the weekend she was seen riding alongside I’m A Celebrity winner Sam through London on the way to Richmond Park.

The pair even stopped off in the street for a beaming selfie while astride their mounts.

It comes just days after Sam’s ex Zara, 28, confirmed her relationship with 1D hunk Louis, 33, on Instagram for the first time after The Sun revealed they were dating.

Earlier this week, the new couple revealed they’d jetted off on holiday.

Zara – who only recently split up from long term love Sam Thompson – then shared a glimpse of Louis with fans as they enjoyed breakfast together in Malibu, California.

While Louis’ face was not visible, his arm could be seen in the background of the shot.

His signature cross tattoo was clearly on display along with a distinct mole just above it.

Last month, Louis and Zara were spotted on a cosy dinner date at The Suffolk in Aldeburgh, after a fellow diner secretly snapped the pair together.

And it seems things have moved fast since then, with insiders claiming Louis, who sold more than 70million records worldwide with One Direction, has already introduced Zara to his family.

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How reclusive Tiger Lily Hutchence was found living in dingy ‘squat’ as mystery swirls over fate of dad’s £40m fortune 15 Apr 2025, 4:42 pm

ANYONE spying the low-key wedding reception at a restaurant in East London at the weekend would not have imagined the bride was an heiress to a supposed £40million fortune.

But when Tiger Lily Hutchence tied the knot with model Ben Archer on Saturday, she did not have her late father Michael’s inheritance to fund the celebration.

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AP:Associated Press

The 28-year-old daughter of the tragic INXS lead singer is said to have given up hope of ever getting her hands on the money the Australian rocker earned by selling over 55million records.

Just six years ago Tiger Lily, who found her mum Paula Yates dead from a drug overdose in 2000 when she was aged four, was described as living in a London squat.

Michael’s family tried to find out what happened to the millions he’s still earning since his death in 1997, but their whereabouts remain a complex financial mystery.

The money is reportedly tightly controlled by Michael’s accountant Colin Diamond and has been placed in a web of offshore accounts.

Diamond, in turn, has maintained that Hutchence died virtually penniless, having spent his money on partying, gifts and legal bills.

Unlike half-sister singer Pixie, 34, Tiger Lily has chosen to stay out of the limelight.

There was, though, rock ‘n’ roll royalty in attendance among the 30 select guests at the reception on Saturday.

Her adoptive dad Sir Bob Geldof and godfather Nick Cave joined the happy couple for the big day.

The Boomtown Rats singer brought Tiger Lily up after his ex-wife Paula died and funded her private education.

But he always insisted his children make their own way once they are adults.

Artist and singer Tiger Lily is certainly no longer squatting and appears to have set up home in North London with Ben, whose dad is a wealthy investment banker.

She is pregnant with the newlyweds first child and is expected to give birth soon.

A source told The Sun: “Tiger Lily and Ben are so happy together and this ceremony was just for their closest friends and family.

“It was a beautiful day and, after the service, they all sat down to have a meal together.”

Toxic power couple

Few people are more deserving of a happy ever after than Tiger Lily, whose earliest years were filled with chaos and loss.

Paula and Michael were the ultimate toxic showbusiness couple, as deeply in love as they were troubled.

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Their affair began while the former Big Breakfast presenter was still married to Bob, the father of her three eldest daughters Fifi, 41, Pixie and Peaches, who died aged 25 from a drug overdose in 2014.

Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily’s arrival in 1996 was hoped to settle their often stormy relationship.

Michael’s sister Tina Hutchence said in her book Michael: My Brother, Lost Boy Of INXS in 2021: “Michael was thrilled when Paula gave birth to their daughter Tiger Lily in 1996 and he melted when he was with her.

“But Paula’s bitter custody battle with Bob started eating away at Michael.”

On top of that both Paula and Michael’s drug use was getting out of hand.

U2 singer Bono revealed that he turned down their offer to be Tiger Lily’s godparent because he couldn’t cope with their illegal substance abuse.

Paula’s bitter custody battle with Bob started eating away at Michael

Michael’s sister Tina Hutchence

In his 2022 book Bono: 40 Songs, One Story, the Irishman said: “It should have been the greatest honour when Michael and Paula called on Ali and me to ask us to be godparents to Tiger Lily.

“But we were wigged out. They were in free fall, spiralling down a vortex of recreational drug use that had become hard work for everyone.”

There were rumours that wild man Michael, whose previous lovers included supermodel Helena Christensen and Kylie Minogue, was not being faithful.  

But in a 2017 documentary The Last Rockstar, Diamond said: “He was actively having fertility treatment in the UK with Paula. They were looking at having another child.

“Michael and I had discussions about them getting married in Tahiti.”

Those plans for the future cast some doubts on the official coroners verdict that Hutchence committed suicide when a maid found him hanged in his bedroom at Sydney’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

There were theories that it might have been a sex game gone wrong.

Second tragedy

What is certain is that Michael’s death at the age of 37 left Paula so distraught that she was first admitted to a psychiatric hospital in April 1998 with depression and then two months later attempted suicide.

Meanwhile, Michael’s dad Kelland launched a failed bid to get custody of Tiger Lily, who was caught up in a tug of war about her future.

Paula appeared to have given up the heroin when she settled in Hastings on the south coast with her daughter, only to relapse and die from an overdose.

It was a four-year-old Tiger Lily who tried to save her mum, 41, telling a friend over the phone that she “couldn’t wake mummy”.

At this point Bob stepped in to become Tiger Lily’s legal guardian and she found comfort with his daughters.

Shunned fame

While Pixie and Peaches were drawn to the hedonistic life of their parents, Tiger Lily shunned London’s party lifestyle.

Having tried acting at a college in New York she graduated from Goldsmiths College in South East London.

In 2019 she got away from it all by moving to bohemian Fremantle in West Australia and dated former Tame Impala bassist Nick Allbrook, 37.

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During that time Tiger Lily started to write and perform her own music in Perth, before releasing an album titled Tragic Tiger’s Sad Meltdown in 2022.

She said of the record: “Most of the songs are about my sister, Peaches, who I lost as a teenager, so singing them aloud felt very potent, but my band always made me feel held.”

There were rumours that the pair were going to get hitched, but she had split up with Nick by 2023.

By this time she should reportedly have received three lump sums of £12 million each from Michael’s estate.

The last one should have landed in her bank account three years ago when Tiger Lily turned 25.

But when documentary maker Richard Lowenstein spoke to her in 2019, she laughed at him when he said “maybe it’s still going to come to you.”

Tiger Lily told him she’d “given up on that now. It’s literally gone.”

Speaking to the Herald Sun, he added: “I met up with Tiger for dinner in London. We went to her flat to watch the documentary and it was like a little squat.

“I said, “Where’s the money from your dad’s estate?” and she said, ‘I’ve never received anything from anyone. I had a meeting once with an accountant that was so bad I didn’t want to do it again’.”

It should have been the greatest honour when Michael and Paula called on Ali and me to ask us to be godparents to Tiger Lily. But we were wigged out

Bono

When Tiger Lily previously met her late father’s accountant he allegedly handed her an envelope containing £500 and told her “there you go, that will tide you over.” 

Her reluctance to pursue the matter through the courts probably has something to do with the experience of Michael’s other relatives.

His mum Patricia, dad Kelland and sister took legal action against Michael’s accountant Diamond. 

In 2005 the case revealed that the money from Michael’s song rights did not belong to the singer at the time of his death.

He had them invested in various tax havens in order to prevent anyone else getting their hand on the money.

While Michael, who owned houses in London, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Australia, was alive he is said to have spent the rest of his fortune on a lavish lifestyle and gifts.

Instagram

Instagram

That meant there was little or nothing left for Tiger Lily.

She won’t have made much money from her debut album, but this month she did exhibit some of her artwork at a gallery in St Leonards-on-Sea, which neighbours Hastings in East Sussex.

The gallery’s description of her art says: “Tiger is a musician and art psychotherapist, her work combines the investigation of maternal nature and roles with her own strength and playfulness. 

“Tiger’s pastel works and paintings are meditative investigations, grounded in understanding.”

New chapter

With Bob being worth a reported £70million and her new in-laws owning a huge country pile in Herefordshire, Tiger Lily might not need the money from her deceased dad’s will after all.

Having met Ben in 2023 she had grown close to his family who a source said were refreshingly “normal.”

Tiger Lily and Ben spent part of the summer on holiday in Italy with his mum and dad.

Now they are looking forward to becoming parents for the first time. 

The source told The Sun: “This is a huge year for Tiger Lily and Ben because they’re becoming parents. Getting married in front of their nearest and dearest was the cherry on top for them.”

Huge Man Utd blow as Joshua Zirkzee in danger of missing rest of season after injury against Newcastle 15 Apr 2025, 4:38 pm

JOSHUA ZIRKZEE is set to miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, according to reports.

The Netherlands international was subbed in the second half of United’s thrashing at the hands of Newcastle last weekend after pulling up.

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And the Dutchman is said to be in “danger” of missing the rest of the season with the ailment.

That’s according to the BBC, who claim the 23-year-old is set to be on the sidelines for “several weeks.”

They also claim there is “some doubt” whether the former Bologna man will be able to play again this campaign due to the “severity” of the hamstring strain.

United gaffer Ruben Amorim is expected to provide clarity on the forward’s fitness on Wednesday ahead of the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie with Lyon.

The Portuguese boss, who replaced Erik ten Hag at the Old Trafford helm last November, wasn’t optimistic about Zirkzee’s chances of playing against the French giants on Thursday.

He said: “We had to make rotation because we are trying to recover in two days from each game.

“But trying to win this game also.

“Josh, I think he will be out for some games. So, let’s focus on the next one [against Lyon].”

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Zirkzee, who has seven goals and two assists to his name this season, was one of United’s few bright sparks in their 4-1 loss to Carabao Cup holders Newcastle.

And he was equally as impressive in the 2-2 draw against Lyon last Thursday, giving the Red Devils the lead in the 88th minute.

Zirkzee’s injury has come at the worst time for Amorim, who now has only ONE eligible striker for the visit of Lyon.

Rasmus Hojlund will now lead the line for United in their do-or-die clash with the Ligue 1 giants.

And the 22-year-old will likely have to improve on his season haul of eight goals if the Red Devils are to have any chance of making the semis.

Popular holiday island reveals plans for massive £15billion underground train network 15 Apr 2025, 4:38 pm

A POPULAR island destination has revealed plans for an entire network of underground trains which will transform travel across the region.

The Bali Mass Rapid Transit, officially known as the Bali Urban Subway, is a $20billion (£15.1billion) underground railway network.

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The whole network is being built in four phases, with the first two already in the works and expected to be completed by 2028 followed by the latter two phases in 2031.

The aim of the network is to combat current issues of traffic congestion, as well as preserving cultural heritage, such as sacred sites.

In addition, plans currently include giving each station in the network a unique theme, making the rail experience a tourist destination as well as a functioning transport system.

For example, according to Bali Discovery, Kuta will focus on its role as a commercial centre while Seminyak will be based around entertainment.

Canggu/Berawa will reflect on health and wellness and Cemagi/Munggu will have a nature theme including a botanical underground park and a replica of a traditional village is planned.

The first two phases of the network will connect Denpasar International Airport (DPS) with popular tourist spots in southern Bali.

The very first phase will link the airport to Cemagi, whilst the second phase will link the airport to Nusa Dua.

The latter two phases will connect Kuta Sentral Parkir to Sanur and Renon to Ubud and are currently in the feasibility stage.

Due to building regulations in the region, buildings cannot be built higher than a coconut tree.

The new transit system is due to benefit both locals and tourists, however concerns have been raised regarding the affordability of the network for residents.

Tourist fares are estimated to cost between $35 and $40 (£26.46 and £30.24) a week.

It is expected that the network will host over a million commuters each day and improve the overall travel experience across the destination.

Other infrastructure will also be implemented, including an undersea fibre optic cable that will stretch from Singapore to Bali – which measures over 3,000 kilometres.

Bali welcomes around 15.4million visitors each year.

And the destination is set to make $22.1billion (£16.7billion) from tourism in 2025, which will be about a 26 per cent increase from 2024.

Bali recently revealed plans for a huge new £2.5billion airport.

First announced in 2016, the new airport hopes to open up international travel to the north of the island as well as reduce capacity at the current airport.

Works are yet to start although it hopes to take three years when given the go-ahead.

Bali also has plans for a £726million theme park to be built on the island.

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How I lost 2 stone in 3 months WITHOUT fat jabs… after shock health diagnosis, reveals A Place in the Sun’s Craig Rowe 15 Apr 2025, 4:35 pm

BEING a regular on telly and seeing countless repeats of your show is enough to make anyone take a long hard look at themselves.

For A Place in the Sun host Craig Rowe, it proved too much to bear.

Faced with seeing himself looking out-of-shape and “pudgy” each time he turned on the TV – along with a shock health scare – led the presenter to massively overhaul of his lifestyle.

Craig has shed a colossal two stone since Christmas after diving head-first into a major health kick and has gone from fat to fit with an impressive six-pack.

He is more body confident than ever and is more than happy to take a shirtless selfie or two after hitting the gym.

At 52, he describes himself as being in the best shape of his life – and he’s back in the same clothes he was wearing at just 30 years old.

But it wasn’t just seeing himself on screen that drove Craig to make the change.

The host was told he had pre-diabetes and, if he was unable to overhaul his sugar intake, he would be left facing a life with type 2 diabetes.

Opening up to The Sun about the threat of the condition, he described it as a “warning sign” that compelled him to undertake his incredible transformation.

He told us: “Well, I was diagnosed about six years ago with having pre-diabetes.

“That is the stage where your blood sugar level is high but you haven’t yet become type 2 diabetic.

“I look at it as a warning period of time.

“So I knew back when I got that diagnosis that if I didn’t change things, I was going to be heading towards type 2 diabetes.

“Obviously if you’ve not been medicated for it, it can be quite a serious disease and certainly not something you want to have if you can avoid it.”

But Craig’s health kick meant he was able to bring his blood sugar back down and successfully reverse his condition.

“It started a while back and I did make some good changes. I got my blood sugar back down to a normal level in about three months,” Craig confessed.

But he then quickly lost sight of his goals and admitted he began to struggle with his weight once again.

“I was right on the cusp of being almost pre-diabetic again and I knew I sort of got a bit pudgy just before Christmas,” he says.

“I’d seen some of my episodes of A Place in the Sun go out and I was like, ‘That’s not a good angle.’

“You know when your clothes are fitting you differently and I knew I’d put on a bit of weight.”

Sugar ban

Although the star has always battled with his weight, Craig admits that being on the brink of serious health problems forced him to face up to reality.

As part of his transformation, the self-confessed sweet treat lover ditched the cakes and chocolate and also cut back on the booze.

“I’ve always struggled with my weight fluctuating. I’ve got a really sweet tooth.

“I like a few drinks and I haven’t always been that active.

“My weight’s always been a bit of a struggle but I didn’t think about diabetes at all. It wasn’t something on my radar.”

Craig is currently exercising five to six times a week in order to keep up his transformed lifestyle.

I do feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. I can hardly believe that I’m 52

Craig

It’s allowed him to feel more confident than ever – something he admits he has relished since his public profile soared thanks to his regular appearances on the Channel 4 show.

Having made a physical transformation, he’s also in the best space of his life mentally with a job he loves, his loving partner Paul and a new outlook on life.

Craig said: “At 52, it is amazing to say I’m in the best shape of my life.

“I’m wearing the same size trousers as what I wore when I was 30.

“I think because of the gym stuff I’m doing, I’m probably stronger now than I was when I was 30. And also now I’m eating better and I’m drinking less.

“I do feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. I can hardly believe that I’m 52. It’s amazing really.

“It’s a nice place to be in my 50s. Obviously life isn’t perfect and there’s always issues but this transformation has built over into my mental health.”

Craig is now hoping for another achievement after his weight loss success story, as he and his A Place in the Sun colleagues have been nominated for a prestigious TRIC Award.

A Place in the Sun will be battling it out against the likes of Escape to the Country and Loose Women for the coveted Best Daytime Show gong, awarded in June.

Craig hosts A Place in the Sun today on Channel 4 at 6pm.

Channel 4

My slim lips ballooned like a blobfish after having filler REMOVED – I was crying & drooling all over myself  15 Apr 2025, 4:35 pm

A WOMAN has cruelly been dubbed a “blobfish” after her lips ballooned following having filler dissolved.

Sara Jurado Garcia was rushed to the hospital immediately and later shared her unfortunate tale online. 

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The content creator racked up over 11.9million views and 1.5million likes on a clip showing two photos of her before and after the lip filler dissolving process.

Thankfully she saw the funny side of the situation and captioned the post: “I’m still laughing, it’s okay.”

Another clip, racking up 956,000 views and 56,000 likes, reveals more from the “terrible” experience.

She begins by showing a photo of herself with numbing cream smothered all over her lips.

The next snap, though, reveals how the situation quickly escalated, with Sara’s mouth entirely swollen.

Other photos show her crying and drooling down her T-shirt.

Sara decided to go to hospital where she was treated and her lips thankfully later went back down to normal.

The content creator, from Barcelona, Spain, reportedly had gotten lip filler around one year prior to having it dissolved, reports NeedToKnow.

Users have flocked to the comments to share their reactions.

One person cruelly teased: “Monster Inc.”

Another added: “The drool falling. Ufffff.” 

“Don’t tell me that, I’m going on Tuesday,” someone else commented.

Another user said: “I’m sorry, but by the fourth photo I couldn’t hold back my laughter.”

“It’s the blob fish,” one person added.

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Previously another woman’s face ballooned to double its size after getting her lip filler dissolved.

Doctors told her she had an allergy to hyaluronidase – a soluble protein enzyme that is typically used to break down the hyaluronic acid found in dermal filler.

Hyaluronidase is what the body produces naturally to break down fillers over time.

By injecting the solution, it can help the lips to regain their natural size and shape within a few days.

Typically it costs around £150 but can vary depending on the clinic.

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Doctor Who legend, 91, spotted on rare outing as he meets friends for lunch in Rye 15 Apr 2025, 4:30 pm

A DOCTOR Who legend was spotted on a rare outing as he met his friends for a slap-up lunch.

The actor was snapped at a fancy restaurant in the Sussex town of Rye as he stepped out for an afternoon.

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Tom Baker, 91, is best known for his role as the fourth incarnation of the infamous Time Lord.

He was also remembered as the longest-serving actor to take up the prestigious role from 1974.

The star eventually left the show in 1981 before Peter Davison took up the mantle.

Since then he has been involved in various high-profile projects, including Little Britain with Matt Lucas and David Walliams, where he served as the narrator.

44 years after his contribution on the BBC One sci-fi drama, he looked to be in great spirits on a lunch outing.

He sported his signature smile as he met friends for a leisurely midday meal at the picturesque Mermaid Inn.

The star was dressed in a brown overcoat over a dark jacket with complimentary trousers.

This was over a light blue shirt as he greeted his pals outside the establishment in Rye.

His thick locks were on full display as he stepped out before he made his way home.

This comes after he reprised his role as the Fourth Doctor in 2017 for the first time in 36 years.

He completed the ‘lost’ story within the long-running franchise that was called ‘Shada’.

The edition was set to be the celebratory end to the 17th series of Doctor Who in 1979, but it was left incomplete due to strike action at the BBC.

Tom also made an appearance as the mysterious curator character in the 50th anniversary special, The Day of the Doctor.

The special acclaimed episode was broadcast to fans on-screen in November 2023.

Who has starred in Doctor Who?

Which actors have portrayed the famous Time Lord over the years?

• First Doctor: William Hartnell (1963 – 1966)
• Second Doctor: Patrick Troughton (1966 – 1969)
• Third Doctor: Jon Pertwee (1970 – 1974)
• Fourth Doctor: Tom Baker (1974 – 1981)
• Fifth Doctor: Peter Davidson (1982 – 1984)
• Sixth Doctor: Colin Baker (1984 – 1986)
• Seventh Doctor: Sylvester McCoy (1987 – 1989)
• Eighth Doctor: Paul McGann (1996)
• Ninth Doctor: Christopher Eccleston (2005)
• Tenth Doctor: David Tennant (2005 – 2010)
• 11th Doctor: Matt Smith (2010 – 2013)
• 12th Doctor: Peter Capaldi (2014 – 2017)
• 13th Doctor: Jodie Whittaker (2018 – 2022)
• 14th Doctor: David Tennant (2023)
• 15th Doctor: Ncuti Gatwa (2023 – present)

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