ROBERTO DE ZERBI has revealed why he dropped Mason Greenwood from Marseille’s starting XI.

The disgraced former Manchester United winger has been the Ligue 1 side’s star performer so far this season, scoring 15 goals in 26 appearances.

AFP

GETTY

GETTY

Greenwood, for much of the campaign, was one of the first names on the teamsheet.

But he’s had to make do with substitute appearances in Marseille’s recent clashes with Lens and Paris Saint-German.

It was recently claimed that the 23-year-old’s work rate was the reason why De Zerbi demoted him to the bench.

But the former Brighton boss insists that couldn’t be any further from the truth.

The Italian said: “We need to clarify the Mason Greenwood case a little.

“Because you journalists are always in a position to change things a little, to create some scoops.

“Because you have to do what all journalists do a little bit, which is to make a little bit of chaos.

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“‘He’s had a bit of a tough time lately because he had a daughter who was born, and I don’t think he’s used to playing such an intense season and being a main player.

“I think he paid for it physically.

“That is to say that he didn’t push himself and wasn’t 100 percent as I wanted in training, in terms of what I expect from a player like him.

“His physical condition has declined a little, but my project in Marseille is not only to qualify for the Champions League, it is also to create something like what Luis Enrique has created (at PSG).

“He has created a team, a group of strong players, but with a soul.”

Greenwood’s promising Manchester United came to a screeching halt in January 2022 when he was arressted on suspiscion of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive control – which he was later charged with.

The Crown Prosecution Service, however, dropped the charges following the “withdrawal of key witnesses and new material coming to light.”

Greenwood returned to action last season with La Liga side Getafe, for whom he scored ten goals and provided six assists.

He officially left Manchester United last summer, joining Marseille for a fee in the region of GBP26million.

IRELAND has pledged €6million to help people in earthquake-ravaged Myanmar.

Thousands are feared dead after a disastrous 7.7 magnitude quake rocked Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand.

AP:Associated Press

EPA

AP:Associated Press

Rescuers are scrambling to reach survivors after the seismic disaster downed buildings and bridges.

More than 1,000 people have been killed in worst-hit Myanmar, with the death toll expected to rise even further.

Tanaiste Simon Harris this afternoon announced Ireland will provide an initial €6 million in humanitarian assistance to the long troubled Asian country which was already in the grip of a bloody civil war.

Some €3million will support the work of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Myanmar Red Cross Society.

Another €1.5million is going to the Myanmar Humanitarian Fund managed by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, who support national organisations in humanitarian action across Myanmar.

Meanwhile, €1.5million has been given to the UN Refugee Agency Joint Response Plan responding to the urgent needs of displaced Rohingya people.

Announcing the funding, Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Harris said: “My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, the injured and the emergency responders.

“The destruction will place extraordinary pressure on many people already experiencing humanitarian need.

“ Ireland stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and will provide immediate emergency humanitarian assistance.

“Funding from Ireland will support a locally led response and provide assistance to those most impacted by this disaster.”

IRELAND’S AID FOR MOST AFFECTED PEOPLE

Minister of State with responsibility for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond spoke of his horror at the shocking images emerging from Myanmar.

Richmond said: “Ireland’s support will target people most affected by the earthquake.

“Emergency response teams from the Myanmar Red Cross have responded immediately to provide urgent care for people injured or looking for missing loved ones.

“Teams continue to assess the impact on people caught up in the earthquake.

“Ireland’s support will make a real and meaningful difference to people affected by this devastating disaster.”

Officials told how the new €6 million pot is in addition to the €2.4 million already provided to the IFRC by Ireland this year, which allows the Federation to respond immediately when a disaster strikes.

A Government official said: “Ireland is also the 9th largest donor to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, the world’s largest humanitarian fund, which has already provided €5million to the crisis.

“The EU has also provided €2.5million to the earthquake response in Myanmar.”

EPA

Reuters

Reuters

DUNNES Stores fans are rushing to buy a “timeless” staple for spring after it landed on racks.

The denim jacket is available in stores and online now.

It is priced at just €20 and comes in sizes 8 to 22.

The retailer said: “A wardrobe essential, this cotton-rich denim jacket showcases classic styling with chest and side pockets, complemented by metal hardware.

“Pair it with everything from dresses to jeans for a timeless, laid-back look.”

The bargain jacket is ideal for transitional weather and can be worn year after year.

And fashion fans can also snap up the cute look in white.

Meanwhile, fashion fans are in a frenzy over new striped trousers that have landed in Dunnes – and they come in three colours.

Monica, who goes by @ mon.fesa on Instagram, showed off her new striped trousers, which are now available online and in stores across the country.

Monica said: “You will love these trousers from Dunnes Stores.

“The material is amazing and they can be worn as sporty as you like with sneakers or as stylish as possible with heels, like me in the reel.

“They are at the Gallery section, and the t-shirt too.”

The new stripe trousers comes with an elastic waistband, a clasp closure and a double white stripe down the side.

Fashion fans can choose from cool stone, classic navy, or eye-catching red.

Dunnes Stores designers said the pants are comfortable for everyday wear or for creating a “relaxed office-ready” look.

They added: “They feature sporty side stripes and an elastic waist for added comfort.”

The trousers are priced at just €30 and are available in sizes 8 to 18.

Style the stripe pants with heels for a glam look or trainers for a casual daytime look.

Monica styled the trousers with the Gallery Cotton Rich Crew Neck T-Shirt.

It is priced at just €20 and comes in sizes XS to XL.

THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES

DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.

Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.

During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.

Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.

The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.

“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.

“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”

The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.

They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.

“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”

Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.

THIS is the moment a couple who complained about their daughter’s school’s recruitment process was arrested for “harassment” and led away by SIX police officers.

Maxie Allen and Rosalind Levine were detained on suspicion of harassment and malicious communications after what they describe as a “trivial” dispute.

Facebook @Maxie Allen

They had sent multiple emails to Cowley Primary School in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire and made “disparaging” comments on a WhatsApp group for parents.

CCTV footage shows the uniformed cops walking up to the front door of the couple’s home, also in Borehamwood, in January.

They are then seen being led by away in front of their crying daughter and spent six hours in a cell.

Hertfordshire Police conducted a five-week investigation before deciding there was no case to answer.

Times Radio producer Maxie, 50, said the action was “dystopian” and a “massive overreach”.

He accused Cowley Hill of trying to “silence awkward parents”.

He told The Times: “I was just in complete disbelief. It was just unfathomable to me that things had escalated to this degree.

“It was absolutely nightmarish. I couldn’t believe this was happening, that a public authority could use the police to close down a legitimate inquiry.

“We’d never used abusive or threatening language, even in private, and always followed due process. Yet we have never even been told what these communications were that were supposedly criminal, which is completely Kafkaesque.”

Maxie and Rosalind, 46, were also accused of causing a nuisance on school property.

However, they maintain they haven’t been to school since last July – and the allegations have never been explained.

Former governor Maxie had questioned why an open recruitment process hadn’t begun after the school’s headteacher announced he was retiring in May last year.

He had hoped a meeting would be held to explain the process.

Chair of governors Jackie Spriggs then reportedly told parents “inflammatory and defamatory” comments had been made on social media.

She also warned action would be taken against anyone causing “disharmony”.

Maxie and Rosalind were subsequently banned from the school’s premises after being accused of “casting aspersions” on Ms Spriggs.

The couple claim they were then barred from attending a parents’ evening for nine-year-old daughter Sascha, and were not allowed to go to her Christmas performance.

The schoolgirl has epilepsy, as well as being neurodivergent and registered disabled.

Maxie and Rosalind say they sent emails to the school to address their daughter’s needs.

On January 29, Rosalind was looking after youngest daughter Francesa, three, when half a dozen officers arrived at the door.

She said she feared “Sascha was dead” and said her toddler was “cowering in the corner, she was terrified”.

Maxie added he believes the school used the cops “to close down legitimate inquiries” but doesn’t understand why the force “played along”.

The school says it sought advice from the police following a “high volume” of correspondence, including social media posts, which had upset staff and parents.

A spokesman added: “We’re always happy for parents to raise concerns, but we do ask that they do this in a suitable way, and in line with the school’s published complaints procedure.”

Hertfordshire County Council said Louise Thomas was appointed interim head of the school for one term before a full recruitment process was carried out.

The force said the officers dispatched to the address were needed to secure electronic devices and care for the children there.

A spokesman said: “The arrests were necessary to fully investigate the allegations as is routine in these types of matters.

“Following further investigations, officers deemed that no further action should be taken due to insufficient evidence.”

The Sun has approached the police, school and council for further comment.

SCOTT BEMAND is expecting a stiff test when Ireland face Italy in the Women’s Six Nations.

France beat Ireland 27-15 in their opener in Dublin last weekend, despite the hosts playing against 14 players for much of the second half.

Coach Bemand has made three changes, with Edel McMahon coming in to skipper the Girls in Green against the Azzurri in Parma.

Aoibheann Reilly is drafted in at No 9 for Emily Lane, while Fiona Tuite takes over from Dorothy Wall in the second row.

Italy fell to a heavy 38-5 loss in England last week but beat the Girls in Green 27-21 in last year’s Championship.

Bemand said: “They have a strong sense of purpose, cultural identity and what game they want to get out there. They’ve a more structured version of themselves these days.

“It used to be quite fun watching them, in that anything might happen. Everybody had a left foot and a right foot and, ‘We’ll all do three chips each’.

“They’ve got a little more . . . not pragmatic, but personal and sensible with what they’re trying to do.

“Our aim is to get our best game out there and if we do, we’ll be all right, but certainly the Italians won’t make it easy for us.”

IRELAND: S Flood, A McGann, A Dalton, E Higgins, AL Costigan, D O’Brien, A Reilly; N O’Dowd, N Jones, L Djougang, R Campbell, F Tuite, E McMahon, E King, A Wafer. Reps: C Moloney, S McCarthy, C Haney, G Moore, D Wall, B Hogan, E Lane, E Breen.

BRITS are being paid over GBP80,000 to move to a picturesque mountain region – but there’s a 10-year catch.

The northern Italian region of Trentino, where the Dolomites meet the Alps, has suffered a decline in its population over the last few years.

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In an attempt to repopulate the area, the government is offering a whopping sum of GBP80,000 to Italians – and others interested in the scheme – to relocate.

The project has received more than GBP8million in funding and is projected to revitalise the area, which is currently overrun with abandoned and run-down houses.

Not only will participants be offered a lump sum of cash to move but they will also be handed over GBP16,000 to help with the purchase and renovation of a property.

But there is one very big catch.

Residents must commit to living in Trentino for 10 years – or agree to rent the house out for the same amount of time.

Those who fail to comply with the rules may be forced to return their funding.

This comes just days after Penne, Italy announced it will be selling homes for under a GBP1.

Buyers could enjoy both the sea and mountains if they pick up a beautiful house in the stunning location.

Penne started selling its abandoned homes for the rock bottom price in 2022.

The town, which lies between the Adriatic Sea and the Gran Sasso mountain range, began this amazing deal in an attempt to stop its plummeting population numbers.

Six homes have been sold since 2022, mostly to Italians.

Buyers also would not have to pay a huge deposit on the €1 price tag.

The only guarantee required to secure one of these homes is that the buyer must renovate the property within three years.

These deposits are returned to the buyers after the works on the home are done.

But Brits looking to move abroad for more sunshine and a quiet life could pick up a bargain soon.

The next “handful” of homes will become available “in the next couple of weeks”, the mayor of the small town revealed to CNN.

Some of the homes that will become available unbelievably date back to medieval times.

Getty

Getty

Getty

SHOPPERS are going wild and are racing to get their hands on ‘nostalgic’ homeware from M&S.

So if you want to upgrade your dinner set that you’ve had for the last decade, or fancy nabbing yourself a new mug, then you’ve come to the right place.

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MarksandSpencer/Instagram

MarksandSpencer/Instagram

Bargain hunters are raving about the new M&S collection of ‘ nostalgic’ goods, reminiscent of pricier alternatives by high-end brands but with a much more affordable price tag.

Not only have people claimed that the affordable buys look ‘designer’, but others have claimed they are like being ‘transported back in time’.

It comes after M&S, an established British retail giant since 1884, took to social media to show off the gorgeous interior range.

Posting on the official M&S account, the chain shared a short video featuring an array of serving bowls and plates designed to mimic cabbage leaves.

The accompanying caption joked: “We heard it counts as one of your five a day”.

Thanks to this nostalgic homeware range, shoppers will be able to stock up on an assortment of food-shaped items that echo designs many remember from their grandparents’ homes.

The collection includes a GBP15 Cabbage Serving Bowl, which is available in shades of forest green and pink, as well as a Medium Serving Bowl, priced at only GBP12.50.

Not only is the M&S range purse-friendly, but if you’ve got designer taste but a small budget, you’ll be pleased to know that this cheaper alternative is strikingly similar to Liberty’s Cabbage Leaf Bowl, which costs GBP61.

In addition to this, there’s Cabbage Plates, for just GBP10 – and they’re available in forest green and white.

Shoppers can also find a vibrant Red Cabbage Patch Platter, which retails for GBP15.

Not only this, but there’s even a cute Cabbage Cup and Saucer, which is sure to leave your guests impressed, for only GBP10.

But that’s not all, as shoppers will also find the Cabbage Jug for only GBP18 – and there’s no doubt it will look fabulous centre stage on your dining table.

Shoppers beam

This Instagram clip has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly captured over 144,000 views and 1,478 likes.

M&S fans were gobsmacked and confessed to being ‘in love’ with the new tableware.

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 GBP30.

“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.”

Not only did shoppers eagerly flock to the comments to share their thoughts on the M&S buys, but the conversation quickly turned to many sharing memories, with numerous users noting the resemblance to items their grandparents once owned.

One person said: “Love this collection”, while another shared: “Saw these in store yesterday, absolutely LOVE them”.

I bought this collection, it just felt so nostalgic like I’d been transported back in time to my nans

Instagram user

Another enthusiastic shopper simply stated: “Obsessed!” while others couldn’t resist exclaiming: “Omg NEED.”

Recognising the clear sense of nostalgia, one customer commented: “Just like Carltonware! I’ve got some of my mum’s!”

While someone else chimed in with similar fond reflections and beamed: “I love this type of crockery, it reminds of plates and bowls my Mum and Gran had when I was young”.

Not only this, but another recognised: “I bought this collection, it just felt so nostalgic like I’d been transported back in time to my nans.”

Whilst one eagle-eyed user wrote: “Oooh very Liberty.”

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IRELAND is set to be hotter than Spain over the coming days as high pressure is to remain “close” to the country.

Temperatures will hit 17C next week as spring starts to come into full bloom.

Getty Images - Getty

met.ie

met.ie

And Ireland will become hotter than the whole country of Spain by Wednesday.

The average temperature for Spain on Wednesday will range between 13 and 15C.

However, the weather for the weekend will remain unsettled before dry weather kicks off for the week.

Met Eireann’s Mark Rollback revealed that the country will be “seeing high pressure” that will dominate the weather over the next couple of days, bringing in mostly settled weather spells.

He said: “We are seeing a high pressure moving over the country.

“That’s going to actually dominate the weather over the next couple of days. Indeed, over much of the next week. So we’re in for a spell of mostly settled weather.

“Most of the weather fronts will be held at bay, off in the Atlantic, so they won’t really move over the country as such.

“So we will see some sprinkles of rain and drizzle at times, particularly for Western counties. But overall, at least for the first half of next week, it should stay rather settled.”

The weather boffin confirmed that Ireland will see little rain next week as the high pressure will bring in dry spells and warm temperatures.

WEEKEND FORECAST

However, the weekend will remain miserable before the huge weather switch kicks off.

For today’s weather forecast, it is cloudy with outbreaks of rain and drizzle, which will turn a little patchy later this afternoon, but drier and brighter conditions will be developing from the west by evening.

It will be breezy with moderate to fresh southwesterly winds and the highest temperatures of 11 to 15 degrees before it drops to 8 to 4 degrees during the night.

Tomorrow is set to be dry with spells of sunshine, but cloudy spells will be developing in the southwest with isolated light showers, which will build across the western half of the country throughout the evening.

Temperatures will see highs of 12 to 16 degrees in light to moderate northwesterly winds before dropping to 5 to 9 degrees, with some mist and fog developing.

‘SETTLED WEATHER’

Meteorologist Ifa Kealy added that the high pressure is going to bring plenty of settled weather next week.

She said: “Monday is going to be quite cloudy with just a few sunny spells and isolated showers.

“But Tuesday, it’s going to be much brighter with plenty of sunshine. And Wednesday and Thursday will both be dry and quite sunny days.

“Temperatures are going to creep up through the week too, reaching the high teens in the west and midlands by week’s end.”

Wednesday is set to be another dry and sunny day, with highest temperatures ranging from 13 to 17 degrees.

However, it may be a little cooler near eastern and southern coasts in a light to moderate southeasterly breeze.

LILY Allen’s best friend Miquita Oliver has revealed she had a secret abortion, but didn’t feel like she could ask for time off her TV job.

The presenter, 40, confessed she underwent the termination when she was 24 just one day before presenting the high profile Fashion Rocks event on T4 on Channel 4.

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BBC

She said: “I remember I worked at Fashion Rocks, at the Royal Albert Hall, for T4, Lily was there performing.

“All these popstars would come and sing with a brand, but I’d had an abortion the day before.

“It was really quite serious, and I was only 24.”

Speaking to her childhood pal Lily on their Miss Me? podcast Miquita told how she was in pain, but tried to hide it as she was worried her ex would dump her.

She said: “I didn’t say, ‘I know, why don’t I call in and say ‘I’ve had an abortion and I can’t move from pain,’

“And I thought ‘you can’t do that to Fashion Rocks, who is going to host the T4 coverage?’

“That was some next level type of cramps walking around the Royal Albert Hall.

“It was a very weird day. I was really quite heavily pregnant with my ex and I was just so embarrassed and so scared he wouldn’t want to go out with me anymore. So I kept it to myself until now.”

Popstar Lily, who has two children, has previously said women should not have to “justify” having abortions as she reflected on her own experience of terminating a pregnancy.

The singer, who recently split from her second husband actor David Harbour, hit out on social media at recent examples of “exceptional reasons” for having the procedure.

Not known, clear with picture desk

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THE Sun is still shining as the number one news brand in the UK despite a challenging market.

Fresh accounts show that The Sun’s news content still reaches 23.4 million Brits despite recent changes by US tech giants including Facebook which no longer prioritise journalism on their websites.

Darren Fletcher - The Sun

The shake-up by social media companies, which affects how they display news stories, has hit the entire media industry.

However, The Sun’s long history of scoops has continued to be the reason for boosts in newspaper circulation, with exclusives on Huw Edwards and ongoing coverage of the Royal family proving popular with readers.

And in the most recent release by industry body, PAMCo The Sun remains the UK’s number one news brand in terms of monthly, daily and weekly reach. The analysis applies to the first half of FY25.

The Sun’s YouTube channel has become the biggest publisher channel in the UK and now counts more than six million subscribers. Since launch, the channel has driven 5.3 billion views with over 135 million hours of content consumed.

Defence editor Jerome Stakey’s War in Ukraine videos have also been viewed over 30 million times, while Political Editor Harry Cole’s election debate footage was viewed 15 million times across all channels.

Accounts for News Group Newspapers show that The Sun has considerably narrowed its adjusted operating losses by 85 per cent from GBP62.6million to GBP9.2million in the year to the end of June 2024.

On a statutory basis, which also includes all legal costs and one-off charges, NGN’s losses have also shrunk by almost three quarters from GBP65.9million to GBP18million.

This is partly linked to a lower level of costs related to the closure of News of the World, which was part of the same company.

The costs are covered by an indemnity from Fox Corp.

Last year the publisher faced one-off charges of GBP51.6million but this dropped to GBP14.1million in 2024, partly helped by GBP13.6million of credit. The credit recognises the generous provision put aside to cover potential claims ahead of a deadline in 2022.

Stripping out legal costs, NGN operating losses narrowed to GBP4.2million compared to GBP14.3 million on the same basis.

Revenues for NGN slipped by 2 per cent to GBP296.3million, largely due to a reduction in advertising revenues due to the volatility of online social media firms.

During the year the business was helped by easing inflationary pressures, such as lower energy and print costs, resulting in NGN restructuring costs of GBP4.3million.

CADBURY has launched a new chocolate bar based on a popular flavour – but it has divided fans who have snapped it up.

Shoppers rushed to try their Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Biscoff bar, which is being sold for as little as 99p in Iceland.

Michael Leckie/PinPep

However, despite the popularity of Biscoff, the Dairy Milk bar hasn’t gone down well with customers.

One chocoholic shared how they had spotted it for GBP1.50 in Heron’s Food, which led to many people giving their opinion on the bar on Facebook.

One said: “Just tasted like dairy milk, don’t rate it one bit,such let down.”

Another added: “Can’t even taste Biscoff it’s just like cadburys with a biscuit crunch texture.”

A third commented: “We tried it yesterday and genuinely can’t taste the biscoff.”

However, one said they liked it and got it from Iceland for just 99p.

The bar features Cadbury Dairy Milk with pieces of caramelized shortbread Biscoff pieces.

Fans had been eagerly waiting for a release date since last summer, and it hit shelves on March 15.

Sainsbury’s was the first supermarket to stock the chocolate.

Morrisons began filling their shelves with the snack from Wednesday March 19 and Tesco shoppers could get their hands on it from March 25.

Finally, Asda shoppers could try the chocolate from March 27.

Prices start from GBP1.69 for a 95g bar and a larger 105g bar will cost GBP2.

It’s worth noting that retailers are free to set their own prices, so they may vary from shop to shop.

Connor Gould, Brand Manager at Cadbury said: “This might be the hardest secret we have had to keep.

Facebook

Cadbury

“We know people love the irresistible smoothness of Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate and the satisfying crunch of Biscoff, so this collaboration was something that we were excited to announce to both chocolate and biscuit lovers alike.

“It’s a match made in chocolatey-biscuit heaven, proving to be a truly unique and delectable experience for all! We can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks of it.”

A previous image of the chocolate bar shared on social media caused a stir, with one user joking they would “step over a corpse to have a bite”.

How to save money on chocolate

We all love a bit of chocolate from now and then, but you don't have to break the bank buying your favourite bar.

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how to cut costs…

Go own brand – if you’re not too fussed about flavour and just want to supplant your chocolate cravings, you’ll save by going for the supermarket’s own brand bars.

Shop around – if you’ve spotted your favourite variety at the supermarket, make sure you check if it’s cheaper elsewhere.

Websites like Trolley.co.uk let you compare prices on products across all the major chains to see if you’re getting the best deal.

Look out for yellow stickers – supermarket staff put yellow, and sometimes orange and red, stickers on to products to show they’ve been reduced.

They usually do this if the product is coming to the end of its best-before date or the packaging is slightly damaged.

Buy bigger bars – most of the time, but not always, chocolate is cheaper per 100g the larger the bar.

So if you’ve got the appetite, and you were going to buy a hefty amount of chocolate anyway, you might as well go bigger.

ROYAL experts have defended Vanity Fair former editor Graydon Carter criticising Meghan Markle’s complaints after he put her on the cover in 2017.

The publishing boss admitted he “had no idea” who Meghan was at the time, however, someone said “she’s going to marry Prince Harry”, which saw her land the front page.

Splash

Conde Nast

Getty - Contributor

Getty

According to the former editor, the then-Suits actress wanted the October Vanity Fair spread to focus on her charity efforts and philanthropy rather than Harry.

Carter, who created the iconic Vanity Fair Oscars party and edited the magazine for 25 years, added: “This woman is slightly adrift on the facts and reality”.

Now experts have said Meghan had “nothing to moan about” with the shoot and she was “lucky” to get the publicity.

Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, legendary Sun photographer Arthur Edwards said: “She had nothing to moan about.

“She got great publicity, and she was unknown.

“I never heard of her when I first heard she was linked with Harry. No one I knew had heard of her.

“No one in my family had heard of her. She was a complete unknown.

“I think she was lucky to get that publicity. I mean, and that’s what she always sought—publicity.

“She wanted to say what a great actress she was.”

During her cover interview, Meghan reportedly said: “Excuse me, is this going to all be about Prince Harry?

“Because I thought we were going to be talking about my charities and my philanthropy”.

News.com.au’s Royal Reporter Bronte Coy agreed with Arthur, saying: “The reporter was obviously asking about the fact she was dating Prince Harry.

“That had come out less than a year earlier.

“They went on to get engaged a couple of months later. It’s the reason she was in the magazine. Let’s be real.

“Suits was popular, but she’s an ensemble cast member, and so she was a little put out.

Louis Wood - The Sun

AFP

AFP

“They weren’t talking about her charity work instead.

“And so for him to then say she was a bit adrift from reality, I think, is a fair assessment.”

The October 2017 issue was eventually finalised and called She’s just wild about Harry.

A few months later the Duke’s engagement was announced, and the pair tied the knot in May 2018.

Just two years later the couple had quit the UK and settled in California.

Mr Carter, who had known Harry’s late mother Princess Diana, said: “Anytime someone comes between siblings that’s a disaster – horrible for a family.”

“I would think she [Diana] would feel great sorrow for her son to have been pulled away from his family like this, especially his brother but also his father”.

Mr Carter was the co-host of the 1994 Serpentine Gallery event where Princess Diana stepped out in her iconic ‘revenge dress’.

The revelations come as Mr Carter releases his new memoir this week, When the Going Was Good: An Editor’s Adventures During the Last Golden Age of Magazines.

Rex

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A TOWN in Spain has been compared a city in Brazil because of it’s huge sandy beach – and famous rockface.

Calpe, in Alicante, is a beach resort on the northern part of Costa Blanca.

Alamy

Alamy

The long stretch of sand is overlooked by the Penon de Ifach rock, 332 metres above sea level.

However, the huge rock overlooking the coastline has drawn comparisons to Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio.

They are even similar heights, with Sugarloaf being slightly taller at 391 metres.

Sadly tourists will have to climb Penon de Ifach rock by foot, while Sugarloaf has a cable car to get to the top.

And the temperatures are unlikely to match with Rio, which is hitting highs of 29C this week compared to Alicante’s 20C.

Visit in summer, however, and Alicante hits 31C highs, compared to Rio’s 26C.

And for Brits, the Spanish resort is a much cheaper option with GBP17 flights thanks to easyJet.

Rio is a slightly more expensive option with flights to the Brazilian city from GBP474 each way.

Also in Calpe is an unusual apartment block which people say looks like something from Squid Games

La Muralla Roja is a bright pink apartment complex, and was said to be the inspiration.

Along with 50 apartments, the winding staircases look like something from Tetris.

And Calpe isn’t the only place in Europe that has been compared to Brazil.

San Vito Lo Capo in Sicily also looks similar to the Rio beach, with the huge rock towering over the town.

Some have even said its like “being in the Maldives” because of the blue water.

We’ve found a spot in Eastern Europe that people say is a miniature Thailand.

If you’re staying in the UK, here are some seaside towns that could be abroad.

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LUKE LITTLER has backed Stephen Bunting to reverse his awful Premier League form – as the Bullet faces unwanted darting history.

Bunting, 39, has lost EIGHT games in a row in this year’s event and he is rock bottom of the eight-man table with ZERO points.

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In total, he is on a 12-game Prem winless streak – he has not won in the competition since beating Gary Anderson 7-1 in Cardiff on April 23, 2015!

In the 2020 Covid-hit tournament, he drew 6-6 with Rob Cross on his home stage of Liverpool in a one-off appearance as a contender.

The worst Prem streak is held by Peter Wright, who went 13 games across the 2019 and 2020 editions without celebrating a win.

Should the St Helens thrower lose to Nathan Aspinall next Thursday in Berlin – which is week nine – then he will equal Snakebite’s terrible tally.

The world No.6 might be a crowd favourite with his David Guetta’s ‘Titanium’ walk-on tune, but his game is shot and he cannot get to six legs before his opponent does.

Littler, 18, whitewashed him 6-0 en route to winning night eight in Newcastle last week, but he said: “Obviously, Steve’s struggling at the minute.

“Once he gets that first win, I’m sure he’ll win quite a few in the Premier League. I think we’re halfway through now.

“I think last week he said he’s putting too much pressure on himself. Obviously, without a win in eight weeks.

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“If I was Stephen now, I’d say you’ve just got to relax. You’ve just got to say, come on, just win that first game.

“And I’m sure once he gets that first win and gets that winning feeling, then he’ll go on. Hopefully, I think he could win a night.”

Littler, the defending Premier League champion, tops the table with 26 points thanks to four wins – Glasgow, Brighton, Cardiff and Newcastle.

Nobody has ever won five nights before, but he is likely to get there given he has eight weeks before the Playoffs at London’s O2 Arena on May 29.

The chance to break the 40-point barrier – both he and Jonny Clayton (2022) hold that record – is well within his grasp.

Michael van Gerwen is a seven-time Premier League champion but Littler has time and age on his side to do better, perhaps.

The Warrington teen, the world No.2, said: “How many has Michael got? Seven. If I’m still around, I’ll have a go at breaking it.

“I said it last week, but I want to finish top again. Go back-to-back.

“Obviously now I’m fighting for top and trying to break the nightly win record.”

STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Seann Walsh has revealed he’s recently become a father for the second time.

The comedian shared a message about his “newborn” – after seemingly keeping his partner Grace Adderley’s pregnancy secret.

Instagram @seanwalsh

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The notoriously private couple welcomed a baby girl in February 2023.

However, Seann appeared to announce they were now parents of two children when he shared a picture on Instagram.

He wrote alongside a snap of Seann’s daughter covered in food over her head: “My first five minutes of being left alone with Wylda and our new born Casper.

“S*** just got real.”

Seann shocked fans when he admitted fainting during his girlfriend’s first labour.

The comedian announced his happy news on Instagram today in a video from hospital after his girlfriend Grace gave birth.

He praised the “great” hospital staff for taking care of them both and shared their hilarious reaction to his blackout.

He wrote: “I passed out during the birth. Of course I did.

“The nurse’s response? ‘Men’.

“Fair.”

The comic, 38, has been dating dance teacher Grace, 32, since 2018 – shortly after his controversial stint on Strictly Come Dancing when he kissed his married professional dancer, Katya Jones.

They revealed they were expecting during an Instagram Live on tour.

He became a dad for the first time months after finishing 5th on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here 2022.

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ALISON Hammond fans have today come up with a theory about what they think is the “real reason” why she turned down Celebrity Big Brother.

Yesterday, the presenter, 50, shut down any chance of returning to the Big Brother house – despite the show launching her career.

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Alison was just 27 in 2002, when she auditioned to be on Big Brother.

She described herself in her audition video as being “addicted to Vaseline”, and a “huge Harry Potter fan”.

Her application was a success, and she burst onto our screens in the third series of Big Brother.

This season is considered one of the most iconic BB series’ ever.

Season three launched stars like Radio 1 presenter Adele Roberts, TV personality Kate Lawler, and the late Jade Goody.

However, she only managed 15 days in the house before becoming the third housemate to be evicted.

But despite all fame and fortune the show brought her, Alison has refused to go back in the famous house for this year’s Celebrity Big Brother – and fans have a theory why she has made this decision.

Taking to social media, one fan said: “As much as I think she’d be amazing in it again, I appreciate her saying no, and I think it’s the right answer.

“Her career is on a high right now and there’s so many variables to BB, and the way viewers would pick her apart for not saying the right thing etc. wise decision.”

While another added: “She’s at her peak let’s not forget what happened to the last person who reached their peak & went back on the show I feel likes it’s a bad omen.”

This one said: “When someone does both BB and CBB it doesn’t go well. So I don’t blame Alison for saying no.”

The fan theory comes following an interview Alison did yesterday.

Speaking to Gaby Roslin on her Magic Radio show, the This Morning host Alison Hammond said ‘she was so grateful’ to the show.

Asked if she would do it again, she answered: “I’ve just got asked and I said no. They asked me and I said no I wouldn’t do it again. I just think I’ve done it, haven’t I?”

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She recalled: “It was 23 ish years ago. It was 2002. I was the second person to be evicted.

“It’s unbelievable, when you look back, that chain of events was so correct for me.

“If I’d have won it, I don’t think my life would have gone in the same direction. I’m so grateful for Big Brother.”

Fans commented on social media: “Glad she said no. The television industry has changed so much since then. You can lose everything on shows like Big Brother.”

“Never do it again when you’ve got nothing to gain and everything to lose,” a second user agreed.

“Don’t ever do it again Alison, leave the magic how it was,” a third noted.

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ALISON’S BIG BREAK

Shortly after leaving the Big Brother house, she landed the job of This Morning’s entertainment reporter in 2003.

This then lead to her hosting the show’s Friday gig along with Dermot O’Leary in 2020.

As the queen of reality TV, she has also starred in programmes included I’m A Celebrity, Celebrity Stars In Their Eyes, Celebrity Ready Steady Cook, Celebrity Coach Trip and Celebrity MasterChef.

Alison made a huge impression on Channel 4 bosses when she appeared on Celebrity Bake Off in 2020, alongside Joe Sugg, Alex Jones and James Blunt.

In fact, she made such an impact on the show’s producers they offered her the job of co-host in 2023.

LIVERPOOL owners Fenway Sports Group [FSG] are going head-to-head with Paris Saint-Germain for a takeover of Spanish side Malaga.

The former Champions League side have slipped down the leagues following mismanagement in the last decade.

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They recently went into administration and are attracting attention from potential buyers.

Now Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group are weighing up a bid to buy a majority stake in Malaga from Qatari businessman Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani.

FSG representatives are said to have visited Malaga last month to inspect facilities and assess what form any investment should take as they bid to create their own multi-club empire.

Malaga spent last season in the third tier for the first time since 1998.

They were promoted and are now sitting 15th in LaLiga 2.

Spanish hotel and real estate group Blue Bay owns the remaining 49 per cent.

It follows an attempt made by FSG to buy French club Bordeaux following their relegation to the third tier.

That move broke down “following extensive and constructive discussions with all stakeholders”.

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FSG are understood to be interested in developing a multi-club model akin to that of the City Group.

They bought Liverpool in 2010, adding to their portfolio which includes the Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

A WOMAN has revealed that she splashed the cash on a full set of Turkey teeth, despite numerous people warning her against it.

Lola Montanna, a content creator from Australia, ignored advice from others and jetted abroad to Istanbul, a city in Turkey, for super white veneers.

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Lola.montanna/Tiktok

Posting on social media, Lola, who has 25,500 followers on TikTok, gave viewers a before and after look at her dental transformation, leaving many totally stunned.

At the start of the short clip, we saw the beauty fan sitting in a dentist’s chair.

As she opened her mouth, Lola revealed her teeth, which had been shaved down, into what people describe as ‘shark teeth’.

Seconds later, Lola opened her mouth again, after her dental procedure, to proudly show off her new pearly whites.

Clearly impressed with her fresh smile, Lola posed for the camera and confidently ran her tongue over her teeth.

Not only this, but she also then zoomed in, giving viewers a closer look at her new smile.

Despite being overjoyed with her new teeth, Lola claimed that prior to flying to Turkey, people warned her: “Don’t go to Turkey and get veneers.”

Clearly unbothered, Lola clapped back and beamed: “Ya only live once.”

Lola didn’t confirm how much she forked out for her new smile, but while a full set of veneers in Turkey costs significantly less than in the UK, prices range from GBP4,400 to GBP16,000 for full mouth reconstruction, compared to GBP16,000 or more in the UK.

Meanwhile, in Australia, where Lola is from, a full set of veneers can cost from GBP4,9000 to GBP9,7000.

Revealing all on her new smile, Lola penned: “I chose them to get all one shape.

“They had different shapes you can choose from.

“I just wanted the perfect square fake look.”

Social media users react

The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ lola.montanna, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly gone viral and racked up a whopping 9.4 million likes.

Not only this, but the video has also amassed a jaw-dropping 629,400 likes, 7,742 comments and 23,800 shares.

But social media users were left gasping at Lola’s smile – and not only did many think she would ‘regret’ getting veneers’, others described her new gnashers as resembling ‘piano keys’.

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One person said: “You’re gonna regret it in 10 years.”

Another added: “They look like Lego pieces.”

A third commented: “Veneers have never looked good to me, they look like blocks.”

Meanwhile, alongside crying emojis, someone else asked: “Can you undo it?”

Not only this, but another slammed: “Your veneers are very poorly made, no shape, no translucency. You can get better, more realistic crowns in South Africa. But each to their own.”

And at the same time, someone else wrote: “These look like piano keys.”

I just wanted the perfect square fake look

Lola

But despite the negativity, there were some users that were impressed with Lola’s gnashers.

One woman beamed: “These comments are filled with jealousy. Your teeth look amazing.”

And a second claimed: “Girl it’s the people without money hating. You had money to go to Turkey and get veneers, girl you look amazing.”

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THOUSANDS of Irish astronomy lovers witnessed an amazing lunar phenomenon as the moon covered almost HALF of the sun this morning.

The deepest solar eclipse in Ireland in the last ten years happened at around 11am.

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Despite the gloomy and cloudy weather conditions, some lucky people across the country caught glimpses of the phenomenon.

Thousands of people noticed the daytime getting darker between 10am and 11am as the moon passed the sun.

They took to social media to share their experience, with some people reporting that the sky appeared blueish for them while others couldn’t see it due to the cloudy conditions.

A group of people gathered at the “Eclipse Watch” event at Astronomy Ireland’s headquarters in Blanchardstown, Dublin.

They were given special solar eclipse glasses and equipment to view the solar eclipse safely.

Special telescopes were used at the event, where people could observe the solar eclipse in full view, showing the whole event in detail.

It was revealed that there will be a 90 per cent eclipse in Ireland in two years, and the next total solar eclipse will occur in 2090, 65 years from now.

The Irish Astronomical Association stated that the magnitude of the event was to be most significant on the western tip of Achill Island in County Mayo, reaching up to 56.6 per cent.

However, that is not the only lunar event to occur as there is a fantastic meteor shower that is set to illuminate the Irish skies in a couple of weeks.

LYRID METEOR SHOWER

The Lyrid Meteor Shower is set to illuminate the skies on April 22-23.

Earlier this week, Alan Fitzsimmons, Professor at the Astrophysics Research Centre at Queen’s University Belfast, revealed how people should prepare for upcoming lunar events to the Irish Sun.

Alan said: “It’s a trail of material left behind by a comet. When these particles enter our atmosphere, they burn up as shooting stars, and we see the meteor shower.

“Now that’s a particularly good night to see but you do have to stay up a little later.”

Between midnight and 3am is the best time to spot this shower.

The astronomer told how the interest in astro activity is growing among the public.

He said: “People are more aware that they can see things for themselves.”

“They don’t just watch it on a screen, although they may find out about it that way.

“It’s great to experience it yourself, particularly if you have children. You can take them somewhere and show them something for themselves.

“That’s something they will remember for a long time.”

DARK SKY WEEK

Stargazers may be lucky enough to catch some of the action during Dark Sky Week approaching this April 21 – 28.

Alan said: “During Dark Sky Week, that’s when the moon will be in the morning sky not in the evening sky.

“If you go out in the evening to look, you will be able to see the Milky Way rising in the east plus some of the winter constellations.”

He explained that Jupiter will be “shining as a bright star” in the west after sunset and to its left will be the “dimmer red planet Mars”.

The Perseid meteor shower will take place on the night of August 12.

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TOMMY Fury was beaming in new snaps while reuniting with his ex Molly-Mae Hague and baby daughter Bambi after their recent family holiday.

The former Love Island stars headed on a romantic getaway to Dubai with daughter Bambi earlier this month, with them arriving back in Manchester last weekend, and now seen in public together yet again.

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The couple split up last summer due to Tommy’s “problem with drinking”.

But for months now, the pair have been embroiled in rumours that they could be rekindling their romance.

After sharing a New Year’s Eve kiss, the pair then headed off on a loved-up trip for Valentine’s Day last month.

Following their recent family holiday to Dubai, the pair have reunited again.

The pair were seen meeting up on Saturday as they handed over their daughter Bambi.

Tommy had a big smile on his face, and could be seen beaming from ear to ear.

Molly was joined by her mum ahead of Mother’s Day.

For a brief moment, Tommy and Molly stopped and chatted.

Molly stood with her back to the camera as Tommy’s face could be seen over her shoulder.

Tommy was smiling widely as he chatted with Molly.

Molly could be seen wearing a khaki green bomber jacket with black trousers and some black and white sneakers.

The blonde beauty ditched makeup for the occasion and wore her locks in an up-do with a claw clip holding everything in place.

Meanwhile, Tommy could be seen wearing some grey shorts and a black sweatshirt.

He also rocked some white Nike socks and a pair of trainers.

Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury - Reunion Clues

MOLLY-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury are on holiday in Dubai after splitting in August. Yet have they dropped clues about their reunion before?

Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury appear to have confirmed their romance is back on with a joint holiday to Dubai.

Yet in January, the rumour mill had already started turning on their reunion after pics of Molly-Mae’s NYE snog with the boxer resurfaced

In February, Tommy, 25, then gushed how “life has been looking up” after the pair’s romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day.

The Sun exclusively revealed how the pair were spotted “canoodling” on their cute getaway.

During the same month, Tommy was also spotted leaving Molly-Mae’s Molly Maison home in his G Wagon in the early hours.

Fans then spotted clues the pair had spent another romantic weekend together earlier this spring.

Molly-Mae was also heard discussing having a second baby on her vlog, in yet another potential sign they are giving their romance another go.

Molly and Tommy will be making a joint announcement about their reunion on their social media following the penultimate episodes of Molly’s Amazon Prime documentary.

The announcement is poised to be unveiled in the spring, which “leads nicely” into news the couple are giving it another go.

A source told The Sun: “Molly-Mae and Tommy are planning on making an announcement about them being back together pretty soon.

“It’s a social media post they have planned for after the documentary comes out – and the ending of the documentary leads nicely into the post.

“It will be a joint Instagram post – and unlike the last one where Molly announced the breakup, it will very much be a united front.”

An insider confirmed that the pair have “filmed together” for the upcoming episodes of her documentary, Molly-Mae: Behind It All, which will land on the streaming service in a couple of weeks.

The source added how they have been “spending a lot of time together” lately.

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THREE men have been jailed after shocking footage showed them driving a stolen car the wrong way down an Irish motorway and causing damage to several vehicles.

The thugs were sentenced at Belfast Crown Court yesterday for their involvement in a dangerous crime spree that took place in 2022.

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Ciaran McGuigan, 32 and from Ventry Lane, received a sentence of 3 years and 9 months after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including burglary, attempted burglary, aggravated vehicle taking and assault on police.

Malachy Goodman, 41 and from Ballymurphy Parade, was sentenced to 2 years and 4 months for similar charges – including aggravated vehicle taking and burglary.

Ciaran Tully, 33 and from Divismore Park, received a 12-month sentence for aggravated vehicle taking and possession of a blade in a public place.

The incident took place on November 5 2022, when the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Air Support Unit spotted a stolen BMW in the greater Belfast area.

A high-speed police pursuit followed, with the stolen vehicle driving dangerously through the city, running red lights and mounting pavements.

The vehicle then drove the wrong way up the Westlink, causing major damage to several passing cars and injuries to officers involved in the chase.

The reckless pursuit ended at Divis Street, where the three men were finally apprehended.

In a statement, Detective Sergeant Faulkner said: “On Saturday 5th November 2022, colleagues from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Air Support Unit spotted a stolen white BMW car driving in the greater Belfast area.

“As the vehicle drove recklessly through the city centre, with many near-misses of other motorists, it ran through red-lights and mounted pavements before joining the Westlink.

“The vehicle then proceeded to drive the wrong way up the Westlink, including carrying out a 3 point turn on the motorway on a busy Saturday afternoon.

“A number of vehicles were damaged, along with a number of our officers injured during the proactive pursuit before it was finally brought to halt at the Divis Street area of Belfast and all three men were detained by police.”

The detective added that the police will bring anyone who commits an offence before the courts so they can face the law.

He added on Friday: “This not only showed the importance of collaborate working across various departments within the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

“Colleagues put their lives at risk, in order to apprehend those involved and keep the public safe. It is only by chance that we were not dealing with loss of lives as well.

“Today’s sentencing is a strong indication to anyone who commits a criminal offence, that police will bring you before the courts and you will face the full rigours of the law.”

WE’RE just a few months into 2025 and the year has already seen an avalanche of celebrity marriages crumble.

And not just ‘situationships’ or short-term relationships, but marriages, with a hefty amount of years attached to them.

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On New Year’s Day, starting the year off as it seemingly would go on, the first split hit – Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson, after a five year relationship.

Sam and Zara, who appeared on Made In Chelsea together, struggled to paper over the insecurities and cracks in their five-year relationship, following a cheating scandal and family feuds.

And just a day into the New Year, and it was confirmed that their relationship was no more.

The year also began with the news that Lily Allen and Stranger Things actor David Harbour had called time on their marriage, after a whirlwind Las Vegas ceremony.

And if the shock of that wasn’t enough for fans, a dating app scandal then hit the couple, after Lily was left “in agony” after learning the American Netflix star had an active profile on celebrity dating app Raya.

Just a couple of weeks later and another marriage that fans thought would stand the test of time, fell apart.

Jessica Simpson split from her husband Eric Johnson after more than 10 years of marriage.

The singer and businesswoman, 44, and the retired NFL star, 45, had been living separate lives for months.

Jessica and Eric had tied the knot in 2014 in a fairytale ceremony in Montecito, California, with A-list guests including Jessica Alba.

And on the topic of Jessica Alba, she too started the year with a split from her husband, after 16 years of marriage.

Jessica confirmed her split from Cash back in January after reports swirled that they were headed for divorce.

The actress wrote to fans about her “journey of self realization and transformation for years-both as an individual and in partnership with Cash.”

With notable names announcing that their marriages or relationships were no more, just a mere few weeks into the new year, it posed the question: “What the hell is going on with celeb marriages?”

Louella Alderson, relationship expert and co-founder of So Syncd has spoken exclusively with The Sun to weigh in on why 2025 is proving to be a headline-making year for celeb splits.

She said one of the reasons was down to the ‘domino effect.’

“High-profile divorces can have a ripple effect—when one celebrity couple announces their split, it can subconsciously validate similar decisions for others,” Lou explained.

She continued: “Seeing peers choose separation over staying in an unhappy marriage may give others the confidence to do the same.

“This is especially true in Hollywood, where public image and career considerations play a significant role.”

Another shock split was announced as 2024 ended – that of Fearne Cotton and Jesse Wood – with more details about their split coming to the light in the new year.

For a while, Fearne’s love life mostly dwindled out of public interest after she tied-the-knot with musician Jesse, son of Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood, back in 2014.

But just after celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary, the couple announced that they’d called it quits via an Instagram announcement, and, shortly after, Fearne was pictured kissing TV boss Elliot.

The Sun understands that Elliot ended his marriage to his wife Laura, mum of his three children, on Boxing Day.

As the year gained momentum, another split was bubbling behind the surface.

The Sun was first to report how Mis-Teeq hitmaker Alesha Dixon had split from her long-time partner, dancer Azuka Ononye, 44, in March.

The couple had been married for eights years, and met in 2006, with a source saying: “Alesha confirmed she’s split from Azuka and is navigating that as best she can.

“They are still living together for the sake of their family and are co-parenting.”

And at the same time, reports emerged that Jacqueline Jossa of EastEnders fame and her husband Dan Osbourne had called time on their eight-year marriage.

The Sun reported that Jacqueline was hopeful of a reconciliation with Dan, and not “rushing into divorce,” instead hoping he may change his mind.

But friends close to Dan said he was resolute, adding: “For Dan, it’s over.”

A source said: “Dan has fallen out of love with Jacqueline and there’s no way back for him.

“Jacqueline is absolutely devastated and will do anything to make it work.”

Lou goes on to speak about the “seven-year itch.”

She says: “Many relationships hit a natural breaking point around the seven-to-ten-year mark.

“This is the stage where the initial passion and novelty of a relationship have faded and couples are left to confront the deeper reality of their compatibility.

“While some navigate this transition successfully, others find that they have grown apart, leading to a decision to separate.

“What once worked seamlessly may start to feel misaligned and partners may realise they have different visions for the future.”

And then of course, while all of this has been going on, Kanye West and Bianca Censori have kept fans guessing with ‘will they, won’t they.’

Kanye and Bianca reportedly split just days after his vile antisemitic outbursts on social media in February.

He had been staying at the Four Seasons hotel in Los Angeles, while Bianca, 30, was living in their new $35 million Beverly Hills estate, a source told The U.S. Sun of the tumultuous pair.

“Bianca has always stood by him, but things have not been good after his rants, and she’s still at the house,” a source claimed.

A separate source said the couple has been “up and down” from the very beginning of their romance.

It may have been a split that a lot of fans “saw coming,” but it’s another split for 2025 just the same.

And Lou explains that there has been something of a cultural shift in how we view marriage.

She says: “More than ever, people are prioritising personal fulfilment, self-growth and emotional well-being over staying in a relationship simply because it’s expected.

“With the rise of therapy, self-help movements and discussions around attachment styles and mental health, individuals are becoming more self-aware and attuned to their emotional needs.

“They’re more likely to recognise when a relationship no longer aligns with their values, desires or long-term happiness.

“For celebrities, this shift is particularly relevant. Many of them have access to top-tier therapists, coaches and wellness experts who encourage self-reflection and personal growth.

“As they grow and change under the public eye, they may feel an even stronger need to ensure their relationships align with their evolving sense of self.”

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A BRITISH man has died after collapsing just moments after his first-ever Muay Thai kickboxing match in Thailand.

The 30-year-old passed away on Friday night following a bout at the Samui International Muay Thai Stadium on the popular tourist island of Koh Samui.

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The fight, which kicked off at 9.30pm local time, was stopped by the referee in the third round after the Brit was reportedly kicked in the right side of his rib cage, local outlet Khaosod English reports.

He managed to leave the ring and took off his gloves, but suddenly became unwell while unwrapping his hand bandages.

Witnesses said he began experiencing muscle tension, struggled to breathe, and his eyes began rolling.

Though still conscious, he collapsed shortly afterwards, with his heart said to have stopped.

The Brit’s trainer desperately performed CPR until emergency services rushed him to Thai International Hospital, less than two miles from the venue.

But despite medics’ efforts, he was pronounced dead at 11pm local time.

An autopsy has been carried out at Koh Samui Hospital, and local Thai police have launched an investigation.

Muay Thai, dubbed ‘the art of eight limbs’, uses the fists, feet, shins and elbows in combat.

The ancient martial art has deep roots in Thai culture, dating back to 1560 when it was adopted for military training under King Naresuan.

Traditional rope-bound knuckles were once used in place of gloves – until multiple deaths forced a change to padded gloves in the 1990s.

Despite being a huge spectator sport across Thailand, Muay Thai remains notoriously dangerous and has previously led to fatalities.

The Sun has contacted the Foreign Office for more information.

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CRYSTAL PALACE produced a stunning FA Cup splash-and-grab to book a semi-final date at Wembley.

Jean-Philippe Mateta – donning his water polo-inspired protective headguard – barely made a ripple on his Eagles return.

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Instead, Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr stepped up to grab two goals in four first-half minutes, blowing a stunned Fulham out the water at Craven Cottage.

A third goal against the run of play in the 75th minute sealed it thanks to second-half sub Eddie Nketiah.

Marco Silva – enjoying his 500th game in management – will be scratching his head for weeks at this scoreline, shocked by how his Fulham boys failed to see this one out after such a dominant but toothless showing.

The Portuguese coach will also be wondering what might have been had Adam Wharton received a second yellow for a 22nd-minute kick-out at Rodrigo Muniz.

For now, Fulham’s 50-year wait to reach a domestic cup final goes on. Meanwhile, Austrian boss Oliver Glasner’s hero status in South London has hit new heights.

The Selhurst faithful will genuinely be believing this is finally their time in the most open FA Cup for years – even if they were outplayed for large parts on the banks of the Thames.

Mateta’s comeback was another positive for Palace and Glasner – the Frenchman making his first appearance since requiring 25 stitches in his left ear after being hit with a horrific kung-fu kick by Millwall keeper Liam Roberts in the fifth round on March 1.

A bizarre-looking headband covering the ear made its debut. Glasner joked in the build-up he looked like a water polo star, while his team-mates compared Mateta to a WWE wrestler.

Unsurprisingly, he looked rusty and leggy, unable to add to his 15 goals in all competitions so far this term in this 69-minute outing, with chances few and far between for the visitors.

Silva also made a big decision, bringing in Muniz to lead the line after his impressive goal-scoring display to down Tottenham in the Premier League before the international break, dropping Raul Jimenez to the bench.

The early signs were promising. Inside the opening two minutes, Muniz outmuscled Marc Guehi, nipped past Maxence Lacroix and curled just wide of Dean Henderson’s far post.

The Cottage was rocking. The noise was sensational. White and black flags had draped the stands before kick-off while red and blue balloons bounced around the away end.

Early kick-offs in the cup are often recipes for tame, muted affairs, but this one – smothered in sunshine – had the feel of a final. Both sides recognised what a chance this was.

Fulham continued to pile on the pressure, suffocating Palace. Sander Berge’s long-range shot was deflected wide by the hand of a lunging Jefferson Lerma. VAR weren’t fussed.

Muniz then sent a header from a corner straight into the arms of Henderson. The visitors were struggling for a solution. Mateta cut an isolated, frustrated figure.

He almost got his chance as Sarr skipped in front of Calvin Bassey on the edge of his box – only for his cut-back to be comfortably dealt with.

It seemed inevitable Fulham would score. Bassey, this time rampaging forward, made the most of a mistimed Guehi clearance but his tee-up for Andreas Pereira was wasted.

Soon after, Wharton kicked out at Muniz off the ball in the middle of the pitch, having already picked up a yellow for wiping out Willian in the 14th minute.

Ref Darren England, surrounded by furious Fulham players, opted to give Wharton the benefit of the doubt. In hindsight, it was a huge let-off for Palace, one they would take advantage of.

Lerma had just smacked the bar with an audacious volley, and in the 34th minute, Eze was given too much space to cut in off the left and curl a beauty in off the post from 25 yards, shushing the home fans with a smile.

Palace’s cup king, four of Eze’s last five goals have come away from the Prem.

Shell-shocked and downbeat, Fulham’s reaction could not have been worse, backing off Eze yet again, this time the England international going on the outside and getting a cross in.

Sarr had wriggled free of Bassey’s grasp for the simplest of flicked headed finishes.

In truth, Fulham never looked like getting back into it from there. Palace were beginning to enjoy themselves, especially Wharton, suptuously pirouetting on the ball around two players just before the break.

The Cottage demanded an almighty response, a memorable comeback. They received neither. The air had been let out of Fulham’s FA Cup balloon.

Their second-half highlight included a deflected Willian effort off Wharton that was palmed away by Henderson and a subsequent goalmouth scramble from a corner that Bassey somehow failed to convert.

Sticking to the script of the day, Palace then struck against the run of play once more, Nketiah – who had replaced Mateta – slipped in down the left and poking a cute finish through the legs of his old Arsenal pal Bernd Leno.

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ANTHONY JOSHUA has been stopping some of the hardest-hitting heavyweights on the planet for the best part of a decade.

But now, the former two-time unified heavyweight champion is stopping London buses.

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The Watford warrior, who has been on the sidelines since last September, recently stopped the number 32 bus while it was on its way to Kilburn Park Station.

And the golden boy of British boxing sent passengers into a frenzy by boarding the bus.

They couldn’t quite believe their eyes as the Olympic gold medallist hopped on board.

Scores of the travellers got up from their seats to take photos with the 35-year-old, who was all too happy to make their day.

Before taking a photo with one of the passengers, he said: “Nice to meet you. How are you?”

AJ shared footage of the wholesome moment on his Instagram story for his 16.7million followers to see.

Prior to uploading the clips, he posted a selfie with the accompanying caption: “Back on top soon.”

Fan favourite Joshua hasn’t set foot inside the ring since his crushing fifth-round KO defeat to Daniel Dubois last September.

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A long-overdue domestic dust-up with Tyson Fury was seemingly on the cards following his fellow Brit’s back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.

But Fury seemingly put the final nail in the coffin of the Battle of Britain in January by announcing his fifth retirement from boxing.

But AJ isn’t giving up hope of sharing the ring with the Gypsy King, telling iFL TV: “I feel like it’s the best fight [for me].

“People might say [Joseph] Parker, people might say – I don’t know.

“But I think Fury, commercially, is a great fight and it’s a great man’s fight as well. So I think it makes sense.

“You could say it’s been years in the making. “But listen, the heavyweight division has been thriving.

“And why I say it’s probably still a great fight is as I said Parker is, for me, a great story of someone that never gives up.

“And the thing is, there is going to be one winner and one loser.

“And there’s going to be bloodshed. And it ain’t gonna be mine.”

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ONE of the UK’s busiest motorways is shutting in both directions tonight with drivers warned to divert.

National Highways announced the closure on Wednesday which which will affect thousands.

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The M25 has been closed in both directions between junctions 9 and 10 overnight over two days this weekend.

On Friday 28 March the popular road was shut from 9am to 6am Saturday 29 March.

For a short period vehicles were allowed on the roads again but at 9pm tonight until 6am Sunday 30 March the motorway will be closed again.

Those travelling in this section of the road, just a few miles north of Guildford in Surrey, have been given a set of routes to follow.

Drivers heading Eastbound will be diverted off the M25 at junction 10 to the northbound A3.

They will then follow the A245, A307, A309, and A243 to rejoin the M25 at junction 9.

If you’re travelling Westbound you’ll be diverted off the M25 at junction 8 to join the A217.

Then you’ll be diverted by the A240, A24 and A240 to Tolworth to join the southbound A3.

After following these instructions cars can rejoin the M25 at junction 10.

Over-height vehicles have a different set of diversions to follow.

They will be diverted off the M25 at junction 9 to travel north on the A243 to A3 Hook junction.

These motors will join the A309, A307, A245, then the A245 to A3 Painshill junction to join the southbound A3.

After this, over-height vehicles will rejoin the M25 at junction 10.

Drivers have been warned that there also won’t be any access to the Cobham services – except for employees and hotel guests.

National Highways introduced the big M25 junction 10 project in a bid to reduce congestion, create a smoother flow of traffic and provide safer journeys.

A range of roadworks have been laid out to build two new bridges for traffic and revealed plans restore greenery.

Over the weekend of 17 to 20 January, Cockrow Bridge was installed which will be the world’s first heathland bridge, giving people and wildlife a safe route across the A3.

These improvements mean this weekend won’t be the only time period the M25 is shut as the project is set to be complete in Spring 2026.

National Highways has warned drivers to keep an eye on announcements to keep up to date with upcoming closures.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC will look to strengthen his claim to be the tennis GOAT – after a ticking off from the son of a football GOAT.

The Serbian superstar, 37, will try to win a 100th ATP Tour title when he faces unseeded and untested Czech teen Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final.

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Only Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109) have been male centurions in terms of tournament wins in the Open Era.

Djokovic’s ruthless 6-2 6-3 demolition of Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the semi-finals was watched by Lionel Messi, considered by many to be the best footballer of this era, if not of all time.

Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain, 37, met Djokovic backstage – with retired tennis star Juan Martin del Potro – and they exchanged shirts and posed for photos.

And one of Messi’s sons told Djokovic he must up his level as he tries to surpass Federer as the oldest Masters champion in history.

Djokovic – boosted by an easy draw in Florida – gushed: “It was the first time I’ve played in front of him.

“I’ve watched him play a few times. The final of the 2022 World Cup when he won with Argentina. I think I watched him last year, too.

“Obviously I’m thrilled to have his whole family here. I did see him after the match. He came by the locker room. We spent some time talking and exchanged gifts.

“It’s a huge honour. He’s such a great athlete, not just a football player.

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“His impact on the world of sport in the last 20 years has been immense.

“To have him watch me live obviously brings me great, great joy and excitement, and also a bit of pressure.

“I was rated by one of his sons as eight out of 10, which is pretty good. With a serious face, he told me I have to make it 10 out of 10 for the next match.

“So I have quite a bit of pressure from Messi’s son there!

“It was a very touching moment for me because it’s one thing that he comes, but then he brings his whole family, his kids, his wife.

“As a young father myself, I know what that means. It’s different when you bring the whole family.

“I was very touched by that and his willingness to spend some time together.”

Djokovic – a 24-time Grand Slam champion – is aiming for his first success since receiving Olympic singles gold last year in Paris and this would be his first major result with Andy Murray in his corner.

The Belgrade battler said: “Ever since I won my 99th, which was the Olympic Games in Paris, I’ve been playing with the prospect of winning the special hundredth title.

“I played in the final in Shanghai. I was close there. The semi-finals of the Australian Open.

“I have been trying to find that necessary and much-needed level of tennis that will put me in a position to fight for a trophy, a big trophy.

“That’s what I’ve been doing this week. I’ve been very happy with the way I prepared for the tournament, the way I’ve been playing. I haven’t dropped a set.

“It’s a great opportunity. Let’s see what happens.”

SUNNIER weather is back and next month is the perfect time to turn your attention to your flowers, according to an expert.

Sean Lade, founder of Easy Garden Irrigation, revealed the exact time of day to water your plants so that they thrive in time for summer.

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He advised: “Spring is a critical time for watering as temperatures rise and plants come out of dormancy.

“The best time to water is early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation and give plants enough time to absorb moisture.”

The gardening expert revealed how to achieve the perfect green lawn in your garden.

He advised: “Lawns should be watered deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth – around 1 inch per week is ideal, depending on rainfall.

Signs of overwatering include “yellowing leaves, wilting despite wet soil and mould growth”, whereas underwatering leads to “dry, crispy leaves, slow growth, and soil pulling away from the edges of pots or beds”.

Sean recommends checking the soil moisture by “pushing a finger into the soil or using a moisture meter can help maintain the right balance”.

Sean collaborated with Protectivity – providers of insurance for small businesses – and shared the gardening tasks to action in April.

He revealed that “April is a fantastic time to start sowing hardy annuals like poppies, marigolds, and cornflowers for vibrant summer displays.”

The gardening whizz said: “In the vegetable patch, sow carrots, beetroot, spinach, and lettuce directly outdoors, while tender crops like tomatoes and chillies should remain under cover until the risk of frost has passed.”

Before planting, Sean advises preparing your soil by mulching with compost or well-rotted manure, which “locks in moisture and improves plant health”.

He added that feeding hungry plants like roses and fruit bushes with a balanced fertiliser will “give them the nutrients they need to thrive”.

According to one gardening expert, there’s a common mistake you could be making that’s ruining your garden – and it’s easily avoidable.

Elise Harlock, brand manager at Prestige Flowers, revealed that overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes she sees time and time again.

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It’s easy to think your garden needs more water than it actually does, especially during the spring and summer months.

But the truth is overwatering is just as bad as forgetting to water your blooms altogether.

“Overwatering suffocates the roots, leading to rot, disease and weak plants that struggle to survive,” the pro told Express.co.uk.

THE disgraced teacher who allegedly asked three underage boys to “gangbang” her while wearing Scream masks faces a slew of new charges that could have her behind bars for life.

Brittany Fortinberry, 31, is already facing a barrage of charges after multiple alleged victims accused her of rape, sexual exploitation, and plying them with drugs and alcohol.

Morgan County Sheriff

nicholasmatthewfortinberry/Instagram

Married mother of four is now facing more charges from prosecutors relating to five more alleged victims bringing the number of accusers up to six.

Prosecutors told TMZ that they are preparing to file 24 more felony charges against the teacher including five counts of Level 1 child molestation.

This would bring the 31-year-old’s felony charges up to 29.

As well as child molestation, she will face charges of sexual misconduct with a minor, dissemination of matter harmful to minors, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

County Prosecutor Steven P. Sonnega told the outlet that Fortinberry will be told of the new charges and possible punishments at a court hearing on April 3.

If convicted just of the Level 1 molestation charges against her, Fortinberry could face between 20 and 40 years behind bars for each count.

This could lead to a life sentence if the judge ruled that the sentences would be served consecutively, the prosecutor said.

In addition to these, she faces 24 other charges spanning Level 4, 5, and 6 offences.

Level four crimes have sentences between two and 12 years, Level five is punished with one to six years, and Level six is up to two and a half years behind bars.

If found guilty of all counts, depending on her sentencing it is likely she will die behind bars, Sonnega said.

Court documents claim that the former Eminence High School teacher groomed at least 10 boys – some as young as 13-through gifts, manipulation, and disturbing sexual advances.

The math teacher from Indiana has been accused of sexual abuse of children as young as 13 with claims that she made them wear “Scream” masks and an orgy and “dreamed” about having sex with them.

One of the children told police that Fortinberry spent $600 on him and other boys at the mall and then had them wear the masks from the iconic horror movie masks while she sexually abused them.

“Brittany had one condition for them to have the gangbang with her and that was that they had to wear a Scream mask to f**k her,” the affidavit states.

The same boy also alleged that Fortinberry masturbated over his school photos and once sent a video of herself performing a sexual act with his boxers, the Daily Mail reports.

She met her alleged victims at two different Morgan County schools in 2024.

The teacher allegedly told the victims she would kill herself if they reported the abuse, charging documents claim.

They further accused Fortinberry of offering the boys up to $800 for photographs of their genitalia and would regularly send them nude photos.

One accuser harrowingly told cops that if they did not want to have sex with her, she would allegedly rape them and say, “Just let it happen” while also forcing them to watch as she abused the others.

nicholasmatthewfortinberry/Instagram

nicholasmatthewfortinberry/Instagram

To lure the children in and manipulate them, the Indiana educator allegedly showered the boys with expensive football gifts and plied them with drugs put into their food, according to local outlet Fox 59.

Even the sick teacher’s home was allegedly set up for her depraved activities with cops finding a stripper pole and sex toys.

The affidavit states that the findings from the warrant “is consistent” with allegations made by at least one of her alleged victims.

One 18-year-old student who allegedly received explicit messages and photos from Fortinberry told cops that she boasted about being a stripper and shared details of her “exclusive content” on adult sites.

HUSBAND’S ‘THREATS’

Her husband Nicholas Fortinberry is also facing charges of intimidation and failure to report a crime for allegedly knowing about the abuse and threatening the boys to keep quiet.

The 31-year-old’s husband allegedly threatened to “slaughter” one of the victims in front of his family if he spoke out.

“Brittany’s husband talked to them about not telling anybody and if they did, he would kill them in front of their family,” one victim told police.

One of the boys also claimed Nicholas told them to wait until they were 16 before saying anything about what happened.

SICK RESPONSE

When Fortinberry was confronted with the accusations made against her, she allegedly told police she did not regret her depraved actions, instead blaming her recent weight loss.

She bizarrely claimed that she regretted losing weight – telling officers she didn’t believe she would have done any of this if she was still 150 pounds heavier.

Detectives believe that at least 10 victims may have been targeted by Fortinberry over the years.

Authorities began investigating her in August 2024 after a 15-year-old’s grandmother reported that she had molested him, sent nude photos, and drugged him.

Since then, several more alleged victims have spoken out, with one saying he came forward because he didn’t want Fortinberry to “molest more kids.”

The teacher resigned from Eminence High School the day after the first allegations surfaced.

Fortinberry had been hired as a substitute teacher for Martinsville Schools on October 24, 2023.

Her next court hearing is scheduled for April 3 and it is unclear if she has already entered a plea.

She is being held without bond with a jury trial set for June 25 in Morgan Superior Court.

A DISABLED woman bitten by a rat in broad daylight at a shopping centre has told how onlookers VIDEOED her horror ordeal instead of coming to her aid.

Alex Bull says she felt helpless as the vermin sunk its teeth in her hand after it climbed up her wheelchair.

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The rodent, which “took a chunk” out of her finger, pounced as the young student met pals outside the CastleCourt shopping complex in Belfast.

Horrified Alex was forced to go to hospital for a tetanus shot and antibiotics after the attack which left her feeling “very sick”.

And the Belfast woman revealed the shocking experience was made worse after nearby shoppers whipped out their mobile phones to film the attack instead of helping her fend off the rat, which was “bigger than her hand”.

Alex said: “Because of its size it’s not an easy thing to bat away, and I can’t really move from the waist down.

“He had bitten me, then crawled round the back and was staying there.

“I remember nervously laughing, and people around were filming instead of helping.

“It wasn’t a big crowd, but there were people recording me getting bitten and not knowing what to do with this rat. It’s also without my consent and I was in distress.

“There was one good man who came along to bat it, to get rid of the rat. But if you see someone struggling, don’t just take out your phone – go and help them.”

Alex is also appealing to Belfast City Council to tackle “a rat infestion” in the city.

‘PROACTIVE APPROACH’

A Belfast City Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of this incident and appreciate the distress that this has caused.

“Council takes a proactive approach to pest control in the city. The vast majority of our service is focused on supporting domestic properties through advice and inspections.

“We also carry out a sewer baiting programme in the city, on behalf of NI Water, treating thousands of manholes each year.

“Teams of officers routinely provide advice and guidance to businesses on best environmental health practice.

“Social habits like littering and discarding food scraps can attract rats.

“This is something we actively discourage through our various anti-litter campaigns, and we would again remind residents to please dispose of all litter in the bins provided.”

‘PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE’

Earlier this week, she expressed her fear for other people with mobility aids in Belfast as there’s an increasing rat problem across the city.

She said: “Obviously I’m disabled and a wheelchair user. A lot of us are immuno-compromised or have auto-immune diseases. I got quite sick after. I had to go to hospital afterwards.

“I’m thinking, if there are other people with mobility aids, and I’ve heard that there’s an increasing rat problem within Belfast now – in the daylight hours. That puts disabled people at risk and I feel like, really, it’s a public health issue.

“I got bitten and I feel like I got quite lucky. Whenever I went to the hospital I received treatment, I got a tetanus shot, I got antibiotics.

“Even though I was quite sick – I was very, very sick that night, vomiting, I had a temperature – I was thinking to myself what if this was somebody else.”

Asked if what happened would put her off going back to Belfast city centre, she said: “Honestly, yeah. I have not been well these past few days. I’ve been recovering. I wasn’t well yesterday, even.

“Now, every time I think about CastleCourt I get worried. What if it happens again? I’m really worried about other people as well. What if it was a baby?”

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HELEN Flanagan today gave fans an update on having PMDD and revealed that she has “four personalities each month”.

Sharing a video, Helen, 34, used humour to share her ongoing health battle.

Instagram

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PMDD – premenstrual dysphoric disorder – is an extreme form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that can have a dramatic effect on someone’s physical and mental health.

Helen shared a comical video of herself explaining how she feels during the different stages of her period.

Taking to Instagram, she said: “I always feel like I have four personalities in one month and any boyfriend I’ve ever had knows how bad my PMDD can be.”

The Coronation Street legend went on to explain that she always suffered from “intense symptoms for roughly 10 days including severe depression, sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, anxiety, and OCD.”

She added: “The Luteal phase for me can be the very worst. I used to have very bad intense symptoms for about 10 days, severe depression- sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, anxiety/ ocd- ocd so crippling I thought I was going mad, exhaustion, brain fog.

“Now I get about 4 days before my period where I don’t feel myself mentally. I also get severe bloating before my period where I can pass off at being pregnant.

“I also am always so desperate to come on my period as I know how much happier I will feel when I bleed and I will just feel more able to cope with anything life throws at me and feel I have my sanity back.

“I had this from being about 16 but never really knew what it was.”

She continued: “I’ve been prescribed sertraline before for my PMDD but it didn’t work for me x (just sharing my personal experience here, we are all different and great if sertraline works for you) It just made me feel angry which isn’t me at all.

“I then tried Yasmin the contraceptive pill to help control my pmdd and that really didn’t work for me (again great if it works for you I think we all react differently to things).

“It made me feel really sick ( I had hyperemesis gravidum in all pregnancies so very sensitive to hormones) and I just felt low on it and not myself.

“I also took medication for ADHD for years, that I ended up being really poorly on so I was really put off medication so wanted to go though a more natural route as I didn’t feel I had much choice x (also again if medication works for you, for some people it really does that’s great, just sharing personal experience).

“I did Cycle Syncing with my friend Grace which I absolutely loved I felt like I got such a better understanding of myself and my cycle and understanding the different stages helped me take more control back and worked out strategies.”

ON GOING BATTLE

Helen first opened up about her health battle last year, when she shared a very candid post.

The star is known for her glamourous looks, but in this post she was seen in her pyjamas, looking in pain while holding a tampon, with her head in her hands.

At the time she wrote: “My PMDD has been a nightmare this week, worst it’s been since the beginning of the year.

“It’s horrible with hormones as you can’t control what the hormones do to your brain.

“I was so happy on holiday my hormones were stable and then as soon as I came back I was the week due before my period and the hormones just made me feel so depressed.”

Instagram

Helen revealed it had become so bad that she was “crying all the time”, didn’t want to leave the house, and felt exhausted – which was particularly hard as she looked after her three children.

“Any other women that struggle with this I feel you ,” she wrote. “Then as soon as you bleed you just feel such a relief as you know mentally you’re going to feel ok again and normal.”

“I read PMDD is more common in women with ADHD which is me I think I’ve have everything actually, bit of OCD too, might as well throw myself in the bin x”

Instagram

COPING WITH PMDD

Helen previously revealed how she had attempted going on the pill to curb the symptoms, but they did little to help.

Thankfully she’s largely managed to get it under control with ‘cycle-syncing’ in order to understand her menstrual cycle more and prepare herself for harder days, with exercise, monitoring her alcohol intake and diet helping as well.

“I used to never let myself cry or really feel my emotions and fight them which I think made it all worse,” she said. “I got myself in this kind of mentality when me and the father of my kids separated to cope really and was almost constantly in a not natural masculine energy.

“Now I don’t, I be totally in my feminine energy. I cry when I need to cry. I get angry when I’m angry and I let myself feel sad ( only for a certain amount of time though.”

“Anyway I just wanted you to know share this picture of me on the loo this morning ,” she wrote. “Just before the school run as all my kids shout MUM MUM a million times.

“It was a relief to come on my period this morning and for all the women that struggle with the same thing.”

JAMES WADE has doubled down on his belief that Nathan Aspinall and Chris Dobey aren’t deserving of their spots in the Premier League.

Aspinall, who had an injury-riddled 2024, was included in the line-up courtesy of one of the four wildcards.

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And Dobey also returned to the competition following his debut in 2023 debut.

The pair’s inclusions perplexed Wade, who suggested Aspinall had only been included because of his crowd-livening entrances to The Killers’ ‘Mr Brightside’.

The 41-year-old said: “I think two players that got in were probably because they are part of something that’s bigger than darts.”

And the former world No.2 is refusing to soften his stance, telling talkSPORT: “It wasn’t a criticism. “It was an opinion.

“There’s a couple of reasons why one of them got in and that would be Nathan (Aspinall).

“Nathan’s never, ever had a bad Premier League. He’s always produced good darts.

“He’s always been there or thereabouts. I think there’s only one time where he’s not finished inside the top four.

“Do I think he should have been in this year? No, I don’t. But I know why they put him in. He’s reliable and he’s good at what he does. The crowd do like him.

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“I think probably there’s another player that should have gone in his place and the same again for Chris Dobey. I think there could have been other players.

“There were other options apart from those two.”

Wade is a firm believer that the PDC’s Order of Merit should “really count” when it comes to deciding the Premier League line-up.

He said: “I think there’s a reason why someone’s ranked inside the top eight or the top ten.

“I think rankings should be looked at a little bit more than they are.

“It does get looked at as a business because it is. You’ve got other players that aren’t as popular. Let’s put it that way.

“Johnny Clayton should have been in it, in my opinion. Is he as popular as Nathan? Probably not. But he’s up there in the rankings.

GETTY

“It’s not criticism, it’s an opinion. We saw it with other players over the years that have been constantly re-invited back to the event.

“They haven’t even done the business when they’ve been in it and they’re also not doing the business in the other tournaments. Is that right or is that wrong?

“I guess from a business point of view, it’s the right decision because they’re there to sell tickets and they’re there to make the PDC money.

“But is it on fair merit all the time?”

The Darts Premier League will resume action on April 3, with leader Luke Littler taking on Dobey. Aspinall, meanwhile, will face rock-bottom Stephen Bunting.

THIS is the heart-stopping moment a swimmer was almost swept-off a rooftop in Bangkok after a monster earthquake in Myanmar rocked the city.

CCTV footage shows a couple lounging on a floatie in a pool perched at the edge of a high-rise building in the Thai capital, with another man relaxing on a sun lounger nearby.

But their afternoon dip soon turned into a terrifying ordeal as the building began to shake, sending huge waves crashing across the pool deck.

At the first tremor, the couple lurch out of the floatie, looking visibly confused.

Seconds later, the shaking intensifies, and the luxury pool suddenly becomes tidal waves.

The pair scramble to escape as gallons of water slosh violently across the rooftop, with one swimmer nearly swept off the edge.

They’re seen clinging on and struggling to stay upright as the tower shakes beneath them.

The terrifying clip was filmed as a catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake tore through Myanmar on Friday, killing over 1,000 and injuring more than 2,000.

Tremors were felt across the region, with Thailand’s capital Bangkok jolted into chaos.

A major high-rise also collapsed in the city, leaving survivors trapped beneath the rubble.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt declared the capital a “disaster area” and said rescue efforts were underway at three construction sites, including the fallen skyscraper.

As of Saturday morning, eight people were killed in Thailand, another eight injured, and 79 reported missing.

The quake’s epicentre hit the city of Mandalay, Myanmar, at around 12.50pm on Friday, followed by five powerful aftershocks.

One, measuring 6.4, struck just 12 minutes later, according to the US Geological survey.

The USGS labelled the shaking as “violent” and warned up to 100,000 people could be killed, calling the disaster “likely widespread”.

The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said the initial quake was 10km deep, with aftershocks felt as far as India and China.

Officials have dubbed it the “quake of the century” – the worst to hit Myanmar in nearly 100 years.

Airports, train stations and the metro in both Bangkok and Myanmar have also been severely disrupted.

China, Russia, Malaysia and other countries have sent aid and rescue teams.

The US and the UN are also assessing humanitarian needs.

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Reuters

AFP

Myanmar’s military government said hospitals are in desperate need of blood donations, as rescue teams dig through rubble in hopes of finding more survivors.

The disaster struck as the country remains locked in a brutal civil war, adding to the chaos now unfolding across the region.

It comes after people fleeing the deadly Myanmar earthquake are drenched in gushing water from a rooftop infinity pool.

Footage captured terrified locals in Bangkok being swept away by a huge wave after water from a pool spilled onto the street.

Gallons of water were seen coming crashing down from the top of a skyscraper in the Thai capital.

A number of people, mainly women, can be seen running through the streets as the first tremors are felt in the city.

Those who were rushing to safety past the high-rise were suddenly caught up in floods of water after a rooftop infinity pool was left sloshing over.

ONE of the UK’s biggest networks is preparing to start closing down a major long-running service next week.

And Brits are warned that if they don’t have the right device now they could be left with no data access very soon.

Getty

Getty

O2 is the last of the big four networks to make the change, as part of an objective agreed with the Government in 2021.

After more than 20 years, the company is ditching its 3G network.

The change will also affect Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile, which rely on O2’s network technology.

It means O2 can focus its energy on improving 4G and rolling out even faster 5G to more places across the country.

The end of 3G won’t make much difference to the vast majority of Britons.

But some older handsets aren’t 4G or 5G capable, meaning the 3G shutdown will leave owners with no means of going online when out and about.

This will result in no internet and no access to popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook.

The only way you’ll be able to get online is when you’re connected to Wi-Fi.

You’ll still be able to make voice calls and texts for now.

2G is sticking around a little longer for carrying emergency calls in remote areas.

The 3G switch off is happening in stages rather than all at once.

So, the City of Durham is the first place O2 is ending 3G on Wednesday (April 2).

The firm says it has reached out directly to the “small proportion of customers” in the area who don’t currently own a 4G or 5G device.

Known vulnerable users have been offered a free upgrade to a 4G-capable handset, while all others affected by the move can claim a new phone at a reduced price.

Is my phone affected?

Most phones released in the last 10 years or so are likely to be 4G and 5G capable.

But if you’re unsure whether you’re affected by the move or not, there is a simple trick to check.

Go into your phone’s settings and search for Network Mode or Preferred Network.

If you see 4G or 5G listed then you are in the clear.

Getty / The Sun

Is the 3G switch off that big of a deal?

Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun

It’s the end of an era.

3G brought significantly faster mobile internet speeds enabling millions to do things like watching YouTube videos without needing a Wi-Fi connection.

But nothing lasts forever, and 3G has been overtaken by 4G and 5G too.

There will be concerns that vulnerable people could be left behind by the move.

Fortunately, the mobile networks have led schemes to upgrade people.

So definitely get in contact with O2 (or GiffGaff and Tesco Mobile) if you need support.

A MOTHER has revealed that her family-of-seven live in a two-bedroom council house.

As a result, Lauren and her fiance Chris, who both have two children from previous relationships, and one child they share, have been accused of being ‘jobless’.

Laurenamyt/Tiktok

Laurenamyt/Tiktok

Not only this, but Lauren and Chris, who sleep in the living room in their home, have even been criticised as ‘living off benefits’.

But Lauren, the content creator who has 21,400 followers on TikTok, was eager to silence the nasty haters, as she set the record straight on her situation.

Posting on social media, the mother questioned: “Do people not realise that council house does not always equal jobless and living off benefits?”

Lauren expressed that people will say “wild” things to her, just because she lives in a council property.

Despite her living situation, Lauren shared: “Me and my partner are working extremely hard to get ourselves out of this situation.

“We’re saving up for a deposit to buy a bigger house and people still think that we can’t afford the kids we’ve got.

“I know this situation isn’t ideal, but just because we live in a council house, that doesn’t mean you know our financial situation.”

Lauren revealed that she and her family have lived in their council house for the past 10 years.

She recognised that at “any point in that time” they could have moved out into a privately rented house.

But she recognised that if they did so, they would be paying “three times” more than what they are paying now.

Not only this, but if they did rent privately, it would mean they would “never be able to save up to buy a house” and potentially may have to deal “with rubbish landlords and the risk of being evicted.”

Keen to silence the keyboard warriors, Lauren shared: “Also, we are a blended family, so I didn’t pop five kids out knowing we didn’t have space for them – our kids are not suffering, we’ve made this space work in the meantime and they are going to see how hard their parents can work and hopefully be proud of us one day.”

Social media users react

The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ laurenamyt, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 98,800 views, 5,203 likes and 166 comments.

Social media users were eager to support the busy mother and many eagerly flocked to the comments to share the love.

Don’t worry about what others say. Everyone’s just doing what they can

TikTok user

One person said: “I started out in a council flat and I saved and bought a house. It’s hard but not impossible. You got this girl.”

Another added: “I live in a council house. Both myself and my partner work full time. We are so lucky to have this house. Some people have no idea.”

A third commented: “The council is such better stability than private rented when you have kids as-well. I don’t understand people hating.”

Why people keep churning kids out when they don’t have enough room I’ll never know

TikTok user

Meanwhile, someone else penned: “Don’t worry about what others say. Everyone’s just doing what they can. I have 7 kids in a 2 bedroom council house…. I don’t want to move as 2 of my children were born here.”

But despite the support, not everyone was as kind, as one mean troll slammed: “No one is judging you for having a council house, they’re judging you for having 5 kids in a 2 bed house.”

At the same time, another nasty hater rudely wrote: “Why people keep churning kids out when they don’t have enough room I’ll never know.”

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TAKE a look at this rare five-bedroom property that has entered the market for €280,000 – and it’s just a short stroll from the heart of the city.

Located in the heart of gorgeous Cork city, the pad is perfect for a family but there’s a catch.

MyHome

MyHome

MyHome

Cork City offers supermarkets, shopping centres, shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and sporting facilities, including a GAA club, a golf club and a gym.

Families will appreciate the property’s proximity to a number of school options.

The residents of the city are graced by the tranquillity of a gorgeous city setting featuring many beautiful walking trails and parks.

The public transport options are fantastic, providing connections to Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Galway and Kilkenny.

The property is situated on Ballyhooly Road and is just a short stroll from the beautiful glen Community Garden.

And it would make an excellent home for a large family or a potential investment.

However, it requires a lot of refurbishment and modernisation before moving into the property, but it offers huge potential, especially its prime location.

It is the perfect opportunity for the new owner to achieve their dream home by refurbishing a rare pad in the heart of Cork City.

Entering the property, you are greeted by a spacious hallway with access to the spacious sitting room, a living room, a kitchen/dining room and the stairwell to the first floor.

The spacious sitting room features a decorative slate fireplace with a cast iron insert and a bay window overlooking the streets – it also comes with original wooden flooring but requires some repair.

The living room features original wooden flooring and a large window; it can be easily converted into a home office, a guest bedroom or a playroom for the children.

The kitchen comes with built-in wooden units, black marble countertops, and a tiled backsplash wall.

The kitchen requires a lot of refurbishment as the tiled flooring is cracked, and the units require an update, including their appliances, but it comes with a lot of potential.

Buyers of the property can expand the kitchen into the next room to create an open-plan kitchen/dining/living room, but they would be required to seek planning permission for it.

Spacious bedrooms

The first floor consists of four bedrooms and a main bathroom.

The four spacious bedrooms come with laminate flooring, built-in floor-to-ceiling wooden wardrobes and space for a double bed and a desk or vanity.

With the planning permission, the buyers can knock down the walls and convert two bedrooms into a primary suite bedroom.

The main bathroom is fully tiled and has a built-in electric shower unit, a wash hand basin, a toilet and storage units.

The property has a small garden, ideal for children and pets to roam freely.

The BER rating for the pad is D1.

MyHome

MyHome

JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA wore a water polo-style helmet on his return from a horror head injury.

The Crystal Palace striker was taken to hospital after being on the receiving end of a sickening tackle in the last round of the FA Cup against Millwall.

Getty

PA

Getty

The Eagles won the clash 2-1 to set up Saturday’s quarter-final clash with Fulham, but Mateta had not played since.

He required 25 stitches in his ear and was spotted wearing a big bandage in a recent interview.

On his return to action Mateta wore a water polo-style helmet to protect his ear and helped Palace to a 3-0 win at Craven Cottage.

There was serious planning to put into the helmet’s design, with three versions considered.

Mateta, 27, wore the helmet in a behind-closed-doors friendly, with Eagles boss Oliver Glasner joking afterwards that the helmet was better suited to water polo.

He said: “It’s like a water polo helmet. In water polo it’s so they don’t get water into their ears, he has it just on one side. It sounds crazy, but we are used to it.

“I said to him maybe you should try [water polo] because he’s tall enough.

“It looks a bit strange but he says he feels comfortable so let’s see.

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“When he scores a header, then it was the right mask and the right protection.

“Our doctor and the team did a great job finding the right protection. Everything is approved by the FA.

“There were three different ones. He tried one like you use to ride a motorbike but he couldn’t train with this because it was too heavy.

“I said to the doctor I remember Petr Cech wearing a helmet but the ear was free so we needed the full helmet. Then we found the right one.

“He tried in training which one fits him best and doesn’t influence him in the wrong way.

“If I believed it was a problem, I wouldn’t play him but it looks like it isn’t a problem.

“The last 10 days he’s had this protection and he did well in training so I didn’t find a reason to talk about this.”

A DRIVER killed during a “road rage” fight at a roundabout has been pictured – with a man charged with his murder.

The family of Paul Bowles have described him as a “true gentleman” after he died following an incident in Chadderton, Greater Manchester, on Wednesday.

GMP Police

MEN Media

Andrew Robson, 32, has been charged with murder and is due to appear in Manchester Magistrates Court today.

Cops initially responded to reports of a fight between two drivers close to the Elk Mill roundabout at 6.40pm.

It is believed that the drivers of two vehicles had an altercation close to the roundabout, before one of the drivers got back into his vehicle and struck the other man with it, police say.

The victim sadly died at the scene despite the best efforts of emergency services.

Referring to Mr Bowles, cops said: “His family have described him as a kind, loving, family man and true gentleman who always put others before himself.

“He was intelligent and quick-witted, had a brilliant mind and generous heart. Paul will be missed greatly by all his family and friends.

“We are continuing to support the family, who have asked for privacy at this difficult time.”

The investigation is now being run by our Major Incident Team and enquiries are ongoing.

Officers are appealing for information and anyone who may have witnessed the incident.

This includes anyone with any dashcam, CCTV, or mobile phone footage from the area at the time of the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector David Moores, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said prior to the charges being brought: “While an arrest has now been secured and an investigation is well underway, I would urge anyone with any information regarding last night’s incident to please get in touch with us.

“A man tragically lost his life and we are supporting his family as we continue our work.

“Ultimately, we want to get them the answers that they deserve as we fully establish all the circumstances which led to their loved one losing his life.

“I would urge anyone with information regarding last night’s incident to get in touch with us, as even the smallest amount of information could prove extremely beneficial to our work.”

Officers can be contacted via 101 or our Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 2812 of 26/03/25.

The Major Incident Team can also be contacted directly on 0161 856 0110.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

MEN Media

MEN Media

PREGNANT Anne-Marie has shown off her huge baby bump ahead of welcoming her second baby.

Anne Marie, 33, has taken to social media to share a glowing snap of herself and her baby bump.

Instagram @annemarie

Instagram @annemarie

Posing up a storm in a mirror, Anne Marie displayed her massive bump as she lifted up her top.

Wearing a white t-shirt underneath a baseball shirt, Anne Marie looked amazing as she smiled for the camera while showing off her growing bump.

The singer announced her second pregnancy in February, with fans now saying she looks like she’s ready to pop.

“You’re so beautiful. you look like your gonna pop any minute,” penned one fan in the comments.

A second added: “Got that pregnancy glowwww.”

“Looking great & a beautiful bump,” penned a third.

A fourth said: “You’re glowing.”

While a fifth added: “Seriously you and Thai are glowing!!!!!!”

And a sixth said: “Omg you’re so cute.”

Other snaps shared in the photo dump included a loved up snap with her husband Slowthai.

This comes after the singer announced her second pregnancy by sharing a video and writing alongside it: “Call me mummy and slap my bum.”

When the singer revealed she was pregnant for a second time, she did so by sharing video of herself singing along to her song Don’t Panic before revealing her bump.

She sang: “Baby, please don’t panic. Nothing’s gonna happen.

“Please don’t panic. You’ll only cause more damage. You give yourself a heart attack.

“Oh, every time you think like that.”

Anne Marie captioned the video “surprise”, with her dancing around in the video and showing off her huge bump.

The former Voice UK judge only welcomed her daughter with Slowthai in February last year, with their second child on the way a year later.

The couple only recently celebrated their daughter – Seven’s – first birthday.

Anne-Marie and Slowthai – real name Tyron Kaymone – secretly married in Las Vegas in the summer of 2022.

Last year, a source exclusively told The Sun: “Anne-Marie and Slowthai got married in secret two years ago.

“She had an eight-week break from her tour and they went to Las Vegas and got married.”

Instagram

Instagram

JUDGING by the moss and weeds covering the deserted children’s playground and the chunky padlock attached to the entrance gates, it is a long time since anyone visited.

Except, that is, for the drug dealers and addicts who go about their business here under the cover of darkness every night.

Nigel Iskander

Nigel Iskander

Nigel Iskander

By day, the peace of this deserted oasis in the heart of Cardiff’s Butetown in south Wales is broken only by the occasional shriek of seagulls overhead and the distant rumble of a train rolling towards the city centre half a mile away.

Also more famously known as Tiger Bay, the area has long been a multicultural melting pot – but with a seedy underbelly of crime and prostitution thanks to its proximity to Cardiff docks.

It’s also the hometown of the legendary Welsh songstress Shirley Bassey and rugby star Billy Boston.

But despite its long history, the neighbourhood now finds itself plagued by dodgy dealers on the prowl and gangs of yobs.

Empty beer and spirits bottles, many of them smashed, are scattered around nearby, adding to the impression that this playground is no longer for the very young.

Locals say the playground, which once teemed with children enjoying themselves, is now a “no go” area for most of Butetown.

Instead, they stay indoors, too afraid to go out when it gets dark.
One, Carly, a new mum in her early 20s, said: “After dark, there’s no way I leave my home. The streets around here are just not safe at night.

“The place is full of drug dealers and their junkie customers and it becomes pretty much a no-go area for most of us.

“I can’t remember the last time I went out after dark. Definitely not since I had my daughter, who just turned two.

“Out of my bedroom window, I often see drug deals being done in the streets around the kids’ playground, usually early evening.

Nigel Iskander

Supplied

“It sickens me to think that it probably won’t be open for my daughter to play in this summer, but the druggies get a free rein.”

Carly said she has counted as many as a dozen used syringes and needles thrown onto the ground by heroin users in recent weeks.

Broken bottles could also be seen by the padlocked gates sealing off the play park in the centre of Butetown last week.

Just last week, Cardiff drug dealer Ibrahim Mustafa was sent to prison for two years and 10 months after police caught him mid-deal in the backseat of a car.

The 32-year-old was spotted stuffing something down his trousers, while an X-ray confirmed the presence of a foreign object, believed to be drugs, in his body.

Nigel Iskander

Supplied

He was eventually charged with supplying cocaine.

In March of last year, seven men were arrested after a man was stabbed in the area, leading to the police imposing a dispersal order to keep the community safe.

Last April, four members of an Organised Crime Group based in Cardiff were found guilty of sourcing and supplying class A drugs in South Wales.

Kyle Johnson, Lee Bridgeman, Samira Kearle and Ali Ahmed between them moved more than 50 kilograms of cocaine in just three months.

Officers uncovered the group’s activities after cracking their messages on the EncroChat communication platform.

Back in Butetown, threatening characters gathered together by the side of the road.

We watched as a group of four scruffy young men, two of whom wore face coverings, dressed in jeans and hoodies, prowled the streets furtively.

We’ll always find another street so we avoid them. They’re trouble

Fernando

It is not known if they were drug dealers but when we approached them, they shot off without speaking.

Students Fernando, 20, and Jamie, 19, said they regularly see the men when they walk through Butetown on their way to and from their college closer to the city centre.

“If we see them up ahead, we’ll always find another street so we avoid them,” said Fernando. “They’re trouble.”

He added: “There’s a lot of drugs being sold around here and they aren’t the kind of people we want to get to know.

“Just last week I saw two different drug deals happening on these street corners. Money and packets changed hands in the blink of an eye and they were gone.

“It’s such a shame Butetown has been blighted by this kind of activity and the police don’t seem to be doing anything about it. We never see cops here. They just leave Butetown to it.”

Certainly, during the many hours we spent in Butetown last week, we saw no police officers patrolling the area.

Supplied

Supplied

Another local, Nadia, 52, said: “I’ve loved here on and off all my life and the drugs problem seems to be getting worse and worse.

“We launched a community initiative to make Butetown a safer, cleaner place to live and for a year or so, with the help of the police and councillors, it seemed to be working.

“It felt safer walking around here at night and drug dealers got to know it was no longer business as normal here.

“But over time, the police patrols became less frequent because their attention was needed elsewhere in the city and they don’t have the resources to be everywhere, I guess, and of course the dealers and pushers started coming back here.

“Now there are drug dealers and junkies everywhere at night and no one feels safe walking around here after dark. It’s such a shame.”

Locals also complain about the menace of drug dealers tearing through the labyrinth of Butetown streets on electric bikes capable of moving at almost 50mph.

One said: “They use these e-bikes because they’re manoeuvrable and anonymous. They wear face masks to conceal their identities and the drug drops are over in a flash.

“Then they ride off and often mount kerbs and ride on the pavements to take short cuts down their rat runs. But if you’re in the way, they’ll ride straight at you. It’s just so dangerous.”

Afzal Mohammad, who was on his way to Friday Prayer at a local mosque, said he still has faith in his community.

He said: “Sure, there are some in the area who are causing problems but on the whole this is a peaceful and close community.
“We always try to work together to get along.

“It’s a wonderful part of Cardiff and I wouldn’t live anywhere else.
“Every community has its problems and Butetown is no different.”

Nigel Iskander

Nigel Iskander

Nigel Iskander

A MAJOR new airport is set to transform the a nation often dubbed the happiest country in the world.

Bhutan, a landlocked country between India and China, has revealed plans for a huge new airport.

BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group

BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group

BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group

Images of the new airport show a jagged design that replicates a mountain range, with diamond structures interlocking.

Inside will be huge gardens and plant life as well as an open-air forest in the middle.

Called the Forest Spine, it will split the terminal between domestic and international flights.

Across the four zones will be yoga spaces, outdoor lounges and even meditation and sound bath areas.

Yet to be confirmed, the cost of the airport could be as much as BTN20 billion (GBP178million).

It hopes to open by 2029.

Gelephu is already home to a domestic airport, although the new plans how to welcome long-haul flights.

Gelephu International Airport hopes to welcome 123 flights a day, working out to 1.3million passengers a year.

While this is a fraction of other international airports – London Heathrow welcomed a record 83.9million last year – it is still nearly four times the number of tourists who visit a year.

With a population of 795,186, around 316,000 tourists visit a year.

And it hopes to make long-haul flights easier, with the majority currently flying via Paro International Airport in the city of Thimpu, the capital.

However, its location near the mountains mean only a few flights can land a day, the majority being short-haul, smaller aircraft.

While Brits can’t currently fly directly to Bhutan, the new airport could pave the way for new flights.

Bjarke Ingels, Founder & Creative Director of BIG, said “An airport is the first and last impression of a place you visit.

“For the Gelephu International Airport, we have tried to embody the nature and culture of the country and the Mindfulness City.

“The forests that cover the highlands are allowed to flow from the arrival plaza through the airport to the tarmac.”

BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group

BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group

BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group

Despite its difficult location, a number of famous people have visited Bhutan over the years.

King Charles visited in 1998, then visiting as Prince Charles, along with the Kate Middleton and Prince William in 2016.

Ed Sheeran visited earlier this year as part of a concert tour, while celebrities including Demi Moore, Drew Barrymore and Keanu Reeves have all visited.

It is also often named the Land of Happiness, after creating its own “Gross National Happiness Index” to focus on a number of factors.

This includes psychological well-being, health, education, good governance, ecology, time use, community vitality, culture and living standards.

Start saving to visit though – tourists have to pay a daily fee of $100 (GBP77) for adults or $50 (GBP38) for kids.

Called the Sustainable Development Fee, it is put towards conservation of the nation, which is one of the only carbon-negative ones in the world (meaning it takes out more carbon than it produces).

While it may seem steep, the reduced fee is in place until 2027 – with the original tax costing double this at $200 (GBP154) for adults.

BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group

BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group

EMMERDALE star Anthony Quinlan has a ‘normal job’ five years after quitting the soap.

Anthony, 40, starred as Pete Barton from 2013 until leaving the show in 2020.

Rex Features

ITV

Instagram

Off-screen, the star has moved into the world of fitness and personal training.

He is the owner of BoxedOff, a company that provides plant-based supplements and nutrition to help customers achieve their fitness goals.

Anthony spent two years working on the project and previously told The Sun: “Setting the company up started as a way of giving myself some security while working in an industry that doesn’t have any.

“Forgive the pun, but it was done to supplement my acting career. I decided to leave Emmerdale to throw myself into the company.

“It wasn’t a decision I made lightly, but I’m so glad I did. It’s really paid off. It has done far better than I could have ever imagined and it’s something I’m really proud of.

“There’s a famous saying, isn’t there, that if you enjoy your work then it’ll never feel like a day’s work in your life.

“I’m really fortunate I’ve got a few industries where I feel most passionate. Acting is my ultimate passion and what I want to do above all else.

“Now I’ve got the option to pick and choose acting jobs when they come around. I’m definitely not finished with acting.”

Meanwhile, Anthony spent years learning his craft as a personal trainer.

He now coaches a small client list to offer online support, alongside his business.

His fitness page’s Instagram bio reads: “Helping people lose weight, tone up or get lean whilst eating the foods they love.”

Recently, Emmerdale fans got a worrying update about Anthony’s beloved character Pete.

His brother Ross (Michael Parr) – newly appointed bodyguard at Home Farm – became increasingly suspicious of Joe Tate (Ned Porteous).

He later followed Joe to a secret meeting with Dr. Crowley (James Hillier), in a lay-by.

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However, the interruption spooked Crowley, who says he won’t proceed with covertly getting Joe a kidney – until Ross is gone.

Shortly after, Ross is stunned to receive a phone call saying Pete has been assaulted.

With his brother in hospital, Ross’ departure meant Joe and Crowley were free to move forward with their scheme.

Emmerdale continues on ITV1 and ITVX.

Refer to Caption

ITV

EVERY time Liz Holmes looks at Nero the dog, she’s reminded of her best friend and daughter.

For laughter-loving yoga teacher Louise Adams adopted him from a rescue centre after getting the all-clear for ovarian cancer.

Liz holmes

Liz holmes

But in a cruel twist of fate, the cancer not only returned but spread.

Just nine months after her initial diagnosis, Liz’s daughter passed away peacefully at their home in Bonnybridge, near Falkirk, in Scotland. She was just 43.

Liz, a retired horse riding school owner, tells Sun Health: “I remember holding her hand.

“I said, ‘Au revoir and safe journey’ and told her we were going to meet again because I didn’t want it to be so final, but it was definitely the wrong order of things.

“You’re thinking, ‘It should have been me.’ You feel guilty. It’s cruel and unfair.

“In less than a year I lost my only child and absolute best friend.”

Five years on, Nero and Louise’s beloved horse, Woody, who lives in Liz’s neighbouring stable block, are constant reminders of the joy Louise spread.

For Liz, 71, Louise’s memory is alive in everyday conversations with friends.

But she also wants Louise’s story to encourage others not to let unusual symptoms go unchecked, whatever their age.

Two years before Louise’s diagnosis Liz remembers she had such chronic stomach cramps, she stopped the car for Louise to be sick.

Back then, in 2017, the most likely explanation was a bad period or the onset of perimenopause because she was also suffering from bloating and ongoing painful but regular periods.

Two years later, in July 2019, Louise called Liz sounding even more distressed.

Liz says: “I remember she said, ‘Mum, I’m in a lot of pain.’

“It came on suddenly during the relaxation part at the end of her yoga class.”

When Louise showed up at her GP bent double, it was assumed she had irritable bowel syndrome.

She was given a pethidine injection and sent home with Buscopan, an over-the-counter IBS medication.

Later that night the pain came back even more intensely.

Liz, who lived just 10 minutes up the road, drove over. Much to her horror, she could see that Louise was bringing up black vomit.

She was taken by ambulance to Forth Valley Royal Hospital in nearby Larbert. Liz was thinking it could be appendicitis.

The news they were given after Louise, then 42, had numerous blood tests and scans couldn’t have hit harder.

It was like a horror movie. She was screaming and crying because it was so distressing

Liz HolmesMum

“They had found a mass on her right ovary. One of the doctors came out and said, ‘It could be ovarian cancer’,” says Liz.

“Hearing that was like somebody giving you an electric shock. That was exactly how it went through my body because I just didn’t expect that. That was the last thing I thought it could be.”

Confusingly, a week later, the diagnosis was contradicted by another consultant who told Louise: ‘You’ve got the all-clear. It’s not cancer.’

“We really didn’t know what to think but there seemed to be a lot of uncertainty about whether she did or didn’t have it,” Liz says.

It wasn’t until four months later, in October 2019, that Louise finally got a formal diagnosis after having surgery to remove the mass.

She had stage 1C2 mixed clear cell, endometrioid, ovarian cancer.

Liz recalls: “Louise was much calmer than I expected, and almost like she was resigned to the fact that’s what it was. Maybe she had an inkling.”

‘Stimpy the stoma’

The extent of the tumour had been really hard to see before that operation because there was an apron of fluid-filled sacs – some kind of infection caused by the cancer – sitting in front of it and hiding it.

She had been given a full hysterectomy to remove her womb, but surgeons were also unexpectedly forced to remove part of her bowel – meaning Louise suddenly needed a temporary stoma which could be reversed after she’d healed.

Liz says: “She was told the prognosis was good but the stoma was absolutely traumatic because she wasn’t prepared for that.

“She didn’t know it was going to make noises and leak. It was like a horror movie.

“She was screaming and crying because it was so distressing at first. It really affected her mental health too.

“It was only when we got lots of support from a friend who’s a nurse that she calmed down a bit.”

As Louise – who had also gone through an amicable divorce that year – came to terms with her new life, her humour kept them all going.

“She even called her stoma ‘Stimpy’ from the Ren and Stimpy cartoons,” laughs Liz.

The future began to look up.

Liz holmes

Liz holmes

Liz holmes

Liz holmes

“It wasn’t a case of being in remission because they got everything out,” she adds.

“They’d got all the cancer removed. So when she went for the checkup, she was told, cancer free, Go live your life. And that was it. It was a huge relief.

“For Louise, it was the beginning of a new era, a new chapter, and she was dying to get back to her yoga, because she’d been training even in the hospital, sitting in the hospital chair, you know, getting fitter.”

The following month, in November 2019, she adopted a rescue dog called Nero – a Bullmastiff X Rhodesian Ridgeback – from an Edinburgh-based charity.

“Nero was basically her recovery. He was there to help get her fitness back,” Liz says.

Together, they’d go for endless walks through nearby woodlands. To Liz, Louise was looking well.

Tragically, her recovery didn’t last long. Within months, there were warning signs that the cancer may be back.

Louise began falling over in the neighbour’s field while walking Nero.

At home in her flat, she lost her balance and fell while going to pick up an Amazon delivery, blurting out to the confused driver, ‘I’ve got cancer!’

A small, pea-sized bruise also appeared on the small of her back. Within days it was starting to protrude and the size of a 10 pence piece.

More MRIs confirmed her and Louise’s worst fears.

Liz says: “I remember looking at the scan images and thinking, ‘My god, I’m seeing all these white, bright specks everywhere.’

“The cancer had spread, very quickly, to her bowel, liver, breast and brain and pelvic cavity.

“She was given months to live at that point, which later came down to weeks and days. That was quite traumatic.

“There was a part of me in denial. For Louise, it made her value her body all the more. I remember her saying, ‘I’ll never complain about my weight again if I get through this’.

“She had a great sense of humour too. She asked my partner to buy her a gold BMW when she was clear of cancer to celebrate.”

Never take the minutes you’ve got with somebody for granted either. There’s this gaping hole in my soul that can never be filled

Liz Holmes

On March 13, 2020 – shortly before lockdown – she had her first dose of chemotherapy.

Less than two days later she was writhing in agony.

Readmitted to hospital she was told she had bowel adhesions – bands of scar tissue causing organs and tissues in the abdomen to clump together.

She was due for radiotherapy treatment too – but missed her first appointment because she was still in hospital managing her pain.

Within a week, she was a shell of the smart, poetry-writing, chatterbox that Liz had raised.

“After one chemo session she had lost the use of the right hand side of her body and was fully dependent on us,” Liz says.

“We had a bed for her in our living room and got help from ‘hospice at home’ and care in the community.”

Liz holmes

Liz holmes

Liz holmes

Liz holmes

In her final weeks, before she lost her ability to speak, Louise started organising the perfect send-off.

She had tattoos of some dragonflies on her back that she had wanted.

“She planned her own funeral, with her favourite Whitney Houston song, Higher Love, and I chose a hit from when she was born – Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder,” Liz says.

“On April 1, she took a call from a consultant who told her she only had days to live.

“She still kept her humour. She was so disappointed that she wouldn’t live to see the Red Dwarf special airing on TV, which she loved!”

Even after her passing – on April 7, 2020 – Louise had the last laugh.

“She went peacefully,” Liz says. “In the weeks before she told me, ‘Put me on a beach, any beach’, so we took her ashes to West Sands Beach St Andrews – the town she was born in.

“But just as I was scattering the ashes out near the tide the winds changed and I ended up with ash all over my clothes.

“We laughed at that because Louise would have seen the funny side!”

LIZ’S URGENT PLEA

Today, Liz’s message to others is: “Get checked and checked again if you need to.”

While ovarian cancer is more common in women over 50, it doesn’t preclude younger people, or ones who don’t tick every symptom.

“She never complained of being tired and she got back pain but not until much later on,” says Liz.

“You have to go with your gut feeling and if something doesn’t feel normal you must get seen to.

“If you’re not happy you have to go back again and pester and fight your corner – especially if you’re young and look well, because then you’re probably even more likely to get sent away.

“The whole time scale – from Louise being diagnosed to dying – was just nine months. So never take the minutes you’ve got with somebody for granted either.

“There’s this gaping hole in my soul that can never be filled.

“My partner Will and myself will always be left wondering, ‘Why?’ and not a day goes by when I don’t think of her.”

Liz holmes

Liz holmes

Liz holmes

Liz holmes

A GLAMOROUS mum has revealed her plans to leave her son at home and spend GBP5,000 on herself this Mother’s Day – because ‘it’s the least’ she deserves.

Jodie Weston, a reality TV star who has appeared on Channel 5’s Rich Holiday Poor Holiday and Rich Kids Go Skint, claimed that to celebrate being ‘such a great mum’, she is treating herself to a solo trip and lavish goodies.

Jam Press/@missjodieweston

Jam Press/@missjodieweston

Jam Press/@missjodieweston

Jam Press/@missjodieweston

The 30-year-old DJ is known for splashing the cash on extravagant trips for herself and her three-year-old son, Koa-Zayde.

She once spent GBP30,000 on a holiday for her toddler to enjoy the ‘high life’ and in the past has admitted to splashing GBP1,000 a month on his clothes.

This Mother’s Day, Jodie is treating herself to a solo trip, as she told What’s The Jam: “It’s the least I deserve.”

The model, who is from London, added: “It’s my turn to be pampered for once, especially as it’s Mother’s Day.

“I’ll be having a masseuse come to my apartment.

“Then I have a trip to the Ivy for dinner booked, along with a present of a cocktail-making class.

“And then, I’ll be whisked away to Mexico as a gift to myself for being such a great mum.”

As well as splashing the cash on herself, Jodie, who previously confessed to spending GBP20,000 on cosmetic treatments, also likes to treat her own mum, having recently spent GBP350 to hire out a spa for the pair.

And this year she has continued to fork out money for gifts, as she claimed: “I hired out a private spa just for us.

“We had champagne on tap, the jacuzzi all to ourselves, along with our own sauna and steam room.

“I ordered us afternoon tea, with chocolates and strawberries, too.

“There’s no price you can put on treating those you love.”

The people who judge me, more often than not, are just jealous of me

Jodie Weston

Jodie, who has been slammed in the past for her eye-watering splurges, claimed those who have anything negative to say about it are just jealous.

She boasted: “I’m just living a life of luxury, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

“If you’ve got it, then flaunt it.

“I think we’re enjoying living it large for now.

“Everyone who knows me, knows I don’t like to live a ‘normal’ life.

“The people who judge me, more often than not, are just jealous of me.

“And that’s their problem, not mine.”

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Jam Press/@missjodieweston

Jam Press/@missjodieweston

Jam Press/@missjodieweston

Jam Press/@missjodieweston

A HOLLYWOOD star has sparked fury among his new neighbours by bulldozing a 200-year-old cottage to make way for a Grand Designs-style super home.

Cheers actor Kelsey Grammer has been given permission to demolish the historic home overlooking the Bristol Channel near Portishead, Somerset, despite objections.

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Supplied

He plans to turn the property into a modern home complete with a games room and gym.

Last year North Somerset Council denied him permission to build an extension on the side of the house, with outraged locals and planning committee members agreeing it was not in keeping with the local area.

But in January an application was submitted by the 70-year-old’s company The Fossil UK Trust, to determine if permission is in fact required for him to demolish the whole house and garage – and planners have now said it isn’t.

A notice taped to a gatepost of the cottage says demolition of the buildings will start this month, “to clear, level and make good the site”.

One close neighbour wrote in their objection: “The possibility of this cottage which is at least 185 years old, being razed to the ground, is not acceptable.”

A second wrote: “The overt and callous submission to demolish, having been refused planning permission to expand, only serves to publicise the arrogant forces at play and their disregard for NSC decision making.

“I urge the decision makers to take a stand against these behaviours, in a time where bullying and bluster is commonplace on the world stage.”

Kelsey, whose wife Kayte Walsh,41, is from Portishead, is worth GBP61 million.

After buying the cottage two years ago he said: “I love the people of Portishead and the time we spend there.

“We’ve actually bought a place there.

“A little place we are going to be working on.

“We probably won’t be taking up residence for a while, but we’re pretty excited about it.”

The couple tied the knot in 2011 and share three children together, making Kelsey a dad-of- seven.

Kelsey owns a former dairy farm in the Catskills mountains of UpState New York which he turned into a brewery.

He recently announced a third series of the newly rebooted sitcom revived Frasier, starring Only Fools and Horses actor Nicholas Lyndhurst.

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Supplied

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Alamy

ERLING HAALAND looked sheepish as he arrived at Manchester City training after it was revealed he left the club mascot with suspected whiplash and concussion.

SunSport exclusively told how the Norwegian striker twice struck the woman dressed up as furry alien Moonbeam across the head before a game with Southampton.

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The lady vomited and struggled with neck pain as she went to hospital, believing she had been hit by a stray football before being told it was Haaland.

Her CT scan revealed no damage but she accused “arrogant” City of sweeping her complaint under the carpet as a “cover-up” to protect Haaland.

City’s probe concluded Haaland did not cause the uni graduate’s injuries.

But on Saturday morning, the two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner kept a low profile on his way into the training ground as he was spotted for the first time since SunSport’s shock revelations.

Haaland drove his outlandish lime green Aston Martin DBX 707 in through the gates of the Etihad Campus.

But he turned his head away from the camera inside the GBP350,000 motor to avoid having his face snapped.

City face Bournemouth away in their FA Cup quarter-final tomorrow afternoon, hoping to book their place at Wembley.

And Haaland will be keen to get back to scoring goals – and away from the drama surrounding the mascot.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM GBP10 DEPOSITS

The woman, who does not want to be named, was posing for photos on October 26 when she felt the two blows to the back of her head, leaving her in shock as she left the pitch.

She said: “I was pretty upset and I was crying and my head was thudding and I think I was in shock.

“I later realised he’d come behind me and hit me on the head and then leaned on my head.”

She told City’s safeguarding boss who allegedly laughed it off, saying: “At least you can say Erling Haaland hit you.”

Following the incident the woman was offered the chance to go home but continued to work the shift.

City’s health and safety head Paul Kenyon launched the internal investigation and told the woman they wanted to look at CCTV.

But the report stated: “Erling Haaland always does a gentle touch on the back or head of Moonbeam as recognition.”

It also described his contact with Moonbeam’s head as “grazing”.

The lady also lodged an assault complaint with police.

She returned to her role in the ticket office but was told she would have to reapply to get her contract renewed.

Following a half-day interview, she was informed last December she had not been successful.

She said: “I have never had any complaints from any of the managers about my work before.

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Zenpix

Zenpix

“They said they didn’t feel like I’d performed in the interviews to the 100 per cent I usually do.”

Greater Manchester Police also told her Haaland had not acted with malice.

Last night she hit out at City, saying: “I’m sure Erling would have apologised to me if they had given him the chance.

“But they just wanted to sweep it under the carpet.”

A City spokesperson said “Manchester City refute the complaint that was made in this regard.

“The Club fully investigated and found that none of the evidence, including video footage backed up the claim that an injury was sustained in the manner alleged.

“We’re also aware a complaint was made to Greater Manchester Police and no further action was taken by them either.”

COPS and schools have issued a warning to parents about seemingly-innocent emojis that actually convey secret incel messages.

Following the success of Netflix‘s show Adolescence, police have handed parents a “periodic table of sinister emojis” which are said to hide violent messages.

Facebook @Forworkingparents

AP

AP

Some 60 symbols – from a snowflake meaning cocaine to kidney beans referring to an incel, an involuntary celibate – were included in the chart.

The “emoji code” was produced by the education charity For Working Parents and references self-harm, extremism, far-right ideology and sex.

A doughnut, for example, is meant to mean anal sex, whilst a horse is code for ketamine.

Other symbols include a pair scissors, which denote self-harm, and a ghost which refers to being anti-woman.

The founder of the education charity Amit Kalley has implored parents to stay in the loop with their childrens’ “digital lives” as this could prevent them from falling into dangerous situations – like being groomed online.

He added that it was important for parents to normalise conversations about the “online world” to avoid kids getting involved in precarious sexual behaviours and hiding it from their family.

He told the Telegraph: “The table I created is far from an exhaustive list, but I wanted to include emojis beyond incel and misogyny because lots of young people are groomed online into drugs and violence […]”

Schools across the country are making use of the table to show parents that seemingly innocent emojis may have a deeper meaning.

Hailsham Community College in East Sussex told parents how the hit-series Adolescence had brought to the fore contemporary challenges in schools.

A spokesperson said: “[It has] shone a light on how emojis can, in some instances, be used as a coded language with a more sinister meaning.”

Despite its uptick in support over the last few weeks, this isn’t the first time an emoji table has been put together.

In 2022, Surrey Police said a “secret world of emojis” was being used by teenagers to communicate about drugs and violence, whilst earlier in March Nottinghamshire Police issued its own list of 52 codewords.

Adolescense, the show which brought these issues into the limelight, has been praised Sir Keir Starmer who said he wants it shown in schools across the UK.

He said on Monday: “There’s a reason why the debate has suddenly sparked into life.

“A lot of people who work with young people at school or elsewhere recognise that we may have a problem with boys and young men that we need to address.”

Co-created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, the show launched on March 13.

Figures by ratings body Barb show Adolescence has made history by becoming the first ever streaming show to top weekly ratings in the UK.

Latest stats reveal Adolescence has been watched by 6.45 million people in its first seven days.

By comparison, Fool Me Once was watched by 6.3 million people in its first week upon being released in January.

5.94 million people tuned in for episode two, while 4.65 million watched the third instalment.

As well as Fool Me Once, Adolescence also beat the likes of Death in Paradise and The Apprentice.

Each of the programme’s four episodes were shot in one continuous take.

The gripping crime drama follows Jamie (Owen Cooper), a 13-year-old accused of murdering Katie, a girl at his school.

Viewers watch as the crime’s aftermath unfolds, as well as the wider effect it has on Jamie, his family and the community.

AP

AP

AP

DARTS star Dirk van Duijvenbode has admitted he has had to tone down his behaviour at raves to avoid going viral on TikTOK.

The Dutchman is a big fan of festivals and is a regular at Intents Festival in Belgium.

Instagram @djpartyraiser

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But in recent years he has adopted a disguise of sorts, wearing sunglasses and and avoiding dancing to make sure he goes under the radar.

Van Duijvenbode fears being filmed and going viral on TikTok.

He said on the Darts Draait Door podcast: “It comes with the territory, but it has its downsides too. Because of my fame, I get invitations to exclusive parties and end up in places I wouldn’t normally go – that’s a plus.

“But at the same time, I’ve noticed I don’t let loose as much as I used to. I used to go hard all day.

“That makes me adjust my behaviour. I don’t want to suddenly go viral on TikTok, so sometimes I think maybe I shouldn’t go all out. If it’s dark, I feel more comfortable. I stand out less.

“I don’t dance, I hold up the bar. Anyone can film that; it’s not exactly spectacular.

“I walked around with sunglasses on the whole evening. But you won’t find me on the dance floor.”

When he is not raving or playing darts, Van Duijvenbode is often busy working on an aubergine farm.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM GBP10 DEPOSITS

Van Duijvenbode has been working on the farm since he was 15-years-old and he has an arrangement that allows him to juggle his work with his arrow throwing.

He said: “I just have an agreement with my employers that my work has to be finished. How I do that I have to figure out for myself.

“Sometimes that results in 16-hour days when you’re behind and have deadlines. But generally not.

“Often once a year is very busy when the certification (kind of audit) comes along with it. Then I have my normal work, and then darts and that certification come on top of it. You don’t really have time for that. I do try to take more and more work off my hands.

“Normally I come to start at half past seven. And then I practice at half past nine, half past twelve and half past three. I actually always do that alone.

“Only sometimes towards the World Championship, I sometimes practice with other people, but that’s more as a favour to them than that I like it myself.”

Most people come off Love Island and do everything they can to cash in on their new found fame and social media followers.

But 2016 Liana Isadora ended up taking a rather different approach following a difficult stint on the show and ended up coming offline completely.

The Sun

Four years after disappearing without a trace, the 29-year-old popped back up on TikTok – revealing she is now a mum.

Liana has now revealed why she chose to take a step back and in her first chat in years, told us how much her life has now changed.

Gone are her long blonde hair extensions, fake lashes and lip filler – and instead there is a young mum who has embraced, who is finally happy in her own skin.

She told us: “After the show, it didn’t really impact my life that much because I didn’t really have the most fortunate time on there.”

Liana was coupled up with Adam Maxted on the show but they were separated when they were voted, by the rest of the contestants, as one of the weakest couples.

She was then coupled with Tom Powell before they got the boot.

She continued: “I went back to my normal life and then had a toxic relationship and I got quite wrapped up in the life of partying and drinking for a few years.

“It was very superficial. It was kind of overnight, I think it was in covid that something just clicked.

“I think it was the start of 2021 I just completely came off social media and it’s been just over four years since I have been on.

“It just kind of clicked and I thought, what am I doing with my life, I need to have a reset. I felt a bit lost, obviously covid hit and everyone was having a bit of an existential crisis so i just came off socials – deleted everything.”

Liana revealed she had no plans to go off radar for four years, but really enjoyed the break.

During that time she started dating her now boyfriend and they had a baby together last July.

She says she felt ‘destined to be mother’ and dreamt of it even before she applied for the dating show.

“In those fours years, there was a lot of self improvement, a lot of healing and a lot of personal growth and reflection,” she explained.

“I don’t really drink anymore, maybe the odd glass of wine. I am very much a stay at home mum now, focused on my child. We have a quiet life, we go travelling every now and then to different countries. I am much more happy and content now that I have taken a step back from the person I was.”

The Sun

The Sun

Noticeably her appearance has also dramatically changed and she’s a far cry from the blonde bombshell who entered the villa all those years ago.

She told us: “I have calmed down on my looks, obviously when I went on the show i was young and thought it was quite cool the surgeries, the crazy tan, the bleach blonde hair, the huge lip filler, the big lashes, all those things I’ve lost along the way of going ghost and coming back as a more refined, natural version of myself.

“I never thought there would be a day where I would just be so happy in my own skin and content just walking away make-up free with my natural skin tone, which I used to absolutely hate. I feel my best without all that unnecessary b**llshit.”

Liana is turning 30 this year and is reflective about her younger self, saying: “When I look back I just wish I could give her a hug, that girl who went on the show, I was a bit out there, i was a bit crazy but i also think i was very naive. I have a lot of compassion for my younger self, especially now I have a daughter.

“I was on a TV show at a time where mental health wasn’t really a big thing, now with Love Island, it’s probably crazy the checks and all the stuff they do surrounding it.

“I feel like I was thrown to the wolves, I have come a long way in the past nine years and in the past four years especially with taking time out completely from social media.”

She concluded about her welcome return: “I have come back a better person.”

The Sun

FURIOUS Megan McKenna today launched a scathing attack on trolls after they compared her to a Scooby Doo character.

The former Towie legend went on a huge rant after some fans said she looked like a famous character from the iconic 80s cartoon.

Instagram

Instagram

Alamy

The former Towie star – who shares a baby with her footballer fiance Oliver Burke – didn’t hold back after she was likened to a cartoon character.

Megan was annoyed with some fans who said she looked like Velda from Scooby Doo.

The legendary character is known for her bobbed haircut and thick rimmed glasses.

However, Megan didn’t take too kindly to the comparison and went on an almighty rant.

In an Instagram video she fumed: “People keep calling me Velma from Scooby Doo with these glasses on.

“I genuinely cannot see it now, so thank you for that.

“But also, I don’t care. So if people are, like, sending me nasty comments and memes about me looking like Velma.

“Thinking you’re so funny and you’re really offending me, you’re not.

“Because I actually think she looks f***ing cool. And I am aware I look like Velma, OK?

“Secondly, if you want to get deep with this whole situation, which I will get deep, actually, because I’ve actually had enough of you f***ing trolls.

“Sometimes I’ve actually had enough.

“Because why do people feel like they can just jump online and be nasty to people about their appearance? Why?

“Especially… I won’t go into it, but especially when the person that he’s actually trolling isn’t that pretty on the eye.”

Megan also captioned the video with a lengthy post, which read: “Trolls need to be called out don’t you agree?

Instagram

“In my opinion being called Velma isn’t being trolled but it hit a nerve with being judged online. I’ve had a fair share of trolling over my time in the limelight.

“I’m Sick and tired of you gremlins commenting on people’s appearances. I’m lucky I have thick skin.

“But some people don’t. Especially young people. People at school. It makes me feel sick to think teenagers especially get trolled or mocked online.

“Come on guys! The worst ones are parents on here. We live in a very sad world atm.

“Remember the days when we used to play out with our friends and wear what we wanted and not be judged???? What happened!?”

Rex

MEGAN’S NEW LIFE

Meanwhile, Megan recently opened up about her new life away from reality TV.

The star swapped Essex for Germany six months ago when her footballer fiance Oliver signed to Bundesliga club Werder Bremen.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Megan said: “Honestly, I feel like all my stuff before – the reality TV and everything – was just like getting me ready for this sort of life,” she admits.

“I do feel like a completely different person now.

“And sometimes I look back on footage of myself and think, ‘Was I OK?’

Megan McKenna/Instagram

“I had this reputation that I was very mouthy.”

Opening up about her reality TV past, she said: “I was just so young. I was 22 and going on reality TV shows. TV is very different now.

“When I was on some of the MTV shows, there was a lot of alcohol, too.

“I don’t think they would allow that nowadays.

“We would have had a whole jug of tequila to ourselves if we had wanted.

“Back then, I was naive, I was young, and unfortunately some of my lowest moments were played out on camera.”

FLOORS are among the most used parts of a home, so it’s no wonder that it’s one of the things that homeowners want to look after the most.

But experts have revealed that most people don’t actually know how to maintain them properly.

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Getty

Getty

In fact, they said that there are common, everyday habits that most people do that are secretly ruining their floors.

And it could even be causing irreparable damage, not to mention costly repairs.

Flooring expert Richard McKay, Managing Director at Sprung, said there are five habits we need to drop before it’s too late.

From not cleaning them properly to not choosing the right type for a room, it all impacts its longevity and quality over time.

Mopping with too much water

It’s tempting to completely soak the mop and cover as much surface area as possible to get our floors sparkling clean.

However, the experts say that this can actually damage the floors and we should be writing the mop out as much as possible.

Richard explains: “You might think that a bucket of water and mop seems like the easiest way to clean your floors but you could be doing more harm than good.

“Laminate, hardwood and vinyl flooring can all be damaged with too much water, which can cause swelling, warping and even mould growth.

“Foam and rubber flooring commonly used in home gyms are also at risk as the material can break down when exposed to water.

“Instead, use a damp mop with a suitable cleaner for your specific flooring.”

Using harsh cleaning products

Using the right cleaning products when scrubbing your floor is key to looking after it, says Richard.

He advises: “Many of the cleaning products on the market contain bleach or ammonia.

“While this might leave your floors clean, it also strips away any protective coatings, making your floor even more vulnerable.

“Strong cleaners can also degrade rubber and foam gym flooring, reducing its effectiveness and lifespan.

“Instead, you should opt for gentle and non-abrasive cleaners that are designed for your specific floor.”

Wearing the wrong shoes inside

Most are made to withstand outdoor conditions and should not be worn inside the house – no matter how comfy they are.

Richard suggests that homeowners should only wear shoes like slippers inside the home because they are designed not to damage floors.

He says: “High heels might be an obvious hazard to floors but your everyday shoes aren’t any better.

“This is because dirt can be brought inside which then scratches and scuffs the floor as people walk over it.

“Gym shoes with specialist treads can also wear down flooring, especially in areas where you work out.

“This is why you should keep outdoor shoes outside and choose soft-soled footwear inside, or even slippers.”

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Choosing the wrong flooring

The biggest mistake that homeowners make is not choosing a specific floor that is suitable for the room, according to Richard.

The expert explains: “One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing the wrong flooring for their space.

“For example, thin laminate flooring in high-traffic areas will quickly wear out.

“And standard home gym mats in weightlifting or HIIT workout areas won’t provide enough support or impact absorption.

“This is why it’s essential to get in touch with an expert who can help you find the right flooring for your home.”

MORE HARM THAN GOOD

THERE are also other cleaning mistakes you could be making when scrubbing your floors.

As well as these everyday habits, there are four other things you could be doing wrong when cleaning the floors, according to Liam Cleverdon from Flooring King.

These are:

1. Forgetting to vacuum before mopping – “While this may not seem like a big deal, it can quickly exacerbate dirty floors, causing dirt and dust to be smudged across the floor, impacting the room’s aesthetic and posing a health risk.”
2. Disregarding spillages – “Depending on the liquid, leaving a spillage for too long can prove incredibly problematic, risking compromising the look of the floor”.
3. Air-Drying Floors – “While it’s definitely the easiest method for drying mopped floors, it’s better to set time aside to dry surfaces with microfibre cloths”.
4. Scrubbing too hard – “Scrubbing floors too hard can remove protective coatings while leaving visible scratch marks, adding to the visual mess.”

Dragging heavy furniture around

While this one may seem obvious, many homeowners don’t realise just how much damage dragging heavy furniture around can do to your floor.

Richard says: “Moving heavy items around a room can cause significant damage to your floor as well as scratches, dents and scuffs.

“What’s more, these can sometimes be impossible to repair.

“Similarly, high-impact exercise on unprotected floors can also cause long-term damage.

“For best results, you should use floor protectors under furniture and gym equipment, and always lift instead of pushing or dragging items.”

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UKRAINE’S deputy foreign minister has warned “liar” Vladimir Putin cannot be trusted and does not want a ceasefire.

Mariana Betsa told The Sun the tyrant has no real interest in brokering lasting peace in the region.

Simon Jones

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But she warned Ukraine will not accept any territorial compromises in a deal, insisting Kyiv does not want “peace at any price”.

Daria Zarivna, an adviser to the Ukrainian president’s chief of staff, also told The Sun that the thousands of children abducted by Russia must be returned as a condition of any agreement.

Donald Trump said he “trusted” that Putin wants to end the war – but Kyiv and its Western allies have accused the Kremlin of stonewalling negotiations.

Washington has been trying to hash out terms of a deal between Ukraine and Russia in a bid to end Putin’s three-year invasion.

But the Kremlin has been insisting on a list of conditions and demands – delaying the process.

Kyiv quickly agreed on an initial proposal for a full 30-ceasefire earlier this month – but this was quickly rejected by Putin.

Ukrainian official Mariana rubbished suggestions Putin wants the war to end and said “no one should be fooled by Russia”.

She lambasted Moscow as she warned: “We cannot trust Russia. Russia lies and they know how to lie.”

Mariana told The Sun: “No one should believe Russia’s words or Russia’s statements in the media actions, we should look into actions.

“We had really intense discussions with our US colleagues at the beginning of March regarding the ceasefire.

“Ukraine engaged in good faith.

“We agreed for the ceasefire for the truce in the sky for the truce in the sea.

“We agreed for the ceasefire in the front. It was 11th of March and Russia they just put conditions.

“Well Ukraine again showed its commitment to peace commitment to comprehensive just and lasting peace.

“What did Russia? They started bombing us even with big intensity and so many people getting killed throughout this month.

“I think the answer is that Russia doesn’t really want peace in Ukraine and shows no remorse, no actions towards achieving this goal.”

On Thursday, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky met with key allies at the so-called “coalition of the willing” summit in Paris.

He called on the US to be stronger against Russia as leaders including Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron agreed now is not the time to lift sanctions against Moscow.

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AFP

Sir Keir insisted Putin must be given a deadline to make progress on a Ukraine ceasefire, and accused him of “playing games”.

He said Putin was attempting to drag the Trump-initiated process out to allow his forces time to continue assaults on Ukraine.

But Mariana warned Ukraine would not compromise on any eventual peace deal, vowing to return all abducted children and not concede any land.

She said: “It is important to know that Ukraine will never accept territorial compromises unjust peace.

“It will never accept the situation where our prisoners of war, illegally detained persons and children are not returned.

“They should return all of them and children should return unconditionally.

The level of sinisterity behind this is horrible.

Daria Zarivna

“I would like to highlight that we will not rest if Ukrainian people do not have justice served to them.

“This is extremely important that it’s not just peace at any price.

“It should be comprehensive just and lasting peace for Ukraine with accountability for Russia and Russian criminals.”

Presidential advisor Daria warned the return of kidnapped Ukrainian children is imperative not only for their safety – but as it could become a “threat to global security”.

Tens of thousands of Ukrainian children have been forcibly moved into areas under Moscow’s control since the war began.

They have been assigned Russian citizenship and “adopted” by Russian families.

Many are forced into sinister camps where they are starved, tortured and “brainwashed” into becoming Russian citizens.

Simon Jones

Simon Jones

Simon Jones

Meanwhile, some 1.6 million Ukrainian children are living in territory controlled by Putin’s fighters.

Daria said: “They are trying to change their names, their personal data, their whereabouts.

“The famous case of Margarita, this was a 10-month-old girl from Kherson Children’s Home, which was brought under the medical prescription to Moscow.

“Then she was adopted by Sergey Mironov, one of the top allies of Putin.

“Her name was changed to Marina. Her place of birth was changed from Kherson to Podolsk.

“When I had an opportunity to address this issue in the Security Council, I showed the birth certificate, the Ukrainian birth certificate of this girl, and the Russian birth certificate.

“It was good to use evidence like this, because the whole scale of crime becomes very obvious.

“This girl was only 10 months old when all this happened, so she didn’t even realise who she was, what kind of origin she had, and her whole life was just destroyed and changed.

“The level of sinisterity behind this is horrible.”

Kyiv has repeatedly vowed to bring every child home – calling the abductions a war crime that meets the UN treaty definition of genocide.

VICKY Pattison has admitted she doesn’t sleep in the same bed as her new husband Ercan Ramadan.

The reality star, 37, got married in August 2024 but has opened up about it being a difficult first year.

Instagram

Instagram

However opened up about her hopes to have children after freezing her eggs.

But as she revealed delaying plans to start IVF for another year or two, Vicky shared her unusual sleeping arrangements.

She told OK! Magazine: “Everyone thought we’d try for kids quite quickly – so did we! But we’re going to enjoy being married, for at least a year.

I’d love a honeymoon first! A little week in the Caribbean would be lovely.

“We’re just desperate to sleep in the same bed together.

“I sleep with the dogs and he sleeps in the spare room!”

Vicky recently told about the tough time she went through at the beginning of her marriage to Ercan, 31.

Speaking to the BBC’s Woman’s Hour, she said: “I don’t think it’s how anyone anticipates, their first six months of marriage, you know, it’s a very alien experience.

“I mean it has been difficult, I have been frustrated, I have been upset and I have been overwhelmed quite a lot.

“So even without thinking about, the deepfake itself, I haven’t been a joy to live with quite frankly and I do feel for my husband but he’s very supportive.”

Vicky is referring to her husband supporting her as she faced backlash over her deepfake porn documentary called My Deepfake Sex Tape, which some victims criticised as a “PR stunt” and “deeply disrespectful”.

The documentary involved her directing actors to simulate a sex scene, then allowing AI to add her face to the footage.

Alamy

A POPULAR European night train has axed its services, as commuters and holiday-goers race to find travel alternatives.

A sleeper train service between Berlin and Brussels stopped its operations yesterday after running for just over a year.

Alamy

The Nightjet, which connects the two capitals in 14 hours, was launched in December 2023 and ran three times a week.

Operated by OBB Austria’s national railway company, the service formed part of a large network of night trains linking Germany and Belgium’s big cities.

But following an announcement earlier this week, the operation will be axed indefinitely due to a “combination of difficult-to-bypass late-notice track work” in Germany.

Mark Smith, founder of a popular rail travel magazine, said: “A combination of difficult-to-bypass late-notice track work in Germany and (no doubt) the fact that it now runs on the same three days of the week as the European Sleeper mean they seem to have given up”.

Passengers will still be able to travel through the night between the two cities, however, thanks to the European Sleeper service.

Similarly to the Nightjet, the European Sleeper runs three times a week and leaves from Berlin’s Ostbanhof station.

Tickets start at around GBP66 per person for a six-berth couchette, a padded bunk bed with a blanket and pillow.

This increases to about GBP82 for a spot in a five-berth couchette and GBP91 for a proper bed in a three-bed sleeper carriage.

This comes just days after a brand new train operator announced it would be launching services between the UK and Europe, offering ‘competitive fares’ for passengers.

Currently, Eurostar is the only rail operator that connects the UK to destinations across Europe, including cities in France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

This could all change as a new train operating company, Gemini,has announced its plans to launch services between the UK and Europe.

The new train operator, which is currently being established, hopes to begin its rail journey by launching services from London to Paris and Brussels.

Once services between London and Paris/Brussels have launched, Gemini hopes to further its list of European destinations.

The new rail operator plans to introduce ‘ new cutting-edge trains and a fresh approach to sales and ticketing’ on services between the UK and Europe.

It hopes to run ‘Open Access’ services to compete on the cross-channel route between the UK and Europe.

An open access rail service is a rail service operated by a private company, outside of any government contract.

Gemini has applied to the Office of Rail and Road for access to Eurostar’s Temple Mills International maintenance depot.

The company is also in discussion with key stakeholders around
other train maintenance facilities – although further details have yet to be revealed.

A DIY enthusiast has found the best budget and renter-friendly hack to transform your home.

So if the cost of living crisis has made your purse feel tighter than ever, but you’re desperate to give your pad a glow up without breaking the bank, then you’ve come to the right place.

Loushomelife/Tiktok

Loushomelife/Tiktok

Lou, a DIY fan from the UK, explained that she used self-adhesive vinyl to give her home a mega makeover.

Not only does it look great and add colour and style to a space, but it also gives homeowners increased privacy too.

Thrilled with her ‘quick and easy’ overhaul, Lou took to social media to share a before and after look at the DIY job.

Posting online, the content creator uploaded her clip with the caption ‘Such a quick and easy change, I’ve used this before on a couple of other windows that I’m now going to change as I love this design.’

Lou then confirmed that she used the D-C-Fix window film in the shade Minster Blue, which she bought from The Range.

Detailing her impressive makeover, Lou said: “I’ve used some D-C-Fix window film on my porch window and I’m in love with the results.

“This is budget friendly and renter friendly, because it comes off so easily, and this roll only cost me GBP4.50, which I think is an absolute bargain.

“After trying to line the pattern up, taking it off and on and off and on, I think I got it where it needed to be and I don’t think I did a bad job either.”

As well as looking great, Lou was impressed with the added privacy her hack gave her, as she continued: “It’s nice because it’ll hide the rubbish in the porch and we have a lovely postman, but he does come in the porch as well, and although he is lovely, I don’t want him to see me in my pink doughnut pyjamas.

“I love the pattern, and I love the way it looks.”

DIY fans beam

The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ loushomelife, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 561,000 views.

Not only this, but it’s also amassed 12,800 likes, 426 comments, 1,416 saves and 849 shares.

Eight Easy DIY Tips & Tricks

The ultimate guide for homeowners and renters:

• DIY expert’s lazy painting hack will make decorating your home much easier
• Save time and money with this easy DIY tiling hack to transform a room in under an hour
• Avoid these five mistakes in your next DIY project
• Transform your kitchen with this renter-friendly DIY hack
• Noisy neighbours? Here’s how to soundproof a room
• DIY expert shared her favourite strategy for painting around glass without tape
• If you want to give your kitchen a fresh look, here’s how to paint your kitchen cabinets
• Five tricks to spruce up every room in your home for less than GBP5

Social media users were impressed with Lou’s home transformation and many eagerly flocked to the comments to express this.

One person said: “Lovely pattern, may do the same for mine.”

Another added: “Wow you did an amazing job.”

You did a great job, love it for privacy

TikTok user

A third commented: “That looks brilliant.”

Meanwhile, someone else chimed in: “Absolutely gorgeous.”

Not only this, but another DIY fan expressed: “You did a great job, love it for privacy.”

At the same time, one user asked: “What’s it like from the other side?”

In response, Lou confirmed: “Looks exactly the same from the other side.”

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

A LUCKY punter is celebrating after winning a life-changing Daily Million Plus prize worth €500,000.

The Plus player bought their winning Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw from Tesco, Stillorgan Shopping Centre, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin.

The numbers for Friday’s 2pm Daily Million Plus draw were: 17, 22, 23, 25, 30, 37 and the bonus was 32.

Daily Million draws take place twice a day, seven days a week at 2pm and 9pm and costs just €1 per play.

The National Lottery is urging all players in Dublin to check their tickets carefully and if you’re holding the winning ticket, be sure to contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie to arrange the collection of your prize.

National Lottery spokesperson, Darragh O’Dwyer, said: “What an incredible stream of wins we’ve had across all games recently!

“This week alone there have been two high tier prize wins in the Daily Million Plus draws, each worth €500,000 and to top it off the Lotto Jackpot worth €4,005,581 was won in Wednesday night’s (26^th March) Lotto draw.

“This is the third top tier prize in the Daily Million and Daily Million Plus draws so far in 2025!”

Meanwhile, players are being urged to check their tickets after Wednesday’s €4million Lotto win.

The numbers in the main draw on Wednesday, March 26, were 03, 08, 18, 20, 30, 43 and the bonus was 46.

And one lucky punter has just won a life-changing sum of €4,005,581 after matching those numbers.

There was no winner of the Lotto Plus 1 top prize.

The numbers drawn were 04, 09, 13, 37, 38 and 46 and the bonus was 15.

There was also no winner of the Lotto Plus 2 draw.

The numbers for that were 04, 25, 27, 32, 38, 42 and the bonus was 30.

The winning raffle number was 1687.

There were 61 winners of the Raffle Prize, receiving €500 each.

Meanwhile, tonight’s Lotto jackpot is a guaranteed €2million.

Players dreaming of becoming Ireland’s newest millionaire are reminded that tickets for tonight’s Lotto draw can be purchased in-store, through the National Lottery app or at http://www.lottery.ie ahead of the 7:45pm cut-off time for sales this evening.

A CHANNEL 4 show’s set was placed on lockdown over a ‘terrifying’ dog that left everyone scared.

Nick Grimshaw has officially taken over as host of The Bad Dog Academy as it returns for a brand new series.

Alamy

Alamy

Getty

It aims to help Britain’s most troubled dogs and their desperate owners.

The new series will see a team of top dog trainers work their magic once again.

But radio presenter Nick, 40, has revealed one dog threw filming into chaos – and left crew scared.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun’s TV Mag: “There was a great big dog called Ghost. You know, that was quite a terrifying.

“It was in the morning we’d all get together with the trainers and talk about who was coming in that day. And I’d never met a Cane Corso and I’d never even seen one in real life.

“I was like, is it going to come to the show? And one of the trainers said ‘oh you better get ready today’.

I thought they were joking but it was really serious. And we had signs up all around the set that were saying ‘don’t come in this area’.

It was literally warning that this dog was on the set. I was like, s***. Then they were like go and let him in, the dog that everyone’s scared of.

“But yeah, he was a big guy.”

Viewers of The Bad Dog Academy will see owners will get trained in dog management skills and psychology, while their misbehaving pooches will be put through their paces with expert-led sessions.

• The Sun’s TV Mag is free each week inside Saturday’s newspaper

Channel 4's best competition shows

Channel 4 boasts a number impressive competition shows, but which ones are really the best?

Four in a Bed

• Reality competition show Four in a Bed has been airing on Channel 4 since 2010. It follows four couples as they take turns to stay at each others B&Bs and hotels, rating their stays along the way. The couple with the establishment voted best value for money are the winners.

Come Dine With Me

• Come Dine With Me has been staple British viewing since 2005, providing some outrageous telly moments over the years. Like Four in a Bed, the series moves around to different properties as it follows four contestants as they each host a (supposedly) gourmet dinner party for each other. After each dinner the guests score the host out of 10, will the winner being revealed on the final evening.

The Great British Bake Off

• Another national treasure, The Great British Bake Off welcomes a group of 12 amateur bakers to put their culinary skills to the test with Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith judging their efforts. One contestant is eliminated each week until the final three face off in the last week.

Bake Off: The Professionals

• Bake Off: The Professionals puts a twist on GBBO, pitting two teams of professional pastry chefs against each other in every episode. It’s up to judges Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden to determine who has what it takes to make it through to the final.

DUA Lipa has flashed her thong in a very see-through lace jumpsuit on her world tour.

The hitmaker, 29, is in Australia for her Radical Optimism tour, with her sharing some red hot snaps from backstage at her Sydney show on Friday.

instagram

instagram

instagram

instagram

instagram

Posing up a storm in a see-through lace jumpsuit, Dua looked amazing as she pouted and smiled for the photographs.

Standing in front of a black backdrop, Dua rocked the black lace garment which was see-through and showed off her thong and bra.

With a white feather boa draped over her shoulder, Dua could be seen posing, squatting and beaming for the camera.

Sharing the sizzling snaps, and some clips from her concert, Dua penned a caption that read: “NIGHT 2 SYDNEY. it just keeeeps getting better!!!!

“Last night I was joined on stage by my mega talented aussie mate and songwriting partnaaaa @tameimpala who has inspired me for forever to sing The Less I Know The Better ~~~ gaaaah what a night!!!!“

“Dua Lipa is gorgeous,” penned one fan in the comments section.

Another added: “Dua Lipa is the most Beautiful on this planet!”

A third penned: “dua lipa the goddess.”

While a fourth swooned: “THE BEST CONCERT I HAVE EVER BEEN TO.”

“Incredible night,” echoed a fifth.

“You were eveything,” added a sixth.

Currently in Australia for her tour, Dua was spotted departing a popular grocery store in Sydney earlier this week.

Seen leaving IGA, Dua was spotted after purchasing some goodies from the Independent Grocers of Australia.

A video of Dua leaving the supermarket was shared by a Sydney gossip page.

“Girl’s got to get her TimTam fix,” they penned in the caption.

In the video, Dua could be seen with a group of girl pals as she left the store with a huge bag on her shoulder.

Reacting to Dua’s supermarket run, one person said: “Yup… would’ve walked right passed her.. love her music though.”

“Just looks like a regular person,” said a second.

A third person added: “Who cares… to tell you the truth I would have no idea what she looks like.”

Instagram

Getty

Getty

NICE’S manager hit back at Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal criticism by claiming the club’s owner he has “not watched a match all season”.

Ratcliffe bought Nice in 2019 before purchasing a minority stake in Manchester United midway through last season.

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Willie Vass

The British billionaire has certainly upset many at Old Trafford including fans and staff with his various extreme cost-cutting measures.

But frustrations towards Ratcliffe are not limited to United.

That is because the Ineos chief sparked fury at Nice by revealing he does not like watching them play.

Ratcliffe controversially stated: “I don’t particularly enjoy going to watch Nice because there are some good players.

“But the level of football is not high enough for me to get excited.”

However, the comments prompted a reaction from the man he appointed as manager in the summer.

Franck Haise insisted Ratcliffe does not have a leg to stand on – because he has not even been to a game since the new manager took over.

Haise said: “The article that [the comments] appeared in was a lot more complete than that. But he hasn’t seen a Nice match this season.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM GBP10 DEPOSITS

“He’s speaking a bit more about what he saw at another time.

“With the people who are here at the club, we are here to make the club progress in order to be even better.”

But mindful not to cause a rift with his employer, Haise insisted there was no bad blood between the pair.

He added: “It’s not that serious. We can be annoyed, that’s obvious.

“But is it really worth staying annoyed for a long time?

“We have got to keep working, enjoying ourselves and we have got to be doing the best possible.

“We have to move on and continue on our path.”

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's first year at Man Utd

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…

December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest GBP245m into Old Trafford

January 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington

January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO

February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s GBP1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed

February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin added

March 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre move

March 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s football

March 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old Trafford

March 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in December

April 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled

April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director

April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton

May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanliness

May 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roof

May 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish

May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy

May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticket

May 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axed

May 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of result

June 2024 – Man Utd announce GBP50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground

June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into office

June 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s team

July 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received GBP3m in compensation

July 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026

July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.

July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment

July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board

July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125

July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex Wylie

August 2024 – Man Utd splash out GBP199m in the summer transfer window

August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toilet

October 2024 – Man Utd stop paying GBP2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex Ferguson

October 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled

October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matches

October 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club GBP15m

November 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up GBP10m release clause

November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim

November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings

November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half GBP40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association

December 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century”

December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to GBP66

December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting director

December 2024 – GBP100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for GBP40 M&S voucher

December 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth

December 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two stars

December 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts GBP40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity

Haise will be desperate to prove Ratcliffe wrong come the end of the season.

His Nice side sit fourth in Ligue 1 in a crazy six-team battle for a Champions League place.

PSG are the runaway leaders but Nice are two points adrift of Marseille in second.

The top three are guaranteed a league phase place, with fourth going into qualifying.

Nice have not played in the top European competition since 2017-18 – but have a far stronger chance than United of qualifying through their league finish.

United are slumped down in 13th in the Premier League table – but could get into the Champions League by winning the Europa League.

Ruben Amorim’s men face Lyon in the quarter-finals in April with the winners to face Rangers or Athletic Bilbao in the semis – and potentially a blockbuster final against Tottenham on May 21 in Bilbao.

Reuters

DUNNES Stores fans are set to love a new polka dot dress with “flutter sleeves” that is ideal for summer holidays.

The Short Sleeve Print Midi Dress is available in stores and online now.

It is priced at just €25 and comes in sizes 8 to 22.

The retailer said: “This polka dot dress channels femininity with its flutter sleeves and soft, flowing silhouette.

“The gathered bust features a delicate tie detail that adds shape, while the lightweight fabric drapes beautifully.”

The dress is lightweight and a handy option for a short trip away.

It can be worn with sandals, shoes or trainers depending on the occasion.

Meanwhile, fashion fans are in a frenzy over new striped trousers that have landed in Dunnes – and they come in three colours.

Monica, who goes by @ mon.fesa on Instagram, showed off her new striped trousers, which are now available online and in stores across the country.

Monica said: “You will love these trousers from Dunnes Stores.

“The material is amazing and they can be worn as sporty as you like with sneakers or as stylish as possible with heels, like me in the reel.

“They are at the Gallery section, and the t-shirt too.”

The new stripe trousers comes with an elastic waistband, a clasp closure and a double white stripe down the side.

Fashion fans can choose from cool stone, classic navy, or eye-catching red.

Dunnes Stores designers said the pants are comfortable for everyday wear or for creating a “relaxed office-ready” look.

They added: “They feature sporty side stripes and an elastic waist for added comfort.”

The trousers are priced at just €30 and are available in sizes 8 to 18.

Style the stripe pants with heels for a glam look or trainers for a casual daytime look.

Monica styled the trousers with the Gallery Cotton Rich Crew Neck T-Shirt.

It is priced at just €20 and comes in sizes XS to XL.

THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES

DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.

Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.

During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.

Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.

The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.

“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.

“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”

The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.

They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.

“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”

Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.

A MYSTERY island has seemingly vanished without a trace – sparking theories ranging from rising sea levels to government cover ups.

Bermeja Island, once marked on maps as a small landmass in the Gulf of Mexico, has baffled researchers and historians for decades.

AFP

Library of Congress/Gov

Library of Congress/Gov

It appeared on nautical charts for centuries – but it’s now nowhere found.

So, did it sink, was it never there to begin with, or was it deliberately erased?

Bermeja first appeared in Spanish maps as early as the 16th century.

The name itself – derived from “bermejo”, meaning “reddish” in Spanish – suggested it had distinct features.

It was plotted in the Yucatan Channel, about 100 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.

For centuries, explorers and mapmakers included it in official records.

But by the late 20th century, Bermeja started to fade from maps.

Jesus Israel Baxin Martinez, a geographer from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), told The Sun that even in the 19th century, Bermeja appeared in official Mexican atlases.

He said: “Between the 16th and early 19th centuries, Bermeja Island was recorded on maps from various sources.

“In the 1858 Mexican Atlas, Bermeja Island clearly appears north of Cayo Arenas… but a year later, in the 1886 General Map of the United Mexican States, the island no longer appears.

“It is likely that the cartographer made some revision… but these [islands] had not been corroborated.”

When the Mexican government sent a research team in 1977 to find it, they returned empty-handed.

In 2009, another expedition using modern satellite and sonar technology confirmed the same – Bermeja was simply gone.

There are several theories about Bermeja’s disappearance – some scientific, others bordering on conspiracy.

A cartographic error

Some researchers suggest Bermeja Island may have never existed, attributing its appearance on maps to cartographic errors.

“It’s quite possible,” Martinez said.

“Cartographers between the 16th and 19th centuries frequently copied geographical features from different maps without field verification.”

Bermeja may have simply been the product of repeated cartographic copying, possibly confused with other Gulf islands like “El Negrillo” or “Zarca” that also vanished from maps over time, the expert added.

A 2009 study by UNAM found no evidence of the island’s existence, leading to the conclusion that it was likely a perpetuated mapping mistake, NBC reported.

Sunken island

Another theory is that if Bermeja did exist, it might have been a low-lying atoll or sandbank that was eroded by ocean currents over centuries.

But Martinez calls that unlikely, saying: “These causes are implausible; it seems impossible that sudden events could have gone unrecorded and left no trace over the past five centuries.”

Even though some historical sailing records suggest Bermeja had groves – indicating it was more than just a sandbank – no detailed cartography of the island was ever made.

“It only appears on maps of national scale or those of the Yucatan region,” Martinez added.

“If major erosion or a rise in sea level submerged any of the islands, traces would remain.”

Erased on purpose

A more controversial theory claims Bermeja was destroyed — or even erased from records — due to its strategic location.

The island would have extended Mexico’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), giving the country rights to valuable oil reserves in the Gulf.

Some believe it was secretly bombed, sunk, or removed from maps to shift maritime boundaries – possibly benefiting the US.

But Martinez was quick to argue against that theory.

He previously told Mexico News Daily: “It’s a conspiracy theory, of course.

“Isla Bermeja was a controversy because it was a key area of the Exclusive Economic Zone in the Gulf of Mexico.

“There were official searches around this time to see if there was some remnant of this island because the expansion of this zone for Mexico would mean an abundance of oil.”

Despite extensive searches, no trace of Bermeja has ever been found, and its mystery remains unsolved.

Martinez concluded: “In short, the most plausible theory… is that it is a cartographic error replicated and unverified over more than 400 years.”

But he also warns that Mexico’s focus on lost islands like Bermeja overshadows a bigger issue: the neglect of the country’s real, inhabited islands.

“Mexico has neglected its island territory and has focused efforts on investigating lost or apparently fictitious cases… rather than defending the real islands over which the country has sovereignty.”

Whether it was a mistake, a victim of climate change, or something more sinister, one thing is certain — the island has left a ghostly imprint on history.

TOM ASPINALL has seen just about everything inside the octagon.

But he also saw his fair share of violence outside the cage during his days as a bouncer, a job he had to supplement his training.

CAGE WARRIORS

GETTY

YOUTUBE@BELIEVE YOU ME

One incident, in particular, lives long in the memory for the Wigan warrior.

During an appearance on Michael Bisping’s Believe You Me podcast, he said: “I used to work the door at a really nice bar.

“[It was] kicking off, people are fighting in there. So, we ran in, and as we ran in, a guy was biting another guy’s nose off.”

Aspinall, understandably, was left gobsmacked by the sickening act of violence.

But what happened seconds after the lout chomped off his fellow bargoer’s nose off left the interim UFC heavyweight champion in disbelief.

Aspinall continued: “He went to spit it out and as he was going to spit it out, his friend said, ‘Don’t spit it out, because he’ll be able to sew it back on.’

“So the guy then swallowed his nose.”

Thankfully for Aspinall, he doesn’t have to contend with biting inside the octagon as it was one of the very few rules implemented at UFC’s inaugural event back in November 1993.

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Aspinall, 31, is currently gearing up for the biggest fight of his career – a heavyweight title unification bout with MMA legend Jon Jones.

A date for the mammoth melee has yet to be finalised, although UFC CEO and President Dana White recently claimed the fight is “done”.

He told TNT Sports: “It’s going to happen. “It’s done, but it’s not done.

“Not done enough to sit right here now and announce it and give you a date.

“But the fight’s going to happen. It’s just a matter of getting it signed now.

“If we pull this off and actually make the fight, announce it and start leading up to it.

“This will be the biggest heavyweight fight in UFC history.”

Aspinall teased an imminent fight announcement last week following a meeting with the UFC’s Chief Business Officer, Hunter Campbell.

He posted a snap of himself along with dad Andy and Campbell to his Instagram and X pages with the accompanying caption: “Stay tuned.”

YOUTUBE@TOMASPSINALL

A MOTHER has revealed that she lost over eight stone after using fat jabs for two years.

Bridget claimed that everyone said she would regret using the weight loss injections, but now, her only guilt is not starting sooner.

SimplyBridget12/Tiktok

SimplyBridget12/Tiktok

Getty

The mother, who is from the US, took to social media to show off her jaw-dropping weight loss, but experts and NHS medics warn about the dangers of taking such medications without a prescription.

Posting online, Bridget explained that she started her weight loss journey back in 2022.

Standing at five-foot-three-inches, her starting weight was 17 stone 8 lbs.

But now, after taking Tirzepatide, which is sold under the name Mounjaro, Semaglutide and Ozempic, she is now down to just 9 stone 5 lbs.

There’s no surprise that Bridget is thrilled after having dropped 8 stone 3 lbs, but her shocking slim down has resulted in her being on the receiving end of a barrage of nasty abuse.

Not only have people called her ‘too thin’, but others claimed she now ‘looks older’ as a result of losing weight.

Mounjaro, regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs, could soon be rolled out on the NHS.

Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams claimed it can save the lives of people with “life-threatening levels of obesity”.

But despite this, the NHS website warns: “Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.”

About half a million Brits use weight loss drugs – and the number is expected to double in the next year.

Mounjaro works by suppressing ­your appetite, making people feel fuller for longer.

The injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over).

One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on someone’s weight.

The drugs can be lawfully supplied when prescribed by a practitioner – such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber.

But increasingly, people have been buying them through online pharmacies with insufficient checks.

Only recently, figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed fat jabs had been linked to 82 deaths across the UK.

And the family of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, are now calling for a probe into the jab’s “potential to kill”.

Despite the dangers, this content creator eagerly praised the effects of the fat jabs on her body, leaving many totally stunned.

In the short clip, Bridget gave her 90,700 followers a close-up look at her glow up, as she shared a before and after look at her transformation.

At the start of the video, we saw Bridget wearing a black top and jeans, with her belly on show.

Bridget stood to the side to show off her body, prior to taking any weight loss medication.

Two years later, still no regrets. Only regret is not taking it sooner

Bridget

Seconds later, Bridget confidently posed in a skin-tight black lace dress and mimed along to the Chris Brown and Lil Wayne song ‘Look At Me Now’.

Alongside the clip, Bridget wrote: “Them: You’re going to regret taking Ozempic.”

The slimmed down woman then said: “Two years later, still no regrets.

“Only regret is not taking it sooner.”

The content creator explained that she was on fat jabs for two years and it took her a year and three months of use before she saw results.

She revealed that she now feels as though she has “regained” her life back, but stressed that as well as using the fat jabs, she also focused on exercise and dieting too.

The mum confessed: “I was able to minimise my loose skin through strength training, a high-protein diet, slow and steady weight loss, taking collagen daily, and staying hydrated.”

Not only did she not suffer any side effects and have “zero problems” whilst using the injections, but she claimed that doing so was the “best decision” she has ever made.

She also shared an unbothered attitude towards haters, as she wrote: “I don’t care, I love it”.

Big divide

The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ simplybridget12, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed 175,200 views, 5,984 likes and 273 comments.

But social media users were massively divided by Bridget’s weight loss – and many eagerly flocked to the comments to share their honest thoughts.

One person said: “You look amazing!!”

So you need meds to lose weight? I feel sorry for you, you don’t have the discipline to do it yourself

TikTok user

Another added: “You are gorgeous.”

A third commented: “You look fabulous!!”

However, at the same time, someone else snapped: “This is sad.. leave those to the people who are diabetic. Just go to the gym like everyone else to lose weight.”

A second chimed in: “You look older.”

Someone else wrote: “Too thin.”

Whilst another questioned: “So you need meds to lose weight? I feel sorry for you, you don’t have the discipline to do it yourself.”

But clapping back at the comment, Bridget simply replied: “No need to feel sorry for me, Andrea – no shame in my game.

“I would do this all over again.”

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MARCUS RASHFORD’S Lamborghini is so difficult to drive it can give users a headache.

The England star is understood to have splashed out GBP450,000 on the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.

Youtube / Warford Cars

Youtube / Warford Cars

Youtube / Warford Cars

Youtube / Warford Cars

Getty

He has since sold the vehicle after notching 4,000 miles on the clock, and he got back what he paid for it.

The man he sold it to, a rally driver named James, believes the car could be worth GBP1million in a few years, claiming it is the last proper Lamborghini ever made.

The car can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in just 2.9 seconds and shoots flames out of the exhaust.

Rashford customised the vehicle with his signature – at an approximate cost of GBP30,000.

The back seat bears his initials as well as his name.

It also packs a punch with the engine causing a deafening noise.

After testing it out, car dealership owner Will Kennedy said: “That is ridiculous.

“I had to run away because it was going to burst my ear drum. I’ve got a headache, I need some Nurofen.”

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He later drove the car and then got a headache for a different reason.

He added: “It gave me a headache driving it – not because of the sound just because it’s a handful.”

Audi

Rashford had endured a difficult season as he was forced to leave Manchester United in January.

But his move to Aston Villa is paying off as he returned a recall to the England squad and started both of Thomas Tuchel’s first two matches in charge.

THREE people have died after a fire ripped through a home, with cops also injured.

Police, fire and ambulance crews responded to reports of the blaze in Rushton, near Kettering, in Northamptonshire, at 10.30pm on Friday night.

PA

PA

However, despite the best efforts of emergency services at the scene on Beswick Close, three people were confirmed to have died.

Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service are conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire.

Three police officers also required hospital assessment due to smoke inhalation.

A neighbour told the Northamptonshire Telegraph: “It’s absolutely shocking. My lad said it was on fire. There was a man who had tried to get in who was outside. It was just an inferno.

“There were ambulance, police and fire. I don’t know the people who live there but all we can do is hope and pray.”

The home previously served as Rushton Station and housed the station master, with a train line running behind the building.

In 2009 a group was formed named Friends of Glendon and Rushton station to restore the station – which had been granted Grade II listed status in 1981.

It was later converted for residential use.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101 quoting incident reference 25000180391.

Have you been affected by this incident? Email ryan.merrifield@thesun.co.uk

A WOMAN has been rushed to hospital with serious injuries after being struck by a car last night.

The collision happened on the N76 at Westcourt Demesne, Callan in Co. Kilkenny.

Alamy

Gardai and emergency services were called to the scene.

The pedestrian, aged in her 30s, was taken to St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny for treatment.

A garda spokesperson said: “Gardai are appealing for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision which occurred on the N76 at Westcourt Demesne, Callan, Co. Kilkenny yesterday, Friday 28th March 2025.

“Gardai and emergency services attended the scene of the collision, involving a car and a pedestrian, which occurred shortly before 9pm.

“The female pedestrian, aged in her 30s, was brought to St Luke’s Hosptial, Kilkenny, to be treated for serious injuries.

“There were no other injuries reported.

“The road is currently closed for technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators with local diversions in place.”

Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

They added: “Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 8.45pm and 9.15pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Kilkenny Garda Station on (056) 7775000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”

Meanwhile, tributes are being paid to a “gentleman” who died in a horror crash.

Tom Walsh was sadly pronounced dead at the scene of a crash on the N55 at The Pigeons, between Athlone and Ballymahon in Westmeath on Thursday.

The pensioner, from Ballymahon in Co Longford, was driving one of the two cars involved in the collision, and had a male passenger aged in his 80s with him.

He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene, and his body was taken to Tullamore Hospital, where a post-mortem will take place in due course.

Locals said Tom worked with a lot of local farmers and also did some maintenance work at Centre Parcs.

Fine Gael Councillor Paul Ross, who is a former Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, described Tom as an “absolute gentleman”.

He said: ”Tom worked on a number of farms around the area and was very well known.

“There is huge shock in the Ballymahon area at this tragedy. We are all thinking of Tom and his friends at this time’’.

AFTER stepping back from the spotlight in 2023, Lewis Capaldi has thrilled fans by making a rare public appearance.

The 28-year-old Scottish singer was seen flashing a peace sign as he attended SmackDown at The O2 Arena on Friday night.

Getty

Getty

Getty

Two years after going on hiatus over health concerns amid his Tourette’s battle, Lewis was seen smiling on Friday night.

Fans were quick to react to Lewis’ rare public appearance on social media when snaps emerged online.

“Not seen him for a while, good to see he is looking great tbh,” penned one person on X.

Another added: “I missed him I’m so happy to see him.”

“As if he’s been away from the limelight for about 2 years and pops up on Smackdown,” said a third.

“Bro pops up in random places. Good to see him though,” penned a fourth.

A fifth then said: “Nice to see that smile again @LewisCapaldi! Looking good!”

While a sixth person added: “This has made me smile miss Lewis music glad he’s looking well and healing.”

And a seventh penned: “OMG IVE MISSED HIM SO MUCH!! WELCOME BACK LEGEND!!!”

Lewis announced he would be taking a break away from the spotlight for his mental health two years ago.

His announcement cam after performing at Glastonbury in June 2023 where he struggled with his Tourette’s symptoms.

Almost two years ago at Glastonbury, Lewis returned to the stage despite being “sh*t scared” to perform.

Ahead of his Glasto performance, Lewis had taken three weeks out to “rest and recover” for a mental health hiatus.

But despite his short break, in the middle of his set, Lewis confessed that he was struggling with his Tourette’s.

Heard coughing throughout the show, Lewis was struggling as his supportive fans sang his hit Someone You Love for him.

After his performance, Lewis decided to take a longer break from performing.

Writing a statement on social media, Lewis said: “The fact that this probably won’t come as a surprise doesn’t make it any easier to write.

“I used to be able to enjoy every second of shows like this and I’d hoped 3 weeks away would sort me out.

“But the truth is I’m still learning to adjust to the impact of my Tourette’s and on Saturday it became obvious that I need to spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order, so I can keep doing everything I love for a long time to come.

“I’m so incredibly sorry to everyone who had planned to come to a show before the end of the year but I need to feel well to perform at the standard you all deserve.

“Playing for you every night is all I’ve ever dreamed of, so this has been the most difficult decision of my life. I’ll be back as soon as I possibly can.”

Two years down the line, it seems that Lewis might finally be ready to step back into the spotlight.

Yungblud, who is close pals with Lewis, has spoken out about how he is getting his mental health back on track.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun, he said: “I have heard his new music and it sounds great. He is getting his mental health right.

“I love him, as me and him have been on this ride together.

“We experienced it at the same time and he is perhaps the only friend who knows what I am going through, in the same way I know what he’s going through.”

Getty

Getty

STEPHEN BRADLEY said Shamrock Rovers will not appeal Ed McGinty’s red card last night – because he would be screaming for a sending off if it was against his team.

The Hoops goalkeeper was dismissed for a handball outside his area in last night’s 0-0 draw with Derry City.

Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Television replays suggest it was a tight call, as McGinty may have touched the ball on the line at the edge of his penalty area rather than outside it.

But Bradley said McGinty gave referee Paul McLaughlin a decision to make, because he ran out of his area and then had to dive backwards to scoop the ball away from Danny Mullan.

He said: “It’s silly, a silly decision from Ed. He’s an experienced ‘keeper. He’s in control, and, if it was against us, you’d be wanting a red card.

“Whether it is a half yard inside or outside, it’s impossible for the ref. Either way, he’s given him a decision to make.

“We don’t have VAR, we don’t want it, but it’s impossible for the ref to make that call. He’s made that call. You can’t argue that, it’s a really really silly decision from Ed.”

Bradley admitted it was particularly frustrating that it was an area that he and his coaching staff had highlighted to the team this week about dealing with balls over the top.

He said: “It’s been a problem early on in games, so we actually went through it. It’s just Ed getting to understand defenders, defenders getting to understand him.”

But his red card, which was followed 20 minutes later by a red card for Derry City’s Mullan for a second yellow card, meant a highly-anticipated game petered out.

Bradley said: “It was poor. Up until the sending off we were good, but you can see the break was going to come.

“But the sending off happened, the whole spark went out of the game, it became disjointed.

“You could tell we had a lot of internationals and a lot of lads in and out of training, you could tell they were off the normal levels.

“It looked like a team that had been disjointed the last ten days, like a team that hadn’t been together working as a team.

“Sometimes you see that in the internationals with the Premier League. Teams when they come back are a little bit off everything, and that’s what we looked like.

“I’m not disappointed. They’ve been excellent, but sometimes you are just off it. Up until the sending off, you could see we were starting to turn the screw.

“If it stays 11 v 11, it’s going one way but when the sending offs come, it completely disrupts the rhythm of the game and it was flat.

“That’s why the sending off of Ed is so frustrating, because up until that point, we had them where we wanted them.”

EASTENDERS fans were devastated when Natalie Cassidy, aka trumpet-playing Albert Square legend Sonia Fowler, announced she was quitting the soap after more than three decades.

A brand expert recently told The Sun she could make millions by cashing in on her social-media following, podcast popularity and by appearing on I’m A Celebrity – but Natalie has got other plans in mind.

BBC

BBC

PA

Speaking exclusively to The Sun’s TV Mag, Natalie said: “I hope that expert is right!

“I always think about I’m A Celebrity and I just don’t know if I can do it as I’m such a scaredy-cat.

“I don’t like heights, I don’t like insects. I mean, I just think I’d be up every night, walking up to Ant and Dec, crossing that bridge for another trial.

“I don’t know if I could cope. And actually, I want to concentrate on some bigger projects.

“I’ve done Strictly which I loved, but your I’m A Celebs, your Dancing On Ices, if they’re still on telly, they’re kind of always there. I feel that now’s the time to do a few different things.

“I’ve always been honest – if I’ve got a very large tax bill and get offered an extreme amount of money, then you might see me in the jungle.

“But as it stands, I’m hoping to pick and choose a little bit more and just do a few projects for me.

“I’ve created other means with the podcasts, they’re doing very well, and I feel that I can now step out of EastEnders confidently.”

Continuing, Natalie admitted leaving EastEnders and Sonia behind wasn’t an easy decision.

She agonised over it with her family; cameraman fiance Marc Humphreys and her two daughters, 14-year-old Eliza and eight-year-old Joanie.

The star shared: “It’s not a job to me, EastEnders. I’ve been there on and off for 32 years, and I’m only 42 this year.

“I was 10 when I started, so it really is my home. It’s a hard place to leave.

“There was a lot of thought over it, but it’s the right time and the right decision, I’m sure of it.

“I need to have a break and pursue all the other things that are going on. And if I didn’t make the decision now, I don’t know if I’d ever have made it.

“With EastEnders, every week you’re waiting for a Thursday to know what you’re doing for the next week.

“You can’t book a theatre show, you can’t say to your children: ‘I’ll be there on sports day.’

“Now I can look at a diary and say: ‘I’m not working that day.’ I do feel that you have more freedom. I can plan!”

To begin her post-Albert Square journey, Natalie is throwing herself into the world of presenting.

Alive and kicking

Natalie took part in February’s live episode of EastEnders to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

This week on screen, we see Sonia bid an emotional goodbye to Martin before his funeral, but did Natalie ever think it would be her character killed off in the episode?

“It did cross my mind because of the timing,” she admits. “But I always say if you make the choice to leave, you can’t have the choice of how you go.

“You have to make peace with the fact that you could be going for good.

“We had a really brilliant two weeks doing the live. Usually we don’t work like that, we’re churning it out, we work at top speed.

“So to be able to actually concentrate on the one episode, rehearse it, it felt like a real ensemble piece. We had a really good time.”

First up is What’s The Big Deal, a new consumer show in which Natalie and a group of families test out all those products we’ve seen plastered over social media, to find out whether we really should be buying them or not.

Natalie said: “I’m not doing any acting at the moment.

“People need a rest from the acting because I’ve been on their screens doing that for so long.

“That’s why I’m choosing to be myself for a while. There are a lot of actors who really don’t like being themselves and aren’t comfortable – they want to be behind the character.

“They don’t like quiz shows or interviews or sitting on This Morning.

“But I really like being myself and I think over the last few years with Instagram and the podcasts, people really enjoy me being myself.

“So it seems to just be a nice way to go out and for this show to be coming on as I leave EastEnders.

“With the families, you’ve got that kind of Gogglebox feel, and I’m looking at the science – but not in a stuffy way. You just want it to be an easy watch.

“You want to get your cup of tea, have finished dinner, chuck on Channel 4 and have something nice to sit down to.”

This week, Natalie looks into ‘invigorating’ ice baths, ‘brain-boosting’ Lion’s Mane mushroom supplements and ‘space-saving’ packing cubes – and she even gets a tutorial on how to fold underpants correctly.

“I want to get to a stage where nothing else needs doing in the house but to fold Marc’s pants into squares,” laughed Natalie.

She added: “I do love the look of it all being so organised and clean. I’m not there yet!”

Natalie admitted that, as a left-handed person, her life has been changed dramatically by one of the gadgets featured – an automatic veg chopper.

The star also said how she has also fallen foul of late-night Instagram shopping.

She said: “I bought a pair of slippers and they’ve got badges – one says ‘f***’ and the other says ‘off.

“When I got them, I thought: ‘I’ve got the children, I’m never going to wear them!’ I’ve also bought lots of hay fever products – wrist bands for pressure points, nose shovers, you know the things.

“Things just pop up now on all these channels. I think it’s quite hard not to give in.”

Asked whether she feels like she has a new confidence, Natalie replied: “A hundred per cent, it’s so exciting, I feel really happy in myself at this age.

“You know your friends, you say no to things if you don’t want to do them. You’re just comfortable, aren’t you?

“I feel very confident in what I want to do, where I’m going.

“I do get nervous, but it’s more about not letting myself down. But they are barriers that need to be broken.

“It was a very warm Bush!”

Natalie took part in the sixth series of The Masked Singer earlier this year, dressed as none other than… Bush.

“I was shown lots of different outfits and costumes and when Bush came up, I just thought I have to go for it,” laughs Natalie.

“I have a lot of gay fans you see, a lot of drag friends, and I just thought I love the fact that it’s like: ‘Trim your bush, here comes Bush, where is Bush?’

It was so camp and fun. It was really brilliant singing in that massive costume, but very warm. It was really a very warm Bush!”

“That’s why I did The Masked Singer. I was so nervous every time I went out, but by the end of it, I enjoyed it.

“The EastEnders live episode was terrifying, but I did it. So you kind of start going: ‘I know you’re scared, but you can do it.’ I like to set myself those challenges. I think it’s important.”

And if another major soap came knocking, what would Natalie do?

She said: “I’d say: ‘No thank you.’ I’ve only got one soap in my heart. If I ever go back to any of them, it’ll be EastEnders.”

BBC

IF you want to turn your garden into a Mediterranean holiday haven, you’ve come to the right place.

As the weather heats up and more and more of us head out into our gardens, if you’re looking for an outside space that’s sure to impress your guests, then you’ll need to listen up.

Alamy

Lidl

Lidl

And if your purse is feeling tighter than ever before as a result of the cost of living crisis, fear not, as this brand new Lidl bargain is super purse-friendly.

Thanks to Lidl, you’ll soon be able to bring a slice of the summer to your outside space – and it’ll cost you just GBP9.99.

From tomorrow (30th March), middle aisles up and down the country will be stocked full with the gorgeous new range of indoor and outdoor plants.

And it’s perfect timing if you need to quickly nip out in the morning and get your mum a last-minute Mother’s Day treat.

Not only will shoppers find Bougainvillea plants for just GBP6.99, but there’s also stunning Mediterranean Citrus Plants that will be hitting shelves too.

There’s two options of the Citrus Plants to choose from, one of which will add colour and style to your space in an instant.

They will be priced at just GBP9.99, which we think is a real steal.

Not only do they look great, but they are sure to bring a sense of the Mediterranean into your garden too, leaving your eagle-eyed neighbours open-mouthed.

So if you can’t afford to jet abroad this summer, and want to transform your garden whilst staying on a budget, then this is just the thing for you.

In addition to the Mediterranean Citrus Plants, those green-fingered shoppers will also be overjoyed to see a large selection of bright bulbs.

Plenty of Summer Bulbs will be available, with collections including ‘Fragrant Flowers’ and ‘Urban Gardening’, both of which are just GBP6.99 each.

Additionally, gardening gurus will also spot Dahlia Bulbs for GBP5.99, which you can plant in late spring after the last frost and then watch them bloom in summer.

And that’s not all, as for just GBP1.99, shoppers will also find Begonia Bulbs.

Thanks to their non-stop flowering and ability to grow happily in shady conditions, these bulbs are sure to be a superb choice for those looking to brighten up their gardens this season.

So if you want to get your garden ready for spring and summer, but without breaking the bank, you’ll need to set your alarm for tomorrow morning and quickly get down to your nearest Lidl store.

The indoor and outdoor plants will be on shelves while stocks last.

But like all middle of Lidl finds, they are sure to sell out fast.

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March gardening jobs

The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine has shared the first gardening jobs of spring.

Start sowing seeds

You can plant Aubergine seeds into propagator – or outdoors after the last frost. Or you could try growbags in a coldframe – and hopefully you can harvest from August onwards.

Have a think about planting some different varieties of seeds this year – check out She Grows Veg and other sites for heirloom varieties. There’s an astonishing array on offer, like purple carrots, globe-shaped aubergines, lime green cauliflower or storage tomatoes that stay fresh for months.

Buy and plant summer bulbs

Summer flowering bulbs provide huge big blousey blooms – with some bringing a real touch of the tropics to your garden. Try Gladioli, dahlias, calla lilies, peonies and crocosmia.

Lawncare starts now!

Start your lawn care with a boosting high nitrogen spring feed, reseed any bare patches – and you’ll probably start mowing regularly in earnest this month. If you can – keep a corner long to help wildlife.

Check compost

Dig well rotting compost into your soil. If you have the space, it’s even worth digging trenches and chucking in your rotting veg that’s usually destined for the recycling bin – then cover. It adds great nutrients for free.

Clean outside spaces

Time to blast your patios and paths with a pressure washer – if your children are responsible enough it’s a great job for them – they’ll get soaked and have fun at the same time.

Soak sweet peas

Soak your sweet peas before sowing into long narrow pots or toilet rolls – put two seeds in a pot. These can go in an unheated greenhouse – and when there’s three or four pairs of leaves, pinch out the growing tip which will make them grow outward instead of upwards.

Create a wildflower meadow

Sow a wildflower meadow – if you have room. A lot of shops now sell wildflower mixes to make things easier – or even seed bombs which can just be scattered onto the soil.

THE Stena Line booze cruise is still sailing as smooth as ever – with tax free shopping saving punters hundreds on luxury items.

My recent day trip on a Dublin to Holyhead round trip was more than just a jaunt on the water, it was a bargain.

garrettwhite

garrettwhite

Shoppers have been taking advantage of the nine-hour round trip for years to save money.

And we recently got the chance to climb aboard and check out what all the fuss is about for ourselves.

The massive nine-storey Stena Line Adventurer boat leaves Dublin Port every day except Wednesday.

And per person tickets start at €10, meaning we could enjoy a day at sea without loosening the purse strings too much.

The journey comprises of three and a half hours to the Welsh port and three and a half hours back.

And there’s usually about two hours to spend in Holyhead town, a buzzing seaside spot with charming shops and tasty food on offer.

The day trip functions in much the same way as ‘booze buses’ used to, when a bus would take a trip to Northern Ireland for the express purpose of loading up on cheaper alcohol.

Beers, wines, and spirits are usually cheaper over the border, even with the conversion rate taken into account, and are always more affordable when bought duty free.

SAVVY SHOPPING

Ironically, a day at sea and a full shopping bag could cost you less than a quick trip to the supermarket.

Tesco, Aldi, Lidl and Supervalu are all outpriced by the on-board shop, where a litre of gin can cost as little as €16.

Stena Line Travel Commercial Manager for the Irish Sea Orla Noonan said shoppers can bag 60 per cent off their favourite items.

She said: “At Stena Line we have introduced the round trips from just €10 as a great way to enjoy a day out with friends or family and to take advantage of the amazing savings you can make with Duty Free shopping.

“Passengers can enjoy significant discounts with up to 60 per cent off RRPs, including Benefit, Elizabeth Arden, and Clarins, while all the big players in designer fragrances, including Paco Rabanne, Calvin Klein, Armani and more are onboard.”

We arrived at Dublin Port on a windy Thursday morning to check in for the 10.15am trip to Holyhead, Wales.

Check in for any journey with the Swedish ferry company closes forty minutes before departure for foot passengers, and thirty minutes for car drivers.

Although cars can have passage on the day trip, bringing a vehicle isn’t necessary.

But it could come in handy when carrying home your duty free shopping haul.

A short shuttle bus later we were on board the huge boat and tucked safely in the comfort of the Stena Plus lounge, available for an extra €23 on your ticket.

Complete with free snacks, tea, coffee, and wine, it was the ideal place for us to spend the 3.5 hour sailing trip.

TUCK IN

There’s also a dedicated waiter service, so you can sit tight while food and drinks are delivered right to your table.

We managed to snag a window seat which offered a stunning view over Dublin Bay as we headed across the pond.

A clever trick we learned while on board is to do your duty free shopping on the way home.

Those who scramble to pick up everything they can carry end up having to haul their new goods all over Holyhead while waiting for the return boat.

Instead, we passed the two hour stopover by perusing the high street shops.

From charity boutiques to home and furniture sellers to vinyl and CD sellers, I had to be careful to keep some money for the return journey.

As savvy shoppers, we waited until the way home to stock up in the duty free.

Because the booze cruise is built for duty free shopping, there’s a long window of the journey when people can take to the shop.

TOP TIP

In order to avail of tax free and duty free prices, the cruise line had to be safely in international waters before opening.

It means that any good on board aren’t subject to the licensing of any one country, knocking hundreds off a haul.

The on-board shop opens some thirty minutes into the journey, and closes around 30 minutes before landing.

It means we had about two and a half hours to peruse the mini-mall and take in everything on offer, from designer perfumes and handbags to luxury bathroom sets and of course, a massive selection of booze and fags.

One important thing to remember for anyone shopping duty-free is the allowance rates, which can easily catch you out.

The rates when heading into the UK are brilliant, with punters allowed to bring in four litres of spirits over 22 per cent alcohol by volume (ABV), or nine litres of spirits under 22 per cent ABV, as well as 18 litres of still wine and 42 litres of beer.

The tobacco rates are similarly mouth-watering, with those heading into the UK allowed to bring 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars.

Or they can bring 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco.

TAKING A RISK

The rates when coming into Ireland aren’t quite as liberal, so we had to choose carefully when heading to the tills.

Those who do go over the limit risk having their new goods confiscated by border patrol at the port.

But when keeping them in mind, you can stock up on a heap of goodies without breaking the bank.

A litre of spirits at 22 per cent ABV is permitted when entering Ireland, or two litres of spirits under 22 per cent ABV, and four litres of still wine as well as 16 litres of beer.

We found an absolute bargain and scooped up two litres of gin, one each, for just GBP13 (€15.50).

As my favourite tipple, it was a must-have considering a 70cl bottle will set you back €22 in Tesco if you hold a club card.

There was plenty more on offer, with a mix and match deal of Dead Man’s Finger’s rum, Gordon’s gin, authentic Scandinavian vodka, and Grant’s Scotch Whiskey.

Two bottles could be purchased for GBP22 (€26), while there was an eye-watering mix-and-match two-for-GBP60 (€71) deal on Grey Goose vodka, Aberlour Scotch, and Hendrick’s gin.

SUPPORTING LOCAL

Meanwhile, a slab of Bulmers cans was priced at GBP12 (€14), while Heineken was priced at GBP13 (€15.50).

And San Miguel slabs were retailing for GBP15 (€17).

But booze wasn’t the only option, with the duty-free boasting sweets, perfumes, souvenirs, and luxury goods.

Indulgent brands Lancome and Rituals had bath and home gift sets on offer.

But I was particularly taken with the perfume shelves, which were stocked with Dior, Chanel, Paco Rabanne, and Hugo Boss.

And I was reminded that it’s always nice to support Irish-owned businesses, with plenty of famous homemade brands on offer.

Stena Line bosses revealed that of their 450 duty-free items to choose from, the top selections in 2024 were often Irish-owned.

In the alcohol section, the following items flew off the shelves last year: Jameson Irish Whiskey, Absolut Blue, The Famous Grouse Scotch Blended Whisky, and Bombay Sapphire Premium Dry Gin.

And among perfumes, Hugo Boss Bottled Night EDT was one of the top picks, while Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream, Paco Rabanne Pure XS, and Chanel Coco Mademoiselle also reigned supreme.

Popular choices among sweet toothed passengers like myself included Toblerone Milk Messages, Butlers Famous Irish Cream Truffles, Tic Tac Lilliput, and M&M Candy Tin.

garrettwhite

HELEN Flanagan really is the gift that keeps on giving and today gave fans a treat when she shared a video of herself in a plunging dress.

The actress’ latest Instagram post comes just days after the sexy star, 34, revealed her surprising crush from her Coronation Street days.

Instagram

Instagram

Channel 5

instagram/helenflanagan

Helen looked stunning in her plunging dress that showed off her boob job.

The black and white outfit hugged her impressive figure in all the right places.

In true Helen style, her make-up was perfect and her hair beautifully blown out.

The soap star is known for her sexy selfies and regularly thrills fans were her latest looks.

CORRIE CRUSH

Meanwhile, this week Helen revealed a surprising crush on her Coronation Street co-star.

The I’m A Celebrity star previously played the role of Rosie Webster on the ITV soap for over 20 years.

Helen joined the soap in 2000 and stayed on the cobbles for 12 years, before making a comeback in 2017.

The actress then went on maternity leave in June of 2018 but has not been seen on the street since.

In an interview this week on Vanessa Feltz’s new Channel 5 show, the former Celebs Go Dating star talked about how she only has fond memories of her time on the show.

Helen revealed that she had a crush on a Corrie Co-star when she was much younger, and so was he.

“I used to love working with Jack (P. Shepherd),” she admitted.

“We used to tutor together. I had quite a crush on Jack.”

HELEN IN LOVE

In the same interview, Helen talked about keeping things spicy in her relationship with her new boyfriend, Robbie Talbot, 44.

She said: “I do think in the beginning of a relationship you do send your boyfriend sexy pictures and things like that.

Rex

“But when you get comfortable, you just don’t, you know that he loves you for just you.”

She continued: “But I definitely think its a good idea to keep things fresh and exciting and fun.”

Helen started dating Robbie last year, two years after her split from Scott Sinclair.

The couple have gone from strength to strength ever since, with the actress calling him a “really genuine, lovely man”.

Splash

Instagram

Vanessa airs on Channel 5 and is available to stream on My5.

CHRISTINE McGuinness found an unlikely friend in Spencer Matthews as the pair bonded on a TV show during her split from husband Paddy.

The co-stars spent a week together on a “spiritual journey” filming for BBC’s Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales, which aired last year.

BBC

BBC

james james Smart Pictures

Sources have this week told the Daily Mail how Spencer was a shoulder to cry on as she navigated her emotions in dealing with her marriage breakdown.

“You would never have put those two together but they got along instantly,” an insider said of the pair as they filmed the BBC show.

“Poor Christine had been through the mill. She had been with Paddy since she was so young.

“He was really all she knew in a man, so then to strike up this friendship with Spencer was just lovely. It was noticed by everyone on set that they got on especially well.

“It must have been so refreshing for her to have someone making her laugh, as they really got into the spiritual side of life.”

Christine and Spencer hiked 225km across Wales along with five other celebs of different faiths and beliefs.

In one of the final scenes of the programme, Christine said to the group: “For me it doesn’t feel like the end at all, it feels like the beginning.

“It’s made me want to live more. I don’t just want to exist.”

She then turned to Spencer and said: “I want to laugh every day like we have. I want to make more memories.”

Made in Chelsea star Spencer, happily married to Irish model and influencer Vogue Williams, went on the trip having lost his brother – who disappeared hours after reaching Mount Everest’s summit in 1999. His body was never recovered.

Describing his experience during the Pilgrimage, Spencer said: “It was an enlightening journey.

“The whole experience made me feel even happier to be alive.”

In recent weeks he has faced rumours of trouble in his marriage to Vogue – who furiously hit back telling fans: “It’s with great sadness that I have to let you know that Spen and I are NOT breaking up!

“I usually avoid addressing baseless and cruel rumours but this just keeps coming up.”

Alamy

voguewilliams/Instagram

She added: “It’s absolutely not true and much more importantly I don’t want my children hearing these lies in the playground.

“We’re not sure what the angle is or where it’s coming from but the whole thing feels very strange and mean.

“We’re very happily married and in love and I hope posting the truth on my own platform might make it stop.”

The pair, who married in 2018, share three children together Theodore, aged six, Gigi, aged four, and youngest Otto, aged two.

Meanwhile Christine’s divorce was finalised in 2022, following a 12-year marriage to comedian Paddy.

Christine says she’s in “no rush” to get back on the dating scene as she still lives with her ex, co-parenting their three children, who are all on the autism spectrum.

The former couple recently spent Christmas Day together for the sake of their children; twins Penelope and Leo, 11, and Felicity, eight.

Christine admitted of the Pilgrimage: “I didn’t [think I’d have such a good time],

“I’m used to being busy and with the kids and things like that, would I be OK with all the time in my own head?

“And I got there and there wasn’t a moment really for me to be in my own head.”

BBC

CARLO ANCELOTTI is facing FOUR YEARS behind bars for alleged tax evasion.

The Real Madrid gaffer is accused of deliberately misinforming the Spanish tax office of his earnings during his first spell in charge of the club between 2014 and 2015.

REX

REX

It’s alleged that the Italian misled the tax office to avoid paying over GBP833,000 in income tax.

The 65-year-old is set to appear in court on April 2 to address the allegations.

His court date will come the day after the first leg of Real’s Copa del Rey semi-final tie against Real Sociedad.

That’s just six days before the first leg of Los Blancos’ Champions League quarter-final tie with Arsenal.

Ancelotti has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, although the former AC Milan and Everton boss has previously underpaid tax.

He admitted to not paying his fair share of tax in 2014 but blamed his doing so on errors from his accountants.

The Italian is adamant he hasn’t broken the law, claiming he didn’t spend the 183 days in Spain required to pay tax.

Prosecutors, however, will argue the bulk of his income came from Real as he didn’t take charge of Bayern Munich until December 2016.

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If found guilty, Ancelotti could face FOUR YEARS behind bars.

The veteran manager, however, is confident he’ll be exonerated of any wrongdoing.

He said of his legal issues: “This is an old story.

“The Prosecutor’s Office believes I was a resident in 2015, and I believe I wasn’t.

“The fine has been paid, and the case is in the hands of my lawyers.

“I’m convinced I’m innocent. Let’s see what the judge decides.”

Ancelotti isn’t the only high-profile Spanish football star to be embroiled in a tax scandal.

Barcelona icon Lionel Messi and his father, Jorge, were convicted of tax fraud for defrauding the government of GBP3.4million between 2007 and 2009.

In 2016, the Argentine was hit with a 21-month jail term for using tax havens to conceal his earnings from image rights.

But he ended up paying a fine of GBP223,000 instead.

NIAMH FARRELLY came home with the plan to go away again.

But she decided that not travelling too far is the right move for now.

Farrelly, 25, switched to Galway United this season from Peamount United, who she joined last year after four years away in Scotland, Italy and England.

Peas meant a return ‘home’. Farrelly grew up in Lucan and joined Peamount as a kid, making her first-team debut when she was just 16.

But Galway boss Phil Trill had been on to her last summer when she weighed up her options and he approached her again in the close season.

Farrelly told SunSport: “I’d lived abroad for four years previously and I kind of wanted to move back away from home.

“I grew up at Peamount and I still have a lot of respect for them.

“I wouldn’t be where I am now. But I just wanted a different challenge.

“I chatted with Phil last year but the timing wasn’t right.

“He spoke to me again when the season was done and I decided it was a good move.

“I’m enjoying it all — apart from the weather.”

The fact Galway, who host Shamrock Rovers at Eamonn Deacy Park today, are serious title challengers having won back-to-back Avenir All-Island Cups was another selling point.

Yet it is a club Farrelly never thought she would be joining when she first left Ireland in 2021.

She said: “Certainly not! It’s funny how the world works.

“The league is definitely more competitive than when I moved away, the talent is more spread out.

“That is probably due to more girls playing football in general.

“We used to be travelling to play teams with Peamount and you’d be thinking, ‘We’ll batter these’. You can’t think that now, every team takes points off everyone. That’s brilliant.”

The four-times capped Ireland star’s return has allowed her to complete her Sports Management degree in DCU, having put it on hold in 2021 when she had the chance to join Glasgow City.

And she admitted that the experiences abroad have whetted her appetite to spread her wings again if there is an opportunity in the future.

Farrelly said: “I moved to Scotland in January 2021 with Glasgow City.

“We’d played them the previous year in the Champions League, losing on penalties.

“At the time, it wasn’t in my mind to go abroad because I was studying. But I felt it was too good an opportunity.

“It was difficult at first with Covid but we won the league. I was there for a year and a half.

“Then Parma came in for me and it was a chance to go to Serie A.

“I’d studied Italian for the Leaving Cert so it was like everything aligned.

“I loved my two years there, it was a completely different experience, different coaches, different style of play, a different lifestyle.

“After that I joined London City. To go to the Championship was a great opportunity but I didn’t play as many games as I’d have liked.

“I was injured in pre-season and then just didn’t really get in.

“At the end of the season, my mind was on coming home, getting my degree and getting playing again.”

Still, going abroad once more is an ambition.

She added: “I’d definitely do it again. But right now I’m tunnel vision on Galway and my degree and doing well this season.”

TODAY’S FIXTURES: Treaty United v Cork City (3pm), Waterford v DLR Waves (3pm), Shelbourne v Peamount (4pm), Galway United v Shamrock Rovers (5pm), Wexford Youths v Sligo Rovers (6pm), Athlone Town v Bohemians (7.30pm).

A SCRAPYARD crammed full of decaying cars has been branded an “eyesore” by furious residents – and even the owner agrees it’s a “f***ing mess”.

Tensions between the locals and yard owner have reached boiling point, resulting in anti-social behaviour.

A© Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures

A© Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures

North Wales police are investigating criminal damage and vandalism of the cars and have been forced to patrol the area.

The people of Chirk, a picturesque town famed for its castle, launched a petition against the motor trader who they accuse of parking his cars “recklessly”.

The petition claims: “It has become a significant obstruction for local villagers and visitors. Cars are recklessly parked anywhere, which results in reducing accessibility.”

Despite the locals’ gripes with the mess of machinery on their doorstep, North Wales police said: “We are appealing for information as we continue to investigate reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in Chirk.

“The incidents, targeted towards a local resident’s vehicles, are increasing in the village, which has resulted in further high visibility patrols.”

Inspector Stefan Lederle urged anyone with information about those responsible to contact officers as soon as possible.

“We are continuing to receive reports of targeted criminal damage to vehicles owned by a local man,” Inspector Lederle said.

“Incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage will not be tolerated and those who are responsible will be dealt with robustly once identified.

“I am asking anyone who has witnessed these incidents, or anyone with information about those involved, to make contact with us.”

The officer’s comments prompted an online backlash.

One man wrote: “Given the poor families that live by this scrapyard and the torment they are obviously suffering on a daily basis, saying ASB will not be tolerated must be an absolute insult.

“No-one wants ASB but please read the room. This whole thing needs sorting.”

The scrapyard is next to homes and on a main road used by thousands of visitors to the imposing National Trust-run castle and picturesque gardens, built during the reign of Edward I to subdue any troublesome Welsh princes.

Motor trader Paul Williams says he’s been told he’s not breaking any planning laws.

A note posted on a vandalised car read: “Your children are committing criminal damage to my vehicles and displaying threatening behaviour. What does that say about you as parents??”

He claimed youngsters “don’t give a f***” about being caught.

When asked about what he was doing with the vehicles, he replied:”It’s none of your f****** business and none of Chirk’s business.”

Mr Williams added: “There are always two sides to every story. If they think this is a f—ing mess they should look west. At least I’m not putting out pollutants. I have to live beside a wood panel manufacturer but I’m not protesting outside their gates.”

The town has a population of about 4,500.

Wrexham council have been approached for comment.

But the authority said previously : “Officers are currently looking into the complaints to establish whether any breaches of legislation have taken place.”

Locals say vehicles advertising the scrapyard have been spotted at Llangollen and Oswestry and cars have been left parked around Chirk.

© Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures

© Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures

A© Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures

Abi Brown, 49, a neighbour, said : “It’s just getting worse and worse. It’s horrible. Chirk is a lovely place and you have this eyesore as you come into it. People heading to the castle will pass.

“Everyone is fed-up in the village.”

Jack Edwards, 23, who also lives nearby, said: “It looks awful. That’s one big eyesore.

“Kids are not helping by smashing his windows. The council need to take action and the police. It’s a nuisance for everyone.”

There used to be a plant hire business at the site.

Pat Edwards, 69, was worried about the fire risk. She said :”It’s about time something was done. It’s not a very good advert for Chirk.

“Something needs to be done before there’s a tragedy.”

Rob Jones, 52, also a local, added :”It’s not very nice. It’s a tourist area. The council should do something about it.

“There’s strong feeling in Chirk. It’s a terrible mess.

“It was diggers and then turned into scrap cars and a junk yard. It shouldn’t be allowed.”

A© Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures

Drone collect

A© Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures

I wasn’t prepared for how much he would open up. With a deep sigh, he took a sip of his drink and admitted things weren’t great.

They had been trying for children for years, pouring a fortune into IVF – only to face heartbreak after heartbreak.

The stress, the scheduled sex, the endless disappointments – it had driven a massive wedge between them.

After three failed rounds of IVF, they hadn’t been intimate in a long time. They were sleeping in separate bedrooms.

He shocked me with his honesty, but it also felt like he trusted me – like he saw me as someone he could confide in. Did he see me as just a friend, or did he want more?

My heart ached for him – and for her. But at the same time, I felt a strange sense of relief. He wasn’t in a happy marriage. This wasn’t some fairytale love story I was about to ruin.

The gin had kicked in a little, and as the conversation flowed, he turned his attention to me. “What about you?” he asked.

I shrugged. “I’m single. No kids.”

His eyes lingered on mine, and the attraction between us grew stronger. The tingles, the butterflies – I could feel the tension crackling between us.

Do I make a move? Place a hand on his leg? I didn’t want to seem too keen.

We chatted for a while longer, both dancing around what we really wanted to say. Eventually, we went our separate ways. But later that night, he came back.

I’d given him a nod, a subtle hint. And when the knock came at my door, I knew it wasn’t room service – my midnight feast had arrived.

I opened the door and fell straight into his arms. After months of flirting, we couldn’t hold back any longer.

The sex was incredible – passionate, spontaneous and wild.

‘Temporary escape’

After that night, we tried to keep things professional, but we couldn’t resist each other. We arranged “meetings” outside of work, ones that conveniently allowed us to spend time together.

His job required him to travel often, which meant he could stay overnight in different places without raising suspicion.

At first, it was exciting. The secrecy, the passionate sex, the intensity of sneaking around – it was like something out of a film. But soon, reality set in.

“If your marriage is sexless and the baby dream isn’t happening, why are you still in it?” I asked him one day.

He looked torn. He wanted out, he said, but it wasn’t that simple. His in-laws adored him and his wife still believed there was hope for their future.

They had spent a fortune on IVF and he felt like walking away would make him the villain.

I felt sorry for her. There was guilt, too – what if that happened to me one day? I’m a big believer in karma, but I had to push that thought out of my mind.

I wasn’t her. I was a different person but I started to wonder – was he ever going to leave her? Was I just a temporary escape?

Months passed. I spent birthdays, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Days alone, while he played the role of dutiful husband at home. I didn’t want to scare him off and told myself to be patient, but how long was I supposed to wait?

Then, a year ago, everything changed. There was a knock at my door. When I opened it, there he was, waving a set of keys.

“I’ve left,” he said simply. “I told her it’s over.” I was stunned. He finally did it.

He told his wife he wasn’t happy, that they hadn’t been intimate in years, and that he had met someone else. She was devastated. I felt a pang of guilt, knowing she must have been blindsided.

But at the same time, I told myself it wasn’t my fault. Their marriage was over long before I was on the scene. It took a while for the news to sink in. I couldn’t believe he had finally done it.

I spent birthdays, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Days alone, while he played the role of dutiful husband at home. I didn’t want to scare him off and told myself to be patient, but how long was I supposed to wait?

Ruby Cutler

Now, he’s renting a beautiful house, and we’re officially together – but not everyone knows. He still hasn’t told his in-laws the full story.

They know the marriage is over and that he’s met someone else, but he hasn’t told them who or how serious it is. He also gave his ex-wife a watered-down version of events to spare her feelings – which I understand.

I want to shout it from the rooftops. I want to introduce him as my boyfriend to friends and family, post pictures of us together on Instagram, celebrate anniversaries and do all the things normal couples do.

But I have to wait. He’s still nervous. I’ve asked him, “Isn’t it time we go public? Your marriage is over. We’re together now. You left your wife a year ago.”

“Just a little longer,” he always says.

It’s hard. I thought that once he left his wife, the hiding, the secrets, and the lies would be over – but they’re not.

Most people still don’t know about us – not even my mum. I’m constantly batting away patronising questions like, “Isn’t it time you found yourself a fella?”

I feel like screaming, “I do! I have Mark!” But I can’t. I can’t say I’m seeing him. Some people would frown upon it – we live in a small town – but the truth is, things like this happen.

I’m not the first person in this situation and I won’t be the last. I’ve told Mark he can’t stay guilty forever but he’s hesitant, still unsure.

I know I have to be patient. A little longer won’t hurt. The most important thing is that we’re happy but I don’t feel like we can truly enjoy a real relationship until we go public.

The good news is his divorce is going through and, one day, I’d love to get married. But I don’t want to pressure him – we haven’t even talked about it yet. I won’t force anything.

One step at a time. First, we need to go public.

Neil Hope

Neil Hope

ONE of Vladimir Putin’s limousines exploded and caught fire in Moscow as the tyrant orders sewers to be searched and the pat down of his own guards.

An Aurus limousine from Putin’s “official car fleet” blew up in a huge blast on a street just north of Moscow’s FSB secret service headquarters in Lubyanka.

East2West

Alamy

East2West

Footage showed that the fire which started in the engine of the GBP275,000 Aurus Senat had spread to the interior of the vehicle.

Workers from nearby restaurants and bars had poured into the Sretenka Street to try to help before fire services arrived.

Stunned onlookers watched on as black smoke billowed out of the front of the destroyed vehicle as the fire continued to rage.

Footage taken from another angle appeared to show that the rear of the vehicle was also damaged.

Reports did not reveal who was using the car – believed to be owned by Putin’s Presidential Property Management Department – when the shocking incident occurred.

And no report has been made about what may have caused the sudden blaze but those inside the car were not injured.

Putin, 72, routinely uses the Russian-made cars and has gifted the limousines, for example to North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.

The incident comes as the tyrant continues to display intense paranoia about assassination plots.

Extraordinary footage from a few days ago, showed servicemen from a ceremonial guard in Murmansk being individually body searched by a Federal Protection Service [FSO] officer.

He patted down the servicemen for hidden weapons or explosive devices as they stood waiting for the Kremlin dictator to lay a wreath by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Reports say magazines were removed from their guns and plugs fitted into the chambers as Putin fears assassination from his own troops.

Putin used his trip to Russia’s Arctic capital Murmansk to declare he intends to wipe out Ukraine.

He boarded nuclear submarine Arkhangelsk and vowed: “Not long ago I said we’d grind them [Ukraine] down — now it looks like we’ll finish them off.”

In 2023 it was revealed by a former bodyguard that Putin has little trust in his own security team, getting his protection personnel to operate his washing machine.

East2West

East2West

East2West

“This is how much he fears for his life,” the defected bodyguard told an independent Russian TV station that was banned from the country.

Earlier this week there was another sign of the deep concern for Putin’s security amid the unpopular war with Ukraine.

FSO officers were seen opening sewer hatches and rubbish dumps in a hunt for bombs close to a Moscow venue where Putin was speaking.

A source close to the Kremlin previously revealed that Russia’s special services had “ramped up the already strict security measures surrounding Putin to an unprecedented degree”.

Last summer, reports claimed that the paranoid despot had started wearing bulletproof vests to public appearances as he increasingly fears being taken out over the war in Ukraine or by Islamic terrorists.

The Kremlin is on “heightened” alert over its invasion of Ukraine – but is also “rattled” by attacks on high-ranking politicians in Europe and Asia.

A Russian source told a local outlet: “The Kremlin takes Vladimir Putin’s security very seriously.

“He is protected by a whole army of visible and invisible guards.”

East2West

East2West

AL-NASSR’S manager is reportedly on the brink of leaving after allegedly upsetting Cristiano Ronaldo.

And he may replace a Premier League legend.

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AFP

Stefano Pioli only took over at the Saudi Pro League club in September.

Al-Nassr are third in the table – ten points off leaders Al-Ittihad.

But it is not the team’s form that is threatening to cost Pioli his job.

Instead, it is his relationship with main man Ronaldo that could see him axed.

According to Calciomercato, a feud has broken out between Pioli and the GBP173million-a-year superstar.

The Italian boss, 59, controversially subbed Ronaldo off in their 3-1 win over Al-Kholood on March 14.

Petulant Ronaldo, 40, was typically unhappy with the decision and stormed off down the tunnel after exchanging some brief words with his manager.

And with Ronaldo holding so much power at the club due to his iconic status in the game, even with his current contract expiring this summer, it is understood it will be Pioli who would make way if their relationship is beyond repair.

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He would likely depart at the end of the season in June, when he has a break clause in his contract.

Pioli, though, could return to work immediately – by replacing another Italian.

Claudio Ranieri is currently in his third spell in charge at Roma.

The former Chelsea boss famously won the Premier League with Leicester at odds of 5,000-1 in 2015-16.

But he will leave his Roma post at the end of the season and is set to become a director at the Stadio Olimpico, even leading the search for his replacement.

And Piolo is thought to be under serious consideration – despite previously managing Milan, Inter and arch-rivals Lazio.

Ranieri has already ruled out Atalants boss Gian Piero Gasperini despite strong media rumours.

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TOMORROW, mums can get themselves a well-deserved treat in Morrisons – and it’s totally free.

The British retailer is offering select customers a free box of delicious chocolates – yes, you heard that correctly.

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catchagemm/Tiktok

Morrisons

Morrisons

So if you’ve got a sweet tooth and fancy nabbing yourself a box of Guylian, without having to spend a penny, then you’ve come to the right place and will need to listen up.

To celebrate Mother’s Day, not only will Morrisons let mums and kids queue jump in a big change to their stores, but some 50,000 boxes of chocolates will also be given to mothers at the checkout on March 30.

Not only this, but shop assistants will even help them with packing their shopping too.

As well as introducing “mum lanes” for one day only, customers will also be able to get their hands on a tasty box of the original seashell chocolates, the premium Belgian chocolates that have been a favourite since 1958.

The deal is available in all stores nationwide on Mothering Sunday to ensure mums leave stores with a smile and a sweet treat.

One savvy shopper took to social media to alert mothers to the free treat, leaving many open-mouthed.

Posting on TikTok, the Morrisons shopper, who shares updates under the username @ catchagemm, alerted mothers to the “mum lanes” and the sweet deal.

In a short clip that has since racked up 139,800 views, the bargain hunter explained: “Every mum shopping in Morrisons this Sunday, on Mother’s Day, will get this box of free Guylian chocolates.

“All you need to do is go to the ‘mum lane’ while you’re checking out and then they’ll give one of these away to you for free.

“There’ll be a good chance that you’ll get one because there’s 50,000 that they’re giving away across the whole nation.”

While the box of 22 chocolates, which have mouth-watering hazelnut praline filling, are normally priced at GBP7.50 a box, this epic treat is sure to leave mums up and down the country beaming.

But that’s not all, as customers will also be able to earn rewards when picking up presents for their mums too.

These can be redeemed on items such as chocolates and fudge, as well as products from the Market Street Cake Shop.

Buying such items will give More Card members an extra 50 points.

Some 500 points will also be up for grabs when buying giant cookies.

Gareth Lloyd, Head of Marketing Events at Morrisons, explained: “The reality is that many mums still end up doing chores like the weekly shop on Mother’s Day – even though it is supposed to be the day that they are spoiled!

“Therefore, we’ve launched Mums’ Lanes in stores to give a little something back to all the mums shopping with us on their special day.”

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How to save money on your food shop

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save hundreds of pounds a year:

Odd boxes – plenty of retailers offer slightly misshapen fruit and veg or surplus food at a discounted price.

Lidl sells five kilos of fruit and veg for just GBP1.50 through its Waste Not scheme while Aldi shoppers can get Too Good to Go bags which contain GBP10 worth of all kinds of products for GBP3.30.

Sainsbury’s also sells GBP2 “Taste Me, Don’t Waste Me” fruit and veg boxes to help shoppers reduced food waste and save cash.

Food waste apps – food waste apps work by helping shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses shift stock that is due to go out of date and passing it on to members of the public.

Some of the most notable ones include Too Good to Go and Olio.

Too Good to Go’s app is free to sign up to and is used by millions of people across the UK, letting users buy food at a discount.

Olio works similarly, except users can collect both food and other household items for free from neighbours and businesses.

Yellow sticker bargains – yellow sticker bargains, sometimes orange and red in certain supermarkets, are a great way of getting food on the cheap.

But what time to head out to get the best deals varies depending on the retailer. You can see the best times for each supermarket here.

Super cheap bargains – sign up to bargain hunter Facebook groups like Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK where shoppers regularly post hauls they’ve found on the cheap, including food finds.

“Downshift” – you will almost always save money going for a supermarket’s own-brand economy lines rather than premium brands.

The move to lower-tier ranges, also known as “downshifting” and hailed by consumer expert Martin Lewis, could save you hundreds of pounds a year on your food shop.

TREATING your family to a tasty takeaway seems to be getting more and more expensive.

That’s why so many Brits across the nation try their hand at perfecting the fakeaway – saving cash on expensive restaurant bills.

Aldi

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Now Nando’s fans can get their peri peri fix at home for a fraction of the price, thanks to Aldi’s new Roosters range.

The German retailer has got a whole load of mouth-watering food available, with a familiar chilli-shaped spice chart to help you choose.

Whether you’re a lemon and herb lover, medium spice fan or prefer your spice-levels hot, there’s something for everyone.

The range, which uses 100% British chicken, hits Aldi stores April 3.

Aldi says: “No need to wing it – your fakeaway feast is here!

“Snap up our tasty British chicken and sides before they fly off the shelves.”

Aldi is known for its pocket-friendly pricing, and with their new range you can feed a family of four for GBP32.16, that’s GBP53.04 less than the Nando’s equivalent.

The new range has got a massive variety of menu classics, including a half chicken (GBP3.99), chicken breast sizzlers (GBP3.69) or chicken thigh fillets (3.29).

Shoppers are spoilt for choice with sides too – able to choose from rainbow slaw (79p), spicy corn on the cob (GBP1.99), peri-peri fries (GBP1.49) and more.

There are even yummy appetisers, like spicy mixed olives (GBP1.69) or halloumi sticks with chilli jam (GBP2.49) to choose from.

And it doesn’t matter if the family is divided on their preferred level of spice.

As you can choose the level of heat you’d like using the handy spice meter.

If you’d consider yourself a daring diner, the wing roulette (GBP4.99) will be right up your street – it’s potluck which spice level you’ll get, so it’s not for the faint hearted.

The range was last seen in stores last year, with customers rushing to stores to snap it up.

They raved about it online, with one shopper taking to the Facebook group Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK to tell people: “Don’t walk bloody run!! ‘Nando’s’ has come to Aldi.”

The happy customer had bought so much of the dupe dining range she’d managed to completely cover her kitchen counter.

Again, chicken lovers will need to be quick if they want to get their hands on the latest drop.

As with all Aldi Specialbuys, once it’s gone it’s gone.

THE Wanted’s Max George has returned to the stage for the first time since his heart operation.

Taking to the stage alongside his girlfriend Maisie Smith, Max shared a backstage snap on Instagram and said: “Stage time…”

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instagram

@twotw_official / instagram

The member of The Wanted is currently starring in Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds, which is touring the UK and Europe.

In the show, he plays the role of Parson Nathaniel alongside his girlfriend Maisie Smith as his on-stage wife Beth.

Max, 36, was admitted to A&E last December and had heart surgery and a pacemaker fitted after doctors discovered a heart block, which caused his heart to beat abnormally.

He then recently revealed he had to undergo a secret second heart operation after his pacemaker wires were inserted too deeply.

But despite having to postpone The Wanted 2.0’s Manchester Cathedral concert in February, Max seems to have recovered.

He was originally announced for the 2025 tour of Jeff Wayne’s musical back in April 2024.

Eroteme

Eroteme

Eroteme

A week ago he spoke out about his recovery ahead of the tour, confirming he would be heading on the road.

“It’s been a long road trip since December.. but we got here!

“Currently in rehearsals for Jeff Wayne’s ‘The War of The Worlds’ and it’s gonna be EPIC. Another arena tour to tick off the bucket list.. including the Co op Live Arena in my hometown for the first time!

“I’m playing Parson Nathaniel, Maisie is playing Beth (my wife) and Liam Neeson has a great right hook .. SPOILER ALERT.

“Genuinely can’t wait to do this… starting the 28th March,” he penned on Instagram.

Max also recently said: “Hey everyone! I’m absolutely buzzing that I’m still able to perform as Parson Nathaniel in The War Of The Worlds.

“Obviously, the last few months have been rough, but after a lot of hard work and rehabilitation, I’m back to my best and I’ll be performing throughout the whole tour.

“Getting to do this with Maisie is an experience I’m sure I’ll never forget.”

Speaking to The Sun on Sunday recently, Max opened up about his health and scary second operation.

“I was trying to get back to good health but was still having a flickering sensation for weeks after I had my pacemaker fitted and it was gradually getting worse and worse.

“When my heart rate went up, it was causing a shock in my heart which was making me jump all the time.

“My chest was shaking,” he added.

After several visits to the hospital, it was only when a representative from Max’s pacemaker company Medtronic was visiting the ward by chance, that they were able to get to the bottom of his discomfort.

He was booked in for his second operation straight away, on January 15, but was warned that the rare situation could cause a dangerous bleed on his heart.

He said: “The night before, I was really nervous, I didn’t sleep much.

“I was worried it could go wrong again and felt anxious that it could bleed out.”

But the operation went well and he was “pleased it had gone successfully”.

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maxgeorge/Instagram

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ONLY the most eagle-eyed will be able to spot the five hidden bunnies in this devilishly difficult brainteaser.

Put your vision to the test with this tricky optical illusion, which will have you staring at your screen trying to figure it out.

Hilllarys

Whether you’re trying to improve your sight, or test your IQ, this puzzle will prove a challenge to many readers.

Put your observation skills to the test and try and find as many hidden bunnies as you can within this image.

At first glance, this image appears to just be of a park, with people gardening, walking their dogs and relaxing in it.

But there are actually five bunnies hidden within the picture.

Make sure to set your stopwatch before undertaking this challenge, to make it extra hard for yourself.

Anyone who can spot the five rabbits hidden within the image, provided by Hillarys in less than 64 seconds, is thought to have 20/20 vision.