1 week agoLatest NewsComments Off on Andy Farrell announces World Cup winner among ‘three of the absolute best’ additions to British & Irish Lions backroom
ANDY FARRELL has named three members of his British & Irish Lions backroom team – turning to the IRFU for two of them.
The Ireland head coach is on secondment from the national team as he oversees the Lions for their tour of Australia this summer.
On Tuesday, three members of his backroom team were confirmed, with David Nucifora coming on board as general manager.
The former IRFU High Performance Director is joined by two current IRFU officials – Aled Walters and Vinny Hammond.
Walters, a World Cup winner with Wales, joins as Head of Athletic Performance while Hammond is back for his third tour as Head of Analysis.
Farrell said: “In David, Aled and Vinny we have three of the absolute best joining us for the Tour to Australia this summer, culminating in the highly anticipated Test series against the Wallabies.
“David’s unrivalled experience will help us shape and deliver such a challenging and exciting rugby programme, whilst also bringing essential insight into Australian rugby and the country as a whole.
“Aled is a World Cup winner who has worked with players across England and Ireland and has also coached in Australia and Super Rugby with the Brumbies.
“And Vinny’s Lions pedigree from touring New Zealand and South Africa brings continuity and Lions experience, which will be crucial to success down under.”
Former Wallaby hooker and Brumbies coach Nucifora joins on a consultancy basis and will be with the squad for the duration of the tour.
He is currently also contracted to Scottish Rugby as their Performance Director and has already started supporting the Lions in their preparations.
Nucifora said: “Having watched the Lions tour Australia over the years, and then playing against them for a Queensland XV in 1989, never did I expect that one day I would be part of their team – but it is funny how sport works.
“I look forward to drawing on my experiences with Ireland and Scotland in supporting Andy as he goes about building a truly world-class backroom team and squad.”
Walters and Hammond are both on secondment from the IRFU.
The Welshman said: “The Lions is the absolute pinnacle and my earliest memory of them was watching the 1989 Australia Tour as an eight-year-old and celebrating Ieuan Evans’ try in the Third Test.
“It is true that there is no greater honour than being selected for a Lions tour and I cannot wait to work with the very best players and coaches as we take on the Wallabies and tour Australia.”
Hammond added: “The Lions has an incredibly special place in my heart, having toured New Zealand in 2017 and then South Africa in 2021.
“Being part of the Lions is the ultimate honour and it was a real privilege to be asked by Andy to lead the analysis team for 2025. Our focus now is on doing everything we can to win a Test Series.”
Both Walters and Hammond start working with the Lions at the end of the 2025 GuinnessSix Nations.
Alongside Nucifora they accompanied Farrell on a successful recce to Australia this month where they toured the host cities, stadiums and training venues.
Lions CEO Ben Calveley added: “It is my pleasure to welcome David, Aled and Vinny to the Lions.
“The excitement for this year’s Tour to Australia is really starting to build across both hemispheres and as Andy shapes his backroom team that will only intensify.
“These roles would also not be possible without the support of our colleagues at Scottish Rugby and the IRFU who have helped facilitate these appointments.”
Farrell will finalise the rest of his backroom team after the 2025 Guinness Six Nations.
1 week agoLatest NewsComments Off on Що варто розсипати під полуницю під час цвітіння
Період, що настає відразу після початку цвітіння полуниці, дуже важливий. У цей час дачник має всі шанси забезпечити величезний урожай соковитих ягід. Для цього необхідно провести одну нескладну дію. А от якщо городник проґавить цю можливість, то на полуничних чагарниках буде сформовано не так багато плодів, як хотілося б. Але що саме потрібно зробити […]
1 week agoLatest NewsComments Off on Прикордонники завадили спробі вивезення українських жінок для сексуальної експлуатації в Чехію (ФОТО, ВІДЕО)
На кодоні затримано мікроавтобус, в якому перебували вербувальниця та жінки, яких планували вивезти для сексуального рабства за кордон Про це повідомили в пресслужбі ДПСУ, передає Хронікерс. Спецоперацію із затримання вербувальниці повели прикордонники спільно з Національною поліцією та під процесуальним керівництвом Криворізької центральної окружної прокуратури Дніпропетровської області. В результаті було затримали осіб, підозрюваних у торгівлі людьми, […]
1 week agoLatest NewsComments Off on Sara Sharif’s evil dad moved to Monster Mansion where infamous killers Ian Huntley and Levi Bellfield rot behind bars
THE KILLER Dad of ten-year-old Sara Sharif is “terrified” after being moved to a prison dubbed Monster Mansion.
Vile Urfan Sharif – serving life for torturing and killing his daughter – has been cowering in his cell after being switched to Category A Frankland jail.
Monster Urfan Sharif was jailed for life with a minimum of 40 years after being convicted of murder[/caption]
Sarah Sharif was found dead in her bunk bed at the family home in Woking, Surrey in August 2023[/caption]
Urfan Sharif has been switched to Category A Frankland jail dubbed Monster Mansion[/caption]
The County Durham prison houses killers including Ian Huntley, Levi Bellfield and ex-cop Wayne Couzens as well as a raft of terrorist inmates.
The move comes after we told how Sharif, 43, had his throat and face slashed with a jagged tuna tin lid on New Year’s Day at high-security Belmarsh Prison, south London.
And a source said: “The prisoners were all locked up when Sharif was brought in this week, so no-one could get to him.
“But it was obvious something big was happening – and word soon got round about who he was.
“Child killers are the lowest of the low, even at a place like Frankland.
“So Sharif is absolutely terrified and has been cowering in his cell, barely coming out.
“He knows he has a huge target on his back, just like he did at Belmarsh.
“He has been put on the same wing as Bellfield, and it also has a lot of killers and hitmen on it – really heavy duty people.
“There are also a lot of Muslim inmates, including gangs on there, and Sharif is hoping that they might offer him protection out of a warped sense of loyalty.”
Sharif’s switch means he will not rub shoulders with Southport murder monster Axel Rudakubana, 18, who has just been moved into Belmarsh.
Sharif was caged in December alongside Sara’s stepmum Beinash Batool, 30, and uncle Faisal Malik, 29, after an Old Bailey trial that horrified Britain.
Sharif wept as he and Batool were jailed for life with a minimum of 40 years and 33 years after being convicted of murder.
Sara’s uncle Malik was also jailed for 16 years after being cleared of murder but found guilty of causing or allowing her death.
Sentencing, Mr Justice Cavanagh said Sara’s death was the “culmination of years of neglect, frequent assaults, and what can only be described as the torture of this small child”.
He said the final thing she felt before she died was her “own father beating her for supposedly faking injury”.
Sara’s birth mother Olga Domin, 38, had lost a court battle to keep Sara from ex-taxi driver Sharif, who exploited EU rules to stay in the UK and hoodwinked social services.
She revealed her torment over the killing in a powerful victim impact statement.
She addressed her ex-husband Sharif and his new wife Batool as “cowards”.
The mum continued: “You are sadists although even this word is not enough for you. I would say you are executioners.”
The trial heard Sara suffered multiple internal and external injuries and was made to wear a hijab to cover them up.
In a two-year campaign of abuse, Sharif throttled schoolgirl Sara, and hit her with a cricket bat and metal pole – sometimes tying her hands and legs together with parcel tape.
Sarah’s evil stepmum Beinash Batool was jailed for life after being convicted of murder[/caption]
The court heard how teachers noted Sara had bruising under her eye on two separate occasions[/caption]
Sarah suffered multiple internal and external injuries and was made to wear a hijab to cover them up[/caption]
She was also bitten and burned with an iron.
Police found her body in her bunk bed at the family home in Woking, Surrey in August 2023.
Sharif left a note confessing to the killing next to her – but then fled to Pakistan with Batool and Malik.
They were later brought back to the UK after an Interpol operation.
‘TARGET ON HIS BACK’
Sharif was held – at Belmarsh, alongside Malik – after being convicted but was moved after being slashed.
Jail bosses suspect double killer Steve Sansom was behind the attack on Sharif, which allegedly happened when he was ambushed in a cell.
He was left bloodied and battered and was treated in the healthcare unit at Belmarsh.
A source said at the time: “Urfan was sliced up badly in his cell by two others who rushed in. It was planned and they used a makeshift weapon — made from the lid of a tin of tuna.
“He was sliced in the neck and face, and is still in healthcare and in a very bad way.
“He was lucky to survive, has had to have stitches and will have scars as a permanent reminder of the attack. The guards tried to keep him safe because he obviously had a target on his back after the case was such big news.
“Something like this was always on the cards, and an attack was probably only a matter of time.”
Frankland Prison – formerly home to Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe – holds more than 800 dangerous lags, including many who will never be released.
Other inmates include Lee Rigby murderer Michael Adebolajo, terrorist Dhiren Barot and Sean Mercer, who killed 11-year-old Rhys Jones.
15 missed opportunities to save tragic Sara
By Ed Southgate
JANUARY 2013: Sara was made subject to a child protection plan at birth because of Urfan Sharif being accused of attacking three women including her mother, as well as hitting and biting two children.
But she was allowed to remain with her father.
FEBRUARY 22, 2013: A month after Sara was born, social services and police were told that Sharif had slapped a child around the face.
Nothing was done.
MAY 7, 2013: A social worker spotted a burn mark on a child’s leg.
Sharif failed to report the incident and claimed it was a barbecue accident. Nothing was done.
OCTOBER 7, 2013: A child was seen with a burn mark made by a domestic iron.
Sharif told social services the child had bumped into the appliance.
No action was taken.
2013 TO 2014: A child told a social worker that Sharif smashed up a TV and punched Sara’s mother Olga.
NOVEMBER 2014: Sara was taken into foster care after a child told a social worker about a bite mark.
But she later returned to live with her father following a family court hearing in October 2019 where social services recommended Sara lived with her father because that was her preference.
JANUARY 2015: Sharif was reported to social services for waving a knife around at home in what he said was a zombie game.
Social workers noted that Sharif hit and kicked Olga at home and the pair threatened to kill each other.
FEBRUARY 2015: A child told their foster carer that Sharif used to hit them on the bottom with a belt.
In September that year the child was heard to say to Sharif: “When you’re at home you hit and kick me every day.”
2015: Olga told social services about Sharif tightening a belt around her neck.
Around this time social workers complained Sharif was coercive and derogatory towards them.
A male social worker was then appointed to the family.
DECEMBER 2016: A child told a social worker they did not like Sharif because he punched them all over their body and gave them lots of bruises.
Social workers saw Sara flinch when Sharif told her off during supervised contact and seem surprised when he cuddled her.
JUNE 6, 2022: A teacher reported that Sara had a bruise under her eye, using the school’s online child protection monitoring system.
Sara initially would not say what happened, before later saying another child hit her.
But no referral was made to social services.
MARCH 10, 2023: A teacher saw bruises on Sara’s face.
Sara said she had fallen on roller skates.
When she gave a different story to a safeguarding lead, the school made a referral to social services.
Six days later social services decided to take no further action.
It is understood there had been no contact between social services and Sara’s family for four years at this point.
Social services categorised the case as the second highest priority and asked other agencies for information.
When nothing came back, the case was closed.
MARCH 20, 2023: A report was logged on the school’s internal system after Sara’s stepmother Beinash Batool was overheard referring to children as “motherf***er, sister f***er, b**** and whore” in the playground.
But no details were passed to social services.
MARCH 28, 2023: Batool claimed a mark on Sara’s face was caused by a pen.
The teacher told the school safeguarding lead.
APRIL 17, 2023: Sharif decided to home-school Sara.
School staff rang the council for advice and were told they should make a referral if there were concerns.
Staff saw Sara later that day at school pick-up and she seemed fine so they decided against it, even though she had been beaten earlier that day.
She was never seen outside the home again.
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “We do not comment on individual prisoners.”
This comes as we revealed yesterday how Sharif – and co-defendants Batool and Malik – had run up a Legal Aid bill of £700,000 between them.
Taxi driver Sharif benefited from £236,000 — including £147,000 for solicitors and £89,000 for barristers at last year’s ten-week trial.
Her uncle Faisal Malik got £272,000 for his defence.
Legal aid is paid to lawyers, not defendants, to ensure a fair trial.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “The offenders didn’t receive a penny of this money – it went directly to lawyers to ensure a fair trial so they could be imprisoned for their despicable crimes.”
FAMILY COURT JUDGES NAMED
Meanwhile, three family court judges who let Sara Sharif live with her killer dad can be named next week — in a victory for The Sun.
We appealed a ruling by Mr Justice Williams last month that no professionals involved in the case should be named because the media “could not be trusted to report fairly”.
At the Court of Appeal, Master of the Rolls Sir Geoffrey Vos accepted our claim it was an attack on open justice.
He said Mr Justice Williams had “lost sight of the importance of press scrutiny to the integrity of the justice system”.
He added: “It is not for judges to decide what the press should report or how to do their jobs.”
Mr Justice Williams said naming the trio, two of whom have since retired, would expose them to a “virtual lynch mob”.
Between June 6, 2022, and March 10, 2023, the court heard previously how teachers noted Sara had bruising under her eye on two separate occasions.
The school notified the authorities and a social services referral was made – but officials decided not to intervene just six days later.
On April 17, 2023, Sharif removed Sara from school confirming his daughter would be homeschooled with immediate effect.
The decision proved fatal for defenceless Sara as Sharif was free to ramp up his sadistic abuse away from preying eyes.
This violence reached a fatal head on August 8 when Sara was battered to death with a cricket bat.
The following day, Sharif, Batool and Malik fled to Pakistan – leaving the youngster dead in a bunk-bed.
Sharif then called police to say he had beaten Sara “too much” as a punishment for being naughty.
When police arrived, the found a chilling note by the schoolgirl that read: “I swear to God that my intention was not to kill her. But I lost it.”
During his evidence, Sharif dramatically told jurors: “I accept every single thing”.
When asked if he had intended to kill his daughter, Sharif replied: “Yes, she died because of me.”
Sharif was caged in December alongside Sara’s stepmum Beinash Batool, 30, and uncle Faisal Malik, 29, after an Old Bailey trial[/caption]
Sarah’s uncle Faisal Malik was jailed for 16 years after being cleared of murder but found guilty of causing or allowing her death[/caption]
Ian Huntley, who is also caged in Frankland jail, was locked up in 2005 for murdering schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman[/caption]
1 week agoLatest NewsComments Off on Major premium car brand to scrap ALL petrol and diesel motors in the UK in just months in switch to EVs
PREMIUM car brand Genesis is to pull all of its petrol and diesel models from the UK by the summer – as it aims to become fully electric by the end of 2025.
The South Korean carmaker, part of the Hyundai group, plans to sell only EVs by the end of this year, although hybrid powertrains are expected to make a return in the near future.
Genesis are set to pull all of their petrol and diesel motors from their UK stock in the coming months[/caption]
The luxury brand is aiming to become all electric by the end of the year with three new models in the works[/caption]
That includes an EV version of the G80[/caption]
Currently, Genesis’ line-up includes the petrol-powered G70 saloon and shooting brake, both of which are nearly sold out.
The same applies to the G80 saloon, with only a handful of stock cars remaining, while the best-selling GV70 and GV80 SUVs are thought to be available until at least the summer.
This announcement aligns with the company’s long-term vision, which includes the introduction of three all-electric models for the UK market.
This will include an electrified version of the G80, featuring increased range and an extended wheelbase, and an electrified GV70, expected to become available by mid-2025, which will also receive a range boost alongside a mid-cycle facelift.
The all-electric GV60 will also join their range and will be the first Genesis vehicle built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform.
It will feature an enhanced exterior, including redesigned bumpers, headlights, and wheels.
Looking further ahead, Genesis has stated that it plans to introduce new all-electric models, expand into new segments, and even launch a high-performance EV called the GV60 Magma.
The future Genesis range will also be complemented by hybrid tech, although few details have been confirmed on this front.
The Genesis brand, which was only launched in 2015 and entered the UK market in 2021, reported that around 80 per cent of its sales last year were from all-electric models.
The company added that the GV60 was its best-selling vehicle, followed by the all-electric GV70 SUV.
According to Auto Express, Genesis plans to bring up to 15 dealers on board this year, marking a shift away from its previous ‘studio’ approach.
Currently, the brand’s only physical locations in the UK are two in London and one in Edinburgh.
Genesis UK’s brand director, Johnny Miller, outlined the company’s ambitions to establish itself as a leading luxury brand in the UK.
He said: “Since arriving in the UK, Genesis has led the way in premium electrification.
“As a brand, we’ve established our presence in the market with award-winning cars and customer service excellence.
“We’re committed to responding to customer and market feedback, and we’re confident our transition to an electric range, joined by future hybrid models, is the right direction.
“Our commitment is to a rich and varied portfolio, which includes premium electrified and high-performance drivetrains alongside exciting new segment entries, all tailored for our European customers.
“With these new products, we will see a focused market expansion beyond our current UK, German, and Swiss businesses.”
This comes as Lexus has revealed it has discontinued its iconic LS saloon from the UK market after some 35 years.
Lexus’ LS first arrived for British drivers in 1990 but had recently suffered from a sustained period of poor sales.
Indeed, just 39 of the hybrid V6-powered saloons have been purchased since 2020, of which just three were sold last year.
Following its axing, drivers in the UK looking for a Lexus saloon have just one choice left, the ES.
The electrified GV70 has been revealed already[/caption]
The GV60 is also in the works and poised for release[/caption]
1 week agoLatest NewsComments Off on RTE defend decision not to show Cork vs Limerick hurling clash in favour of gaelic football following fan backlash
RTE DEFENDED not televising the upcoming Allianz Hurling League clash between Cork and Limerick.
The Rebels meet the Treaty County at SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Division 1A on Saturday evening.
The TV listings for this weekend’s GAA action was released on Monday, with RTE coming under fire for not showing Cork vs Limerick.
Instead, RTE 2 will broadcast the Division 1 football league meeting of Armagh vs Tyrone on Saturday evening.
In the wake of fan reaction, RTE released a statement claiming that it had wanted to show the hurling but were not accommodated by the counties themselves.
A post on Twitter read: “RTE sought Cork-Limerick in the Allianz Hurling League as our match selection a number of months ago but the counties could not accommodate.
“RTE subsequently chose Armagh-Tyrone.”
The Irish Sun contacted both Cork GAA and Limerick GAA for comment.
The meeting of the two Munster hurling giants will be a rematch from the 2024 All-Ireland semi-final.
Pat Ryan’s men would go on to lose to Clare in the decider, but started 2025 in style with a commanding win over Wexford in their league opener.
They will look to super-charge their All-Ireland challenge with a team trip to Portugal in March.
Speaking before the game against the Models, selector Brendan Coleman said: “We were in west Kerry last year and we were frozen, so I think Pat has done great work there in getting local business support for a few pounds to go.
“The people of Cork and businesses were keen to give some money towards that too, so that helps.
“It’s important and it’s good for the players.
” They get into that kind of professional environment where we get five days out there, I think, whereas it was a long weekend maybe in Dingle and you don’t get as much done.
“So we’re looking forward to that.”
On their aspirations for 2025, Coleman added: “We did a lot of good stuff last year so that’s the foundation for it.
“Looking at the final and the semi-final, you’re trying to take the learnings from that, both from the mental aspect of it and the tactical aspect of it.
“December to now has been really just looking back at all the good stuff and all the stuff where we have areas for growth.
“Tactically, people talk about our puckout so we’ve tried to maybe add a few extras there.
“Then you’re looking at one or two things in terms of the shape of your team as well from last year.
“We’ll try those in the early games, we’ll see where we are and we’ll take it from there.”
1 week agoLatest NewsComments Off on ‘My belly doesn’t hit the steering wheel’ says 40 Day Health Challenger after big weight loss
A TRUCKER has told how his “belly doesn’t hit the steering wheel anymore” after his massive 40 Day Health Challenge weight loss.
Garry Corbally, from Dublin, is one of 16 people working with GP Dr Sumi Dunne, clinical psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy, personal trainer Karl Henry and dietitian Sophie Pratt to improve their physical and mental health.
The exciting challenge in association with The Irish Sun and Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio – and you can follow along at thesun.ie.
In this week’s episode, Garry said he is delighted with his progress so far.
Karl revealed the dad’s latest stats and said: “You were 107kg on day one, today you are 101.5kg.
“You are 15 pounds down. Next we’re going to have a look at your waistline. Very important.
“Your waistline day one was 50 inches. Four inches down in 20 days.”
Dr Sumi added: “That is incredible. And you need to say, I did that. Yeah, I think you’re amazing. I really do.
“I really, really do think you’re amazing.”
And Garry said he can really see the changes in himself.
He said: “I actually, I looked down at myself Thursday.
“My belly doesn’t hit the steering wheel anymore.
“Yeah, yeah. And you know, for having done it in 20 days, it’s just I can’t believe it.
“Honest to God. Such a change and I’m loving it. Honest to Christ, yeah, I’m loving it.
“That’s not something that I’ve felt in a long, long time.”
The 52-year-old said he has “energy that I don’t think I’ve ever had” since starting the challenge on January 6.
He added: “I’m not saying that lightly, you know I have a laugh and a joke but I really have felt at the half way point, my life has just turned upside down.
“Even in the evening after a day’s work, for me to look to want to go out and feel that if I don’t get out I’m after cheating myself.
On a mission to lose some weight that she gained with menopause and during Covid, Caroline wants to be a “better version” of herself.
Businesswoman Caroline, owner of West Cork Eggs, told 40 Day Health Challenge pro Chris how she battled with her self-belief and self-confidence.
She said: “The hardest bit about it is you have to face things perhaps I didn’t want to face.”
Some 70 per cent of professionals suffer from imposter syndrome at some stage, according to impostersyndrome.ie
The pair discussed how sometimes it’s “easier to speak negatively about yourself”.
Caroline said: “I’d be the one like – there’s 10 questions, you get nine right. I’m still looking at the one that I got wrong.”
The mum-of-four questioned why imposter syndrome occurs but discussing it with Chris, they realised it’s a battle for many.
The experts said: “Sometimes our struggles become bigger when we don’t speak about them, but as you can see from this clip, a problem shared is a problem halved.”
HOW TO WATCH THE EPISODES
THE latest episodes of the 40 Day Health Challenge are now available at the 40dayhealthchallenge.ie.
Readers can also follow all the action and get the latest updates, meal plans, exercises and mental health tips from Thesun.ie and Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio during the 40 days.
Clinical Psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy explained five psychological tips to help combat imposter syndrome.
Dr Eddie suggests talking back to your inner critic.
He said: “Challenge negative thoughts that make you feel like a fraud.
“For example, when your mind says, ‘I’m not good enough’,counter it with evidence of your achievements, like a project you nailed or praise you’ve received.
“Remember, your inner critic is just one voice—it doesn’t define reality. It’s not you.”
The 40 Day Health Challenge coach explained why keeping a “wins” journal is important.
He said: “Write down your accomplishments, no matter how small.
“Reviewing these can help you see patterns of success and build confidence.
“It’s easy to forget how far you’ve come, so a journal acts as a personal cheerleader when self-doubt creeps in.”
Glazed Pork Chop with Baby Potatoes
Serves 2 (each serving contains approximately 500 kcal)
Suitable for vegetarians if alternatives to pork chops are used.
*Suitable vegetarian alternatives for pork chops are: 350g tofu 530g mycoprotein such as Quorn vegan pieces 445g chickpeas, drained and rinsed
The method:
Peel and mince the garlic and place in a shallow dish with the honey, chilli flakes and soy sauce.
Mix to combine and then add the pork chops, mix well to ensure they are well covered. Set aside for 15 minutes to allow the flavours to develop if time allows.
Cut the baby potatoes in half if large and place into a saucepan pan of boiling water.
Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender. Heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat.
Add the oil and then add the marinated pork chops (reserving the marinade) and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the pork chops are cooked through and tender.
Pour in the reserved marinade with a splash of water and spoon over the chops to create a nice glaze.
Meanwhile, trim the asparagus and place in a saucepan of boiling water and blanch for 3-4 minutes until just tender.
Drain the potatoes and asparagus and serve on plate with the glazed pork chops, drizzling over a little of the sauce left in the frying pan to serve.
Dietitian Sophie Pratt said: “Garlic is a powerful anti-inflammatory food which can help reduce the risk of harmful diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer etc.2
1 week agoLatest NewsComments Off on Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni get March 2026 trial date for her ‘It Ends With Us’ lawsuit
The news comes after Lively's lawyers claimed Baldoni's attorney was trying to taint potential jurors over lawsuits the actors have filed against each other.
1 week agoLatest NewsComments Off on Cat Deeley drops huge hint Ant & Dec are planning to bring back iconic Saturday morning kids’ show after SNT exit
CAT Deeley has dropped a huge hint Ant and Dec are planning to bring back SMTV Live after their Saturday Night Takeaway exit.
This Morning host Cat, 48, told how the presenting duo are keen to relaunch the kids’ programme, which she hosted alongside them in the 90s and 00s.
Cat Deeley has dropped a huge hint Ant and Dec are planning to bring back SMTV Live[/caption]
She told how the presenting duo are keen to relaunch the kids’ programme[/caption]
On the ITV daytime show today, she and Ben Shephard, 50, were joined by SMTV alum Stephen Mulhern, 47, who gushed about his time on the children’s favourite.
As clips from his early telly days were shown on-screen, Cat gushed about her pals’ plans for the future.
Watching on from the studio sofa, Stephen mourned the demise of kids’ weekend shows, claiming they’re “missed”.
Cat soon interjected: “Actually, Ant and Dec have been talking about maybe bringing back a Saturday morning kids’ show. Be great if they did.”
Ben, seemingly privy to their inside talks, finished Cat’s sentence, saying: “Saturday morning kids’ stuff.”
SMTV Live originally ran from 1998 to 2003 and became a defining part of British children’s television.
Known for its hilarious sketches, including Chums and Wonky Donkey, as well as celebrity guests and pop performances, the show drew millions of young viewers every weekend.
Ant, Dec, and Cat left SMTV at the peak of its success in 2001 to focus on prime-time ventures, including Pop Idol and SNT.
Stephen later joined the line-up and carried the show into its final years.
Fans have been clamouring for a reboot ever since a one-off 20th-anniversary special aired in 2020, during which Ant and Dec reunited with Cat to reminisce about their time on the show.
SATURDAY Night Takeaway fans are convinced the series has been canned for good after spotting a hugely-emotional “clue.”
Girls Aloud, Josie Gibson, Scarlett Moffatt, Ashley Roberts and Davina McCall among the host of famous faces showing up for the farewell episode after 20 years.
Emotional Declan told the audience: “We’ve truly adored every second . . . what’s happened is beyond our wildest dreams.”
Ant said: “This is the kind of show Dec and I watched every Saturday night growing up, so it’s been an honour and a privilege to have made this show and to have been part of your Saturday nights for over 20 years.”
Dec added: “When we started back in 2002, we thought we’d be lucky if we got to do this for a couple of years — what’s happened is beyond our wildest dreams.
“We’ve truly adored every second but there’s one thing we’ve never, ever forgotten and that’s the fact this isn’t our show — it’s your show.
“So we’d like to say a massive thank you to you, our incredible audience.”
Ant and Dec's incredible career
ANT McPartlin and Declan Donnelly met on the set of Byker Grove in 1990.
The two went on to have chart success under their characters’ names – including their 1994 No1 smash hit Let’s Get Ready To Rhumble.
They haven’t looked back since then, going on to present some of the most popular shows on TV.
Here’s a rundown of some of their most popular shows – plus one “dud”.
The Ant & Dec Show – this late afternoon kids’ entertainment series ran from 1995-1996 for 17 episodes
Ant & Dec Unzipped – the twosome jumped from ITV to Channel 4 for this children’s sketch show in 1997
Friends Like These – the Geordie pair hopped channels again, landing on BBC One to present this game show from 1999 until 2001
Pop Idol – before The X Factor there was Pop Idol, which ran for two seasons in 2001 and 2002 and saw Michelle McManus and Will Young crowned the winners
PokerFace – Ant and Dec created this game show which aired from 2006-2007. with a top prize of £1million.
Britain’s Got Talent – the TV series began in 2007 with the pair’s backstage antics loved by fans. They also took part in silly competitions on Stephen Mulhern‘s ITV spin-off Britain’s Got More Talent