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Center Parcs reveals new attraction at UK park this year… and kids and adults will both love it

A NEW attraction is set to open at one of the Center Parcs resorts in the UK.

Center Parcs Longleat Forest, in Wiltshire, has confirmed plans for new “adventure nets” play attraction.

Center Parcs Longleat Forest sign.
A new attraction is opening at Center Arcs Longleat
Illustration of a four-chamber adventure net park with connecting bridges and tree houses.
Center Parcs
The treehouses will be connected by net walkways[/caption]

Connecting the on-site trees would be large green and brown netted paths, with the three houses up to 3m tall.

The application says: “This proposal has been thoughtfully designed to ensure the layout of the adventure nets structure and material choices are sympathetic to its surroundings, with minimal impact to the existing woodland environment.

“The proposed structure covers less area than the existing course therefore allowing more of the forest floor to be restored and planted with appropriate native species that will enhance the overall biodiversity of the site.”

It added that it would allow guests to “embrace the natural environment” of the parks.

The attraction will replace the current existing golf course which will be removed.

While works of the treetop attraction are to take place this year, the application said minimal disruption will affect guests.

The Longleat resort celebrated its 30th anniversary last year with two new attractions.

Having opened in 1994 – the third UK Center Parcs – it opened its new adventure golf course, which has nine holes.

And the Leisure Bowl was also extended last autumn.

And Center Parcs revealed plans for its first holiday park in Scotland.

The 400-acre resort will have 700 lodges as well as its iconic Subtropical Swimming Paradise indoor water park.

Expected to cost as much as £400million, an official opening date is yet to be confirmed, with plans being put forward later this year.

The first Center Parcs in the UK opened in 1987, with Sherwood Foret in Nottinghamshire.

This was followed by Elveden Forest (1989), Longleat (1994) and Whinfell Forest (1997).

The Sun visited Center Parcs

Mum Jane Atkinson recently visited the Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest – here’s what she thought.

“When we weren’t strolling the grounds or cooking a lodge-side feast, many days were spent by the swimming pool or.

“Center Parcs calls it the “subtropical swimming paradise”, covered by a clear dome that is heated to a balmy 29C year round and filled with plants and trees.

“It certainly did feel tropical and, most importantly, it was included in the price — all day, every day from 10am to 9pm.

“The fun didn’t end there either as, the following day, the kids were booked into a three-hour “Wizard Academy” to make crafts, cast spells and play magical games.

“Aside from this, there is so much else for kids and adults to get stuck into, such as games of squash, falconry classes, bike or pedalo hire and paddleboarding.

“The spa, on the other hand, was my highlight. Now I wouldn’t rule out becoming one of those families who returns every year to Center Parcs.”

Woburn Forest opened in 2014, while Ireland‘s Longford Forest opened in 2019.

If you want to save money, savvy travellers have found Center Parcs breaks that are much cheaper in Europe.

A study conducted last year found that a four-night holiday in a German Center Parcs during the half term holidays was £957 cheaper compared to one in the UK.

Even with flights – where they can be found for around £15 with Ryanair – it was a huge saving.

And one of the world’s oldest Center Parcs resorts in in the Netherlands, which recently opened a new water playhouse.

Here is a new Center Parcs opening in Europe too.

Boy climbing in a rope course.
An example of what they could look like (stock image)
Getty Images - Getty

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Chinese New Year: What year of Wood Snake means for your zodiac sign for 2025 & and how will it be celebrated?

MORE than one billion people are set to celebrate Chinese New Year this week.

And according to the Chinese Zodiac, the animal associated with your birth year can reveal a lot about your personality and what is written in the stars for the year ahead.

Gold cobra statue with flowers and Chinese New Year decorations.
Chinese new year will take place on January 29
AFP or licensors

2025 is the year of Wood Snake which is a charming, intelligent and creative sign.

It is the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac with a complex and mysterious nature.

It will be a year of death and rebirth, a time of transformation, growth and introspection.

The year of the Wood Snake will continue until February 16, 2026 after a 12-lunar cycle when the year of the Horse is set to begin.

Here, we break down the signs and reveals what’s in store for you over the coming months.

RAT

Born: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032

THIS year, there’ll be more opportunities than usual as 2025 is promising a lot for you. You’ll have a lot of room for career growth.

Your quick-thinking and unique perspectives will lead you to make successful choices, along with building positive relationships with friends, family and colleagues.

Lucky months: January, February, April, August, November and December

Lucky colour: Green, blue and gold

Lucky numbers: 2, 3 and 6

OX

Born: 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

THIS year will be steady and successful for you. Thanks to your hard work, the Snake – your astrological friend – will do all to point you in the right direction.

Love and peaceful relationships are also in the air this year. You’ll be rewarded for your diligence and hard work.

Lucky months: January, May, September and December

Lucky colours: White, yellow and silver

Lucky numbers: 1, 4 and 7

TIGER

Born: 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

THIS year is set to have a few challenges for you. Be cautious and watch your own back against any unscrupulous individuals.

This is not the best year to start a new business, but stay positive and keep working hard. You’ll be able to grab good opportunities this year, and handle your finances well.

Lucky months:  March, April, June, October and November

Lucky colours:  Orange, blue, and grey

Lucky numbers: 1, 3 and 8

RABBIT

Born: 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

THIS year will bring new opportunities supported by strong luck – and things will fall into place easily.

This is not the best year to start a new business, but stay positive and keep working hard. You’ll be able to grab good opportunities this year and handle your finances well.

Lucky months: February, April, July and October

Lucky colours: Pink, purple, and green

Lucky numbers: 3, 4 and 9

DRAGON

Born: 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

THIS is a year of recovery for you. You’ll experience a year full of positivity, success and financial stability.

It will be a very sociable year, and communication is the key to establishing new contacts for future projects. It is also a good year to focus on family responsibilities.

Lucky months: February, August, September and December

Lucky colours: Gold, silver, and red

Lucky numbers: 1, 6 and 7

SNAKE

Born: 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

THIS is your year. Be positive and flexible to overcome any setbacks you find on the way.

You’ll enjoy a strong career luck. You should also avoid any negativity, and you’ll handle the year with confidence in every situation.

Lucky months: January, June, July, September and January (2025)

Lucky colours: Black, green, and red

Lucky numbers: 2, 8 and 9

HORSE

Born: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

HORSES may look forward to a stellar year as luck is on your side. You’ll find success in both your career and relationships.

Focus on new adventures that involved movement and travel. Treat others well and be willing to step up as you have the luck to come first.

Lucky months: February, April, May, July and October

Lucky colours: Yellow, orange, and brown

Lucky numbers: 2, 4 and 7

GOAT

Born: 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

THIS year promotes self-investment and being willing to embrace a change of direction.

Your luck is in your own hands in 2025. And travel can improve it. Seek support if needed, and don’t hold back if any air needs clearing.

Lucky months: March, June and November

Lucky colours: Green, pink, and white

Lucky numbers: 3, 4 and 9

How will Chinese New Year be celebrated in 2025?

CELEBRATED across the world, Chinese new year is a period of colourful decorations and feasting.

The event is usually celebrated with parades and performances, with people in traditional costumes and plenty of fireworks.

It is also a time for prayers for good fortune in the year ahead.

In line with the introduction of the spring season, people plant harvests and eat lavish feasts.

Noodle soup is the traditional meal of choice as the noodles are believed to bring luck.

Communal hotpots are also a popular option for a feast as they are thought to represent the reunion of family members around the table.

The Lunar calendar has 12 Chinese zodiac animal signs and as 2025 will be a year of the Wood Snake, decorations related to snakes will be commonly seen.

People deep clean their homes before the New Year as it is bad luck to sweep your home on the day itself in case good luck for the year is swept out of the house.

Money and presents are also given and received in red envelopes and packaging to ward off evil.

It is a seven day public holiday in China.

Businesses and schools shut down during the New Year period – like they do in the Ireland over the Christmas period – and many factories have a two-week shutdown.

Beyond China, families in Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, North Korea and South Korea also celebrate the event.

It is widely believed that more fireworks are set off across the world for this festival than any other.

MONKEY

Born: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

MONKEYS may look forward to a solid year. It will be a good 12 months to close some deals as a wealth of luck is on your side.

You can expect financial growth, new connections and travel opportunities. Be motivated through the year, as your decisions in 2025 may be important to the next chapter of your life.

Lucky months: April, May, August, September, October and December

Lucky colours: White, blue, and gold

Lucky numbers: 1, 7 and 8

ROOSTER

Born: 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

THIS year is shaping up to be a great one for you as your wealth luck is strong. Be ready to invest in yourself and your personal growth.

It is a great year to make changes and be ready for unexpected blessings and meaningful relationships.

Lucky months: April, May, August, October and January (2026)

Lucky colours: Yellow, brown, and orange

Lucky numbers: 5, 7 and 8

DOG

Born: 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

DOGS may look forward to a steady and rewarding year ahead after a challenging astrological clash in 2024.

2025 may be a stress-free year. Your hard work will lead to success in both your career and relationships.

Be ready for a new career position or partnership that will put you more on an equal footing.

Lucky months: February, March, June, August, September and October

Lucky colours: Red, green, and purple

Lucky numbers: 3, 4 and 9

PIG

Born: 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

THIS year may bring some challenges after a good run of luck since 2023.

Stay positive, and you’ll be able to navigate the year successfully.

Lucky months: February, March and June

Lucky colours: Pink, yellow, and grey

Lucky numbers: 2, 5 and 8

Gold snake charm for the Chinese New Year of the Snake.
It is the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac with a complex and mysterious nature
Getty Images - Getty

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Wynne Evans ‘taking time off’ BBC job amid Strictly tour scandal and ‘inappropriate sex comment’ to Janette

WYNNE Evans is reportedly taking time away from his radio job at the BBC after his sex comment scandal.

The 53-year-old was forced to apologise after he was recorded making a lewd sexual act at Strictly Live Tour host Janette Manrara.

Wynne Evans and Katya Jones on It Takes Two.
BBC
Wynne Evans with his Strictly dance partner Katya Jones[/caption]

“My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise,” said Wynne.

Now the Mirror reports Wynne is “taking some time off from his show”.

He is being replaced on BBC Radio Wales by comic Robin Windsor.

The shake-up comes after Wynne made a joke using the hugely demeaning term ‘spit roast’ during a tour photocall in Birmingham earlier this month.

The comment, referring to Janette and their tour co-star, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, was caught on camera and published online on Saturday night.

That evening Wynne, also famed as the Go Compare ads singer, pulled out of a tour performance in Glasgow, claiming he had an ankle injury.

A tour insider said: “As soon as they were alerted to the remarks, tour producers called a meeting with Wynne.

“He was very apologetic and fully agreed that what he said was inappropriate and unacceptable.

“He was given a warning and told in no uncertain terms that that kind of language is not tolerated.

“He’s clearly very visibly upset, devastated and full of remorse backstage in Glasgow.”

Welsh star Wynne sparked controversy in the last series for appearing to touch pro partner Katya Jones inappropriately on live TV.

He called it an “in-joke” and Katya later defended him on TV and social media.

Wynne Evans' Strictly scandals

‘Grope’

Wynne encountered a backlash after his Strictly pro partner Katya was filmed removing his hand from her waist.

Fans insisted she looked uncomfortable as she moved it away – but Katya later insisted there was no problem.

In joke

They then sparked further fury, when she was seen refusing to high-five the Opera singer.

The duo were quick to issue a video apology and insisted it was all an innocent “inside joke”.

Crude joke

Wynne came under fire for allegedly telling a “crude” joke to one of the show’s make-up artists.

Insiders claim the opera star made a joke that the folds of his double chin “looked like a vagina”.

A source said: “It was a bit of a vulgar dad joke.”

Vile comment

Wynne was recorded suggesting a three-way sex ­session with presenter Janette Manrara, using the term “spit roast”.

His remark came at a photocall to launch the Strictly live tour, which pro Janette, 41, is hosting.

He reportedly pulled a suggestive face at actor Jamie Borthwick as Janette moved between them — which is when Evans allegedly made the joke.

Wynne has apologised saying: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise.”

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Premier League trolled over ‘absolute shambles’ picture on website as fans say ‘I thought this was fake’

FANS have slammed the Premier League as an “absolute shambles” over a bizarre photo choice on their website.

Refereeing decisions once again caused huge controversy over the weekend as Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off for a challenge on Wolves defender Matt Doherty.

High foot challenge in a soccer game.
The Premier League used a controversial snap on their page about high foot challenges
Manchester City's Jeremy Doku kicking Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister during a soccer match.
AFP
Jeremy Doku’s challenge on Alexis Mac Allister was not given as a penalty[/caption]
Referee showing a red card to an Arsenal player.
Rex
Fans have been looking into the laws of the game after Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card[/caption]

The 18-year-old was red carded for serious foul play and will now serve a three-match ban.

It led to supporters swatting up on the rules of the game, with fans left baffled by a picture on the Prem’s website.

One fan investigating the laws on high foot challenges noticed that a snap of Jeremy Doku kicking Alexis Mac Allister was used as the main image on the page.

The challenge occurred during Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool in March last season.

It proved to be one of the most controversial refereeing moments in the title race as Doku’s last-gasp high foot went unpunished.

PGMOL chief Howard Webb later came out backed the decision and said VAR was correct to not give Liverpool a penalty.

Fans were left baffled by the photo selection, with one saying: “Premier league website using this Doku challenge on Mac Allister as an example of a high foot when it wasn’t even given as a foul in the game. Absolute shambles.”

Another added: “They’re the biggest wind-up merchants going.”

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A third wrote: “I thought this was fake.”

The point City picked up proved crucial as they ended up finishing just two ahead of Arsenal to win the title.

Official Michael Oliver was the referee that day and he was again the man with the whistle for Lewis-Skelly’s red card.

Former head of the PGMOL Keith Hackett claims Oliver and Darren England on the VAR made a “major error” by sending off the Arsenal wonderkid.

He even suggested that the under-fire official “needs a rest for a couple of weeks” to recover from the mistake and that VAR needs reforming.

MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off... here's what SHOULD have happened

By Mark Halsey

VAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.

An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.

When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.

I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.

So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.

If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.

As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.

Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.

With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one.

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Президент Колумбії заявив, що заборонить посадку «депортаційних авіарейсів» зі США

Президент Колумбії Густаво Петро заявив, що відмовить у посадці рейсам, на яких будуть депортувати нелегальних мігрантів зі США. Як передає Укрінформ, про це повідомляє The Hill. «США не можуть ставитися до колумбійських мігрантів як до злочинців. Я забороню польоти американських літаків з колумбійськими мігрантами на нашу територію», — написав Петро у соцмережах. Він додав, що Сполучені […]

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Aer Lingus launch major new ‘pay day’ sale with bargain flights to top destinations including Tenerife & Las Vegas

AER Lingus has launched a big “pay day” sale as bank accounts bounce back after Christmas – but you will need to be quick to grab a bargain.

Holidaymakers can enjoy amazing deals with up to €40 off return fares to Europe, €20 off return fares to the UK, and flights to North America from just €199.

Prague, Czech Republic - January  07, 2014:    A320 Aer Lingus taxis to terminal in PRG  Airport.
Aer Lingus has launched a big sale
Getty

The offer is valid from now until midnight on January 31.

And you can fly to top European destinations from February 24 to May 31.

There are a number of seats to hotspots including Tenerife, Lanzarote and Malaga up for grabs.

For those planning a weekend city break, save €20 on return flights to the UK.

And Aer Lingus has you covered with flights to thrilling North American destinations starting at just €199.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or a memorable city break, there’s something for everyone. Experience the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, the vibrant culture of Toronto, or the architectural wonders of Chicago.

With fares reduced for a limited time, don’t miss your chance to discover the iconic skyline of New York or the historic charm of Washington DC with the Aer Lingus Pay Day Sale.

The valid travel period for the US flights is from February 24 to March 15.

Separately, holidaymakers can start booking their big summer trips with Aer Lingus’ game-changing scheme.

The Irish airline is now taking €1 deposits on any holidays.

This includes both flights and accommodations, along with transfers if you include them in your booking.

The airline has just two requirements when using this method.

To book your holiday from €1:

1. Select a holiday with Aer Lingus flights to any European Sun or City destination.

2. Travel must be 10 weeks or more from the booking date.

The new scheme allows you to secure your booking for the best price, without having to pay upfront.

Regardless of the number of people heading away on the holiday, you just pay €1 per person to book it.

After the €1 deposit has been paid, your holiday is booked.

Your flights, accommodation and transfers are all confirmed.

You just have to pay the balance before you travel.

According to Aer Lingus T&Cs, you can:

  • Book with €1 deposit before 31 December 2024 and pay your second deposit of €150 per person on 1 February 2025 with the final balance payable 10 weeks before travel.

OR

  • Choose the flexible monthly payment options to pay by installments.

If the departure date for your holiday is within ten weeks of booking, you pay 50 per cent of the total price at the time of booking, and the remainder four weeks before you travel.

But there is a warning.

In the frequently asked questions part of the website, the airline warned what happens if you cancel your holiday.

They said: “Even though you pay us €1, we are booking your complete holiday and you are committed to pay for the holiday as per our terms and conditions.”

Those hoping to book using this method need travel insurance, as it is part of the terms of the holiday.

You must confirm your travel insurance at the time of booking.

If you have your own travel insurance, you must advise the airline of the policy details.

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China’s new cheap AI DeepSeek sparks ALARM as it outperforms West’s models like ChatGPT amid race to superintelligence

CHINA’S cheap AI app DeepSeek has rocked the tech world by soaring past ChatGPT as the global race to superintelligence hots up.

DeepSeek surged to the top of Apple’s App Store in the UK, US and China after its launch on Trump’s inauguration day, challenging America’s crown as undisputed AI kings.

Illustration of the DeepSeek app icon on a smartphone screen.
AFP
DeepSeek took the Appstore by storm, becoming the top-rated free app in the UK, US and China[/caption]
Photo illustration of a phone displaying the DeepSeek AI chatbot.
Getty
It is powered by a language model and can produce human-like responses to prompts like ChatGPT[/caption]
a man in a suit and tie is waving his hand
Reuters
The app refuses to answer political questions about Chinese leader Xi Jinping[/caption]

The blistering popularity has rattled tech experts and free-speech advocates, and was branded “AI’s Sputnik moment” by Donald Trump’s adviser Marc Andreessen.

The software is fitted with sinister features, such as its refusal to answer certain political questions about China and its leader Xi Jinping.

DeepSeek is a large language model that can generate human-like responses to prompts, just like the famous ChatGPT.

The app is powered by AI software called DeepSeek-V3, which its researchers claim was developed for less than $6million.

This is much less than the billions international competitors have spent on their own software, though the figure has been disputed by others in the industry.

The company boasted their app has “performance on par with” ChatGPT when it comes to maths, coding and writing responses.

Andreessen warned: “Deepseek R1 is one of the most amazing and impressive breakthroughs I’ve ever seen.”

AI models are powered by advanced chips, and since 2021 the US government has restricted the sale of these to China in order to stunt progress.

To get around the supply problem, Chinese developers have been collaborating and experimenting with new approaches.

This process has led to models that require much less computing power than before and that can be produced far more cheaply.

Alexandr Wang, CEO of San Francisco-based Scale AI, said the breakthrough must be a “wake-up call for America”.

He bought a whole page advert in The Washington Post last week imploring the president to “win the AI war”.

Trump has already emphasised his ambition to secure America as the “world capital of artificial intelligence” during his inauguration speech and announced a $500billon “Stargate” AI investment last week.

The Chinese government has announced much less investment in AI funds – just $8.2billion, according to the South China Morning Post.

Illustration of the DeepSeek logo on a phone screen.
Rex
The app’s developers claim it was built for a much smaller sum than its US rivals[/caption]
Illustration of a phone displaying the DeepSeek AI chatbot.
AFP
DeepSeek claims their app performs “on par” with ChatGPT[/caption]

US analysts are disturbed by the Chinese’s advance after shares in American-based AI companies, such as Nvidia, Microsoft and Meta, dropped on Monday morning.

Vey-Sern, a technology adviser, told the BBC that DeepSeek could “potentially derail the investment case for the entire AI supply chain, which is driven by high spending from a small handful of hyper-scalers”.

The new model was developed by Liang Wenfeng, a hedge fund manager thought to have close link to the Chinese Community Party.

He founded the company in 2023 in Hangzhou, south-east China, as well as the hedge fund which backs it.

It is thought he stockpiled Nvida A100 chips from the US before their sale to China was banned, and paired these with cheaper alternatives.

DeepSeek is not the only Chinese AI company on the heels of the US.

Alibaba launched its own QwQ model in November and is making fast progress.

Companies including Huawei are working to produce Chinese-made chips so that the country is not reliant on the US supply.

What are large language models?

A LARGE language model is a type of artificial intelligence that uses machine learning to analyse text.

Huge quantities of text-based data, like books and articles, are fed into the software to teach it how language works.

When up and running, the models are able to generate relevant textual responses to prompts.

They can also summarise and translate passages of words.

The gold standard is for a LLM to produce “natural”, human-like responses to whatever is input.

Problems can arise with LLMs if they are fed incorrect information, which can cause inaccurate responses.

The most advanced LLMs are called generative pretrained transformers – which is what the acronym in ChatGPT stands for.

Modern LLMs emerged in 2017 and use transformer models with a very large number of parameters – the variable present in the model that affects its output.

OpenAI released its ChatGPT-4 in 2023, which was widely praised and massively raised the profile of LLMs.

Photo illustration of a smartphone displaying the DeepSeek AI chatbot.
AFP
The AI software was developed in China despite US-imposed restrictions on the sale of vital chips to the country[/caption]

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I’ve had 21 jobs since leaving university – now I’m rubbing shoulders with darts world champion Luke Littler

OWEN BINKS needed strong maths skills to keep tally of how many jobs he had after university.

Now he is using his quick arithmetic to keep score at the oche. 

Man speaking into a microphone.
https://www.instagram.com/binksowen/
Owen Binks is loving life as a darts referee[/caption]
Ed Sheeran with Owen Binks and another man.
https://x.com/BinksOwen
The Colchester fan got a selfie with Ipswich-mad Ed Sheeran at Ally Pally[/caption]
Luke Littler throwing darts during a match.
Getty
Binks regularly takes to the stage and rubs shoulders with Luke Littler[/caption]
A darts scoreboard being updated by a player, with a commentator holding a microphone nearby.
https://www.instagram.com/binksowen/
He marks scores and spots as well as having the microphone in hand[/caption]

Binks is still only 27 but rattled through a whopping 21 different jobs between leaving uni and an all-important phone call four years ago.

That included a stint on the trolleys at Sainsbury’s, recruitment consulting and dealing with customers who had just had car crashes.

He received a bell from darts tournament organisers Modus Super Series offering him a job.

And not only has it given him settled employment.

But it also means he is rubbing shoulders with Luke Littler – and even got a selfie with Ed Sheeran. 

Binks told the BBC: “Modus asked me, ‘Can you leave your job and be a full-time referee for us?’ 

“I was like, ‘Yes, absolutely’ – so I quit my job on the spot.

“I knew that’s what I wanted to do and I’ve been living my dream ever since.

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“I’ve got a lot to thank them for because that call changed my life.”

Binks has ADHD – attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – which meant he found office-based jobs tricky, especially as he missed key details from drivers after their accidents. 

However, he has channelled his ADHD to help him in darts officiating – where he can combine his “hyperfocus” and his quickfire mental maths. 

Binks has marked scores and acted as a spotter at the World Darts Championship – telling TV directors which camera to switch to for the next shot.

He was on stage with Littler as he marked scores for the Nuke’s win over Michael van Gerwen at the 2025 Dutch Masters.

And he will be involved in the upcoming Premier League Darts season as both a marker and spotter.

But the best part of his job is umpiring matches. 

He added: “I’ve always been good at mental maths, but you need darts maths to be an expert in this field.

“A lot of it is knowing the patterns, although you have to be on your toes for someone like Luke Littler who sprays around the board.

It’s such a privilege. I get the best seat in the house to watch the best players. It’s the greatest sport on earth.

Owen Binks

“When I was growing up I was always in trouble at school, being the class clown and getting sent out.

“It really helps when you have a hyper-focus on the thing you love. For me, that’s darts numbers – how random is that?

“Maybe it does help becoming obsessed with that and knowing my game to the best I can.”

Binks, from Colchester, managed to meet Sheeran at Alexandra Palace at the recent world champs won by Littler and even got a selfie with the award-winning singer – taking a cheeky swipe at his beloved Ipswich Town. 

But after so many jobs following the completion of his studies, Binks was certainly counting his blessings as he helped play his part in one of sport’s best events.

He added: “It’s such a privilege to be up on stage as there’s no better crowds than the crowds at Ally Pally.

“The best thing is I get the best seat in the house to watch the best players in the world do the most amazing things.

“It’s definitely a sport. It’s the greatest sport on earth.”

Man in PDC shirt standing in a large arena with arms outstretched.
https://www.instagram.com/binksowen/
Binks revealed his ADHD helps with his rapid mental arithmetic[/caption]
Man in PDC shirt and Ladbrokes lanyard standing in a large arena with his arms outstretched.
https://www.instagram.com/binksowen/
He went through 21 jobs before the phone call from Modus[/caption]
Man in PDC shirt and Ladbrokes sponsor logo standing in a darts venue with arms outstretched.
https://www.instagram.com/binksowen/
Binks is set to be part of the 2025 Premier League[/caption]
Owen Binks, darts referee, on stage with a commentator.
Instagram / binksowen
Binks has officiated for some of the sport’s biggest names including Michael van Gerwen[/caption]

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